PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEM
A fluid dispensing system, fluid reservoir, refill container for refilling the fluid reservoir, and method of refilling the fluid reservoir are provided. The fluid dispensing system includes a refill connection port or nozzle to which a refill container is connected when refilling the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir includes a piston head and an actuator for moving the piston head in a first direction and in a second direction. When the piston head is moved in the first direction, the fluid within the fluid reservoir is pressurized, causing the fluid to be dispensed through an outlet of the fluid reservoir. When the piston head is moved in the second direction, a vacuum is created within the fluid reservoir that draws fluid, from the refill container, into the fluid reservoir. The fluid dispensing system includes a valve to enable multiple refill containers to be coupled to the nozzle and/or the refill connection port.
1 . A refill container for replenishing a fluid reservoir of a fluid dispensing system, the refill container comprising:
a surface defining a reservoir area for storing a fluid to be replenished into the fluid reservoir; and
a connection fitting for connecting the refill container to the fluid dispensing system, the connection fitting comprising:
an electronic key for pairing with an interrogator of the fluid dispensing system, the electronic key notifying the fluid dispensing system of a type of fluid stored in the reservoir area.
2 . The refill container of claim 1 , the connection fitting comprising a quick connect fitting.
3 . The refill container of claim 1 , the surface comprising a pliable material.
4 . The refill container of claim 3 , the surface comprising a plastic material.
5 . The refill container of claim 3 , the surface defining an aperture through which the fluid is dispensed.
6 . The refill container of claim 5 , comprising a second connection fitting attached to the surface at the aperture.
7 . The refill container of claim 6 , comprising a hose for transferring the fluid from the reservoir area, a first end of the hose attached to the connection fitting, a second end of the hose attached to the second connection fitting.
8 . The refill container of claim 1 , the connection fitting comprising a bleed port through which fluid within the fluid reservoir is purged.
9 . A refill container for replenishing a fluid reservoir of a fluid dispensing system, the refill container comprising:
a bag that defines a reservoir area within which a fluid to be replenished into the fluid reservoir is contained, the bag comprising a pliable material; and
a connection fitting for connecting the refill container to the fluid dispensing system, the fluid selectively flowing from the reservoir area and through the connection fitting.
10 . The refill container of claim 9 , the connection fitting comprising a quick connect fitting.
11 . The refill container of claim 9 , the connection fitting comprising an electronic key for pairing with an interrogator of the fluid dispensing system, the electronic key notifying the fluid dispensing system of a type of fluid stored in the reservoir area.
12 . The refill container of claim 9 , comprising a hose for transferring the fluid from the reservoir area.
13 . The refill container of claim 9 , the connection fitting comprising a bleed port through which fluid within the fluid reservoir is purged.
14 . A refill container for replenishing a fluid reservoir of a fluid dispensing system, the refill container comprising:
a surface defining reservoir area for storing a fluid to be replenished into the fluid reservoir;
a hose for transferring the fluid from the reservoir area; and
a connection fitting connected to the hose, the connection fitting removably connected to a fixture of the fluid dispensing system, wherein the refill container is configured to deliver the fluid from the reservoir area, through the hose, to the fluid reservoir.
15 . The refill container of claim 14 , the surface comprising a pliable material.
16 . The refill container of claim 14 , the surface comprising a plastic material.
17 . The refill container of claim 14 , the connection fitting comprising a quick connect fitting.
18 . The refill container of claim 14 , the surface defining an aperture to which the hose is connected to receive the fluid.
19 . The refill container of claim 14 , the connection fitting comprising:
an electronic key for pairing with an interrogator of the fluid dispensing system.
20 . The refill container of claim 19 , the electronic key notifying the fluid dispensing system of a type of fluid stored in the reservoir area.