METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING FLOWABLE MATERIAL

摘要

Method and apparatus (40) for dispensing flowable material such as liquid material from a disposable container (46). The disposable container (46) is provided with means (48) for releasing a predetermined amount of flowable material when the releasing means (48) is electrically actuated. The disposable container (46) is also provided with an electrical battery (45) integrated with the container for powering the dispensing apparatus (40). The disclosure further relates to the actuation of a dispensing apparatus in response to the proximity of a user to the dispensing apparatus without the user contacting the apparatus. Circuitry is disclosed for reducing the electrical requirements and power consumption of the dispensing apparatus. Circuitry is also disclosed which prevents improper repetitive operation of the dispensing apparatus. Provisions are disclosed for encoding the disposable container to enable a given disposable container to operate only with a predetermined dispensing apparatus.