Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response

摘要

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.

主权项

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.