Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response
First Claim
1. A method of adapting a dispensing system to different reflective environments, comprising:
- providing a refill container having a dispensing interface to dispense material;
arranging a plurality of infrared sensors proximally about said dispensing interface to detect the presence of a user and a target;
coupling a controller to said plurality of infrared sensors;
initiating a dispensing cycle of said dispensing interface when said plurality of infrared sensors detects the presence of a user in a normal operation mode; and
periodically initiating an auto-ranging routine by said controller separate from said normal operation mode to determine a reflective environment and correspondingly adjust an amount of infrared energy to be emitted by said plurality of infrared sensors while in said normal operation mode.
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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.
22 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of adapting a dispensing system to different reflective environments, comprising:
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providing a refill container having a dispensing interface to dispense material; arranging a plurality of infrared sensors proximally about said dispensing interface to detect the presence of a user and a target; coupling a controller to said plurality of infrared sensors; initiating a dispensing cycle of said dispensing interface when said plurality of infrared sensors detects the presence of a user in a normal operation mode; and periodically initiating an auto-ranging routine by said controller separate from said normal operation mode to determine a reflective environment and correspondingly adjust an amount of infrared energy to be emitted by said plurality of infrared sensors while in said normal operation mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification