US20150102056A1 - Dispensing device - Google Patents
Dispensing device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150102056A1 US20150102056A1 US14/497,904 US201414497904A US2015102056A1 US 20150102056 A1 US20150102056 A1 US 20150102056A1 US 201414497904 A US201414497904 A US 201414497904A US 2015102056 A1 US2015102056 A1 US 2015102056A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- fluid
- control system
- dispensing
- valve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1217—Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
- E03C1/126—Installations for disinfecting or deodorising waste-water plumbing installations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1202—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1202—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume
- A47K5/1204—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume by means of a rigid dispensing chamber and pistons
- A47K5/1207—Dispensing from the bottom of the dispenser with a vertical piston
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
- B67D1/0078—Ingredient cartridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
- B67D7/34—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
- B67D7/344—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information
- B67D7/348—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information by interrogating an information transmitter, e.g. a transponder
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a dispensing device and in particular, but not exclusively, to a dispensing device for automatically dispensing a grease degrading enzyme fluid into commercial kitchen drains.
- Sink units in commercial kitchens are usually provided with grease traps to prevent the drain becoming blocked with grease deposits.
- grease traps can present a hygiene hazard in food preparation areas, they are bulky and they require high maintenance, being difficult to clean and empty.
- WO 2007/085782 A describes a dispensing system including a container for a grease degrading enzyme fluid, a fluid flow tube for allowing fluid to flow from the container to an outlet, an electrically operated valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the tube, a control circuit for actuating the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals and a battery for supplying power to the valve and the control circuit.
- the system provides for effective grease management by automatically dispensing a dose of grease degrading enzyme fluid into the drain at regular intervals. This prevents any build-up of grease deposits and avoids the need for laborious and potentially unhygienic cleaning of grease traps.
- the container includes a flexible bag inside a substantially rigid outer box. This arrangement allows the container to be replaced very easily and without mess when the fluid has been used up.
- the container is supported within an enclosure by a resilient spring element, so that in use the vertical position of the container varies according to the weight of fluid in the container.
- the system includes an indicator positioned behind a window in the enclosure for indicating the quantity of fluid in the container according to its vertical position, and audible alarm that alerts an operator when the container is empty, so that it can be replaced.
- the effectiveness of the enzyme fluid in clearing fat, oil and grease from the drainage system relies to a large extent on the fluid being dosed on a regular basis in order to “top-up” the colony of enzymes in the drain. If the micro-organisms are not regularly topped-up, the colony will eventually die out, reducing the effectiveness of the system.
- the main cause of failure to dose the fluid regularly is that some operators attempt to defeat the dosing system by tampering with the dispensing device to prevent it from sensing that the container needs replacing. This may be done for example in an attempt to avoid having to purchase a replacement fluid box.
- a dispensing system including a dispensing device and a container of fluid to be dispensed, wherein the dispensing device includes a fluid flow tube through which the fluid can flow from the container to an outlet, a valve that controls the flow of fluid through the tube, and a control system that actuates the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals, wherein the container includes an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container, and the control system includes an RFID reader configured to read the ID number of the container, and wherein the control system includes a memory device that stores the ID numbers of containers that have been used previously and is configured to provide an alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
- the dispensing system is configured to provide an alarm, for example an audible or visual alarm signal, when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
- the system thus alerts an operator to the fact that the container has been used before and therefore needs to be replaced with a new container.
- the system cannot be easily be easily disabled, making it difficult for an operator to disable the alarm by tampering with the dispensing device. Correct use of the dispensing system is thus encouraged, so helping to prevent drains becoming blocked with grease deposits.
- the dispensing system is configured to provide an alarm signal when it determines that the container needs replacing, thus alerting an operator to the fact that the container needs to be replaced.
- control system is configured to deactivate the valve either when the control system senses the reuse of a container that has been used previously or when the control system determines that the container needs replacing. Ineffective operation of the dispensing system is thus prevented.
- control system is configured to deactivate the alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously, thereby indicating indirectly that the system is operating correctly.
- the valve for controlling the flow of fluid is preferably an electrically operated latching or bi-stable valve, to reduce energy consumption and increase battery life.
- control system is configured to increase the dwell time of the valve as the quantity of fluid in the container decreases, to ensure that the amount of fluid dispensed in each dose is substantially unaffected by the quantity of fluid remaining in the container.
- the container of fluid includes a flexible bag inside a substantially rigid outer box, for convenient storage and handling.
- the fluid preferably includes a grease degrading enzyme.
- the dispensing system includes an enclosure having a first compartment that receives the container of fluid and a second compartment that encloses the control system.
- RFID reader is preferably located in close proximity to the RFID tag when the container is in the first compartment, to ensure that it is able to communicate efficiently with the RFID tag.
- the enclosure has a second compartment that encloses the control system.
- the control system preferably includes the RFID reader, the valve, the memory device, the alarm device and an electronic control unit.
- the control system also includes a battery for powering the control system.
- the dispensing system is constructed and arranged to be mounted on a wall, preferably above a sink unit.
- a dispensing device for dispensing fluid from a fluid container that includes an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container, the dispensing device including a fluid flow tube through which the fluid can flow from a container to an outlet, a valve that controls the flow of fluid through the tube, and a control system that actuates the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals, wherein the control system includes an RFID reader configured to read the ID number of the container, wherein the control system includes a memory device that stores the ID numbers of containers that have been used previously, and wherein the control system is configured to provide an alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
- the dispensing device may preferably include the optional features of the dispensing system, as set out in one or more of the preceding statements of invention.
- a container of fluid for use in a dispensing system according to any one of the preceding statements of invention, wherein the fluid includes a grease degrading enzyme, and the container includes a flexible bag inside a substantially rigid outer box, and an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container.
- each RFID tag can be individually coded, and the software can be programmed to retain a memory of previously-used fluid containers, if a previously-used container is refitted into the dosing unit, the RFID reader will recognise this and the alarm will continue to sound.
- the improved system overcomes attempts to defeat the alarm experienced with the previous design in the following ways:
- Another advantage of the RFID system is that because the radio waves can pass through the walls of the plastic enclosure from the sealed part of the enclosure to the section of the enclosure where the fluid box is housed, the operator is not easily able to see how the system functions, and as a result will be less likely to attempt to defeat it.
- the dispensing system is constructed and arranged to be mounted on a wall, for example above a sink unit.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of the dispensing system with its door and front cover attached
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispensing system with its door and front cover removed.
- the dispensing system 2 includes an enclosure 4 that is designed to be mounted on a wall above a sink unit (not shown).
- the enclosure 4 has a hinged door 6 that covers a compartment 7 in the upper part of the enclosure 4 and a cover plate 8 that is attached to the lower part of the enclosure 4 .
- Magnetic latches 10 are provided on the enclosure 4 and are positioned to engage the door 6 when it is closed.
- a key lock 11 is provided on the front door 6 .
- the cover plate 8 is attached to the enclosure 4 by any suitable means, for example by mechanical or magnetic latches.
- the compartment 7 in the upper part of the enclosure 4 is configured to receive a container 12 of a grease degrading enzyme fluid.
- the container 12 consists of an outer box 14 of a suitable rigid material (for example cardboard or a plastics material) and a flexible inner bag (not shown) of a suitable plastics film material.
- the bag is sealed to a non-drip connection fitting 16 that extends through the rigid outer box 14 at the lower end of the container 12 .
- the fluid container 12 includes an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag 15 , which is located at the lower end of the box 14 when the container is received in the compartment 7 .
- the RFID tag is programmed with an identification number that is unique to the attached container 12 .
- the lower part of the enclosure 4 behind the cover plate 8 provides a second compartment 17 that contains a control system 18 for controlling the dispensing of fluid from the container 12 .
- connection fitting 16 is connected via a fluid supply tube 20 to the inlet side of an electrically operated latching or bi-stable dosing valve 22 .
- the outlet side of the valve 22 is connected via a second fluid supply tube 24 to an outlet tube 26 , through which fluid is supplied to the drain of the sink unit (not shown).
- An air vent tube 28 is also connected to the outlet tube 26 via a Y connector 30 . The air vent tube 28 prevents the formation of an airlock in the supply tube 26 , ensuring reliable delivery of the enzyme fluid to the drain.
- valve 22 Operation of the valve 22 is controlled by a control unit 32 , for example a printed circuit board (PCB), which is powered by a battery 34 and is connected to an audible sounder device 35 .
- the valve 22 draws power for only 25 milliseconds as it latches open or closed and draws no power when at rest, in order to prolong the battery life. Battery life is projected at up to two years.
- a low battery indicator light 36 is provided to indicate when the battery 34 needs replacing.
- the control system 18 includes a RFID reader 38 , which is positioned just beneath and close to the position of the RFID tag 15 when the container 12 is located in the compartment 7 in the upper part of the enclosure 4 .
- the RFID reader 38 transmits a pulsed signal every few seconds and receives the signal re-transmitted by the RFID tag of the fluid container 12 in the compartment 7 . This re-transmitted signal contains the unique ID number associated with the container 12 .
- the RFID reader 38 reads the ID number sends this data to the control unit 32 .
- the electronic components including the battery 34 , the control unit 32 , the valve 22 and the RFID reader 38 are covered and protected from damage by the cover plate 8 .
- the cover plate 8 can be removed to allow replacement of the battery 34 .
- the cover plate 8 includes a window 40 through which the indicator lamp 36 can be seen.
- fluid is dispensed from the container 12 into the drain of the sink through the outlet tube 26 at regular intervals as controlled by the control unit 32 .
- a dose of fluid will be supplied to the drain once every night, so that it has several hours in which to degrade grease in the drain before the kitchen resumes operation in the morning.
- the valve dwell time increases each night to compensate for the lower flow rate caused by loss of head pressure as the fluid container empties.
- the quantity of fluid supplied to the drain per dose and the frequency of dosing can both be adjusted the programming the control unit 32 .
- the control unit 32 can be set on installation to dispense the fluid over a pre-set period of for example 30 days. When this period is over the control unit 32 activates the audible sounder 35 to notify an operator that the container 12 needs to be replaced. It will continue to sound until the RFID reader senses that the container 12 has been replaced.
- the fluid container 12 When the fluid container 12 is empty, it can be replaced with a new full container by opening the front door 6 and disconnecting the supply tube 20 from the connection fitting 16 and removing the empty container. A new container can then be placed in the upper compartment of the enclosure 4 and the supply line 20 can be plugged into the connection fitting 16 .
- the fitting 16 includes a non-drip valve to prevent fluid leaking from the container before the supply line 20 is connected. Inserting the supply line 20 into the connection fitting 16 opens the valve and allows the fluid to flow.
- the RFID tag 15 is interrogated by the RFID reader and the unique ID number of the container is read.
- This ID number is transmitted to the control unit 32 , which includes a memory device in which the ID numbers of all previously used containers are stored.
- the ID number of the new container 12 is compared with the stored numbers and if no matching number is found, indicating that it is a new container, the audible sounder is silenced and the dosing system is activated, so that doses of fluid are dispensed according to the programmed dosing schedule.
- the dosing system is not activated and the audible sounder continues to sound, providing a warning to the operator that the container is empty or has previously been used. This will continue until the control unit 32 senses a new container.
- the control unit 32 stores in the memory device the ID number of each container 12 as it is used and then creates a database of used containers which can be interrogated each time a container 12 is placed in the enclosure 4 to ensure that a previously used container cannot be reused.
Abstract
A dispensing system includes a dispensing device and a container of fluid to be dispensed. The dispensing device includes a fluid flow tube through which the fluid can flow from the container to an outlet, a valve that controls the flow of fluid through the tube, and a control system that actuates the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals. The container includes an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container, and the control system includes an RFID reader configured to read the ID number of the container. The control system includes a memory device that stores the ID numbers of containers that have been used previously and is configured to provide an alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 to British application no. 1318246.4 filed Oct. 15, 2013, and the disclosure of said British application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to a dispensing device and in particular, but not exclusively, to a dispensing device for automatically dispensing a grease degrading enzyme fluid into commercial kitchen drains.
- Sink units in commercial kitchens are usually provided with grease traps to prevent the drain becoming blocked with grease deposits. However, grease traps can present a hygiene hazard in food preparation areas, they are bulky and they require high maintenance, being difficult to clean and empty.
- Current UK legislation requires all commercial kitchens to have an effective means of grease management. One way of achieving this is by regular use of a grease degrading enzyme fluid. Regular use of such a fluid effectively degrades and disperses grease deposits in the drain, thereby avoiding the need for a grease trap.
- WO 2007/085782 A describes a dispensing system including a container for a grease degrading enzyme fluid, a fluid flow tube for allowing fluid to flow from the container to an outlet, an electrically operated valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the tube, a control circuit for actuating the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals and a battery for supplying power to the valve and the control circuit.
- The system provides for effective grease management by automatically dispensing a dose of grease degrading enzyme fluid into the drain at regular intervals. This prevents any build-up of grease deposits and avoids the need for laborious and potentially unhygienic cleaning of grease traps.
- The container includes a flexible bag inside a substantially rigid outer box. This arrangement allows the container to be replaced very easily and without mess when the fluid has been used up.
- The container is supported within an enclosure by a resilient spring element, so that in use the vertical position of the container varies according to the weight of fluid in the container. The system includes an indicator positioned behind a window in the enclosure for indicating the quantity of fluid in the container according to its vertical position, and audible alarm that alerts an operator when the container is empty, so that it can be replaced.
- The effectiveness of the enzyme fluid in clearing fat, oil and grease from the drainage system relies to a large extent on the fluid being dosed on a regular basis in order to “top-up” the colony of enzymes in the drain. If the micro-organisms are not regularly topped-up, the colony will eventually die out, reducing the effectiveness of the system.
- The main cause of failure to dose the fluid regularly is that some operators attempt to defeat the dosing system by tampering with the dispensing device to prevent it from sensing that the container needs replacing. This may be done for example in an attempt to avoid having to purchase a replacement fluid box.
- The five main methods of defeating the system seen with the current dispensing device are:
-
- 1. To place a piece of green paper behind the viewing window to give the appearance that a full fluid box is in place.
- 2. To wedge an object between the top of the fluid box and the inside of the enclosure to hold the fluid pack down against the force of the extension spring and give the impression that a full box of fluid is in place.
- 3. To disconnect the fluid box from the spring and leave it resting in the bottom of the enclosure to give the impression that a full box of fluid is in place.
- 4. To leave the connector between the fluid box and the connecting tube disconnected so that the dosing unit draws no fluid and the fluid box remains full.
- 5. To refill the fluid box with water or some other substance once empty.
- Other dosing systems similar to that described above suffer from similar problems resulting in the fluid packs not being replaced when needed, or no enzyme-containing fluid being dispensed.
- Another criticism of the current dispensing device is that it is quite large and therefore takes up a lot of valuable wall space.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system that mitigates one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.
- According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispensing system including a dispensing device and a container of fluid to be dispensed, wherein the dispensing device includes a fluid flow tube through which the fluid can flow from the container to an outlet, a valve that controls the flow of fluid through the tube, and a control system that actuates the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals, wherein the container includes an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container, and the control system includes an RFID reader configured to read the ID number of the container, and wherein the control system includes a memory device that stores the ID numbers of containers that have been used previously and is configured to provide an alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
- The dispensing system is configured to provide an alarm, for example an audible or visual alarm signal, when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously. The system thus alerts an operator to the fact that the container has been used before and therefore needs to be replaced with a new container. The system cannot be easily be easily disabled, making it difficult for an operator to disable the alarm by tampering with the dispensing device. Correct use of the dispensing system is thus encouraged, so helping to prevent drains becoming blocked with grease deposits.
- Advantageously, the dispensing system is configured to provide an alarm signal when it determines that the container needs replacing, thus alerting an operator to the fact that the container needs to be replaced.
- Advantageously, the control system is configured to deactivate the valve either when the control system senses the reuse of a container that has been used previously or when the control system determines that the container needs replacing. Ineffective operation of the dispensing system is thus prevented.
- Advantageously, the control system is configured to deactivate the alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously, thereby indicating indirectly that the system is operating correctly.
- The valve for controlling the flow of fluid is preferably an electrically operated latching or bi-stable valve, to reduce energy consumption and increase battery life.
- Advantageously, the control system is configured to increase the dwell time of the valve as the quantity of fluid in the container decreases, to ensure that the amount of fluid dispensed in each dose is substantially unaffected by the quantity of fluid remaining in the container.
- Advantageously, the container of fluid includes a flexible bag inside a substantially rigid outer box, for convenient storage and handling.
- The fluid preferably includes a grease degrading enzyme.
- Advantageously, the dispensing system includes an enclosure having a first compartment that receives the container of fluid and a second compartment that encloses the control system. The
- RFID reader is preferably located in close proximity to the RFID tag when the container is in the first compartment, to ensure that it is able to communicate efficiently with the RFID tag.
- Advantageously, the enclosure has a second compartment that encloses the control system.
- The control system preferably includes the RFID reader, the valve, the memory device, the alarm device and an electronic control unit. Advantageously, the control system also includes a battery for powering the control system.
- In one preferred embodiment the dispensing system is constructed and arranged to be mounted on a wall, preferably above a sink unit.
- According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a dispensing device for dispensing fluid from a fluid container that includes an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container, the dispensing device including a fluid flow tube through which the fluid can flow from a container to an outlet, a valve that controls the flow of fluid through the tube, and a control system that actuates the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals, wherein the control system includes an RFID reader configured to read the ID number of the container, wherein the control system includes a memory device that stores the ID numbers of containers that have been used previously, and wherein the control system is configured to provide an alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
- The dispensing device may preferably include the optional features of the dispensing system, as set out in one or more of the preceding statements of invention.
- According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a container of fluid for use in a dispensing system according to any one of the preceding statements of invention, wherein the fluid includes a grease degrading enzyme, and the container includes a flexible bag inside a substantially rigid outer box, and an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container.
- Because each RFID tag can be individually coded, and the software can be programmed to retain a memory of previously-used fluid containers, if a previously-used container is refitted into the dosing unit, the RFID reader will recognise this and the alarm will continue to sound. The improved system overcomes attempts to defeat the alarm experienced with the previous design in the following ways:
-
- 1. It is not possible to put a piece of green paper in the viewing window, because there is no viewing window in the enclosure door of the new design.
- 2. It is not possible to wedge something between the top of the fluid box and the inside of the enclosure to hold the fluid pack down against the force of the extension spring, because there is no extension spring in the new design.
- 3. It is not possible to disconnect the fluid box from the spring and leave it resting in the bottom of the enclosure to give the impression that a full box of fluid is in place, because there is no spring in the new design.
- 4. If the connector between the fluid box and the connecting tube is left disconnected so that the dosing unit draws no fluid and the fluid box remains full, the solenoid opening sequence will begin normally and the buzzer will sound at the appropriate time, even though the fluid box will not have emptied.
- 5. If the fluid box is refilled with water or some other substance once empty, the RFID reader will recognise that the box has previously been used and the buzzer will continue to sound.
- Another advantage of the RFID system is that because the radio waves can pass through the walls of the plastic enclosure from the sealed part of the enclosure to the section of the enclosure where the fluid box is housed, the operator is not easily able to see how the system functions, and as a result will be less likely to attempt to defeat it.
- It is an aim of the present invention to ensure the regular replacement of fluid containers when needed, in order to make the system as effective as possible.
- Advantageously, the dispensing system is constructed and arranged to be mounted on a wall, for example above a sink unit.
- An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of the dispensing system with its door and front cover attached, and -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispensing system with its door and front cover removed. - As shown in the drawings, the
dispensing system 2 includes anenclosure 4 that is designed to be mounted on a wall above a sink unit (not shown). Theenclosure 4 has a hingeddoor 6 that covers acompartment 7 in the upper part of theenclosure 4 and acover plate 8 that is attached to the lower part of theenclosure 4.Magnetic latches 10 are provided on theenclosure 4 and are positioned to engage thedoor 6 when it is closed. Akey lock 11 is provided on thefront door 6. Thecover plate 8 is attached to theenclosure 4 by any suitable means, for example by mechanical or magnetic latches. - The
compartment 7 in the upper part of theenclosure 4 is configured to receive acontainer 12 of a grease degrading enzyme fluid. Thecontainer 12 consists of anouter box 14 of a suitable rigid material (for example cardboard or a plastics material) and a flexible inner bag (not shown) of a suitable plastics film material. The bag is sealed to a non-drip connection fitting 16 that extends through the rigidouter box 14 at the lower end of thecontainer 12. Thefluid container 12 includes an RFID (radio frequency identification)tag 15, which is located at the lower end of thebox 14 when the container is received in thecompartment 7. The RFID tag is programmed with an identification number that is unique to the attachedcontainer 12. - The lower part of the
enclosure 4 behind thecover plate 8 provides asecond compartment 17 that contains acontrol system 18 for controlling the dispensing of fluid from thecontainer 12. - The connection fitting 16 is connected via a
fluid supply tube 20 to the inlet side of an electrically operated latching orbi-stable dosing valve 22. The outlet side of thevalve 22 is connected via a secondfluid supply tube 24 to anoutlet tube 26, through which fluid is supplied to the drain of the sink unit (not shown). Anair vent tube 28 is also connected to theoutlet tube 26 via aY connector 30. Theair vent tube 28 prevents the formation of an airlock in thesupply tube 26, ensuring reliable delivery of the enzyme fluid to the drain. - Operation of the
valve 22 is controlled by acontrol unit 32, for example a printed circuit board (PCB), which is powered by abattery 34 and is connected to an audiblesounder device 35. Thevalve 22 draws power for only 25 milliseconds as it latches open or closed and draws no power when at rest, in order to prolong the battery life. Battery life is projected at up to two years. A lowbattery indicator light 36 is provided to indicate when thebattery 34 needs replacing. - The
control system 18 includes aRFID reader 38, which is positioned just beneath and close to the position of theRFID tag 15 when thecontainer 12 is located in thecompartment 7 in the upper part of theenclosure 4. TheRFID reader 38 transmits a pulsed signal every few seconds and receives the signal re-transmitted by the RFID tag of thefluid container 12 in thecompartment 7. This re-transmitted signal contains the unique ID number associated with thecontainer 12. TheRFID reader 38 reads the ID number sends this data to thecontrol unit 32. - The electronic components including the
battery 34, thecontrol unit 32, thevalve 22 and theRFID reader 38 are covered and protected from damage by thecover plate 8. Thecover plate 8 can be removed to allow replacement of thebattery 34. Thecover plate 8 includes awindow 40 through which theindicator lamp 36 can be seen. - In use, fluid is dispensed from the
container 12 into the drain of the sink through theoutlet tube 26 at regular intervals as controlled by thecontrol unit 32. Typically, a dose of fluid will be supplied to the drain once every night, so that it has several hours in which to degrade grease in the drain before the kitchen resumes operation in the morning. The valve dwell time increases each night to compensate for the lower flow rate caused by loss of head pressure as the fluid container empties. The quantity of fluid supplied to the drain per dose and the frequency of dosing can both be adjusted the programming thecontrol unit 32. - The
control unit 32 can be set on installation to dispense the fluid over a pre-set period of for example 30 days. When this period is over thecontrol unit 32 activates the audible sounder 35 to notify an operator that thecontainer 12 needs to be replaced. It will continue to sound until the RFID reader senses that thecontainer 12 has been replaced. - When the
fluid container 12 is empty, it can be replaced with a new full container by opening thefront door 6 and disconnecting thesupply tube 20 from the connection fitting 16 and removing the empty container. A new container can then be placed in the upper compartment of theenclosure 4 and thesupply line 20 can be plugged into theconnection fitting 16. The fitting 16 includes a non-drip valve to prevent fluid leaking from the container before thesupply line 20 is connected. Inserting thesupply line 20 into the connection fitting 16 opens the valve and allows the fluid to flow. - As the
new container 12 is placed in theupper compartment 7 of theenclosure 4 theRFID tag 15 is interrogated by the RFID reader and the unique ID number of the container is read. This ID number is transmitted to thecontrol unit 32, which includes a memory device in which the ID numbers of all previously used containers are stored. The ID number of thenew container 12 is compared with the stored numbers and if no matching number is found, indicating that it is a new container, the audible sounder is silenced and the dosing system is activated, so that doses of fluid are dispensed according to the programmed dosing schedule. If a matching number is found in the memory device, indicating that thecontainer 12 is not new and has been used previously, the dosing system is not activated and the audible sounder continues to sound, providing a warning to the operator that the container is empty or has previously been used. This will continue until thecontrol unit 32 senses a new container. - The
control unit 32 stores in the memory device the ID number of eachcontainer 12 as it is used and then creates a database of used containers which can be interrogated each time acontainer 12 is placed in theenclosure 4 to ensure that a previously used container cannot be reused.
Claims (20)
1. A dispensing system including a dispensing device and a container of fluid to be dispensed, wherein the dispensing device includes a fluid flow tube through which the fluid can flow from the container to an outlet, a valve that controls the flow of fluid through the tube, and a control system that actuates the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals, wherein the container includes an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container, and the control system includes an RFID reader configured to read the ID number of the container, and wherein the control system includes a memory device that stores the ID numbers of containers that have been used previously and is configured to provide an alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
2. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , in which the control system is configured to provide an alarm signal when it determines that the container needs replacing.
3. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , in which the control system is configured to deactivate the valve either when the control system senses the reuse of a container that has been used previously or when the control system determines that the container needs replacing.
4. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , in which the control system is configured to deactivate the alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
5. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , wherein the valve for controlling the flow of fluid is an electrically operated latching or bi-stable valve.
6. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , in which the control system is configured to increase the dwell time of the valve as the quantity of fluid in the container decreases.
7. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , in which the container of fluid includes a flexible bag inside a substantially rigid outer box.
8. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , in which the fluid includes a grease degrading enzyme.
9. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , in which the dispensing system includes an enclosure having a first compartment that receives the container of fluid and a second compartment that encloses the control system.
10. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , in which the enclosure comprises a compartment that encloses the control system.
11. A dispensing system according to claim 10 , in which the control system includes the RFID reader, the valve, the memory device, the alarm device and an electronic control unit.
12. A dispensing system according to claim 11 , in which the control system includes a battery.
13. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , wherein the dispensing system is constructed and arranged to be mounted on a wall.
14. A dispensing device for dispensing fluid from a fluid container that includes an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container, the dispensing device including a fluid flow tube through which the fluid can flow from a container to an outlet, a valve that controls the flow of fluid through the tube, and a control system that actuates the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals, wherein the control system includes an RFID reader configured to read the ID number of the container, wherein the control system includes a memory device that stores the ID numbers of containers that have been used previously, and wherein the control system is configured to provide an alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
15. A container of fluid for use in a dispensing system, the dispensing system including a dispensing device and a container of fluid to be dispensed, wherein the dispensing device includes a fluid flow tube through which the fluid can flow from the container to an outlet, a valve that controls the flow of fluid through the tube, and a control system that actuates the valve to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals, wherein the container includes an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container, and the control system includes an RFID reader configured to read the ID number of the container, and wherein the control system includes a memory device that stores the ID numbers of containers that have been used previously and is configured to provide an alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously, wherein the fluid includes a grease degrading enzyme, and the container includes a flexible bag inside a substantially rigid outer box, and an RFID tag having an ID number associated uniquely with the container.
16. A dispensing system according to claim 2 , in which the control system is configured to deactivate the valve either when the control system senses the reuse of a container that has been used previously or when the control system determines that the container needs replacing.
17. A dispensing system according to claim 2 , in which the control system is configured to deactivate the alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
18. A dispensing system according to claim 3 , in which the control system is configured to deactivate the alarm signal when it senses the ID number of a container that has been used previously.
19. A dispensing system according to claim 2 , wherein the valve for controlling the flow of fluid is an electrically operated latching or bi-stable valve.
20. A dispensing system according to claim 3 , wherein the valve for controlling the flow of fluid is an electrically operated latching or bi-stable valve.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1318246.4A GB2519299B (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2013-10-15 | Dispensing device |
GB1318246.4 | 2013-10-15 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150102056A1 true US20150102056A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
Family
ID=49680087
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/497,904 Abandoned US20150102056A1 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2014-09-26 | Dispensing device |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150102056A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2519299B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170174500A1 (en) * | 2008-04-21 | 2017-06-22 | C.H. & I. Technologies | Aerosol refill cartridge with rfid chip |
EP3712106A1 (en) * | 2019-03-21 | 2020-09-23 | Riprup Company S.A. | Food supplementation vessels |
US11882968B2 (en) | 2020-07-02 | 2024-01-30 | Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag | Dispenser comprising a replaceable liquid container |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5782382A (en) * | 1995-12-27 | 1998-07-21 | International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Cy | Dispenser for personal hygiene liquids |
US6010740A (en) * | 1997-09-30 | 2000-01-04 | Preferred Machining Corporation | Fluid dispensing system |
US6990391B1 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2006-01-24 | Kan-Pak, L.L.C. | Method and apparatus to control a beverage or dessert dispenser |
US20080029541A1 (en) * | 2004-08-06 | 2008-02-07 | Wallace Mark A | Apparatus for Dispensing a Flowable foodstuff |
US20080077802A1 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2008-03-27 | Ultracell Corporation | Fuel cartridge authentication |
US7621426B2 (en) * | 2004-12-15 | 2009-11-24 | Joseph Kanfer | Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response |
US8991649B2 (en) * | 2012-01-05 | 2015-03-31 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Keyed dispensing systems and related methods |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8240508B2 (en) * | 2008-12-29 | 2012-08-14 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Low cost radio frequency identification (RFID) dispensing systems |
-
2013
- 2013-10-15 GB GB1318246.4A patent/GB2519299B/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-09-26 US US14/497,904 patent/US20150102056A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5782382A (en) * | 1995-12-27 | 1998-07-21 | International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Cy | Dispenser for personal hygiene liquids |
US6010740A (en) * | 1997-09-30 | 2000-01-04 | Preferred Machining Corporation | Fluid dispensing system |
US6990391B1 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2006-01-24 | Kan-Pak, L.L.C. | Method and apparatus to control a beverage or dessert dispenser |
US20080077802A1 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2008-03-27 | Ultracell Corporation | Fuel cartridge authentication |
US20080029541A1 (en) * | 2004-08-06 | 2008-02-07 | Wallace Mark A | Apparatus for Dispensing a Flowable foodstuff |
US7621426B2 (en) * | 2004-12-15 | 2009-11-24 | Joseph Kanfer | Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response |
US8991649B2 (en) * | 2012-01-05 | 2015-03-31 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Keyed dispensing systems and related methods |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170174500A1 (en) * | 2008-04-21 | 2017-06-22 | C.H. & I. Technologies | Aerosol refill cartridge with rfid chip |
US10336603B2 (en) * | 2008-04-21 | 2019-07-02 | C.H. & I. Technologies, Inc. | Aerosol refill cartridge with RFID chip |
EP3712106A1 (en) * | 2019-03-21 | 2020-09-23 | Riprup Company S.A. | Food supplementation vessels |
US11882968B2 (en) | 2020-07-02 | 2024-01-30 | Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag | Dispenser comprising a replaceable liquid container |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2519299A (en) | 2015-04-22 |
GB2519299B (en) | 2021-01-20 |
GB201318246D0 (en) | 2013-11-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8622242B2 (en) | Taggant keying system for dispensing systems | |
ES2654046T3 (en) | Low-cost RFID radio frequency identification dispensing systems | |
CA2915843C (en) | Automatic water supply system for animals | |
US20150102056A1 (en) | Dispensing device | |
US6679400B1 (en) | Water cooler drip tray drainage apparatus | |
US10117417B2 (en) | Automatic water supply system for animals | |
CA2860421C (en) | Keyed dispensing systems and related methods | |
WO2021214322A1 (en) | Secure spray system | |
US4941806A (en) | Bottled water pumping apparatus | |
CN113207730A (en) | Self-cleaning and automatic water changing pet water dispenser | |
CN113494119B (en) | Kitchen waste crushing device and main drainage pipe for same | |
JP2014036707A (en) | Antiseptic solution container and antiseptic solution jetting device | |
US20090173756A1 (en) | Dispensing device | |
JP2020043936A (en) | Beverage supply device | |
CN217970977U (en) | Sterilizing dustbin | |
CN214961852U (en) | Self-cleaning and automatic water changing pet water dispenser | |
US20080040843A1 (en) | Multifunctional Toilet With Locking Access Doors | |
US20240017917A1 (en) | Sanitary Device for Garbage Can Lids | |
EP3593069B1 (en) | Refrigerator with a water tank | |
KR20100060118A (en) | A clean house with a bugler alarm | |
BRPI1001504A2 (en) | animal feed equipment with automated control and remote monitoring and communication systems |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MECHLINE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED, GREAT BRITAIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SAGE-PASSANT, PETER;REEL/FRAME:041765/0869 Effective date: 20161202 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |