ES2715689T3 - Induction heated fluid reservoir - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid reservoir comprising: a reservoir body (2750) including a first end (2802), a second end (2820), a cross section, and a translation axis (72) that is substantially orthogonal to the cross section and it is defined by the first end and the second end, where the cross section is substantially uniform along the axis of translation for at least a portion of a length of the body (2750) of the tank; a piston (2804) configured and arranged to translate along the translation axis (72), where a volume of the fluid reservoir available to house the fluid is defined by a distance between the piston (2804) and the second end ( 2820) of the tank body (2750); and an outlet port (2812) arranged on a surface of the fluid reservoir, such that when the piston (2804) is moved along the axis of translation towards said second end (2820), a volume of the fluid flows from the fluid reservoir and through the outlet port (2812), where the fluid reservoir further comprises a heating structure (2824), characterized in that said first end (2802) is configured and arranged to receive at least one portion of an actuator (3146), so that when received, the actuator (3146) engages with the piston (2804) and, when coupled, the actuator (3146) is configured and arranged to move the piston (2804) towards said second end; and because, when the fluid is housed in the reservoir, the heating structure (2824) is thermally coupled to the fluid and configured and arranged to energize at least a portion of the fluid housed in the fluid reservoir.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Induction heated fluid reservoir

Field of the Invention

This application relates to viscous fluid dispensers and, more particularly, to motion and / or proximity activated dispensers that heat the viscous fluid before dispensing the fluid.

Background of the invention

Motion-activated soap dispensers are well known. Such dispensers advantageously reduce the spread of germs and diseases by not requiring any contact with the dispensers. Automated soap dispensers typically have large amounts of freely flowing fluid. The mechanisms of such dispensers retain a residual amount of soap, which is acceptable given the large size of the tank. The soap is left inside the container. Soap typically also contacts the dispensing mechanism outside the container.

The motion-activated dispensing can be advantageously used for other fluids such as personal lubricants or other substances dispensed in medical applications. In particular, the lack of contamination may be ideal. However, the dispensing of other fluids may not be carried out effectively using existing soap dispensing mechanisms, since the residual fluid remaining in the dispenser may be unpleasant, unhygienic or may result in unacceptable waste.

On the other hand, it may be beneficial to increase the temperature of or heat a fluid, such as a personal lubricant, before dispensing the fluid. Such a dispenser is known from WO 2007/120791 A2, which discloses a fluid reservoir according to the preamble of claim 1. The systems and methods described herein provide an improved dispensing mechanism that can be used for lubricants. personal or other viscous fluids.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with the invention, a fluid reservoir is provided having the characteristics of claim 1. In one aspect, a dispenser includes a housing having a base configured to rest stably on a support surface. The housing includes an upper portion positioned above the base so that a space between the base and the upper portion is sized to receive a human hand. The upper portion defines a cavity sized to receive a fluid reservoir and an opening that extends directly through a lower surface of the upper portion to the cavity. A pressure element is positioned within the cavity and an actuator is coupled to the pressure element and is configured to push the pressure element to and from the opening. A fluid reservoir can be placed inside the cavity, the fluid reservoir including a neck having a pressure actuated opening at a distal end thereof, the neck extending through the opening. In some embodiments, no portion of the dispenser, other than the base, is positioned in a flow path vertically below the pressure-operated opening.

In another aspect, the dispenser includes a controller placed inside the housing and operatively coupled to the actuator, the controller being configured to selectively activate the actuator. The dispenser may include a proximity sensor placed in the housing and configured to detect movement within the space. Alternatively, the sensor can be a motion detector or other sensor. In the preferred embodiment, the proximity sensor is operatively coupled to the controller and the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to an output of the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is placed inside the upper portion and the controller is placed inside the base. The dispenser may further include a light emitting device placed within a portion of the housing, preferably within the upper portion. The upper portion in said embodiment includes a downwardly oriented translucent panel placed under the light emitting device. In at least some other embodiments, the upper portion includes a thinner section of the housing located below the light emitting device, so that at least a portion of the light can pass through the thinner section. The controller may be configured to activate the actuator to move between the positions of a plurality of discrete positions that include a start position and an end position in response to the detection of movement in space by the proximity sensor. The controller may also be configured to activate the actuator so that it moves to the starting position in response to the detection of the actuator positioning in the final position. The dispenser may additionally include a temperature control element in thermal contact with the cavity or otherwise positioned to heat the fluid reservoir. The temperature control element is preferably a heating element, such as a resistance heater.

In another aspect, the actuator is configured to drive the pressure element in a first direction and the upper portion includes a stop face arranged substantially transverse to the first direction (i.e. substantially normal to the first direction) and displaced to a first side of the opening. The pressure element may include a pressure face that extends upwardly from the opening and that has a normal substantially parallel to the first direction. The pressure element may be positioned on a second side of the opening opposite the first side. The actuator is configured to drive the pressure element perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, the upper portion defines the rails that extend perpendicular to the first direction, the pressure element being configured to receive the rails slidingly. The fluid reservoir can be foldable and positioned within the cavity that has a first surface in contact with the stop face and a second surface in contact with the pressure face, with the neck resting on the first surface, the body of the folding tank It can have a constant cross-section along substantially an entire length of the body between the first and the second surface.

In another aspect, the pressure element includes a roller rotatably coupled to the actuator and defining a rotation axis. The actuator is configured to move the roller in a first direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation through the cavity to and from the opening. The pressure element may include a shaft that extends through the roller, the upper portion defining guides that engage the end portions of the shaft. The actuator can be coupled to the end portions of the shaft by means of a flexible but substantially inextensible line. The springs may be coupled to the end portions of the shaft and configured to push the roller toward an initial position offset from the opening.

In another aspect, the opening extends in a first direction through the lower surface of the upper portion and the pressure element can be placed in an initial position having the cavity located between the opening and the pressure element. The actuator is configured to drive the pressure element from the starting position towards the opening along the first direction. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the upper portion defines an opening and a lid is hingedly fixed to the lower surface and can be selectively placed over the opening, the opening being defined in the lid. In some embodiments, one or more elements extend from the cavity to a position offset from the cavity, each element or more elements being pivotally positioned in the upper portion and including a first arm extending over the pressure element having the pressure element between the first arm and the opening; and a second arm that engages the actuator.

In another aspect, the first and second rods are pivotally coupled at a first end to one side of the cavity and having a second end positioned on an opposite side of the cavity. The actuator is coupled with the first and second rods and is configured to drag the first and second rods through the cavity into the opening.

In various embodiments, a dispenser includes a housing, an opening in the housing, a receptacle within the housing, a heating element and an actuator. The opening may be a dispensing opening. The receptacle or cavity is configured and arranged to removably receive a reservoir. When the deposit is received, an exit hole of the deposit is exposed through the opening. The heating element is configured and arranged to energize or heat the fluid housed inside the tank. When the actuator is operated, the actuator provides a dispensing force that induces a flow of a predetermined volume of fluid energized within the reservoir through the exposed outlet port of the reservoir. Consequently, the dispenser dispenses the predetermined volume energized through the opening.

The actuator includes a converter that converts electrical energy to provide the dispensing force. In at least one embodiment, the converter is a stepper motor, such as an electric stepper motor. The dispensing force moves a piston in the reservoir at a predetermined distance to induce flow and dispense the predetermined volume of energized fluid.

In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is linearly proportional to the predetermined volume of energized fluid dispensed. The heating element may be configured and arranged to induce an electric current in a heating structure. The heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid housed in the tank. The current induced in the heating structure energizes or heats the fluid.

In various embodiments, the dispenser further includes a sensor that generates a signal when an object is positioned close to the opening in the housing or the object moves relative to the opening. The signal drives the actuator. The dispenser also includes a source that emits electromagnetic energy, such as photons or waves, in a frequency band. The frequency band is within the visible spectrum. The emitted electromagnetic energy illuminates at least a portion of the dispenser. The frequency band is based on a user selection. An intensity of the emitted electromagnetic energy is based on a user selection. The illuminated portion of the dispenser includes at least one region of the housing that is disposed below the opening. In some embodiments, the source is a light emitting diode (LED).

In some embodiments, the housing includes a base portion below the opening. The housing is configured and arranged to receive a user's hand between the base portion and the opening. The base portion may include a depression of containment or recess placed directly below the opening. The containment depression is configured and arranged to contain the dispensed volume of fluid.

The opening is configured and arranged so that when the predetermined volume of fluid flows through the outlet port of the reservoir, the predetermined volume of fluid is dispensed without coming into contact with a perimeter of the opening. The default volume can be based on a user selection. The heating element may surround at least a portion of the receptacle, so that the heating element is configured and arranged to substantially substantially energize at least a portion of the fluid housed in the reservoir. In at least some embodiments, the receptacle is a pivoting receptacle that is configured and arranged to pivot to an open position and a closed position. The dispenser may include a pivot assembly that is configured and arranged to pivot at least one of the receptacles, the heating element and the actuator.

In some embodiments, a fluid dispenser includes a housing, an opening in the housing, a receptacle within the housing, an actuator and a power supply. The opening may be a dispensing opening. The receptacle is configured and arranged to receive a deposit. When the reservoir is received by the receptacle, an outlet opening of the reservoir is exposed through the opening. When actuated, the actuator provides a dispensing force that induces a flow of a volume of fluid into the reservoir through the outlet port of the reservoir and dispenses the volume of fluid through the opening. The power supply provides power to the actuator. The power supply includes an alternating current source.

In at least one embodiment, the dispenser further includes a heating element. The alternating current source provides alternating current to the heating source. The heating element may be close to the receptacle. The dispenser may further include a motor that provides the dispensing force. The alternating current source provides alternating current to the motor. The dispenser may also include at least one touch sensitive sensor. The at least one touch sensitive sensor is enabled to detect a user's contact through the housing.

A fluid reservoir includes a reservoir body, a heating structure, a piston and an outlet orifice disposed in the reservoir body. The body of the tank includes a first end, a second end, a cross section and a translation axis. The axis of translation is substantially orthogonal to the cross section. The axis of translation is defined by the first end and the second end. The cross section is substantially uniform along the axis of translation. When the fluid is housed in the reservoir, the heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid. The heating structure is configured and arranged to energize or heat at least a portion of the fluid housed in the reservoir. The piston is configured and arranged to move along the axis of translation. An available volume of the reservoir to accommodate the fluid is defined by a distance between the piston and the second end of the reservoir body. The second end of the reservoir can be a closed end of the reservoir. When the piston moves along the translation axis towards the second end, a volume of the fluid that has been energized by the heating structure flows from the reservoir and through the outlet orifice. The volume of fluid energized is linearly proportional to a length of the translation of the piston.

In some embodiments, the heating structure is a conductive disk that includes a cross section that substantially coincides with the cross section of the tank body. The heating structure may be arranged close to the second end of the tank body. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir also includes tabs in use configured and arranged to indicate whether the piston has moved from an initial position. The first end of the tank body is an open end to receive the piston. The second end of the tank body is a closed end. The tank body can be a cylindrical body. The second end is a cylinder base.

In at least one embodiment, the outlet orifice includes a valve configured and arranged so that the fluid housed in the reservoir flows through the valve in response to a translation of the piston to the second end of the reservoir body. The valve is also configured and arranged to retain the fluid inside the tank when the piston has not been moved. The outlet orifice includes a valve retainer configured and arranged to match an opening of a dispenser when the reservoir is received by a cavity within a dispenser. The valve retainer includes a retainer perimeter that is configured and arranged so that when the fluid housed in the reservoir flows through the outlet orifice, the fluid flowing with the retainer perimeter does not come into contact.

In various embodiments, a cross section of the outlet orifice is oriented substantially perpendicular to the translation axis. In other embodiments, a cross section of the outlet orifice is oriented substantially parallel to the translation axis. The outlet orifice can be arranged close to the heating structure, so that the fluid flowing through the outlet orifice is close to the structure heating before it flows through the outlet hole. The piston includes a driven structure configured and arranged to match a drive shaft driven by a motor. In at least one embodiment, the piston includes an driven structure configured and arranged to match a drive shaft driven by pressurized gas.

In some embodiments, a fluid reservoir includes a reservoir body, a heating structure, a piston, a nozzle and at least one first valve. Some embodiments include a second valve. The reservoir body includes a longitudinal axis and a volume that is configured and arranged to accommodate at least a portion of the fluid housed in the reservoir. When the fluid is housed in the volume of the reservoir body, the heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid housed in the body and is configured and arranged to energize at least a portion of the fluid housed within the body. The piston is configured and arranged to travel along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the tank body. The nozzle disposed on a surface of the tank configured and arranged to output the fluid housed inside the tank. The first valve resists the outflow of fluid through the nozzle unless a dispensing force is applied to the reservoir. The dispensing force increases an internal pressure of the fluid to overcome a resistance of the first valve.

In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a bottom cover that includes an opening to allow a transmission shaft to apply the dispensing force to the piston, where when the dispensing force is applied to the piston, the piston moves along the longitudinal axis. and the resistance of the first valve is overcome to generate a portion of the nozzle fluid. The tank may also include a nozzle assembly. When a dispensing force is applied to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly moves relative to the reservoir body and the resistance of the first valve is overcome to produce a portion of the fluid from the nozzle.

The nozzle can be an angled nozzle. When the reservoir is received by a fluid dispenser, the inclined nozzle is oriented substantially vertically. At least one embodiment includes an alignment element that allows proper nozzle alignment when the reservoir is received by a fluid dispenser. The heating structure includes a conductive tube-shaped element that uniformly aligns at least a portion of the volume of the tank body. In preferred embodiments, the heating structure is a stainless steel heating structure. The first valve may be a ball valve. In other embodiments, the first valve is a spring valve. In some embodiments, the first valve and a second valve work together to selectively inhibit and allow fluid flow. In some embodiments, the second valve is a ball valve, while in other embodiments the second valve is a spring valve or a needle valve.

Some embodiments of a reservoir include a seal that is configured and arranged to provide a visual indication if the piston has previously moved from an initial position. The tank can be a pump tank without air. The deposit can be a modified or customized bottle, where the cosmetic industry uses bottles that are similar to the non-customized or unmodified bottle. At least one embodiment includes an overcap that is configured and arranged to prevent fluid from leaving the nozzle when the reservoir is not in use.

Brief description of the drawings

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention, as well as examples not in accordance with the invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a compression element;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a rolling element;

Figure 6 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a plunger;

Figure 9 is an isometric view showing a plunger mechanism of the dispenser of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 8.

Figures 12A and 12B are front cross-sectional views of the dispenser of Figure 8;

Figure 13 is another partially exploded view of the dispenser of Figure 8;

Figure 14 is an isometric view showing a drive assembly of the dispenser of Figure 8; Figure 15 is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a dispenser;

Figure 16 is an isometric view showing the dispenser of Figure 16 and a fluid reservoir; and Figures 17A to 17C are cross-sectional views of the dispenser of Figure 16.

Figure 18 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a dispenser consistent with the embodiments described herein. The lid is open to reveal a removable fluid reservoir received by the dispenser.

Figure 19A illustrates an exploded view of a fluid reservoir embodiments according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 19B illustrates an assembled fluid reservoir embodiments in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 20A illustrates an electric current induced in a heating structure consistent with the embodiments described herein.

Figure 20B illustrates an embodiment of a heating element consistent with the embodiments described herein.

Figure 21A illustrates an exploded view of the dispenser consistent with the embodiments described herein.

Figure 21B illustrates a top view of the dispenser in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The lid is open to reveal a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir of Figures 19A-19B received by the dispenser.

Figure 22A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a dispenser that has received a fluid reservoir.

Figure 22B is a side view in front of figure 22A, where the actuator of the dispersion device has been retracted.

Figure 22C illustrates a stepper motor that is included in an actuator consistent with the embodiments described herein.

Figure 23A illustrates a side view of the dispenser consistent with the embodiments described herein. An electromagnetic source included in the dispenser is illuminating the dispenser.

Figure 23B illustrates a bottom surface of the dispenser showing a dispensing opening.

Figure 24A illustrates a cross-sectional side view in the foreground of an outlet orifice of a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir of Figures 19A-19B.

Figure 24B illustrates a bottom view of a valve for an outlet orifice of a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir of Figures 19A-19B consistent with the embodiments described herein.

Figure 25 illustrates a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid reservoir consistent with the embodiments described herein.

Figures 26A-26B provide views of another embodiment of a dispenser that includes a pivoting fluid reservoir receptacle assembly. In Figure 26A, the pivoting receptacle assembly is pivoted to a closed position; In Figure 26B, the pivoting receptacle assembly pivots to an open position.

Figure 27 illustrates an exploded view of pivot assembly 2760 that is consistent with various embodiments described herein.

Figure 28 provides an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir used in conjunction with the various embodiments of fluid dispensers described herein.

Figure 29 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir used in conjunction with various embodiments of fluid dispensers described herein. The fluid reservoir nozzle assembly is in an uncompressed state.

Figure 30 shows another cut-out side view of a fluid reservoir used in conjunction with various embodiments of fluid dispensers described herein. The fluid reservoir nozzle assembly is in a compressed state.

Figure 31A provides a cross-sectional side view of a dispenser that includes a pivot assembly, where the pivot assembly has received a fluid reservoir and has been pivoted to a closed position.

Figure 31B provides a side sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 31 A, where the pivot assembly has been pivoted to a partially open position to show adequate separation of the angled nozzle.

Figure 32A illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.

Figure 32B illustrates an isometric assembled view of the assembled fluid reservoir of Figure 32A.

Figure 32C illustrates a side view of the assembled fluid reservoir of Figures 32A-32B.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

With reference to FIG. 1, a dispenser 10 can be understood with respect to a vertical direction 12, a longitudinal direction 14 perpendicular to the vertical direction 12, and a lateral direction 16 perpendicular to the vertical and longitudinal directions 12, 14. The direction vertical 12 can be perpendicular to a flat surface on which the dispenser rests 10. Also, the lateral and longitudinal directions 14, 16 can be parallel to the support surface.

The dispenser 10 may include a housing 18 that has a C-shape in the longitudinal vertical plane. Accordingly, the housing 18 may include an upper portion 20 and a base 22 such that a vertical space is defined between the upper portion 20 and the base 22. The upper portion 20 may define a cavity 24 for receiving a reservoir 26. The reservoir 26 may include a neck 28 defining an opening 30 and a body 32 coupled to the neck 28. The neck 28 may be smaller so that the body 32 can be inserted into an opening through which body 32 cannot pass, or cannot pass without deformation. The cavity 24 may be wider than the body 32 in the lateral direction 16 to facilitate removal of the reservoir 26. The opening 30 may be a pressure sensitive opening that closes in the absence of pressure applied to the body 32, but will allow the fluid passes through it in response to a pressure above the threshold in the opening 30. For example, the opening 30 can be any of several "non-drip" systems used in many condiment dispensers known in the industry.

The cavity 24 may be accessible by means of a cover 34 covering a portion of the upper portion 20. The cover 34 may be fixed to the upper portion 20 vertically above the upper portion 20, vertically below the upper portion 20 or to a lateral surface of the upper portion 20. The cover 34 can be completely removable and secure by means of a snap fit or some other means. The cover 34 can also be articulated securely to the upper portion or slide laterally in and out of a closed position. For example, an outward sliding drawer defining a portion of the cavity 24 to receive the reservoir 26 can slide in and out of a side surface of the upper portion 20.

A pressure element 36 is slidable in and out of the cavity 24 in order to compress the reservoir 26 and retract to allow the insertion of a recharge reservoir 26 after a removable amount of fluid has been removed from an original reservoir 26 The pressure element 36 can define a pressure face 38 positioned opposite an abutment face 40 that defines a wall of the cavity 24.

With reference to FIG. 2, the pressure element 36 can be slidably mounted in the housing 18. For example, the pressure element 36 may define one or more grooves 42 that receive rails 44 secured to the upper portion 20. Alternatively, the rails formed in the pressure element 36 can be inserted into grooves defined by the upper portion 20. An actuator 46 can be coupled to the pressure element 36 to move the pressure element 36 towards the reservoir 26 in order to force the fluid from there . The actuator 46 can be any linear actuator, such as a motor driven screw or worm gear, servo, rotating cam or the like. In particular, the actuator 46 can advantageously maintain its state in the absence of applied power. The actuator 46 can secure within one or more actuator assemblies 50 secured to the upper portion 20 or some other portion of the housing 18, which includes the base 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 46 is applied to the pressure element 36 by means of a separator 48 that distributes the force over a larger area of the pressure element 36.

The dispenser 10 may include a proximity sensor 52 that is configured to detect the presence of a human hand within the space between the upper and lower portions 20, 22. The manner in which the proximity sensor 52 identifies the presence of a hand Human can include various means such as detection of reflected light, interruption of the incident light in the proximity sensor 52, detection of a thermal signature or temperature change, change in inductance or capacitance. or any other embodiment to detect movement, proximity or presence of a hand. The proximity sensor 52 may protrude below a lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 or be exposed through the lower surface 54 to light, air or thermal energy in the space between the upper and lower portions 20, 22. they can use other sensors than proximity sensors, such as voice activated sensors. In addition, multiple sensors can be used in the same or several portions of the device.

In some embodiments, one or more light emitting elements 56 may be placed in the upper portion 20 and emit light in the space between the upper and lower portions 20, 22. For example, the lower surface 54 or a portion thereof may be translucent or perforated to allow light from the light emitting elements to reach the space. The light emitting elements 56 may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs or other light emitting structure. As an alternative, the lighting elements can provide light emission from the lower or lateral portion.

Various structures or shapes may form the housing 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 includes a curved outer portion 58 and a curved inner portion 60 which when coupled define a curved or C-shaped cavity to receive the components of the dispenser 10 The ends of the curved portions 58, 60 may be flat, or include flat surfaces. In particular, the outer curved portion 58 may include a lower end with a flat bottom surface for resting on a flat surface, or three or more points that are in a common plane for resting on a flat surface.

A controller 62 can be mounted inside the housing 18, such as inside the base 22. The controller 62 can be operatively coupled to some or all of the actuators 46, the proximity sensor 52 and the light emitting elements 56. The controller 62 is You can attach to these elements by means of cables. The controller 62 may also be coupled to a power source (not shown) such as a battery or a power adapter. The controller 62 may be configured as a printed circuit board having electronic components placed thereon that are effective for performing the functions attributed to the controller 62. The Controller 62 may include a processor, memory or other computing capabilities to perform the functions attributed thereto.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 can define an opening 66 to receive the neck 28 of the reservoir 26. As shown, the opening 30 is free to dispense fluid without the fluid impingeing on no portion of the dispenser, other than base 22, if the fluid does not affect the user's hand. As is also evident, the opening 30 and the neck 28 are arranged closer to the abutment face 40 than to the pressure face 38. Thus, when the body 32 of the reservoir 26 is folded, the neck 38 inserted into the opening 30 does not interfere with the advance of the pressure face 38. The neck 28 may be located as close as possible to the surface of the body 32 that engages the abutment face 40. For example, a space between the face of stop 40 and the pressure face 38 above the opening 66, for example, measured parallel to the surface of the housing supporting the reservoir 26, may be X and the distance between the stop face 40 and the neck 28 and the side of the neck closest to the stop face may be less than 10% X, preferably less than 5% X.

The lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 may further define an opening 68 to receive a portion of the proximity sensor 52 or to allow light, vibrations, thermal energy and the like to influence the proximity sensor 52. The lower surface 54 may additionally include an opening to allow the light of the light emitting devices 56 to radiate the separation. Alternatively, the bottom surface 54 may be translucent or transparent or include translucent or transparent portions to allow light to pass through the bottom surface 54. In some embodiments, a marker 70, such as a depression, a mark, can be defined. painted, or other visual indicator on an upper surface of the base 22 placed vertically below the opening 66 to indicate where the dispenser 10 will dispense fluid.

The pressure element 36 can slide back and forth in an actuator direction 72 that is generally parallel to the longitudinal direction, for example, within 20 degrees. The pressure face 38 may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the actuator 72, for example, the normal one of the pressure face 38 may be within / - 5, preferably within / -1, to a degree parallel to the direction of the actuator 72. The stop face 40 may also be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the actuator (ie, have a normal almost parallel). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the abutment face 40 is inclined to facilitate insertion of the reservoir 26. For example, the abutment face may have a normal one pointing upward from the direction of the actuator 72 between 2 and 10 degrees, or some other angle other than zero.

In some embodiments, the reservoir 26 can be directly or indirectly heated by a heating element 74 that can be operatively coupled to the controller 62 or directly to a power source and can include a thermal sensor that allows thermostatic control thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 74 is coupled to the pressure element 36, such as to the illustrated lower surface of the pressure element perpendicular to the pressure face 38. Other possible locations include the illustrated location 76a immediately opposite the face pressure 38 or location 76b immediately opposite the stop face 40. In some embodiments, it may be sufficient to simply heat the air around the reservoir 26 so that thermal contact with the reservoir 26 or the structure giving the reservoir 26. Accordingly, the heating element 74 may be placed in any convenient location within the upper portion 20 or some other portion of the housing 18. Other temperature control elements may be used as an alternative for heating or cooling or for maintaining a temperature of the fluid.

The controller 62 may be configured to move the pressure element 36 from an initial position shown in Figure 3 to a final position located closer to the stop face 40. The controller 62 may be configured to move the pressure element 36 between discrete positions between start and end positions. For example, the controller 62 may be configured to cause the actuator 46 to move the pressure element 36 from one position to a next position in response to a motion detection based on an output of the proximity sensor 52. After detecting that the pressure element 36 reaches the final position, the controller 62 can be configured to cause the actuator 46 to move the pressure element 36 to the starting position. The detection of the range of the final position can be determined by counting the number of times that the pressure element 36 has advanced from the starting position, for example, by advancing N the pressure element N times, the controller 46 can be configured to return the pressure element to the starting position. In a preferred embodiment, the user can adjust the amount of advance of the pressure element 36 with the controller. In this way, an individual user can have more or less fluid delivered to the hand by placing the hand under the opening. A rotary adjustment knob or other switch (for example, up and down arrow buttons) can be provided for that purpose.

With reference to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the pressure element 36 can be realized as a roller 80 that squeezes fluid from the reservoir 26 when pushed through the reservoir. To facilitate this operation, the body 32 may be flat so that the length 82 and width 84 thereof are substantially greater than a thickness 86 thereof. The width dimension 84 can be parallel to an axis of rotation of the roller 80 when placed inside the cavity 24 and the length 82 can be parallel to a direction of travel of the roller 80 in response to its drive. The thickness dimension 86 may be perpendicular to both the length and width dimensions 82, 84. The neck 28 may be located at or near a end of the body 32 along the length dimension 82 thereof. In particular, to allow the insertion of the reservoir 26, the roller 80 may be placed in an initial position shown in Figure 5. The neck 28 may be located at one end of the body 32 opposite the end closest to the roller 80 when it is in the Start position illustrated.

With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the roller 80 can rotate around one or more shafts 88 having ends protruding from the roller 80. The shafts can rest on ribs 90 that define the driving direction 72 for the roller 80 and have upper edges parallel to the driving direction 72. The axes 88 can be additionally retained on the ribs 90 by means of a U-shaped cover 92. The cover 92 may include a cut-out part 94 having parallel edges 96 between which it is allowed the roller 80 moves. The edges 96 or other portion of the cover 92 may be positioned opposite the ribs 90 to provide a groove into which the shafts 88 can slide. The cover 92 may have faces 98 that slope upward with the cutting distance. 94 to guide the reservoir 26 towards the cavity 24. The cover 92 may define channels 100 on each side, or a U-shaped channel extending on both sides, of the cut portion 94.

In some embodiments, the channels 100 may provide a space to accommodate the lines 102 to pull the shaft along the groove between the edges 96 and the ribs 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the lines 102 are secured to the ends of the shaft. 88, extend around posts 104, and each pair to a common pulley 106 or reel that is driven by an actuator 46 that includes a rotary actuator 108. In response to the rotation of the rotary actuator 108, the lines are wound on the pulley 106, thereby dragging the roller 80 towards the posts 104 and the opening 66 through which the neck 28 of the tank 26 passes. To return the roller 80 to the initial position, the deflection elements, such as springs 110 can be coupled to the housing 18 and to the shaft 88 on each side of the roller 80. After removal of the force exerted by the rotary actuator 108, the springs 110 can push the roller back to the initial position. Alternatively, the springs can divert the roller to a forward compression position of the reservoir. In such an alternative embodiment, lines 102 and actuator 108 serve to allow the roller to advance under the tensile force of the spring or springs and to pull the roller back against the spring pressure to an initial non-compression position.

The rotary actuator can maintain its state, for example, lock when the position is not changing, so that the roller 80 can be staggered between several positions between the starting position and an end position closer to the opening 66. As is evident in Fig. 6, a support surface 112 can support the body 32 of the reservoir 26 so that the body 32 is pressed between the roller 80 and the support surface 112 during the movement of the roller.

The embodiment of Figures 5 to 7 may also include a controller 62, a proximity sensor 52 and lights 56 configured similarly to those shown in Figures 1 to 4. As for other embodiments described herein, the controller 62 may be configured to advance roller 80 between discrete positions in response to proximity detection using proximity sensor 52. Also, controller 62 may be configured to return, or allow return, of roller 80 to the starting position. when it reaches the final position. The embodiments of Figures 5 to 7 may also include a heating element 74 as regards the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4 located at a location within the upper portion 20, such as the interface with the support surface 112 or placed otherwise to heat the air inside the upper portion 20.

Referring to Fig. 8, in some embodiments, a reservoir cover 120 can be fixed to the bottom surface 54 by a hinge or can be completely removable and secured by a snap fit or some other way. The opening 66 for receiving the neck 28 of the tank 26 can be defined in the tank cover 120. Accordingly, in use, the neck 28 (see Figures 9-11) can be placed in the opening 66 which has the body 32 of the reservoir 26 seated within a seat 122, such as a concave or other surface, and the reservoir cover 120 can then be secured to the bottom surface 54.

In the illustrated embodiment, a distal end, for example, opposite to any end secured in an articulated manner, the cover 120 may include a flange 124 or lip 124 to engage a retention mechanism. However, any retention mechanism or retention mechanism can be used to retain the cover 120 in a selectively releasable manner.

With reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, in some embodiments, the reservoir cover 120 may be articulated and releasably secured within an opening 126 thereby covered using the mechanism illustrated. A hub 128 that includes a registration protrusion 130 on an upper surface thereof may have front spring arms 132 extending forward therefrom in the longitudinal direction 14. The front spring arms 132 may also extend laterally with the distance from the hub 128. The spring arms 132 can also be folded down from the hub 128 and fixed to a crossbar 134 that spans the distal ends of the front spring arms 132. As shown in the invention, the crossbar 134 encompasses a portion of the opening 126 and is coupled with the flange 124 to retain the cover 120 within the opening 126. The spring arms 132 and the crossbar 134 they can be made of an elastic material, for example, spring steel that is capable of being deformed to allow the flange to pass over the crossbar 134. As indicated above, the front spring arms 132 can be folded down from the hub 128 so that there is a vertical space between the lower portion of the hub 128, the opening 128 and the upper surface of the cover 120 placed in the opening 126.

The rear spring arms 136 may be fixed to the hub 128 and project backwards therefrom in the longitudinal direction 14. The rear spring arms 136 may also move outward from one another in the lateral direction 16 and be folded down from the hub 128 in the vertical direction 12. The rear spring arms 136 can be pivotally attached to the shaft portions 138 projecting in the lateral direction 16 outwardly from the cover 120. The shaft portions 138 may be cylindrical with shafts extending in the lateral direction 16. The rear spring arms 136 may include bent end portions insertable within the shaft portions 138. The rear spring arms 136 may be retained in engagement with the shaft portions 138 due to the thrust force of the rear spring arms 136. In some embodiments, the front spring arms 132, the rear spring arms 134 and the b Crosscut 134 may be part of a single metal rod or bent wire as illustrated.

The shaft portions 138 can be secured to the cover 120 by means of an arm 140 extending from the outside of the upper portion 20 to the upper portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 140 is arched so that a Concave bottom surface thereof extends over the edge of the opening 126.

Shaft portions 138 may be placed inside seats 142 placed on each side of arm 140. As is evident in Figures 9 and 10, seats 142 are open such that the insertion and removal of shaft portions 138 from the seats 142. The cover 34 engages with the hub 128 and pushes the rear spring arms 136 downwards and, consequently, the shaft portions 138 towards the seats 142. In the illustrated embodiment (see Figure 10), the Cover 34 includes a registration hole 144A that receives the protrusion 130 formed in the hub 128 in order to keep the hub 138 in an appropriate location within the cavity 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the registration hole 144A extends completely to through the cover 124. In some embodiments, a user can press on the registration protrusion 130 through the hole 144A to press the hub 128 and drive the crossbar 134 out of engagement. or with the rib 124 and allowing the reservoir cover 120 to fall out of the opening 126. In some embodiments, the hub 128 may define one or more registration holes 144A, 144B that receive one or more posts 145 (see Figure 11 ) secured to an inner surface of the cover 34 or other cover of the upper portion 20.

Pressing of the fluid from a reservoir 26 positioned within the cavity 24 can be carried out by means of a plunger 146 driven substantially in the vertical direction 12. In particular, the plunger 146 can move substantially vertically within a space between the hub 128 and the seat 122 of cover 120 (see Figures 12A and 12B). For example, the plunger can move substantially parallel (for example, within / -5 degrees parallel) to a central axis of the opening 126. In some embodiments, the plunger 146 can be actuated by means of a crossbar 148 which comprises the plunger 146 in the lateral direction 16 and can extend laterally outwardly beyond the plunger 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the crossbar 148 passes through a raised post 150 or tube formed on an upper surface of the plunger 146 (see figure 14). The ends of the crossbar 148 can slide into vertical slots 152 defined in the upper portion 20, one on each side of the opening 126. As is evident in Figures 9-11, the upper portion 20 is at a slight angle, for example, 2 to 10 degrees, from the horizontal. The slits 152 may also have an angle similar to the vertical. The grooves 152 can be understood as parallel to a central axis of the opening 126 or to a direction of travel of the plunger 146. For example, the grooves 152 can be formed in posts 154 placed on each side of the opening 126. In some embodiments, one or more springs 156 may be coupled to crossbar 148, or to some portion of piston 146 or other structure secured thereto (see Figures 9 and 10). The springs 156 may deflect the plunger towards the opening 126. The springs 156 may include first arms 160 and second arms 162.

As shown in Figures 8 and 12A, when a tank 26 is inserted into the cavity 24, the user can seat the tank 26 on the cover 120 and then push the cover 120 upward thus pushing the tank 26 against the plunger 146 The configuration of Figure 12A may be a starting position for the piston 146. As shown in Figure 12B, after the compression of the piston 146 towards the cover 120, the body 32 of the reservoir 26 is compressed thereby forcing the fluid from the opening 30 until the plunger 146 reaches the final position shown in Figure 12B. The plunger 146 can be moved between a plurality of discrete positions between the initial and final positions illustrated to release discrete amounts of fluid from the reservoir 126 as for other embodiments disclosed herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, springs 156 may be seated within seats 158 located laterally outward from posts 150, however, other positions may be advantageously used. As is evident in Figures 12A and 12B, the first arms 160 of the springs 156 press against the crossbar 134. The second arm 162 of each spring 156 can be coupled to a part of the upper portion 20 to counteract the torque in arm 160

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an example of a drive mechanism that can be used to drive the plunger 146. The springs 156 can be considered part of the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may include rods 164 that extend along the upper portion, such as in a generally longitudinal direction 14 that slopes upwardly similar to the upward angle of the upper portion 20. The rods 164 may include first arms 166 fixed to first end portions that are applied to the linear actuator 46, such as by means of the separator 48 driven up and down by the linear actuator 46. The rods 164 may include second arms 168 secured in second opposite end portions to the first extreme portions. The rods 164 can be seated within the grooves 170 defined by the upper portion 20.

The second arms 168 extend over the plunger 146 so that in response to the raising of the arms 166, the arms 168 also rise. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 168 are loops that extend around the posts 154 and between the crossbar 134 and the plunger 146. As is evident, the actuator 46 can only force the arms 166 upwards. Accordingly, the arms 168 can be operable to counteract the force of the deflection springs 156 to allow the insertion of a reservoir 26. To dispense fluid, the actuator 46 can lower the spreader 50 to a different position, thereby allowing that the deflection force of the springs 156 forces the fluid from the reservoir 26. In some embodiments, the actuator 46 can be coupled to the arms 166 so that the actuator 46 is capable of forcing both the rise and fall of the arms 166 , 168. In yet other embodiments, the springs 156 can push the plunger 146 up and the actuator 46 can operate to drive the plunger 146 down toward the cover 120. As shown in Figure 14, in some embodiments, the rods 164 can pass through the turns of springs 156.

The embodiment of Figures 9 to 14 may also include a controller 62, proximity sensor 52 and lights 56 configured similarly to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. As seen in the embodiments disclosed herein, the controller 62 may be configured to advance plunger 146 between discrete positions in response to proximity detection using proximity sensor 52. Also, controller 62 may be configured to return, or allow return, of plunger 146 to the starting position. when reaching the final position. The embodiment of Figures 9 to 14 may also include a heating element 74 in thermal contact with the tank 26, the cavity 24 or the air within the upper portion 20.

With reference to Figures 15 and 16, in some embodiments, the upper portion 20 and the lower portion 22 may have the configuration illustrated. In particular, instead of being C-shaped, the upper portion 20 and the lower portion 22 can be joined at both ends to define an opening 180 to receive a portion of a user's hand. The embodiment of Figures 15 and 16 can be used with the reservoir 26 illustrated. As shown, the body 32 of the reservoir 26 may have a substantially constant cross section along its height. A handle 182 can be secured to the body 32 opposite the neck 28 to facilitate removal of the reservoir 26. A lip or projection 184 can protrude from the handle 182 and extends outwardly from the body 32.

The upper portion 20 may define an opening 186 to receive the reservoir 26 and include an inclined surface 188 surrounding the opening 186 to guide the reservoir 26 towards the opening 186. A seat 190 formed to engage the projection 184 can also be placed adjacent to the opening 186.

With reference to Figures 17A to 17C, in some embodiments, the opening 186 may be defined by a flexible sleeve 192 secured to the upper portion 20. The sleeve may be open at both ends so that the neck 28 of the receiver 26 can pass through it and inserted into the opening 66. In some embodiments, a washer 194 may be placed above the opening 66 and the neck 28 may be inserted therethrough.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid is forced from the reservoir 26 by the arms 196 placed on each side of the flexible sleeve 192. The sleeves can define an angle 198 between them. The sleeves may be pivotally secured in a pivot 200 on one side of the sleeve 192 to the housing 18 and pass to an opposite side of the sleeve 192 having the sleeve 192 positioned between them. The arms 196 can be part of a single metal rod bent in the manner illustrated that includes a straight portion defining the pivot 200. In front of the pivot 200, a link 202 can be pivotally mounted inside the housing 18 and to the arms 196, such as by means of a crossbar 204 secured to both arms 196 of the bar. The actuator 46 can be pivotally attached to the link 202, such as at a point between the securing points of the arms 196 to the link 202 and a fixing point of the link 202 to the housing 18. However, the actuator 46 may also be coupled to the link 202 at another point along link 202. The actuator 46 may be pivotally placed in the housing 18 also so that the actuator 46 pivots during actuation thereof.

As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the actuator 46 can be shortened, whereby the arms 196 are pushed down on the flexible sleeve 192 and forcing the fluid outlet from the opening 30. In other embodiments, the actuator 46 can move the arms 196 between discrete positions from a start position (Fig. 17A) to an end position (Fig. 17B). The controller 62 can cause the actuator 46 to return the arms 196 to the position starting on the arms 196 that reach the final position. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 62 is positioned below the opening 180.

The embodiment of Figures 15 to 17C may also include a controller 62, proximity sensor 52 and lights 56 configured similarly to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. In other embodiments disclosed herein, the controller 62 may be configured. to advance the arms 196 between discrete positions in response to the proximity detection using the proximity sensor 52. Also, the controller 62 can be configured to return, or allow the return, of the arms 196 to the starting position when they reach the final position The embodiment of Figures 15 to 17C may also include a heating element 74 in thermal contact with the tank 26, the cavity 24 or the air inside the housing 18.

Figure 18 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a dispenser consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The lid 1834 is open to reveal the fluid reservoir 1850. The dispenser 1800 removably receives the fluid reservoir 1850. The dispenser 1800 energizes and / or heats the fluid housed inside the fluid reservoir 1850 before dispensing the fluid. Heating or otherwise energizing the fluid before distribution can increase the satisfaction of a user of the 1800 dispenser.

As will be discussed below, the dispenser 1800 efficiently energizes the dispensed fluid due to the proximity of a heating element included in the dispenser 1800 to an outlet orifice of the fluid reservoir 1850. The importance of proximity depends on the properties of the fluid that is heating, such as viscosity and thermal conductivity. Preferably, the fluid is substantially heated throughout the reservoir before dispensing. The positioning of the heating element near the outlet opening allows the piston to move inside the tank 1850 without interfering with the heating element. The heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid.

In various embodiments, and as discussed in the context of Figures 19A-19B and Figures 20A-20B, the dispenser 1800 increases the energizing efficiency because the heating process is an inductive heating process. Inductive heating allows greater use of the energy used to heat the fluid. For example, inductive heating of the fluid reduces collateral heating of the dispenser 1800. Inductive heating concentrates the energy in heating the fluid, instead of heating the housing or other components of the dispenser 1800. Inductive heating also allows heating within the reservoir. with easy installation of the tank inside the 1800 dispenser without worrying about the electrical connections between the 1850 tank and the 1800 dispenser.

In addition, due to the interaction between an actuator included in the dispenser 1800 and a movable piston included in the reservoir 1850, the dispenser 1800 removes completely, or at least almost completely, the fluid housed within the reservoir 1850 before the need to remove and / or replace the 1850 reservoir with a new fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the 1850 reservoir is a rigid body reservoir. A rigid body reservoir allows the complete, or almost complete, depletion of the fluid content of the reservoir 1850 by means of the dispenser 1800. Accordingly, the dispenser 1800 reduces waste of the fluid product. Various embodiments of reservoir 1850 are discussed at least in the context of Figures 19A-19B and Figures 24A-24B. Also detailed below, in some embodiments, is a motor that drives the actuator.

A cavity or receptacle included in the housing of the dispenser 1800 removably receives the fluid reservoir 1850. In preferred embodiments, the cavity or receptacle includes finger trenches 1852 or depressions to accommodate a user's fingers when the user inserts or removes reservoir 1850 of dispenser 1800. Finger trenches 1852 provide greater ease of inserting or removing reservoir 1850 from dispenser 1800.

It is not illustrated in Figure 18, but it is discussed below in the context of Figures 22A-22B and Figure 23B, that the dispenser housing 1800 includes an opening to expose an outlet orifice of the reservoir 1850, such as the orifice 1914 output of figures 19A-19B. The opening in the housing is located on a lower surface of the housing and above the containment depression 1820. The containment depression 1820 suitably contains any fluid dispensed from the opening and not received by the hand of a user or not intercepted. In preferred embodiments, the containment depression 1820 is a sunken or recessed portion of the dispenser housing 1800. The containment depression 1820 may be circular, elliptical or any other sunken or sunken portion properly. The 1820 containment depression allows for easy cleaning of any dispensed fluid that is not intercepted by the hands of a user.

The dispenser 1800 includes various user controls, such as the switch 1802. The switch 1802 can activate and deactivate various functions of the dispenser 1800, preferably a night light discussed below. In other embodiments, switch 1802 may be a power button or may control the heating function. In some embodiments, switch 1802 is a preset button. A user presses and / or presses the switch 1802. In at least one embodiment, the switch 1802 includes at least one source of electromagnetic energy, such as a light emitting diode (LED), to indicate a current state of the dispenser 1800.

The switch 1802 can serve as a lock / unlock selector for the dispenser 1800. For example, by pressing the switch 1802 for a predetermined time, such as 3 seconds, you can transition the dispenser 1800 to a lock mode. In the lock mode, the dispenser 1800 is locked from dispensing fluid. The included LED, or other LED located forward or backward of the switch 1802, illuminates the surrounding environment when a user locks the dispenser 1800. A subsequent depression of the power switch 1802 during the predetermined time can unlock the dispenser 1800, so that the dispenser 1800 can now dispense fluid.

As indicated above, Figure 18 illustrates the cover 1834 in an open position. A user may insert and / or remove the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800. In some embodiments, to open and close the compartment housing the reservoir 1850, a user slides and / or moves the cover 1834 back and forth on rails embedded in The dispenser housing. In such embodiments, when a user opens or closes the lid 1834, the lid 1834 remains attached to the rails embedded in the dispenser housing 1800. In other embodiments, the lid 1834 closes and closes when a user opens or closes the lid. 1834. Such adjustment may include tactile and / or audio feedback. In alternative embodiments, the cover 1834 is a pivotally articulated cover.

In at least one embodiment, the magnetic forces secure at least partially the cover 1834. One or more magnets embedded in at least one of the housing or cover 1834 of the dispenser provide the magnetic forces. In at least one embodiment, the magnetic forces secure the cover 1834 to the housing of the dispenser 1800 when a user has opened the cover 1834. Such a feature decreases the likelihood that the cover 1834 will be lost during the service life of the dispenser 1800. In At least one embodiment, the dispenser 1800 includes a cover sensor. The cover sensor detects when a user opens or closes the cover 1834. The operation of this sensor can be based on the magnetic Hall effect. When a user opens the cover 1834 is open, the cover sensor triggers the retraction of at least one of a drive shaft, pressure element or other actuator drive component, such as the drive shaft 2148 of Figure 21B. When the dispenser 1800 retracts the drive component, a user can remove the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800.

Figure 19A illustrates an exploded view of the fluid reservoir 1950 consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. Various fluid dispensers described herein, such as dispenser 1800 of Figure 18, receive fluid reservoir 1950. In preferred embodiments, fluid reservoir 1950 houses fluid. The dispensers energize and dispense the lodged fluid.

The fluid reservoir 1950 includes the reservoir body 1902. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is a rigid or at least semi-rigid body. Other embodiments are not so restricted and the reservoir body 1902 may be a flexible body. The reservoir body 1902 includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends define an axis. The tank body 1902 includes a cross section. The axis is substantially perpendicular to the cross section. In preferred embodiments, the cross section is substantially uniform along the axis. The axis can be a translation axis.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 19A, the reservoir body 1902 is a cylindrical body. In various embodiments, a cylindrical body may correspond to a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a parabolic cylinder, a hyperbolic cylinder or any other curved cylindrical surface of this type. Therefore, the cross section of the reservoir body 1902 can be substantially circular, elliptical, parabolic, hyperbolic or any other curved shape of this type. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second ends of the reservoir body 1902 are the cylindrical bases or end caps of the cylindrical body. The translation axis can be between the cylindrical bases.

In other embodiments, the reservoir body 1902 may include a parallelepiped geometry. Therefore, the cross section can be substantially a parallelogram shape, such as a rectangular or square shape. In at least one embodiment, the cross section may include a number of sides less than or greater than four. For example, the cross section can be triangular or octagonal. Other possible geometries are possible for the reservoir body 1902 and the corresponding cross section.

The reservoir body 1902 may be an optically transparent body or at least one optically translucent body. In such an embodiment, a user can visually inspect the amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir 1950. In other embodiments, the reservoir body 1902 may be optically opaque. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is optically opaque except for a window indicating the amount of fluid left in the reservoir 1950.

The fluid housed within the reservoir 1950 may include optical properties such that when an electromagnetic energy source illuminates an optically transparent reservoir body 1902, the fluid disperses the light such that the frequency or color of the illuminating electromagnetic energy appears. In at least one embodiment, it may appear that the fluid housed within the 1950 tank "shines" when illuminated by an electromagnet energy source included in several fluid dispensers disclosed herein.

One or more electromagnetic sources integrated in various dispensers described herein may at least partially illuminate the reservoir 1950 and / or the fluid housed within the reservoir 1950. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is at least partially a thermally body insulating. In such embodiments, the fluid housed within the reservoir 1950 effectively retains thermal energy. Consequently, these embodiments increase the heating efficiency of a dispenser receiving the 1950 tank.

In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 1950 includes the induction heating structure 1920. The induction, as discussed in the context of Figures 20A-20B, may provide energy to heat or increase the temperature of the heating structure. In preferred embodiments, the heating structure 1920 is a conductive heating disk. The heating structure 1920 is in thermal contact with the fluid housed in the tank 1950. In some embodiments, the heating structure is in physical contact with the fluid. In at least one embodiment, the heating structure 1920 is physically isolated from the fluid by a barrier, such as a chamber wall within the reservoir body 1902. In such embodiments, the reservoir 1950 includes a chamber to receive the heating structure 1920 The receiving chamber insulates the heating structure 1920 so that the heating structure 1920 does not contaminate the lodged fluid.

In some embodiments, a cross section of the heating structure 1920 substantially coincides with the cross section of the tank body 1902. In other embodiments, the cross section of the heating structure 1920 deviates from the cross section of the tank body 1902. In preferred embodiments, the heating structure 1920 is placed inside the reservoir body 1902.

The fluid reservoir 1950 includes the outlet orifice 1914. In various embodiments, the outlet orifice 1914 includes the valve 1910 and the valve retainer 1912. The valve 1910 can be constructed from a flexible material such as a synthetic rubber, plastic , latex or similar. Valve 1910 includes one or more slits, openings or other openings to allow fluid lodged in the reservoir to flow out of the reservoir through valve 1910. Figure 24B illustrates one such configuration of valve slits. In at least some embodiments, the outlet hole 1914 may be a nozzle. In such embodiments, the outlet orifice 1914 may be included in a nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir 1950.

The valve retainer 1912 retains the valve 1910. In a preferred embodiment, the valve 1910 is concentric with the valve retainer 1912. An outer perimeter of the valve 1910 is adjacent or close to an internal perimeter of the valve retainer 1912. As discussed in the context of Figure 23B and Figures 24A-24B, the valve 1910 and the valve retainer 1912 are configured and arranged so that when the fluid flows through the one or more slits or openings of the valve 1910, the fluid Flowing does not come into contact with the valve retainer 1912, including the internal perimeter of the valve retainer 1912.

The fluid reservoir 1950 additionally includes the piston 1904. The piston 1904 is a translatable or displaceable piston. The piston 1904 can be moved along a translation axis. The piston 1904 includes one or more tabs 1906 or use tabs. As shown in Figure 19A, the first end of the tank body 1902 includes one or more ditches, depressions or other similar structures. These ditches or depressions coincide with the use tabs 1906. As described below in the context of Figure 19B, the use tabs 1906 provide a signal. This signal indicates that piston 1904 has already displaced at least a certain amount of fluid. In at least one embodiment, the piston 1904 includes the driven structure 1908. The driven structure 1908 is coupled with at least a portion of an actuator, such as a pressure element, included in various dispensers disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a pressure element can be a drive shaft.

As described below, a dispensing actuator drives a translation of the piston 1904 along the translation axis. When the piston 1904 is driven to decrease an available storage volume in the fluid reservoir 1950, the fluid housed in the fluid reservoir 1950 flows out of the reservoir 1950 through the outlet hole 1914. A storage volume available in the reservoir of fluid 1950 may be based on the cross section of the reservoir body 1902 and a distance between the piston 1904 and the second end of the reservoir body 1902. In preferred embodiments, the second end is a closed end.

Consequently, a translation of piston 1904 to the second end of the reservoir body 1902 induces a decrease in the available storage volume. The mechanical work that moves the piston 1904 displaces the lodged fluid and forces a portion of the fluid to flow through the outlet hole 1914.

The piston 1904 and the reservoir body 1902 are configured and arranged such that the interface between the piston 1904 and the reservoir body 1902 adequately retains the fluid housed within the reservoir 1950 when the piston 1904 is not moved. The physical dimensions of the piston 1904, which include an effective section of the piston, can be based on at least one of the cross section of the body of the reservoir 1902 and the viscosity of the fluid lodged. In such embodiments, the cross section of the piston, or at least one outer perimeter of the piston, substantially coincides with the cross section of the body of the reservoir. A gasket, o-ring or other structure of this type can provide a seal between the displaceable piston 1904 and the inner walls of the body of reservoir 1902. The seal is suitable for retaining the lodged fluid. Consequently, the reservoir 1950 does not lose the fluid lodged outside the first end of the reservoir body 1902 when a dispensing force moves or otherwise displaces the piston 1904.

In preferred embodiments, the valve 1910 retains fluid in the reservoir 1950 unless a force, such as a dispensing force, moves the piston 1904 toward the second end of the reservoir body 1902 or the available storage volume of the fluid reservoir 1950 decreases else. The slits or openings of the valve 1910 may resemble the slits of a condiment container, such as a bottle of squeezable tomato sauce. The valve is preferably domed upwards towards the fluid, so that a force must be used to move the elastic dome down before the valve opens to dispense. The physical dimensions and configurations of one or more slits or openings of the valve 1910 may be varied. This variability can be based on the viscosity of the fluid that will be housed in the reservoir 1950 and the material from which the valve 1910 is constructed. By means of adequate choices for the physical dimensions and the configurations of the slits, the fluid will not flow through the openings unless a dispensing force moves the piston 1904 and displaces the lodged fluid.

Because the valve 1910 is constructed from an elastic material similar to rubber, the slits or openings can be substantially closed, or automatically sealed, until the dispensing or displacement force displaces the fluid through the openings. When displaced by the dispensing force, the fluid flows through the slits or openings. This effect may be similar to the self-sealing of a rubber end on a baby's bottle. The rubber nipple includes slits or holes. The fluid does not flow through the slits or holes in a rubber nipple unless a baby supplies a vacuum or a suction force or a pressure squeezes the bottle. Therefore, valve 1910 resists the outflow or dispensing of the fluid unless a dispensing force, greater than a dispensing force threshold, increases the internal pressure of the fluid to a pressure greater than a pressure threshold to overcome the resistance of the 1910 valve.

Figure 19B illustrates the 1950 assembled fluid reservoir that is consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 19B, when assembled, the heating structure 1920 is placed inside the reservoir body 1902 and near the second end of the reservoir body 1902.

Additionally, as shown in Figure 19B, the outlet hole 1914 is positioned on a surface of the reservoir body 1902. The surface that includes the outlet opening is not positioned at the first and second ends of the reservoir body 1902. More well, the outlet hole 1914 is positioned on a curved surface of the cylindrical body. The cross section of the outlet opening 1914 is transverse or substantially orthogonal to the translation axis of the reservoir body 1902. However, other embodiments are not so restricted, and the outlet opening 1914 may be positioned at the second end of the reservoir body. 1902, so that the cross section of the outlet hole 1914 is substantially parallel to the axis of translation. The outlet orifice 1914 is shown with the valve 1910 and the valve retainer 1912 in a concentric configuration. The surface of the valve 1910 that includes the one or more slits or openings may be recessed over portions of the valve retainer 1912. This configuration provides additional space for fluid to flow through the valve 1910.

In preferred embodiments, and in order to ensure that an increased portion of the lodged fluid flows out of the outlet orifice 1914, the outlet orifice 1914 is placed near the second end of the reservoir body 1902. Accordingly, the fluid will continue to flow to through the outlet orifice 1914 with the translation of the piston 1904 until the piston 1904 makes physical contact with the second end of the reservoir body 1902. At this point, all, or at least part, of the fluid lodged that is displaceable by the piston 1904 has moved. Accordingly, the 1950 deposit is properly depleted.

Figure 19B illustrates the fluid reservoir 1950 in an initial condition before dispensing any of the fluids housed inside. The initial position of the piston 1904 is close to the first end of the reservoir body 1902. The volume defined by the reservoir body 1902 and positioned between the piston 1904 and the second end of the reservoir body 1902 retains the fluid. In some embodiments, the initial position of the piston 1904 is such that the use tabs 1906 coincide with the trenches or depressions in the reservoir body 1902. As an alternative to using tabs, some embodiments employ a fragile sealing structure or otherwise frangible to provide an indication of prior use. Various dispenser actuators, disclosed herein, can detect a drive load when the 1904 piston is moved. Upon detecting the load, the dispenser can detect whether the use tabs 1906 or a frangible seal are intact or not intact. Consequently, the dispenser can determine whether the 1950 deposit has undergone a previous use, or if it is not a virgin deposit.

A drive shaft of a dispensing actuator coincides with the driven structure 1908. A translation of the drive shaft moves the piston 1904 to the second end of the reservoir body 1902. The translation of the piston 1904 to the second end of the reservoir body 1902 induces a coupling force between the use tabs 1906 and the trenches or depressions of the reservoir body 1902. The coupling force breaks, breaks, bends or deforms the use tabs 1906.

When the use tabs 1906 have been altered from the initial position, they deform. The deformed use tabs 1906 alert the user that the reservoir 1950 has already dispensed a certain amount of fluid housed inside the reservoir 1950. For example, the deformed use tabs 1906 indicate that the piston 1904 is not in its initial position. For hygienic or safety reasons, a user may wish to discard or not otherwise use a 1950 tank already used in some way. Deformed use tabs 1906 indicate that it is possible that another portion has already used the 1950 tank. For hygienic reasons, a user may wish to discard a partially used tank.

Figure 20A illustrates an induced electric current in the heating structure 2020 that is consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the heating structure 2020 is a conductive heating disk. A source of alternating current (AC) 2030 supplies alternating current 2040 to the heating element 2010. The heating element 2010 is a conductive element. As shown in Figure 20A, the heating element 2010 includes multiple conductive coils. According to Maxwell's electromagnetic equations (EM), alternating electric current 2040 produces a fluctuating magnetic field 2050. Again, according to Maxwell's EM equations, when an electric conductor, such as the heating structure 2020, is exposed to the fluctuating magnetic field 2050, a current is induced, such as the alternating electric current 2060 in the heating structure 2020. When 2060 alternating electric current is induced in the 2020 heating structure, the electrical resistance of the 2020 heating structure results in the heating of the 2020 heating structure.

When a substance, such as fluid housed within a fluid reservoir 1950 of Figures 19A-19B, is in thermal contact with or thermally coupled to the heating structure 2020 and an electric current passes through the heating structure 2020, The heating structure 2020 can energize or heat the substance. The inductive heating of the heating structure 2020, as described herein, does not require physical contact between the heating element 2010 and the heating structure 2020. Accordingly, several dispensers disclosed herein may employ inductive heating for heating or otherwise energizing a heating structure 2020 remotely or remotely. Therefore, because the heating element 2010 is physically isolated from the heating structure 2020 and the substance to be energized by the heating structure 2020, the heating element 2010 does not come into physical contact with the substance to be energized. Consequently, contamination routes and user contact with the heated elements are reduced.

Figure 20B illustrates an embodiment of the heating element 2070 that is consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in Figure 20B, in a preferred embodiment, the heating element 2070 is printed using printed circuit board (PCB) technology. The heating element 2070 includes a plurality of conductive coils 2080 printed. 2080 conductive coils are relatively inexpensive to implement when using PCB technology. PCBs can be mass produced with known techniques. The heating element 2070 also includes at least one terminal 2090 for supplying an alternating current to the plurality of conductive coils 2080. Accordingly, the algorithms or methods for inductively heating the substance can vary the frequency of the current supplied based on the properties of a substance

In at least one embodiment, the supplied alternating current is a high frequency alternating current in the conductive coils 2080. As a heating element, such as the heating element 2070, it can be used to energize or heat a heating structure, such as the heating structure 2020 of Figure 20A or heating structure 1920 of Figures 19A-19B, at a distance by inductive heating. Various algorithms that vary the frequency of the supplied current or otherwise strategically control an alternating current source, such as the alternating current source 2030 of Figure 20A, can be used to selectively control the heating temperature or rate of the structure of heating and a substance in thermal contact with the heating structure.

Figure 21A illustrates an exploded view of the dispenser discussed above, consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The 2100 dispenser includes a housing. The housing includes the front piece 2122, the top piece 2158 and the base piece 2156. The front piece 2122 includes a space for receiving at least one hand from a user to intercept the fluid dispensed from the dispenser 2100. In some embodiments, the housing The dispenser 2100 includes a rubber foot 2132 and a base weight 2130, installed in the base portion to stabilize the dispenser 2100 when resting on a surface, such as a bedside table or a table.

The housing also includes a removable or sliding cover 2134 to hide the receptacle, cavity or compartment that removably receives the fluid reservoir 2150. The dispenser 2100 includes a removable power cord 2104 to provide electrical power. The heating element 2172 inductively energizes or heats the fluid housed inside the tank 2150. The heating element includes a printed circuit board 2170. The printed circuit board 2170 includes conductive coils. The conductive coils provide an inductive current to a heating structure inside the tank 2150. The heating structure and the fluid housed inside the tank 2150 are thermally coupled.

The dispenser 2100 includes the circuit board 2162. The circuit board 2162 includes several electronic devices and / or components to allow operation of the dispenser 2100. Such devices and / or components may include, but are not limited to, processor devices and / or microcontroller devices, diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, voltage regulators, oscillators, memory devices, logic gates and the like. The dispenser 2100 includes the switch 2102. The dispenser 2100 includes a night light. In at least one embodiment, the night light emits visible light upwardly through switch 2102 to indicate a dispensing mode or other user selection. In preferred embodiments, the night light illuminates at least a portion of the space in the front piece 2122 where the user inserts his hand to receive a volume of fluid dispensed. As shown in Figure 23A, in some embodiments, the night light illuminates the visible light downward from around the dispensing opening. The annular lens 2156 or a light guide can focus and / or disperse the light to obtain the desired lighting effect. The annular lens 2156 may surround or circumscribe an outer perimeter of the dispensing opening. The 2100 dispenser includes an actuator. In various embodiments, the actuator may include an electric motor 2146. However, other embodiments are not so restricted.

Various fasteners and couplers that include, but are not limited to, fasteners 2134, 2136 and 2138, couple the components of the dispenser 2100. The dispenser 2100 includes the containment depression 2120. The containment depression 2120 contains and / or retains any dispensed fluid that is not intercepted by a user's hand. In a preferred embodiment, the containment depression 2120 is included in the front piece 2122.

Figure 21B illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a dispenser consistent with the embodiments described herein. The lid 2134 is open to reveal a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir 1950 of Figures 19A-19B. The dispenser 2100 removably receives the deposit. An actuator in the dispenser 2100 includes the drive shaft 2148 for moving a movable piston included in the reservoir 2150, such as the piston 1904 of Figures 19A-19B. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical work, such as an electric motor. The 2148 mechanical drive transmission shaft and / or other actuator components. Other embodiments may employ other mechanisms to drive the drive shaft 2148. At least one embodiment employs hydraulic systems to drive the drive shaft 2418.

The dispenser 2100 includes a heating element 2170. The heating element 2170 can inductively generate or provide an electric current in a corresponding heating structure, such as the heating structure 1920 of Figures 19A-19B, embedded in the tank 2150. The induced current energizes or heats at least a portion of the fluid housed in the reservoir 2150. In preferred embodiments, when the dispenser 2100 receives the reservoir 2150, the heating structure within the reservoir 2150 is close to the heating element 2170. However, The heating element 2170 is physically isolated from the heating structure. The second end of the tank body 2150 acts as a barrier between the heating element 2170 and the heating structure. Also, the first end of the body 2150 of the tank is positioned such that the drive shaft 2148 is coupled with an driven structure included in a piston of the tank, such as the driven structure 1908 and the piston 1904 of Figures 19A-19B .

In at least one embodiment, the heating element 2170 includes a sensor that detects a type of fluid from the fluid housed within the reservoir 2150. This detection can determine a property of the heating structure embedded within the received reservoir 2150, such as, but without limitation, electrical conductivity or magnetic dipole resistance. The property of the determined heating structure indicates the type of fluid housed in the reservoir 2150. Other methods, including optical and / or mechanical methods, can be employed to determine one or more properties of the fluid housed within the reservoir 2150. For example , mechanical methods based on the geometry of the tank and the detection of the load on an actuator that moves a piston in the tank 2150, can be used to determine the properties of the fluid. The algorithms used to energize the fluid may vary according to the properties of the detected fluid.

In other embodiments, the received tank 2150 may not include a heating structure. For such embodiments, the fluid housed within the received reservoir 2150 can be heated by resistive conductive elements embedded in or near the receptacle or cavity that receives the reservoir 2150. In such embodiments, direct heating is used instead of inductive to energize the fluid.

In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes temperature sensors for measuring or detecting the temperature of the fluid within the reservoir 2150. The dispenser 2100 may vary the operation of the heating element 2170 based on a current detected in the heating structure or the detected temperature of the fluid. For example, when the fluid reaches a predetermined maximum temperature, a controller or processor device included in the dispenser 2100 may otherwise disconnect or deactivate the heating element 2170. Once the temperature of the fluid drops below a predetermined minimum temperature , the dispenser 2100 can reactivate the heating element 2170. A user can select the minimum and maximum fluid temperature with several user controls included in the dispenser 2100. In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes a programmable thermostat.

The 2100 dispenser includes a power supply and / or power supply. In a preferred embodiment, the power source provides alternating current to the dispenser 2100. Other embodiments are not as restricted and can operate with a DC power source, such as an internal battery. The power supply may include the power cord 2104. The power cord 2104 provides electrical power from an external supply to the dispenser 2100. The power supplied is employed by various components of the dispenser 2100, which include, but are not limited to, a processor device, actuator, heating element 2170, an integrated night light, as well as various user interfaces and user selection devices. The power cord 2104 may include an AC wall plug adapter that uses tips for North America, Europe, Asia or any other region. Finger trenches 2152 help insert and remove reservoir 2152 from receptacle or fluid reservoir cavity from dispenser 2100.

Various user controls and / or user interfaces are included in the 2100 dispenser. At least one of the controls may be a touch sensitive control or sensor. The touch controls can be capacitive touch sensors. Touch-sensitive sensors, controls or components can be housed inside the dispenser housing 2100. Touch-sensitive components can detect at least one of a touch, proximity or movement of the user's hand through the housing. . In preferred embodiments, detecting the proximity or movement of a user's hand below the dispensing opening activates the heating element to prepare the dispenser for use. Once the dispenser has adequately heated the fluid, a second positioning of the user's hand triggers a single dispensing event. For example, when a user places a hand under the dispensing opening, a proximity sensor can trigger the dispensing mechanism so that a volume of fluid is dispensed over the user's hand.

A dispensing lever or trigger dispenses a predetermined volume of fluid from the reservoir 2150 and exits through the dispenser 2100 by moving the drive shaft 2148 at a predetermined distance. The default distance corresponds to the default volume. In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes a timer. The timer can prevent a dispensing event from happening unless a blocking time has elapsed since the previous dispensing event. This blocking mode limits a dispensing frequency of the dispenser 2100. Consequently, the probability of a user accidentally activating multiple dispensing events is minimized. The blocking time or the maximum dispensing frequency can be programmed by a user who uses several user controls or selectors.

Other controls or sensors sensitive to touch or proximity / movement include at least one of the brightness selector 2118, color selector 2116, volume selector 2112 and ejector 2114. Some of the user controls may be marked by an indicator or icon, such as the brightness icon 2128 or the color icon 2126 to indicate the functionality of the corresponding user control. Some of the user's controls or icons can be illuminated with electromagnetic energy sources, such as LEDs, to indicate a user's selection or other functionality.

At least one of the user controls, such as the brightness selector 2118 or the color selector 2116, can be a touch-sensitive slider that continuously varies the user's selection when the user slides the finger on the slider. For example, the built-in night light may include multiple sources of electromagnetic energy of various frequencies to provide multiple frequencies, or colors, of visible light. In preferred embodiments, the electromagnetic sources are LED. Some of the LEDs may emit different colors. For example, at least one red LED, at least one green LED and at least one blue LED can be included in the night light to provide a light source. Various colors of visible light can be generated by combining red, green and blue (RGB) components.

Therefore, the built-in night light can be a selectable or otherwise adjustable RGB night light or light source. A user can continuously mix the LED selection to activate by sliding his finger along the color selector 2116. For example, the intensity of one or more LEDs of different colors can be varied by the color selector 2116 to produce various colors emitted by night light Also, a total brightness or intensity of the night light can be selected by continuously varying the brightness selector 2118.

Other selectors or user controls include the volume selector 2112. The user can select the dose of fluid to be dispensed by the dispenser 2100. In a preferred embodiment, the user can select one of the multiple predetermined volumes to be dispensed. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21B, three predetermined volumes are available, such as a small, medium, or large dose, as indicated by the three fluid drop icons of different sizes of the volume selector 2112.

The volume selector 2112 is a touch sensitive user control, and therefore a user can touch the fluid drop icon sized to correspond to the desired dose. Alternatively, with each touch of the icon, the dose selection changes to the next amount, illuminating the selection. Therefore, each of the small, medium and large drop indicators can include an individual LED. The currently selected volume can be indicated by illuminating the corresponding fluid drop icon by activating the appropriate LED. In other embodiments, a continuous selection of volumes to be dispensed is available. In such embodiments, the volume selector 2112 is a touch sensitive selector slider.

The dispenser 2100 varies the volume dispensed by the dispenser 2100 in a single dispensing event by varying the length that the drive shaft 2048 moves the piston in the fluid reservoir 2150 due to the triggering of the actuator. Because in preferred embodiments, the cross section of the reservoir 2150 is uniform, the amount of fluid dispensed in a dispensing event is linearly proportional to the length in which the piston is moved. Accordingly, the dispenser 2100 varies the length by which the drive shaft 2148 is operated in a dispensing event based on a user selection of the volume selector 2112.

The ejector 2114 may be a touch sensitive control. When the ejector 2114 is activated, the drive shaft 2148 moves away from the driven mechanism of the reservoir 2150 and moves away from the reservoir 2150 to allow the user to remove the reservoir 2150 from the dispenser 2100. In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes a spring loaded mechanism to automatically eject the tank 2150 when the drive shaft 2148 has cleared the body of the tank 2150.

In some embodiments, when the drive shaft 2148 has cleared the body of the tank 2150, an LED included in the ejector 2114 is illuminated to indicate that a user can safely remove the tank 2150. In other embodiments, an LED embedded in or near to the receiving receptacle is activated to indicate that the tank 2150 can be safely removed. If the body of the reservoir 2150 is transparent or translucent, any fluid remaining within the reservoir 2150 can be illuminated. In other embodiments, this LED embedded in the receiving receptacle may indicate other functionalities. By using finger trenches 2152, a user can remove the reservoir 2150 from the dispenser 2100.

Other indicators included in the dispenser indicate when a heating mode of the 2100 dispenser has been activated. For example, one or more LEDS can be activated in a "flicker mode" or in a slow-down pulse light mode when the dispenser is on. by heating fluid inside tank 2150. When the fluid has reached a predetermined temperature, the flashing or pulsing LED may change to a "solid" mode. Alternatively, the light may change color to indicate that it is ready. It is understood that other methods of operational indicators may serve to indicate modes or functionality of the dispenser 2100. Another indicator may indicate that the tank 2150 is approaching an empty state and, therefore, must be replenished or replaced. Other indicators may indicate an error status of the 2100 dispenser. The integrated night light can serve as one or more indicators.

Figure 22A illustrates a sectional side view of another embodiment of a dispenser and a fluid reservoir received in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. The 2200 dispenser includes a removable 2204 power cord. The dispenser 2200 includes a power switch 2202. Figure 22A illustrates a space in the housing. The space defines an intermediate volume between the dispensing opening and the containment depression 2220. The space or volume receives the user's hand so that, during a dispensing event, the user's hand receives or otherwise intercepts the dispensed fluid by the 2200 dispenser.

As disclosed herein, a motion or proximity sensor can detect when the user's hand is placed or moved within the volume. As illustrated in Figure 23 A, a night light included with the dispenser 2200 can illuminate the volume that a user's hand receives. The first movement of a user's hand can activate the heating element. Once properly heated, the additional placement of a user's hand inside the hole will activate the dispensing of the fluid. Any fluid that falls on the lower portion of the housing base and is not intercepted by the user's hand is contained within the 2220 containment depression.

The dispenser housing 2200 includes an actuator cavity 2209. The actuator cavity 2209 receives various components of the dispenser actuator, such as the stepper motor 2246 of Figure 22C. A drive shaft or actuator pressure element drives a piston 2204 included in the received tank 2250. The deformed use tabs included in the piston 2204 indicate that the drive shaft of the actuator has moved the piston and dispensed at least part of the fluid housed within the reservoir 2250. The dispenser 2200 includes a heating element 2270 for energizing or heating fluid within the reservoir 2250. The heating element 2270 induces a current in a heating structure within the reservoir 2250.

Figure 22B is a close-up view of the fluid reservoir 2250. The fluid reservoir 2250 is received within the dispenser 2200 that is consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, when the dispenser 2200 receives the reservoir 2250, the heating element 2270 of the dispenser 2200 is placed very close to the heating structure 2220 included within the reservoir 2250. However, there is no physical contact between the heating element 2270 and the heating structure 2200 because a wall at the second end of the tank 2250 insulates the two conductive components. Instead, the alternating current in the heating element 2270 induces a current in the heating structure 2220. The induced current energizes the fluid housed within the reservoir 2250.

The dispenser 2200 includes the dispensing opening 2280 on a lower side of the dispenser 2200. The dispensing opening 2280 may be located in a front part of the dispenser housing 2200, such as the front part 2122 of Figure 21A. The outlet opening of the reservoir 2250 is recessed over the dispensing opening of the dispenser 2200. In addition, the perimeter 2256 of the dispensing opening 2280 is configured and arranged so that the perimeter 2256 does not contact the valve of the outlet outlet of the reservoir. 2250. Accordingly, when a volume of fluid flows through the slits or openings of the reservoir 2250, it is dispensed from the dispenser 2200.

However, the dispensed volume of fluid does not make contact with any portion of the dispenser 2200, except perhaps the containment depression 2220. Accordingly, the only portion of the dispenser 2200 that may require cleaning of the dispensed fluid is the containment depression 2220. The fluid reservoir 2250 is inserted into the dispenser 2200. In addition, the fluid reservoir 2250 can be depleted of the fluid lodged in multiple dispensing events. The empty fluid reservoir 2250 can be removed from the dispenser 2200 without leaving traces or other traces of the fluid that was dispensed by the dispenser 2200.

Figure 22C illustrates the stepper motor 2246 that is included in an actuator that is consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The stepper motor 2246 may be included in the actuator of various embodiments of the dispensers disclosed herein. The stepper motor 2246 may include the motor housing 2240. The motor housing 2240 houses conductive coils to convert electrical energy into mechanical work. Mechanical work drives the drive shaft 2248. The pressure element or the drive shaft 2248 can move a piston into a reservoir to dispense fluid from a dispenser.

In various embodiments, the stepper motor 2246 is enabled to accumulate a total distance, or a total number of steps that the drive shaft 2248 has advanced. In a preferred embodiment, each step advanced by the drive shaft 2248, the drive shaft 2248 moves or displaces a piston included in a fluid reservoir at a predetermined distance to the second end of the reservoir body. When the cross section of the tank body is uniform along the translation axis, a predetermined volume of fluid housed within the tank is displaced by the piston and forced out of an outlet port of the tank. Consequently, by accumulating a total transmission shaft travel distance or a total number of steps, the total amount of fluid dispensed from a dispenser can be determined. When an initial storage volume of the reservoir is known, a dispenser, such as the dispenser 2200 of Figures 22A-22B, can determine the amount of fluid left in the reservoir.

Figure 23A illustrates a view of the dispenser 2300 consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. A lower surface of the dispenser 2300 includes a dispensing opening 2380. A night light included in the dispenser 2300 illuminates the space in which the user's hand intercepts the fluid dispensed by the dispenser 2300. Electromagnetic energy sources, such as multicolored LEDs, and a light orientation and / or focusing device, such as the annular lens 2156 of Figure 21 A enables the functionality of the night light. A user can vary the color and / or intensity of the night light.

Figure 23B illustrates another view of an embodiment of the dispenser 2300 consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. A lower surface of the dispenser 2300 includes the dispensing opening 2380. Figure 23B shows the perimeter 2356 of the dispensing opening 2380. An outlet opening of a reservoir received by the dispenser 2300 in a dispensing opening through the opening 2380 The valve 2310 of the outlet port is visible. The valve 2310 is recessed over the opening 2380. Note that a valve retainer 2312 of the outlet orifice isolates the slots or openings of the valve 2310 from the outer perimeter 2312 of the dispensing opening. Consequently, when the fluid flows through the valve 2310, the fluid is isolated from the dispenser 2300, which includes the perimeter 2356 of the dispensing opening 2380. Accordingly, the dispenser 2300 is not contaminated by the fluid dispensed by the dispenser. 2300

Figure 24A illustrates a cross-sectional side view in the foreground of the outlet orifice 2414 of a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir of Figures 19A-19B consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 24A shows the body of the reservoir 2402. The outlet orifice 2414 includes the valve 2410 and the retainer of the valve 2412. The valve 2410 and the retainer of the valve 2412 are coupled with the body of the reservoir 2402. The valve 2410 is lowered over valve retainer 2412. A dispensing force has displaced the fluid lodged inside the reservoir. Consequently, the volume of fluid dispensed 2470 has flowed through the slit 2490 in the valve 2419. During the transition from the inside of the tank to the outside of the tank, the volume of fluid dispensed 2470 was not brought into contact with the body of the reservoir 2404 or valve retainer 2412. Surface tension and a gravitational field have formed the volume of fluid dispensed 2470 in a drop of fluid.

Figure 24B illustrates a bottom view of the valve 2410 for an outlet orifice of a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir 1950 of Figures 19A-19B consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. document. The valve includes the slit 2490 to allow fluid flow from a first side of the valve 2410 to a second side of the valve 2410. In a preferred embodiment, the first side of the valve 2410 faces an inside of the reservoir. The second side looks outwards from the tank.

In various embodiments, multiple slits form the slit 2490. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 24B includes two transverse slits. The two slits can be orthogonal slits. In preferred embodiments, slit 2490 is a unidirectional slit, in that slit 2490. Unidirectional slits allow fluid flow from the first side to the second side but retard fluid flow from the second side to the first side. In other embodiments, slit 2490 is a bidirectional slit that allows free flow of fluid in each direction.

Figure 25 illustrates a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid reservoir consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The fluid reservoir 2514 is a rotating fluid reservoir that includes a plurality of volumes of single service fluid 2580. In some embodiments, each volume of individual service fluid 2580 is packaged in a blister-style capsule. Various embodiments of dispensers are enabled to rotate reservoir 2514 to successively align each volume of single service fluid 2580 with a pressure element or actuator shaft. The drive shaft can force flow or displace fluid within each volume of service fluid 2580.

In some embodiments, fluid displacement punctures or breaks a thin sheet or film that covers the volume of single service fluid 2580. In other embodiments, an actuator component, such as a needle or pin, breaks the thin sheet or film. Once perforated or broken, the fluid will leave the dispensing opening in the dispenser. The actuator can rotate the fluid reservoir 2514 to wait for the next dispensing event. When each of the 2580 single service fluid reservoirs has been exhausted, a user can remove the reservoir 2514 and provide the dispenser with a new fluid reservoir.

Figures 26A-26B provide views of another embodiment of a dispenser 2600 that includes a pivotal fluid reservoir receptacle assembly. The dispenser 2600 includes a housing and an opening in the housing. In various embodiments, the pivot assembly is included as part of the dispenser housing. The pivot assembly includes a receptacle, such as a fluid reservoir receptacle 2770 of Figure 27. The receptacle is configured to removably receive a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir 2650 of Figure 26B. When the reservoir is received by the receptacle, an outlet opening of the reservoir is exposed through the opening. As discussed with other embodiments, the dispenser 2600 includes an actuator, such as a stepper motor 2246 of Figure 22C. When actuated, the actuator provides a dispensing force that induces a flow of a predetermined volume of fluid into the reservoir through the outlet orifice and dispenses the fluid through the opening. In at least some embodiments, the dispenser 2600 includes a heating element, such as the conductive coils 2780 of Figure 27. The heating element is configured to heat at least a portion of the fluid within the reservoir.

In Figure 26A, the rotating fluid receptacle or receptacle assembly of the dispenser 2600 is pivoted to a closed position. Because the lid 2634 is closed, the fluid reservoir housed within the dispenser 2600 is hidden from view in Figure 26A. In Fig. 26B, the pivoting receptacle assembly of the dispenser 2600 is pivoted to an open angle position. When open, the lid 2634 of the dispenser 2600 is pivoted toward an upwardly inclined position to reveal the fluid reservoir 2650. In Figure 26B, the dispenser 2600 has slidably received a fluid reservoir 2650, so that the dispenser 2600 houses the fluid reservoir 2650.

Figure 27 illustrates an exploded view of the pivoting fluid reservoir assembly 2760 that is consistent with various embodiments disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the pivoting fluid reservoir assembly 2760 is a pivot receptacle assembly, or simply a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly 2760 may be included in various embodiments of the dispensers disclosed herein, which include, but are not limited to, the dispenser 2600 of Figures 26A-26B and the dispenser 3100 of Figures 31A-3 IB. The pivot assembly 2760 includes a pivot assembly body 2790 that is configured and arranged to receive the actuator 2746 and the fluid reservoir receptacle 2770. The actuator 2746 may be similar to the stepper motor 2245 of Figure 2246.

When the fluid reservoir 2750 is inserted into, or otherwise received, by the fluid reservoir receptacle 2770, a drive shaft of the actuator 2746 is configured and arranged to engage with the fluid reservoir 2750. For example, As shown in Figure 31A, the reservoir 3150 is received by the dispenser 3100. The actuator 3146 includes the drive shaft 3148. The drive shaft 3148 is coupled with the piston 3104 of the piston 3150 through the opening 3108. This coupling allows the dispensing and / or discharge of the fluid housed inside the fluid reservoir 2750. The actuator 2746 is received in a recessed portion and back of the body 2790 of the pivot assembly. The fluid reservoir receptacle 2770 is received in a recessed, front portion of the pivot assembly body 2790. Therefore, when the assembly body 2790 is rotated or pivoted about its pivot axis, each of the reservoirs 2750 , the receptacle 2770 and the actuator 2746 rotate together. Actuator 2746 is coupled with fluid reservoir 2750 through an opening, U-channel, ditch or other opening both in the body 2790 of the assembly and in the receptacle 2770. The actuator 2746 can be a linear actuator.

The receptacle 2770 includes conductive coils 2780. Conductive coils 2780 can be included in a heating element of the dispenser. The conductive coils 2780 are used to inductively energize or heat fluid stored inside the fluid reservoir 2750. The conductive coils 2780 can inductively heat the fluid housed inside the reservoir 2750, in an inductive process similar to that discussed in the context of the figures. 20A-20B. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive coils 2780 are positioned on an outer surface of the receptacle 2770, so that the conductive coils 2780 do not physically contact the walls of the fluid reservoir 2750. In other embodiments, the conductive coils 2780 are located at along an internal surface of the receptacle 2770, or are embedded within the walls of the receptacle 2770. As shown in Figure 27, the conductive coils 2780 surround the body of the fluid reservoir 2750. The conductive coils 2780 induce a current in a heating structure included in reservoir 2750. This induced current provides uniform inductive heating of the fluid contained within reservoir 2750.

The pivot assembly 2760 may include electric choke 2792 to isolate noise or crosstalk between the conductive coils 2780, the actuator 2746 and other frequency sensitive electronic components housed within a fluid dispenser that includes the pivot assembly 2760. The lid 2734 is included in the pivot assembly 2734 to hide the fluid reservoir 2750, when the pivot assembly is closed, in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 26A.

A photo transmitter circuit board 2794 is positioned in the lower portion of the pivoting body 2790. The photo transmitter circuit board 2794 includes at least one photo transmitter, such as an LED. The LED can be used as a near light feature, as discussed in the context of various embodiments herein. The 2794 photoemitter circuit board may also include at least one of a motion sensor, another LED pointing up to illuminate at least a portion of the receptacle 2770 when it is in an open position, or other LEDs to illuminate various control features. In other embodiments, the motion sensor is placed on other circuit boards included in a dispenser. The motion sensor can be an infrared (IR) LED. The photo transmitter circuit board 2794 can be coupled with a corresponding aperture or lens that is at least partially transparent to the frequencies emitted by the circuit board 2794. Such a configuration may be similar to the photo transmitter circuit board 3194 and the lens 3196 of the figures. 31A-31B.

A coupling element, or coupler, may be included to hold, secure or otherwise retain the pivot assembly 2760 in a closed position. In various embodiments, the retention element is a magnetic element. The locking element secures the pivot assembly in a closed position until the user decouples it. In at least some embodiments, a user decouples the hitch element by briefly pressing down on the cover 2734. The hitch element can provide tactile feedback to a user of an engagement / disengagement event. The retaining element may be integrated in the cover 2734.

Figure 28 provides an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir used in conjunction with the various embodiments of fluid dispensers described herein. For example, the dispenser 2600 of Figures 26A-26B can receive and dispense heated fluid from a fluid reservoir similar to the fluid reservoir 2850. The fluid reservoir 2850 includes the bottom cap 2806, the transferable piston 2804, the reservoir body 2802, the pump or cap assembly 2820, the nozzle assembly 2814 and the cap 2830. The reservoir 2850 may include a valve assembly 2832.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir 2850 is a tank or pump bottle without custom air. In various embodiments, the valve assembly 2832 is integrated with the pump or cap assembly 2820. The pump assembly 2820 may be a higher pressure portion. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly 2832 includes a lower valve assembly opening 2892 leading to an internal chamber, passageway or cavity in the valve assembly. An upper opening of the additional valve assembly is included. For example, the upper opening of the valve assembly 2994 of the fluid reservoir 2950 shown in Figure 29 may be similar to the upper opening of the valve assembly 2832. The upper opening allows a flow path through the internal cavity. of the valve assembly 2832. This flow path is within the internal cavity of the valve assembly 2832 and between the lower opening 2892 and the upper opening. The flow path provides fluid communications between the tank body 2802 and the nozzle 2812. One or more valves positioned within this flow path selectively block or otherwise inhibit flow through the flow path. A plurality of valves within the valve assembly 2832 may allow a pumping action to carry the fluid upwards from the reservoir body 2802 and out through the nozzle 2812. Several embodiments of valve assemblies are discussed in detail with respect to to figures 29-30.

The body of the tank 2802 can be a bottle, such as a 5 milliliter bottle. The tank body 2802 includes a first end, a second end, a cross section and a longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis is a translation axis because piston 2804 moves along the axis. longitudinal. In a preferred embodiment, the cross section is substantially uniform along the translation axis for at least a portion of the length of the reservoir body 2802. As shown in Figure 28, the first end of the body 2802 may be an end open to receive piston 2804. The tank body 2802 can be a cylindrical body, a tube-shaped body or any other configuration of a tank or bottle.

The bottom cover 2806 includes a centrally located opening 2808 or another opening. The opening 2808 allows the coupling between a drive shaft of an actuator included in a dispenser with the transferable piston 2804 of the fluid reservoir 2850. The drive shaft is received and passes through the opening 2808 to physically contact and engage with a coupling portion of the lower or rear portion of the piston 2804. The lower or rear portion of the piston 2804 may be an actuated structure. When they are matched or otherwise coupled with the piston 2804, a translation of the drive shaft moves the piston 2804, relative to the body of the tank 2802. The translation of the piston 2804 may be similar to the translation of a piston that drives the fluid through a hypodermic needle. As described in the context of at least Figures 29-30, a translation of piston 2804 towards an upper or higher portion of the body 2802 dispenses a portion of the fluid housed with the fluid reservoir 2850. The fluid is dispensed from the nozzle 2812, which is positioned on a side surface of the nozzle assembly 2814. As shown in Figure 28, the nozzle 2812 may include a protrusion or tip placed on the side or side surface of the nozzle assembly 2814.

The nozzle 2812 may be included in an outlet orifice portion of the reservoir 2850. The outlet orifice may include a valve retainer that engages with a dispensing opening of the dispenser when the reservoir 2850 is received by a cavity and / or receptacle inside the dispenser In at least one embodiment, the valve retainer includes a retainer perimeter such that when the fluid flows through the outlet orifice, the fluid flowing without coming into contact with the retainer perimeter.

In addition to the translation of the piston 2804, a translation of the nozzle assembly 2814 towards the upper portion of the reservoir body 2802 will also dispense a portion of the fluid housed through the outlet or nozzle 2812. Accordingly, a user can dispense fluid from reservoir 2850 by supplying a pumping force on an upper surface of nozzle assembly 2814. This allows manual operation of reservoir 2850. Therefore, fluid can be dispensed from reservoir 2850 by manual operation of nozzle assembly 2814 or the translation of the piston 2804. The upper cover 2830 is provided to prevent accidental triggering of a dispensing event, such as manual pumping or operation of the nozzle assembly 2814 when the reservoir 2850 is not in use or is not otherwise received. by a dispenser. In preferred embodiments, overcap 2830 is customized to account for a downward angle of nozzle 2812, as described below.

In some embodiments, reservoir 2850 initially includes a seal, such as a thin film, a label or other frangible / brittle element. The seal covers opening 2808. In the initial use of reservoir 2850, the drive shaft of a dispenser will pierce and / or pierce said seal. The perforated seal in the lower cover 2806 provides the user with a visual indication that the reservoir 2850 has already been used by a dispenser. Several embodiments may include one-time use tabs, similar to the 1906 use tabs of Figures 19A-19B. These use tabs may be included with the piston 2804, the pump assembly 2820, the valve assembly 2832 or on other structures of the tank 2850. The use tabs can indicate whether the piston 2804 has moved from its initial position.

The use tabs included in the pump assembly 2820 or the valve assembly 2832 are particularly advantageous because the use tabs indicate a prior dispensing event caused by the translation of the piston 2804 or by a user-initiated manual operation of the assembly. 2814 nozzle. A heat-shrinkable type safety seal can also provide an indication of prior use. In various embodiments disclosed herein, the actuator of a dispenser can detect a load or resistance in the drive shaft. Any of these prior event signaling mechanisms can provide a greater load on the actuator. Accordingly, the dispenser can self-detect if a deposit has been subject to a previous dispensing event or if the deposit is a virgin deposit. In addition, the dispensing force required by the drive shaft varies with the viscosity or other properties of the fluid. In addition, the viscosity and other properties that affect the required dispensing force vary through the fluids that can be stored in a reservoir, such as reservoir 2850. For example, the viscosity varies between a water-based lubricant, based on Oil and silicone based. Consequently, detecting the load on the actuator provides a means to determine the fluid housed within the reservoir. The dispenser can provide an indication to the user if the fluid reservoir 2850 has suffered a prior dispensing event and / or the type of fluid.

In a preferred embodiment, the pump assembly 2820 includes an alignment element 2822, or keyed portion, to ensure proper alignment and / or orientation when inserted into a dispenser. The alignment element 2822 may include a projection, a key or other suitable structure that engages or engages with a corresponding structure in a fluid reservoir receptacle of the dispenser, such as the fluid reservoir receptacle 2770 of Figure 27. In such embodiments, the fluid reservoir 2850 can only be inserted into the receptacle when the alignment element 2822 is properly aligned with the structure corresponding keyed in the dispenser receptacle. This ensures that when received by the dispenser, the reservoir 2850 is rotated about its longitudinal axis in the proper orientation. Proper rotation is required so that the nozzle 2812 is oriented in a downward position and in alignment with a dispensing opening of the dispenser.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 2812 is angled downwards (when the reservoir 2850 is positioned in a vertical orientation). When the fluid reservoir 2850 is received by a dispenser, such as the dispenser 2600 of Figures 26A, the longitudinal axis of the reservoir is oriented, within the dispensing arm of the dispenser, at an angle above the horizontal. The downward angle of the nozzle 2812 orients the nozzle 2812 substantially vertically and downwardly when the reservoir 2850 is housed within a dispenser and a pivot assembly, such as when the pivot assembly 2760 of Figure 27 pivots to a closed position .

For example, as shown in Figure 31A, the reservoir 3150 is received by the dispenser 3100. The reservoir 3150 includes a nozzle 3112 angled downwards (when oriented vertically). When received at the upwardly angled dispensing arm 3180, the angled nozzle 3112 is oriented substantially vertically. This vertical orientation of the nozzle 3112 allows a clear line of sight with the vertical so that the dispensed fluid flows into the hands of a user. The clear line of sight prevents the dispensed fluid from coming into contact with the surfaces of the dispenser, thereby reducing the need for periodic cleaning of the dispensing opening of a dispenser, such as the dispensing opening 2380 of Figures 23A-23B. In a preferred embodiment, the downward angle of the nozzle 2812, measured below the horizontal when the reservoir 2850 is oriented vertically, is substantially equivalent to the angle of a dispensing arm of the dispenser, measured above the horizontal. The nozzle 2812 may include a valve retainer that engages with the opening of the dispenser when the reservoir is inserted into a cavity or receptacle, such as receptacle 2770 of Figure 27. The outlet orifice of the nozzle 2812 may be substantially oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of reservoir 2850.

The reservoir body 2802 includes a volume to accommodate at least a portion of the fluid housed in the reservoir 2850. The volume available to accommodate the fluid can be defined substantially by the distance between the piston 2804 and the other end of the body 2802. In preferred embodiments , the reservoir body 2802 includes a conductive heating structure 2810. A heating element, such as the conductive coils 2780 of Figure 27, can inductively generate a current in said heating structure 2810, as described at least in context. of figures 20A-20B. The conductive heating structure 2810 may be located around an outer surface of the body 2802. In some embodiments, the heating structure 2810 is an internal structure.

The heating structure 2810 may be a conductive tube. In preferred embodiments, the heating structure 2810 is configured and arranged, so that when the tank 2850 is assembled, the heating structure 2810 surrounds at least a portion of the lower chamber 2824 of the valve assembly 2832. At least a portion of the heating structure 2810 is exposed to the fluid housed in the reservoir body 2802. For example, Figure 29 shows that portions of the heating structure 2910 are exposed to the volume of the reservoir body 2902 of the reservoir 2950. In other embodiments, the heating structure 2810 is a conductive tube that substantially covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the lower chamber 2824 of the pump assembly 2820. In other embodiments, the conductive tube contains at least a portion of the inner surface of the reservoir body 2802, which includes at least a portion of the volume containing fluid within the body 2802. The structure Heating heater 2810 is thermally coupled to the fluid housed inside the tank 2850.

The heating element 2810 can be constructed from any conductive material, such as copper, silver, gold and the like. In preferred embodiments, the heating element 2810 is constructed of stainless steel. The heating element 2810 may be a stainless steel coil. Stainless steel is an advantageous material because stainless steel will not corrode or contaminate the fluid housed within the body 2802. Also in preferred embodiments, the heating element 2810 is preferably a magnetic element. When reservoir 2850 is received by a pivot assembly, such as pivot assembly 2760 of Figure 27, inductive coils, such as coils 2780 of Figure 27, surround heating structure 2810. Conductive coils provide a substantially uniform heating of the fluid contained within the reservoir 2850. In addition, the tube-like configuration of the heating element 2810 will allow a faster heating cycle. In at least one embodiment, the heating element 2810 is integrated with the valve assembly 2832.

Figure 29 shows a cutaway side view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir used in conjunction with various embodiments of fluid dispensers disclosed herein. The fluid reservoir nozzle assembly is an uncompressed state. The tank 2950 includes the lower cover 2906. The lower cover 2906 includes a central opening 2908 to allow the coupling of a drive shaft with the piston 2904.

The tank 2950 includes the body of the tank 2902 which defines an internal volume that houses the fluid. At least a portion of the internal volume is exposed to a heating structure 2910 as a conductive tube. As shown in Figure 29, in preferred embodiments, the heating structure 2910 covers an outer surface of a lower chamber 2924 of a valve assembly, such as the valve assembly 2832 of Figure 28. As described, a Current is inductively generated in heating structure 2910 to heat the fluid content. The internal volume of the reservoir body 2902 is in fluid communication with the valve assembly and a pump assembly, such as the pump assembly 2820 of Figure 28. At least one of the valve or pump assemblies is in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly 2914, and in particular, the nozzle angled down 2912.

As discussed in Figure 28, there is a flow path through the valve assembly. One or more valves can selectively inhibit or allow flow through the flow path. An intake port of the lower valve assembly draws pressurized fluid from the reservoir body 2902. The valve housing 2952 houses a lower valve, such as a ball valve that inhibits or allows the flow of fluid between the intake port 2996 in the lower valve assembly chamber 2924. The upper spring valve 2918 inhibits or allows fluid flow between the lower valve assembly chamber 2924 and a flow volume 2926 of the nozzle assembly 2914, as described below. The spring valve includes a recovery spring 2916, an inlet or lower opening orifice 2992 and an upper orifice or opening 2994. The lower inlet orifice 2992 and the upper outlet orifice 2994 are in fluid communication through a internal cavity, or flow path, of the spring valve 2918. A one-way valve can be placed inside the valve 2918. The fluid flowing through the flow path of the valve assembly and to the flow volume 2926 of the assembly of nozzle will be dispensed from reservoir 2950 through angled nozzle 2912.

The lower ball valve housed inside the housing 2952 and the upper spring valve 2918 prevent fluid communication between the nozzle 2912 and the body 2902 unless a dispensing event is triggered, such as when the piston 2904 moves up or the nozzle assembly 2914 moves down. Figure 30 illustrates the downward translation of a nozzle assembly of the reservoir 3050.

During a dispensing event, due to the displacement of the piston 2904, the increased pressure of the fluid inside the body 2902 displaces the lower ball valve 2952. When the ball valve 2952 moves and the fluid flows from the highest pressure in the body 2902 towards the intake port of the lower valve assembly 2926 and towards the lower pressure chamber 2924 inside the pump assembly.

When the tank 2950 is positioned inside or otherwise received by a dispenser, such as the dispenser 3100 of Figure 31A, the nozzle assembly 2914 is prevented from being moved forward by a dispensing element. As shown in Figure 31A, the nozzle assembly of the reservoir 3150 is prevented from being transferred by the dispensing element 3182. As the piston 2904 continues to move, the fluid flowing into the lower chamber 2924 will increase the pressure within the chamber 2924, exceeding the restoration force of the internal spring 2916. Because the dispensing element prevents the translation of the nozzle assembly, when the restoration force associated with the internal spring 2916 is exceeded, the body 2902 moves towards the assembly of nozzle 2914.

When the recovery force of the internal spring 2916 is exceeded and the body of the reservoir 2902 is moved to the nozzle assembly 2914, the spring valve 2918 will move deeper into the lower chamber 2924. For example, as shown in the figure 30, a spring valve moves to the lower chamber 3024, exposing the lower intake opening 3092 of the spring valve to the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. When immersed in the pressurized fluid, the lower intake port 2992 takes or receives a portion of the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. Due to the pressure differential, the fluid flows through an internal cavity of the spring valve 2918 to the upper flow volume or to the chamber 2926 of the nozzle assembly 2914. From the upper chamber 2926, the fluid flows out through the angled nozzle 2912. Consequently, a piston translation 2904 upwards and a Relative translation between body 2902 and nozzle assembly 2914 allows fluid flow from reservoir body 2902 and from reservoir 2950 through nozzle 2912.

As the displacement force is removed from the piston 2904, either by reduced pressure of the dispensed fluid, reduction of the mechanical load or combination thereof, the internal spring 2916 will restore the initial position of the spring valve 2918, inhibiting the additional fluid flow from the nozzle 2912. As the pressure inside the chamber 2924 decreases, the ball valve inside the housing 2952 will return to its initial position, inhibiting the flow of additional fluid into the chamber 2924, thereby cutting off the flow of fluid out through the nozzle 2912 or outlet port. Therefore, the ball valve inside the housing 2952 and the spring valve 2918 resist fluid outflow through the nozzle 2912 unless a dispensing force increases the internal pressure of the fluid to overcome the resistance of the valves.

A manual operation of tank 2950 works according to a similar principle; however, the nozzle assembly 2914 moves to the body 2902. In a manual operation of the reservoir 2950, only a predetermined volume of fluid can be dispensed in a single dispensing event. The predetermined volume of fluid is based on the total amount of fluid that is displaced by a pump of the nozzle assembly 2914. In addition, in a manual operation of the reservoir 2902, the ball valve inside the housing 2952 prevents a reflux of the fluid pressurized in the lower chamber 2924 back to the body of the reservoir 2902. In a dispensing event triggered by a translation of the piston 2904, a lower ball valve is not needed because there will be no reflux from the lower chamber 2924 to the interior of the body 2902. Accordingly, some embodiments do not include a lower valve, such as a ball valve.

Another advantage of a dispensing event that is triggered by the translation of the piston 2904 is that the fluid will continue to be dispensed as long as the translation or displacement force is applied to the piston 2904. Consequently, any desired or predetermined amount of fluid can be displaced in a single dispensing event, where a transmission shaft applies a displacement and / or dispensing force on the piston 2904. In the preferred dispensing events, approximately a dosage of 0.1-0.2 ml of fluid is dispensed. However, as discussed herein, other embodiments are not as restricted and several dispensers allow a user dose selection. In addition, the tank 2950 may include an alignment element 2922 to prevent misalignment when the tank 2950 is inserted into a dispensing unit. For example, the alignment element 2922 may be similar to the alignment element 2822 of Figure 28.

Figure 30 shows another cut-out side view of a fluid reservoir used in conjunction with various embodiments of fluid dispensers disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir 3050 is shown compressed. The compression of the spring 3016 has moved the spring valve down relative to the reservoir body 3002, exposing the intake port 3092 to the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. As indicated above, the fluid flows through the valve spring to the upper chamber or flow volume 3026 of the nozzle assembly and outward through the nozzle at an angle 3012.

Accordingly, Figure 30 illustrates a relative translation between the nozzle 3012 angled down (or the outlet hole) and the reservoir body 3002. Such translation is due to a dispensing event. In a manual operation dispensing event, a user moves the nozzle assembly down relative to the reservoir body 3002. If the dispensing event is triggered by a translation of the piston 3004 upwards, towards the nozzle assembly, the body Tank 3002 is moved relative to the nozzle assembly. Such translation of the piston 3004 is enabled by coupling a drive shaft through the opening 3008. A heating structure 3010 similar to a tube that heats the fluid stored inside the fluid reservoir 3050, the intake port, is also shown. 3096, and a valve housing 3052 that houses an internal lower ball valve. An alignment or keyed element 3022 is also shown to ensure proper alignment when inserted into a fluid dispenser.

Figure 31A provides a sectional side view of a dispenser that includes a pivot assembly, where the pivot assembly has received a fluid reservoir and has been pivoted to a closed position. The view of the dispenser 3100 in Figure 31A may be similar to the view of the dispenser 2200 shown in Figure 22A. The dispenser 3100 may include features similar to the dispenser 2600 of Figures 26A-26B and any other embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. For example, the dispenser 3100 includes a dispenser housing that includes an upwardly angled dispenser arm 3180. The pivot assembly of the dispenser 3100 may be similar to the pivot assembly 2760 of Figure 27. The dispenser 3100 includes a pivoting actuator 3146 and a transmission shaft 3148. The transmission shaft 3148 is coupled with the piston 3104 of the tank 3150 through the central opening 3108 of the tank 3150.

The pivot assembly includes conductive coils 3180 surrounding the body containing fluid from the reservoir 3150. The reservoir body 3150 includes a conductive heating structure. In various embodiments, the conductive coils 3180 substantially surround the portion of the reservoir 3150 that includes the heating structure to induce an electric current in the heating element. For example, see the positioning of the heating structure 2910 in Figure 29 or the tank 2950. The induced electric current heats or heats the fluid contents of the reservoir 3150 that are stored in the reservoir body 3102. Because the coils Electrical 3180 uniformly surround the heating element, the fluid is heated uniformly. The pivot assembly includes a photo transmitter circuit board 3194 that is aligned with at least a partially transparent element 3196 of the dispenser housing 3100. The photo transmitter circuit board 3194 includes at least one photon emission device, such as an LED. As discussed herein, a retaining element can also be included to hold, or otherwise couple, the pivot assembly in the closed position. The coupling element can be a magnetic coupling element at least partially embedded in the cover 3134 of Figure 31B.

When the pivot assembly is in the closed position, the angled nozzle 3112 of the reservoir 3150 is oriented in a substantially vertical orientation, inhibiting the fluid dispensed from the contact surfaces of the dispensing opening of the dispenser 3100. Because the nozzle 3112 is positioned adjacent to the rigid dispensing element 3182, the nozzle 3112 does not move in a dispensing event. In contrast, the body 3102 of the dispenser 3150 moves forward, relative to the nozzle 3112. Such a displacement of the body dispensed the fluid flow from the reservoir 3150, as discussed in the context of Figures 29-30.

In addition to the photo emission circuit board 3194, the dispenser 3100 includes one or more circuit boards that are populated with electronic components to control the operation of the 3100 dispenser. At least one of the circuit boards may be a circuit board printed (PCB). For example, the dispenser 3100 includes a top PCB 3164 that is populated with electronic components to control the night light of the dispenser 3100, motion / touch sensors, various LED indicators, inductive heating coils 3180, user controls, and the like. Similarly, the lower PCB 3162 houses electronic components to control the actuator 3146. The power cable 3104 provides electrical power to the upper PCB 3164, the lower PCB 3162, the actuator 3146 and other electrically operated elements of the dispenser 3100. In embodiments Preferably, the power cord 3104 provides alternating current (AC) electrical power. Figure 31B provides a cutaway side view of the dispenser 3100 of Figure 31A, where the pivot assembly has been pivoted to a partially open position. Figure 31B illustrates the proper separation of the nozzle at an angle 3112 (from Figure 31A) with the dispensing element 3182 of the dispensing arm at angle 3180, as the pivot assembly in open and closed pivot. In some embodiments, the pivot assembly is spring loaded so that when the engagement elements are disengaged, the pivot assembly automatically pivots to the open position. When fully open, the reservoir 3150 can be removed from the dispenser 3100. Note that the actuator 3146, the drive shaft 3148, the light emitter plate 3194, the reservoir 3150 and the lid 3134 rotate with the pivot assembly. When pivoting to an open position, the drive shaft 3148 can automatically retract from the piston 3104 of the reservoir 3150.

Figure 32A illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The 3250 fluid reservoir can be a folding or accordion style reservoir. The fluid reservoir 3250 includes a rigid reservoir body 3202 that is configured and arranged to receive or otherwise engage with the flexible reservoir body 3206 to form the body of the fluid reservoir 3250. The flexible reservoir body 3206 includes a body Flexible bellows similar to an accordion. Flexible body 3206 expands and contracts to accommodate the amount of fluid stored in reservoir 3250.

The fluid reservoir 3250 includes the outlet orifice 3214. In various embodiments, the outlet orifice 3214 includes the valve 3210 and the valve retainer 3212. Each of the outlet orifices 3214, valve 3210 and valve retainer 3212 may be similar to outlet hole 1914, valve 1910 and valve retainer 1912 of Figure 19A-19B or outlet hole 2414, valve 2410 and valve retainer 2412 of Figure 24A -24B. The fluid reservoir 3250 includes the transferable piston 3204. In preferred embodiments, the piston 3204 is configured and arranged to match a distal end of the flexible reservoir body 3206. The flexible body 3206 may include a ditch or indentation 3208 to engage with a Transmission shaft of a fluid dispenser. In various embodiments, the piston 3204 is coupled with an internal service of the flexible body 3206, so that when a transmission shaft is engaged with the groove 3208, the transmission shaft moves the piston 3204. In a preferred embodiment, the piston 3204 it includes a centrally located protrusion or inlay to engage with the indentation 3208 of the tank 3208. As the piston 3204 moves towards the outlet hole 3214, fluid is dispensed and the flexible body 3206 collapses to accommodate the decreased amount of fluid housed inside of reservoir 3250. Preferred embodiments include a heating structure, such as the heating structure 1920 of Figures 19A-19B, the heating structure 2020 of Figure 20A, the heating structure 2910 of Figure 29 or any other structure of heating discussed in this document.

Figure 32B illustrates a bottom view of the assembled fluid reservoir 3250 of Figure 32A. The figure. 32C illustrates a side view of the assembled fluid reservoir 3250 of Figures 32A-32B.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as indicated above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited by the description of the preferred embodiment. On the other hand, the invention should be fully determined by reference to the following claims.

Claims (9)

1. A fluid reservoir comprising: a reservoir body (2750) that includes a first end (2802), a second end (2820), a cross section and a translation axis (72) that is substantially orthogonal to the cross section and is defined by the first end and the second end, wherein the cross section is substantially uniform along the axis of translation by at least a portion of a body length (2750) of the reservoir; a piston (2804) configured and arranged to move along the translation axis (72), wherein a volume of the fluid reservoir available to accommodate the fluid is defined by a distance between the piston (2804) and the second end ( 2820) of the body (2750) of the tank; and an outlet orifice (2812) disposed on a surface of the fluid reservoir, such that when the piston (2804) is moved along the translation axis towards said second end (2820), a volume of the fluid flows from the fluid reservoir and through the outlet orifice (2812), wherein the fluid reservoir further comprises a heating structure (2824), characterized in that said first end (2802) is configured and arranged to receive at least one portion of an actuator (3146), so that when received, the actuator (3146) is coupled with the piston (2804) and, when coupled, the actuator (3146) is configured and arranged to move the piston (2804) towards said second end; and because, when the fluid is housed in the reservoir, the heating structure (2824) is thermally coupled to the fluid and configured and arranged to energize at least a portion of the fluid housed in the fluid reservoir. 2. The fluid reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the first end includes a lower cover (2806) and the lower cover includes a central opening (2808) configured and arranged to receive a drive shaft (3148) from the actuator. 3. The fluid reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the heating structure (2824) is a conductive disc (1920) that includes a cross section that substantially coincides with the cross section of the body (2750) of the reservoir. 4. The fluid reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the heating structure (2824) is arranged close to the second end of the body (2750) of the reservoir. 5. The fluid reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the heating structure (2824) includes a conductive element (2810) in the form of a tube that is internal to at least a portion of the body volume (2750) of the reservoir. 6. The fluid reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the heating structure (2824) is a stainless steel heating structure. 7. The fluid reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the heating structure (2824) is a magnetic heating structure. 8. The fluid reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the piston (2804) includes an driven structure (3104) configured and arranged to match a drive shaft (2248; 3148) driven by an actuator (2240; 3146). 9. The fluid reservoir according to claim 1, further comprising a frangible seal (1906) configured and arranged to indicate a prior use of the fluid reservoir.