Connector apparatus and method for connecting the same for controlling fluid dispensing

• US 7,647,954 B2
• Filed: 02/09/2005
• Issued: 01/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Colder Products Company (Dover Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Colder Products Company (Dover Corporation)
• Inventors: Meyer, David W., deCler, Charles Peter, Garber, Richard Stewart
• Primary Examiner(s): MAUST, TIMOTHY LEWIS
• Application Number:
  US11/055,569
• Publication Number:
  US 20050211934A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,805 Days
• Field of Search: 141/1, 141/2, 141/83, 141/94, 141/192, 141/346, 141/347, 141/351, 141/392, 137/177, 340/5.8, 174/47, 343/892, 700/231
• US Class Current: 141/94
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/348 by interrogating an information transmitter, e.g. a transponder B67D7/145 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 2201/10 Indicators for correct coupling
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 2201/60 Identification or marking
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/0841 by means of a transversally slidable locking member surrounding the tube
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/3021 Discriminating outlet for liquid

Abstract

A connector apparatus for controlling fluid dispensing/transmission that includes a control component for communication between couplers thereof. A first coupler has a transmitter, and is releasably connected with a mating reader coupler that has a transmitter and fluid control device to exchange information with the transmitter of the first coupler. The transmitters communicate and are operated by wireless means such as by RF devices. Upon confirming that the first coupler is properly coupled to the mating coupler and that the first coupler has a proper identification, the fluid control device controls fluid flow, using the transmitters of the first coupler and the mating reader coupler, under predetermined parameters, e.g., pressure, temperature, duration, and flow rate, as indicated in the first coupler.

Claims

1. A method of controlling transmission through couplers, comprising:

providing a first coupler, a first transmitter, a second coupler, and a second transmitter;

partially inserting the first coupler into the second coupler such that communication is enabled between the first transmitter and the second transmitter;

transmitting a signal from the second transmitter to the first transmitter;

transmitting a reply signal from the first transmitter to the second transmitter, the reply signal including identification information of the first coupler.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

interpreting the reply signal; and

enabling transmission between the first and second couplers based on the interpretation of the reply signal.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first and second couplers are part of a fluid transfer line, and wherein the method further comprises:

releasably connecting the first coupler to the second coupler; and

manipulating the fluid transfer line, based on the interpretation of the reply signal, to enable fluid flow or disable fluid flow from a fluid source through the first coupler, the second coupler, and the fluid transfer line.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of partially inserting the first coupler into the second coupler further comprises creating a one to one relationship between the first coupler and the second coupler such that the second coupler is prevented from connecting and communicating with another coupler unless the first coupler is removed from the second coupler.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

initially locking out the second coupler from connecting with the first coupler with a lock out device; and

releasing the lock out device upon identifying the first coupler.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating information stored in the transmitter of the first coupler.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second couplers are fluid couplers.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second couplers are electrical couplers.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising coupling the first transmitter to the first coupler.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising coupling the second transmitter to the second coupler.

11. A method for using a coupler, comprising:

providing a coupler including a body including first and second ends defining an opening longitudinally therethrough, and an RFID tag coupled to the body, the RFID tag enabling RF signal transmission to and from the RFID tag;

partially engaging the coupler with a piece of equipment in a pre-coupled position defined by the body being partially inserted into the piece of equipment; and

enabling communication between the RFID tag and the piece of equipment when the coupler is in the pre-coupled position.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the coupler is an electrical coupler.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the coupler is a fluid coupler.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of partially engaging the coupler further includes allowing a reader coupler of the piece of equipment to interrogate the RFID tag of the coupler.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

communicating information from the RFID tag to the piece of equipment;

interpreting the information; and

enabling transmission through the coupler based on the interpretation of the information.

16. A method for forming a coupler, comprising:

providing a body including first and second ends defining an opening longitudinally therethrough; and

coupling an RFID tag to the body, the RFID tag enabling RF signal transmission to and from the RFID tag, the RFID tag being constructed and arranged such that communication is enabled with a piece of equipment when the body is at least partially engaged with the piece of equipment in a pre-coupled position defined by the body being partially inserted into the piece of equipment.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the coupler is an electrical coupler.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the coupler is a fluid coupler.