JP2014523329A - Dispenser with optically locking system - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser having an optically locking system includes a housing configured to carry a removable refill container that contains a quantity of a substance such as soap. Removable refill containers include microscopic indicia that are not visually perceptible to humans, and the microscopic indicia include not only the authentication code, but also various attributes associated with the refill container, such as its Includes a reference code that identifies the size, material type and date of manufacture. Eventually, the dispenser will use an authorization code defined by an indicia that is microscopic or visually invisible to humans to determine if the refill container is certified for use with the dispenser. Including an optical sensor configured to read.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 510,355, filed July 21, 2011, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Incorporated into.

  The present invention generally relates to a dispensing system. In particular, the present invention relates to a dispenser that is locked to allow only certified refill containers to be installed and used in the dispenser. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispenser that uses optical sensors to read microscopic indicia placed on a refill container that is not visually perceptible to the human eye to authenticate the refill container. The present invention relates to a system for locking the optical system.

  Dispensers used to dispense various liquid substances such as soaps, antibacterial cleansers, powders, aerosols, disinfectants, lotions, and the like can be used in restaurants, factories, hospitals, and bathrooms, for example. Used in various situations. Generally, such dispensers are manually activated when a user physically pushes or pulls a lever to dispense a quantity of material from a replaceable refill container mounted in the dispenser. Alternatively, a “handless” automatic dispenser is configured to dispense material from the dispenser when the presence of the user's hand is brought into proximity of the detection sensor.

  In addition, such dispensers are typically mounted on walls or other vertical surfaces, and material is dispensed from an outlet or nozzle at the bottom of the dispenser. Alternatively, a dispenser, called a counter-mounted dispensing system, can be incorporated into the countertop near the sink basin so that certain components of the dispensing system are located under the countertop, but at the outlet Other components including are located above the countertop. In addition, the dispenser is also offered in various other configurations, such as a tabletop dispenser on a horizontal surface such as a counter or tabletop, or a dispensing system that is attached to a mounting rod and mounted upright. May be.

  While dispensers can hold a certain amount of substances, such as soap, directly in the reservoir, such dispensers are not only dirty, but have proven difficult to service, while It also gives pollution and health problems. As a result, replaceable refill containers that hold a quantity of material and provide a pump and nozzle mechanism for dispensing that material are virtually undirty while they are easily installed and replaced. As such, it is becoming increasingly popular.

  Dispenser manufacturers have found it desirable to control certain refill containers that are authorized or certified for use with a particular dispenser. That is, in some situations, the use of inaccurate substances can impact the health of the user and the person in contact with the user, so the dispenser manufacturer can use the appropriate refill container (product type, It may be of interest to ensure that the concentration, material shape, etc.) are inserted into the correct dispenser housing. For example, it is essential that the antibacterial soap be extracted by the hospital staff at the pre-surgical wash site rather than another fluid such as a moisturizing lotion. Accordingly, dispenser manufacturers often lock the dispenser for use with only a particular refill container so that only certified refill containers can be installed and used in the corresponding dispenser. . Dispenser manufacturers and associated refill container distributors are also supplied by third party manufacturers where the dispensers may be refilled only with the refill containers they supply and may be of poor or inconsistent quality. Trust such a locking system to ensure that refilled containers cannot be refilled.

  While mechanical locking systems are currently used and helped to ensure that the appropriate refill container is installed in the correct dispenser, such locking systems have many drawbacks. There is. For example, a mechanical key is often easily removed or changed, allowing an uncertified refill container to be easily installed in the dispenser, while also being a manufacturer / distributor However, it loses the ability to control the quality of the material used in the dispenser. The mechanical locking system also requires the manufacturer to design keys for multiple types of dispensers and refill containers, which requires significant tool costs incurred by the manufacturer. In other words, each dispenser can be locked for a specific refill container, a specific distributor, and a specific location. This results in significant inventory costs for maintaining refill containers with various keys, and also leads to lead times for manufacturing such refill containers, which lead times are substantially It will be long. Ultimately, when a particular locking device for a dispenser breaks or is damaged, it is a difficult situation to determine what type of locking configuration is required for the refill container There is a possibility of producing.

  In addition, the current locking system is made up of non-reusable refill containers that once used are discarded, thus contributing to waste disposal and increased disposal costs. .

  Therefore, there is a need for an optical locking system for dispensers and refill containers that is simple to implement. In addition, there is a need for a low cost optical keying system. Furthermore, there is a need for an optical locking system that is durable and resistant to operational errors. Furthermore, there is a need for an optical locking system that can be used with reusable refill containers.

  In view of the above, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispenser having an optically locking system.

  Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispenser having an optical locking system that can be reused and used with reusable refill containers.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is an optically keyed system as described above that includes an optical sensor within the housing to detect microscopic indicia disposed on at least a portion of the refill container. It is for providing the dispenser which has.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system, as described above, that prevents operation of the system unless a refill container with an authenticated authentication code is installed.

  Generally, a dispenser provides a container for dispensing material therefrom. The dispenser includes a housing configured to receive the refill container, an actuator configured to actuate a pump to dispense at least a portion of the material from the refill container, and a micrometer disposed on the refill container. And an optical sensor configured to detect or read an indication that is visually or visually insensitive.

  According to at least one aspect of the present invention, the dispenser is a microscopic detectable by the optical sensor to determine whether the actuator, the optical sensor, and the refill container are certified for use with the dispenser. And a refill container that includes indicia that is not visually or visually perceptible.

  According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing the use of an uncertified refill container in a dispenser provides a dispenser housing having an actuator and an optical sensor, and is microscopic or visual. Providing a refill container having insignificantly perceptible indicia, the indicia being detectable by an optical sensor, and if the indicia is not certified, the dispenser may be used to prevent dispensing of the substance Disabled.

  Another aspect of the invention includes a replaceable refill container having microscopic indicia disposed on a replaceable refill container, a housing configured to removably mount the refill container, and a housing A controller mounted on the controller, a pump coupled to the controller and configured to be in fluid communication with the replaceable refill container, and an actuator coupled to the controller for dispensing material from the replaceable refill container And an optical sensor coupled to the controller configured to read a microscopic indicia from a replaceable refill container to identify the authentication code. A dispenser having an optical keying system comprising an optical sensor, the authentication code being authenticated If no, the controller disables the dispenser, if the authentication code is authenticated, the controller to enable the dispenser is intended to provide a dispenser.

  These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

1 is a front perspective view of a dispenser having an optical locking system in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of an optical locking system for use with a dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a collar portion of a dispenser according to the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the dispenser shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a label that carries a microscopic or visually insensitive indicia on a label in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a refill container of a dispenser when housed in a dispenser according to the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dispenser having an optical locking system in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of another alternative embodiment of a dispenser having an optical locking system in accordance with the concepts of the present invention, wherein the dispenser is configured to be mounted under a mounting base in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. Yes. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 7 in accordance with the concepts of the present invention.

  A dispenser having an optical locking system is generally represented by the numeral 10 as shown in the drawings of FIGS. The dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 that includes a back plate 14 that is adapted to be secured to a vertical surface, and a cover 16 that is pivotable relative to the back plate 14. Cover 16 may include a window 18 to allow access to the internal components of dispenser 10 and allow viewing of the interior of dispenser 10. As such, the cover 16 can be removed to load or remove a refill container 22 containing a label 24 having an indicia 26 disposed over the label, the indicia being refilled with the dispenser 10. Define various predefined reference codes that are used in part to determine if they are authenticated for use. As used herein, the term “indicator” is intended to describe any microscopic mark, indentation, or the like that is not visible to the human eye, but will be described. It should be understood that it is defined as one or more microscopic printed points etc. that can be read by any suitable imaging device. Moreover, it should be understood that the indicia 26 is shown in the drawings as a combination of points for illustrative purposes only, and that during use the indicia cannot be visually perceived when viewed by the human eye. It should also be understood that the indicia 26 can be attached to the label 24 using any suitable means including printing or any other mechanical and / or electrical process.

  The dispenser 10 also includes a control circuit 30 configured to control the operation of the pump 36 provided thereby. Specifically, the pump 36 is coupled to a controller 38 shown in FIG. 2 that includes the hardware and software necessary to perform the functions described. The pump 36 is configured to dispense liquid material from the refill container 22 in fluid communication therewith. Moreover, the pump 36 can be any suitable pump capable of dispensing a volume of fluid from the refill container 22, such as a plunger or piston pump, a membrane pump, a bellows pump, a peristaltic pump, or any other A suitable positive displacement pump or the like. The control circuit 30 also includes an actuator 40 coupled to the controller 38 that is configured to initiate operation of the pump 36 when engaged or actuated by a user. In one aspect, the actuator 40 may comprise a button or switch that is manually actuated by the user, or the actuator 40 may initiate the operation of the pump 36 in a hand-free manner. Proximity sensors or other sensors configured to detect presence may be provided, such as biometric sensors. Indicator 46 is also coupled to controller 38 and various state conditions associated with the operation of dispenser 10 including, but not limited to, whether dispenser 10 is on or off, whether service is dispenser 10. It is configured to illuminate in various ways (color / continuous) to identify various state conditions, including whether or not the refill container 22 requires replacement. Indicator 46 may comprise any suitable light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). An optical sensor 50, such as a camera, scanner, or any other suitable imaging device, is coupled to the controller 38 to detect or image the indicia 26 disposed on the label 24. The components of the control circuit 30 are powered by a power source 52, which is powered from a battery, a standard electrical outlet. C. Any suitable power source may be provided, including (alternating) mains power, photovoltaic cells, and the like.

  In addition, the refill container 22 is configured to be removably retained within the housing 12 of the dispenser 10. In one aspect, the refill container 22 includes a reservoir 54, which includes, but is not limited to, soap, hand sanitizer, moisturizer, gel, foam, lotion, or the like. It can contain suitable substances. In some embodiments, the refill container 22 may include a collar 58 that may be positioned around a pump mechanism 36 that is mounted beside the refill container 22. The collar 58 is configured to be received within the housing 12 of the dispenser 10 for securing the refill container 22 within the housing. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the collar 58 is generally cylindrical in shape, but may be configured in any suitable shape and / or dimensions to be received within the housing 12.

  The label 24 carries an indicia 26 on the label for optical detection by the optical sensor 50 and subsequent processing by the controller 38. In one aspect, the label 24 can be configured with an adhesive to facilitate its attachment to the refill container 22. The label 24 utilized by the system 11 can be applied to the collar 58 or the reservoir 54 associated with each refill container 22 as long as it is substantially aligned with the optical field of view of the optical sensor 50. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical sensor 50 can be attached to the back plate 14 of the dispenser 10 so that it sees indicia 26 placed on the label 24 attached to the collar 58. Properly aligned for imaging. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the optical sensor 50 is such that the dispenser 10 is properly aligned with the indicia 26 placed on the label 24 attached to the reservoir 54 of the refill container 22. It can be attached to the inside of the cover 16. In one aspect, the optical sensor 50 and the system for generating the microscopic indicia 26 that are not visually perceptible are described in, for example, Alpvision, S .; A. It may include systems sold by the company.

  The particular configuration of the indicia 26 defines a reference code, which, without limitation, is the type of material (soap, disinfectant, moisturizer) that is loaded into the reservoir 54 of the refill container 22. Various information or attributes including the amount of material in the reservoir 54 of the refill container 22, the date of manufacture of the refill container 22, and the like. The reference code may also include a predetermined authentication code configured to be processed by the controller 38 to determine if the refill container 22 is authenticated for use with the dispenser 10. Therefore, only certain refill containers 22 having an acceptable authentication code will enable the dispenser 10 to operate.

  During operation of the dispenser 10, the refill container 22 is inserted into the dispenser 10 and the optical sensor 50 images an indicia 26 disposed on the label 24. The controller 38 then identifies the reference code and processes the information contained within that code. In one aspect, the controller 38 obtains a reference code and determines whether the authentication code associated with the refill container 22 is authenticated for use with a particular dispenser 10. If the authentication code associated with the refill container 22 has been authenticated by the controller 38, the controller 38 enables the operation of the actuator 40 (or pump 36) so that the material from the refill container 22 is It can be poured out from there. Conversely, if the authentication code associated with the refill container 22 is not authenticated or not detectable by the optical sensor 50, the controller 38 disables the actuator 40, so that the substance is dispensed from the dispenser 10. Stop being poured out. For example, the controller 38 may be preprogrammed to authenticate one or more authentication codes provided by the indicia 26 using various authentication techniques. As such, the manufacturer of dispenser 10 can maintain controls on a particular refill container 22 that can be used by a particular dispenser 10. It is also anticipated that different indicia 26 may be provided on different refill units to distinguish different products and customers.

  Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative dispenser is shown and generally indicated by numeral 60. The dispenser 60 is structurally and in operation with the dispenser 10 except that the pump 36 is configured as a peristaltic pump indicated by the reference numeral 62 and that the refill container 22 is replaced with an alternative refill container 63. The control circuit 30 described above is used. As such, the dispenser 60 includes a peristaltic pump 62 that includes a plurality of rotational engagement members 64 supported by a rotational drive plate 66 driven by a motor drive (not shown) operatively coupled to the rotational drive plate. The refill container 63 includes a flexible outlet tube 68 that is fluidly coupled at one end to the refill container 63 via an attachment adapter 72. In certain embodiments, the other end of the outlet tube 68 can be coupled to the foam tip nozzle 74. The outlet tube 68 is compressed and held against the rotational engagement member 64 by a guide 76 that is pivotally and removably attached to the dispenser 10. Therefore, as the engagement member 64 rotates and compresses the outlet tube 68 relative to the guide 76, liquid material, such as soap, that is mounted on the refill container 63 is drawn or pumped into the outlet tube 68. Is pushed under pressure into the foaming tip nozzle 74, where air is introduced into the pressurized liquid material and bubbles into the liquid material that is pumped out of the nozzle.

  The dispenser 60 includes a housing 80 and a revolving door 82 that is attached to the housing 80 and can move between open and closed positions. The frame portion 84 is disposed within the housing 70, which provides a holding bag 86 for receiving and supporting the refill container 63 placed therein. The dispenser 60 utilizes the control circuit 30 as described above, whereby the housing 80 is configured to include an optical sensor 50 that is on the label 24 attached to the refill container 63. The indicia 26 arranged in the is configured to be imaged. However, the indicia 26 can be placed on any portion of the refill container 57 and the optical sensor 50 is adjacent to the location of the indicia 26 to allow the optical sensor 50 to image the indicia 26. It can be considered that it is positioned at a position on the housing 80, for example, on the door 82 or the like.

  With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a further alternative embodiment of the dispenser is indicated generally by the numeral 100. The dispenser 100 is configured to be attached to the mounting base 102 using the control circuit 30 described above. For example, the mounting base 102 may comprise a countertop surface, such as that used to support a sink in a toilet used to wash a person's hand in a toilet. The mounting base 102 includes an upper surface 104 and an opposite lower surface 106 and may comprise any structure suitable for mounting a dispenser 100 formed from any suitable material, such as wood, plastic, or ceramic.

  The dispenser 100 includes a nozzle 110 that is in fluid communication with the refill container 112 via an outlet tube 114. Liquid material, such as liquid soap, disinfectant, moisturizer, or the like, mounted on the refill container 112 is pumped therefrom through the outlet tube 114 by a pump 116 that is in operative communication with the outlet tube 114. In the depicted embodiment, pump 116 comprises a peristaltic pump and is coupled to controller 30, but may comprise any suitable pump configuration. As the liquid material passes through the outlet tube 114, the liquid material can be converted from liquid to foam by a foaming tip (not shown) held in the nozzle 110, which is in fluid communication with the outlet tube 114. In addition, peristaltic pump 116, refill container 112, and various other components of dispenser 100 are suspended under mounting base 102 by support bracket 120 that is attached to lower surface 106 of mounting base 102. Suspended from the floor. As such, the components of the dispenser 100 can be hidden under the mounting base 102 and hidden from the user's view without taking up floor space under the mounting base. Specifically, the refill container 112 is supported by a carrier 121 that is removably attached to the support bracket 120.

  The optical sensor 50 is located on the interior of the carrier 121 to detect or image the indicia 26 located on the label 24 mounted on the refill container 112 inserted into the carrier 121, as shown in FIG. Mounted on. However, although the label 24 bearing the indicia 26 can be provided on any portion of the refill container 112, the optical sensor 50 is positioned adjacent to the position of the indicia 26 containing a portion of the refill container 112. It is possible to get. Alternatively, if the label 24 is attached to the collar 122 provided by the refill container 112 as shown in FIG. 8, the optical sensor 50 can be secured to the support bracket 120 or carrier 121 of the dispenser 100. As previously described, the operation of actuator 40 has been verified by controller 38 after processing indicia 26 to indicate that refill container 112 is compatible for use with dispenser 100. It will be blocked unless an authentication code is detected.

  Thus, one advantage of the present invention is that the optical locking system is inexpensive and easy to implement. Another advantage of the present invention is that the optical sensor of the optically locked system is durable and less error prone. Yet another advantage of the optical locking system of the present invention is that microscopic indicia that are not visually perceptible to humans can be placed on a refill container, such as a reusable refill container. That is. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the microscopic, visually insensitive indication of the optically locked system requires only a minimal amount of space on the surface of the refill container, as well as the indication. It is possible to be discontinuously arranged.

  It can therefore be seen that the object of the present invention is met by the structure for use as described above and its method. In accordance with the patent law, only the best mode and preferred embodiments have been presented and described in detail, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and thereby. Accordingly, for the purposes of understanding the true scope and breadth of the invention, reference should be made to the following claims.

Claims (10)

In a dispenser having an optical locking system,
The replaceable refill container having a microscopic indicia disposed on the replaceable refill container;
A housing configured to detachably mount the replaceable refill container;
A controller mounted on the housing;
A pump coupled to the controller and configured to be in fluid communication with the replaceable refill container;
An actuator coupled to the controller and configured to actuate the pump to dispense material from the replaceable refill container;
An optical sensor coupled to the controller, the optical sensor configured to read the microscopic indicia from the replaceable refill container to identify an authentication code from the microscopic indicia; ,
With
The dispenser, wherein the controller disables the dispenser if the authentication code is not authenticated, and the controller enables the dispenser if the authentication code is authenticated.   The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuator is manually operated.   The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a proximity sensor.   The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a biometric sensor.   The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising the foaming tip nozzle in fluid communication with the pump such that the substance is dispensed as a foam from the foaming tip nozzle.   The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the pump comprises a peristaltic pump.   The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor detects a reference code that identifies one or more attributes associated with the refill container from the microscopic indicia.   The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an indicator coupled to the controller, wherein the indicator is configured to identify one or more state conditions associated with operation of the dispenser.   The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the controller disables the dispenser if the microscopic indicia is not detected by the optical sensor.   The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted under a mounting base.

Images