Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods of installation and use

• US 8,009,015 B2
• Filed: 02/16/2006
• Issued: 08/30/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joseph S. Kanfer
• Original Assignee: Joseph S. Kanfer
• Inventors: Hudgins, William A., Sulkowski, R. Victor, Allen, Spencer W., Sayers, Richard C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zimmerman; Brian A
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen; Nam V
• Application Number:
  US11/355,750
• Publication Number:
  US 20060131329A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,021 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.64, 340/5.61, 340/5.24, 702/78, 702/28, 307/10.3, 307/9.1, 705/66, 705/1, 705/65, 222/1, 222/63, 222/105
• US Class Current: 340/5.64
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1217 Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17546 electronically
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17559 Cartridge manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses

Abstract

Dispensing systems are disclosed which utilize electronically powered key devices and/or identification codes associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. A first embodiment of the device utilizes a matching code stored in a radio frequency identification tag or bar code associated with a fluid refill container and an identification code associated with the dispenser housing. Matching of the codes by a controller allows for continued use of the dispenser via some type of operational mechanism. Another embodiment employs a key which carries the matching code wherein matching of the codes allows for actuation of a motor actuated pumping device. Yet another embodiment employs a blocking mechanism to prevent use of a dispenser'"'"'s push bar if a key and dispenser housing do not have matching codes. And yet another embodiment requires the use of a key that has a matching code that matches the dispenser'"'"'s identification code in order to permit initial access to the dispenser housing.

Claims

1. In combination, an electronic key and a dispensing system comprising:

a dispensing system comprising;

a housing with a key port;

a dispenser controller carried by said housing and having a distributor identification code associated therewith;

a motor carried by said dispensing system and connected to said dispenser controller;

a predetermined number of refill containers, each said refill container holding a fluid material that is incrementally dispensed from the container in measured quantities wherein only a single one of said refill containers is receivable in said dispensing system at any given time, said refill container having a pump mechanism, wherein said motor enables actuation of said pump mechanism; and

wherein said dispensing system enables dispensing of material contained in said refill container received in said dispensing system;

a manually actuated push bar that is engageable with said pump mechanism;

a lock arm controlled by said dispenser controller and said motor; and

an electronic key comprising;

a key controller;

a key memory associated with said key controller, said key memory storing a key identification code;

a plug coupled to said key controller, said plug adapted to be received in the key port of the dispensing system;

a key counter coupled to said key controller and said key memory, said key counter containing a count value that is set according to said predetermined number of said refill containers, wherein said count value is decremented by either said key controller or said dispenser controller after each successful match of said distributor identification code and said key identification code to allow said key controller to electronically communicate with said dispenser controller, wherein the dispensing system is enabled to dispense material from said received refill container if said key identification code and said distributor identification code match and said count value is greater than zero, and the dispensing system is disabled if said key identification code does not match said distributor identification code, or when said count value is equal to zero by moving said lock arm to preclude movement of said manually actuated push bar.

2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said plug comprises a phone jack.

3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said plug comprises a universal serial bus connector.

4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said electronic key is powered by the dispensing system.

5. The combination according to claim 1, further comprising:

a housing to contain said electronic key.

6. The combination according to claim 5, further comprising:

a removable cap disposable upon said plug.

7. The combination according to claim 6, wherein said removable cap is tethered to said housing.