CN110997554B

CN110997554B - Liquid dispensing device

Info

Publication number: CN110997554B
Application number: CN201880052648.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大卫·A·克雷兹; 唐纳德·G·小胡博德; 尼古拉·马斯塔蒂; 迈克尔·杜蒙特; 凯尔·亚当斯; 劳尔·E·辛达; 大卫·H·C·卡尔; 特莱维斯·R·科尔曼; 本杰明·J·哈芬
Original assignee: Wine Plum Inc
Current assignee: Wine Plum Inc
Priority date: 2017-06-16
Filing date: 2018-06-08
Publication date: 2021-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-08
Also published as: WO2018231650A1; ES2909603T3; EP3638617B1; KR102416752B1; EP3638617A1; KR20200018196A; CN110997554A

Abstract

The liquid dispensing device comprises a needle. The needle is adapted to pierce the container without tearing a portion of the container. The portion of the container is proximate to a puncture point on the container. The liquid dispensing device includes a motion control system. The motion control system is configured to rotate the needle while the needle pierces the container.

Description

Liquid dispensing device

Technical Field

The liquid is transported and/or stored in a container. Each container may contain a single or multiple portions of liquid. Each container may maintain the quality of the liquid disposed in each container during transport and/or storage. The container may maintain the quality of the liquid by preventing oxidation or other chemical reactions from occurring while the liquid is being transported and/or stored.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a liquid dispensing device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention includes a needle adapted to pierce a container without tearing a portion of the container near a piercing point on the container; a motion control system configured to rotate the needle as the needle pierces the container.

Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, however, illustrate certain aspects or embodiments of the invention by way of example only and are not meant to limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 shows a system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a liquid dispensing device according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 3A shows an isometric view of a liquid dispensing device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows an isometric view of a nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 3B in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4A shows a second isometric view of a liquid dispensing device according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4B shows a third isometric view of a liquid dispensing device according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 5A shows an isometric view of a liquid extraction system according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 5B shows a top view of a liquid extraction system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 5C shows an isometric view of a needle and manifold according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6B shows an example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6C shows a second example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6D illustrates a third example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6E shows a fourth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6F shows a fifth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6G shows a sixth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6H shows a diagram of a first example of a port disposed in a recessed portion, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6I shows a diagram of a second example of a port disposed in a recessed portion, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6J illustrates a diagram of a third example of a port disposed in a recessed portion, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6K shows a diagram of a fourth example of a port disposed in a recessed portion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6L illustrates a first cross-sectional view of a sixth example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6M illustrates a second cross-sectional view of a sixth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6N shows a seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6O shows a first cross-sectional view of a seventh example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6P illustrates a second cross-sectional view of a seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6Q shows an eighth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method of dispensing a liquid according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of a method of dispensing a liquid according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 9A shows a flow diagram of a method of recommending liquid containers according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 9B shows a flow diagram of a method of recommending liquid containers according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a fluid identification network element in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a recommended network element in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description

Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous details are set forth in the form of examples of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details and that numerous changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Certain details that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art have been omitted to avoid obscuring the description.

Throughout this application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as adjectives for elements (i.e., any noun in the application). Unless explicitly disclosed, the use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular order of elements, nor does it limit any elements to a single element, such as by the use of the terms "before …", "after … …", "single", and other such words. Rather, ordinal numbers are used to distinguish between elements. For example, a first element is different from a second element, and the first element may contain more than one element and may be subsequent to (or previous to) the second element in the order of the elements.

In the following description of fig. 1-11, in various embodiments of the present technology, any component described with respect to a figure may be equivalent to one or more identically named components described with respect to any other figure. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components will not be repeated for each figure. Thus, each embodiment of a component of each figure is incorporated by reference and assumed to be optionally present in each other figure having one or more identically named components. In addition, in accordance with various embodiments of the present technique, any description of the components of the figures is to be construed as an alternative embodiment, which may be implemented in addition to, in combination with, or instead of the embodiments described with respect to the corresponding identically named components in any of the other figures.

In summary, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and devices for dispensing a liquid from a container. The liquid contained in the container may degrade when exposed to the ambient environment. For example, when the container is opened to dispense the liquid or by heat transfer between the ambient environment surrounding the container and the liquid contained in the container, the liquid may be exposed to the ambient environment.

Liquid dispensing devices according to embodiments of the present invention prevent or reduce the rate of degradation of the liquid in the container by isolating the liquid from the surrounding environment. The liquid dispensing device can control atmospheric conditions within the container and thermal conditions of the liquid within the container.

The liquid dispensing device may also maintain the orientation of the container, thereby preventing solids or other materials contained in the container from being dispensed with the liquid contained in the container. The orientation may be, for example, to tilt the liquid extraction point downwardly on the vessel.

The liquid dispensing device may further comprise a body which hides the container from the user's view when the container is loaded in the liquid dispensing device. The liquid dispensing device may include a user interface that provides information to a user regarding the type of liquid, the amount of liquid, or other information to the user.

The liquid dispensing device may comprise an automated mechanism for preparing the container for extracting the liquid arranged in the container. The liquid dispensing device may include a platform on which a user places a liquid container. After placement, the liquid dispensing device automatically prepares the container for extraction by puncturing the container.

The liquid dispensing device may further comprise an identification sensor for identifying the type of liquid arranged in the container. The identification sensor may be, for example, a camera that obtains an image of the container. The image may be compared to a library of images associated with the container and the liquid contained in the container. The image may be matched to one of the containers and the liquid contained in the container may be determined based on the matching.

Further embodiments of the invention may relate to a system for dispensing a liquid. A system may include one or more liquid dispensing devices operatively connected to one or more network elements via a network. The network elements may be, for example, an authentication server, a liquid provider server and a recommendation server.

The authentication server may enable a user to log into the liquid dispensing device. By logging into the device, the user may be provided with access to one or more functions of the liquid dispensing device, which would otherwise be denied access.

The liquid provider server may enable the liquid dispensing device to automatically notify the provider of the liquid that the container is empty. The liquid provider server may then add a new liquid container to the liquid dispensing device in response to the notification.

The recommendation server may receive consumption data from the liquid dispensing device. The consumption data may be associated with a user. The consumption data may be used to recommend that the user consume another liquid container.

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a system for dispensing a liquid according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The system includes a plurality of

liquid dispensing devices

100, 101 operatively connected to a plurality of

network elements

120, 130, 140, 150 and one or more computing devices 160 via a network 110. The computing device 160 may also be connected to the

liquid dispensing devices

100, 101 via one or more separate connections, such as wireless local area network, bluetooth, near field communication, or other communication methods.

The

liquid dispensing device

100, 101 may be a physical device for dispensing a liquid comprised in a container. The liquid may be, for example, wine, champagne, beer or any other liquid. The container may be, for example, a bottle sealed with a cork, screw cap or other mechanism. For additional details regarding the

liquid dispensing apparatus

100, 101, see fig. 2-6F.

The

network elements

120, 130, 140, 150 may be physical devices. The

network elements

120, 130, 140, 150 may be, for example, servers. Each

network element

120, 130, 140, 150 may be operatively connected to the

liquid dispensing apparatus

100, 101 via the network 110 and configured to support the operation of the

dispensing apparatus

100, 101.

Although each

network element

120, 130, 140, 150 is illustrated in fig. 1 as a separate device, each

network element

120, 130, 140, 150 may be combined with other network elements without departing from the invention. For example, the fluid identification network element 120 and the recommendation network element 130 may be a single device without departing from the invention. Additionally, the functionality of one or more of the

network elements

120, 130, 140, 150 may be provided by a computing cloud rather than a particular device without departing from the invention.

The liquid identification network element 120 may include information that may be used to determine the type of liquid contained in the container. For more details on the fluid identification network element 120, see fig. 10.

The recommendation network element 130 may include information that may be used to recommend a liquid container for consumption by a user. For more details on the recommending network element 130, please refer to FIG. 11.

The liquid provider network element 140 may be a provider device that receives requests for liquid containers from the

liquid dispensing devices

100, 101. The provider may schedule delivery of the liquid container based on the request.

The authentication network element 150 may be an authentication device for authenticating a user of the

liquid dispensing device

100, 101. Authentication network element 150 may include login information for the user. The

liquid dispensing device

100, 101 may require authentication of the user before the

liquid dispensing device

100, 101 dispenses liquid from the container. By authenticating the user, the user may be uniquely identified and any liquid dispensed upon authentication of the user may be associated with the user.

Computing device 160 may be a physical device such as, for example, a cellular telephone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or other personal computing and/or communication device. The computing device 160 may be operably connected to the

liquid dispensing devices

100, 101. An application may be executed on computing device 160 that enables a user of computing device 160 to issue instructions to liquid dispensing device 160, obtain data from liquid dispensing device 160, authenticate a user of liquid dispensing device 160, or otherwise direct the function of liquid dispensing device 160. In some embodiments of the invention, the

computing devices

100, 101 may act as bridges to the network 110.

Network 110 may be a telecommunications network that enables information to be exchanged between devices connected to the network. The network 110 may be, for example, the internet.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a liquid dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The liquid dispensing device 100 can dispense liquid from a container while preserving the remaining liquid in the container for future dispensing. In addition, the liquid dispensing device 100 may obtain dispensing information on a per user and/or per dispensing basis. The allocation information may be sent to one or more network elements.

The liquid dispensing device 100 may include a processor 200. The processor 200 may be a physical device that includes circuitry. The processor 200 may be, for example, a central processing unit, an embedded processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable gate array, or any other type of programmable computing device.

The processor 200 may be operably connected to a non-transitory computer readable memory 205 that stores instructions. The non-transitory computer-readable memory 205 may be a physical device such as a hard disk drive, read-only memory, or solid state drive. When executed by the processor 200, the instructions may cause the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 to perform the functions illustrated in fig. 7-9B.

The liquid dispensing device 100 may include a memory 210 operatively connected to a processor. The memory 210 may be a physical device, such as a random access memory. The memory 210 may be used for temporary storage of data.

The liquid dispensing device 100 may include a network adapter 215. The network adapter 215 may be a physical device for accessing a network (110, fig. 1). The network adapter may be, for example, an ethernet adapter, a fiber optic network adapter, or a wireless network adapter. The network adapter 215 may enable the liquid dispensing device 100 to exchange information with network elements (e.g., 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.).

The liquid dispensing device 100 may include a user interface 220. The user interface 220 may be a physical component for interacting with the liquid dispensing device 100. The liquid dispensing device 200 may include, for example, a display, a touch-sensitive display, buttons, and/or switches. The user interface 220 may enable the liquid dispensing device 100 to present information to a user and receive input from a user.

The liquid dispensing apparatus may also include an identification system 220, a liquid extraction system 230, and a liquid preservation system 240. Each component is described below.

Identification system 220 can identify the liquid container and the liquid receptacle. The liquid container may be, for example, a bottle of wine and the liquid receptacle may be, for example, a wine glass. When a container is inserted into the liquid dispensing device 100, the liquid container identification sensor 222 may identify the type of liquid contained in the container. The liquid container identification sensor 222 may also monitor the amount of liquid within the container as the liquid is dispensed. The liquid container identification sensor 222 may be a physical component such as, for example, a camera. The fluid container identification sensor 222 may also include an interrogation source, such as a light source, that facilitates the sensor in making measurements. For more details on the fluid container identification sensor 222, see fig. 4A-4B.

Additionally, when the liquid dispensing device is instructed to dispense liquid, the liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 can determine whether the receptacle is in the dispensing area. By determining whether the receptacle is in the dispensing region, the liquid dispensing device 100 can prevent liquid spillage by not dispensing liquid when the container is not in the dispensing region. Liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be a physical component such as, for example, a camera, a capacitive sensor, a distance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other type of sensor for detecting the presence of a physical target. For more details on the fluid container identification sensor 222, see FIG. 3A.

The liquid extraction system 230 may extract liquid from the container in response to a request from a user. The liquid can be automatically extracted and the remaining liquid can be prevented from being exposed to the surrounding environment. Additionally, the liquid extraction system 230 may meter the dispensed liquid to determine the user's consumption habits. Liquid extraction system 230 may include piercing device 232, liquid container holding device 234, and liquid metering device 236. Each component is described below.

Piercing device 232 may be configured to pierce a portion of a container. In one embodiment of the invention, after piercing the portion of the container, the piercing device remains within the container until all or substantially all of the liquid is extracted from the container. The piercing means may also be removed after piercing the portion of the container if the container is to be removed from the liquid dispensing device before all or substantially all of the liquid is extracted from the container. The portion of the container may be, for example, a closure for the container. Non-limiting examples of closures include cork, screw caps or other closures or components for wine bottles. After piercing, the liquid may be extracted using piercing device 232. For more details on piercing device 232, reference is made to FIGS. 5A-6F.

The liquid container holding device 234 may be a physical structure for holding a container containing a liquid. The liquid container holding device 234 may be configured to press the container against the piercing device 232 to pierce the container. For more details on the fluid container holding device 234, see fig. 4A-5B.

The liquid metering device 236 may be a physical component for metering the liquid dispensed by the liquid dispensing device. The metering device 236 may be, for example, a flow meter. The liquid extracted from the container may flow through the liquid metering device 236 before being dispensed and is capable of dispensing a specified amount of liquid. For more details on the liquid metering device 236, see FIG. 5C.

The liquid containment system 240 may preserve the quality of the liquid disposed within the container. The liquid containment system 240 may control the atmospheric and thermal conditions of the liquid to preserve the quality of the liquid. The liquid containment system 240 may include a thermal conditioning device 242 and an atmospheric conditioning device 244. Each component is described below.

The thermal conditioning device 242 may be a physical component for conditioning temperature. Thermal conditioning device 242 may include, for example, an air conditioning system, a heat pump, a heat exchanger, and/or a peltier cooler. In some embodiments of the present invention, the thermal regulating device 242 may be a valve connected to temperature controlled air from an external air source provided by a source other than the liquid dispensing device. Thermal conditioning device 242 may also include one or more temperature sensors. The thermal regulating device 242 may generate a gas flow to regulate the temperature of the liquid in the container to a predetermined temperature. Thermal conditioning device 242 may measure the temperature of the liquid using the one or more temperature sensors and modify the temperature and/or flow rate of the generated air flow based on the temperature of the liquid. In one or more embodiments of the invention, thermal regulating device 242 may maintain the temperature of the liquid based on the type of liquid disposed in the container. For more details on the thermal conditioning device 242, see fig. 4A and 4B.

The atmosphere adjustment device 244 may be a physical component for adjusting the atmosphere within the container. The atmospheric regulation device 244 may include, for example, a gas source and a pressure regulator. The gas source may be, for example, a gas pressurized container. In some embodiments of the invention, the gas source may be an external gas source, such as, for example, a building's gas source. The atmospheric regulation device 244 may inject gas into the container via a liquid piercing device. The pressure of the gas may be maintained by a pressure regulator where the maintained pressure prevents oxygen from entering the container and dissolving within the liquid in the container. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the atmospheric regulation device 244 may maintain the pressure of the gas based on the type of liquid disposed in the container. For more details on the atmospheric conditioning device 244, see fig. 4A-4B.

Fig. 3A shows an isometric view of a liquid dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The liquid dispensing apparatus 100 includes an interior volume accessible through a door 310 for holding one or more containers containing liquid. The interior volume is surrounded by a housing 315, the housing 315 making the container invisible from the user's perspective when the container is in the liquid dispensing device 100.

The user interface 220 is included on the door 310. The user interface 220 enables information to be communicated to a user of the device and/or enables a user to input information to the liquid dispensing device 100. The user interface 220 may be, for example, a touch sensitive display. Images corresponding to the type of liquid contained in the container within the liquid dispensing device 100 may be displayed to the user via the user interface 220. The touch-sensitive portion of the user interface 220 may enable a user to request that liquid be dispensed from the liquid dispensing device 100. A specific amount of liquid can be specified for dispensing.

Although the user interface 220 is illustrated as being disposed on the door, the user interface 220 may be disposed on other portions of the liquid dispensing device 100 without departing from the invention. Additionally, the user interface 220 may be disposed on a separate device without departing from the invention. The separate device may be, for example, a tablet computer, a point-of-sale terminal, or other type of computing device. This separate device may act as a thin client for the liquid dispensing device 100 or may otherwise enable communication between the user and the liquid dispensing device 100.

One or more nozzles may also be disposed on the door 310. Liquid extracted from a container disposed within the liquid dispensing device 100 may be dispensed through a nozzle into a receptacle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the nozzle 300 is made of plastic, wood, metal, or a combination of the above materials. In one or more embodiments of the invention, decorative elements of the nozzle 300, such as a hood or other cover, may be made of wood, while components of the nozzle 300 that directly interact with the fluid are made of plastic. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the nozzle 300 is made of wood. Although shown in fig. 3A as being disposed on a door, the nozzle 300 may be disposed on other portions of the liquid dispensing device 100 without departing from the invention.

Fig. 3B illustrates an isometric view of a nozzle 300 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The diagram in fig. 3B illustrates the mechanical assembly of the nozzle 300 that enables liquid to be dispensed through the nozzle 300. The nozzle 300 may include decorative items (not shown), such as a cap or hood, that improve the appearance of the nozzle 300 or hide the mechanical features of the nozzle 300 without departing from the invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the spout 300 may protrude outward, away from the door 310, to enable a receptacle to be placed under the spout to receive fluid extracted from a container placed with the liquid dispensing device. The nozzle may be made of plastic, metal, ceramic, or a combination of the above materials. The nozzle may be made of other materials without departing from the invention. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the nozzle may apply a hydrophobic or food safe coating. The coating may reduce the likelihood of contamination of the fluid dispensed by the nozzle, or reduce residual material on the nozzle from previously disposed fluid, and/or reduce the likelihood of the fluid leaving a residue or contaminant on the nozzle as/after the fluid is dispensed.

The nozzle may comprise at least two liquid dispensing openings 301. Each port may be hydraulically connected to a respective container when fluid is dispensed from the respective container. The nozzle may include a greater or lesser number of ports 301 without departing from the invention.

Fig. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle along an inner elongate section of the nozzle that hydraulically connects one of the ports 301 to a container (not shown). The nozzle 300 may include a pressure-actuated plug 302 near a port 301 along a hydraulic path 303 connecting the port 301 to the vessel. The pressure actuated plug 302 may seal the hydraulic path 303 when the fluid pressure on the container side of the pressure actuated plug 302 along the hydraulic path 303 is less than a predetermined amount. When the fluid pressure on the container side of the pressure actuated plug 302 along the hydraulic path 303 is greater than the predetermined amount, the pressure actuated plug 302 may open the hydraulic path 303 to allow fluid flow. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the predetermined amount may be at or above ambient pressure, such that the pressure actuated plug 302 seals the hydraulic path 302 unless fluid is pumped or pressurized on the reservoir side of the pressure actuated plug 302.

Although not shown in fig. 3B-3C, the nozzle 300 may include other structural components or adapter attachment points. For example, the nozzle 300 may include an aerator or an adapter attachment point for attaching an aerator. The aerator may alter the characteristics of the fluid dispensed by the nozzle by injecting a gas into the fluid or mixing the fluid with the gas prior to dispensing the fluid. The adapter attachment point may be a set of threads, pins, or other mechanical interlocking structures for securely attaching the device to the nozzle 300.

Returning to FIG. 3A, a liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be disposed on door 310. Liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be a physical component for determining whether a receptacle is present to receive liquid dispensed by liquid dispensing device 100. Liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be, for example, a camera, a distance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive device, or a proximity sensor. Liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be other sensors without departing from the invention. Although shown in FIG. 3A as being disposed on a door, liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 could be disposed on other portions of liquid dispensing device 100 without departing from this invention.

Fig. 4A shows an isometric view of a liquid dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In fig. 4A, the door 310 and the housing 315 are removed. Additionally, insulating and other materials used to reduce heat transfer and noise generation are also removed to better illustrate more components of the liquid dispensing device 100.

The liquid dispensing device 100 includes a liquid extraction system 230. The liquid extraction system receives a liquid container and automatically extracts liquid from the container in response to a request from a user.

The liquid dispensing device 100 includes a liquid container identification sensor 222. The liquid container identification sensor 222 may be a physical component for determining the type of liquid disposed in the container. The liquid container identification sensor 222 may be, for example, a camera. The camera may generate an image of the container. The type of liquid may be determined using an image of the container.

Fig. 4B shows an isometric view of a liquid dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In fig. 4B, the door 310, the housing 315, and the liquid extraction system 230 are removed. Additionally, insulating and other materials used to reduce heat transfer and noise generation are also removed to better illustrate more components of the liquid dispensing device 100.

The liquid dispensing device 100 includes a liquid containment system 240. The liquid containment system 240 may include a thermal conditioning device 242 and an atmospheric conditioning device 244. Each of the foregoing devices may be disposed within the interior volume of the liquid dispensing device 100.

The atmospheric regulation device 244 may include a gas source and one or more gas flows and gas pressure regulators. Gas may be supplied from a gas source to the regulator and thus to the container to maintain an atmospheric environment within the container.

Thermal conditioning device 242 may include a heating unit, a cooling unit, a fan, a heat exchanger, and/or other devices to facilitate adjusting the temperature of the liquid disposed in the container to a desired temperature.

Fig. 5A shows an isometric view of a liquid extraction system 230 according to an embodiment of the invention. The liquid extraction system 230 includes a liquid container holding device 234 for receiving and holding a liquid container, a piercing device 232 for piercing the container, and a liquid metering device (not shown) for metering the liquid extracted therefrom. The liquid container holding means 234 and piercing means 232 may cooperate to pierce the container and extract liquid from the container.

Fig. 5B illustrates a top view of the liquid extraction system 230 shown in fig. 5A. As seen in fig. 5B, the liquid container holding device 234 includes a platform 525 mounted on a slide rail 530. The platform 525 may be connected to a linear actuator 535, the linear actuator 535 controlling the position of the platform along the length of the slide rail. Although not shown in fig. 5B, the liquid container holder 234 may include a sealing cup as a secondary seal around the closure of the container. Such a sealing cup may provide additional protection against leakage of liquid from the container after the closure has been pierced by the piercing device. The sealing cup may be a gasket, a shim, or any other sealing assembly.

Piercing device 232 may include a needle 500 for piercing a container, a manifold 510 for controlling fluid flow, and a rotary actuator 505. The needle 500 may be connected to a rotary actuator 505. The rotary actuator 505, when operated, may cause the needle 500 to rotate.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, piercing device 232 may include a cycling actuator (not shown). The cycling actuator may oscillate the needle 500 along a path when piercing a container. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the path may be aligned with, may be perpendicular to, or may be oblique relative to the elongate section of the needle. Oscillating the needle along the path while piercing the container may cause the needle 500 to vibrate during container piercing. Vibrating the needle 500 during piercing may reduce the likelihood of debris being deposited into the needle 500. Vibrating the needle 500 during piercing may reduce the likelihood that the needle 500 will bend or otherwise permanently deform during piercing. Vibrating the needle 500 during piercing may reduce friction between the needle 500 and the container during piercing. Vibrating the needle 500 during piercing may reduce the likelihood that portions of the container are cut away and thereby break the seal between the container and the needle 500 during and/or after piercing.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cyclical actuator comprises a cam mechanically linked to the needle 500, i.e. a rotary or sliding member in a mechanical linkage. The cam may be mechanically linked to the needle 500 by a cam follower that converts the rotational motion of the cam into a reciprocating linear motion. The cam may be mechanically coupled to the motor. The motor may be electric, pneumatic or any other type of motor that rotates a cam.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cyclical actuator comprises an elliptical channel that vibrates the needle 500 while the needle 500 pierces the container. The vibrations generated by the elliptical passageway may be aligned with, perpendicular to, or oblique to the elongate section of the needle without departing from the invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cyclical actuator comprises an ultrasound transducer mechanically coupled to the needle 500, which vibrates the needle 500 while the needle 500 pierces the container. The vibrations may be aligned with, perpendicular to, or oblique to the elongate section of the needle 500 without departing from the invention.

Although not shown, the manifold 510 may include a mechanical coupling that allows the needle to vibrate during container piercing. The mechanical coupling may be, for example, one or more longitudinal couplings. Each longitudinal coupling may allow the needle to vibrate along the axis of the longitudinal coupling. The mechanical coupling may be a different type of coupling without departing from the invention.

Needle 500 may include a plurality of channels through which liquid may traverse the elongate section of needle 500, which may be connected to manifold 510 to direct the flow of liquid exiting each channel.

An example container 575 is also shown in FIG. 5B. As seen in fig. 5B, an exemplary container 575 is disposed on the platform. To extract liquid from exemplary container 575, linear actuator 535 may be activated to move the platform toward piercing device 232. The mobile platform may press a portion of the example container 575 against the needle 500. For example, the container may be a wine bottle having a closure such as a cork, screw cap or other structure for sealing the bottle. The closure means may be natural, man-made or any other type of material. The wine bottle may be placed on the platform such that the cork is adjacent to the needle 500.

While the exemplary container 575 is pressed against the needle, the rotary actuator may be activated to rotate the needle 500. Rotating the needle 500 while pressing against the example container 575 can easily and reproducibly cause the needle 500 to pierce the example container 575. Once the needle 500 has been pierced into the exemplary container 575, liquid may be withdrawn from the container 575 as further described with respect to fig. 5C-6F.

Fig. 5C shows an isometric view of a needle 500 and a manifold 510 according to an embodiment of the invention. The needle 500 and manifold 510 may cooperate to extract liquid from the container and regulate atmospheric conditions within the container.

The needle 500 may include an injection port 550 and an extraction port 555. Each port may be disposed near a first end of the needle 500. These ports can be used to inject gas and extract liquid from the container, respectively, when the needle 500 has pierced the container.

The manifold 510 may be disposed at an end of the needle distal from the port. The manifold 510 may be a physical assembly that directs the flow of liquid into and out of the injection ports 550 and extraction ports 555. Additionally, the manifold 510 may incorporate a rotational coupling such that the needle may be rotated by a rotational actuator.

The manifold 510 may include one or more atmospheric regulation device ports 591 for connecting the injection port 550 to an atmospheric regulation device, and a liquid metering device port 590 for connecting the extraction port 555 to a liquid metering device.

Fig. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of the needle 500 shown in fig. 5C. As can be seen from fig. 6A, the needle 500 includes an injection channel 600 connected to the injection port 550 and an extraction channel 610 connected to the extraction port. Each channel is connected to a manifold, respectively. The injection port 550 and/or the extraction port 555 may be disposed adjacent a first end of the elongate section of the needle 500 near the needle tip 560 of the needle. The needle tip 560 of the needle may be a surface designed to pierce the container.

Although the needle 500 is shown in fig. 5C and 6A as having four injection ports 550, four extraction ports 555, a flat outer portion, and coaxially aligned channels, many variations are possible without departing from the invention. 6B-6M illustrate examples of needles according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6B shows a first example of a needle according to an embodiment of the invention. The first example is similar to the needle 500 shown in fig. 5C and 6A. The first example needle includes an extraction opening 555 disposed in the recessed spiral groove 620. Placing the extraction opening 555 in the recess 620 may prevent debris from clogging the extraction opening 555. Additionally, distributing the ports around the cylindrical surface also reduces the chance of debris blocking all of the extraction ports 555. The recess may follow a helical path along the elongate section of the needle and along the outer surface of the needle. Debris may be generated when the needle pierces the container.

Fig. 6C shows a second example of a needle according to an embodiment of the invention. The second example is similar to the needle 500 shown in fig. 5C and 6A. The second example needle includes an extraction opening 555 disposed in a recessed groove 625. The recessed groove may be arranged along the insertion direction of the needle. The insertion direction may be along the elongate section of the needle. Placing the extraction opening 555 in the recessed groove 625 prevents debris from clogging the extraction opening 555. Additionally, creating a recessed groove 625 arranged along the insertion direction may be more cost effective than a recessed spiral groove (620, fig. 6B).

Fig. 6D shows a third example of a needle according to an embodiment of the invention. A third example is similar to the needle 500 shown in fig. 5C and 6A. The third example needle includes an extraction opening 555 formed by punching through an outer wall of the needle. Stamping may be more cost effective than creating a depression as shown in fig. 6B-6C. Each extraction opening 555 may be disposed in a separate stamped recess 630.

Fig. 6E shows a fourth example of a needle according to an embodiment of the invention. The fourth example is similar to the needle 500 shown in fig. 5C and 6A. The fourth example needle includes an extraction opening 555 formed in the radial groove 635. Forming the extraction openings 555 in the radial grooves may reduce the chance of debris clogging the extraction openings 555.

Fig. 6F shows a fifth example of a needle according to an embodiment of the invention. The fifth example is similar to the needle 500 shown in fig. 5C and 6A. The fifth example needle includes a fluid container engagement portion 640 configured to engage and/or drive the needle into the container. For example, the liquid container engagement portion 640 may be a screw. When the needle is rotated, the screw may engage the container, depending on the direction of rotation of the needle, thereby driving the needle into and out of the container.

Fig. 6G shows a sixth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The sixth example is similar to the needle 500 shown in fig. 5C and 6A. The sixth example needle includes a recessed portion 645 disposed between the needle tip 560 and the elongate section 646 of the needle. As used herein, the elongate section 646 of the needle is that portion of the pointer other than the needle tip 560 and the taper 647 of the needle tip 560 from a point to a circle having a diameter. In other words, the elongate section of the needle may be cylindrical and have a diameter along the elongate section of the needle.

In various embodiments, there can be a recessed portion or a protruding portion along the elongated segment 646. As used herein, a recessed portion is a portion of an elongate segment of a needle that is recessed inwardly from a surface corresponding to the average diameter of the needle. Instead, the bulge is a portion of the elongate section of the pointer that projects outwardly from the surface corresponding to the average diameter of the needle. The recessed portion and/or the protruding portion may have a complex surface profile. In other words, the recessed portion may have a more complex shape than just a cylinder having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the elongate section. For example, the recessed portion may include a region along the elongate section of the needle that tapers from the diameter of the elongate section to a smaller diameter and then from the smaller diameter to the diameter of the elongate section. Similarly, the projection may include a region along the elongate section of the needle that tapers from the diameter of the elongate section to a larger diameter and then tapers from the larger diameter to the diameter of the elongate section. The needle may include any number, and arrangement of recessed portions and/or protruding portions without departing from the invention.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the injection port 550 and/or the extraction port 555 may be disposed on the concave portion and/or the convex portion. The injection port 550 and/or the extraction port 555 may be disposed elsewhere on the needle without departing from the invention.

Returning to fig. 6G, a sixth example illustrates a needle according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes an injection port 550 disposed within recessed portion 645. By recessing the injection port 550, the likelihood of tearing a portion of the container when the needle pierces the container is reduced. Tearing from a portion of the container may result in fluid leaking from the container, gas leaking from the container and/or debris being deposited in the injection or extraction passage of the needle.

During insertion of the needle into the container, the needle displaces a portion of the container, for example, a portion of a cork of a wine bottle, to form a passage through which the needle may pass into the interior of the container. The container is sometimes formed of a material that is resilient in nature, and therefore, continued pressure is applied to the needle through the container, which attempts to close the passage formed by the needle. The aforementioned continuous pressure is generally directed towards the center of the needle, which results in that part of the container displaced by the needle is continuously pressed towards the center of the needle. The displaced portion of the container may be pressed into a port or other recess along the elongate section of the needle as the needle pierces the container. When pressed into the port or other recess, the port or recess of the needle may tear a portion of the container due to the shear forces exerted on the container by the port or recess of the needle as the needle traverses or is removed from the container. The aforementioned torn portion may become lodged in the port, a channel within the needle or other portion of the liquid dispensing apparatus, thereby destroying the ability of the needle to extract fluid from the container.

One or more embodiments of the present invention may reduce the likelihood of a portion of the container being torn during insertion of the needle into the container. In particular, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the injection and/or extraction ports may be disposed within the recessed portion in a manner that reduces the likelihood of the container being torn by the port and/or recess.

Fig. 6H illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recessed portion 645 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In fig. 6H, the injection port 550 is disposed at the most recessed point 650 of the recessed portion. The most recessed spot 650 is disposed in the center of the recessed portion 645 along the elongated section of the needle. By placing the injection port 550 at the most recessed point 650, the chance of tearing is reduced as the port is recessed away from the surface 651 of the needle (e.g., the average diameter of the needle).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the injection port 550 includes an opening disposed on a surface of the recessed portion 645. The injection port 550 may be a hollow cylindrical structure that extends into the interior of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical structure passes through the most recessed point 650. In other embodiments of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical structure may not pass through the most recessed point of the recessed portion, as will be discussed in more detail with respect to fig. 6J and 6K.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the opening of the injection port may be arranged at a first distance from a longitudinal axis of the elongate section of the needle. In other words, the injection port may be a cylindrical structure extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the needle. The injection port may include an opening in the elongate section of the needle. The extraction opening may also be a cylindrical structure extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the needle. The extraction port may also include an opening on the elongate section of the needle at a second distance from the longitudinal axis of the elongate section of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the first distance is less than the second distance. In other words, the opening of the injection port may be closer to the longitudinal axis of the elongate section of the needle than the opening of the extraction port. Alternatively, the opening of the extraction port may be closer to the longitudinal axis of the elongate section of the needle than the opening of the injection port without departing from the invention.

Fig. 6I shows a cross-sectional view of a second example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recessed portion 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 6I, the injection port 550 is disposed at an offset point 652, the offset point 652 being offset from a most recessed point 650 of the recessed portion along an elongated segment of the recessed portion 645. By locating the injection port 650 at the offset point 652, the chance of tearing is reduced because the injection port 550 is distal from the surface 651 of the needle (e.g., the average diameter of the needle is concave), and is disposed on the concave portion at a location having a surface that is inclined relative to the surface 651 of the elongate section of the needle.

Fig. 6J illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recessed portion 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 6J, the injection port 550 is disposed at the most recessed point 650 of the recessed portion 645. However, in contrast to fig. 6H, the most recessed point 650 is offset from the center of the elongated segment of the recessed portion 645. By placing injection port 650 at the most recessed point 650 and offsetting this point from the center of the elongated segment of recessed portion 645, the chance of tearing is reduced because injection port 550 is placed on recessed portion 645 adjacent to surface 653, which has a surface that is inclined relative to surface 651 of the elongated segment of the needle.

Fig. 6K illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recessed portion 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 6K, the injection port 550 is disposed at an offset point 652, the offset point 652 being offset from a most recessed point 650 of the recessed portion along an elongated segment of the recessed portion 645. In addition, the most recessed point 650 is offset from the center of the elongated segment of the recessed portion 645. Thus, in fig. 6K, the most recessed point 650 is offset from the center of the elongated section of the recessed portion 645, and the injection port 652 is offset from the most recessed point 650. Arranging injection port 650 as described reduces the chance of tearing because injection port 550 is arranged on recessed portion 645 adjacent to a surface 654 having: the surface is highly inclined relative to the surface 651 of the elongate section of the needle.

While fig. 6H-6K have been described with respect to injection ports, extraction ports may have similar characteristics without departing from the invention. For example, the extraction ports may be disposed at locations within the recessed portion similar to those described with reference to fig. 6H-6K with respect to the injection ports. In addition, although fig. 6H-6K have shown the elongated segment of the injection port (i.e., the longitudinal axis of the bore forming the port) perpendicular to the elongated segment of the needle, the elongated segment of the injection port and/or extraction port may be at an oblique angle relative to the elongated segment of the needle. For example, the elongate section of any port may be oriented at an angle of 30 °, 45 ° or 60 ° relative to the elongate section of the needle, rather than at an angle of 90 ° relative to the needle as shown in fig. 6H-6K. The elongate section of any port may be oriented at different angles relative to the elongate section of the needle without departing from the invention.

Fig. 6L shows a cross-sectional view of the sixth example shown in fig. 6G. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the injection port 550 may be offset from the most recessed point of the recessed portion 645 along the elongate section of the needle, as described with respect to fig. 6K and 6I. For example, in fig. 6L, the injection port 550 is offset from the most recessed point of the recessed portion 645 toward the needle tip 560 of the needle along the elongate section of the needle. Offsetting the injection port 550 toward the tip 560 of the needle may further reduce the likelihood of tearing a portion of the container as the needle penetrates the container. In one or more embodiments, injection port 550 may be disposed at the most recessed point of recessed portion 645 without departing from the invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the recessed portion 645 is asymmetric along the elongate section of the needle, as described with respect to fig. 6H and 6J. For example, the recessed portion 645 may be divided into two portions based on the most recessed point (i.e., the point of the recessed portion closest to the longitudinal axis of the elongate section of the needle). The first portion may be a portion located closer to the needle tip 560 and the second portion may be a portion located further from the needle tip 560. The elongate section of the first portion may be shorter than the elongate section of the second portion. The elongate section of each portion may be the distance along the elongate section of the needle from the most concave portion to a first location along the elongate section of the needle having the same diameter as the diameter of the elongate section of the needle remote from that point, i.e. having the same diameter as the diameter of the elongate section of the needle on the opposite side of the extraction opening 555 from that point.

Thus, by having a shorter length, the first part of the recessed portion may have a surface with a steeper angle than the angle of the surface of the second part, e.g. the first part may have a more inclined angle with respect to the surface of the needle. Increasing the steepness of the angle of the first portion relative to the second portion may further reduce the chance of tearing a portion of the container when the needle is inserted into the container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the extraction opening 555 may be formed by subtractive machining of a metal block. For example, the extraction opening 555 may be milled from an aluminum block. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the extraction port 555 may be symmetric about the axis of each port.

Fig. 6M shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sixth example shown in fig. 6G. In fig. 6M, the extraction opening 555 can be manufactured by cutting a circular piece from a tube using a punch. Punching rather than machining the extraction openings 555 as described with reference to fig. 6L may result in some deformation of the tube near the location of each punch. Tilting the punch rather than cutting perpendicular to the surface of the tube, cutting each circular portion at the same time, can result in an asymmetry in the resulting port 555, as with the sprue 550 described with reference to figure 6L. Other methods of making asymmetric extraction and/or injection ports may be used without departing from the invention.

Although the needles shown in fig. 6G-6M are shown as having a smooth elongated section, e.g., not including threads, the needles may include threads as shown in fig. 6F without departing from the invention. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the thread may extend along an elongate section of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the thread may extend along the elongate section of the needle and along the tapered portion. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the thread may extend along the elongate section, the tapered portion and the tip of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the thread may extend along a portion of the elongate section of the needle, such as the portion between the injection port and the extraction port. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the thread may extend along a tapered portion of the needle.

Fig. 6N shows an isometric view of a seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The seventh example is similar to the needle 500 shown in fig. 5C and 6A. However, the elongated section of the needle is formed as a spiral, such as a bottle opener shape. The interior of the elongate section of the needle may have a plurality of channels so that one of the channels can be used to inject gas into the container while a second channel is temporarily used to extract fluid from the container.

Fig. 6O shows a first cross-sectional view of a seventh exemplary needle at the extraction opening 555. More specifically, fig. 6O shows a cross-section orthogonal to the elongate section of the needle. As seen in this cross-sectional view, the needle is divided into two compartments extending along the elongate section of the needle. The first compartment is separated from the second compartment by an internal dividing wall 660. The first compartment is cylindrical. The second compartment is tubular and surrounds the first compartment. The first compartment is hydraulically connected to the injection port 550 and the second compartment is hydraulically connected to the extraction port 555. In the figure, the dashed line indicates the connection between the first compartment and the injection port, which connection is not present where the first cross-sectional view is. The dashed lines are included for reference and do not indicate that physical structure is present at this location along the elongate section of the needle shown in the first cross-sectional view.

Fig. 6P illustrates a second cross-sectional view of a seventh example needle. More specifically, fig. 6P shows a cross-section orthogonal to the elongate section of the needle. As seen in this cross-sectional view, the needle is divided into two compartments extending along the elongate section of the needle. The compartment is delimited by a partition wall 660 extending along the elongate section of the needle. The first compartment is shaped as half a cylinder. The second compartment also has the shape of half a cylinder. The first compartment is hydraulically connected to the injection port 550 and the second compartment is hydraulically connected to the extraction port 555.

Fig. 6Q shows an isometric view of an eighth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. An eighth example is similar to the needle 500 shown in fig. 6N. However, the needle consists of two separate cylindrical compartments, both following a helical path. Each cylindrical compartment is hydraulically connected to an injection port 550 or an extraction port 555, respectively. Each cylindrical compartment may be hydraulically isolated from each other along the elongate section of the needle, thereby enabling one of the paths to be used to pump gas into the container while simultaneously using the other path to extract fluid from the container.

Although the helical needle shown in fig. 6N through 6Q has been shown to include one injection port and one extraction port, a helical needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may have any number of injection ports and extraction ports. Furthermore, the number of injection ports and extraction ports may be different without departing from the invention. In addition, the size and/or shape of each injection and/or extraction port may be the same or different from any other port without departing from the invention. In addition, while the elongate section of the helical needle has been illustrated as constant, the concave or convex portions as described with respect to fig. 6G-6M may be arranged along the elongate section of the helical needle without departing from the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The method illustrated in fig. 7 may be used to dispense a liquid from a container in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. One or more of the steps illustrated in fig. 7 may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in a different order between different embodiments. The method shown in fig. 7 may be performed by, for example, a liquid dispensing device.

In step 700, a liquid dispensing device obtains a request to add a liquid container to the liquid dispensing device.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the request is obtained from a user. The request may be obtained via a user interface. The liquid dispensing device may obtain the request by other methods without departing from the invention.

In step 700, the liquid dispensing device determines whether an existing liquid container is present in the compartment to which the container is to be added. If there is no existing container, the method proceeds to step 703. If an existing container is present in the carrier, the method proceeds to step 702.

In step 702, the liquid dispensing apparatus initiates a cleaning process.

When extracting liquid from a container, the liquid may pass through a pipe, conduit, flow regulator or other structure of the liquid dispensing device before the liquid is dispensed through the nozzle. When passing through the structure of the liquid dispensing device, a sediment or other material of the liquid may be arranged on the structure of the liquid dispensing device. If these materials are not removed before the second liquid is dispensed by the liquid dispensing device, the second liquid may absorb the materials and become contaminated with them. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the purging process may be performed prior to insertion of a new container. The purging process may remove debris, portions of the first liquid remaining in the device or other materials so that the second liquid will not be contaminated when dispensed by the liquid dispensing device.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cleaning process includes retracting a piercing device disposed within an existing container and removing the existing container from the device.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cleaning process further comprises inserting a container containing the cleaning solution into the liquid dispensing device. Once inserted, the liquid dispensing device may automatically insert the piercing device into the cleaning solution and dispense the cleaning solution. Dispensing the cleaning solution removes all contaminants from the liquid dispensing device introduced by the existing container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cleaning process further comprises removing the container containing the cleaning solution system by retracting the piercing device from the container.

The method may proceed to step 703 after step 702.

In step 703, the liquid dispensing device opens the compartment and waits for the user to insert the container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device may use the liquid container identification sensor described with respect to fig. 2 to determine that a container has been inserted.

In step 704, the liquid dispensing device determines the type of liquid contained in the container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device may use the liquid container identification sensor described with respect to fig. 2 to determine the type of liquid in the container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device may use a liquid container identification sensor to take a sensor reading of the container. The sensor reading may be, for example, an image of the container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device may match the sensor readings to a library that associates sensor readings with liquid types. For example, if the sensor reading is an image of a container, the liquid dispensing device may compare the image to a library of package images. The image may include content from a container label. For example, a wine bottle may include a label that indicates the type of wine, year, winery, and/or other information that may be used to uniquely identify the liquid in the wine bottle. In another example, a wine bottle may include a bar code, QR code, or other graphical indicator that may be used to identify the liquid in the wine bottle. Based on the comparison, the image reading may be matched to one of the library entries. The matching library entry may specify the type of liquid, the conditioning temperature, and the conditioning atmosphere. The library may include regulated temperatures and/or regulated atmospheres recommended by the manufacturer of the liquid contained in the container.

The liquid dispensing device may perform the matching locally, for example if the library is stored on the device, or remotely, for example if the sensor reading is sent to another computing device storing the device and a response is received from the computing device.

In step 705, the liquid dispensing device sets a thermal conditioning device based on the conditioning temperature. Setting the conditioning temperature may cause the thermal conditioning device to begin monitoring the temperature of the container and applying a flow of cooled air or heated air to change the temperature of the liquid disposed within the container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the adjusted temperature may be the adjusted temperature identified in step 704. In other words, the regulation temperature may be set to a liquid recommended temperature (also referred to as a temperature setting) of a liquid provider, such as a brewer. In other embodiments of the invention, the adjustment temperature may be set by a user via a user interface. For example, a user of the device may adjust the temperature through an interface setting when the container is inserted into the device.

In step 706, the liquid dispensing device pierces the container using a piercing device.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the piercing device may be a needle as described with respect to fig. 4A-6F. By piercing the container, a passageway into the interior liquid retaining portion of the container may be formed.

In step 707, the liquid dispensing device sets an atmosphere adjustment device based on the adjusted atmosphere determined in step 704.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the atmosphere regulating device may inject a gas into the container via the needle to regulate the atmosphere within the container. The gas may be, for example, argon or nitrogen. The atmospheric pressure adjusting means may adjust the type of the atmosphere by injecting a specified type of gas, and adjust the pressure of the atmosphere by injecting a certain amount of gas until the pressure regulator indicates that the pressure is at a specified pressure.

In step 708, the liquid dispensing device notifies the user that the container is ready for liquid dispensing.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device notifies the user through a user interface.

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The method illustrated in fig. 8 may be used to dispense liquid from a container in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In different embodiments, one or more of the steps shown in fig. 8 may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in a different order. The method shown in fig. 8 may be performed by, for example, a liquid dispensing device.

In step 800, a liquid dispensing device obtains a request to dispense a liquid.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the request may be obtained from a user via a user interface.

In step 801, the liquid dispensing device determines whether a user is logged into the device. If the user is logged into the device, the method proceeds to step 803. If the user is not logged into the device, the method proceeds to step 802.

In step 802, the liquid dispensing device requests a user to log into the device.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device may request the user to log in by displaying a message to the user on the user interface. In response to the request, the user may enter his or her login credentials.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device may verify the login credentials by contacting a verification network element. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device may verify the login credentials by comparing the login credentials to a set of credentials stored in a memory of the liquid dispensing device. If the credential cannot be verified, the liquid dispensing device may refuse to dispense liquid until an verifiable credential is provided.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the device may display a keypad on the user interface to a user of the device and prompt the user to enter an identification code identifying the user. The user may enter the identification code via a keypad.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the position of each key of the keypad may change each time the user is prompted to enter an identification code. For example, if a numeric identification code is provided to the user, the device may display a numeric keypad. The numbers displayed on each button of the keypad may be different each time the numeric keypad is displayed. Changing the position of characters displayed by the interface may reduce overuse of portions of the user interface, thereby extending the operational life of the user interface.

In step 803, the liquid dispensing device may dispense the liquid upon request. In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid may be aerated by the liquid dispensing device at any time prior to dispensing. The amount of aeration to be applied to the liquid can be determined, at least in part, based on the grape variety of the liquid.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the request specifies a type of liquid and an amount of liquid.

In step 804, the liquid dispensing device may store the dispensing parameters of the dispensing performed in step 803 and associate the dispensing parameters with the user.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the dispensing parameters may specify the grape variety of the liquid, the brew period of the liquid, the area of the liquid, the producer of the liquid, the type of liquid, the time of dispensing, the number of dispenses, the location of the liquid dispensing device at the time and/or date of dispensing, and information relating to the user requesting the dispensing. The information associated with the user may include the user's gender, the user's age, and the user's income. The dispensing parameters may also include parameters of the dispensing system including the amount of gas left in the liquid dispensing device to inject into the container, each of which calculates a current/voltage relationship over time.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, all or a portion of the allocation parameters may be transmitted to the recommendation network element (130, FIG. 1) and stored as part of the consumption history associated with the user.

The method may end after step 804.

FIG. 9A shows a flow diagram in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The method depicted in fig. 9A may be used to recommend a liquid container to a user in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. One or more of the steps illustrated in fig. 9A may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in a different order between different embodiments. The method shown in fig. 9A may be performed by, for example, a recommending network element.

In step 900, the recommendation network element obtains a request for a recommendation for a liquid container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the request may specify the user. The request may be obtained from a liquid dispensing device.

In step 910, the recommendation network element may obtain a list of liquid containers from a group of users associated with the requester and/or a consumption history of the user.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user group may be obtained by comparing the user to a list of other users. Each of the other users may or may not be associated with the user. The user group may be obtained by forming a list of other users associated with the user.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the list of liquid containers may be formed by aggregating liquid containers consumed by one of the other users specified in the group of users based on the consumption history of each of the other users.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the consumption history may be a list of liquids dispensed by the liquid dispensing device to the user.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the consumption history of the user may be analyzed to determine the type of liquid consumed by the user. The liquid container from the commercial vending machine may be added to the list of containers based on the type of liquid consumed by the user.

In step 920, the recommendation network element selects a liquid container from the liquid containers specified in the list of liquid containers by matching the consumption history of the user with one of the liquid containers.

In some embodiments of the invention, the user may select whether the user desires a recommendation based on the user's group of users, recommendations from the vending machine, other sources, and/or combinations of the foregoing sources. If the user makes a selection, the recommendation may be limited to the selected source.

In step 930, the recommendation network element sends a response specifying the selected liquid container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the response may be sent to the liquid dispensing device.

FIG. 9B shows a flow diagram in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The method depicted in fig. 9B may be used to recommend a liquid container to a user in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In different embodiments, one or more of the steps shown in fig. 9B may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in a different order. The method shown in fig. 9B may be performed by, for example, a recommending network element.

In step 950, the liquid dispensing device may send a request to the recommended network element of the specified user.

In step 955, the liquid dispensing device obtains a response specifying the liquid container.

In step 960, the liquid dispensing device displays an image of the liquid container to a user.

In step 965, the liquid dispensing device displays options for accessing the liquid container to the user.

In step 970, the liquid dispensing device determines whether the user has selected an option for accessing the liquid container. If the liquid dispensing device determines that the user has selected an option for accessing the liquid container, the method proceeds to step 975. If the liquid dispensing device determines that the user has not selected the option for accessing the liquid container, the method may end after step 970.

In step 975, the liquid dispensing device sends a selection to the provider of the liquid container.

For example, if the liquid dispensing device is disposed in a hotel, the liquid dispensing device may send a request to a room service or room service so that the selected liquid container will be provided to the user.

The method may end after step 975.

Fig. 10 shows a block diagram of a liquid identification network element 120 according to an embodiment of the invention. The liquid identification network element 120 may identify the liquid based on sensor readings of the container in which the liquid is disposed.

The fluid identification network element 120 may include a processor 1050. The processor 1050 may be a physical device that includes circuitry. The processor 1050 may be, for example, a central processing unit, an embedded processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable gate array, or any other type of programmable computing device.

The processor 1050 can be operatively connected to a non-transitory computer readable memory 1055 that stores instructions. The non-transitory computer readable memory 1055 may be a physical device such as a hard disk drive, read only memory, or solid state drive. When executed by the processor 1050, the instructions may cause the liquid identification network element 120 to perform the functions described throughout this application and shown in fig. 7-9B.

The liquid identification network element 120 may include a memory 1060 operatively connected to a processor. The memory 1060 may be a physical device such as a random access memory. The memory 1060 may be used for temporary storage of data.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the memory 1060 may store a library of

entries

1000, 1010. Each entry may include an

identifier

1001, 1011. The sensor readings for the container may be compared to each

identifier

1001, 1011 to determine a matching library entry.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, each library entry specifies a

liquid type

1002, 1012, a grape variety 1003, 1013, a region 1004, 1014, a brew period 1005, 1015, and/or a brewery 1006, 1016. Each library entry may also specify a conditioning temperature and a conditioning atmosphere.

The fluid identification network element 120 may include a network adapter 1065. The network adapter 1065 may be a physical device for accessing a network. The network adapter may be, for example, an ethernet adapter, a fiber optic network adapter, or a wireless network adapter. The network adapter 1065 may enable the liquid identification network element 120 to exchange information with network elements (e.g., 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.) and/or liquid dispensing devices.

Liquid identification network element 120 may include a user interface 1070. User interface 1070 may be a physical device for interacting with fluid identification network element 120. The liquid identification network element 120 may include, for example, a display, a touch sensitive display, buttons and/or switches. User interface 1070 may enable fluid identification network element 120 to present information to a user and receive input from a user.

Fig. 11 shows a block diagram of a recommending network element 130 according to an embodiment of the invention. The recommendation network element 130 may store the consumption history of each user and the group associations between users.

The recommendation network element 130 may include a processor 1150. Processor 1150 may be a physical device that includes circuitry. The processor 1150 may be, for example, a central processing unit, an embedded processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable gate array, or any other type of programmable computing device.

The processor 1150 may be operably connected to a non-transitory computer readable memory 1155 that stores instructions. The non-transitory computer-readable memory 1155 may be a physical device such as a hard disk drive, read only memory, or solid state drive. When executed by the processor 1150, the instructions may cause the recommendation network element 130 to perform the functions described throughout this application and shown in fig. 7-9B.

The recommendation network element 130 may include a memory 1160 operatively connected to a processor. Memory 1160 may be a physical device such as a random access memory. Memory 1160 may be used for temporary storage of data.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the memory 1160 may store a library of entries 1100, 1110. Each entry may include a consumption history of users 1101, 1111,

group associations

1102, 1112 between the user and other users.

The recommended network element 130 may include a network adapter 1165. The network adapter 1165 may be a physical device used to access a network. The network adapter may be, for example, an ethernet adapter, a fiber optic network adapter, or a wireless network adapter. The network adapter 1165 may enable the recommendation network element 130 to exchange information with network elements (e.g., 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.) and/or liquid dispensing devices.

The recommendation network element 130 may include a user interface 1170. The user interface 1170 may be a physical device for interacting with the recommending network element 130. The recommendation network element 130 may include, for example, a display, a touch sensitive display, a button, and/or a switch. The user interface 1170 may cause the recommendation network element 130 to present information to the user and receive input from the user.

Embodiments of the invention may provide one or more of the following advantages: (i) embodiments of the invention may enable automatic dispensing of liquid from a container, (ii) embodiments of the invention may enable rapid dispensing of liquid from a container that is sealed by injecting gas into the sealed container to maintain pressure within the container as the liquid is dispensed, (iii) embodiments of the invention may enable automatic piercing of a container sealing device (such as a cork, screw cap or other structure), (iv) embodiments of the invention may enable preservation of carbonated or otherwise dissolved gas-containing liquids by maintaining a pressure level within the container after piercing the container to remove a portion of the liquid from the container, (v) embodiments of the invention may reduce dispensing of sediment or other materials disposed within the container with the liquid within the container by maintaining the orientation of the container, preventing sediment or other materials from being dispensed (e.g., the origin of the container may force sediment to settle on the shoulder of the container), (vi) embodiments of the invention may hide the container from the view of the user when dispensing liquid from the container, (vii) embodiments of the invention may preserve the remainder of the liquid in the container by controlling the atmosphere within the container and the temperature of the liquid disposed within the container, (viii) embodiments of the invention may automatically notify the provider of the liquid container when the container is empty, thereby automatically installing a new container or scheduling installation of a new container, and (ix) embodiments of the invention may enable automatic determination of the characteristics of the liquid disposed within the container, and may automatically set the regulated temperature of the liquid and the atmosphere.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing device comprising:

a needle adapted to pierce a container without tearing a portion of the container near a point of penetration on the container; and

a motion control system configured to rotate the needle while the needle is penetrating the container,

wherein the needle comprises:

an elongated segment having a cylindrical shape;

an opening of the injection port arranged at a first distance from a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape;

an opening of an extraction port at a second distance from a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape, wherein the first distance is less than the second distance;

a needle tip disposed along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape;

a tapered portion disposed between the needle tip and the elongate section;

a recessed portion;

wherein the injection port is disposed between the tapered portion and the extraction port.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the injection port and the extraction port are hydraulically separated from each other within the needle.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the injection port is disposed between the needle tip and the extraction port.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the tapered portion tapers from the needle tip to a first diameter, wherein the elongate segment has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is less than the second diameter.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein the needle further comprises:

the recessed portion has a first diameter and the recessed portion has a second diameter,

the elongate section has a second diameter, and

the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the recessed portion is disposed between the needle tip and the extraction port.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion is asymmetric with respect to the opening of the injection port.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the opening of the injection port is not disposed at a most recessed point of the recessed portion.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion is asymmetric with respect to a most recessed point of the recessed portion.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the injection port is oblique to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape.