EP3049365A1 - Combinaison de distributeur et de récipient pour une pluralité de récipients comprenant un système de placement correct - Google Patents

Combinaison de distributeur et de récipient pour une pluralité de récipients comprenant un système de placement correct

Info

Publication number
EP3049365A1
EP3049365A1 EP14786258.5A EP14786258A EP3049365A1 EP 3049365 A1 EP3049365 A1 EP 3049365A1 EP 14786258 A EP14786258 A EP 14786258A EP 3049365 A1 EP3049365 A1 EP 3049365A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
case
dispenser
compartment
combination
microchip
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP14786258.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3049365B1 (fr
Inventor
Gianni Grottini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Blupura Srl
Original Assignee
Blupura Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=56178180&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP3049365(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority claimed from IT000174A external-priority patent/ITAN20130174A1/it
Application filed by Blupura Srl filed Critical Blupura Srl
Priority to PL14786258T priority Critical patent/PL3049365T3/pl
Priority claimed from PCT/IB2014/001737 external-priority patent/WO2015044731A1/fr
Publication of EP3049365A1 publication Critical patent/EP3049365A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3049365B1 publication Critical patent/EP3049365B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D3/0003—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes provided with automatic fluid control means
    • B67D3/0006—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes provided with automatic fluid control means responsive to coded information provided on the neck or spout of the storage container, e.g. bar-code, magnets or transponder
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0888—Means comprising electronic circuitry (e.g. control panels, switching or controlling means)
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2303/00—Orienting or positioning means for containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
    • B67D2001/0811—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs provided with coded information
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00031—Housing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a machinery for supplying and dispensing drinking water and beverages in general, provided with means for the correct positioning of the case of containers for beverages and with a system adapted to recognise such case for exchanging data with said dispenser.
  • dispensers (a term that shall be used hereinafter to identify a generic "beverage dispensing equipment") suitable for use in public places and outdoor (and for this reason also referred as "public fountain”) in addition to the usual household, work and public catering environments (hotels, canteens, restaurants, bars and communities).
  • Said dispensers have constructive and functional features that are now standardized, whereof it is not necessary to dwell too much.
  • the dispenser requires the connection to the aqueduct water mains and/or to storage tanks, and is capable of supplying drinking water and/or beverages (after purification, where necessary, with known filtering means and/or bacteria purification units) at room and/or refrigerated (through known refrigeration means) temperature and/or carbonated (through the addition of carbon dioxide).
  • the dispenser is then provided with at least one drawing station to access the beverage dispensing spout (whereunder the single container to be filled or the case with multiple containers to be filled may be placed) and suitable controls to start the dispensing function, typically comprising at least a currency acceptance device (or suitable prepaid card) and at least one push-button panel adapted to select the drawing station, the type of beverage dispensed and its quantity.
  • suitable controls typically comprising at least a currency acceptance device (or suitable prepaid card) and at least one push-button panel adapted to select the drawing station, the type of beverage dispensed and its quantity.
  • the dispenser may also be provided with additional accessories for an improved user experience, such as audio-visual means for broadcasting multimedia content, typically oriented to the broadcasting of advertising messages or to the display of the instructions for using the public fountain.
  • audio-visual means for broadcasting multimedia content typically oriented to the broadcasting of advertising messages or to the display of the instructions for using the public fountain.
  • a drawback of the prior art dispensers lies in the lack of systems for guiding the user to a simple and quick dispensing of the beverage in the container, the above at the expense of speed of use and waste of the beverage, events to be absolutely limited, especially for those dispensers installed in public places.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a combination between a dispenser and a case of a plurality of containers to be filled, having reciprocal means for a correct and precise allocation of the case inside the drawing point of the dispenser.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a case of a plurality of containers having an identification system communicating with the dispenser, such as to allow an improved experience of use to the user.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide means to ease and automate the dispensing function of the beverage inside the plurality of containers placed inside the case.
  • - Fig. 1 shows a front view of the dispenser according to a first variant of the invention
  • - Fig 2 shows a detail of the drawing station of the dispenser of Fig. 1
  • FIG. 3 A and 3.B are two views of a variant of the container usable in combination with the dispenser of Fig. 1, respectively according to the substantially front-top and front-bottom perspectives;
  • Figs. 4.A and 4.B show, respectively according to a front view and a side perspective, the container of Figs. 3. A and 3.B placed in the drawing station of the dispenser of Fig. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 shows three further variants of a container usable in combination with as many variants of the dispenser of Fig. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 shows, respectively, a section detail and a side view of the drawing station of a further variant of the dispenser of Fig. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the drawing station of the dispenser and container according to a further variant of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 shows a detail of the coupling system between the drawing station of the dispenser and the container in accordance with the variant of Fig.
  • FIG. 9.A and 9.B show respectively a perspective front-side detail and a side view of a variant of the container placed in the dispenser according to a variant of the invention
  • a and 10.B show respectively a perspective front-side detail and a side view of another variant of the container placed in the dispenser according to a further variant of the invention
  • FIG. 1 1 shows a portable device for reading/writing of the system associated to the container usable with the dispenser according to the invention
  • FIG. 12 A and 12. B illustrate the steps of insertion of the container in the device of Fig. 1 1 ;
  • FIG. 13 shows a front view of the dispenser according to another variant of the invention.
  • - Fig. 14 shows a case of the plurality of containers, usable with the dispenser shown in Fig. 13;
  • - Fig. 15 is a detail of the drawing station of the dispenser of Fig. 13, whereon the case of the plurality of containers of Fig. 14 can be used.
  • - Fig. 16 is a detail of the drawing station of the dispenser of Fig. 13, whereon the case of the plurality of containers of Fig. 14 is placed.
  • FIG. 17 shows a perspective front-side section of the case of the plurality of containers when placed in the drawing station of the dispenser of Fig. 13.
  • any dimensional and spatial term refers to the position according to which the elements of the invention are shown in the annexed figures, without any limiting intent relative to the possible operating conditions.
  • Reference numeral 1 indicates the dispenser for dispensing beverages, comprising a containment and support structure 1.1 which, in the example of the annexed figures, appears as a box-shaped element having a substantially parallelepiped shape; however it can take the most varied architectural configurations, in consideration of the intended environment and of the requirements related to the type of use.
  • Said structure 1.1 defines an inner volume adapted to accommodate the standard construction-functional components of a dispenser (hydraulic circuitry and tanks, refrigeration and gasification units, sanitisation elements), that do not require a thorough discussion as they are part of the prior art in the field.
  • said selection controls of the various options and the display are incorporated into a single component, i.e. into the monitor 1.3 located in the upper portion 1.2 of the structure 1.1.
  • said monitor 1.3 is of the touch screen type, adapted both to the selection and display of the choice made, besides the broadcasting of multimedia contents (e.g. advertisements, entertainment movies, video demonstrations on the proper use of the dispenser): even this aspect will be described in details hereinafter, because as well related to the present invention.
  • multimedia contents e.g. advertisements, entertainment movies, video demonstrations on the proper use of the dispenser
  • the drawing station 2 comprises a compartment 3 obtained inside the structure 1.1 of the dispenser and having suitable dimensions to house a container 5 to fill with the dispensed beverage.
  • such container 5 consists of a bottle or flask, but obviously what said herein applies to any container having such a shape and dimensions as to be placed in the compartment 3 of the drawing station 2.
  • Said compartment 3 is provided with a base 3.1 for supporting the container 5, preferably provided with a grid 3.2 (or similar surface provided with openings) for the drainage of any beverage escaping from the container or dripping from the dispensing spout 3.3.
  • the container 5 and the compartment 3 are provided with reciprocal centring elements, having the purpose of allowing the correct positioning of said container 5 inside the drawing station 2.
  • a pin 4 projects from said base 3.1, the main function whereof (but not exclusive, as explained hereinafter) is to act as positioning and centring element for the container 5, as it is intended to engage with a cavity 6 of reciprocal shape, present on the bottom 5.1 of said container 5 (see Figs. 3. A and 3.B).
  • said pin 4 is aligned with the overlying spout 3.3 dispensing the beverage (or better, it is vertically aligned with at least one opening wherefrom said beverage comes out), therefore the coupling with cavity 6 of the container 5 ensures the correct alignment of the mouth 5.2 of the container 5 with the liquid flow, providing assurance that the latter is precisely directed inside said container 5.
  • said pin 4 may also not be vertically aligned with such opening 3.3 dispensing the beverage; the important is that the mouth 5.2 of the container 5 is, once the latter is coupled to said pin 4 through the said cavity 6: in other words, said pin 4 may also erect from the base 3.1 from a point not aligned with the overlying opening 3.3, providing that also the cavity 6 of the container 5 is, and that, once the coupling has taken place, the mouth 5.2 of said container 5 is aligned with the flow of the beverage: in conclusion, by "reciprocal centring means” it is meant coupling means suitable for the correct alignment of the mouth 5.2 of the container 5 with the overlying opening 3.3 for dispensing the beverage.
  • the centring element 6 of the container 5 is positioned on the rear side 5.3 of said container 5 and is intended to couple with a reciprocal centring element 4 projecting from the rear wall of the compartment 3 of the drawing station 2.
  • such centring element 6 is placed on the rear side surface 5.3 of the container; it is adapted to couple by contact with the centring element 4 of the compartment 3, in particular consisting of a pin coming out from the rear wall of said compartment 3 (see Fig 6.B).
  • said reciprocal centring elements 6 and 4 take different dimensional and spatial shapes from those shown in figure, while keeping the fundamental requirement of their reciprocal coupling ability, in order to obtain the desired and correct allocation of the container 5 in the drawing station 2 (that is, the correct alignment of the mouth 5.2 of the container 5 with the overlying spout or opening 3.3 for dispensing the beverage).
  • the centring element 6 of the container 5 may consist of a pin projecting from the rear side 5.3 of such container 5, engaging in a cavity on the rear wall of compartment 3, which acts as a centring element 4 of said compartment 3.
  • centring element 6 of the container 5 and said centring element 4 of compartment 3 are obtained, respectively, on the lateral side 5.3 of said container 5 and on a side wall of said compartment 3 of the drawing station 2; or, respectively, on the bottom 5.1 of such container 5 and on the base 3.1 of said compartment 3 (as already provided in the variant of Figs. 1 to 4.B).
  • centring elements 4 and 6 have suitable reciprocal shape, i.e. have shape, size and spatial placement on the respective container 5 and compartment 3 such as to achieve a bi-univocal coupling, through insertion by interference or contact positioning.
  • Figs. 7 and 8 show a further variant of the present invention, wherein the centring element 6 is obtained on the shoulder 5.4 of the container 5, i.e in the portion between the side 5.3 and the neck 5.5 of said container 5: in the specific example, said centring element 6 takes the shape of a pin section projecting from said shoulder 5.4 (in rear position, as shown in figure, or alternatively lateral) and is adapted to couple by contact with the centring element 4 of compartment 3, consisting of a pin emerging from the wall (respectively rear, as shown in figure, or alternatively lateral) of said compartment 3 and having reciprocal shape to that of the centring element 6 of the container 5.
  • said centring element 4 is provided on top with a bi- forked hook 4.3, acting as a seat for the neck 5.5 of the container 5, as shown in Figure 8.
  • Said hook 4.3 in conclusion, represents a further means to ease the user in the correct positioning of the container 5 inside the drawing station 2 and ensure the reciprocal coupling between the respective centring elements 6 and 4 of the container 5 and compartment 3.
  • centring elements 6 and 4 through reciprocal insertion by interference or contact positioning (in accordance to the different shape variants described above) allows the user of dispenser 1 to place the container 5 inside compartment 3 of the drawing station 2 in a suitable position so that said container 5 may receive the dispensed beverage.
  • the reciprocal coupling between said centring elements 6 and 4 may be rotationally free, allowing the positioning of the container 5 in compartment 3 according to any direction: this occurs when the centring element 6 of the container 5 and the centring element 4 of compartment 3 have the shape of a solid of rotation, such as a cylinder (as shown in Figs. 1 to 4.B) or a cone (as shown in Fig. 5.B, illustrating a variant of container 5 intended to be used in combination with a suitable dispenser 1 having a compartment 3 wherefrom a conical pin 4 projects).
  • the shape of said centring elements 6 and 4 may be that of a prismatic and/or curvilinear asymmetric solid, so that the positioning of the container 5 is mandatory according to a single and precise direction.
  • a and 5.C show two variants in that direction, with the container 5 on the bottom 5.1 whereof a cavity 6 is obtained intended to engage with a pin 4 having the shape of a drop or trapezium (in such case the term "pin” is improper, but is to be intended in general as a “projection” or “protruding element”) (other variants may consist of a polyhedron with a base of another asymmetric shape): therefore the container 5, keeping unchanged the advantages of the correct positioning in alignment with the beverage flow, may be however inserted on pin
  • dispensers 1 and containers 5 are oriented towards the users, so as to use it for applying logos, brands and/or advertising messages; at the same time, such device allows to obtain dispensers 1 and containers 5 intended solely to well determined recipients, avoiding the mixture in the use with unauthorised persons and denoting such products with exclusivity and value qualities from the commercial point of view.
  • the container 5 is also provided with a suitable portion 5.6 of transparent surface, at least at the area whereat its centring element 6 is placed.
  • Said portion 5.6 of transparent surface which preferably extends crosswise up to the front side 5.3 of the container 5 (i.e. that immediately more visible by the user), allows the user of dispenser 1 to visually monitor the correct coupling of the centring element 6 with the reciprocal centring element 4 of compartment 3 of the drawing station 2.
  • the said centring element 4 of compartment 3 is further provided with at least a light source (not shown in figure), preferably one or more leds, the lighting, colouring and frequency thereof are indicative of different operating steps of the dispenser 1 : as a result, once the container 5 has been correctly positioned in compartment 3 (through the above coupling between the reciprocal centring elements 6 and 4) said one or more leds activate and their light output can be easily observed by the user thanks to the portion 5.6 of transparent surface of which said container 5 is provided.
  • a light source not shown in figure
  • a steady green light source may mean that the dispenser 1 is working and ready to receive the container 5; a blue light source may indicate that the correct coupling between the container 5 and compartment 3 has taken place, while a pulsating blue light source may identify the dispensing step of the beverage by the dispenser 1 ; or, a steady red light source may mean a malfunction of the dispenser 1 , while a pulsating red light source may mean that said container 5 has not been recognised or an incorrect coupling between said container 5 and the dispenser 1.
  • the variants described so far refer to a dispenser 1 having a drawing station 2 of such dimensions as to allow placing only one container 5; in the case of larger drawing stations 2 and intended for a plurality of containers 5, as many pair of reciprocal centring elements 6 and 4 as the number of containers 5 to allocate in the compartment 3 may be present, so that the mouths 5.2 of said containers 5 are vertically aligned with as many outlet spouts 3.3 of the beverages.
  • the positioning of one or more cases 5.0 may be provided, wherein a plurality of containers 5' is placed: in that case the above one or more cases 5.0 are provided with centring elements 6, adapted to couple with reciprocal centring elements 4 of the compartment 3 of said drawing station 2, so that the mouths 5.2' of said plurality of containers 5' arranged inside said one or more cases are vertically aligned with the spouts 3.3 dispensing the beverage.
  • the case 5.0 and the compartment 3 are provided with reciprocal centring elements, with the main purpose of allowing the correct positioning of said case 5.0 inside the drawing station 2.
  • the centring element 6 of the case 5.0 is positioned on the rear side 5.30 of said case 5.0 and is intended to couple with a reciprocal centring element 4 projecting from the rear wall of compartment 3 of the drawing station 2.
  • centring element 6 is placed on the rear side surface 5.30 of the case 5.0; it is adapted to couple by contact with the centring element 4 of compartment 3, in particular consisting of a pin projecting from the rear wall of said compartment 3.
  • the centring element 6 of the case 5.0 may consist of a cavity wherein the centring element 4 engages; or, viceversa, said centring element 6 may consist of a pin projecting from the rear side 5.30 of the case 5.0, engaging in a cavity on the rear wall of compartment 3, which acts as a centring element 4 of said compartment 3.
  • centring element 6 of the case 5.0 and said centring element 4 of compartment 3 are obtained, respectively, on the lateral side 5.30 of said case 5.0 and on a side wall of said compartment 3 of the drawing station 2; or, respectively, on the bottom 5.10 of such case 5.0 and on the base 3.1 of said compartment 3.
  • centring elements 4 and 6 have suitable reciprocal shape, i.e. have shape, size and spatial positioning on the respective case 5.0 and compartment 3 such as to obtain a bi-univocal coupling, through the insertion by interference or contact positioning.
  • centring elements 6 and 4 through reciprocal insertion by interference or contact positioning (in accordance to the different shape variants described above) allows the user of dispenser 1 to place the case 5.0 inside compartment 3 of the drawing station 2 in a suitable position so that the plurality of containers 5' placed inside said case 5.0 may receive the dispensed beverage.
  • the case 5.0 may be equipped with a suitable portion of transparent surface, at least at the area wherein its centring element 6 is placed.
  • Said portion of transparent surface which preferably extends crosswise up to the front side 5.30 of the case 5.0 (i.e. that immediately more visible by the user), allows the user of dispenser 1 to visually monitor the correct coupling of the centring element 6 with the reciprocal centring element 4 of compartment 3 of the drawing station 2.
  • the said centring element 4 of compartment 3 may be further provided with at least a light source, preferably one or more leds, the lighting, colouring and frequency thereof may be indicative of different operating steps of the dispenser 1 : as a result, once the case 5.0 has been correctly positioned in compartment 3 (through the above coupling between the reciprocal centring elements 6 and 4), said one or more leds activate and their light output can be easily observed by the user thanks to the portion of transparent surface of which said case 5.0 is provided.
  • a steady green light source may mean that the dispenser 1 is working and ready to receive the case 5.0; a blue light source may indicate that the correct coupling between the case 5.0 and compartment 3 has taken place, while a pulsating blue light source may identify the dispensing step of the beverage by the dispenser 1 ; or, a steady red light source may mean a malfunction of the dispenser 1 , while a pulsating red light source may mean that said case 5.0 has not been recognised or an incorrect coupling between said case 5.0 and the dispenser 1.
  • Figs. 13 to 17 show drawing stations 2 of such dimensions as to allow placing only one case 5.0; in the case of larger drawing stations 2 and intended for a plurality of cases 5.0, as many pair of reciprocal centring elements 6 and 4 as the number of cases 5.0 to place in the compartment 3 will be present, always in such a way as to ensure that the mouths 5.2' of the plurality of containers 5' placed in said cases 5.0 are vertically aligned with as many outlet spouts 3.3 of the beverages.
  • a feature of the present invention is to enable the correct allocation in compartment 3 of the drawing station 2 of dispenser 1 of a container 5 to be filled or a case 5.0 containing multiple containers to be filled.
  • the coupling between the centring elements 4 and 6 of, respectively, compartment 3 and container 5 (or, similarly, of compartment 3 and case 5.0), besides the positioning task described above, is functional to a further feature of the present invention.
  • Said further functional feature consists in that a microchip 7 is present on the centring element 6 of the case 5.0, fixed therein by co-moulding or gluing.
  • Said microchip 7 typically consists of an integrated circuit or an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) label (also referred to as “tag” or “transponder”); as an alternative, the microchip may comprise an NFC (Near Field Communication) electronic element, or, in any case, any electronic apparatus capable of storing data in its memory and communicating wirelessly with a suitable component described shortly.
  • RFID Radio Frequency IDentification
  • NFC Near Field Communication
  • microchip 7 For convenience of description, such element located on the centring element 6 shall be generically referred to as "microchip 7".
  • an antenna to send and receive signals from and to said microchip 7 is usually integrated to the same microchip through a physical support substrate (typically consisting of plastic film), or placed in close proximity,
  • said reading/writing device (hereinafter generally referred to as "reader”, although it is also capable of writing data) is identified with the reference numeral 4.1 and is located in the centring element 4 of compartment 3 of the drawing station 2.
  • the reader 4.1 is technically capable of communicating remotely with the microchip 7 located in the centring element 6 of case 5.0: however, according to the present invention, this exchange of information occurs only and exclusively when the coupling between the centring elements 4 and 6 is achieved, that is when the case 5.0 is correctly inserted in the drawing station 2 and the contact between the microchip 7 (located in said centring element 6 of case 5.0) and the reader 4.1 (placed in said centring element 4 of compartment 3) is obtained.
  • HF High Frequencies
  • the correct communication between the two elements may be enabled with sensor or mechanical elements (not shown in figure), for example a contrast pin or a proximity sensor inserted in at least one of the centring elements 4 and 6, capable of verifying that the coupling has taken place and thus authorizing the communication between said microchip 7 and the reader 4.1.
  • sensor or mechanical elements for example a contrast pin or a proximity sensor inserted in at least one of the centring elements 4 and 6, capable of verifying that the coupling has taken place and thus authorizing the communication between said microchip 7 and the reader 4.1.
  • Said device typically comprises a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated with the term "CPU"), incorporated in the structure 1.1 of the dispenser 1 and directly connected to the reader 4.1 through connecting means 4.2.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • Said CPU is preferably but not mandatorily connected to a display, in particular monitor 1.3 integrated to the dispenser 1.
  • the CPU is provided with Internet connection in order to interface with one or more system central processors (hereinafter briefly referred to as "servers"), optionally capable of containing all the information and data which shall be described shortly by way of an example.
  • servers system central processors
  • the wireless system just described starts and the dispenser 1 can read the content of the microchip 7, activating a series of services of an information and functional nature according to the data contained therein.
  • the microchip 7 is coded with a series of data provided by the user (directly by the same user or by the persons in charge of selling/supplying said case 5.0), by means of a suitable portable reader; or
  • the dispenser 1 may be devoid of the monitor 1.3 and the reader 4.1 operates only in reading mode, since it is not possible for the user to write or overwrite data in microchip 7 through the interface software: however the wireless communication system between the case 5.0 and the dispenser 1 is fully operational and capable of providing the user with the majority of functional and informational services, related to the type of data entered in such microchip 7.
  • the dispenser 1 may proceed directly to dispense the liquid without the need for the user to use the currency acceptance device (which, therefore, may also be absent);
  • the dispenser 1 may therefore dispense directly the type and predetermined quantity of beverage according to the instructions previously selected by the user and coded in microchip 7; - data relative to the personal preferences of the user owner of the case 5.0, concerning fields non purely related to the dispensing function of the dispenser 1 but in any case enabling informative-recreational services which can be used during the use of the dispenser 1 : viewing of multimedia content (images, movies, texts, music) on monitor 1.3, selected among the content previously loaded in the CPU or downloaded from the server through the Internet connection;
  • the dispenser 1 may dispense beverages added with dietary supplements or vary their type according to a calendar (seasonal, weekly, daily or hourly), completed by the user and coded in the microchip 7.
  • the wireless system starts at the time that the case 5.0 is correctly placed in the drawing station 2 (obtaining the coupling between the respective centring elements 6 and 4): in the case already mentioned where said case 5.0 is provided with a suitable portion of transparent surface (at least at the area where its centring element 6 is placed) and the centring element 4 of said compartment 3 is provided with at least a light source (preferably one or more leds), the user is given the possibility to visually monitor the different operating steps of such wireless system, each of which is associated to a different lighting, colouring and frequency of such light source.
  • a light source preferably one or more leds
  • a steady green light source may indicate that the correct activation of the wireless communication system between the case 5.0 and the dispenser 3 has taken place, while a pulsating white light source may indicate the step of supplying services of an information and functional nature; or, again, a black light source may mean a malfunction of the wireless system or the absence of money credit available for using beverage dispensing service.
  • Fig. 1 1 shows said portable reader, identified with reference numeral 8 and substantially reproducing the same components of the base 3.1 of the drawing station 2 of dispenser 1 according to the variant of Figs. 1 to 4.B.
  • said portable reader comprises a base 8.1 for supporting the container 5, provided with a pin 9 having the shape corresponding to that of cavity 6 with which it is intended to couple.
  • Said pin 9 incorporates the reader 9.1, adapted to operate both in reading and writing mode of the microchip 7, located on the bottom 6.1 of the cavity 6 of the container 5.
  • the insertion of the container 5 on said reader 8 activates the wireless system for the communication between the microchip 7 and the reader 9.1, with the user who may therefore enter, update or overwrite data.
  • the operation of entering said data takes place after connecting (wireless or wired, for example through cable 8.2 for the connection with the USB socket, shown in the figure) the portable reader 8 to a personal computer, hand held device, tablet or smartphone, operating on a suitable interface software between the user and such reader 8.
  • Even the various operating steps of the portable reader 8 power on, reading, writing, malfunctioning
  • said one or more leds may be arranged on top of the pin 9 and, for this purpose, the lower portion of the container 5 is transparent.
  • the above mentioned management software (operating without distinction offline locally or online via Web) is, therefore, intended for coding the microchip 7 of the specific container 5 located on the portable reader 8, providing the user with an interface for entering the desired data and associate it to the container 5 to be used in the dispenser 1.
  • the same software has an optional function which allows sending coded information to a server, according to the typical encryption and confidentiality standards of personal information, which has long been used in processor programs: this option, even if not affecting the general operation of the communication system between the single container 5 and the dispenser 1, is useful for the central processing, for statistical purposes, of data entered in the microchip 7 over the time, besides acting as a security archive which the dispenser 1 can use remotely in case of malfunctioning of the microchip 7 of the specific container 5.
  • the software examined may also allow the online recharge of the money credit available on the specific container 5, according to the usual standards of virtual payment via Web: in such case the remote connection function of the software (both that usable through the portable reader 8 and that usable through the monitor 1.3 of the dispenser 1) to a server becomes mandatory, as the credit institution has to manage the crediting and debiting steps via Internet.
  • the combination between the dispenser 1 and the case 5.0 of the plurality of containers 5' allows the intended objects to be achieved and a series of advantages relative to the prior art beverage dispensers to be obtained.
  • the first order of advantages is related to the possibility of precisely positioning the case 5.0, so that the mouths 5.2' of the plurality of containers 5' located in said case 5.0 are aligned exactly with the flows of the beverage dispensed by the overlying spouts 3.3, thanks to the coupling between the respective centring elements 6 and 4 of said case 5.0 and compartment 3, speeding up and easing the use of the container 5 and dispenser 1 by the user.
  • a second order of advantages lies in the wireless communication system between the case 5.0 of the plurality containers 5' and the dispenser 1, with the case 5.0 acting as an actual personal instrument of the user for activating additional services of an information and functional nature, still usable through the dispenser 1.
  • case 5.0 may be used to activate other services not related to the use of the dispenser 1 but of other public services, such as for example the use of car parks or rental of public means: of course the coupling and wireless communication system between the centring means 6 of case 5.0 (and related microchip 7) and the centring means 4 (and relative reader 4.1) of which structures for dispensing and authorising such additional services must be provided, remains unchanged.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une combinaison entre un distributeur (1) permettant de distribuer des boissons et au moins un boîtier (5.0) d'une pluralité de récipients (5') conçus pour être utilisés dans le poste d'étirage (2) dudit distributeur (1). Ledit distributeur (1) et ledit boîtier (5.0) sont chacun dotés d'un élément de centrage (4, 6) présentant une forme réciproque, l'accouplement desdits éléments de centrage permettant le positionnement dudit boîtier (5.0) à l'intérieur du compartiment (3) du poste d'étirage (2) dudit récipient (1) de sorte que les embouchures (5.2') de ladite pluralité de récipients (5') dudit boîtier (5.0) soient alignées verticalement avec la pluralité sus-jacente d'ouvertures ou becs verseurs (3.3) permettant de distribuer les boissons. L'accouplement réciproque entre lesdits éléments de centrage (4, 6) active en outre un système de communication sans fil pour l'échange de données entre ledit boîtier (5.0) et une pluralité de récipients (5') et ledit distributeur (1).
EP14786258.5A 2013-09-26 2014-09-03 Combinaison de distributeur et de récipient pour une pluralité de récipients comprenant un système de placement correct Active EP3049365B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL14786258T PL3049365T3 (pl) 2013-09-26 2014-09-03 Zestawienie dozownika z pojemnikiem na wiele pojemników, mające system do prawidłowego umieszczania

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000174A ITAN20130174A1 (it) 2013-09-26 2013-09-26 Recipiente per dispenser di bevande con sistema di identificazione
ITAN20140025 2014-02-14
ITAN20140027 2014-02-14
ITAN20140026 2014-02-14
PCT/IB2014/001737 WO2015044731A1 (fr) 2013-09-26 2014-09-03 Combinaison de distributeur et de récipient pour une pluralité de récipients comprenant un système de placement correct

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3049365A1 true EP3049365A1 (fr) 2016-08-03
EP3049365B1 EP3049365B1 (fr) 2016-12-21

Family

ID=56178180

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14786258.5A Active EP3049365B1 (fr) 2013-09-26 2014-09-03 Combinaison de distributeur et de récipient pour une pluralité de récipients comprenant un système de placement correct
EP14786257.7A Active EP3049364B1 (fr) 2013-09-26 2014-09-03 Dispositif combiné constitué d'un distributeur et d'un contenant ayant un système permettant d'effectuer correctement la mise en place et l'identification du contenant

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14786257.7A Active EP3049364B1 (fr) 2013-09-26 2014-09-03 Dispositif combiné constitué d'un distributeur et d'un contenant ayant un système permettant d'effectuer correctement la mise en place et l'identification du contenant

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (2) EP3049365B1 (fr)
DK (2) DK3049365T3 (fr)
ES (2) ES2620095T3 (fr)
PL (2) PL3049365T3 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11208315B2 (en) 2018-04-02 2021-12-28 Pepsico, Inc. Unattended beverage dispensing systems and methods
US11961373B2 (en) 2020-07-01 2024-04-16 Pepsico, Inc. Method and system of touch-free vending
IT202000018697A1 (it) 2020-07-31 2022-01-31 Blupura Srl Dispositivo per l'erogazione di acqua potabile con sistema di lavaggio del recipiente

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9309192U1 (de) 1993-06-21 1993-08-26 Krunke Bernhard Vorrichtung zur Abgabe unverpackter Motorenöle o.dgl.
EP0876293A1 (fr) 1996-01-18 1998-11-11 Charles Wells Limited Appareil distributeur de boissons
CA2414870A1 (fr) 2002-12-20 2004-06-20 Labatt Brewing Company Limited Systeme et appareil de distribution de boisson
US20050068182A1 (en) 2003-09-30 2005-03-31 Dunlap Richard L. Application of radio frequency identification
US7617850B1 (en) 2004-08-20 2009-11-17 Validfill Llc Beverage dispensing system
US8245739B1 (en) 2003-10-23 2012-08-21 ValidFill, LLC Beverage dispensing system
US20050087255A1 (en) 2003-10-23 2005-04-28 Humphrey Richard L. RF device in drinkware to record data/initiate sequence of behavior
DE202006004151U1 (de) 2005-12-19 2006-07-27 Mayer, Martin Getränkespender
US8176948B2 (en) 2008-03-26 2012-05-15 Matthew Carrig Apparatus and system for liquid dispensing and storage
US20090266736A1 (en) 2008-04-25 2009-10-29 Drug Plastics & Glass Company, Inc. Container having an identification device molded therein and method of making same
US20100024913A1 (en) 2008-07-29 2010-02-04 Bruce Howard Refillable vending system and method
CA2737935C (fr) 2009-02-11 2017-10-24 William W. Segiet Robinet distributeur de boissons controle par une technologie sans fil

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3049364B1 (fr) 2016-12-21
EP3049364A1 (fr) 2016-08-03
DK3049364T3 (en) 2017-03-20
ES2620095T3 (es) 2017-06-27
DK3049365T3 (en) 2017-03-20
EP3049365B1 (fr) 2016-12-21
ES2620129T3 (es) 2017-06-27
PL3049365T3 (pl) 2017-06-30
PL3049364T3 (pl) 2017-06-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2910712C (fr) Combinaison de distributeur et de recipient pour une pluralite de recipients comprenant un systeme de placement correct
RU2485594C2 (ru) Система и способ для осуществления взаимодействия потребителя с разливочным устройством
CN105431373B (zh) 饮料服务系统
US8857666B2 (en) Wine dispensing system
US8408255B1 (en) Beverage dispensing system
RU2487415C2 (ru) Система и способ для осуществления взаимодействия потребителя с разливочным устройством
US8776838B1 (en) Beverage dispensing system
RU2487413C2 (ru) Система и способ для осуществления взаимодействия потребителя с разливочным устройством
US7845375B2 (en) Beverage dispensing system
US20100084426A1 (en) Portable self-serve beer vending station
JP2008507337A (ja) 飲料販売用のシステム、方法、及び装置
EP3049365B1 (fr) Combinaison de distributeur et de récipient pour une pluralité de récipients comprenant un système de placement correct
WO2014091284A1 (fr) Fontaine publique comprenant au moins un distributeur ayant un moyen de puisage d'eau amélioré
ITAN20130173A1 (it) Dispenser per l'erogazione di bevande con sistema di identificazione del recipiente
ITAN20130078U1 (it) Dispenser per l'erogazione di bevande con sistema di identificazione del recipiente
ITAN20130174A1 (it) Recipiente per dispenser di bevande con sistema di identificazione
ITAN20140025U1 (it) Dispenser per l'erogazione di bevande con sistemi perfezionati per il posizionamento e l'identificazione del recipiente
BR112016004329B1 (pt) Combinação de dispensador e recipiente para uma pluralidade de recipientes com um sistema para o colocamento correto
ITAN20130079U1 (it) Recipiente per dispenser di bevande con sistema di identificazione
ITAN20130080U1 (it) Dispositivo portatile per la lettura e scrittura di dati in un recipiente per dispenser di bevande
ITAN20140026U1 (it) Dispenser per l'erogazione di bevande con sistema di identificazione per il riempimento di una pluralita' di recipienti
ITAN20140027U1 (it) Recipiente perfezionato per dispenser di bevande con sistema di identificazione

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20150522

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20161005

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 855276

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: R.A. EGLI AND CO, PATENTANWAELTE, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602014005733

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

Effective date: 20170313

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170321

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 855276

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20161221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2620095

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20170627

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170421

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref document number: 20170400742

Country of ref document: GR

Effective date: 20170804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170421

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170321

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602014005733

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 4

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20170922

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170903

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170903

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20140903

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161221

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230310

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230713

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20230825

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20230921

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230928

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20230925

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20231124

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20231001

Year of fee payment: 10