Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response
First Claim
1. A refill container for receipt in a dispensing system, the container comprising:
- an enclosure for carrying dispensable material;
a pump mechanism coupled to said enclosure;
a nozzle operatively connected to said pump mechanism, wherein actuation of said pump mechanism dispenses a quantity of material through said nozzle;
a neck extending from said enclosure and carrying said pump mechanism and said nozzle;
a collar disposed around said neck; and
an identifier ring comprising a wire coil having a capacitor connected thereto, said wire coil disposed around and coaxial with said collar and said neck and spaced apart a predetermined distance away from said enclosure, wherein said identifier ring has one of a selected number of electronic signatures, wherein said selected number of electronic signatures corresponds to a different number of dispensing systems in which the enclosure can be received, and wherein a value of said capacitor determines said electronic signature.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
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.
-
Citations
24 Claims
-
1. A refill container for receipt in a dispensing system, the container comprising:
-
an enclosure for carrying dispensable material; a pump mechanism coupled to said enclosure; a nozzle operatively connected to said pump mechanism, wherein actuation of said pump mechanism dispenses a quantity of material through said nozzle; a neck extending from said enclosure and carrying said pump mechanism and said nozzle; a collar disposed around said neck; and an identifier ring comprising a wire coil having a capacitor connected thereto, said wire coil disposed around and coaxial with said collar and said neck and spaced apart a predetermined distance away from said enclosure, wherein said identifier ring has one of a selected number of electronic signatures, wherein said selected number of electronic signatures corresponds to a different number of dispensing systems in which the enclosure can be received, and wherein a value of said capacitor determines said electronic signature. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-
Specification