Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response
First Claim
1. A dispensing system, comprising:
- a refill container having a dispensing interface extending axially therefrom;
a module having a container release mechanism for detachably and axially receiving said refill container; and
wherein said container release mechanism comprises;
a mounting ring having an exterior surface opposite an interior surface, said mounting ring having at least one axial channel contiguous with a lateral opening, said mounting ring exterior surface having a slide ring ledge; and
a slide ring rotatably received by said mounting ring and positioned adjacent said slide ring ledge, said slide ring having at least one alignment lock having a locking ramp, wherein said alignment lock is slidably received in said lateral opening, said slide ring biased so that said locking ramp is maintained in a position furthest from said axial channel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container'"'"'s coil. By energizing one of the housing'"'"'s coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container'"'"'s coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A dispensing system, comprising:
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a refill container having a dispensing interface extending axially therefrom; a module having a container release mechanism for detachably and axially receiving said refill container; and wherein said container release mechanism comprises; a mounting ring having an exterior surface opposite an interior surface, said mounting ring having at least one axial channel contiguous with a lateral opening, said mounting ring exterior surface having a slide ring ledge; and a slide ring rotatably received by said mounting ring and positioned adjacent said slide ring ledge, said slide ring having at least one alignment lock having a locking ramp, wherein said alignment lock is slidably received in said lateral opening, said slide ring biased so that said locking ramp is maintained in a position furthest from said axial channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification