ES2909603T3 - liquid dispensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid dispensing device (100), comprising: a needle (500) adapted to penetrate a container (575) without tearing a portion of the container near a point of penetration on the container; and a motion control system (505) configured to rotate the needle as the needle penetrates the container, characterized in that the needle comprises: a length having a cylindrical shape; an injection port opening (550) disposed at a first distance from a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape; an extraction port opening (555) at a second distance from a longitudinal axis of cylindrical shape, wherein the first distance is less than the second distance; a tip (560) disposed along the axis of the cylindrical shape; a tapered portion disposed between the tip and the length, a recessed portion (625), wherein the injection port is disposed between the tapered portion and the extraction port.

Description

DESCRIPTION

liquid dispensing device

Background

Liquids are transported and/or stored in containers. Each container can hold a single or multiple servings of a liquid. Each container can maintain a quality of the liquid placed in each container during transportation and/or storage. The container can maintain the quality of the liquid by preventing oxidation or other chemical reactions from occurring while the liquid is being transported and/or stored.

Document WO2016/099626 A1 discloses a system comprising a needle and a motor, said motor being capable of rotating and moving the needle inside a container.

Summary

In one aspect, a liquid dispensing device according to one or more embodiments of the invention includes a needle adapted to penetrate a container without tearing a portion of the container near a point of penetration on the container; and a motion control system configured to rotate the needle as the needle enters the container. The invention is more precisely defined in the appended claims to which reference should now be made.

Brief description of the drawings

Certain embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings illustrate only certain exemplary aspects or implementations of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 shows a system according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

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

FIG. 3A shows an isometric diagram of a liquid dispensing device according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3B shows an isometric diagram of a dispenser according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional diagram of the dispenser shown in FIG. 3B according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

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

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

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

FIG. 5B shows a top view diagram of a liquid extraction system according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

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

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

FIG. 6B shows an example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6C shows a second example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 6D shows a third example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6E shows a fourth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 6F shows a fifth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 6G shows a sixth example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 6H shows a diagram of a first example of a port arranged in a recessed portion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6I shows a diagram of a second example of a port arranged in a recessed portion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6J shows a diagram of a third example of a port provided in a recessed portion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

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

FIG. 6L shows a first cross-sectional diagram of the sixth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6M shows a second cross-sectional diagram of the sixth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6N shows a seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 6O shows a first cross-sectional diagram of the seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6P shows a second cross-sectional diagram of the seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6Q shows an eighth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of a liquid dispensing method according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

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

FIG. 9A shows a flowchart of a method for recommending a liquid container in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9B shows a flowchart of a method for recommending a liquid container in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a liquid identification network element according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a recommendation network element according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Detailed description

Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the following description, numerous details are set forth as examples of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details and that numerous variations or modifications may be possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Certain details known to those of ordinary skill in the art are omitted to avoid obscuring the description.

Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (eg, first, second, third, etc.) can be used as an adjective for an element (ie, any noun in the application). The use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular order of the items or limit any item to being only a single item unless expressly disclosed, such as by the use of the terms "before", "after", "single ", and other such terminology. Instead, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between the elements. As an example, a first element is distinct from a second element, and the first element can span more than one element and succeed (or precede) to the second element in an element order.

In the following description of FIGS. 1-11, any component described with respect to one figure, in various embodiments of the technology, may be equivalent to one or more components of the same name described with respect to any other figure. For brevity, the descriptions of these components will not be repeated with respect to each figure. Thus, any and all embodiments of the components of each figure are incorporated by reference and are presumed to be optionally present within any other figure having one or more components with the same name. Additionally, in accordance with various embodiments of technology, any description of components in a figure should be construed as an optional embodiment that may be implemented in addition to, along with, or instead of, the embodiments described with respect to a component of the same name. corresponding in any other figure.

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

A liquid dispensing device according to embodiments of the invention prevents or reduces the rate of degradation of liquids in containers by protecting the liquids from the ambient environment. The liquid dispensing device can control the atmospheric conditions within the container and the thermal conditions of the liquid within the container.

The liquid dispensing device can also maintain an orientation of a container and thus prevent solids or other materials included in the container from being dispensed together with a liquid included in the container. The orientation can be, for example, tilting a liquid withdrawal point on the container downwards.

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

The liquid dispensing device may include an automatic mechanism for preparing a container for withdrawal of liquid disposed in the container. The liquid dispensing device may include a platform on which a user places a liquid container. Once positioned, the liquid dispensing device automatically prepares the container for extraction by penetrating the container.

The liquid dispensing device may further include an identification sensor for identifying a type of liquid disposed within a container. The identification sensor can be, for example, a camera that obtains an image of the container. The image can be compared to a library of images associated with containers and liquids contained therein. The image can be matched to one of the containers and the liquid contained in the container can be determined based on the match.

Additional embodiments of the invention may relate to systems for dispensing liquid. A system may include one or more liquid dispensing devices operatively connected to one or more network elements through a network. The network elements can be, for example, authentication servers, liquid provider servers and recommendation servers.

Authentication servers can allow a user to log in to a liquid dispensing device. By logging into the device, the user may be provided access to one or more functions of the liquid dispensing device to which the user would otherwise be denied access.

Liquid provider servers can allow a liquid dispensing device to automatically notify a liquid provider that a container has run out. The liquid supply servers may then add new liquid containers to the liquid dispensing device in response to the notification.

Recommendation servers can receive consumption data from liquid dispensing devices. Consumption data may be associated with the user. The consumption data can be used to make a recommendation to the user about another container of liquid for consumption.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a system for dispensing liquids according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The system includes a number of liquid dispensing devices (100, 101) operatively connected to a number of network elements (120, 130, 140, 150) and one or more computing devices (160) through a network (110). ). Computing devices (160) can also be connected to communication devices. dispensing liquid (100, 101) through one or more separate connections, such as a wireless local area network, Bluetooth, near field communication, or other communication method.

Liquid dispensing devices (100, 101) may be physical devices for dispensing liquids contained in containers. The liquids can be, for example, wine, champagne, beer, or any other liquid. The containers may be, for example, bottles sealed by a cork, screw cap, or other mechanism. See FIGS. 2-6F for additional details about the liquid dispensing device (100, 101).

The network elements (120, 130, 140, 150) may be physical devices. The network elements (120, 130, 140, 150) can be, for example, a server. Each of the network elements (120, 130, 140, 150) may be operatively connected to the liquid dispensing devices (100, 101) via the network (110) and configured to support the operations of the liquid dispensing devices. dispensation (100, 101).

While each of the network elements (120, 130, 140, 150) are illustrated as being separate devices in FIG. 1, each of the network elements (120, 130, 140, 150) may be combined with other network elements without departing from the invention. For example, the liquid identification network element 120 and the recommendation network element 130 may be a single device without departing from the invention. Additionally, the functionality of one or more of the network elements (120, 130, 140, 150) may be provided by cloud computing, rather than a specific device, without departing from the invention.

Liquid identification network element 120 may include information that can be used to determine a type of liquid contained in a container. See FIG. 10 for additional details about the liquid identification network element (120).

The recommendation network element 130 may include information that can be used to recommend a liquid container for consumption by a user. See FIG. 11 for additional details about the recommendation network element (130).

The liquid provider network element (140) may be a provider device that receives requests from liquid dispensing devices (100, 101) for liquid containers. The supplier will be able to schedule liquid container deliveries based on requests.

The authentication network element (150) may be an authentication device for authenticating the user of the liquid dispensing devices (100, 101). Authentication network element 150 may include login information for users. Before a liquid dispensing device (100, 101) dispenses liquids from a container, the liquid dispensing device (100, 101) may require a user to be authenticated. By authenticating the user, the user can be uniquely identified and any liquid that is dispensed while the user is authenticated can be associated with the user.

Computing devices 160 can be physical devices such as, for example, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, or other personal computing and/or communication devices. Computing devices (160) may be operatively connected to liquid dispensing devices (100, 101). An application may be running on the computing devices 160 that allows a user of the computing devices 160 to issue commands to the liquid dispensing devices 160, obtain data from the liquid dispensing devices 160, authenticating a user of the liquid dispensing devices (160), or otherwise directing the functions of the liquid dispensing devices (160). In some embodiments of the invention, the computing devices (100, 101) may act as a bridge to the network (110). The network (110) can be a telecommunications network that allows the exchange of information between devices connected to the network. The network (110) can be, for example, the Internet.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a liquid dispensing device (100) according to embodiments of the invention. Liquid dispensing device 100 can dispense liquids from a container while retaining remaining liquids in the container for future dispensing. Additionally, the liquid dispensing device (100) can obtain dispensing information by user and/or by dispensing. The dispensing information may be sent to one or more network elements.

Liquid dispensing device (100) may include a processor (200). Processor 200 may be a physical device, including circuitry. The processor 200 can be, for example, a central processing unit, an embedded processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable gate array, or any other type of programmable computing device.

The processor (200) may be operatively connected to non-transient computer-readable memory (205) that stores instructions. The non-transient computer readable memory 205 can be a physical device such as a hard disk drive, read only memory, or solid state drive. The instructions, when executed by processor 200, they can cause liquid dispensing device 100 to perform the functionality shown in FIGS. 7-9B.

Liquid dispensing device 100 may include memory 210 operatively connected to the processor. Memory 210 may be a physical device such as random access memory. Memory 210 may be used for temporary data storage.

Liquid dispensing device (100) may include a network adapter (215). The network adapter (215) may be a physical device for accessing a network (110, FIG. 1). The network adapter can be, for example, an Ethernet adapter, a fiber optic network adapter, or a wireless network adapter. Network adapter 215 may allow liquid dispensing device 100 to exchange information with network elements (eg, 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.).

Liquid dispensing device (100) may include a user interface (220). The user interface (220) can be a physical component to interact with the liquid dispensing device (100). Liquid dispensing device 200 may include, for example, a display, a touch screen, buttons, and/or switches. User interface 220 may allow liquid dispensing device 100 to present information to a user and receive input from the user.

The liquid dispensing device may also include identification systems (220), a liquid withdrawal system (230), and a liquid preservation system (240). Each of the components is described below.

Identification system 220 may identify liquid containers and liquid receptacles. A liquid container may be, for example, a wine bottle and a liquid receptacle may be, for example, a wine glass. When a container is inserted into a liquid dispensing device 100, a liquid container identification sensor 222 can identify a type of liquid included in the container. The liquid container identification sensor 222 may also monitor an amount of liquid within the container as the liquid is dispensed. The liquid container identification sensor 222 may be a physical component such as, for example, a camera. The liquid container identification sensor 222 may also include an interrogation source, such as a light source, that facilitates measurements by the sensor. See FIGS. 4 for additional details about the liquid container identification sensor (222).

Additionally, when a liquid dispensing device is instructed to dispense a liquid, a liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 can determine if a receptacle is in the dispensing area. By determining if a receptacle is in the dispensing area, the liquid dispensing device 100 can prevent liquid spills by not dispensing the liquid when there is no receptacle in the dispensing area. The liquid container identification sensor 224 can be a physical component such as, for example, a camera, a capacitive sensor, a distance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other type of sensor to detect the presence of an object. physical. See FIG. 3A for additional details about the liquid container identification sensor (222).

Liquid withdrawal system 230 may withdraw liquids from a container in response to requests from a user. Liquids can be automatically extracted and can prevent remaining liquids from being exposed to an ambient environment. Additionally, the liquid extraction system (230) can dose dispensed liquids to determine the consumption habits of the users. Liquid withdrawal system (230) may include a penetrating device (232), a liquid container retention device (234), and a liquid dosing device (236). Each of the components is described below.

The penetrating device 232 can be configured to penetrate a portion of a container. In one embodiment of the invention, the penetrating device, after penetrating the container portion, remains within the container until all or substantially all of the liquid is withdrawn from the container. The penetrating device may also be removed after penetrating the container portion if the container must be removed from the liquid dispensing device before all or substantially all of the liquid is withdrawn from the container. The container portion may be, for example, a container closure. Non-limiting examples of closures include corks, screw caps, or other closure devices or components of a wine bottle. After penetration, the liquids can be extracted using the penetration device (232). See FIGS. 5A-6F for additional details about the penetration device (232).

Liquid container retainer 234 may be a physical structure for holding a container that includes a liquid. Liquid container retainer 234 may be configured to press the container against penetration device 232 to penetrate the container. See FIGS. 4A-5B for additional details about the liquid container retainer (234).

The liquid dispensing device (236) can be a physical component for dispensing liquids that are dispensed by the liquid dispensing device. Dosing device 236 can be, for example, a flow meter. Liquid drawn from a container may flow through liquid dispensing device 236 prior to dispensing and allow specific amounts of liquid to be dispensed. See FIG. ^5c for additional details about the liquid metering device (236).

The liquid preservation system 240 can preserve the quality of a liquid disposed within a container. Liquid preservation system 240 can control both atmospheric and thermal conditions of a liquid to preserve the quality of the liquid. Liquid preservation system (240) may include a thermal regulation device (242) and an atmospheric regulation device (244). Each of the components is described below.

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

Atmospheric regulation device 244 may be a physical component for regulation of an atmosphere within a container. Atmospheric regulation device 244 may include, for example, a gas source and a pressure regulator. The gas source may be, for example, a pressurized gas container. In some embodiments of the invention, the gas source may be an external source such as, for example, a building gas supply. The atmospheric regulation device 244 can inject a gas into the container through the liquid penetration device. A pressure of the gas can be maintained through the pressure regulator, where maintaining the pressure prevents oxygen from entering the container and dissolving within the liquid in the container. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the atmospheric regulation device 244 can maintain a gas pressure based on a type of liquid disposed in the container. See FIGS. 4A-4B for additional details about the atmospheric regulation device (244).

FIG. 3A shows an isometric diagram of a liquid dispensing device (100) according to embodiments of the invention. The liquid dispensing device (100) includes an internal volume, accessible by a door (310) for holding one or more containers that include liquid. The internal volume is surrounded by a casing (315) that hides the containers from a user's view when the containers are in the liquid dispensing device (100).

A user interface (220) is included on the door (310). The user interface (220) allows information to be communicated to a user of the device and/or allows a user to enter information into the liquid dispensing device (100). User interface 220 may be, for example, a touch screen. Images corresponding to the types of liquid included in the containers within the liquid dispensing device (100) may be displayed to the user through the user interface (220). The touch sensitive portions of the user interface (220) may allow a user to request a liquid to be dispensed from the liquid dispensing device (100). A specific amount of liquid to dispense can be specified.

While user interface 220 is illustrated as disposed on the door, user interface 220 may be disposed on other portions of liquid dispensing device 100 without departing from the invention. Additionally, user interface 220 may be provided on a separate device without departing from the invention. The separate device can be, for example, a tablet, point of sale terminal, or other type of computing device. The separate device may operate as a thin client for the liquid dispensing device (100) or otherwise allow communication between the user and the liquid dispensing device (100).

One or more jets can also be arranged on the door (310). Liquids that are drawn from containers disposed within the liquid dispensing device 100 can be dispensed into a receptacle through the spouts. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the jets (300) are made of plastic, wood, metal, or a combination of the aforementioned materials. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the decorative elements of the jets (300) such as a hood or other cover can be made of wood while the components of the jets (300) that directly interact with a fluid are made of plastic. . In one or more embodiments of the invention, the jets (300) are made of wood. While illustrated in FIG. 3A as being arranged on the door, the jets 300 may be disposed on other portions of liquid dispensing device 100 without departing from the invention.

FIG. 3B shows an isometric diagram of a dispenser (300) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The diagram of FIG. 3B illustrates the mechanical components of the dispenser 300 that allow the dispenser 300 to dispense liquid. The spout 300 may include decorative items (not shown) such as a cover or hood that enhance the appearance of the spout 300 or hide mechanical features of the spout 300 without departing from the invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the spout 300 may project outwardly, away from the door 310, to allow a receptacle to be placed below the spout to receive a fluid drawn from a container arranged with the fluid dispensing device. liquid. The spout can be made of plastic, metal, ceramic, or a combination of the aforementioned materials. The spout can be made of other materials without departing from the invention. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the spout may be coated with a hydrophobic or food grade coating. The coating may reduce the likelihood that fluids dispensed by the dispenser will be contaminated by the dispenser, or residual materials on the dispenser from previously disposed fluids, and/or reduce the likelihood that a fluid will leave a residue or contaminant on the dispenser. when/after dispensed.

The dispenser may include at least two liquid dispensing ports (301). Each port may be hydraulically connected to a corresponding container when fluids are dispensed from the corresponding container. The dispenser may include a greater or lesser number of ports (301) without departing from the invention.

FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional diagram of the spout along an internal length of the spout hydraulically connecting one of the ports (301) to a container (not shown). The dispenser (300) may include a pressure actuated plug (302) near a port (301) along the hydraulic path (303) connecting the port (301) to the container. The pressure actuated plug (302) can seal the hydraulic path (303) when the fluid pressure on one side of the pressure actuated plug container (302) along the hydraulic path (303) is less than a predetermined amount. . The pressure actuated plug (302) can open the hydraulic path (303) to allow fluid flow when the fluid pressure on the container side of the pressure actuated plug (302) along the hydraulic path (303) is greater than the default amount. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the predetermined amount may be at or greater than ambient pressure such that the pressure actuated plug (302) seals off the hydraulic path (302) unless fluid is pumped or pressurized over it. the container side of the pressure actuated cap (302).

Although not shown in FIGS. 3B-C, the spout 300 may include other structural components or adapter attachment points. For example, the nozzle 300 may include an aerator or an adapter attachment point for attachment of an aerator. The aerator may modify the characteristics of the fluid dispensed from the nozzle by injecting a gas into the fluid or by mixing the fluid with a gas before dispensing the fluid. The attachment points of the adapter may be a set of threads, pins, or other mechanical interlocking structure to fixedly attach a device to the dispenser (300).

Returning to FIG. 3A, a liquid container identification sensor (224) may be disposed on the door (310). The liquid receptacle identification sensor (224) may be a physical component for determining if a receptacle is present to receive liquid dispensed by the liquid dispensing device (100). The liquid container identification sensor 224 can be, for example, a camera, a distance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive device, or a proximity sensor. The liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be another sensor without departing from the invention. While illustrated in FIG. 3A as being disposed on the door, the liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be disposed on other portions of the liquid dispensing device 100 without departing from the invention.

FIG. 4A shows an isometric diagram of the liquid dispensing device (100) according to embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 4A, the door (310) and housing (315) are removed. Additionally, insulation and other materials used to reduce heat transfer and noise generation are also removed to better illustrate the add-on components of the liquid dispensing device (100).

The liquid dispensing device (100) includes a liquid withdrawal system (230). The liquid withdrawal system receives liquid containers and automatically draws liquid from the containers in response to user requests.

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

FIG. 4B shows an isometric diagram of the liquid dispensing device (100) according to embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 4B, the door (310), the housing (315) and the liquid extraction system (230) are removed. Additionally, insulation and other materials used to reduce heat transfer and noise generation are also removed to better illustrate the add-on components of the liquid dispensing device (100).

The liquid dispensing device (100) includes a liquid preservation system (240). Liquid preservation system (240) may include thermal regulation device(s) (242) and atmospheric regulation device (244). Each of the aforementioned devices may be disposed within the internal volume of the liquid dispensing device (100).

Atmospheric regulation device(s) 244 may include a gas source and one or more gas flow and pressure regulators. Gas can be supplied from the source to regulators and in turn to a container to maintain an atmospheric environment within the container.

Thermal regulation device(s) 242 may include heating units, cooling units, fans, heat exchangers, and/or other devices to facilitate temperature regulation of a liquid placed in a container at a temperature. desired.

FIG. 5A shows an isometric diagram of a liquid extraction system (230) according to embodiments of the invention. The liquid extraction system (230) includes a liquid container retention device (234) for receiving and retaining liquid containers, a penetrating device (232) for penetrating containers, and a liquid dispensing device (not shown) for dispensing liquids drawn from containers. Liquid container retention device 234 and penetration device 232 can operate cooperatively to penetrate and extract liquids from a container.

FIG. 5B shows a top view diagram of the liquid extraction system (230) shown in FIG. 5A. As seen in FIG. 5B, the liquid container retainer (234) includes a platform (525) mounted on slide rails (530). Platform 525 may be connected to a linear actuator 535 that controls the location of the platform along the length of the slide rails. Although not shown in FIG. 5B, liquid container retainer 234 may include a sealing cup as a secondary seal around the container closure. Such a sealing cup can provide additional protection against leakage of liquid from the container after the penetration device has penetrated the closure. The sealing cup can be a gasket, a passage, or any other sealing component.

Penetrating device (232) may include a needle (500) to penetrate a container, a manifold (510) to control the flow of liquids, and a rotary actuator (505). Needle (500) may be connected to rotary actuator (505). The rotary actuator 505, when operating, can cause the needle 500 to rotate.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, penetrating device 232 may include a cyclic actuator (not shown). The cyclic actuator can cause the needle 500 to oscillate along a path while penetrating a container. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the path may be aligned with the length of the needle, it may be perpendicular to the length of the needle, or it may be oblique to the length of the needle. Causing the needle to oscillate along a path while penetrating the container may cause the needle 500 to vibrate during penetration of the container. Vibrating the needle 500 during penetration can reduce the likelihood of debris being deposited on the needle 500. Vibrating needle 500 during penetration can reduce the likelihood that needle 500 will bend, or otherwise become permanently deformed, during penetration. Vibrating the needle 500 during penetration can reduce friction between the needle 500 and the container during penetration. Vibrating needle 500 during penetration can reduce the likelihood that portions of the container will tear and thereby break a seal between the container and needle 500 during and/or after penetration.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cyclic actuator includes a cam, ie, a rotating or sliding part in a mechanical link, that is mechanically attached to the needle (500). The cam may be mechanically linked to needle 500 through a cam follower that converts rotational motion of the cam to reciprocating linear motion. The cam may be mechanically coupled to a motor. The motor can be an electric, pneumatic or any other type of motor that rotates the cam.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cyclic actuator includes an elliptical channel that causes needle 500 to vibrate as needle 500 penetrates a container. The vibrations generated by the elliptical channel can be aligned with the length of the needle, perpendicular to the length of the needle, or oblique to the length of the needle without departing from the invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cyclic actuator includes an ultrasonic transducer that is coupled mechanically to the needle (500) causing the needle (500) to vibrate while the needle (500) penetrates a container. The vibrations may be aligned with the length of the needle, perpendicular to the length of the needle, or obliquely to the length of the needle (500) without departing from the invention.

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

Needle 500 may include multiple passageways through which liquids may traverse a length of needle 500, the passageways may be connected to manifold 510 to direct the flow of liquids exiting each passageway.

An example container (575) is also shown in FIG. 5B. As seen in FIG. 5B, the example container 575 is disposed on a platform. To draw liquids from the example container (575), the linear actuator (535) can be activated to move the platform towards the penetration device (232). Moving the platform may press a portion of the example container (575) against the needle (500). For example, the container may be a wine bottle that has a closure device such as a cork, screw cap, or other structure to seal the bottle. The closure device may be a natural material, a man-made material, or any other type of material. The wine bottle can be placed on the platform so that the cork is adjacent to the needle (500).

While the example container (575) is pressed against the needle, the rotary actuator can be activated to rotate the needle (500). Rotating needle 500 while pressing against sample container 575 can cause needle 500 to penetrate through sample container 575 easily and reproducibly. Once needle 500 has penetrated exemplary container 575, liquid can be withdrawn from container 575 as will be further described with respect to FIGS. 5C-6F.

FIG. 5C shows an isometric diagram of a needle 500 and manifold 510 according to embodiments of the invention. Needle 500 and manifold 510 may operate cooperatively to draw liquids from a container and regulate atmospheric conditions within the container.

Needle (500) may include injection ports (550) and withdrawal ports (555). Each of the ports may be disposed near a first end of the needle (500). The ports can be used to inject gases and withdraw liquids, respectively, from a container when the needle 500 has penetrated the container.

Manifold 510 may be disposed at the end of the needle remote from the ports. Manifold (510) may be a physical component that directs the flow of liquids into and out of injection ports (550) and extraction ports (555). Additionally, manifold 510 can incorporate a rotary coupling so that the needle can be rotated by the rotary actuator.

The manifold (510) may include an atmospheric regulator port(s) (591) for connecting the injection ports (550) to the atmospheric regulator and a liquid metering device port (590) for connect the extraction ports (555) to the liquid dosing device.

FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional diagram of the needle 500 shown in FIG. 5C. As seen in FIG. 6A, needle 500 includes an injection port 600, connected to injection ports 550, and a withdrawal port 610, connected to withdrawal ports. Each of the steps is connected separately to the manifold. Injection ports 550 and/or withdrawal ports 555 may be disposed adjacent a first end of a length of needle 500 near a point 560 of the needle. The needle tip 560 may be the surface that is designed to penetrate containers.

While needle 500 is illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 6A as having four injection ports 550, four extraction ports 555, a flat exterior, and coaxially aligned passageways, numerous variations are possible without departing from the invention. FIGS. 6B-6M show examples of needles according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6B shows a first example of a needle according to embodiments of the invention. The first example is similar to the needle (500) shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The first example needle includes extraction ports (555) disposed in a recessed spiral groove (620). Arranging the extraction ports (555) in the slot (620) can prevent debris from blocking the extraction ports (555). Additionally, distributing the ports around the cylindrical surface can also reduce the chance of debris blocking all of the extraction ports (555). The recess may follow a helical path along the length of the needle and along the outer surface of the needle. Debris can be generated when the needle enters a container.

FIG. 6C shows a second example of a needle according to embodiments of the invention. The second example is similar to the needle (500) shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The second example needle includes extraction ports (555) disposed in a recessed slot (625). The recessed groove may be arranged along a needle insertion direction. The direction of insertion can be along the length of the needle. Arranging the extraction ports (555) in a recessed slot (625) can prevent debris from blocking the extraction ports (555). Additionally, producing a recessed groove (625) disposed along an insertion direction may be more cost-effective than the spiral recessed groove (620, FIG. 6B).

FIG. 6D shows a third example of a needle according to embodiments of the invention. The third example is similar to the needle (500) shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The third example needle includes extraction ports 555 formed by drilling through an outer wall of the needle. Drilling can be more profitable than stope production as shown in FIGS. 6B-6C. Each of the extraction ports (555) may be arranged in separate perforated depressions (630).

FIG. 6E shows a fourth example of a needle according to embodiments of the invention. The fourth example is similar to the needle (500) shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The fourth exemplary needle includes extraction ports (555) formed in a radial slot (635). Forming the extraction ports (555) in the radial groove can reduce the possibility of debris blocking the extraction ports (555).

FIG. 6F shows a fifth example of a needle according to embodiments of the invention. The fifth example is similar to the needle (500) shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The fifth example needle includes a liquid container engaging portion 640 configured to engage and/or drive the needle in the container. For example, the liquid container engaging portion 640 may be a screw. When the needle is rotated, the screw can engage the container driving the needle into or out of the container depending on the direction of rotation of the needle.

FIG. 6G shows a sixth example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The sixth example is similar to the needle 500 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The sixth example needle includes a recessed portion 645 disposed between the point 560 and a length 646 of the needle. As used herein, needle length (646) refers to the portion of the needle other than the point (560) and the taper (647) of the point (560) from a point to a point. circle that has a diameter. In other words, the length of the needle may be cylindrical in shape and have a diameter along the length of the needle.

In various embodiments, recessed portions or projecting portions may be present along the length (646). As used herein, a recessed portion refers to a portion of the length of the needle that is recessed inward by a surface corresponding to the average diameter of the needle. Instead, a projecting portion refers to a portion of the length of the needle that projects outwardly from the surface corresponding to the average diameter of the needle. The recessed portions and/or projecting portions may have complex surface profiles. In other words, the recessed portion may have a shape that is more complicated than simply being a cylinder of smaller diameter than length. For example, the undercut portion may include regions that tapers from the diameter of the length to a smaller diameter and then tapers from the smaller diameter to the diameter of the length along the length of the needle. Similarly, a projecting portion may include regions that taper from the diameter of the length to a larger diameter and then tapers from the larger diameter to the diameter of the length along the length of the needle. A needle may include any number, quantity, and arrangement of recessed portions and/or projecting portions without departing from the invention.

In various embodiments of the invention, injection ports 550 and/or extraction ports 555 may be disposed on the recessed portions and/or on the projecting portions. Injection ports 550 and/or withdrawal ports 555 may be provided on other locations on the needle without departing from the invention.

Returning to FIG. 6G, the sixth example illustrates a needle according to embodiments of the invention that includes injection ports (550) that are disposed within the recessed portion (645). By lowering the injection ports 550, the likelihood of tearing a portion of the container as the needle penetrates the container is reduced. Tearing of a portion of the container can cause fluid to leak from the container, gases to escape from the container, and/or debris to be disposed in the needle withdrawal or injection passages.

During insertion of the needle into a container, the needle dislodges portions of the container, for example, a portion of a wine bottle cork, to create a passageway through which the needle can traverse the interior of the container. Containers are sometimes formed from materials that are elastic in nature and therefore the container applies continuous pressure to the needle which attempts to close the passageway formed by the needle. The aforementioned continuous pressure is generally directed towards the center of the needle, which results in the portion of the container dislocated by the needle being continuously pressed towards the center of the needle. As the needle passes through the container, the dislocated portion of the container can be pressed into ports or other recesses along the length of the needle. When pressing on ports or other recesses, portions of the container may be torn off due to the shearing force exerted on the container. through the port or recess of the needle as the needle passes into or out of the container. The aforementioned severed portions may become lodged in ports, a passageway within the needle, or other portion of the liquid dispensing apparatus, and thereby disrupt the ability of the needle to draw fluids from the container.

One or more embodiments of the invention may reduce the likelihood that portions of the container will be torn off during needle insertion into a container. Specifically, in one or more embodiments of the invention, the injection ports and/or the extraction ports may be arranged within the recessed portions in a manner that reduces the likelihood that the port and/or the recess will tear the container.

FIG. 6H shows a cross-sectional diagram of a first example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recessed portion 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 6H, injection port 550 is disposed at the most recessed point 650 of the recessed portion. The most recessed point 650 is disposed in the center of the recessed portion 645 along the length of the needle. By arranging the injection port 550 at the most recessed point 650, the chance of tearing is reduced because the port is recessed away from the needle surface 651, i.e. the average diameter of the needle. needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, injection port (550) includes an opening disposed on a surface of recessed portion (645). Injection port 550 may be a hollow cylindrical structure that extends into the interior of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical structure passes through the lowest point (650). In other embodiments of the invention, as will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 6j and 6K, the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical structure cannot pass through the most recessed point of the recessed portion.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, an opening of an injection port may be disposed a first distance from a longitudinal axis of one length of the needle. In other words, the injection port may be a cylindrical structure that extends radially from the longitudinal axis of the needle. The injection port may include an opening the length of the needle. The extraction port can also be a cylindrical structure that extends radially from the longitudinal axis of the needle. The withdrawal port may also include an opening in the length of the needle that is a second distance from the longitudinal axis of the length of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the first distance is less than the second distance. In other words, the opening of the injection port may be closer to the longitudinal axis of the length of the needle than the opening of the withdrawal port. Alternatively, the withdrawal port opening may be closer to the longitudinal axis of the needle length than the injection port opening without departing from the invention.

FIG. 6I shows a cross-sectional diagram of a second example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recessed portion 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 6I, injection port 550 is disposed at an offset point 652 that is offset along the length of recessed portion 645 from the most recessed point 650 of the recessed portion. By arranging injection port 650 at an offset point 652, the possibility of tearing is reduced because injection port 550 is recessed away from needle surface 651, for example, the average diameter of the needle, and disposed at a location on the recessed portion having a surface that forms an oblique angle to the surface (651) of the length of the needle.

FIG. 6J shows a cross-sectional diagram of a third example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recessed portion 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 6J, the injection port (550) is disposed at the most recessed point (650) of the recessed portion (645). In contrast to FIG. 6H, however, the most recessed point (650) is offset from the center of the length of the recessed portion (645). By arranging the injection port (650) at the most recessed point (650) and offsetting the point from the center of the length of the recessed portion (645), the possibility of tearing is reduced because the injection port (550 ) is disposed at a location on the recessed portion (645) adjacent to a surface (653) having a surface that is at an oblique angle to the surface (651) the length of the needle.

FIG. 6K shows a cross-sectional diagram of a fourth example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recessed portion 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 6K, injection port 550 is disposed at an offset point 652 that is offset along the length of recessed portion 645 from the most recessed point 650 of the recessed portion. Additionally, the most recessed point (650) is offset from the center of the length of the recessed portion (645). Thus, in FIG. 6K, the most recessed point 650 is offset from the center of the length of the recessed portion 645 and the injection port 652 is offset from the most recessed point 650. Arranging injection port (650) as described reduces the possibility of tearing is reduced because injection port (550) is disposed at a location on recessed portion (645) adjacent to a surface (654) having a surface that is at a highly oblique angle to the surface (651) the length of the needle.

While FIGS. 6H-6K have been described with respect to an injection port, an extraction port may have similar features without departing from the invention. For example, an extraction port may be provided at a location within a recessed portion similar to the locations described with respect to FIG. 6H-6K regarding the injection ports. Additionally, while FIGS. 6H-6K have illustrated the length, that is, the longitudinal axis of the orifice forming the port, of the injection port as being perpendicular to the length of the needle, the length of an injection port and/or an extraction port may be at an oblique angle to the length of the needle. For example, a length of any port may be oriented at a 30°, 45°, or 60° angle to the length of the needle instead of being oriented 90° to the needle as illustrated in FIG. . 6H-6K. The length of any port may be oriented at a different angle relative to the length of the needle without departing from the invention.

FIG. 6L shows a cross-sectional diagram of the sixth example shown in FIG. 6G. In one or more embodiments of the invention, injection port 550 may be offset from the most recessed point of recessed portion 645 along the length of the needle, as described with respect to FIGS. 6K and 61. For example, in FIG. 6L, injection port 550 is offset toward needle tip 560 along the length of the needle from the most recessed point of recessed portion 645 . Moving injection port 550 toward needle tip 560 can further reduce the likelihood of tearing a portion of the container as the needle penetrates the container. In one or more embodiments, injection port 550 may be disposed at the most recessed point of recessed portion 645 without departing from the invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the recessed portion (645) is not symmetrical along the length of the needle, as described with respect to FIGs. 6H and 6J. For example, the recessed portion 645 may be divided into two portions based on the most recessed point, ie, the point of the recessed portion that is closest to the longitudinal axis of the length of the needle. The first portion may be the portion located closest to the tip (560) and the second portion may be the portion located furthest from the tip (560). The first portion may have a shorter length than the length of the second portion. The length of each portion may be the distance along the length of the needle from the most recessed portion to the first location along the length of the needle that is the same diameter as the length of the needle from the tip. , that is, on a side of the extraction ports (555) opposite the tip.

Thus, by virtue of having a shorter length, the first portion of the recessed portion may have a steeper angled surface, eg, it may be at a more oblique angle to the surface of the needle, than that of the surface of the second portion. Increasing the steepness of the angle of the first portion, relative to the second portion, can further reduce the chance of tearing a portion of the container while inserting the needle into the container.

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

FIG. 6M shows a cross-sectional diagram of an alternate embodiment of the sixth example shown in FIG. 6G. In FIG. 6M, extraction ports (555) can be made by using a punch to cut circular pieces from a tube. Drilling, rather than machining the extraction ports (555) as described with respect to FIG. 6L, may result in some deformation of the tube near the site of each punch. Tilting the punch, rather than cutting normal to the tube surface, while cutting each circular portion may cause the resulting port 555 to be non-symmetrical, like injection port 550 described with respect to FIG. 6L. Other methods of manufacturing asymmetric extraction and/or injection ports may be used without departing from the invention.

While the needles shown in FIGS. 6G to 6M have been illustrated as having a plain length, eg, not including threads, the needles may include threads as shown in FIG. 6F without departing from the invention. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the threading may extend the length of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the threading may extend along the length of the needle and along the tapered portion. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the threading may extend the length of the needle, the tapered portion, and the tip. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the threading may extend along a portion of the length of the needle, for example, between the injection ports and the withdrawal ports. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the threading may extend along the tapered portion of the needle.

FIG. 6N shows an isometric diagram of a seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The seventh example is similar to the needle (500) shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. However, the length of the needle is formed in a helical shape, for example, in the shape of a corkscrew. The interior of the length of the needle can have multiple passages so that gas can be injected into a container using one of the passages while fluid is withdrawn from a container at the same time using a second passage.

FIG. 6O shows a first cross-sectional diagram of the needle of the seventh example at the extraction ports (555). More specifically, FIG. 6O shows a cross section that is orthogonal to the length of the needle. As seen in the cross-sectional diagram, the needle is separated into two compartments that run the length of the needle. The first compartment is separated from the second compartment by an interior partition wall (660). The first compartment is cylindrical in shape. The second compartment is tubular in shape and surrounds the first compartment. The first compartment is hydraulically connected to the injection port (550) and the second compartment is hydraulically connected to the extraction ports (555). In the figure, the dashed lines indicate the connection between the first compartment and the injection port which is not present at the location of the first cross-sectional diagram. The dashed lines are included for reference and do not indicate the presence of a physical structure at the location along the length of the needle illustrated in the first cross-sectional diagram.

FIG. 6P shows a second cross-sectional diagram of the needle of the seventh example. More specifically, FIG. 6P shows a cross section that is orthogonal to the length of the needle. As seen in the cross-sectional diagram, the needle is separated into two compartments that run the length of the needle. The compartments are delimited by a dividing wall (660) that extends the length of the needle. The first compartment is shaped like a half cylinder. The second compartment is also shaped like a half cylinder. The first compartment is hydraulically connected to the injection port (550) and the second compartment is hydraulically connected to the extraction ports (555).

FIG. 6Q shows an isometric diagram of an eighth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The eighth example is similar to the needle 500 shown in FIGS. 6N. However, the needle is made up of two separate cylindrical compartments that follow a helical path. Each cylindrical compartment is hydraulically connected to injection ports (550) or extraction ports (555), respectively. Each of the cylindrical compartments can be hydraulically isolated from one another along the length of the needle and thus allow a gas to be pumped into a container using one of the paths while a fluid is withdrawn from the container using the other. trajectory.

While the helical needles shown in FIGS. 6N through 6Q are shown as including an injection port and an extraction port, the helical needles according to one or more embodiments of the invention may have any number of injection ports and extraction ports. Furthermore, the number of injection ports and extraction ports may be different without departing from the invention. Additionally, the size and/or shape of each injection port and/or extraction port may be the same as or different from any other port without departing from the invention. Additionally, while the length of the helical needles has been illustrated as being constant, the recessed or projecting portions as described with respect to FIGS. 6G to 6M can be arranged along the length of a helical needle without departing from the invention.

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

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

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

In step 700, the liquid dispensing device determines if there is an existing liquid container in a bay to which the container is to be added. If there is no existing container, the method proceeds to step 703. If there is an existing container in the bay, the method proceeds to step 702.

At step 702, the liquid dispensing device initiates a cleaning procedure.

When liquids are drawn from a container, the liquids may pass through pipes, conduits, flow regulators, or other structures of the liquid dispensing device before the liquid is dispensed through a spout. While passing through the structures of the liquid dispensing device, sediment or other material from a liquid may be disposed on the structures of the liquid dispensing device. If these materials are not removed before the liquid dispensing device dispenses a second liquid, the second liquid could pick up the material and become contaminated with the aforementioned materials. In one or more embodiments of the invention, a cleaning procedure may be performed prior to inserting a new container. The cleaning procedure can remove debris, portions of the first liquid that remain in the device, or other materials so that a second liquid is not contaminated when dispensed by the liquid dispensing device.

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

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cleaning method further includes inserting a container that includes a cleaning solution into the liquid dispensing device. Once inserted, the liquid dispensing device can automatically insert the penetrating device into the cleaning solution and dispense the cleaning solution. The dispensing cleaning solution can remove any contaminants from the liquid dispensing device introduced by the existing container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the cleaning method further includes removing the container including the cleaning solution system by retracting the penetrator from the container.

The method may proceed to step 703 following step 702.

At step 703, the liquid dispensing device opens a bay and waits for the user to insert a container.

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

two.

At step 704, the liquid dispensing device determined a type of liquid included in the container. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device can determine a type of liquid in the container using the liquid container identification sensor described with respect to FIG. two.

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

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the liquid dispensing device may match the sensor reading to a library that relates sensor readings to liquid types. For example, if the sensor readout is an image of the container, the liquid dispensing device can compare the image to a library of container images. The image can contain content from a container tag. For example, a wine bottle may include a label indicating a type of wine, a year, a cellar, and/or other information that can be used to uniquely identify the liquid in the wine bottle. In another example, a bottle of wine may include a barcode, QR code, or other graphic indicator that can be used to identify the liquid in the bottle of wine. Based on the comparison, the image read may match one of the library entries. The matched library entry can specify a liquid type, regulation temperature, and regulation atmosphere. The library may include regulation temperature and/or regulation atmosphere recommended by a manufacturer of the liquid included in the container.

The liquid dispensing device can perform the matching locally, for example, if the library is stored on the device, or remotely, for example, transmit the sensor reading to another computing device on which the device is stored and receive a response from the computing device.

At step 705, the liquid dispensing device sets a thermal regulation device based on the regulation temperature. Setting the regulation temperature can cause a thermal regulation device to start controlling the temperature of the container and apply flows of cooled or heated air to modify the temperature of the liquid disposed within the container.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the set temperature may be the set temperature identified in step 704. In other words, the set temperature may be set to that of a liquid supplier, such as a winemaker, recommended temperature. for the liquid (also known as temperature setting). In other embodiments of the invention, the regulation temperature may be set by a user through a user interface. For example, when a container is inserted into the device, a user of the device can set a regulation temperature through the interface.

At step 706, the liquid dispensing device penetrates the container using a penetrating device.

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

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

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the atmospheric adjustment device may inject gases, through the needle, into the container to adjust an atmosphere within the container. The gases can be, for example, argon or nitrogen. The atmospheric regulation device can regulate a type of atmosphere, by injecting a specific type of gas, and a pressure of the atmosphere, by injecting a quantity of gas until a pressure regulator indicates that the pressure is at the specified pressure.

At step 708, the liquid dispensing device notifies a user that the container is ready to dispense liquid.

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

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

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

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

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

At step 802, the liquid dispensing device requests that the user log in to the device.

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

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

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the device may display a keyboard on a user interface to a user of the device and prompt the user to enter an identification code that identifies the user. The user can enter the code through the keyboard.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the location of each key on the keyboard may change each time the user is prompted to enter the identification code. For example, if users are given a numeric identification code, the device can display a numeric keypad. Each time the numeric keypad is displayed, the number displayed above each keypad button may be different. Changing the location of the characters that the interface displays can reduce the overuse of portions of a user interface and thus extend the life of the user interface.

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

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

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

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the dispensing parameters may specify a variety of liquid, a harvest of the liquid, a region of the liquid, a producer of the liquid, a type of the liquid, a time of dispensing, an amount of the dispensing, a location of the liquid dispensing device at the time and/or date of the dispensing, and information associated with the user who requested the dispensing. Information associated with the user may include the user's gender, the user's age, and the user's income. The dispensing parameters may also include parameters of the dispensing system including an amount of gas remaining in the liquid dispensing device for injection into the container, the current/voltage relationship over time of each of the computation/ motors in the device.

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

The method may terminate by following step 804.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user's consumption history may be analyzed to determine types of liquids consumed by the user. Liquid containers from commercial vendors can be added to the list of containers based on the types of liquids consumed by the user.

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

In some embodiments of the invention, the user may select whether the user wants a recommendation based on the user group of users, suggestions from vendors, other sources, and/or a combination of the aforementioned sources. If a selection is made by the user, the recommendation may be limited to the selected sources.

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

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the response may be sent to the liquid dispensing device. FIG. 9B shows a flow diagram according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The method depicted in FIG. 9B can be used to recommend a liquid container for a user in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. One or more steps shown in FIG. 9B may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in a different order between different embodiments. The method shown in FIG. 9B may be performed by, for example, a recommendation network element.

At step 950, a liquid dispensing device may send a request to a recommendation network element specifying a user.

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

At step 960, the liquid dispensing device displays an image of the liquid container to the user. At step 965, the liquid dispensing device displays an option to purchase the liquid container for the user.

At step 970, the liquid dispensing device determines if the user selected the option to purchase the liquid container. If the liquid dispensing device determines that the user selected the option to purchase the liquid container, the method proceeds to step 975. If the liquid dispensing device determines that the user did not select the option to purchase the liquid container , the method may terminate by following step 970.

At step 975, the liquid dispensing device sends the selection to a supplier of the liquid container.

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

The method may terminate by following step 975.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a liquid identification network element (120) according to embodiments of the invention. Liquid identification network element 120 may identify a liquid based on sensor readings of a container in which the liquid is disposed.

Liquid identification network element (120) may include a processor (1050). Processor 1050 may be a physical device, including circuitry. The processor 1050 can be, for example, a central processing unit, an embedded processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable gate array, or any other type of programmable computing device.

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

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

In one or more embodiments of the invention, memory (1060) may store a library consisting of entries (1000, 1010). Each entry can include an identifier (1001, 1011). Sensor readings from a container can be compared to each identifier (1001, 1011) to determine a matching library entry.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, each library entry specifies a liquid type (1002, 1012), a variety (1003, 1013), a region (1004, 1014), a vintage (1005, 1015), and /or a warehouse (1006, 1016). Each library entry can also specify a regulation temperature and regulation atmosphere. Liquid identification network element (120) may include a network adapter (1065). The network adapter (1065) may be a physical device for accessing a network. The network adapter can be, for example, an Ethernet adapter, a fiber optic network adapter, or a wireless network adapter. Network adapter 1065 may allow liquid identification network element 120 to exchange information with network elements (eg, 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.) and/or liquid dispensing devices. .

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

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a recommendation network element (130) according to embodiments of the invention. The recommendation network element 130 may store a consumption history of each user and group associations between users.

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

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

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

In one or more embodiments of the invention, memory (1160) may store a library consisting of entries (1100, 1110). Each entry may include a user's consumption history (1101, 1111) and a set of associations (1102, 1112) between the user and other users.

The recommending network element (130) may include a network adapter (1165). The network adapter 1165 may be a physical device for accessing a network. The network adapter can be, for example, an Ethernet adapter, a fiber optic network adapter, or a wireless network adapter. Network adapter 1165 may allow recommender network element 130 to exchange information with network elements (eg, 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.) and/or liquid dispensing devices.

The recommendation network element (130) may include a user interface (1170). The user interface (1170) may be a physical device for interacting with the recommendation network element (130). The recommendation network element 130 may include, for example, a display, a touch screen, buttons and/or switches. User interface 1170 may allow recommendation network element 130 to present information to a user and receive input from the user.

Embodiments of the invention may provide one or more of the following advantages: (i) embodiments of the invention may allow automatic dispensing of liquid from a container, (ii) embodiments of the invention may allow rapid dispensing of liquid from a container that is sealed by injecting gas into the sealed container to maintain a pressure within the container while liquid is dispensed, (iii) embodiments of the invention may allow automatic penetration of container sealing devices such as corks, screw caps or other structures, (iv) embodiments of the invention may allow the preservation of liquids that are carbonated or otherwise include a dissolved gas by maintaining a level of pressure within a container after penetrating the container to remove a portion of the liquid of the container, (v) embodiments of the invention can reduce the dispensing of sedi cement or other materials disposed within a container along with a liquid in the container maintaining a container orientation that prevents sediment or other materials from being dispensed (for example, the origin of the container may force sediment to settle on the shoulder of the container) , (vi) embodiments of the invention may hide the container from user view while liquid is dispensed from the container, (vii) embodiments of the invention may retain the remaining portion of liquid in the container by controlling an atmosphere within the container and the temperature of the liquid disposed within the container, (viii) embodiments of the invention may automatically notify liquid container providers when a container is depleted and thereby automatically install or schedule the installation of a new container, and (ix) embodiments of the invention may allow features of the a liquid arranged inside a container can be automatically determined and a regulating temperature and atmosphere of the liquid can be automatically set.

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

Claims (11)

1. A liquid dispensing device (100), comprising: a needle (500) adapted to penetrate a container (575) without tearing a portion of the container near a point of penetration on the container; Y a motion control system (505) configured to rotate the needle as the needle penetrates the container, characterized in that the needle comprises: a length having a cylindrical shape; an injection port opening (550) disposed at a first distance from a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape; an extraction port opening (555) at a second distance from a longitudinal axis of cylindrical shape, wherein the first distance is less than the second distance; a tip (560) disposed along the axis of the cylindrical shape; a tapered portion arranged between the tip and the length, a recessed portion (625), wherein the injection port is disposed between the tapered portion and the extraction port. 2. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the injection port and the extraction port are hydraulically separated from each other within the needle. 3. The device of claim 2, characterized in that the injection port is arranged between the tip and the extraction port. 4. The device of claim 2, characterized in that the injection port is arranged between the tapered portion and the extraction port. 5. The device of claim 2, characterized in that the tapered portion tapers from the tip to a first diameter, wherein the length has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. 6. The device of claim 2, characterized in that : the recessed portion has a first diameter, length has a second diameter and, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. 7. The device of claim 2, characterized in that the recessed portion is arranged between the tip and the extraction port. 8. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the recessed portion is asymmetric with respect to the opening of the injection port. 9. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the opening of the injection port is not disposed at the lowest point of the recessed portion. 10. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the recessed portion is asymmetric with respect to the most recessed point of the recessed portion. 11. The device of claim 1, characterized in that a longitudinal axis of the injection port is oblique to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape.