Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring a dispensing state of a dispensing system
US9943195B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R31/3647
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods, apparatus, and systems are described that provide an improved way to monitor the state of a dispensing system and apparatus. The method begins when an activation sensor generates a signal indicating a desired dispense cycle operation in response to detecting user input, such as user hand motion in front of the sensor. The dispenser motor is energized in response to the generated signal, and a battery sensor monitors a status of the battery during a startup phase of the dispenser motor. The monitored status of the battery during the startup phase is indicative of a state (e.g., power state or operational state) of the dispensing system, and a dispenser controller determines if the system can complete the desired dispense cycle operation based upon the monitored status and reacts to control the system accordingly, e.g., aborting a dispense cycle or allowing the dispense cycle to initiate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.