Method and apparatus for vending a containerized liquid product utilizing an automatic self-service refill system

摘要

A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product. In further embodiments, the dispenser may also print discount tickets or coupons that may discount the purchase of the containerized fluid or other promotional merchandise. The machine-readable indicia may include affiliate codes that permit crediting or compensating various affiliates in relation to the container filling.

主权项

1. An apparatus for vending a containerized fluent product from a dispenser to a vendee utilizing an original container for said fluent product and, after said original container has been emptied of said fluent product, then vending multiple refillings of said fluent product in said original container, said apparatus comprising:
at least one bulk supply of said fluent product; machine-readable indicia on said container operative to store and indicate said fluent product; an indicia reading means operative to read said machine-readable indicia and prior to a first fill of said original container identify the first fill, and subsequent to said first fill identify said fluent product uniquely from said plurality of fluent products available from said dispenser; a polling apparatus operative responsive to a first fill to poll said vendee and determine said fluent product selected by said vendee from one of a plurality of fluent products available from said dispenser and to poll said vendee and thereby determine an amount of credit purchased; a writing apparatus operative to write to said machine-readable indicia responsive to said polling apparatus fluent product determination and thereby store said selected fluent product and said amount of credit purchased in said machine-readable indicia; means controlled by said indicia reading means and said polling apparatus for initiating a transfer of said fluent product from said at least one bulk supply of said fluent product to said dispenser and thence to said original container; and a sensor sensing a complete filling of said container and terminating said transfer of said fluent product.