Programmable Locking Dispenser and Method Of Use

• US 20170028420A1
• Filed: 07/14/2016
• Published: 02/02/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: BETCO Corporation
• Original Assignee: BETCO Corporation
• Inventors: Mitchell, John E.
• Granted Patent: US 10,155,238 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1217 Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/1059 Means for locking a pump or its actuation means in a fixed position B05B11/1091 takes precedence

Abstract

A programmable locking dispenser is provided. The programmable locking dispenser includes a reservoir configured to store material and release the material upon demand. A pump/valve mechanism is configured for fluid connection with the reservoir. An output structure is configured for fluid connection with the pump/valve mechanism. A controller is configured to generate and send dispensing signals to the pump/valve mechanism. The controller is further configured to store lock and unlock codes. A sensing mechanism is configured to generate activation signals upon an occurrence of an activating event and further configured to convey the activation signals to the controller. An input device is configured to receive programming signals and convey the programming signals to the controller. The controller is further configured to selectively lock and unlock the dispenser such that in a locked mode, the dispenser is disabled from use and in a locked mode, the dispenser is enabled for use.

Claims

1. A programmable locking dispenser comprising:

a reservoir configured to store dispensing material and release the dispensing material upon demand;

a pump/valve mechanism configured for fluid connection with the reservoir;

an output structure configured for fluid connection with the pump/valve mechanism;

a controller configured to generate and send dispensing signals to the pump/valve mechanism, the controller further configured to store lock and unlock codes;

a sensing mechanism configured to generate activation signals upon an occurrence of an activating event and further configured to convey the activation signals to the controller; and

an input device configured to receive programming signals and convey the programming signals to the controller;

wherein the controller is further configured to selectively lock and unlock the dispenser such that in a locked mode, the dispenser is disabled from use and in a locked mode, the dispenser is enabled for use.

2. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive programming signals from the input device.

3. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 2, wherein the programming signals received by the controller include locking and unlocking codes.

4. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 2, wherein the programming signals received by the controller include specific locking events.

5. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 4, wherein the specific locking events include a time based locking event.

6. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to store the received programming signals.

7. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate the dispensing signals after confirming a specific locking event has not occurred.

8. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to disable the dispenser upon occurrence of a specific locking event.

9. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 1, wherein the input device includes a keypad.

10. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 1, wherein the input device is configured to wirelessly receive unlocking and locking.

11. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 1, wherein the input device is configured to receive a mobile storage device having a USB-style connector.

12. The programmable locking dispenser of claim 1, wherein the input device is configured for physical connection to handheld electronic devices.

13. A method of programming and operating a programmable locking dispenser, the programmable locking dispenser including a reservoir, a pump/valve mechanism, an output structure, a controller, a sensing mechanism and an input device, the method comprising the steps of:

shipping the dispenser in an unlocked mode to enable input of unlock codes and specific locking events;

programming the dispenser to include an unlock codes and desired specific locking events;

locking of the dispenser to disable use following a specific locking event.

14. The method of claim 13, including the step of the controller receiving programming signals from the input device.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the specific locking events include a time based locking event.

16. The method of claim 13, including the step of the controller storing the received programming signals.

17. The method of claim 13, including the step of the controller generating the dispensing signals after confirming a specific locking event has not occurred.

18. The method of claim 13, including the step of the controller disabling the dispenser upon occurrence of a specific locking event.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the input device includes a keypad.

20. The method of claim 13, including the step of the input device wirelessly receiving the unlocking and locking codes.