# US 11,026,539 B2 · Signal and detection system for pairing products

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 11,026,539 B2
- Document ID: US11026539B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/310,270
- Filed: 2016-05-06
- Published: 2017-06-29
- Granted: 2021-06-08
- Earliest claimed: 2015-05-07
- Assignees: Smart Wave Technologies, Inc.
- Applicants: Smart Wave Technologies, Inc.
- Inventors: Peter Zosimadis; Steven Hackney
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11026539B2

## CPC

- A47J 31/4492: {Means to read code provided on ingredient pod or cartridge}
- G06K 7/1413: {1D bar codes}
- G06K 19/0614: {the marking being selective to wavelength, e.g. color barcode or barcodes only visible under UV or IR (methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers using a selected wavelength, see G06K7/12)}
- G06K 7/12: using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
- A47J: KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- G06K: GRAPHICAL DATA READING (image or video recognition or understanding G06V); PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS

## Abstract

Systems and methods for differentiating the spectral response of various optical coatings between a transmitter and receiver are described. The system is effective in determining if an optical coating produces an authorized spectral response for determining if a product having that optical coating is authorized to be used with another product.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of monitoring the status of a replaceable cartridge within a dispenser, the method comprising the steps of:
a) from a standby mode, monitoring if the replaceable cartridge is operatively connected to the dispenser;
b) if the replaceable cartridge is detected as operatively connected to the dispenser, determining if the replaceable cartridge has at least one authorized code;
c) if the replaceable cartridge has at least one authorized code, enabling activation of the dispenser;
d) if the replaceable cartridge does not have the at least one authorized code, modifying dispenser activation;
e) monitoring if the replaceable cartridge has been removed from the dispenser;
f) detecting if the replaceable cartridge has been removed from the dispenser, and if the replaceable cartridge has been removed from the dispenser, determining if the at least one authorized code is present within the dispenser; and
g) if the at least one authorized code is determined to be present in step f), modifying dispenser activation.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method as in claim 1 wherein if in step f) no at least one authorized code is present, return to the standby mode.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method as in claim 1 wherein if in step f) the at least one authorized code is present, displaying on a display a signal instructing removal of the replaceable cartridge.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The method as in claim 3 wherein if in step d) an unauthorized code is present, displaying on the display a signal instructing removal of the replaceable cartridge.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method as in claim 1 wherein in steps g) and d), modifying dispenser activation includes the step of increasing a dispense quantity of material within the replaceable cartridge.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method as in claim 1 wherein in steps g) and d), modifying dispenser activation includes the step of decreasing a dispense quantity of material within the replaceable cartridge.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method as in claim 1 wherein in steps g) and d), modifying dispenser activation includes the step of dispensing no material from within the replaceable cartridge.

### Claim 8 (depends on 2)

The method as in claim 2, wherein the dispenser has a display and if in step f) at least one authorized code is present, displaying on the display a signal instructing removal of the replaceable cartridge.