U.S. patent application number 16/993510 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-17 for connected and automated liquid dispensing attachment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lab2Fab LLC. Invention is credited to Michael C. DeRenzi, Ken Haven, Hogan Hall Hempy, Shawn Michael Lange, Malonda Maxine McElwee, Refugio Gonzalez Ponce, Krishna Rao, Renata Jaye Puakea Smith, Chad Steese, Robert Freeman Thompson, Naomi Kalia Williams Zabel.
Application Number | 20220048752 16/993510 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220048752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hempy; Hogan Hall ; et
al. |
February 17, 2022 |
CONNECTED AND AUTOMATED LIQUID DISPENSING ATTACHMENT
Abstract
An automated liquid dispensing attachment monitors and controls
preparation of drinks poured from bottles. The automated liquid
dispensing attachment attaches to a bottle and senses multiple
aspects of the pouring of the drink, and based on the sensor
outputs, monitors and controls the flow of fluids from the bottle
through the attachment. The automated liquid dispensing attachment
communicates with other electronic devices to enable individualized
control and monitoring, and data aggregation and analysis.
Inventors: |
Hempy; Hogan Hall;
(Pleasanton, CA) ; DeRenzi; Michael C.; (Danville,
CA) ; Haven; Ken; (Livermore, CA) ; Lange;
Shawn Michael; (Walnut Creek, CA) ; McElwee; Malonda
Maxine; (Emeryville, CA) ; Ponce; Refugio
Gonzalez; (San Jose, CA) ; Rao; Krishna; (San
Ramon, CA) ; Smith; Renata Jaye Puakea; (Oakland,
CA) ; Steese; Chad; (Cherry Hills Village, CO)
; Thompson; Robert Freeman; (Aptos, CA) ; Zabel;
Naomi Kalia Williams; (Oakland, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lab2Fab LLC |
Fremont |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
16/993510 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2020 |
International
Class: |
B67D 1/00 20060101
B67D001/00; B67D 1/12 20060101 B67D001/12; B05B 15/65 20060101
B05B015/65 |
Claims
1. An automated liquid dispensing attachment, comprising: an
attachment portion configured to engage with an interior surface of
a container, the attachment portion comprising: a fluid sensor; a
housing coupled to the attachment portion and configured to be
located outside of the container when the attachment portion is
engaged with the interior surface of the container; a spout
extending from the housing; and a fluid passage connected to the
spout and extending through the attachment portion and the housing;
an attachment sensor configured to output an attachment signal
based on the engagement of the attachment portion with the interior
surface of the container; the fluid sensor located proximate to a
portion of the fluid passage and configured to output a fluid
signal based on a liquid within the portion of the fluid passage; a
fluid control device coupled to the fluid passage to selectively
permit fluid to pass through the fluid passage to an opening of the
spout; and processing circuitry coupled to receive the attachment
signal and the fluid signal, wherein the processing circuitry is
configured to control the fluid control device based on the
attachment signal or the fluid signal wherein the attachment sensor
is coupled to the attachment portion; wherein the attachment
portion substantially surrounds the attachment sensor and wherein
the attachment sensor outputs the attachment signal in response to
a force applied to an external surface of the attachment portion;
and wherein the attachment sensor comprises a plurality of
attachment sub-sensors, wherein each of the plurality of attachment
sub-sensors is responsive to a portion of the force applied to the
external surface of the attachment portion, and wherein the
attachment signal comprises a plurality of attachment sub-signals
corresponding to the attachment sub-sensors.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 1, wherein
the attachment portion comprises a snap dome, and wherein the snap
dome is compressed in response to the force applied to the external
surface of the attachment portion.
5. (canceled)
6. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 1, wherein
the processing circuitry is configured to control the fluid control
device to allow fluid to flow to the opening of the spout based on
two or more of the plurality of attachment sub-signals indicating
that the force is applied to the external surface of the attachment
portion.
7. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 6, wherein
the processing circuitry is configured to control the fluid control
device to allow fluid to flow to the opening of the spout based on
all of the plurality of attachment sub-signals indicating that the
force is applied to the external surface of the attachment
portion.
8. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 1, wherein
the fluid sensor is coupled to the attachment portion and an
exterior surface of the fluid passage.
9. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 8, wherein
the fluid sensor outputs the fluid signal based on an amount of
fluid in the fluid passage.
10. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 9, wherein
the fluid sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.
11. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 1, wherein
the processing circuitry is configured to control the fluid control
device based on the attachment signal and the fluid signal.
12. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 11, wherein
the processing circuitry is configured to control the fluid control
device to allow fluid to flow through the fluid passage to the
opening of the spout when the attachment signal indicates that the
attachment portion is engaged with the interior surface of the
container and the fluid sensor indicates that liquid is present in
the fluid passage, and to control the fluid control device to stop
fluid flow through the fluid passage to the opening of the spout
when either the attachment signal indicates that the attachment
portion is not engaged with the interior surface of the container
or the fluid sensor indicates that liquid is not present in the
fluid passage.
13. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 11, wherein
the processing circuitry is further configured to receive an input
signal, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to
control the fluid control device based on the input signal.
14. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 13, further
comprising wireless communication circuitry, wherein the input
signal is received via the wireless communication circuitry.
15. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 13, further
comprising a physical user input component, wherein the input
signal is received via the physical user input component.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. An automated liquid dispensing attachment, comprising: an
attachment sensor coupled to an attachment portion of the automated
liquid dispensing attachment, the attachment sensor configured to
output an attachment signal based on an engagement of a portion of
the automated liquid dispensing attachment with an interior surface
of a container; a fluid sensor positioned proximate to a portion of
a fluid passage and configured to output a fluid signal based on a
liquid within the portion of the fluid passage; a fluid control
device coupled to the fluid passage to selectively permit fluid to
pass through the fluid passage to an opening of the spout; and
processing circuitry coupled to receive the attachment signal and
the fluid signal, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to
control the fluid control device based on the attachment signal and
the fluid signal; wherein the attachment sensor is coupled to the
attachment portion; wherein the attachment portion substantially
surrounds the attachment sensor and wherein the attachment sensor
outputs the attachment signal in response to a force applied to an
external surface of the attachment portion; and wherein the
attachment sensor comprises a plurality of attachment sub-sensors,
wherein each of the plurality of attachment sub-sensors is
responsive to a portion of the force applied to the external
surface of the attachment portion, and wherein the attachment
signal comprises a plurality of attachment sub-signals
corresponding to the attachment sub-sensors.
21. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 20, wherein
the attachment portion is configured to engage with an interior
surface of a container, the attachment portion comprising: the
fluid sensor; a housing coupled to the attachment portion and
configured to be located outside of the container when the
attachment portion is engaged with the interior surface of the
container; a spout extending from the housing; and a fluid passage
connected to the spout and extending through the attachment portion
and the housing.
22. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 20, wherein
the attachment portion comprises a snap dome, and wherein the snap
dome is compressed in response to the force applied to the external
surface of the attachment portion.
23. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 20, wherein
the processing circuitry is configured to control the fluid control
device to allow fluid to flow to the opening of a spout based on
two or more of the plurality of attachment sub-signals indicating
that the force is applied to the external surface of the attachment
portion.
24. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 23, wherein
the processing circuitry is configured to control the fluid control
device to allow fluid to flow to the opening of the spout based on
all of the plurality of attachment sub-signals indicating that the
force is applied to the external surface of the attachment
portion.
25. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 20, wherein
the fluid sensor is coupled to the attachment portion and an
exterior surface of the fluid passage.
26. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 25, wherein
the fluid sensor outputs the fluid signal based on an amount of
fluid in the fluid passage.
27. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 26, wherein
the fluid sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.
28. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 20, wherein
the processing circuitry is configured to control the fluid control
device to allow fluid to flow through the fluid passage to the
opening of the spout when the attachment signal indicates that the
attachment portion is engaged with the interior surface of the
container and the fluid sensor indicates that liquid is present in
the fluid passage, and to control the fluid control device to stop
fluid flow through the fluid passage to the opening of the spout
when either the attachment signal indicates that the attachment
portion is not engaged with the interior surface of the container
or the fluid sensor indicates that liquid is not present in the
fluid passage.
29. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 20, wherein
the processing circuitry is further configured to receive an input
signal, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to
control the fluid control device based on the input signal.
30. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 29, further
comprising wireless communication circuitry, wherein the input
signal is received via the wireless communication circuitry.
31. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 29, further
comprising a physical user input component, wherein the input
signal is received via the physical user input component.
32. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 20, wherein
the fluid sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.
33. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 20, wherein
the fluid sensor comprises one of a proximity sensor, an IR sensor,
a resistive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a hall effect sensor, a
resistance meter, an optical sensor, or a flow meter.
34. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 1, wherein
the fluid sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.
35. The automated liquid dispensing attachment of claim 1, wherein
the fluid sensor comprises one of a proximity sensor, an IR sensor,
a resistive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a hall effect sensor, a
resistance meter, an optical sensor, or a flow meter.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In the drink serving industry, it is important to be able to
understand the drinks served to customers. For example, monitoring
drink types and volume consumed over time assists in managing
profitability, inventory, and various other aspects of operations
of an establishment. In conventional systems, a server (e.g., a
bartender) pours drinks based on customer's requests and controls
the entire process of pouring the drink and tracking the
transaction, for example, pouring shots of distilled spirit and
other liquids into a mixed drink. In most conventional systems, the
bartender employs a counting method or some other form of
estimation. However, these manual methods do not necessarily make a
consistent drink, because of over pouring or under pouring, thereby
decreasing the quality of the drink, and producing a drink that
makes the customer disappointed. This is particularly problematic
with new employees. In other circumstances, the bartender may pour
different volumes of drinks for different customers, such as
friends, resulting in inconsistency and often at the cost of
profitability for the business owner. In these conventional
systems, the business owner is harmed by a decreasing profit margin
and management overhead required to keep pouring consistent and
honest.
[0002] A few systems employ bottle attachments that attempt to
provide automated pouring volumes and/or measurement of pouring by
bartenders. Some mechanical pourers set an upper limit on an amount
of a pour, which in some instances can be adjusted. Such systems do
not necessarily present underpours, or extra top offs from multiple
pours. Electromechanical pourers may employ an activation and
selection button that requires the user to press the button to
actuate the pouring device manually. The user can adjust the size
of the drink, for example, from a half a shot to double shot. Even
these partially automated methods require significant effort on the
part of the bar owner or manager, and even with that effort,
provide a limited ability to manage, monitor, and control losses
proactively. Even with such liquid dispensing systems, there are
still significant opportunities for loss and theft, such as
repeated pours and accidental pours. Also, with one of the highest
turnovers in the industry, these methods require significant
training of the bar staff every time a trained member leaves and a
new member joins the team, as well as ongoing refreshers and
reminders to ensure that rules that are implemented are adhered to
overtime. Existing liquid dispensing devices lack the necessary
embedded monitoring, control, and communication hardware for
automating, simplifying, and analyzing operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an automated
liquid dispensing attachment comprises an attachment portion
configured to engage with an interior surface of a container. The
attachment portion comprises a fluid sensor. A housing is coupled
to the attachment portion and configured to be located outside of
the container when the attachment portion is engaged with the
interior surface of the container. A spout extends from the housing
and a fluid passage is connected to the spout and extending through
the attachment portion and the housing. The attachment sensor may
be configured to output an attachment signal based on the
engagement of the attachment portion with the interior surface of
the container, and the fluid sensor may be located proximate to a
portion of the fluid passage and configured to output a fluid
signal based on a liquid within the portion of the fluid passage. A
fluid control device may be coupled to the fluid passage to
selectively permit fluid to pass through the fluid passage to the
opening of the spout, and processing circuitry may be coupled to
receive the attachment signal and the fluid signal, wherein the
processing circuitry is configured to control the fluid control
device based on the attachment signal or the fluid signal.
[0004] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for
dispensing a volume of fluid from an automated liquid dispensing
attachment may comprise receiving, from a fluid sensor located
proximate to a portion of a fluid passage of the automated liquid
dispensing attachment, a fluid signal based on a liquid within the
portion of the fluid passage. The method may further comprise
receiving, from an attachment sensor located adjacent to an
exterior surface of the automated liquid dispensing attachment that
engages with an interior surface of a container, an attachment
signal based on the engagement of the exterior surface with the
interior surface of the container. The method may further comprise
opening, by a fluid control device, a fluid passage of the
automated liquid dispensing attachment based on the attachment
signal or the fluid signal to dispense the volume of the fluid.
[0005] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an automated
liquid dispensing attachment may comprise an attachment sensor
configured to output an attachment signal based on an engagement of
a portion of the automated liquid dispensing attachment with an
interior surface of a container, a fluid sensor positioned
proximate to a portion of a fluid passage and configured to output
a fluid signal based on a liquid within the portion of the fluid
passage, a fluid control device coupled to the fluid passage to
selectively permit fluid to pass through the fluid passage to the
opening of the spout, and processing circuitry coupled to receive
the attachment signal and the fluid signal, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to control the fluid control device based
on the attachment signal and the fluid signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] The above and other features of the present disclosure, its
nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary establishment including
automated liquid dispensing attachments and other supporting
hardware and software of an automated liquid dispensing control
system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary automated liquid dispensing
attachment, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary exploded view depicting
subsystems of the automated liquid dispensing attachment, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of an attachment portion
shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of the assembly of the lower
interior housing assembly shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the flex printed circuit
board (PCB) assembly shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the upper interior
housing assembly shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the upper exterior
housing assembly shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary view of a charging port for a
plurality of automated liquid dispensing attachments, in accordance
with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the automated
liquid dispensing attachment illustrating attachment of a breather
tube, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary flowchart of a process of
employing the automated liquid dispensing attachment and other
supporting hardware and software, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary automated
liquid dispensing attachment, in accordance with at least some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary IoT enabled automated liquid
dispensing system in accordance with at least some embodiments of
the present disclosure; and
[0020] FIG. 14 depicts an automated liquid dispensing attachment
with an exemplary sensor configuration in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
[0021] In accordance with the present disclosure, establishments
such as bars and restaurants are equipped with automated liquid
dispensing attachments that attach to bottles (e.g., liquor
bottles, wine bottles, etc.) and that manage, control, report, and
measure the dispensing of beverages within the establishment. For
example, an establishment may have dozens or even hundreds of
automated liquid dispensing attachments that are attached to
bottles that are presently is use by the establishment. The
automated liquid dispensing attachments can have a compact form
factor and features to allow for the simple attachment to bottles,
while accommodating features such as sensors, user interfaces, and
communications circuitry. The design and configuration of the
automated liquid dispensing devices may be such that they have a
relatively long lifespan to allow repeated attachment as bottles
are used and replaced with new bottles. In some embodiments,
portions of the automated liquid dispensing attachments such as the
attachment portion that comes in contact with the bottle may be
configured for more frequent replacement.
[0022] The automated liquid dispensing attachments may include a
variety of features to ensure the safe, efficient, and effective
pouring of beverages. Attachment sensors may confirm that the
automated liquid dispensing attachment is in fact properly attached
to a bottle, preventing accidents involving loss of valuable
inventory, injury, or damage to the automated liquid dispensing
attachment itself. Fluid sensors may sense the presence and/or flow
of liquid within the automated liquid dispensing attachment. Other
sensors such as motion sensors and environmental sensors can also
be utilized, such as to control pours, provide safety features, and
monitor for preventative maintenance or spoilage. These sensors are
used to actuate and control the dispensing of liquid, as well as to
measure various aspects of the liquid dispensing attachment's
operations and operating environment.
[0023] A communications interface provides for the control of the
automated liquid dispensing attachment as well as collection and
reporting of data. The system may be controlled to allow pours only
under particular circumstances, for example, in the presence of
particular employees or after an order has been properly entered
into a point of sale ("POS") system. User interface features may
allow direct inputs from the user to control pouring, as well as
providing instructions for pouring (e.g., amount, order of pouring,
etc.) to the user. Once a pour is authorized based on these various
inputs and measurements, a fluid control device such as an actuator
for a pinch tube may allow the fluid to flow until a predetermined
amount of fluid has been dispensed or the pour is otherwise
complete (e.g., based on a measure pour amount, a shutoff event
determined by sensors, etc.), after which the fluid control device
can again shut off the flow of fluid.
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary establishment including
automated liquid dispensing attachments and other supporting
hardware and software of a beverage control system in accordance
with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Exemplary liquid
dispensing attachments and a monitoring and control system is
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/780,793, entitled
"Beverage Dispensing and Monitoring System" and filed on Feb. 3,
2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety for all purposes. Although it will be understood that
components described herein with respect to FIG. 1 may be added,
removed, or replaced, in an exemplary embodiment the beverage
control system of the establishment includes a plurality of
automated liquid dispensing attachments 120, a permitted customer
device 124, an employee tag 122, other sensors 126, a point-of-sale
system 132, a gateway device 130, a fog (e.g., edge) device 136,
and a remote cloud server 138.
[0025] The automated liquid dispensing attachments 120 may provide
monitoring of information about bottles 110 and pours of drinks 112
and 114 (e.g., including a number of pours, amount of pour, flow
rate, the volume of liquid in a bottle, liquid characteristics,
liquid temperature, lock/unlock, pour device types, pour device
IDs, beverage types, beverage IDs, binary indicators whether a pour
was complete, etc.) as well as additional information about the
environment (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity, employee access
attempts, etc.) and may communicate that information to a gateway
130 and/or fog device 136. An employee tag 122 may directly or
indirectly communicate with the automated liquid dispensing
attachment 120 (e.g., to permit the flow of fluid, associate the
employee with particular automated liquid dispensing attachments,
authorize modifications to settings, etc.) and/or with the gateway
130, POS system 132, and/or fog device 136 (e.g., providing
location, on-the-clock information, or select employee inputs). A
user device 124 may permit access to certain functionality, for
example, via an application associated with the establishment,
entity, or an operator of the beverage control system. The user
device 124 may communicate with the gateway 130, POS system 132,
and/or fog device 136, providing information such as user
preferences, user orders, coupons, demographic information, age,
etc. Other sensors 126 may include a variety of suitable sensors,
such as a camera (e.g., video or time-of-flight) that captures
images and/or identifies locations of employees (e.g., via a beacon
of an employee tag), customers, and automated liquid dispensing
attachments (e.g., via a beacon associated with the automated
liquid dispensing attachments), and communicates the other sensor
data to a gateway and/or fog device. In some embodiments, sensors
may be included within glasses or other receptacles used for
drinks, for example, to sense proximity to an approved liquid
dispensing attachment for pouring, to provide a signal sensed by a
liquid dispensing attachment or employee tag, to sense the presence
of a liquid, and/or to sense other parameters such as motion or
temperature. A POS system 132 may also communicate with the gateway
130 and/or fog device 136, and may provide order, pricing,
customer, payment and other POS information to the gateway 130
and/or fog device 136.
[0026] In some embodiments, aspects of the system may be automated,
for example, including automated fulfillment of inventory,
preparation of food, and pouring of drinks. This automation in some
embodiments may include robots that perform some functions
typically performed by foodservice employees, such as taking
orders, pouring drinks, preparing food, serving food, etc.
Equipment within the establishment, inventory systems, etc., may be
equipped with processing and communication equipment that allows
the exchange of information with the gateway and/or fog device.
Information may be monitored, and requests (e.g., build and cook a
hamburger, prepare a cup of coffee with cream, deliver a bottle of
wine from inventory) may be transmitted from the gateway and/or fog
device to any such automated equipment.
[0027] In some embodiments, the operations of the establishment are
monitored by authorized users (e.g., a manager 106) with a gateway
device or devices 130 (e.g., tablets, mobile devices, POS system,
personal computer, etc.). The gateway device 130 and fog device 136
are communicatively linked to, e.g., each other, such that the fog
device 136 can store and analyze data to be transmitted to a remote
server 138 (e.g., the cloud). This communication system may further
allow the manager to monitor and analyze data collected at other
bars that are linked to this network via the remote server. In some
embodiments, the gateway device 130, fog device 136, and/or cloud
138 may access other information, such as crowd information,
promotions, inventory, supplier data, weather, events, satellite
data, geolocation data, inventory data, delivery/warehouse data,
social media data, etc. The data collected at any of the devices
and available from third-party sources may be structured or
unstructured data, and in some embodiments, may be normalized into
common formats (e.g., for use as data primitives).
[0028] In some embodiments, as the data is collected, the data is
sorted and stored in databases locally in a fog device 136. The
data may then be sent to a cloud server 138. The database can have
multiple tables, each of which can concentrate on one type of
entity with detailed attributes for that entity. For example, a
"pour" table may focus on data such as pour volume, time of pour,
pour completion indicators, etc. New entities can be added when new
information, features, types, etc., become available. New
information may include new beverage pouring devices, beverages,
bars, drink recipes, etc.
[0029] In one embodiment, a manager 106 may be on-site monitoring
the establishment. The manager 106 may have a bartender or other
employee 102 who is pouring a customer 104 a drink 112 (e.g., a
mixed drink). The bottle 110 (e.g., a bottle of a particular
spirit) that the bartender 102 is pouring from may be equipped with
an automated liquid dispensing attachment 120 that monitors the
liquid being poured from the bottle 110 as well as other
information about the pour, bottle 110, liquid or environment. The
automated liquid dispensing attachment 120 may be equipped with
various sensors, processors, memory, and/or a communication chip to
be able to respond to control instructions, initiated and measure a
pour, determine the volume poured, store the data, and/or transmit
the data to another device (e.g., to a gateway device 130), as
described herein.
[0030] Once a bartender 102 has finished pouring the volume
corresponding to the amount both that the customer 104 has asked
for and that will be recorded by the POS system, the bartender may
return the bottle 110 to the bar shelves (e.g., which may be
confirmed based on local sensors such as proximity sensors,
wireless signal strength measurements, etc.). The manager 106 may
see the volume poured as a data point displayed on a gateway device
130 showing a chart of volume pours by time and beverage type or
brand. The bartender 102 may also decide to give the customer 104
extra drinks as a favor or may accidentally spill the particular
spirit as he pours it, due to inexperience. In some embodiments,
automated features of the automated liquid dispensing attachments
may prevent or limit such overpours or spills, as described herein.
The manager 106 can likewise see the amount of particular spirits
poured displayed on a gateway device 130.
[0031] As the gateway device 130 receives data from the automated
liquid dispensing attachments 120 at the bar, the gateway device
may store the data locally or transmit the data to a fog device 136
for storage or processing. An exemplary fog device 136 may be a
desktop computer located at an office within the bar 134. The fog
device 136 may be able to perform more intensive analysis with the
data collected due to its larger storage space or higher processing
speed. For example, the fog device 136 may receive instructions
from the gateway device 130 to perform analysis upon a specific
subset of data it has stored (e.g., to analyze the amount of
low-calorie beer poured each day during the past 30 days). The fog
device 136 may also communicate with a cloud server 138 to store
data or to process data remotely. When the data has been processed
to achieve the desired analysis, the fog device 136 may send the
results back to the gateway device 130 for display.
[0032] In some embodiments, aspects of the operations of the
automated liquid dispensing attachments 120 may be controlled by a
gateway device 130. In some embodiments, the gateway device 130,
fog device 136, or cloud 138 may perform analytics that facilitate
control of the operation of the automated liquid dispensing
attachments 120. For example, parameters such as the amount of
pour, particular liquors used in a drink, recommended drinks,
selection of well drinks, limitations on drinks to pour or consume
by employees and customers and other related parameters may be
determined based on information acquired by the system. For
example, the cloud system 138 may identify that a particular brand
has low local inventory and may temporarily enact measures to limit
the consumption of that brand, such as suggesting substitutes for
mixed drinks and sending control signals that activate a user
interface (e.g., LED lights) of the substitute drink to suggest
and/or pour for the customer. The analytics system may also provide
information to facilitate the relative consumption of particular
brands, for example, based on bulk purchase incentives or
promotions for the entity, such as providing specials necessary to
achieve attainment of the incentives or promotions or to exhaust an
excessive inventory. Similarly, analytics can provide for selective
enabling or disabling of access to certain beverages based on
events or known situations (e.g., time of day, consumption patterns
for an evening, etc.) that have an enhanced risk of undesirable
conditions such as violence and/or property damage.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the gateway device 130 may
provide a centralized system for controlling the entire beverage
control system. For example, patterns can be monitored based on
employee 102, mixed drink type, brand type, glass or other
container, per bottle, and (if permission is given) customer 104.
Analysis with historical data and other current data (e.g., from
other establishments, other data sources, promotional information,
inventory and delivery data, etc.) can be used to determine drink
prices, specials, recipes, and the like. In some embodiments, an
employee 102 may be required to input a drink into the POS system
132 (e.g., one or more central POS systems and/or employee POS
devices) or a POS extension (e.g., a local wireless device, a local
A/R device, a voice input, interaction with the user interface of
the automated liquid dispensing device, etc.) before accessing a
bottle 110. The gateway 130 may process the request based on the
current recommendations and may dynamically select the bottles that
are used to satisfy a particular drink request (e.g., to select
which bottles to use for a margarita). Particularized user requests
may result in specials or offers for other drinks being provided to
the user 104. In any event, once a particular drink is selected,
the automated liquid dispensing attachments 120 associated with the
appropriate bottles 110 may be activated. In some embodiments, the
bottles may provide an indicator to assist the employee 102 with
the pour, such as by activating a LED in a color associated with
the employee 102. If it is desirable to pour the bottles 110 in a
particular order, this information may also be indicated on the
automated liquid dispensing attachments 120 (e.g., based on or a
mobile device 124 associated with the user 104. In some
embodiments, such information may be relayed to the employee 102 by
other means, such as on an augmented reality ("A/R") device (e.g.,
overlying the employee's view of the bar with visual indicators,
which may be associated with automated liquid dispensing
attachments 120 such as by beacons), auxiliary displays located at
strategic locations, and/or the LED lights position on the
automated liquid dispensing attachments 120, which may illuminate a
certain color. During the pour, the automated liquid dispensing
attachment 120 may automatically pour the correct amount for the
selected drink 112.
[0034] In exemplary embodiments, a beverage control system may
operate at the level of a single establishment, an entity having
multiple establishments, or across an entire industry. Entity-level
and industry-level operations may be supported by connecting local
monitoring and control information for an establishment to the
cloud (e.g., via the internet). As described herein, the
establishment may collect data from numerous other sources in
addition to automatic liquid dispensing attachments, such as local
sensors (e.g., video, audio, time-of-flight, inventory monitoring,
etc.) and from other connected devices (e.g., of employees and
customers). This information may be collected locally at the
establishment and portions of the analysis and operational controls
may be handled at the establishment by a gateway and/or fog
device.
[0035] Entity-level information may be gathered from multiple
establishments associated with the entity, while industry-level
information may be gathered from multiple entities within a shared
industry (e.g., concert venues, sports venues, nightclubs, pubs,
casual eateries, etc.). Entity-level and industry-level information
may also be gathered from data sources other than the
establishments, for example, based on beverage supplier data (e.g.,
drink inventory, prices, time-to-delivery, supply auctions, etc.),
third-party data suppliers (e.g., trade organizations, proprietary
data sources), and other information that may be relevant to
beverage usage, consumption, theft, and operations (e.g.,
promotions, events, venue information, performer information, human
movement and commute patterns, social media data, etc.).
[0036] Different information at different levels of the analysis
stack may be selectively transmitted, encrypted, anonymized,
obscured, deleted, monitored, analyzed, and/or controlled in
different circumstances. For example, only some monitored data
(e.g., analysis, reports, removal of personal identifying
information, etc.) may be provided from the establishment to the
entity, and similarly, the entity may limit the types of
information that are provided to the industry-level system.
Communications may similarly be limited or modified within the
establishment, for example, to prevent association with particular
employees or customers. Information transmitted to and from the
automated liquid dispensing attachments 120 may be encrypted or
obscured to limit the possibility that personal information or
other information such as financially valuable information is
intercepted (e.g., encrypting drink "recipe" transmissions within
the network, or preventing third-party snooping on consumption of
particular beverages).
[0037] In some embodiments, the automated liquid dispensing
attachments 120 and supporting hardware and service can be provided
as a service (e.g., such that the establishment or entity is not
required to make a significant capital investment to employ the
beverage control system). In such a system, fees and/or credits may
be based on a flat fee or may be selected based on amount poured,
functionality utilized, analytics provided, promotions, etc. In
some embodiments, pricing may be dynamic based on these factors,
for example, to facilitate reduced pricing if a volume of certain
beverages is poured, breakdown rate, quality of care and
preventative maintenance, identified incidents of theft or fraud,
etc.
[0038] Although the present disclosure will be described in the
context of dispensing liquids for use in drinks such as in a bar or
restaurant environment, it will be understood that the present
disclosure may apply to other liquids used in the food service
industry, as well as outside of the food service industry, for
example, in industrial environments. For example, attachment
portions of automated liquid dispensing attachments may be sized to
interface with a variety of bottle and container openings, for
example, for liquids used in cooking and food service such as oils,
dairy, vinegars, condiments (e.g., soy sauce), etc. Similarly,
industrial fluids may be controlled, monitored, and dispensed using
automated liquid dispensing attachments as described herein, for
example, by replacing food grade materials with robust and
non-corrosive industrial materials.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary automated liquid dispensing
attachment in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. An automatic liquid dispensing system may include
multiple automated liquid dispensing attachments including
monitoring, control, communication, and user interface
features.
[0040] An exemplary automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 may
include an attachment portion 202 for engagement with an interior
surface (e.g., by applying pressure such as by frictional
engagement with a cylindrical or other interior surface) of a
bottle or other container, a dome 203 for providing user interface
features and housing internal components of the automated liquid
dispensing attachment, and a spout 220 for pouring liquid that
passes through internal components of the attachment portion 202
and dome 203. During pouring of a drink, fluid travels from the
bottom of the attachment portion 202 through the dome 203 and exits
the automated liquid dispensing attachment via the spout 220.
Although particular components are depicted in FIG. 2 for a
particular automated liquid dispensing attachment 200, it will be
understood that some of the components may be modified, removed, or
replaced, and that the order of certain operations may be modified
while retaining automatic liquid dispensing feature described
herein. Although not depicted in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, an
insert, for frictional engagement with an interior surface of the
larger bottle opening, may be seated on the exterior of the
attachment portion and may be automatically or selectively
expandable to match the interior surface of larger or differently
shaped bottle openings. For example, an insert (not depicted) may
be shaped to wrap around the external surface of the attachment
portion 202 to accommodate different bottle opening shapes, while
providing appropriate interaction with the active features of the
attachment portion (e.g., by appropriate engagement to cause
compression of the attachment ribs 208A-208C and associated
sensors).
[0041] An upper portion of the attachment portion 202 connects to a
lower portion of the dome 203, and in upper portion of the dome 203
attaches to the spout 220 drinks. The attachment portion 202 may
include a plurality of attachment components 208A-C (e.g.,
attachment ribs) circumferentially positioned on the exterior
surface of the attachment portion 202. The attachment ribs 208A-C
may be a suitably material such as a food grade silicone (e.g.,
having a suitable durometer, such as 60a) to interface with
components for sensing the attachment to the bottle (e.g., when the
attachment ribs are compressed by engagement with an interior
surface of a bottle), such as snap domes that are located under the
attachment ribs and that are at least partially compressed by a
force applied to the attachment ribs by the bottle. The attachment
ribs 208A-C are configured to engage with the interior surface of
the opening of the bottle and when a force is applied, e.g., when
attachment portion 202 is engaged in the bottle opening, the
attachment ribs may actuate one or more attachment sensors 212
(e.g., snap domes, an embedded strain gauge, an embedded carbon
pill embedded in a silicon membrane, and/or a tactile switch). In
some embodiments, an attachment portion 202 may provide for
multiple attachment ribs, such as a first attachment rib 208A, a
second attachment rib 208B and a third attachment rib 208C, for
engaging with an upper opening of the bottle.
[0042] Although the attachment ribs may be configured a variety of
shapes (e.g., a corresponding exterior rib profile to match
suitable interior bottle shapes), in an exemplary embodiment the
attachment ribs may be upwardly tapered and include increasing
diameters (e.g., such that the diameter of the first rib to contact
the bottle is smallest, with increasing diameters for upwardly
located additional ribs) to facilitate the insertion of the
attachment portion 202 into the bottle. Additional features, such
as rib thickness, durometer values, and number of ribs may be
adjusted for desired insertion and removal characteristics. In the
exemplary embodiment of attachment ribs 208A-208C, the interior
surface of the bottle exerts a compressive force on the attachment
ribs 208A-208C, which in turn can be sensed by sensors 212 such as
snap domes (not depicted in FIG. 2) in contact with the interior
surface of the attachment ribs. In an exemplary embodiment of snap
domes, the snap domes may be positioned under the surface of the
attachment ribs and may include rigid portions, such that when the
attachment portion is inserted into the upper opening of the
bottle, the attachment ribs 208A-208C may compress and a respective
snap dome associated with each of the respective attachment ribs
engages. The one or more attachment sensors 212, upon engagement
(e.g., movement of one or more of the snap domes associated with
attachment ribs 208A-C), transmits one or more signal to the
processing circuitry of the liquid dispensing attachment,
indicating that all or a portion of the attachment portion 202 is
engaged with an inner surface of a bottle (e.g., based on a
proportion of the attachment sensors that sense attachment to the
bottle and/or the degree of engagement).
[0043] The exemplary automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 may
further include a breather tube inlet 204 at the bottom of the
attachment portion 202 providing a passage for air from a breather
tube outlet 210 positioned below the dome 203, to a breather tube
(not depicted in FIG. 2) that is inserted into the breather tube
inlet 204. The breather tube inlet 204 and corresponding air
passage is positioned adjacent the flow tube inlet 206 and
corresponding liquid flow tube, such that air is able to travel
through the attachment portion 202 to the breather tube outlet 210.
A breather tube provides an air inlet that equalizes pressure in
the bottle while liquid is poured out of the bottle. The flow tube
inlet 206 is positioned at a first end of a flow tube at the bottom
of the attachment portion 202 and extends via one or more
components to provide a fluid passage to the spout 220 at the top
of the automated liquid dispensing attachment 200. The flow tube is
selectively controlled to permit fluid to pass via the flow tube
inlet 206 from the bottle and exit via the spout 220, as described
herein.
[0044] In some embodiments, while pouring liquid using the
automated liquid dispensing attachment 200, flow tube 206 permits
for fluid to exit the bottle to the interior components of the
liquid dispensing attachment and the breather tube 204 provides an
air passage that equalizes pressure and displaces the fluid flowing
out of the bottle. By employing the breather tube 204 and flow tube
206, the automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 permits for
laminar flow of liquid through the flow tube 206 to the spout 220
via the internal fluid passage, by avoiding a pressure differential
between the interior volume of the bottle and the external
atmosphere. In the absence of a breather tube or other means of
equalizing pressure, a negative pressure will form (e.g., creating
a vacuum) pulling air in via the spout (when the fluid path is
open) and interrupting the laminar flow.
[0045] In some embodiments, the dome 203 of the automated liquid
dispensing attachment 200 may include user interface features, such
as LED light guides 216A-D and a user input button 214. Although
user interface features of LED light guides and a user input button
may be described herein, it will be understood that other user
interface methods and hardware may be utilized in accordance with
the present disclosure. For example, user interface features may be
provided by visual, sound, and/or touch and haptic methods. In some
embodiments, portions of the user interface may be provided on
ancillary devices in communication with the automated liquid
dispensing device, such as an augmented reality headset.
[0046] The light guides 216A-D may be aligned on a side of the dome
203. The light guides 216A-D may facilitate light to travel from
the LED lights (not shown) disposed at another location within the
dome 203 (e.g., on an adjacent flexible printed circuit board, not
shown), and provide an interface for the user. The light guides and
LEDs may provide a number of light patterns and colors to provide
particular messages to the user. In an exemplary embodiment of four
light guides as depicted in FIG. 2, the light guides 216A-D may
include a first light guide 216A, a second light guide 216B, a
third light guide 216C and a fourth light guide 216D aligned
parallel to each other on the dome 203.
[0047] The automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 may include a
user interface feature via the light guides 216A-D, collectively
the first light guide 216A, the first light guide 216B, the third
light guide 216C, and the fourth light guide 216D, to provide
information to users, for example, via patterns and colors of LED
lighting. Each of the light guides may include portions that are
selectively activated, including with different colors, to provide
dozens or hundreds of options for "messages" that can be conveyed
via the light guides. User interface features may be provided by
the light guides 216A-D in combination with other user interface
and/or communication techniques, such as mini displays, haptic
interfaces, embedded speakers, local communication interfaces
(e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, WiFi, NFC, etc.), or suitable
combinations thereof. User interface features such as light guides
216A-D may provide a variety of information, such as, an indication
that a pour is complete or almost complete, an alert that a bottle
needs to be changed, an alert for a pour error, an indication that
a bottle should be selected for a pour, an indication that a bottle
is one of a number of possible bottles to prepare a drink, an
identifier for a brand or type of drink, and other suitable
information and combinations thereof.
[0048] An exemplary user interface feature such as a user input
button 214 allows the user to provide information (e.g., such as a
request to pour liquid) to circuitry of the automated liquid
dispensing device 200. Other user and/or communication interfaces
may also provide the ability to receive information from other
sources, such via inputs from local users on other devices, local
sensor data, voice inputs, motion (e.g., particular motion profiles
sensed by accelerometers and/or gyroscopes), and local
communication interfaces (e.g., with a user tag or mobile device
via Bluetooth Low Energy, NFC, etc.). Employees may provide
information, such as beverage selection, pour amounts, user
identification, settings modification, requests to unlock a
beverage container, overrides, drink selection, and other suitable
function and combinations thereof via such interfaces. The user
interface features (e.g., light guides 216A-D and user input 214)
may also facilitate associating the automated liquid dispensing
attachment 200 with a particular type of drink (e.g., a brand and
bottle size of wine or liquor). In another example, the light
guides 216A-D may provide a color scheme based on light colors,
patterns, flashing, or any other suitable identifier, or any
combination thereof to alert the bartender to find the bottle
faster, in a particular order, etc. In some embodiments, certain
colors, patterns, flashing, or any other suitable identifier, or
any combination thereof illuminated by the light guides 216A-D may
be associated with a certain bottle. This association may be
performed automatically, e.g., based on scanning of barcodes or
other identifying information on the bottle by the automated liquid
dispensing attachment 200 or a device in communication with the
automated liquid dispensing attachment.
[0049] In some embodiments, the automated liquid dispensing
attachment 200 is configured to pour a drink in response to
multiple sensor inputs. For example, attachment sensor(s) 212
outputs an attachment signal to the processing circuitry,
indicating that the automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 is
attached to the bottle. Other sensors, such as a fluid sensor
described herein, outputs a fluid presence and/or flow signal to
the processing circuitry, indicating that liquid is flowing from
the flow tube inlet 206 to the fluid passage. In some embodiments,
other sensors and inputs may also be considered. For example,
motion sensors (such as accelerometers or gyroscopes) may sense the
position of the bottle and/or bottle motion, for example, to
prevent pouring under inappropriate conditions, timers may measure
the amount of time of a pour, level and other sensors may measure
an amount of fluid in the bottle, sensors may provide feedback of
flow from the spout, and other sensors may be utilized, as
described herein. A direct user input (e.g., such as depressing
user input button 214) may be required to pour in some embodiments.
Other inputs, such as measurements of temperature, humidity,
location (e.g., geofencing or proximity), signals from a
point-of-sale or other control system, etc., may also be used to
selectively actuate and/or control the liquid flow through the flow
passage (e.g., by modifying total amount of a pour, flow rate,
etc.).
[0050] The exemplary automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 may
include wireless communication circuitry 218 for exchanging data
with other electronic devices. Suitable wireless interfaces may
include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, NFC, RFID, mesh networking
protocols (e.g., Thread, Bluetooth Mesh, ZigBee), cellular, 5G,
unlicensed spectrum protocols, Z-Wave, 6LoWPAN, WiFi-ah (HaLow), 2G
(GSM), or other suitable protocols for exchanging information
wirelessly. Although the present disclosure may be described in the
context of a local communications protocol with a proximately
located device such as a gateway, in some embodiments (e.g., as
described with respect to FIG. 13) low-power long range
communications may be utilized, which may be particularly useful in
environments such as convention halls, casinos, arenas, food
trucks, ghost kitchens, or other environments where the automated
liquid dispensing attachments are frequently moved. In some
embodiments, the automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 may
include a wired interface, e.g., that detachably connects to a base
unit or data reader for selectively exchanging information or
providing bulk data downloads. In instances of multiple types of
connections (e.g., wired and wireless, multiple types of wireless
connections), high-bandwidth connections (e.g., with higher energy
usage and possibly intermittent connectivity) may be used for bulk
data download, software updates, and non-urgent or periodic
communications, while lower-bandwidth connections may be used for
alerts, drink information, lock/unlock/change requests, pour
requests, and other similar time-sensitive information that relates
to the ongoing operation of the establishment.
[0051] The automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 may include a
variety of sleep and wakeup features to conserve battery life
and/or initiate communications, for example, based on the sensed
movement of the device (e.g., by an accelerometer and/or
gyroscope), approved users entering the area (e.g., an authorized
user having a tag or device emitting a beacon signal such as a
signal that activates an RFID or NFC component), periodic network
polling, or other suitable methodologies for periodically
activating the automated liquid dispensing attachment or particular
circuitry or functionality thereof. In some embodiments, some
subset of the automated liquid dispensing attachments 200 may have
enhanced functionality, e.g., to collect data from other local
automated liquid dispensing attachments 200 to a gateway, relay
control information from a gateway, and receive local inputs (e.g.,
from an authorized user accessing an enhanced user interface
functionality). In this manner, most of the automated liquid
dispensing attachments 200 can be relatively "dumb" programmable
devices with a series of pre-determined actions based on available
control, monitoring, and user interface components and programmed
functionality, limiting cost and power usage for the non-enhanced
devices.
[0052] The automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 is configured
to receive a plurality of inputs for controlling and/or permitting
the flow of liquid. For example, the automated liquid dispensing
attachment 200 is configured to permit pouring of in response to an
attachment sensor, a fluid sensing (e.g., capacitive) sensor, a
user actuated sensor, a motion sensor, a timer, a temperature
sensor, and other suitable sensors or inputs, and other
combinations thereof, as described herein. In some embodiments,
automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 permits the flow of
liquid from the bottle when the attachment sensor 212 is engaged.
For example, a fluid presence sensor (e.g., capacitive) sensor
senses the presence of liquid, motion sensors such as
accelerometers and/or gyroscopes indicate that the automated liquid
dispensing attachment 200 is oriented in a pouring position, a user
may compress a user interface button 214, local circuitry may
receive appropriate messages from a POS system, and the attachment
sensor may indicate that the bottle is attached appropriately. In
response to one or a suitable combination of these sensors and
interfaces providing signals to the processing circuitry, the
automatic liquid dispensing attachment 200 activates a components
(e.g., opens a fluid passage of a pinch tube) to allow fluid to
flow from the flow tube inlet 206 and exit via the spout 220.
[0053] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary exploded view depicting
subsystems of the automated liquid dispensing attachment
illustrated in FIG. 2, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the automated liquid
dispensing attachment 300 may include an attachment portion 400, a
lower interior housing assembly 500, a flexible printed circuit
board 600, an upper interior housing assembly 700 and an upper
exterior assembly 800. Although particular components are depicted
in FIG. 3 for a particular automated liquid dispensing attachment
300, it will be understood that some of the components may be
modified, removed, or replaced, and that the order of certain
operations may be modified while retaining automatic liquid
dispensing feature described herein. For example, in some
embodiments the components and subassemblies depicted in FIG. 3 may
be configured in different manners, for example, such that one or
more portions associated with the depicted lower interior housing
assembly 500 are instead including in the upper interior housing
assembly 700, or vice versa.
[0054] In some embodiments, the upper exterior assembly 800,
including the dome 203 and the spout tip 220, may be disposed over
the upper interior housing assembly 700, which in turn integrates
with the flexible printed circuit board 600 positioned thereon. The
upper exterior assembly 800 may fit over the upper interior housing
assembly 700, providing a sealed enclosure for the operational
electrical and mechanical components within the housing. In this
manner, the only components that are directly exposed to the
external environment may be components of the upper exterior
assembly 800, the attachment portion 400, and various access holes
and passages as described herein (e.g., for a fluid passage and
breather tube). The upper interior housing assembly 700 may attach
to the lower interior housing assembly 500. In an embodiment, the
bottom of the upper interior housing assembly 700 is detachably
connected to the top of the lower interior housing assembly 500.
The lower interior housing assembly 500 may be positioned within a
flexible cavity of the attachment portion 400, with the sensors on
the lower interior housing assembly 500 aligning with the
attachment ribs on the attachment portion 400 in the embodiment of
FIG. 4. Each of the lower interior housing assembly 500 and upper
interior housing assembly may include a variety of features for
interfacing with and restricting motion of the printed circuit
board 600 and other associated components such as a fluid passage,
breather tube, battery, motor, pinch tube, actuators, sensors, user
interface, and other components as described herein.
[0055] FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged view of an attachment portion 400
shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. The attachment portion 400 may include a bottle seat
402, a tapered portion 410, an attachment body 403, a flow tube
inlet 406, a breather tube inlet 404, attachment ribs 408A-C, and
attachment sensor locations 412A-C. Although particular components
are depicted in FIG. 4 for a particular attachment portion 400, it
will be understood that some of the components may be modified,
removed, or replaced, and that the order of certain operations may
be modified while retaining the attachment feature described
herein. For example, an attachment body 403 may be cylindrical in
shape and a tapered portion 410 may have a maximum diameter that
corresponds to a diameter of a particular type of bottle opening,
but these shapes and sizes may be customized to each particular
bottle type and size. The tapered portion 410 may allow plastic
internal components (e.g., of FIG. 5) to have support gussets to
add strength and rigidity to the components, and also to provide a
location for a vent 411 to exchange air between the breather tube
and external atmosphere.
[0056] The upper surface of the bottle seat 402 acts as a receiving
surface for engaging with the upper exterior assembly 800 to create
a seal for internal components, while the lower surface provides a
surface for seating of the top portion of a bottle. The outer
radial surface of the bottle seat 402 may include an area where a
seal is created between the cork and upper exterior assembly 800 as
the upper exterior assembly 800 is attached over the upper surface
of bottle seat 402. In an exemplary embodiment of a double wiper
seal of bottle seat 402, the double wiper seal protects the
electronics and other internal mechanisms within the main housing
from the alcohol and other liquids (e.g., applied during the
cleaning process). When a bottle is seated on the lower surface of
the bottle seat 402, the tapered portion 410 extending from is
bottom surface engages with the opening of the bottle. A breather
tube outlet 411 is located near the upper maximum diameter of the
tapered portion 410, such that when a bottle attaches and
compresses the tapered portion 410, at least a portion of the
breather tube outlet 411 is exposed to the external atmosphere of
the bottle. In other embodiments, not depicted in FIG. 4, the
breather tube outlet may be located at a different location with
exposure to the external atmosphere, such as a lower exterior
surface of the bottle seat 402.
[0057] The attachment body 403 extends from the tapered portion 410
at a location of minimum diameter for the tapered portion 410. This
minimum diameter may be sized to provide clearance for an interior
cylindrical surface of the bottle to pass over the portions of the
tapered portion 410 and attachment body 403 that correspond to the
minimum diameter. The attachment body 403 may include the
attachment ribs 408A, 408B and 408C extending circumferentially
around the attachment body 403 and attachment sensor locations
412A, 412 B and 412C positioned such that compression of each
attachment rib 408A-408C applies a force to the corresponding
attachment sensor locations 412A-412C. Although three attachment
ribs 408A-408C are depicted evenly spaced out along the length of
the attachment body, different numbers of attachment ribs may be
provided at different locations in other embodiments.
[0058] The interior of the bottle seat 402 engages with the lower
interior housing assembly while attachment body 403 engages with an
interior surface (e.g., cylindrical surface) of a bottle. The
breather tube inlet 404 is connected to the breather tube outlet
411 via an internal air passage, such that air is able to pass
between the external atmosphere of the bottle and the internal
volume of the bottle during pouring, to equalize pressure. In some
embodiments, while pouring liquid using the automated liquid
dispensing attachment 200, the breather tube inlet 404 provides a
location for insertion of a breather tube that selectively allows
air to travel between the external atmosphere and the interior
volume of the bottle, thereby permitting continual laminar flow of
liquid from the flow tube inlet 406 to the spout 220 and avoiding
creation of a pressure differential.
[0059] Each of the attachment ribs 408A, 408B and 408C may extend
around the some or all of the circumference of the outer attachment
body 403 of the attachments portion 400, such that when engaged
with a bottle fluid is unable to flow past the attachment ribs. The
attachment ribs may have a maximum diameter that is greater than
the interior diameter of the bottle (e.g., for a bottle having an
internal diameter of approximately 75%-90% of the diameter of the
largest attachment rib of the attachment ribs) to provide for
suitable engagement with the interior surface and compression and
deflection of the attachment ribs. In some embodiments, the
attachment ribs may be tapered upward in the direction of
attachment, to assist with engagement with the interior surface of
the bottle during attachment. A taper may also be provided in the
other (downward) direction to assist with removal. Although each of
the attachment ribs 408A-408C is depicted as having an identical
shape, in some embodiments the maximum diameters, taper angles, and
shapes may be different between ribs, for example, to provide for
selectively increasing force required to engage with particular
attachment ribs (e.g., with lesser diameters and/or more taper near
the locations of insertion and/or removal from the bottle).
[0060] When engaged with an interior surface of the bottle (e.g., a
cylindrical surface), the attachment rib may be compressed and
deflected upward, applying pressure to the attachment sensor
locations 412A-C. Upon the compression and deflection of each
attachment rib, a corresponding sensor (e.g., snap domes) may be
engaged at the attachment sensor locations 412A, 412 B and 412C,
such that an attachment signal based on the engagement of the
attachment portion 400 with the interior surface of the bottle is
provided. Although an attachment sensor location 412A-412C is
depicted as corresponding to each of the attachment ribs 408A-408C,
in some embodiments only some of the attachment ribs may correspond
to attachment sensor locations (e.g., only the upper-most
attachment rib may include an associated attachment sensor
location). In other embodiments, not depicted in FIG. 4, an
attachment sensor may be located elsewhere where the attachment
portion engages with a bottle, such as on the tapered portion 410
and/or on the lower surface of the attachment body 403.
[0061] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of the assembly of the lower
interior housing assembly 500 shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with
some embodiments of the present disclosure. The lower interior
housing assembly 500 includes a rigid piece 502, a sensor portion
504 and an inlet tube assembly 506. The rigid piece 502 is
positioned on top of the sensor portion 504, and collectively, the
rigid piece 502 and sensor portion 504 are disposed over the
cylindrical member 516 of the inlet tube assembly 506. This
assembly is inserted within an interior cavity of attachment
portion 403, such that corresponding portions the rigid piece 502
and sensor portion 514 are located under an interior surface of
attachment ribs 408A-408C at the attachment sensor locations
412A-412C. Although particular components are depicted in FIG. 5
for a particular lower interior housing assembly 500, it will be
understood that some of the components may be modified, removed, or
replaced, and that the order of certain operations may be modified
while retaining the attachment feature described herein.
[0062] The exemplary rigid piece 502 may include rigid members
508A, 508B and 508C and attachment rings 512 at each end. The rigid
piece 502 may be positioned between the attachment ribs of the
attachment portion 400 and sensor portion 504, which may be
positioned on the inlet tube assembly 506. Rigid piece 502 may be a
suitable insert (e.g., polycarbonate insert) that is over molded
into the attachment portion. In some embodiments, a first rigid
member 508A may be positioned at one end of the rigid piece 502 and
correspond to and be located over the first attachment sensor 510A,
a second rigid member 508B may be positioned at the middle of the
rigid piece 502 and located over the second attachment sensor 510B
and a third rigid member 508C may be positioned at the other end of
the rigid piece 502 and located over the third attachment sensor
510C. Each of the rigid members, 508A, 508B and 508C, may be
associated with a corresponding attachment rib 408A, 408B and/or
408C of the attachment portion 400 and a corresponding attachment
sensor 510A, 510B and 510C. The attachment sensors 510A, 510B and
510C (e.g., each a respective snap dome), may be responsive to a
force applied to the external surface of the attachment portion
400, for example, the force applied to the attachment ribs 408A,
408B and 408C, after being inserted onto the opening of a bottle
and transmit an attachment signal to the processing circuitry. Upon
a force applied to the attachment sensor 408A, 408B and 408C
causing a movement applied to the attachment sensors 510A-510C via
the rigid member 508A-508C, each of the attachment sensors
transmits the attachment signal (e.g., as a digital signal based on
the force exceeding the threshold and/or an analog signal
proportional to the applied force) to the processing circuitry. In
some embodiments, the attachment signal may include a plurality of
attachment sub-signals corresponding to attachment sub-sensors
located on the rigid piece or any subset thereof.
[0063] The exemplary sensor portion 504 may include attachment
sensors 510A-C, a fluid sensor 514, and connection member 515. The
attachment sensors 510A-C are positioned on the face of the sensor
portion 504 and aligned in the longitudinal direction, although in
some embodiments (not depicted in FIG. 5) the attachment sensors
may be distributed about the diameter of the sensor portion, for
example, to ensure equivalent distributions of stresses or to sense
uniform attachment about the diameter of the automated liquid
dispensing device. Further, the attachment sensors 510A-C are
configured to be responsive to a force applied to the external
surface of the attachment sensors 510A-C, and in response to
receiving a force, transmitting an attachment signal to the
processing circuitry. The fluid sensor 514 is physically and
electrically connected to the sensor portion 504 and at least
partially surrounds the fluid passage that liquid flows through,
for example, around the exterior surface of the cylindrical body
516 of the inlet tube assembly 506. In some embodiments, the fluid
sensor 514 may be a capacitance sensor, with electrical traces (not
depicted in FIG. 5) that wrap around the circumference of the fluid
passage 516 and that collectively register a change in capacitance
when in proximity to liquid passing through the fluid passage
516.
[0064] In some embodiments, the outputs of the sensor portion 504
are provided to processing circuitry via connection member 515
(e.g., via a through hole in assembly base 528) and used as inputs
for controlling a fluid control device to open, close and regulate
the volume of fluid flowing from the bottle to the spout 220 via
the fluid passages of the liquid dispensing attachment . For
example, absent signals indicating that all of the attachment
sensors 510A-C have been activated, the fluid control device may be
set to a closed position to prevent fluid flow to the opening of
the spout 220, and instructions and alerts may be provided to a
user, such as through a user interface (e.g., particular
patterns/colors of LED outputs) and communication interface (e.g.,
messages wirelessly sent to other devices). In some embodiments,
each of the attachment sensors 510A-510C may be configured to
provide a signal to a processor that operates a fluid control
device to allow fluid to flow to the opening of the spout 220 based
on attachment sub-signals indicating that a force is applied to
each of the attachment sensors 510A-510C. For example, each
attachment rib may receive a force via the attachment portion 400
being inserted into a top of the bottle, such that the rigid piece
within each of the attachment rib may push the rigid member 508A-C
into attachment sensors 510A-C, which may transmit the attachment
sub-signal to the processing circuitry. By compressing the
attachments ribs and actuating the attachments sensors 510A-C, the
attachment sensors 510A-C output an attachment signal based on the
engagement of the attachment portion 400 with the interior surface
of the bottle.
[0065] In some embodiments, the fluid sensor 514 may be configured
to measure fluid presence and/or flow, which in turn may be used as
a control input to a processor to control the fluid control device.
For example, in response to receiving a signal from the fluid
sensor 514 indicating the presence of fluid, and other inputs such
as from the attachment sensor, motion sensors, and user inputs, the
fluid control device is set to open position and may allow fluid to
flow to the opening of the spout 220. Based on the fluid sensor
indicating the presence of fluid, and correlating that with an
amount of time for that fluid flow (e.g. based on the amount of
time when the fluid passage is open) and other sensor outputs
(e.g., temperature, viscosity, ultra-sonic, etc.), a volume of
fluid dispensed by the liquid dispensing attachment may be
measured. In some embodiments, flow rate may be determined directly
by the fluid sensor 514 based on patterns of the capacitive sensor.
The absolute amplitude, frequency, peak-to-trough amplitude, and
other aspects of the signal may be correlated with fluid flow, as
compared to a stationary presence of fluid. In some embodiments,
the fluid sensor 514 may be tuned (e.g., by modifying component
values and/or swapping out capacitive sensor trace patterns) for
suitability of sensing of particular fluids.
[0066] The exemplary inlet tube assembly 506 may be the innermost
assembly that is associated with the flow tube inlet and through
which fluid flows from the bottle into the automated liquid
dispensing attachment, and eventually to the spout 220. The inlet
tube assembly 506 may include a cylindrical portion 516, a saw
tooth member 518, a fluid passage opening 520, a fluid outlet 522,
attachment pieces 524A-C, battery holder 526, an assembly base 528,
and a breather tube passage 530. The fluid passage opening 520 is
configured with a saw tooth member 518 and the cylindrical portion
516 extends from the fluid passage opening. The cylindrical portion
516 extends to the assembly base 528 with a fluid exit passage 522
protruding from the assembly base 528 and providing a passage for
fluid passage opening 520 at the other end. The assembly base 528
further attaches to the battery holder 526 and attachment pieces
524A-C. The fluid passage opening 520 may be configured with a
saw-tooth member 518 configured to engage with an interior surface
of the attachment portion 400 (not depicted), such that the
attachment portion 4000 generally attaches over the lower interior
housing assembly 500. The saw-tooth member 518 may include cutouts
around the circumference of the saw-tooth member 518. The cutouts
may be evenly positioned and alternate with non-cutout portions on
the saw-tooth member 518 around the entire circumference of the
fluid passage opening, or may be in other suitable configurations
for fixedly attaching the lower interior housing assembly 500 to
the attachment portion 400. The fluid outlet 522 is the passage by
which the fluid provided via fluid passage opening 520 travels to
the other fluid passage components of the automatic liquid
dispensing attachment. The fluid outlet 522 is connected to
additional components of the fluid passage such as a pinch tube at
one end, and via the internal passage of the inlet tube assembly
506, the fluid passage opening 520.
[0067] The inlet tube assembly 506 may include a first housing
attachment piece 524A, a second attachment piece 524B and a third
attachment piece 524C, for receiving lower attachment pieces 718A,
718B, 718C for attaching the lower skeleton 702 to the inlet tube
assembly 506. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment may be
performed via screws, although other attachment methods such as
mating tabs or threads, adhesives, etc., may be used in other
embodiments.
[0068] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the flex printed circuit
board (PCB) assembly shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. The flex printed circuit
board (PCB) assembly includes flex printed circuit board 602, LED
insert 604, rear LED insert 606, touch insert 608 and ferrite ring
610. Each of the LED insert 604, rear LED insert 606, and touch
insert 608 may be formed from a non-conductive compliant material
such as a national sanitation foundation (NSF) certified polymer.
Although particular components are depicted in FIG. 6 for a
particular flex printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, it will be
understood that some of the components may be modified, removed, or
replaced, and that the order of certain operations may be modified
while retaining circuitry feature described herein.
[0069] In an embodiment, the exemplary flex printed circuit board
602 includes a printed board for processing circuitry,
communication circuitry, and sensors (e.g., temperature sensors,
motion sensors, etc.) and that connects to other electrical
components of the automatic liquid dispensing attachment 200. Most
portions of the printed circuit board 602 are seated on an exterior
upper surface of the upper interior housing assembly 700 and
ferrite ring connector 612 is seated over a corresponding internal
surface of assembly base 528. The flex printed circuit board 602
includes a ferrite ring connector 612, seated and attached on an
upper surface of the ferrite ring 610, and a printed circuit board
member 616 seated on and attached to a side of the upper interior
housing assembly 700. The ferrite ring connector 612 is physically
and electrically connected to the printed circuit board member 616
via the flexible connecting member 614. The printed circuit board
member 616 is connected to the user interface input unit 620 via
the flexible connecting member 618. The printed circuit board
member 616 is further connected to the LED assembly support 624 via
the flexible connecting member 622. The flex printed circuit board
also 602 includes connection points for attachment to a battery
(not depicted).
[0070] The LED assembly 624 may include LED lights positioned on
the LED assembly 624 to align with the light guides discussed above
with reference to FIG. 2, although other user interfaces (e.g.,
miniature display screens, text displays, haptic interfaces, other
light sources, audio outputs, etc.) may be provided in other
embodiments with or as a substitute for LED assembly 624. The LED
assembly 624 may include a plurality of LEDs. The LED insert 604 is
seated on the LED assembly and configured to permit light from the
LEDs to pass through the opening in the LED insert 604 and to
fixedly locate the LEDs relative to light guides at the external
viewable surfaces of the automated liquid dispensing attachment. In
an exemplary embodiment, the LED assembly 624 may include 4 sets of
LEDs. Each LED of a set of LEDs may be individually controlled
using the processing circuitry and combinations of LEDs may be
illuminated in desired arrangements. In some embodiments, the color
and/or intensity of the LEDs may be controlled. For example, a
particular color may be associated with a specific server, e.g.,
waiter, and in response to the customer ordering a drink, the
automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 engaged with that drink
may illuminate the specific color associated with the server. In
another example, by entering a mixed drink, e.g., long island iced
tea, the user interface may illuminate the automated liquid
dispensing attachments 200 associated with each one of the
alcoholic beverages to make a long island iced tea.
[0071] The ferrite ring connector 612 of the flex printed circuit
board 602 is seated over and attached to the ferrite ring 610 which
in turn is seated over the upper surface of the assembly base 528,
such that the ferrite ring 610 can interface with electromagnetic
fields provided for inductive charging of a battery (not depicted
in FIG. 6) that is electrically connected to the ferrite ring. Each
of the rear LED insert 606 and touch insert 608 may be seated over
portions of the upper interior housing 700 and provide support for
respective components and PCB interfaces.
[0072] In an embodiment, user interface input unit 620 is seated
over touch insert 608, which in turn, is seated over a portion of
the upper interior housing assembly 700, and may be located under a
corresponding touch input on the exterior dome 800. In this manner,
a user may provide a control input to the processing circuitry by
applying a force (e.g., by depressing a finger) to the user
interface input unit. In some embodiments, the user interface
output is a binary "1" or "0," while in other embodiments, the
output may be a value that scales with pressure, while in yet other
embodiments multiple input buttons may be provided. Other user
interface control inputs may be provided in other embodiments, such
as sound inputs (e.g., voice control), touchscreen inputs, etc.
Inputs are also provided to the automated liquid dispensing system
via communication circuitry of the processing circuitry.
[0073] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the upper interior
housing assembly 700 shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. The upper interior housing
assembly 700 may include a lower skeleton 702, a battery 704, a
pinch tube 706, a motor 708, a pinching extension 710, battery
inserts 712 and 714, lower screws 718A-718C for attaching the lower
skeleton 702 to the inlet tube assembly 506, and upper screws
720A-720C for attaching the upper skeleton 716 to the lower
skeleton 702. Although particular components are depicted in FIG. 7
for a particular upper interior housing assembly 700, it will be
understood that some of the components may be modified, removed, or
replaced, and that the order of certain operations may be modified
while retaining the interior housing assembly 700 feature described
herein.
[0074] Although attachment between the lower skeleton 702 and the
inlet tube assembly 502 may be performed in a variety of manners,
in an embodiment the lower screws 718A, 718B, 718C may attach the
lower skeleton 702 which is seated on the inlet tube assembly 506
via the first attachment piece 524A, the second attachment piece
524B and third attachment piece 524C. The upper interior housing
assembly 716 may be seated on the lower assembly 702 and may be
connected, for example, by upper screws 720A-720C.
[0075] The battery 704 may be seated on the assembly base 528 and
adjacent to the lower assembly 702. The battery may provide power
to the automated liquid dispensing attachment 200, which in an
embodiment may be charged by inductive charging (e.g., by placing
the automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 in a charging port
902 in a charging station 900 such that the battery interfaces with
charging coils of an inductive charger).
[0076] The pinch tube 706 is positioned in the central cavity of
the lower assembly 702 and is attached to the fluid passage opening
520, for example, by a press fit and/or with an adhesive or locking
feature. An upper portion of the pinch tube 706 may be connected to
a spout 808, for example, by a press fit and/or with an adhesive or
locking feature. The pinch tube 706 may be made of suitable
compliant material such as a national sanitation foundation (NSF)
certified polymer, and may include a pinching feature 722 for
engagement with a fluid control device. A pinching extension 710
such as an offset paddle is configured to control the flow of fluid
through the pinch tube 706 by selectively engaging with the
pinching feature 722 to partially or completely cut off the flow of
fluid through pinch tube 706. For example, the motor 708 (e.g., an
electric motor such as a DC brushed motor with a planetary
gearhead) may be electrically connected to (e.g., via one or more
connectors) and receive instructions from the processing circuitry
of the flex PCB to cause rotation which in turn moves the offset
pinching extension 710 to a particular position. The motor 708 may
be self-locking, such that it will not move from a current
rotational position absent an applied pressure that is
substantially greater than the pressure that may be applied by a
fluid in the pinch tube. In this manner, the pinching extension 710
may remain in a position that holds the pinch tube in a desired
manner (e.g., in closed position to prevent any fluid to travel
through the fluid passage, an open position such that the paddle
permits a full flow of fluid through the fluid passage, or a
partially closed position in which the flow of fluid is
limited).
[0077] This fluid control device (e.g., motor 708 and pinching
extension 710) , when set to cause the pinch tube 706 to be in the
closed position, may pinch the pinch tube 706 to prevent liquid to
flow to the opening of the spout. To ensure that the dosing of
liquid is uniform and accurate, the automated liquid dispensing
attachment 200 may employ the capacitance sensors 514 and other
components (e.g., a timer) to measure fluid presence and/or flow,
and compare the flow with an expected flow based on the status of
the pinch tube of open, closed, or partially closed. The pinching
extension 710 is external to the pinch tube 706 and, when in the
closed position, pinches the pinch tube 706. In the closed
position, the pinching extension 710 compresses the pinch tube 706
to prevent liquid flow. The pinching extension 710, when moved to
an open position, is rotated to a cavity adjacent to the pinch tube
706 to permit fluids to flow. The motor 708 may be connected with
pinching extension 710 to the lower skeleton 702.
[0078] FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the upper exterior
housing assembly 800 shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. The upper exterior assembly
800 may include exterior housing 802, light pipes 804, light guide
806, spout tip 808 and gaskets 810A, 810B. Although particular
components are depicted in FIG. 8 for a particular upper exterior
assembly 800, it will be understood that some of the components may
be modified, removed, or replaced, and that the order of certain
operations may be modified while retaining upper exterior assembly
800 feature described herein. The exterior housing 802 is seated on
the upper interior housing assembly 700 and includes interior
surfaces configured to engage with portions of the upper interior
housing assembly 700. In some embodiment, the light pipes 804 are
seated on the light guides 806, which collectively are seated on
the side of the exterior housing 802. Further, the spout tip 808
includes grooves for the gaskets 810A and 810B to sit. The gaskets
810A and 810B provide a seal as the spout tip 808 is connected to
the pinch tube 706 via interior threads of lower skeleton 702,
thereby forming the complete fluid passage (e.g., including flow
tube inlet 406, fluid passage opening 520, fluid outlet 522, pinch
tube 706, and spout 808). The spout tip inserts through the upper
tip of the exterior housing 802 such that its threads engage with
interior threads of the lower skeleton, thereby fixedly attaching
the upper exterior assembly to the other components of the
automated liquid dispensing device, and creating a seal over the
lower interior housing assembly and upper housing assembly.
[0079] The light pipes 804 provide a path for light from the LED
lights on the LED assembly 624 to the viewable exterior surface of
the upper exterior assembly. The light guide 806 is positioned on
the light pipes 804 and locates the light pipes in the proper
position and configuration. The light pipes 804 and light guide 806
are configured to direct the light in a uniform direction without
hot spots to provide a uniform light output. Each of the exterior
housing 802, light pipes 804, sight guide 806, and gaskets
810A/810B may be is made of a material such as a national
sanitation foundation (NSF) certified polymer.
[0080] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary view of a charging port for a
plurality of automated liquid dispensing attachments, in accordance
with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The charging port
900 may include a plurality charging stations 902 for automated
liquid dispensing attachments 200, with upper surfaces of each
charging station providing for an electromagnetic interface with a
ferrite ring 610 of a respective liquid dispensing attachment. Each
charging station 902 of the plurality charging stations 902 may
include a charging indicator 904. The charging indicator 904 may
illuminate based on the status of the charging station. For
example, when the automatic liquid dispensing attachment is
fully-charged, a green light may illuminate, while when the
charging is still in the process of charging, a yellow light or red
light may illuminate. The charging port 900 may further include a
connection port 906 on the side of the charging port for receiving
an electrical power supply and wireless communication circuitry 908
for transmitting a status signal to automatic liquid dispensing
control system. Although particular components are depicted in FIG.
9 for a particular charging port 900, it will be understood that
some of the components may be modified, removed, or replaced, and
that the order of certain operations may be modified while
retaining charging port 900 feature described herein.
[0081] Suitable wireless communication circuitry 908 of charging
port 900 may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, NFC, RFID,
mesh networking protocols (e.g., ZigBee), cellular, 5G, unlicensed
spectrum protocols, or any other suitable protocols for exchanging
information wirelessly. In some embodiments, the charging port 900
may include a wired interface, e.g., that detachably connects to an
automated liquid dispensing attachment 200 or data reader for
selectively exchanging information or providing bulk data
downloads. In instances of multiple types of connections (e.g.,
wired and wireless, multiple types of wireless connections),
high-bandwidth connections (e.g., with higher energy usage and
possibly intermittent connectivity) may be used for bulk data
download, software updates, and non-urgent or periodic
communications, while lower-bandwidth connections may be used for
alerts, drink information, lock/unlock/change requests, pour
requests, and other similar time-sensitive information that relates
to the ongoing operation of the establishment.
[0082] FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the automated
liquid dispensing attachment illustrating attachment of a breather
tube, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. In the cross-section view of the automated liquid
dispensing attachment 200 includes a pinch tube 706 connected to
fluid outlet 522, a fluid passage 1010 between fluid outlet 522 and
fluid passage opening 520, and from fluid passage opening 520 an
opening at flow tube inlet 406. A breather tube 1002 is attached
and positioned at the breather tube inlet 404 and to breather tube
passage 530. Although particular components are depicted in FIG. 10
for a particular breather tube, it will be understood that some of
the components may be modified, removed, or replaced, and that the
order of certain operations may be modified while retaining the
breather tube feature described herein.
[0083] The breather tube 1002 is positioned in the breather tube
passage 530, e.g., by a press fit through the breather tube opening
404. The breather tube 1002 may permit air to flow into the bottle
and provides airflow that equalizes pressure in the bottle, thereby
permitting a consistent laminar flow of fluid through the flow tube
706. In the closed configuration (e.g., when the bottle is sitting
in a flat position), the ball 1008 is positioned in the breather
tube housing 1004, blocking the opening 1006, with the ball 1008
seated on the opening 1006. When the bottle is turned, the ball
1008 moves from over the opening 1006, allowing air to flow through
the breather tube via breather tube outlet 411 and breather tube
passage 530.
[0084] FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary flowchart of the process of
employing the automated liquid dispensing attachment and other
supporting hardware and software of an automated liquid dispensing
attachment, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. Although FIG. 11 is described in the context of the
particular structures, components, and processing of the present
disclosure, it will be understood that the methods and steps
described in FIG. 11 may be applied to a variety of liquid
dispenser designs, methods, and processing circuitry. Although a
particular order and flow of steps are depicted in FIG. 11, it will
be understood that in some embodiments, one or more of the steps
may be modified, moved, removed, or added, and that the order of
steps depicted in FIG. 11 may be modified.
[0085] Exemplary steps for automated liquid dispensing may begin at
step 1102, where a customer may place an order, such as through an
application on a user device, a kiosk, a voice-recognition
interface of the user device or establishment, or by conventional
means of providing an order to a bartender or other employee.
However the order is placed, this may be processed by the system,
such that a command is provided wirelessly and/or by user
interaction to an automated liquid dispensing attachment 200.
Information relating to the order (e.g., bottles and other items to
be used for the preparation of the order, other items such as
mixers and garnishes to be added to the order, items to access from
inventory, automated systems to activate, etc.) may be distributed
to the system to assist in completing the beverage order.
[0086] At step 1104, the system, via the processing circuitry,
determines whether the attachment is engaged with a bottle. For
example, the system verifies that the automated liquid dispensing
attachment is connected to the bottle based on the attachment
sensors. In response to determining that the attachment is engaged,
("Yes" at 1104), the rule verification proceeds to step 1106. In
response to determining that an attachment is not engaged ("No" at
1104), the process proceeds to step 1114, where error feedback loop
is provided to the system.
[0087] At step 1106, the system, via the processing circuitry,
determines whether fluid is present in the attachment. For example,
the system verifies that fluid is present at the fluid sensor as
described herein. In response to determining that fluid is present
("Yes" at 1106), the process proceeds to step 1108. In response to
determining that fluid is not present ("No" at 1106), the process
proceeds to step 1114, where error feedback is provided to the
system.
[0088] At step 1108, the system, via the processing circuitry
performs additional checks to if a pour is permitted. For example,
various inputs may be considered, such as whether a proper user
input (e.g., pressing the pour button) has been provided, an
approved employee is in proximity to the automated liquid
dispensing attachment, the bottle is an appropriate position and
state (e.g., based on measurements from motion sensors), the
temperature is appropriate, and the like. In response to
determining that a pour is permitted, ("Yes" at 1108), the rule
verification proceeds to step 1110. In response to determining that
a pour is not permitted for any of these reasons, ("No" at 1108),
the rule verification proceeds to step 1114, where error feedback
is provided to the system. If the pour is permitted, processing
continues to step 1110.
[0089] At step 1110, the system begins and performs the pour, for
example, by causing the motor 708 to disengage pinching extension
710 from pinch tube 706, opening a passage for liquid to flow from
the spout. The pour may be monitored until it is determined to be
complete, for example, based on the fluid sensor determining that
an amount of fluid has flowed through the fluid passage, passage of
a period of time during which a particular fluid flow setting was
applied, direct measurement of fluid flow, and/or measurement of a
volume of liquid in the bottle (e.g., based on a sensor of the
automated liquid dispensing attachment such as an ultrasonic
sensor, level displacement sensor, and/or other adjacent sensor in
communication with automated liquid dispensing attachment). Once
the desired fluid flow is complete, the motor 708 may be controlled
to reengage pinching extension 710 to the pinch tube 706 to shut
off fluid flow. In some embodiments, not depicted in FIG. 11, the
parameters monitored in the prior steps may continue to be
monitored during the pour, stopping the pour if an error condition
is detected and/or logging parameters for reporting. Once the pour
is complete, processing may continue to step 1112.
[0090] At step 1112, the system, via the processing circuitry
performs a check to determine whether an error occurred during the
pour of the drink. In response to determining that an error
occurred during the pour of the drink ("Yes" at 1112), the process
proceeds to step 1114, where error feedback loop is provided to the
system. For example, if an incorrect volume was poured or motion
sensors indicate that a bottle was moved in a manner that likely
corresponds to a spill, an error may be identified. In response to
determining that an error did not occur during the pour of the
drink ("No" at 1112), the process proceeds to step 1116, where the
results of the pour are reported to the system.
[0091] FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary automated
liquid dispensing attachment 1200 in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. Although particular
components are depicted in FIG. 12, it will be understood that
other suitable combinations of hardware and software may be
utilized as necessary in accordance with the present disclosure. In
an embodiment as described herein, the automated liquid dispensing
system may include at least an attachment sensor 1202 (e.g., a
single- or multi-attachment sensor for engagement of the attachment
portion with the interior surface of the bottle), one or more fluid
sensors 1208, one or more additional sensors 1210 (e.g., motion
sensors, temperature sensors, additional flow sensors, microphones,
pressure sensors, etc.), processing circuitry 1204, memory 1206, a
battery 1212, a user interface 1214, and communication circuitry
1216.
[0092] Processing circuitry 1204 may include one or more components
providing necessary processing based on the requirements of the
automated liquid dispensing system 1200. In some embodiments,
processing circuitry 1204 may include hardware control logic and/or
a one or more microprocessors. The processing circuitry 1204 may
include suitable hardware and/or software logic necessary to
interface with and control the hardware and other components of the
automated liquid dispensing attachment, such as a hardware
configured according to a hardware description language and/or
instructions executing on a microprocessor or other circuitry
capable of executing instructions. For example, processing
circuitry may include a general- or special-purpose microprocessor,
finite state machine, controller, computer, central-processing unit
(CPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or digital signal
processor. Processing circuitry 1204 may run software to perform
the operations described herein, including software accessed in
machine-readable form on a tangible non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium (e.g., flash, RAM, ROM, SRAM,
EEPROM, hard drives, etc.) such as memory 1206, as well as software
that describes the configuration of hardware such as hardware
description language (HDL) software used for designing chips.
[0093] Attachment sensors 1202 may include attachment sensors as
described herein, e.g., snap domes located at locations under
attachment ribs of an attachment portion that deflect in response
to a compressive force applied to the attachment ribs by insertion
of the automated liquid dispensing device into a bottle. In other
embodiments, other forms of attachment sensors 1202 may be used to
replace or supplement the snap-dome type sensors, including other
sensor types that respond to the compressive force applied to the
attachment ribs (e.g., pressure sensors, proximity sensors, IR
sensors, etc.) and/or sensors that respond to other forces and or
stimuli, such as a snap dome, membrane switch, strain gauge,
mechanical switch, capacitive sensor, button, or proximity sensor
that senses the attachment of the upper opening of the bottle to
the seating surface of the attachment portion. As described herein,
the signal(s) from the attachment sensors are provided (e.g., by a
wired connection to the flex PCB including the processing
circuitry) to the processing circuitry for processing, e.g., as an
input for opening and closing the pinch tube to allow or prevent
the flow of fluid.
[0094] Fluid sensors 1208 may include fluid sensors as described
herein, e.g., a capacitive sensor that senses changes in
capacitance associated with fluid within a fluid passage of the
automated liquid dispensing device. In other embodiments, other
forms of fluid sensors 1208 may be used to replace or supplement
the capacitive type sensor, including other sensor types that
respond to the presence and or flow of liquid through portions of
the fluid passage of the automated liquid dispensing device (e.g.,
proximity sensors, IR sensors, resistive sensors, ultrasonic
sensors, hall effect sensors, resistance meters, optical sensors,
flow meters, etc.). As described herein, the signal(s) from the
fluid sensor(s) are provided (e.g., by a wired connection to the
flex PCB including the processing circuitry) to the processing
circuitry for processing, e.g., as an input for opening and closing
the pinch tube to allow or prevent the flow of fluid, or to control
the degree of the pinch tube opening or closing to control a flow
rate through the automated liquid dispensing device.
[0095] Other sensors 1210 may include a variety of sensors to
measure other relevant characteristics of the bottle, automated
liquid dispensing device, and/or environment as described herein.
One exemplary type of other sensor 1210 may be a motion sensor,
such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or shock sensors. Such
sensors can monitor the movement of the liquid dispensing device,
for example, to prevent fluid flow when the automated liquid
dispensing device is attached to a bottle (e.g., according to the
attachment sensors 1202) and is moving in an irregular manner.
Motion sensors may also indirectly sense bottle attachment and
other motions of interest (e.g., related to tampering or theft)
based on patterns of movement. Another exemplary type of other
sensor 1210 may be environmental sensors such as temperature or
humidity sensors, which may identify conditions where it is
inappropriate to pour and/or store from a bottle. For example, such
conditions may be inputs that may be used to determine need for
bottle movement or replacement. In some embodiments, aspects of
other circuitry such as communication circuitry may be used to form
other sensing functions. For example, measurements of wireless
signal strength (e.g., Bluetooth low energy received signal
strength indicator or RSSI measurements) may be used to identify
employee proximity based on employee tags or mobile devices. This
information may be used as an input to activate or disable pouring,
provide notifications to the user, monitor theft, or perform other
similar functions. Another exemplary type of other sensor 1210 may
be a sensor (e.g., particulate, IR, proximity, etc.) that senses
blockage of the spout, which may identify conditions where the
spout needs to be serviced. Another exemplary type of other sensor
1210 may measure characteristics of the motor such as voltage
sensor, current sensor, impedance sensor, etc. In some embodiments,
the opening and closing of the pinch tube may be measured directly,
for example, by proximity sensors, IR sensors, or other suitable
sensors measuring the location of adjacent portions of the pinch
tube or the location of the pinching extension. Other options
include measuring pressure differentials and/or the presence/flow
of fluid within different portions of the fluid passage. As
described herein, the signal(s) from the other sensor(s) are
provided (e.g., by a wired connection to the flex PCB including the
processing circuitry) to the processing circuitry for
processing.
[0096] Battery 1212 may be a suitable battery type such as a
rechargeable lithium ion battery, although in some embodiments (not
depicted herein) an enclosed battery compartment may be provided
for receiving replaceable batteries. Whatever type of battery is
used, the battery provides power necessary to operate the other
components of the automated liquid dispensing attachment. In some
embodiments, a variety of battery saving measures may be employed,
such as low power or sleep modes where only limited subsets of
components are activated, such as an accelerometer that senses
movement to wake up other components, or a communication interface
that periodically wakes up to search for an instruction to permit
pouring or identify the presence of an authorized employee.
[0097] Although a user interface may include particular user
interface components (e.g., one or more buttons and LEDs) as
described in detail herein, it will be understood that a variety of
user interface 1214 types and methodologies may be employed in
accordance with the present disclosure. For example, a miniaturized
touch screen display can provide for configurable user inputs and
outputs, that may be updated dynamically to employ new
functionality. Other types of interface methodologies may be
employed as a substitute for or in addition to the touch and
display techniques, such as audible warnings, haptic patterns,
and/or remote UI performed by auxiliary devices such as adjacent
displays (e.g., of smart watches, wearable devices, inventory
management or POS systems, smart phones, tablets, etc.) or AR
devices.
[0098] Communication circuitry 1216 may include wireless and/or
wired circuitry for communicating with other devices. Exemplary
wireless interfaces (e.g., BLE, WiFi, NFC, infrared, Low Power
Wide-Area Network, etc.) may provide for local communications,
reporting of data, receiving of control instructions, software
updates, identification of authorized users, and other
functionality as described herein. An exemplary wired communication
may include a connector that attaches to other systems such as a
charger for bulk data exchange functions, such as data downloads
and software updates. In some embodiments, only certain devices may
operate as communications hubs or collectors (e.g., utilizing
protocols such as Thread or Bluetooth mesh protocols) for
communicating with other devices, allowing many of the of the
automated liquid dispensing devices to have more limited battery
usage, storage, and processing hardware and software
requirements.
[0099] FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary IoT enabled automated liquid
dispensing system in accordance with at least some embodiments of
the present disclosure. In an embodiment of the present disclosure,
the communication circuitry of some or all of the automated liquid
dispensing attachments 1302 (e.g., 1302A-1302H) may utilize
long-range integrated radio circuitry such as a Low Power Wide-Area
Network (LPWA) (e.g., LoRAWAN, Sigfox, Symphony Link, or Link Labs
Open Source Communication Protocol). In this manner, long-range
communications channels 1304 (e.g., 1304A-1304B) with long-range
network gateway transponders 1306 (e.g., 1306A-1306B) enable direct
monitoring and control via a cloud system 1310. Utilizing a
long-range network may ease the setup and provide for significantly
improved range, for example, in large venues such as arenas,
outdoor concert venues, bar and restaurant patios, as well as
pop-up events such as concerts, farmers markets, food trucks, and
ghost kitchen food courts. A long-range network may provide
increased range and reliability as compared to other technologies
such as WiFi (e.g., having limited range and being dependent on
other networks for data backhaul) and cellular technologies that
have difficulty reaching many indoor spaces and locations. The
long-range network may avoid problems such as slow or no access in
certain establishments, devices that cannot connect with the
network, connections dropping at random times, wireless network
disappearing completely, and poor signal quality at particular
locations.
[0100] The improved long-term availability, reliability and long
range transmission capability allow for critical control,
monitoring and transmission of the IoT sensor data to the cloud
without interference, without need to connect to the Wi-Fi or LTE
networks, while using an independent and proprietary network,
having the ability to scale through a combination of a cells-based
topology and operation in non-interfered licensed spectrum bands.
The long-range network may be designed for IoT devices while having
high data integrity and network security allowing for embedding a
wide range of sensors into the attachment to monitor fluid flow,
beverage temperature, room humidity, amount of liquid, spillage,
overpour in order to monitor the use, movement, status and
functionality via real-time data transport. In addition, a
long-range network such as an LPWA network is designed to send
small dedicated data packages such that a plethora of sensors
embedded within the automated liquid dispensing attachment can each
send small individualized data packets. In some embodiments, as one
sensor transmits fluid flow data, another may send beverage
temperature, another may send beverage level in the bottle, another
may send room humidity, and yet another may send amount of liquid
spillage. This data may be sent in packages or asynchronously as
received in different embodiments, for streaming to the cloud
system 1310 via the long-range communication channels 1304A-1304B,
long-range communication gateway transponders 1306A-1306B, and
communication channels 1308A-1308B. In an exemplary embodiment of
individualized small messages, the cloud system 1310 may combine
these messages to provide complete picture of the automated liquid
dispensing devices and environment. In some embodiments (not
depicted in FIG. 13), a subset of the automated liquid dispensing
attachments (e.g., 1302A-1302H) may utilize a short-range
communications protocol (e.g., Bluetooth low energy, mesh, etc.) to
communication with long-range communication enabled liquid
dispensing attachments, which in turn relay messages to and from
the cloud. The cloud system may communicate with other systems such
as user mobile devices and AR systems 1314A, an establishment POS
system 1314B, and inventory and operations management systems 1314C
via conventional communication networks 1312A-1312C.
[0101] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, this method of
collecting and transmitting critical operational data from the
attachments allows establishments and distributors to analyze the
consumption patterns on a real-time, day by day, week by week and
over longer periods and tailor their buying patterns and allow for
better control over their bar operations, inventory and order
management process. In addition, these sensors can detect spillage
and allow for implementation of loss prevention strategies for the
owner or establishment in real time. Further these sensors can
communicate when the attachment portion that is engaged with the
interior portion of the container has started to show wear and tear
beyond a specified value allowing for proactive preventative
replacement thereby allowing for the operations of the bar to
continue unimpeded. This is especially advantageous for large
operations where thousands of liquor bottles can be employed at any
particular time and it becomes very labor intensive to monitor and
examine every single drink dispenser attachment in order to ensure
that the bar operations are not impacted when an unexpected failure
occurs.
[0102] FIG. 14 depicts an automated liquid dispensing attachment
with an exemplary sensor configuration in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition to other sensors
and interfaces described in particular embodiments herein such as
attachment sensors, fluid sensors, motion sensors, temperatures
sensors, and user interfaces, FIG. 14 depicts additional sensors
such as laminar flow sensor 1404, force sensor 1408, air flow
sensor 1410, optical sensors 1416A-D, secondary flow sensor 1420,
and haptic sensors 1422-1422B. It will be understood that the
particular combination of sensors depicted and described with
respect to FIG. 14 is exemplary, and that other sensor types and
combinations may be implemented in other embodiments.
[0103] An exemplary laminar flow sensor 1404 may be located
adjacent to the fluid passage, and may measure the characteristics
of the fluid flow (e.g., a Reynolds number criterion). This
measurement may be used in a variety manner, such as to control
aspects of the pour (e.g., required pour angle and degree of pinch
tube opening) to allow for better and more consistent flow. An
exemplary pressure sensor 1408 may be located at location where the
automated liquid dispensing attachment is inserted into a bottle,
for example, to identify an initial insertion and monitor and
prevent tampering. An exemplary flow sensor 1410 may measure
characteristics within the air passage between the breather tube
and external environment, for example, to identify errors in
breather tube attachment and air flow problems indicative of a need
for preventative maintenance or other remedial action. Exemplary
optical sensor 1416A-D may measure received light signals including
from the external from the attachment as well as from the LEDs,
providing for feedback to identify errors in provided user outputs
and to adjust the light outputs for particular environments (e.g.,
to enable power and energy savings). Exemplary secondary flow
sensor 1420 may be located adjacent to the opening of the spout to
provide feedback to the system regarding expected flow from the
spout. If fluid is not present in an expected amount and/or with an
expected flow rate, feedback may be provided to take corrective
action (e.g., adjust the applied pressure to the pinch tube) and/or
provide error reporting or preventative maintenance instructions.
Exemplary touch and haptic sensors 1422 may strategically located
to provide a user with alternative locations for providing
respective user inputs and combination of user inputs via a direct
touch interface.
[0104] The foregoing description includes exemplary embodiments in
accordance with the present disclosure. These examples are provided
for purposes of illustration only, and not for purposes of
limitation. It will be understood that the present disclosure may
be implemented in forms different from those explicitly described
and depicted herein and that various modifications, optimizations,
and variations may be implemented by a person of ordinary skill in
the present art, consistent with the following claims.
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