Beverage dispensing system
AssigneeValidFill LLC
InventorPeter Dorney
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Beverage dispensing systems are provided. Beverages dispensing systems may detect the presence of a person or container then search for a wireless transponder, which in some embodiments is an RFID tag on the detected person or container. Depending on the detection or absence of detection of a transponder, beverage dispensing systems may display information or allow a beverage to be dispensed.
Claims20
A beverage dispensing system comprising:
- a dispensing device including at least one dispensing valve for dispensing a beverage, an actuator for initiating the dispensing of said beverage through said valve;
- a display screen having a user interface being coupled to said at least one dispensing device, said display screen adapted to display exhibits;
- wireless communication electronics coupled to said beverage dispensing system and adapted to communicate with a wireless transponder;
- a controller functionally connected to said at least one dispensing valve, said display screen and said wireless communication electronics;
- a proximity sensor for detecting when an object enters a predetermined area adjacent said beverage dispensing device and for sending a signal to said controller in response to the sensing of the object, said controller activating said display screen in response to said signal from the sensor and displaying a first exhibit if a wireless transponder is detected by said wireless communication electronics and displaying a second exhibit if a wireless transponder is not detected by said wireless communication electronics.
A method for dispensing a beverage from a beverage dispensing system including a dispensing device with at least one dispensing valve for dispensing a beverage, an actuator for initiating the dispensing of said beverage through said valve, a display screen, wireless communication electronics and a controller, said method comprising:
- detecting the presence of a beverage container within a predetermined area of said dispensing device;
- searching for a RFID tag within a read field;
- displaying an exhibit on said display screen, said exhibit being an RFID transaction screen if an RFID tag was detected and a disposable cup transaction screen if an RFID tag was not detected in said read field;
- verifying validity of said RFID tag or payment information and determining a verified amount of beverage to dispense;
- opening said valve to allow dispensing of said beverage when said actuator is engaged;
- closing said valve following the dispensing of the verified amount of beverage.
A method for dispensing a beverage from a beverage dispensing system including a dispensing device with at least one dispensing valve for dispensing a beverage, an actuator for initiating the dispensing of said beverage through said valve, a display screen, wireless communication electronics and a controller, said method comprising:
- detecting the presence of a beverage container within a predetermined area of said dispensing device;
- searching for a RFID tag within a read field;
- displaying an exhibit on said display screen, said exhibit being an RFID transaction screen if an RFID tag was detected and a disposable cup transaction screen if an RFID tag was not detected in said read field;
- verifying validity of said RFID tag or payment information and determining a verified amount of beverage to dispense;
- opening said valve to allow dispensing of said beverage when said actuator is engaged;
- closing said valve following the dispensing of the verified amount of beverage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.