TW201318588A - Dispenser with optical keying system - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser with an optical keying system includes a housing that is configured to carry a removable refill container that contains an amount of material, such as soap, for example. The removable refill container includes microscopic indicia that is visually-imperceptible to a human, which includes an authorization code, as well as a reference code that identifies various attributes associated with the refill container, such as its size, material type, and date of manufacture. Finally, the dispenser includes an optical sensor that is configured to read the authorization code defined by the microscopic or visually-imperceptible indicia to determine whether the refill container is authorized for use with the dispenser.

Description

Dispenser with optical typing system

The present invention is primarily directed to a dispensing system. In particular, the present invention relates to a dispenser that is keyed to only allow installation and use of an authorized refill container therein. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optical keying system for a dispenser that uses an optical sensor to read microscopic indicia disposed on a refill container and visually indistinguishable to the human eye to identify the re- Fill the container.

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/510,355, filed on Jan. 21, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Dispensers for dispensing various liquid materials such as soaps, antibacterial cleansers, powders, sprays, disinfectants, lotions, and the like are used in various environments including, for example, restaurants, factories, hospitals, and bathrooms. In general, such dispensers are manually actuated when the user entity presses or pulls a rod to dispense a quantity of material from one of the replaceable refill containers therein. Alternatively, when there is a user's hand when the proximity sensor is detected, configure the "hands-free" automatic dispenser to dispense material from it.

In addition, such dispensers are typically mounted to a wall or other vertical surface where material is dispensed from an outlet or nozzle at the bottom of the dispenser. Alternatively, a dispenser known as a relative installation dispensing system can be integrated into one of the decks adjacent to the sink, wherein the particular component of the dispensing system is located below the countertop The other components that include an outlet are located above the countertop. In addition, the dispenser can be configured in a variety of other configurations, a tabletop dispenser on a horizontal surface, such as a stand-up mounting system such as a counter or table top, or attached to a mounting bar.

While the dispenser can hold a certain amount of material, such as a soap solution, directly in a storage tank, such materials have been found to be messy and difficult to use, as well as contaminants and health problems. As a result, replaceable refill containers that hold a certain amount of material and provide a pump and nozzle mechanism to dispense materials are becoming more and more popular because they are easy to install and replace, and are not actually soiled.

The dispenser manufacturer has found it desirable to control a particular refill container that is permitted or authorized for use with a particular dispenser. That is, in some cases, the dispenser manufacturer may be concerned with ensuring that a properly refilled container (product type, concentration, material form, etc.) is inserted into the correct dispenser housing, as the use of incorrect materials may compromise the user and contact the The health of the user. For example, a health care professional must dispense antibacterial soap in a pre-operative cleansing area rather than another fluid, such as a moisturizing lotion. Therefore, dispenser manufacturers often type the dispenser to use only with a particular refill container such that only authorized refill containers can be installed and used in the corresponding dispenser. Dispenser manufacturers and associated refill container distributors also rely on such typing systems to ensure that refill containers can only be refilled with their supplies, rather than with third party manufacturers that may be undesirable or not Stable refill container.

Although a mechanical typing system is currently used and it helps to ensure proper refilling The filling container is installed into the correct dispenser, however such a keying system has several drawbacks. For example, it is often easy to remove or change mechanical keys, allowing for easy installation of an unauthorized refill container into a dispenser, while also causing the manufacturer/dealer to lose control of the quality of the materials used in the dispenser. Mechanical typing systems also require manufacturers to design keys for multiple types of dispensers and refill containers, which exposes manufacturers to significant processing costs. In other words, each dispenser can be typed for a particular refill container, a particular dispenser, and a particular location. This results in significant inventory costs for maintaining refill containers with various keys, and also creates a pre-set for manufacturing such refill containers, which may be quite long. Finally, in the event of a loss or damage to a particular keying device of a dispenser, it may be difficult to determine which type of keying configuration is required for the refill container.

In addition, current typing systems are configured in a non-recirculating refill container that is discarded in one use, thereby contributing to waste in landfills and increased processing costs.

Therefore, there is a need for a simple optical input system for a dispenser and refill container. In addition, there is a need for a low cost optical keying system. In addition, there is a need for an optical keying system that is durable and less prone to operational failure. There is still a need for an optical keying system that can be used with recirculating refill containers.

According to the foregoing, a first aspect of the present invention provides a dispenser having an optical keying system.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispenser having an optical keying system that is recyclable and used with a refillable container.

As further described above, another aspect of the present invention provides a dispenser having an optical keying system including an optical sensor in a housing for detecting microscopic markings disposed on at least a portion of the refill container .

As above, another aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispenser that prevents actuation of the system unless a container having one of the authorized authenticators is installed to refill the container.

In general, 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 from at least a portion of the refill container dispensing material; and an optical sensor It is configured to detect or read indicia disposed on the refill container that are microscopically or visually impractical.

In accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention, a dispenser includes a housing having an actuator, an optical sensor, and a refill container containing microscopically or visually imperceptible indicia, the indicia being The optical sensor detects to determine if the refill container is authorized for use with the dispenser.

In accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention, a method of preventing unauthorized refilling of a container in a dispenser, the method comprising providing a dispenser housing having an actuator and an optical sensor, and providing Refilling the container with one of a microscopically or visually imperceptible mark, wherein the mark is detected by the optical sensor, and wherein when the mark is not authorized, The dispenser is deactivated to prevent dispensing of the material.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a dispenser having an optical keying system including a replaceable refill container having microscopic markers disposed thereon; a housing configured to movably carry the Refilling the container; one of the controllers carried by 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, the actuation The device is configured to actuate the pump to dispense material from the replaceable refill container; and to an optical sensor of the controller, the optical sensor configured to read from the replaceable refill container The micro-marker identifies an authorization code from the micro-label, wherein if the authorization code is unauthorized, the controller deactivates the dispenser, and if the authorization code is authorized, the controller enables the dispenser.

As shown in Figures 1-5 of the drawings, one of the dispensers having an optical keying system is generally designated by the numeral 10. The dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 that includes a backing plate 14 that is adapted to be secured to a vertical surface and that is pivotable relative to the backing plate 14. The cover 16 allows access to the internal components of the dispenser 10 and may include a window 18 such that the interior of the dispenser 10 is visible. As such, the cover 16 can be removed to install or remove a refill container 22 containing one of the labels 24 on which the indicia 26 is disposed, the label 24 defining a portion for use to determine whether to authorize the refill container 22 with the dispenser 10 various predetermined reference codes used together. It should be understood that the term "mark" as used herein is defined as being invisible to the human eye but capable of Any micromarker, indentation, or the like, such as one or more microscopic dots, that are read by any suitable imaging device, such as the device to be discussed below. Moreover, it should be understood that the indicia 26 shown as a dot combination in the drawings is for illustrative purposes only, and that during use, the indicia is visually difficult to perceive for viewing by the human eye. It should also be understood that the indicia 26 can be applied to the label 24 using any suitable means, including printing or any other mechanical and/or electrical method.

The dispenser 10 also includes a control circuit 30 that is configured to control one of the operations of the pump 36. Specifically, the pump 36 is coupled to one of the controllers 38 shown in Figure 2, which includes the hardware and software necessary to perform the functions to be discussed. The pump 36 is configured to dispense a liquid material from a refill container 22 fluidly coupled thereto. Additionally, the pump 36 can include any suitable pump capable of dispensing a quantity of fluid from the refill container 22, such as a plunger or piston pump, a diaphragm pump, a telescoping pump, a peristaltic pump, or any other suitable positive displacement type. Pump. Control circuit 30 also includes an actuator 40 coupled to controller 38 and configured to initiate operation of pump 36 when engaged or actuated by a user. In one aspect, the actuator 40 can include a button or switch manually actuated by a user, or the actuator 40 can include a configuration to detect the presence of a user's hand in a hands-free manner A proximity sensor or other sensor that operates the pump 36, such as a biometric sensor. An indicator 46 is also coupled to the controller 38 and is configured to illuminate to identify various status conditions associated with operation of the dispenser 10, including but not limited to: whether the dispenser 10 is on or off; whether the dispenser 10 requires service Or refill the container 22 if it needs to be replaced. Indicator 46 can be packaged Any suitable light source, such as, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). In order to detect or otherwise image the indicia 26 disposed on the label 24, an optical sensor 50, such as a camera, scanner or any other suitable imaging device, is coupled to the controller 38. The components of control circuit 30 are powered by a power source 52, which may include any suitable power source, including batteries supplied from a standard electrical outlet, photovoltaic cells, and the like, and A.C. (alternating current) utility power.

Additionally, the refill container 22 is configured to be movably retained in the outer casing 12 of the dispenser 10. In one aspect, the refill container 22 includes a reservoir 54 that can contain any suitable material including, but not limited to, soap, hand sanitizer, moisturizer, gel, foam, lotion, or the like. In some embodiments, the refill container 22 can include a collar 58 that can be positioned around the pump mechanism 36 carried by the refill container 22. The collar 58 is configured to be received in the outer casing 12 of the dispenser 10 to secure the refill container 22 therein. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the collar 58 is generally cylindrical in shape; however, it may be configured in any suitable shape and/or size to be received in the outer casing 12.

The tag 24 carries therein indicia 26 that is optically detected by the optical sensor 50 and then processed by the controller 38. In one aspect, the label 24 can be configured to adhere to the refill container 22. The labels utilized by system 11 can be applied to collar 58 or to storage slot 54 associated with each refill container 22 as long as it is substantially aligned with the optical field of view of optical sensor 50. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, optical sensor 50 can be mounted to backing plate 14 of dispenser 10 such that it is properly aligned The indicia 26 disposed on the label 24 attached to the collar 58 is viewed or imaged. However, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the optical sensor 50 can be mounted to the interior of the cover 16 of the dispenser 10 for indicia carried on the label 24 attached to the storage slot 54 of the refill container 22. Proper alignment. In one aspect, the optical sensor 50 and the system for generating the micro-tray 26 (which is visually sensible) can include a system provided by, for example, Alpvision, S.A.

The particular configuration of the indicia 26 defines a reference code containing various information or attributes, including but not limited to the type of material (soap, hand sanitizer, moisturizer) carried in the storage tank 54 of the refill container 22, the refill container 22 The amount of material in storage tank 54, the date of manufacture of refill container 22, and similar information or attributes. The reference code can also include a predetermined authorization code configured to be processed by controller 38 to determine if the refill container 22 is authorized for use with the dispenser 10. Thus, the predetermined refill container 22 having only one acceptable authorization code enables the operation of the dispenser 10.

During operation of the dispenser 10, the refill container 22 is inserted into the dispenser 10, and the optical sensor 50 images the indicia 26 disposed on the label 24. The controller 38 then identifies the reference code and processes the information contained in the code. In one aspect, controller 38 obtains the reference code and determines whether the authorization code associated with refill container 22 is authorized for use with particular dispenser 10. If the controller 38 authorizes the authorization code associated with the refill container 22, the controller 38 activates the operation of the actuator 40 (or pump 36) such that the material from the refill container 22 can be dispensed therebetween. Conversely, if the authorization code associated with the refill container 22 is unauthorized Or not detected by the optical sensor 50, the controller 38 deactivates the actuator 40, thus preventing dispensing of material from the dispenser 10. For example, the controller 38 can be programmed to authorize one or more authorization codes provided by the tag 26 using various authorization techniques. As such, the manufacturer of dispenser 10 can maintain control of the particular refill container 22 that can be used by a particular dispenser 10. It is also contemplated that different indicia 26 may be provided in different refill units to distinguish between various products and customers.

Referring now to Figure 6, an alternate dispenser is shown and is generally indicated by numeral 60. The dispenser 60 is structurally and operationally equivalent to the dispenser 10 and utilizes the control circuit 30 discussed above, wherein in addition to the pump 36 being configured to reference one of the peristaltic pumps reference numeral 62, and refilled by an alternative The container 63 replaces the refill container 22. As such, the dispenser 60 includes a peristaltic pump 62 that includes a plurality of rotational engagement members 64 carried by a rotary drive plate 66 that is operatively coupled to one of the motor drives ( Not shown) driver. The refill container 63 includes a flexible outlet tube 68 fluidly coupled to a refill container 63 at one end via an attachment adapter 72. In a particular embodiment, the other end of the outlet tube 68 can be coupled to a foam sheet nozzle 74. The outlet tube 68 is compressively held against the rotational engagement member 64 by a guide member pivotally and movably attached to the dispenser 10. Thus, as the joint member 64 rotates the outlet tube 68 and compresses it against the guide 76, the liquid material (such as soap) carried by the refill container 63 is drawn or otherwise pumped to the outlet tube 68. And pressed under pressure into the foam sheet nozzle 74, wherein air is introduced into the pressurized liquid material to make it charged To be applied to one of the foams in between.

The dispenser 60 includes a housing 80 and a pivoting door 82 attached thereto that is moveable between open and closed positions. A frame portion 84 is disposed within the outer casing 70 and provides a retaining box 86 for receiving and supporting the refill container 63 placed therein. As previously discussed above, the dispenser 60 utilizes a control circuit 30, wherein the housing 80 is configured to include an optical sensor 50 that is configured to be disposed to be attached to the refill container 63. The indicia 26 on the label 24 is imaged. However, it is contemplated that the indicia 26 can be disposed on any portion of the refill container 57, and it is contemplated that the optical sensor 50 can be located at a location on the housing 80, such as on the door 82 adjacent the indicia 26 to allow The optical sensor 50 images the indicia 26.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, another alternate embodiment of a dispenser is generally designated by the numeral 100. The dispenser 100 utilizes the previously discussed control circuit 30 and is configured to be mounted to a mounting base 102. For example, the mounting base 102 can include a countertop surface, such as a sink for supporting a hand washing in a bathroom. 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 of any suitable material, such as, for example, wood, plastic or ceramic.

The dispenser 100 includes a nozzle 110 in fluid communication with a refill container 112 via an outlet tube 114. The liquid material such as liquid soap, hand soap, moisturizer or the like carried by the refill container 112 is pumped therebetween by a pump 116 in operative fluid communication with the outlet tube 114 and via the outlet tube 114. In the depicted embodiment, the pump 116 includes a The peristaltic pump is coupled to controller 30, but can include any suitable pump configuration. As the liquid material passes through the outlet tube 114, it can be converted from a liquid to a foam by a foaming sheet (not shown) held in a nozzle 110 in fluid communication with the outlet tube 114. Additionally, the peristaltic pump 116, the refill container 112, and various other components of the dispenser 100 are hovered by the door such that one or the like is attached to the lower surface 106 of the mounting base 102. The support frame 120 is suspended from the mounting base 102. below. As such, the components of the dispenser 100 can be hidden under the mounting base 102 and from being viewed by the user without occupying the door space under the mounting base. Specifically, the refill container 112 is supported by a carrier 121 that is movably attached to one of the support frames 120.

As shown in FIG. 7, optical sensor 50 is carried on the interior of carrier 121 to detect or image indicia 26 disposed on label 24 carried on refill container 112 in carrier 121. However, it is contemplated that the label 24 carrying the indicia 26 can be disposed on any portion of the refill container 112 while the optical sensor 50 can be positioned adjacent to the location of the indicia 26 containing the portion of the refill container 112. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the optical sensor 50 can be secured to the support frame 120 or carrier 121 of the dispenser 100 when the tag 24 is attached to a collar provided by the refill container 112. As previously discussed, operation of the actuator 40 is prevented unless the controller 38 detects an authorized authorization code after processing the indicia 26 to indicate that the refill container 112 is compatible for use with the dispenser 100.

Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that an optical keying system is low cost and easy to implement. Another advantage of the present invention is the light of the optical keying system The sensor is durable and not prone to failure. Yet another advantage of the optical keying system of the present invention is the ability to place microscopic markers that are visually impractical to humans on a refill container such as a refillable container. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the microscopic, visually imperceptible marking of the optical keying system requires only a small amount of space on the surface of the refill container, which allows for the placement of the indicia thereon.

Thus, it can be seen that the structures and methods for the uses presented above satisfy the objectives of the present invention. While the best modes and preferred embodiments have been shown and described in detail, the invention is not limited to Therefore, the knowledge of the true scope and breadth of the present invention should be referred to the scope of the accompanying claims.

10‧‧‧ dispenser

12‧‧‧ Shell

14‧‧‧ Backplane

16‧‧ hood

18‧‧‧ window

22‧‧‧Refill container

24‧‧‧ label

26‧‧‧ mark

36‧‧‧ pump

38‧‧‧ Controller

40‧‧‧Actuator

46‧‧‧ indicator

50‧‧‧ Optical Sensor

54‧‧‧ storage tank

58‧‧‧ collar

60‧‧‧ dispenser

62‧‧‧Peristaltic pump

63‧‧‧Refill container

64‧‧‧Join parts

66‧‧‧Drive board

68‧‧‧Draining tube

72‧‧‧ Attachment adjuster

74‧‧‧Foaming nozzle

76‧‧‧Guide

80‧‧‧ Shell

82‧‧‧ pivoting door

84‧‧‧Framework

86‧‧‧retention box

100‧‧‧ dispenser

102‧‧‧Installation base

104‧‧‧ upper surface

106‧‧‧ lower surface

110‧‧‧Nozzles

112‧‧‧Refill container

114‧‧‧Export tube

116‧‧‧ pump

120‧‧‧Support frame

121‧‧‧ Carrier

122‧‧‧ collar

The above and other advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a front view of a dispenser having an optical keying system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the components of an optical keying system for use with a dispenser according to the inventive concept; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a collar portion of a dispenser in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 4 is in accordance with the present invention Concept of a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the dispenser shown in Figure 3; Figure 4A is microscopically or visually supported thereon in accordance with the concepts of the present invention A plan view of one of the labels of the incomprehensible mark; FIG. 5 is a front view of the refill container of the dispenser when received in a dispenser according to the concept of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an optical keying system according to the concept of the present invention One of the dispensers is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment; FIG. 7 is a rear view of another alternative embodiment of a dispenser having an optical keying system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the dispenser being configured in accordance with the concepts of the present invention Mounted under a mounting base; and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 7 in accordance with the concepts of the present invention.

14‧‧‧ Backplane

24‧‧‧ label

50‧‧‧ Optical Sensor

58‧‧‧ collar

Claims (10)

A dispenser having an optical keying system comprising: a replaceable refill container having a microscopic marker disposed thereon; a housing configured to movably carry the replaceable refill container; carried by the housing a controller coupled to the controller and configured to be in fluid communication with the replaceable refill container; an actuator coupled to the controller, the actuator configured to actuate the pump from The replaceable refill container dispensing material; and an optical sensor coupled to the controller, the optical sensor configured to read the micromarker from the replaceable refill container to identify from the display One of the micro-tag authorization codes, wherein if the authorization code is not authorized, the controller deactivates the dispenser, and if the authorization code is authorized, the controller enables the dispenser. 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 a foam sheet nozzle in fluid communication with the pump such that the material is dispensed therein as a foam. 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 from the micro-tag and identifies one or more attributes associated with the refill container. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an indicator coupled to the controller, the indicator configured to identify one or more status conditions associated with operation of the dispenser. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the controller deactivates the dispenser if the micro-label is not detected by the optical sensor. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted under a mounting base.