Low cost radio frequency identification (RFID) dispensing systems
View Patent ↗A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof. Additionally, a dispenser of variable size is presented that is adaptable, through adjustable partitions or a telescoping cup, to receive and maintain cartridges of various sizes.
1. A method for establishing and controlling operational parameters of a dispenser employing a cartridge containing material to be dispensed, comprising:
installing the cartridge into the dispenser for a first time as a first cartridge;
enabling a learn mode at a controller provided by the dispenser;
reading a tag on the first cartridge to identify a parameter associated with the first cartridge, such that said parameter of said first cartridge is stored at said controller;
installing a subsequent cartridge into the dispenser;
reading a tag on the subsequent cartridge to identify at least one parameter associated with the subsequent cartridge; and
enabling the dispenser to be operable with the subsequent cartridge if the identified parameter of the subsequent cartridge matches the parameter stored at said controller of the dispenser.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
determining operational data from the tag of the subsequent cartridge; and
controlling operation of the dispenser in accordance with the operational data.
3. The method as recited in claim 2 , wherein said operational data allows the period of a dispense cycle to be determined, and said step of controlling comprises establishing a dispense cycle period as a function of said operational data.
4. The method as recited in claim 2 , wherein said operational data allows the number of dispense cycles available from the subsequent cartridge to be determined, and said step of controlling comprises counting the number of dispense cycles until a threshold number corresponding to the number of dispense cycles available is reached.
5. The method as recited in claim 4 , comprising the further step of inhibiting operation upon reaching said number of available dispense cycles.
6. The method as recited in claim 2 , wherein said step of controlling operation comprises indexing the tag of the subsequent cartridge on each dispense cycle until a threshold number of dispense cycles is reached, thereafter terminating such dispensing.
7. The method as recited in claim 6 , wherein the tag of the subsequent cartridge cannot be reset.
8. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein said parameters are selected from the group of product identity, product brand, and product source.
9. A material dispenser adapted for use with various sizes of cartridges having a body from which extends a neck, comprising:
a back plate;
a pair of side plates moveably carried on said back plate, said side plates spaced from one another to define a cavity therebetween, said side plates each being moveably biased so as to adjust the size of said cavity in order to accommodate the body of the cartridge therein; and
a pair of support ledges extending from said back plate to carry the body, said support ledges spaced apart to form an opening therebetween to receive the neck of the cartridge therebetween.
10. The material dispenser of claim 9 , further comprising a cover attached to said back plate to cover said cavity.
11. The material dispenser of claim 9 , further comprising a top plate that is moveably carried by said back plate and biased by a spring, so as to adjust the size of said cavity.
12. The material dispenser of claim 9 , wherein said side plates are substantially parallel to each other.
13. The material dispenser of claim 9 , wherein said side plates each include an index tab received in a respective track disposed in said back plate, such that each said index tab is selectively lockable at a position along said tracks to prevent the movement of said side plates.
14. A material dispenser adapted for use with various sizes of cartridges, comprising:
a back plate;
a cover moveably attached to said back plate, such that a cavity is defined between said back plate and said cover to accommodate the body of the cartridge therein; and
a telescoping cup attached to said back plate, wherein said telescoping cup has a plurality of telescoping sections, which form a portion of said cavity, such that said plurality of telescoping sections are configured to be telescoped relative to said back plate, so as to adjust the size of said cavity.
15. The material dispenser of claim 14 , wherein said back plate includes a plurality of plate apertures disposed therethrough, and said telescoping cup includes a cup aperture disposed therethrough, such that said cup aperture is configured to be selectively aligned with one of said plurality of plate apertures for receipt of a fastener therethrough.
16. The material dispenser of claim 14 , wherein said telescoping cup at least partially supports the cartridge.