US 12,700,048 B1Granted

Automated utility dispensing system for transient accommodations

OwnerElizabeth Georgina Takacsinventor

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Abstract

An automated utility dispensing system may streamline and automate the provision of utilities as licensed services to transient guests. A comprehensive solution is provided that automates utility dispensing. The system comprises a housing structure enclosing various components, including a discriminating module for remote operation and control of utility services, a Wi-Fi amplifier for enhanced wireless connectivity, and a range of outlets with breakers for delivering power to transient guests. Additionally, the system features a water utility system with water handles, faucet connection points, a water control switching device, and a water distribution line. Hardwired service lines connect the system to utility sources, while additional components such as an antenna attachment, payment and identification facilitation tools, cameras, motion sensors, lights, and a user-friendly interface enhance functionality and security.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A utility dispensing system for automating dispensation of utilities as licensed services, comprising:

a housing structure for enclosing and protecting components of the system;
a discriminating module capable of remote operation to govern provision and cessation of utilities as licensed services;
a Wi-Fi amplifier to enhance wireless connectivity and enable remote control capabilities;
a plurality of outlets equipped with breakers for delivering power to the transient guests;
a water utility system comprising:
a plurality of water handles and spigots comprising:
a plurality of faucet outlet connection points;
and
a water control switching device for managing a water supply;
and
a water line to facilitate distribution of water to designated areas;
hardwired service lines for connecting the utility dispensing system to utility sources;
an antenna for enhancing communication and signal reception;
a card reader for facilitating payment and identification of transient guests;
a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip reader for reading and verifying RFID tags or cards;
a full ID scanner for scanning and verifying identification documents;
at least one camera for monitoring and surveillance purposes;
a plurality of motion sensors for detecting movement and triggering automated actions;
a plurality of lights for illuminating the surrounding area and enhancing security;
and
a plurality of speakers for audio notifications and alerts.

18 more elements

A method for automating dispensing utilities as licensed services using a utility dispensing system comprising a discriminating module operatively coupled to a utility delivery interface and a utility flow control element integrated within the utility dispensing system, the method comprising:

providing an end-user accessible navigable menu on the utility dispensing system, the menu accessible from any location;
collecting, processing, validating, and storing transient guest-submitted data, the transient guest-submitted data including at least identification information;
verifying payment for the utilities as licensed services;
receiving guest acceptance of an agreement displayed on the menu;
electronically transmitting, by the discriminating module, a control signal to the utility flow control element;
physically enabling, by the utility flow control element in response to the control signal, delivery of the utilities through the utility delivery interface, wherein the utility delivery interface comprises a user-accessible physical outlet configured for direct consumption of the utilities by a transient guest;
monitoring consumption of the activated utilities as licensed services;
and
electronically transmitting, by the discriminating module, a second control signal to the utility flow control element to physically interrupt delivery of the utilities through the utility delivery interface, thereby terminating physical dispensing of the utilities by the utility dispensing system at the user-accessible physical outlet, independent of operation of any downstream powered device, upon completion of a service duration or when a transient guest requests deactivation.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 18/209,063Filed 13 Jun 2023 · us provisional application
Priority: 13 Jun 2022
Granted: 4 Aug 2026
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

G06Q 50/06
Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g.…:…
G01D 4/002
Tariff metering apparatus: remote reading of utility meters
G01D 11/24
Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable: housings ; Casings for instruments
E03B 9/025
Hydrants; Arrangements of valves therein; Keys for hydrants: taps specially designed for outdoor use, e.g. wall hydrants, sill cocks