IP Library Granted Patent US 12700048
Granted Patent B1
US 12700048 · App. 18/209,063 · Granted Aug 4, 2026

Automated utility dispensing system for transient accommodations

Inventor: Elizabeth Georgina Takacs (Pearland, TX)
G06Q50/06G01D4/002G01D11/24E03B9/025
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12700048
App. No.
18/209,063
Granted
Aug 4, 2026
Kind
B1
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.

Claims (64)

1 . 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.

2 . The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a cover to provide additional protection and aesthetics for the utility dispensing system;

a rugged undercoating type material for coating the utility dispensing system, offering durability and resistance against environmental elements; and

an ultraviolet (UV) screen protector to shield the utility dispensing system screen from UV damage.

3 . The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a utility dispensing system screen for displaying information and user interfaces.

4 . The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a quick response (QR) code for facilitating quick and convenient access to information or services.

5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of outlets equipped with breakers include 50/30/20 amp outlets.

6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the water control switching device includes a pressure sensor for monitoring and regulating water pressure.

7 . The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a weatherproof enclosure for protecting the utility dispensing system from environmental elements.

8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the discriminating module performs one or more functions selected from the group comprising:

receiving and validating user identification information, displaying agreements for transient guest acceptance, controlling activation and deactivation of utilities based on predetermined parameters, collecting, processing, and storing user-submitted data, enabling and disabling restricted service based on predetermined parameters, terminating dispensing of services upon expiration of purchased services, connecting to predetermined payment processing options, controlling flow of power as a restricted service, controlling flow of water as a restricted service, controlling internet signal access as a restricted service, receiving user identification documents, receiving user adjustment of payment methods.

9 . The system of claim 1 , the discriminating module further comprising:

an end-user accessible navigable menu accessible from any location, wherein an end user is capable of directly controlling the system within an active service period.

10 . The system of claim 1 , the discriminating module further comprising:

smart Wi-Fi meters.

11 . The system of claim 1 , the discriminating module further comprising:

a user-accessible hub available for utilization during an active service period, the user-accessible hub capable of allowing user control of service restriction or dispensing and/or allowing adjustment of a service period in compliance with an agreement.

12 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the discriminating module provides one or more options for contact with a controller of the system.

13 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the discriminating module provides more than one predetermined notification of expiration of a service period, the notification allowing for reactivation or extension of the service period.

14 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the water control switching device is configured to regulate flow and temperature of water to the designated areas.

15 . 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.

16 . The method of claim 15 further comprising:

generating usage reports and billing information based on consumed utilities as licensed services; and

providing access to usage reports and billing information to authorized personnel through a user interface.

17 . The method of claim 15 further comprising:

performing remote diagnostics and troubleshooting of the utility dispensing system using a remote monitoring and control system; and

maintaining the security and integrity of the utility dispensing system through one or more of cameras, motion sensors, and alarms.

18 . The method of claim 15 further comprising:

providing one or more notifications to the transient guest, the notifications selected from the group comprising:

notifications of remaining balance or usage limit of the utilities as licensed services, consumption of the utilities as licensed services, end of service period, issues with service.

19 . The method of claim 15 further comprising:

generating invoices or receipts for the utilities as licensed services.

20 . The method of claim 15 further comprising:

integrating with a central management system to collect and analyze data regarding utility consumption, billing, and operational performance of the utility dispensing system.