KR102414083B1 - Induction Heatable Fluid Reservoirs for Various Fluid Types - Google Patents

Abstract

In various embodiments, a fluid delivery pod includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a reservoir body, an outlet port, a heating structure, and a valve assembly. The reservoir body is between the first and second surfaces. The reservoir body is configured to receive a fluid. An outlet port is positioned on the surface of the pod. The surface is between the first and second surfaces. The heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid contained within the reservoir body. The heating structure wirelessly receives energy from an energy source external to the fluid transfer pod. The wirelessly received energy heats the fluid contained within the reservoir body. In response to application of compressive forces on the first and second surfaces, the valve assembly dispenses heated fluid through the outlet port and out of the fluid delivery pod.

Description

Induction Heatable Fluid Reservoirs for Various Fluid Types

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/879,014, entitled "INDUCTIVELY HEATABLE FLUID RESERVOIR FOR VARIOUS FLUID TYPES," filed on October 8, 2015, the contents of which are all herein Included by citation in

This application relates to reservoirs for viscous fluids, and more particularly to fluid reservoirs comprising heating structures for inductively heating a fluid contained within the reservoir.

Various dispensers for automatically heating and dispensing various fluid types such as water-based and silicone-based lubricants are entitled "AUTOMATIC HEATED FLUID DISPENSER", filed on October 31, 2014 No. 14/530,447, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Reservoirs containing various fluid types and accommodated by various dispensers are described in US Patent Application Serial No. 14/530,479 entitled "INDUCTIVELY HEATABLE FLUID RESERVOIR."

In some embodiments described in these applications, the fluid is induction heated. In such embodiments, the reservoirs include an inductive element that is thermally coupled to the fluid therein. Conductive coils in the dispenser induce an electric current in an inductive element that heats the contained fluid.

Different fluid types have different specific heat capacities. For example, the specific heat capacity of a fluid depends, among other factors, on the viscosity of the fluid. Thus, the total amount of energy required to heat a fluid by a predetermined temperature varies with the fluid type. It is to these and other considerations that the following disclosure sets forth.

In one aspect of the invention, the dispenser includes a housing having a base configured to rest stably on a support surface. The housing includes a top portion positioned over the base such that a gap between the base and the top portion is sized to receive a human hand. The top portion defines a cavity sized to receive a fluid reservoir and an opening extending directly into the cavity through a lower surface of the top portion. A biasing member is positioned within the cavity, an actuator coupled to the biasing member, and configured to bias the biasing member toward and away from the opening. A fluid reservoir may be positioned within the cavity, the fluid reservoir including a neck having a pressure actuated opening at its distal end, the neck extending through the opening. In some embodiments, no part of the dispenser other than the base is positioned in the flow path in the vertical direction under the pressure actuated opening.

In another aspect, the dispenser includes a controller mounted within the housing and operatively coupled to the actuator, the controller configured to selectively activate the actuator. The dispenser may include a proximity sensor mounted to the housing and configured to detect movement within the gap. Alternatively, the sensor may be a motion detector or other sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the proximity sensor is operatively coupled to the controller, the controller being configured to activate the actuator in response to an output of the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is mounted in the top portion and the controller is mounted in the base. The dispenser may further comprise a light emitting device mounted in a portion of the housing, preferably in the top portion. The top portion in this embodiment comprises a downward facing translucent panel positioned below the light emitting device. In at least some other embodiments, the top portion comprises a thinner section of the housing positioned 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 positions of a plurality of individual positions including a start position and an end position in response to detection of movement of the gap by the proximity sensor. The controller may also be configured to activate the actuator to move to the start position in response to sensing positioning of the actuator in the end position. The dispenser may further include a temperature control element disposed in thermal contact with the cavity or otherwise configured to heat the fluid reservoir. The temperature control element is preferably a heating element such as a resistance heater.

In yet another aspect, the actuator is configured to bias the biasing member in a first direction, wherein the top portion is arranged substantially transverse to the first direction (ie, substantially perpendicular to the first direction) and configured to urge the biasing member in a first direction. It includes a stop face offset to one side. The pressing member may include a pressing surface extending upwardly from the opening and having a normal substantially parallel to the first direction. The pressing member may be positioned on the second side of the opening opposite the first side. The actuator is configured to urge the urging member perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, the top portion defines rails extending perpendicular to the first direction, and the biasing member is configured to slidably receive the rails. The fluid reservoir may be collapsible and positioned within a cavity having a first surface in contact with a stationary surface and a second surface in contact with a pressure surface, the neck abutting the first surface, and the body of the collapsible reservoir comprising: It may have a substantially constant cross-section along substantially the entire extent of the body between the first surface and the second surface.

In another aspect, the biasing member includes a roller rotatably coupled to the actuator and defining an axis of rotation. The actuator is configured to move the roller in a first direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation across the cavity toward and away from the opening. The pressure member may include an axle extending through the roller, the uppermost portion defining guides that engage end portions of the axle. The actuator may be coupled to the end portions of the shaft by a line that is flexible but substantially inextensible. The springs may be coupled to the end portions of the axle and configured to bias the roller into a starting position offset from the opening.

In another aspect, the opening extends through a lower surface of the uppermost portion in a first direction, and the urging member is positionable in a starting position having a cavity positioned between the opening and the urging member. The actuator is configured to urge the urging member from the starting position toward the opening along the first direction. In some embodiments, a lower surface of the uppermost portion defines an aperture, a lid hingedly secured to the lower surface and selectively positionable over the aperture, and an opening is defined in the lid. In some embodiments, one or more members extend from the cavity to an offset position in the cavity, each member of the one or more members is pivotally mounted to a top portion, and a first an arm, the first arm extending on the pressing member having the pressing member positioned between the first arm and the opening; and a second arm engaging the actuator.

In another aspect, the first and second rods each have a second end pivotally coupled to one side of the cavity at a first end and positioned on an opposite side of the cavity. The actuator engages the first and second rods and is configured to draw the first and second rods through the cavity and towards the opening.

In various embodiments, the dispenser includes a housing, an aperture in the housing, a receptacle within the housing, a heating element, and an actuator. The aperture may be a distributive aperture. The receptacle or cavity is constructed and arranged to removably receive the reservoir. When the reservoir is received by the receptacle, the outlet port of the reservoir is exposed through the aperture. The heating element is constructed and arranged to energize or heat a fluid contained within the reservoir. When the actuator is actuated, the actuator provides a dispensing force that induces a flow of a predetermined volume of energized fluid into the reservoir through the exposed outlet port of the reservoir. Thus, the dispenser dispenses a predetermined volume of energization through the aperture.

The actuator includes a converter that converts electrical energy to provide a distribution force. In at least one embodiment, the converter is a stepper motor (eg, an electric stepper motor). The dispensing force translates the piston of the reservoir a predetermined distance to induce and dispense a flow of a predetermined amount 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 constructed and arranged to induce an electric current in the heating structure. The heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid contained in the reservoir. The induced current in the heating structure energizes or heats the fluid.

In various embodiments, the dispenser further comprises a sensor that generates a signal when the object is positioned proximate to the aperture of the housing or the object moves relative to the aperture. 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 in the visible spectrum. The emitted electromagnetic energy illuminates at least a portion of the dispenser. The frequency band is based on user selection. The intensity of the emitted electromagnetic energy is based on user selection. The illuminated portion of the dispenser includes at least one region of the housing disposed below the aperture. In some embodiments, the source is a light emitting diode (LED).

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

The aperture is constructed and arranged such that when the predetermined volume of fluid flows through the outlet port of the reservoir, the predetermined volume of fluid is dispensed without contacting the perimeter of the aperture. The predetermined volume may be based on user selection. The heating element may be constructed and arranged to surround at least a portion of the receptacle, such that the heating element substantially uniformly energizes at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir. In at least some embodiments, the receptacle is a pivoting receptacle constructed and arranged to pivot into an open position and a closed position. The dispenser may include a pivot assembly constructed and arranged to pivotally rotate at least one of a receptacle, a heating element, and an actuator.

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

In at least one embodiment, the dispenser further comprises a heating element. The AC power source provides AC to a heating source. The heating element may be proximate to the receptacle. The dispenser may further include a motor that provides a dispensing force. The AC power supply provides AC current to the motor. The dispenser may also include at least one touch sensitive sensor. At least one touch sensor may detect a user's contact through the housing.

The fluid reservoir includes a reservoir body, a heating structure, a piston, and an outlet port disposed on the reservoir body. The reservoir body includes a first end, a second end, a cross section and a translation axis. The translation axis is substantially orthogonal to the cross-section. The translation axis is defined by a first end and a second end. The cross-section is substantially uniform along the translation axis. When the fluid is received in the reservoir, the heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid. The heating structure is constructed and arranged to energize or heat at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir. The piston is constructed and arranged to translate along an axis of translation. The usable volume of the reservoir to contain the fluid is defined by the distance between the piston and the second end of the reservoir body. The second end of the reservoir may be a closed end of the reservoir. As the piston is translated along the translation axis towards the second end, a volume of fluid energized by the heating structure flows out of the reservoir and through the outlet port. The volume of the energized fluid is linearly proportional to the length of the translational motion of the piston.

In some embodiments, the heating structure is a conductive disk comprising a cross-section that substantially coincides with a cross-section of the reservoir body. The heating structure may be disposed proximate to the second end of the reservoir body. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir further comprises in-use tabs constructed and arranged to indicate whether the piston has been translated from its initial position. The first end of the reservoir body is an open end that receives the piston. The second end of the reservoir body is a closed end. The reservoir body may be a cylindrical body. The second end is a cylindrical base.

In at least one embodiment, the outlet port comprises a valve constructed and arranged such that a fluid received in the reservoir flows through the valve in response to translation of the piston towards the second end of the reservoir body. The valve is also constructed and arranged to retain fluid in the reservoir when the piston is not translating. The outlet port includes a valve retainer constructed and arranged to mate with an aperture of the dispenser when the reservoir is received by a cavity in the dispenser. The valve retainer includes a retainer perimeter, the perimeter being constructed and arranged such that when the fluid contained in the reservoir flows through the outlet port, the flowing fluid flows without contacting the retainer perimeter.

In various embodiments, the cross-section of the outlet port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of translation. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the outlet port is oriented substantially parallel to the axis of translation. The outlet port may be disposed proximate to the heating structure such that fluid flowing through the outlet port proximates the heating structure prior to flowing through the outlet port. The piston includes a driven structure constructed and arranged to mate with a driveshaft driven by a motor. In at least one embodiment, the piston includes a driven structure constructed and arranged to mate with a driveshaft driven by the pressurized gas.

In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir includes a reservoir body, a heating structure, a piston, a nozzle, and at least a first valve. Some embodiments include a second valve. The reservoir body includes a longitudinal axis and a volume constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of a fluid received in the reservoir. When the fluid is contained in the volume of the reservoir body, the heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid contained in the body and constructed and arranged to energize at least a portion of the fluid contained in the body. The piston is constructed and arranged to translate along at least a portion of a longitudinal axis of the reservoir body. A nozzle is arranged on a surface of the reservoir that is constructed and arranged to output a fluid contained within the reservoir. The first valve resists output of the fluid through the nozzle unless a dispensing force is applied to the reservoir. The distribution force increases the internal pressure of the fluid to overcome the resistance of the first valve.

In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a bottom cap comprising an aperture that enables the driveshaft to apply a dispensing force to the piston, wherein when the dispensing force is applied to the piston, the piston translates along a longitudinal axis and dissipates The resistance of the 1 valve is overcome to output a portion of the fluid from the nozzle. The reservoir may further include a nozzle assembly. When a dispensing force is applied to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly is translated relative to the reservoir body and the resistance of the first valve is overcome to output a portion of the fluid from the nozzle.

The nozzle may be an angled nozzle. When the reservoir is received by the fluid dispenser, the angled nozzle is oriented substantially vertically. At least one embodiment includes an alignment member that enables proper nozzle alignment when the reservoir is received by the fluid dispenser. The heating structure includes a conductive tube-shaped element that uniformly aligns at least a portion of the volume of the reservoir 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 the second valve operate together to selectively inhibit and enable 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 the reservoir include a seal constructed and arranged to provide a visual indication of whether the piston has previously been translated from its initial position. The reservoir may be an airless pump reservoir. The reservoir may be a modified or customized bottle, and the cosmetic industry utilizes bottles that are similar to non-customized or unmodified bottles. At least one embodiment includes an over cap constructed and arranged to prevent output of fluid from the nozzle when the reservoir is not in use.

In various embodiments, a fluid reservoir or fluid delivery pod includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a reservoir body, an outlet port, a heating structure, and a valve assembly. The reservoir body is between the first and second surfaces. The reservoir body is configured to receive a fluid. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the reservoir and may be positioned on a surface of the reservoir. The surface is between the first and second surfaces. The heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid contained within the reservoir body. The heating structure is electrically conductive to wirelessly receive induced energy from an energy source external to the fluid reservoir. The wirelessly received energy heats the fluid contained within the reservoir body. In response to application of compressive forces on the first and second surfaces, the valve assembly dispenses heated fluid through the outlet port and out of the fluid reservoir.

The physical dimensions of the heating structure are based on the fluid type of the fluid contained within the reservoir body. The physical dimension may be a length, an inner radius, or an outer radius. Another reservoir may contain another type of fluid. Another reservoir contains another heating structure. The physical dimensions of different heating structures are based on different fluid types. In at least one embodiment, because the two fluid types are different, the physical dimensions of the reservoir and the physical dimensions of the other reservoir are different.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a lower chamber. A heating structure is positioned around at least a portion of the lower chamber of the valve assembly. The lower chamber and heating structure of the valve assembly are coaxial along an axis extending between the first and second surfaces.

In various embodiments, the heating structure is a conductive tube having a length, an inner radius, and an outer radius. In some embodiments, the length of the heating structure is between 13 and 17 millimeters. In other embodiments, the length of the heating structure is between 3 and 7 millimeters. A lower chamber of the valve assembly slidably receives the heating structure.

In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir includes a reservoir body, a nozzle, a valve assembly, and a heating structure. The reservoir body includes a first end, a second end, and a volume. The volume contains a fluid. The first end includes an aperture or indent. The aperture or indent houses the actuator. The nozzle communicates with the interior volume of the reservoir. The nozzle outputs the fluid contained within the reservoir. The valve assembly includes a lower chamber and a first valve. The first valve resists output of the fluid through the nozzle unless a dispensing force is applied to the reservoir. The distribution force increases the internal pressure of the fluid to overcome the resistance of the first valve. A heating structure is arranged around the outer surface of the lower chamber of the valve assembly. When the fluid is contained in the volume of the reservoir body, the heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid. The heating structure heats the fluid contained within the body.

In some embodiments, the heating structure is a conductive tube. The conductive tube includes apertures of length, inner radius and outer radius. The aperture accommodates a lower chamber of the valve assembly. The length of the heating structure is based on the fluid type of fluid contained in the volume of the reservoir body. The outer radius or inner radius of the heating structure is based on the fluid type of fluid contained in the volume of the reservoir body. The outer radius of the heating structure may be between 6 mm and 10 mm. The tube includes an overlapped region, a welded region, or a gapped region.

The first end of the reservoir body includes an aperture. The reservoir further includes a piston housed within the volume of the reservoir body. The piston translates along the translation axis. When the aperture receives the actuator, the actuator engages the piston. The actuator provides a distributive force to the piston.

In another embodiment, a fluid reservoir includes a reservoir body, a heating structure, a nozzle, and a valve assembly. The reservoir body includes a longitudinal axis and defines an enclosure to include a volume. The volume contains a fluid. When the fluid is contained in the volume of the reservoir body, the heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid. The heating structure energizes the fluid contained within the body. The length of the heating structure is based on the fluid type of the fluid. The nozzle communicates with the interior of the reservoir. The nozzle outputs the contained fluid. The valve assembly resists output of the fluid through the nozzle unless a compressive force is applied to the reservoir along the longitudinal axis.

The reservoir further includes a piston. The piston translates along the longitudinal axis of the reservoir body. The lower chamber of the heating structure and valve assembly is coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The thickness of the heating structure is based on the fluid type of the contained fluid.

The length of the heating structure is the first length when the first fluid type of the first specific heat capacity is contained within the reservoir body. The length of the heating structure is the second length when a second type of fluid of a second specific heat capacity is contained within the reservoir body. The first length is greater than the second length. The first specific heat capacity is greater than the second specific heat capacity.

A method for providing a fluid transfer pod, or fluid reservoir, includes determining a type of fluid contained within the pod. The physical dimensions of the heating structure depend on the type of fluid. Changes in physical dimensions change the electrical conductivity of the heating structure. The method further includes providing a pod to the heating structure. The heating structure may be integrated with the pod or otherwise positioned within the pod. The provided heating structure includes physical dimensions based on the type of fluid.

In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises determining the type of conductive material based on the fluid type. The heating structure is composed of a determined type of conductive material. Changing the type of conductive material changes the electrical conductivity of the heating structure.

In some embodiments, the type of conductive material includes stainless steel or surgical steel. The type of fluid may include a water-based lubricant or a silicone-based lubricant. The determined physical dimension of the heating structure may include a length of the heating structure. The length of the heating structure may be between 13 and 17 millimeters. In other embodiments, the length of the heating structure is between 3 and 7 millimeters.

The heating structure may be a cylindrical or tubular heating structure. In at least one embodiment, the physical dimension may include a diameter, such as an inner diameter or an outer diameter. The diameter may be 6 to 10 millimeters.

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the following drawings.
1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a compression element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 .
Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the dispenser of Fig. 1;
5 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a rolling element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Fig. 5;
8 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a plunger according to an embodiment of the present invention;
9 is an isometric view illustrating the plunger mechanism of the dispenser of FIG. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 8 .
Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Fig. 8;
12A and 12B are front cross-sectional views of the dispenser of FIG. 8 .
13 is another partial exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 8 .
FIG. 14 is an isometric view illustrating the operating assembly of the dispenser of FIG. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
15 is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;
16 is an isometric view illustrating the dispenser and fluid reservoir of FIG. 15 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
17A to 17C are cross-sectional views of the dispenser of FIG. 16 .
18 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a dispenser consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The lid opens to reveal a removable fluid reservoir received by the dispenser.
19A illustrates an exploded view of a fluid reservoir consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
19B illustrates an assembled fluid reservoir consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
20A illustrates an electrical current induced in a heating structure consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
20B illustrates an embodiment of a heating element consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
21A illustrates an exploded view of a dispenser consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
21B illustrates a top view of a dispenser consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The lid opens to reveal a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir of FIGS. 19A and 19B received by the dispenser.
22A illustrates a side cutaway view of a dispenser containing a fluid reservoir.
FIG. 22B is an enlarged side cutaway view of FIG. 22A , wherein the actuator of the dispenser has the shaft retracted.
22C illustrates a stepper motor included in an actuator consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
23A illustrates a side view of a dispenser consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. An electromagnetic source included in the dispenser illuminates the dispenser.
23B illustrates the bottom side surface of the dispenser showing the dispensing aperture.
24A illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an outlet portion of a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir of FIGS. 19A and 19B .
24B illustrates a bottom view of a valve to an outlet port of a fluid reservoir consistent with embodiments disclosed herein, such as the fluid reservoir of FIGS. 19A and 19B .
25 shows a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid reservoir consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
26A and 26B provide views of another embodiment of a dispenser that includes a pivoting fluid reservoir receptacle assembly. 26A , the pivoting receptacle assembly is pivoted to a closed position; 26B , the pivoting receptacle assembly is pivoted to the open position.
27 illustrates an exploded view of a pivot assembly 2760 consistent with various embodiments described herein.
28 provides an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with various embodiments of the fluid dispensers disclosed herein.
29 depicts a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with various embodiments of fluid dispensers disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir is in an uncompressed state.
30 shows another side cutaway view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with various embodiments of fluid dispensers disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir is in an uncompressed state.
31A provides a side cutaway view of a dispenser including a pivot assembly, wherein the pivot assembly received a fluid reservoir and pivoted to a closed position.
FIG. 31B provides a side cutaway view of the dispenser of FIG. 31A wherein the pivot assembly has been pivoted to a partially open position to show proper clearance of the angled nozzle.
32A illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
32B illustrates an assembled isometric view of the assembled fluid reservoir of FIG. 32A .
32C illustrates a side view of the assembled fluid reservoir of FIGS. 32A and 32B .
33 provides an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with various embodiments of fluid dispensers disclosed herein.
34 illustrates a valve/heating structure sub-system that may be included in various fluid reservoir embodiments disclosed herein.
35 depicts three embodiments of valve/heating structure sub-systems that may be incorporated into the various fluid reservoirs disclosed herein, wherein the length of the heating structure varies based on the type or viscosity of the fluid contained therein. do.
36 shows three fluid reservoirs comprising heating structures of varying lengths and positioning to compensate for the specific heat capacity of the fluid stored in the corresponding reservoirs.
37 illustrates a valve/heating structure sub-system in which the inner and outer radii of the heating structure are varied to compensate for the specific heat capacity of the fluid stored in the corresponding reservoir.
38 illustrates a method for providing a fluid reservoir customized to contain a specific fluid type.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the dispenser 10 has a vertical direction 12 , a longitudinal direction 14 perpendicular to the vertical direction 12 , and a transverse direction 16 perpendicular to the vertical and longitudinal directions 12 and 14 . ) can be understood. The vertical direction 12 may be perpendicular to the planar surface on which the dispenser 10 rests. Likewise, the transverse and longitudinal directions 14 , 16 may be parallel to the support surface.

The dispenser 10 may include a housing 18 having a C-shape in a longitudinal-vertical plane. Accordingly, the housing 18 may include an upper portion 20 and a base 22 such that a vertical gap is defined between the upper portion 20 and the base 22 . The upper portion 20 may define a cavity 24 for receiving the reservoir 26 . 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 to allow the body 32 to be inserted into an opening through which the body 32 cannot pass or through which it cannot pass without deformation. Cavity 24 may be wider than body 32 in transverse direction 16 to facilitate removal of reservoir 26 . The opening 30 may be a pressure sensitive opening, which will close in the absence of pressure applied to the body 32 but allow fluid to pass therethrough in response to the above-critical pressure at the opening 30 . will be. For example, opening 30 may be any of a variety of "no-drip" systems used in many seasoning dispensers known in the art.

The cavity 24 may be accessible by a lid 34 covering a portion of the upper portion 20 . The lid 34 may be secured to the upper portion 20 , vertically above the upper portion 20 , vertically below the upper portion 20 , or to a transverse surface of the upper portion 20 . The lid 34 may be fully removable and secured by a snap fit or some other means. The lid 34 may also be hingedly secured to the upper portion or slide laterally in and out of the closed position. For example, a slide out drawer defining a portion of the cavity 24 for receiving the reservoir 26 may slide in and out of the transverse surface of the upper portion 20 .

The pressurizing member 36 slides in and out of the cavity 24 to compress and retract the reservoir 26 to enable insertion of the refill reservoir 26 after an extractable amount of fluid has been pressurized from the original reservoir 26 . It is possible. The pressure member 36 may define a pressure surface 38 positioned opposite a stop surface 40 defining a wall of the cavity 24 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the pressing member 36 may be slidably mounted to the housing 18 . For example, the pressure member 36 may define one or more slots 42 for receiving rails 44 secured to the upper portion 20 . Alternatively, the rails formed on the pressing member 36 may be inserted into the slots defined by the upper portion 20 . The actuator 46 may engage the pressure member 36 to move the pressure member 36 towards the reservoir 26 to draw fluid from the reservoir 26 . Actuator 46 may 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 remain in its state in the absence of applied power. Actuator 46 may be secured within one or more actuator mounts 50 affixed to upper portion 20 or any other portion of housing 18 including base 22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 46 engages the pressure member 36 by way of a spreader 48 that distributes the force over a larger area of the pressure member 36 .

The dispenser 10 may include a proximity sensor 52 configured to sense the presence of a human hand within the gap between the upper and lower portions 20 , 22 . The mode in which the proximity sensor 52 identifies the presence of a human hand may include, for example, detection of reflected light, blocking of light incident on proximity sensor 52, change in inductance or capacitance, detection of a heat signature or temperature change, or hand may include various means by any other technique for detecting the movement, proximity or presence of Proximity sensor 52 is sensitive to light, air or thermal energy in the gap between the upper and lower portions 20, 22 through or through the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20. can be exposed Sensors other than proximity sensors may be used, such as voice-activated sensors. Moreover, multiple sensors may be used in the same or various parts of the device.

In some embodiments, one or more light emitting elements 56 may be mounted to the upper portion 20 to emit light into the gap between the upper portion and the 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 gap. Light emitting elements 56 may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent light bulbs, or other light emitting structures. Alternatively, the lighting elements may provide light emanating from the bottom or side.

Various structures or shapes may form the housing 18 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 has a curved outer portion 58 and a curved inner portion 60 that when engaged define a curved or C-shaped cavity for receiving the components of the dispenser 10 . include The ends of the curved portions 58 , 60 may be planar or include planar surfaces. In particular, the outwardly curved portion 58 may include three or more points in a common plane for laying on a flat surface, or a lower end having a planar lower surface for laying on a planar surface.

The controller 62 may be mounted within the housing 18 , such as within the base 22 . The controller 62 may be operatively coupled to some or all of the actuator 46 , the proximity sensor 52 , and the light emitting elements 56 . A controller 62 may be coupled to these elements by wires. Controller 62 may also be coupled to a power source (not shown), such as a battery or power adapter. The controller 62 may be implemented as a printed circuit board on which electronic components effective to perform the functions attributed to the controller 62 are mounted. Controller 62 may include a processor, memory, or other computing capabilities to perform functions resulting therefrom.

3 and 4 , the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 may define an opening 66 for receiving the neck 28 of the reservoir 26 . As shown, when the fluid is not incident on the user's hand, the opening 30 can freely dispense the fluid without incident on any part of the dispenser other than the base 22 . As will also be evident, the opening 30 and the neck 28 are disposed closer to the stop face 40 than to the press face 38 . In this way, when the body 32 of the reservoir 26 collapses, the neck 38 inserted into the opening 30 does not interfere with the advancement of the pressing surface 38 . The neck 28 may be positioned as close as possible to the surface of the body 32 that engages the stop surface 40 . For example, the gap between the pressure surface 38 and the stop surface 40 , eg above the opening 66 , measured parallel to the surface of the housing supporting the reservoir 26 , may be X, and the stop surface 40 . and the distance between the neck 28 and the side of the neck closest to the stop surface may be less than 10% X, preferably less than 5% X.

The lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 further has an opening for receiving a portion of the proximity sensor 52 or allowing light, vibrations, thermal energy, etc. to enter the proximity sensor 52 ( 68) can be specified. The lower surface 54 may further include an opening to allow light from the light emitting devices 56 to be emitted into the gap. Alternatively, to allow light to pass through the lower surface 54 , the lower surface 54 may be translucent or transparent, or may include translucent or transparent portions. In some embodiments, a marker 70 , such as a depression, a painted mark, or other visual indicator, is positioned vertically below the opening 66 to indicate where the dispenser 10 will dispense the fluid. It may be defined on the upper surface of the base 22 .

The biasing member 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 surface 38 may be substantially perpendicular to the actuator direction 72 , for example, the normal of the pressure surface 38 may be parallel to the actuator direction 72 within ±5 degrees, preferably within ±1 degree. can The stop surface 40 may also be substantially perpendicular to the actuator direction (ie, have substantially parallel normals). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the stop surface 40 is beveled to facilitate insertion of the reservoir 26 . For example, the stop surface may have a normal pointing upward from the actuator direction 72 by 2 degrees to 10 degrees, or some other non-zero angle.

In some embodiments, reservoir 26 may be heated directly or indirectly by heating element 74 , operatively coupled to controller 62 or directly to a power source. and may include a thermal sensor enabling thermostatic control thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 74 is coupled to the pressure member 36 , such as to an illustrated lower surface of the pressure member perpendicular to the pressure surface 38 . Other possible positions include the illustrated position 76a directly opposite the pressing surface 38 or a position 76b directly opposite the stop surface 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 structures facing the reservoir 26 is not required. Accordingly, the heating element 74 may be located at any convenient location within the upper portion 20 or any other portion of the housing 18 . Alternatively, other temperature-controlling elements may be used to heat or cool the fluid or maintain the temperature of the fluid.

The controller 62 may be configured to move the biasing member 36 from the starting position shown in FIG. 3 to an ending position located closer to the stop surface 40 . The controller 62 may be configured to move the biasing member 36 between discrete positions between the start position and the end position. For example, the controller 62 may be configured to cause the actuator 46 to move the biasing member 36 from one position to the next in response to detection of movement based on the output of the proximity sensor 52 . . Upon detecting that the urging member 36 has reached the end position, the controller 62 may be configured to cause the actuator 46 to move the urging member 36 to the starting position. Detecting the arrival of the end position may be determined by counting the number of times the pressing member 36 has been advanced from the starting position, eg, when the pressing member has been advanced N times, the controller 46 may cause the pressing member 36 to advance to the starting position. can be configured to return. In one preferred embodiment, the user can adjust the amount of advancement of the pressing member 36 using the controller. In this way, an individual user may have more or less fluid delivered to the hand when placing the hand under the opening. For this purpose, a rotatable adjustment knob or other switch (eg up and down arrow buttons) may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the pressure member 36 may be embodied as a roller 80 , which slides out of the reservoir 26 as the roller 80 urges across the reservoir. Squeeze out the fluid. To facilitate this operation, the body 32 may be flat such that the length 82 and the width 84 of the body 32 are substantially greater than the thickness 86 of the body 32 . The width 84 dimension may be parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller 80 when positioned within the cavity 24 , the length 82 being the direction of movement of the roller 80 in response to the actuation of the roller 80 . can be parallel to The thickness 86 dimension may be perpendicular to both the length and width 82 , 84 dimensions. The neck 28 may be located at or near the end of the body 32 along the length 82 dimension of the body 32 . In particular, to facilitate insertion of the reservoir 26 , the roller 80 may be positioned in the starting position shown in FIG. 5 . The neck 28 may be positioned at the end of the body 32 opposite the end closest to the roller 80 when in the illustrated starting position.

6 and 7 , roller 80 may rotate about one or more axles 88 having ends projecting from roller 80 . The axles rest on ridges 90 defining a driving direction 72 for the roller 80 , and may have upper edges parallel to the driving direction 72 . The axles 88 may also be held on the ridges 90 by a U-shaped cover 92 . The cover 92 may include a cutout portion 94 having parallel edges 96 , the roller 80 being allowed to move between the parallel edges 96 . Edges 96 or other portion of cover 92 may be positioned against ridges 90 to provide a slot, and axles 88 may slide within the slot. The cover 92 may have faces 98 that slope upward with distance from the cutout 94 to guide the reservoir 26 into the cavity 24 . The cover 92 may define channels 100 on either side of the cutout portion 94 or a U-shaped channel extending on both sides of the cutout portion 94 .

In some embodiments, channels 100 may provide space to receive lines 102 for pulling the axle along a slot between edges 96 and ridges 90 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lines 102 are secured to the ends of the axle 88 , extend around the posts 104 , and are driven by an actuator 46 including a rotation actuator 108 in common. respectively coupled to a pulley 106 or a spool. In response to rotation of the rotation actuator 108 , lines are wound onto a pulley 106 , whereby the neck 28 of the reservoir 26 passes through the opening 66 and a roller towards the posts 104 . Attracts (80). To return the roller 80 to the starting position, biasing members, such as springs 110 , may be coupled to the housing 18 and to an axle 88 on either side of the roller 80 . Upon removal of the force applied by the rotation actuator 108 , the springs 110 may urge the roller back to the starting position. Alternatively, the springs may bias the roller toward a forward position of compression of the reservoir. In this alternative embodiment, lines 102 and actuator 108 serve to cause the roller to advance under the pull of a spring or springs and to pull the roller back to the non-compression starting position against spring pressure.

The rotary actuator locks when not changing its state, eg, position, so that the roller 80 can be stepped between various positions between a start position and an end position closest to the opening 66 . can keep 6 , the support surface 112 supports the body 32 of the reservoir 26 so that the body 32 is pinched between the roller 80 and the support surface 112 during movement of the roller ( pinched).

5-7 may likewise include a controller 62 , a proximity sensor 52 , and a light 56 configured similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-4 . With respect to other embodiments disclosed herein, the controller 62 is configured to advance the roller 80 between discrete positions in response to detecting proximity using the proximity sensor 52 . can be Likewise, the controller 62 may be configured to return the roller 80 to the starting position, or to allow the return of the roller 80 when the end position is reached. The embodiments of FIGS. 5-7 are positioned at a location within the upper portion 20 , such as interfacing with the support surface 112 , or otherwise otherwise of the upper portion, as with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 . a heating element 74 positioned to heat the air within 20 .

8 , in some embodiments, the reservoir cover 120 may be secured to the lower surface 54 by a hinge or may be fully removable and secured by a snap fit or some other means. An opening 66 for receiving the neck 28 of the reservoir 26 may be defined in the reservoir cover 120 . Accordingly, in use, the neck 28 (see FIGS. 9-11 ) may be disposed within the opening 66 having the body 32 of the reservoir 26 secured within the seat 122 , such as a concave or other surface. so that the reservoir cover 120 can be secured to the lower surface 54 .

In the illustrated embodiment, a distal end, eg, an opposing hinged end, of the cover 120 may include a ridge 124 or lip 124 for engaging a detent mechanism. However, any retention mechanism or detent mechanism may be used to retain the cover 120 in a selectively releasable manner.

9-11 , in some embodiments, the reservoir cover 120 may be releasably secured within the opening 126 covered thereby using the illustrated mechanism and may be hingedly secured. . The hub 128 including the registration boss 130 on its upper surface may have front spring arms 132 extending forward therefrom in the longitudinal direction 14 . The front spring arms 132 may also be spread laterally at a distance from the hub 128 . The spring arms 132 may also be bent downward from the hub 128 and secured to a crossbar 134 spanning the distal ends of the front spring arms 132 . As shown, the crossbar 134 spans a portion of the opening 126 and engages a ridge 124 to retain the cover 120 within the opening 126 . The spring arms 132 and the crossbar 134 may be formed of a resilient material, such as spring steel that can be deformed to allow a ridge to pass through the crossbar 134 . As previously mentioned, the front spring arms 132 are configured such that a vertical gap exists between the bottom of the hub 128 , the opening 128 , and the top surface of the cover 120 positioned at the opening 126 . It can be bent downwards from (128).

The rear spring arms 136 may be secured to the hub 128 and project in the longitudinal direction 14 rearward therefrom. The rear spring arms 136 may also flair outward from each other in the lateral direction 16 and flex downwardly from the hub 128 in the vertical direction 12 . The rear spring arms 136 may be pivotally secured to axle portions 138 projecting outwardly from the cover 120 in a lateral direction 16 . Axle portions 138 may be cylindrical with axes extending in lateral direction 16 . The rear spring arms 136 may include bent end portions insertable within the axle portions 138 . The rear spring arms 136 may be held in engagement with the axle portions 138 due to the biasing force of the rear spring arms 136 . In some embodiments, the front spring arms 132 , the rear spring arms 134 , and the crossbar 134 may be part of a single metal rod or wire bent into the illustrated shape.

The axle portions 138 may be secured to the cover 120 by an arm 140 extending from the outside of the upper portion 20 into the upper portion 20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 140 is arcuate such that its concave lower surface spans the edge of the opening 126 .

Axle portions 138 may be positioned within seats 142 positioned on either side of arm 140 . 9 and 10 , the seats 142 are open to allow insertion and removal of axle portions 138 from the seats 142 . The shroud 34 engages the hub 128 , and forces the rear spring arms 136 downward and thus the axle portions 138 into the seats 142 . In the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 10 ), the shroud 34 has registration holes 144A that receive a boss 130 formed on the hub 128 to retain the hub 138 in proper position within the cavity 24 . ) is included. In the illustrated embodiment, registration hole 144A extends completely through lid 124 . In some embodiments, the user presses on the hub 128 and forces the crossbar 134 out of engagement with the ridge 124 to allow the reservoir cover 120 to fall out of the opening 126 . The registration boss 130 may be pressed through the hole 144A. In some embodiments, the hub 128 has one or more posts 145 (see FIG. 11 ) secured to the inner surface of the lid 34 or another covering of the upper portion 20 . More registration holes 144A, 144B may be defined.

Pressurization of fluid from reservoir 26 positioned within cavity 24 may be accomplished by plunger 146 driven in a substantially vertical direction 12 . In particular, the plunger 146 is movable substantially vertically within the gap between the hub 128 and the seat 122 of the cover 120 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B ). For example, the plunger may move substantially parallel to the central axis of the opening 126 (eg, within +/-5 degrees of parallelism). In some embodiments, the plunger 146 may be driven by a crossbar 148 extending to the plunger 146 in the transverse direction 16 , and may extend laterally outwardly beyond the plunger 146 . have. In the illustrated embodiment, the crossbar 148 passes through a raised post 150 or tube formed on the top surface of the plunger 146 (see FIG. 14 ). The ends of the crossbar 148 can slide in vertical grooves 152 defined in the upper portion 20 , the grooves being on either side of the opening 126 . 9 to 11 , the upper part 20 is made at a slight angle from the horizontal, for example 2 to 10 degrees. The grooves 152 will likewise be made at a similar angle from vertical. The grooves 152 may be understood to be parallel to the central axis of the opening 126 or the direction of movement of the plunger 146 . For example, grooves 152 may be formed in posts 154 positioned on either side of opening 126 . In some embodiments, one or more springs 156 may engage some portion of crossbar 148 , or plunger 146 or other structure secured thereto (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ). . Springs 156 may bias the plunger towards opening 126 . The springs 156 may include first arms 160 and second arms 162 .

8 and 12A , when inserting the reservoir 26 into the cavity 24 , the user may seat the reservoir 26 on the cover 120 and then press the cover 120 upward. may press the reservoir 26 against the plunger 146 . The configuration of FIG. 12A may be a starting position for the plunger 146 . As shown in FIG. 12B , upon compressing the plunger 146 towards the cover 120 , the body 32 of the reservoir 26 compresses until the plunger 146 reaches the end position shown in FIG. 12B . This pressurizes the fluid from the opening 30 . The plunger 146 may be moved between a plurality of discrete positions between the illustrated start and end positions to discharge discrete amounts of fluid from the reservoir 126 as for other embodiments disclosed herein. .

In the illustrated embodiment, the springs 156 may seat within the seats 158 positioned laterally outwardly from the posts 150 , although other positions may be advantageously used. 12A and 12B , the first arms 160 of the springs 156 press against the crossbar 134 . The second arm 162 of each spring 156 may engage a portion of the upper portion 20 to counteract torque on the arm 160 .

13 and 14 illustrate an example of a drive mechanism that may be used to drive the plunger 146 . Springs 156 may be considered part of a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may include rods 164 extending along the upper portion in a generally longitudinal direction 14 , such as inclined upwards similarly to an upward angle of the upper portion 20 . The rods 164 are first arms 166 secured to first end portions of the rods that engage the linear actuator 46 , such as by a spreader 48 driven up and down by the linear actuator 46 . may include The rods 164 may include second arms 168 secured at second end portions opposite the first end portions. Rods 164 may seat in slots 170 defined by upper portion 20 .

Second arms 168 extend above plunger 146 such that in response to raising arms 166 the arms 168 are also raised. In the illustrated embodiment, arms 168 are loops extending around posts 154 and between crossbar 134 and plunger 146 . As will be apparent, the actuator 46 may only press the arms 166 upward. Accordingly, the arms 168 may be operable to counteract the force of the biasing springs 156 to facilitate insertion of the reservoir 26 . To dispense the fluid, the actuator 46 may lower the spreader 50 to a different position, thereby allowing the biasing force of the springs 156 to pressurize the fluid from the reservoir 26 . In some embodiments, actuator 46 may be coupled to arms 166 to enable actuator 46 to pressurize both raising and lowering arms 166 , 168 . In still other embodiments, the springs 156 may bias the plunger 146 upward, and the actuator 46 is operable to bias the plunger 146 downward toward the cover 120 . 14 , in some embodiments, rods 164 may pass through coils of springs 156 .

The embodiment of FIGS. 9-14 may likewise include a controller 62 , a proximity sensor 52 , and lights 56 configured similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 . With respect to other embodiments disclosed herein, the controller 62 is configured to advance the plunger 146 between discrete positions in response to detecting proximity using the proximity sensor 52 . can be Likewise, the controller 62 may be configured to return the plunger 146 to the starting position, or to allow the return of the plunger 146 when the end position is reached. 9-14 may likewise include a heating element 74 in thermal contact with air in reservoir 26 , cavity 24 , or upper portion 20 .

15 and 16 , in some embodiments, upper portion 20 and lower portion 22 may have the illustrated configuration. In particular, rather than having a C-shape, the upper portion 20 and lower portion 22 may join at opposite ends to define an opening 180 for receiving a portion of a user's hand. 15 and 16 may be used with the illustrated reservoir 26 . As shown, the body 32 of the reservoir 26 may have a substantially constant cross-section along its height. A handle 182 may be secured to the body 32 opposite the neck 28 to facilitate removal of the reservoir 26 . A lip or shoulder 184 may protrude from the handle 182 and extend outwardly from the body 32 .

The upper portion 20 may define an opening 186 for receiving the reservoir 26 , and a beveled surface 188 surrounding the opening 186 for guiding the reservoir 26 into the opening 186 . may include A seat 190 shaped to engage the shoulder 184 may also be positioned proximate the opening 186 .

17A-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 may pass through the sleeve and be inserted into the opening 66 . In some embodiments, a washer 194 may be positioned over the opening 66 and the neck 28 may be inserted through the washer 194 .

In the illustrated embodiment, fluid is pressurized from reservoir 26 by arms 196 positioned on either side of flexible sleeve 192 . The sleeves may define an angle 198 between the arms 196 . The sleeves may be pivotally secured to the housing 18 at a pivot 200 on one side of the sleeve 192 to pass onto the opposite side of the sleeve 192 while allowing the sleeve 192 to be positioned therebetween. can Arms 196 may be part of a single metal rod bent into the illustrated shape including a straight portion defining pivot 200 . A link 202 may be pivotally mounted to the arms 196 and within the housing 18 on the opposite side of the pivot 200 , such as by a crossbar 204 secured to both of the bar arms 196 . . The actuator 46 is pivotal to the link 202 , such as at a point between the points of attachment of the links 202 to the housing 18 and the points of attachment of the arms 196 to the link 202 . can be fixed with However, actuator 46 may also be coupled to link 202 at other points along link 202 . Likewise, actuator 46 may be pivotally mounted to housing 18 , such that actuator 46 pivots during actuation of actuator 46 .

17A and 17B , the actuator 46 can be retracted, thereby pulling the arms 196 down across the flexible sleeve 192 and fluid out of the opening 30 . can be pressurized. For other embodiments, actuator 46 may move arms 196 between discrete positions from a start position ( FIG. 17A ) to an end position ( FIG. 17B ). The controller 62 may cause the actuator 46 to return the arms 196 to the starting position when the arms 196 reach the end position. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 62 is positioned below the opening 180 .

The embodiment of FIGS. 15-17C may likewise include a controller 62 , a proximity sensor 52 , and lights 56 configured similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 . With respect to other embodiments disclosed herein, the controller 62 is configured to advance the arms 196 between discrete positions in response to detecting proximity using the proximity sensor 52 . can be configured. Likewise, the controller 62 may be configured to return the arms 196 to the starting position when the end position is reached, or to allow the arms 196 to return. 15-17C may likewise include a heating element 74 in thermal contact with air within reservoir 26 , cavity 24 , or housing 18 .

18 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a dispenser consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. Lid 1834 opens to reveal fluid reservoir 1850 . Dispenser 1800 removably receives fluid reservoir 1850 . The dispenser 1800 energizes and/or warms the fluid contained within the fluid reservoir 1850 prior to dispensing the fluid. Warming, heating, or otherwise energizing the fluid prior to dispensing may increase user satisfaction of the dispenser 1800 .

As discussed below, at least because the heating element included in the dispenser 1800 is in close proximity to the outlet port of the fluid reservoir 1850, the dispenser 1800 efficiently energizes the fluid being dispensed. The importance of proximity depends on properties of the fluid being heated, such as viscosity and thermal conductivity. Preferably, the fluid is heated substantially throughout the reservoir prior to dispensing. Positioning the heating element near the outlet port allows the piston to move within the reservoir 1850 without interfering with the heating element. The heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid.

In various embodiments, and as further discussed in the context of at least FIGS. 19A and 19B and FIGS. 20A and 20B , since the heating process is an inductive heating process, the dispenser 1800 increases the energizing efficiency. Inductive heating enables greater utilization of the energy used to warm the fluid. For example, inductive heating of the fluid reduces secondary warming of dispenser 1800 . Inductive heating concentrates energy to warm a fluid without warming the housing or other components of dispenser 1800 . Inductive heating also allows for heating within the reservoir, facilitating reservoir installation in dispenser 1800 without worrying about electrical connections between dispenser 1800 and reservoir 1850 .

Further, at least because of the interaction between the actuator included in the dispenser 1800 and the displaceable piston included in the reservoir 1850 , the dispenser 1800 removes the reservoir 1850 and/or replaces the reservoir 1850 with new fluid. Completely or at least almost completely deplete the fluid contained within the reservoir 1850 prior to the need for replacement with the reservoir. In some embodiments, reservoir 1850 is a rigid body reservoir. The rigid body reservoir enables complete or near complete depletion of the fluid contents of the reservoir 1850 by the dispenser 1800 . Thus, dispenser 1800 reduces wastage of fluid products. Various embodiments of storage 1850 are discussed at least in the context of FIGS. 19A and 19B and 24A and 24B . As also detailed below, in some embodiments, a motor drives the actuator.

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

Although not shown in FIG. 18 , as discussed below in the context of FIGS. 22A and 22B and 23B , the housing of the dispenser 1800 may be connected to the outlet port of the reservoir 1850 , such as the outlet port of FIGS. 19A and 19B ( 1914), including apertures for exposing them. An aperture in the housing is located on the lower surface of the housing and above the containment depression 1820 . Containment depression 1820 suitably contains any fluid dispensed from the aperture that is not received or otherwise intercepted by the user's hand. In preferred embodiments, containment depression 1820 is a depressed or recessed portion of the housing of dispenser 1800 . Containment depression 1820 may be a circular, oval, or any other suitably shaped depressed or recessed portion. Containment depression 1820 allows for easy cleaning of any dispensed fluid that is not intercepted by the user's hands.

Dispenser 1800 includes various user controls, such as a switch 1802 . The switch 1802 may turn on and off various functions of the dispenser 1800, preferably the nightlight discussed below. In other embodiments, switch 1802 may be a power button or may control a thermal function. In some embodiments, switch 1802 is a pressable button. The user presses the switch 1802 and/or presses the switch 1802 . In at least one embodiment, the switch 1802 includes at least one electromagnetic energy source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), for indicating the current state of the dispenser 1800 .

Switch 1802 may function as a lock/unlock selector for dispenser 1800 . For example, depressing the switch 1802 for a predetermined time, such as 3 seconds, may transition the dispenser 1800 to the lock-mode. In lock-mode, dispenser 1800 is unlocked from dispensing fluid. An included LED or other LED located in front or behind the switch 1802 illuminates the surrounding environment when the user locks the dispenser 1800 . Subsequent depression of power switch 1802 for a predetermined amount of time may unlock dispenser 1800, allowing dispenser 1800 to now dispense fluid.

As noted above, FIG. 18 illustrates the lid 1834 in an open position. A user may insert reservoir 1850 and/or remove reservoir 1850 from dispenser 1800 . In some embodiments, to open and close the compartment containing the reservoir 1850 , the user slides and/or translates the lid 1834 back and forth on rails embedded in the dispenser housing. In such embodiments, when a user opens or closes lid 1834 , lid 1834 remains attached to rails embedded in the housing of dispenser 1800 . In other embodiments, lid 1834 snaps on and off when a user opens or closes lid 1834 . Such snapping may include tactile and/or audio feedback. In an alternative embodiment, lid 1834 is a pivotally hinged lid.

In at least one embodiment, the magnetic forces at least partially secure the lid 1834 . One or more magnets embedded in at least one of housing or lid 1834 of dispenser 1800 provide magnetic forces. In at least one embodiment, the magnetic forces secure the lid 1834 to the housing of the dispenser 1800 when the user opens the lid 1834 . Such a feature reduces the likelihood that the lid 1834 will be lost over the useful life of the dispenser 1800 . In at least one embodiment, dispenser 1800 includes a lid sensor. The lid sensor detects when the user opens or closes the lid 1834 . The operation of these sensors may be based on the magnetic Hall effect. When the user opens the lid 1834 , the lid sensor triggers retraction of at least one of the driveshaft, pressure member, or other actuator drive component, such as driveshaft 2148 of FIG. 21B . When the dispenser 1800 retracts the actuation component, the user can remove the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800 .

19A illustrates an exploded view of a fluid reservoir 1950 consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. Various fluid dispensers disclosed herein, such as dispenser 1800 of FIG. 18 , contain a fluid reservoir 1950 . In a preferred embodiment, fluid reservoir 1950 contains fluid. Dispensers energize and dispense the contained fluid.

The fluid reservoir 1950 includes a 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 limited, 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. Reservoir body 1902 includes a cross-sectional section. The axis is substantially perpendicular to the cross-sectional section. In preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional section is substantially uniform along the axis. The axis may be a translational axis.

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

In other embodiments, the reservoir body 1902 may include a parallelepiped geometry. Accordingly, the cross section may be substantially parallelogram shaped, 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 may be triangular or octagonal. Other possible geometries for the reservoir body 1902 and the corresponding cross section are possible.

The reservoir body 1902 may be an optically transparent body or at least an optically translucent body. In such an embodiment, the user may visually inspect the amount of remaining fluid in 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 remaining within the reservoir 1950 .

The fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 is optically configured such that the fluid scatters light in such a way that when the electromagnetic energy source illuminates the optically transparent reservoir body 1902, the fluid exhibits a frequency or color of the electromagnetic energy it illuminates. It may include properties. In at least one embodiment, the fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 may appear as a “glow” when illuminated by an electromagnet energy source included in the various fluid dispensers disclosed herein. One or more electromagnetic sources embedded in the various dispensers disclosed herein may at least partially illuminate reservoir 1950 and/or fluid contained within reservoir 1950 . In at least one embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is at least partially a thermally insulated body. In such embodiments, the fluid contained within reservoir 1950 effectively retains thermal energy. Accordingly, these embodiments increase the heating efficiency of the dispenser containing the reservoir 1950 .

In some embodiments, fluid reservoir 1950 includes heating structure 1920 . Induction, as discussed in the context of FIGS. 20A and 20B , may provide energy to heat or warm the heating structure. In preferred embodiments, heating structure 1920 is a conductive heating disk. The heating structure 1920 is in thermal contact with the fluid contained within the reservoir 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 for receiving the heating structure 1920 . The containment chamber isolates the heating structure 1920 so that the heating structure 1920 does not contaminate the fluid contained therein.

In some embodiments, the cross section of the heating structure 1920 substantially matches the cross section of the reservoir body 1902 . In other embodiments, the cross section of the heating structure 1920 deviates from the cross section of the reservoir body 1902 . In preferred embodiments, heating structure 1920 is positioned within reservoir body 1902 .

The fluid reservoir 1950 includes an outlet port 1914 . In various embodiments, the outlet port 1914 includes a valve 1910 and a valve retainer 1912 . The valve 1910 may be constructed of a flexible material, such as synthetic rubber, plastic, latex, or the like. The valve 1910 includes one or more slits, apertures, or other openings to allow fluid contained within the reservoir to flow through the valve 1910 and out of the reservoir. 24B illustrates one such configuration of valve slits. In at least some embodiments, the outlet port 1914 may be a nozzle. In such embodiments, the outlet port 1914 may be included within the nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir 1950 .

A valve retainer 1912 holds a valve 1910 . In a preferred embodiment, valve 1910 is concentric with valve retainer 1912 . The outer perimeter of the valve 1910 abuts or proximates the inner perimeter of the valve retainer 1912 . 23B and as discussed in the context of FIGS. 24A and 24B , valve 1910 and valve retainer 1912 allow fluid to flow as it flows through one or more slits or openings of valve 1910 . constructed and arranged so that no fluid in contact with the valve retainer 1912 including the inner perimeter of the valve retainer 1912 does.

The fluid reservoir 1950 further includes a piston 1904 . The piston 1904 is a translatable or displaceable piston. The piston 1904 translates along the translation axis. The piston 1904 includes one or more use tabs 1906 or tongues. 19A , the first end of the reservoir body 1902 includes one or more trenches, depressions, or other such structures. These trenches or depressions mate with use taps 1906 . As described below in the context of FIG. 19B , usage taps 1906 provide a signal. This signal indicates that the piston 1904 has already displaced at least some amount of fluid. In at least one embodiment, the piston 1904 includes a driven structure 1908 . The driven structure 1908 mates with at least a portion of an actuator included in the various dispensers disclosed herein, such as a biasing member. In various embodiments, the pressure member may be a driveshaft.

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

Thus, translation of the piston 1904 towards the second end of the reservoir body 1902 leads to a decrease in the available storage volume. The mechanical action of translating the piston 1904 displaces the contained fluid and forces a portion of the fluid to flow through the outlet port 1914 .

The piston 1904 and reservoir body 1902 are configured such that, when the piston 1904 is not translated, the interface between the piston 1904 and the reservoir body 1902 adequately retains the fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 and are arranged The physical dimensions of the piston 1904 including the effective piston cross section may be based on at least one of the viscosity of the contained fluid and the cross section of the reservoir body 1902 . In such embodiments, the cross section of the piston or at least the outer perimeter of the piston substantially matches the cross section of the reservoir body. A gasket, O-ring, or other such structure may provide a seal between the displaceable piston 1904 and the interior walls of the reservoir body 1902 . The seal is sufficient to retain the contained fluid. Accordingly, the reservoir 1950 does not leak fluid received from the first end of the reservoir body 1902 when the dispensing force translates or otherwise displaces the piston 1904 .

In preferred embodiments, the valve 1910 is such that a force, such as a dispensing force, does not translate the piston 1904 toward the second end of the reservoir body 1902 , or the available storage volume of the fluid reservoir 1950 . If not reduced otherwise, it holds fluid in reservoir 1950 . The slit or opening in valve 1910 may be similar to the slits in a seasoning container, such as a squeezeable ketchup bottle. The valve is preferably domed upwards towards the fluid such that a force displacing the resilient dome downward must be used before the valve is opened for dispensing. The physical dimensions and configurations of one or more slits or openings of valve 1910 may vary. Such variability may be based on the material of which valve 1910 is constructed and the viscosity of the fluid contained in reservoir 1950 . With proper selection of the physical dimensions and configurations of the slits, the fluid will not flow through the openings unless the dispensing force does not translate the piston 1904 and displace the contained fluid.

Because valve 1910 is constructed of a rubber-like material, the slits or openings may be substantially closed or self-sealing until a dispensing or displacement force pushes the fluid through the opening. When displaced by the dispensing force, the fluid flows through the slits or openings. This effect can be similar to the self-sealing of a rubber nipple on an infant's bottle. The rubber nipple includes slits or holes. Fluid does not flow through the slits or holes on these rubber nipples unless the infant is applying vacuum or suction or pressure is squeezing the bottle. Accordingly, valve 1910 resists the output or dispense of fluid unless a dispensing force greater than the dispensing force threshold increases the internal pressure of the fluid to a pressure above the pressure threshold to overcome the resistance of valve 1910 .

19B illustrates an assembled fluid reservoir 1950 consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 19B , when assembled, the heating structure 1920 is positioned within the reservoir body 1902 proximate the second end of the reservoir body 1902 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 19B , an outlet port 1914 is positioned on the surface of the reservoir body 1902 . The surface comprising the outlet port is not positioned on the first or second ends of the reservoir body 1902 . Rather, the outlet port 1914 is positioned on the curved surface of the cylindrical body. The cross section of the outlet port 1914 is substantially orthogonal to or transverse to the axis of translation of the reservoir body 1902 . However, other embodiments are not so limited, and the outlet port 1914 may be positioned on the second end of the reservoir body 1902 such that an intersecting section of the outlet port 1914 is substantially parallel to the axis of translation. . Outlet port 1914 is shown with valve 1910 and valve retainer 1912 in a concentric configuration. A surface of valve 1910 including one or more slits or openings may be recessed over portions of valve retainer 1912 . This configuration provides additional clearance for fluid flowing through valve 1910 .

In preferred embodiments, the outlet port 1914 is positioned proximate the second end of the reservoir body 1902 to ensure that an increased portion of the contained fluid will flow from the outlet port 1914 . Accordingly, the fluid will continue to flow through the outlet port 1914 in 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 most of the contained fluid that can be displaced by the piston 1904 is displaced. Thus, storage 1950 is sufficiently depleted.

19B illustrates the fluid reservoir 1950 in its initial condition prior to dispensing any fluid contained therein. The initial position of the piston 1904 is proximate the first end of the reservoir body 1902 . A volume defined by the reservoir body 1902 and positioned between the piston 1904 and the second end of the reservoir body 1902 holds the fluid. In some embodiments, the initial position of the piston 1904 is such that the use tabs 1906 mate with the trenches or depressions of the reservoir body 1902 . As an alternative to use tabs, some embodiments use a brittle, brittle, or otherwise brittle sealing structure to provide an indication of previous use. The various dispenser actuators discussed herein can sense a drive rod when translating the piston 1904 . By sensing the load, the dispenser can detect whether the use tabs 1906 or frangible seal is intact or not intact. Accordingly, the dispenser may determine whether the reservoir 1950 has experienced previous use or is otherwise the original reservoir.

A driveshaft of the dispenser actuator mates with a driven structure 1908 . Translation of the driveshaft translates the piston 1904 towards the second end of the reservoir body 1902 . Translation of the piston 1904 towards the second end of the reservoir body 1902 induces an engaging force between the use tabs 1906 and the trenches or depressions in the reservoir body 1902 . The engagement force breaks, crushes, bends, or otherwise deforms the use tabs 1906 .

When the used tabs 1906 are disturbed from their initial position, they deform. Modified use tabs 1906 inform the user that reservoir 1950 has already dispensed some amount of fluid contained within reservoir 1950 . For example, the modified use tabs 1906 indicate that the piston 1904 is not in its initial position. For hygiene or safety reasons, a user may wish to discard or otherwise not use storage 1950 that has already been somewhat used. Modified usage tabs 1906 indicate that another party may have already used storage 1950 . For sanitary reasons, a user may wish to discard an already partially used storage.

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

A material, such as a fluid contained within the fluid reservoir 1950 of FIGS. 19A and 19B , is in thermal contact with or thermally coupled to the heating structure 2020 , and an electric current is applied to the heating structure 2020 . As it passes, the heating structure 2020 may energize or heat the material. As described herein, inductive heating of heating structure 2020 does not require physical contact between heating element 2010 and heating structure 2020 . Accordingly, various dispensers disclosed herein may use inductive heating to heat or otherwise energize heating structure 2020 remotely or remotely. Accordingly, because heating element 2010 is physically isolated from heating structure 2020 and the material to be energized by heating structure 2020 , heating element 2010 is not in physical contact with the material to be energized. Accordingly, user contact with contamination pathways and heated elements is reduced.

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

In at least one embodiment, the alternating current supplied is a high frequency alternating current in the conductive coils 2080 . To energize or heat a heating structure, such as heating structure 2020 of FIG. 20A or heating structure 1920 of FIGS. 19A and 19B by induction heating at a distance, a heating element such as heating element 2070 may be used. can In order to selectively control the heating rate or temperature of the heating structure and materials in thermal contact with the heating structure, the frequency of the supplied current may be changed or an alternating current source, such as alternating current source 2030 of FIG. A variety of algorithms to control can be used.

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

The housing also includes a removable or slidable cover 2134 for concealing a receptacle, cavity, or compartment that removably receives the fluid reservoir 2150 . Dispenser 2100 includes a removable power cord 2104 for providing power. The heating element 2172 inductively energizes or heats the fluid contained within the reservoir 2150 . The heating element includes a printed circuit board 2170 . Printed circuit board 2170 includes conductive coils. The conductive coils provide an induced current to the heating structure in the reservoir 2150 . The heating structure and fluid contained within reservoir 2150 are thermally coupled.

The dispenser 2100 includes a circuit board 2162 . Circuit board 2162 includes various electronic devices and/or components for enabling operation of dispenser 2100 . These devices and/or components include processor devices and/or microcontroller devices, diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, voltage regulators, oscillators, memory devices, logic gates, etc. may include, but are not limited to. Dispenser 2100 includes switch 2102 . Dispenser 2100 includes a night light. In at least one embodiment, the nightlight emits a visible light upward through switch 2102 to indicate a dispensing mode or other user selection. In preferred embodiments, the nightlight illuminates at least a portion of the gap in the anterior piece 2122 into which the user inserts his or her hand to receive the volume of fluid dispensed. 23A , in some embodiments, the nightlight illuminates visible light downwards from around the distribution aperture. The ring lens 2156 or light guide may focus and/or scatter the light to achieve a desired lighting effect. A ring lens 2156 may surround or confine the outer perimeter of the dispensing aperture. Dispenser 2100 includes an actuator. In various embodiments, the actuator may include an electric motor 2146 . However, other embodiments are not limited thereto.

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

21B illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a dispenser consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The lid 2134 is opened to expose a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir 1950 of FIGS. 19A and 19B . Dispenser 2100 removably receives a reservoir. The actuator of the dispenser 2100 includes a driveshaft 2148 for translating a displaceable piston included in the reservoir 2150 , such as the piston 1904 of FIGS. 19A and 19B . In some embodiments, the actuator comprises a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical work, such as an electric motor. Mechanical translation drives driveshaft 2148 and/or other actuator components. Other embodiments may use other mechanisms to drive driveshaft 2148 . At least one embodiment uses hydraulic pressure to drive driveshaft 2418 .

The dispenser 2100 includes a heating element 2170 . Heating element 2170 may inductively generate or provide current in a corresponding heating structure embedded in reservoir 2150 , such as heating structure 1920 of FIGS. 19A and 19B . The induced current energizes or heats at least a portion of the fluid received into the reservoir 2150 . In preferred embodiments, when dispenser 2100 receives reservoir 2150 , the heating structure within reservoir 2150 is proximate to heating element 2170 . However, the heating element 2170 is physically separate from the heating structure. The second end of the reservoir 2150 body acts as a barrier between the heating element 2170 and the heating structure. Likewise, the first end of the reservoir 2150 body is positioned to mate with a driven structure in which a driveshaft 2148 is included on a piston of the reservoir, such as the driven structure 1908 and piston 1904 of FIGS. 19A and 19B . do.

In at least one embodiment, heating element 2170 includes a sensor that detects a fluid type of fluid contained within reservoir 2150 . Such sensing may determine properties of the heating structure embedded within the contained reservoir 2150 , such as, but not limited to, electrical conductivity or magnetic dipole strength. The determined heating structure characteristic is indicative of the type of fluid received into reservoir 2150 . Other methods are available, including optical and/or mechanical methods, to determine one or more properties of the fluid contained within reservoir 2150 . For example, to determine fluid properties, mechanical methods based on the geometry of the reservoir and sensing can be used in the loading on the actuator that translates the piston of the reservoir 2150 . The algorithms used to energize the fluid may vary based on the detected properties of the fluid.

In other embodiments, the contained reservoir 2150 may not include a heating structure. For such embodiments, the fluid contained within the contained reservoir 2150 may be heated by resistive conductive elements embedded in or proximate to a receptacle or cavity receiving the reservoir 2150 . In such embodiments, direct, non-inductive heating is used to energize the fluid.

In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes temperature sensors to measure or sense the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir 2150 . The dispenser 2100 may alter the operation of the heating element 2170 based on the detected temperature of the fluid or current sensed in the heating structure. For example, when the fluid reaches a predetermined maximum temperature, a controller or processor device included in dispenser 2100 may turn off or otherwise deactivate heating element 2170 . When the temperature of the fluid falls below a predetermined minimum temperature, the dispenser 2100 may reactivate the heating element 2170 . A user may select a minimum and maximum fluid temperature with various user controls included in the dispenser 2100 . In at least one embodiment, dispenser 2100 includes a programmable thermostat.

Dispenser 2100 includes a power supply and/or a power source. In a preferred embodiment, the power source provides an alternating current to the dispenser 2100 . Other embodiments are not so limited and may operate with a DC power supply, such as an internal battery. The power supply may include a power cord 2104 . The power cord 2104 provides power to the dispenser 2100 from an external supply. The supplied power is utilized by various components of the dispenser 2100 including, but not limited to, a processor device, actuator, heating element 2170, embedded nightlight, as well as various user interfaces and user selection devices. . The power cord 2104 may include a wall-plug AC adapter using prongs for North America, Europe, Asia, or any other such region. Finger trenches 2152 assist in insertion and removal of reservoir 2152 from a fluid reservoir receptacle or cavity of dispenser 2100 .

Various user controls and/or user interfaces are included in dispenser 2100 . At least one of the controls may be a touch sensitive control or sensor. The touch sensitive controls may be capacitive touch sensors. Touch sensitive sensors, controls, or components may be housed within the housing of dispenser 2100 . The touch sensing components may sense at least one of contact, proximity, or motion of a user's hand through the housing. In preferred embodiments, sensing the proximity or motion of the user's hand under the dispensing aperture turns the heating element on to prepare the dispenser for use. Once the dispenser has sufficiently heated the fluid, a second positioning of the user's hand triggers a single dispensing event. For example, when the user places a hand under the dispensing aperture, the proximity sensor may trigger the dispensing mechanism such that a volume of fluid is dispensed into the user's hand.

A dispensing event or trigger dispenses a predefined volume of fluid from reservoir 2150 out through dispenser 2100 by translating driveshaft 2148 a predefined distance. The predetermined distance corresponds to the predetermined volume. In at least one embodiment, dispenser 2100 includes a timer. A timer may prevent a dispensing event from occurring if a lockout time has not elapsed since the previous dispensing event. This unlocking mode limits the dispenser frequency of dispenser 2100 . Thus, the likelihood of a user accidentally triggering multiple distribution events is minimized. The unlock time or maximum dispense frequency can be programmed by the user using various user controls or selectors.

Other touch sensing or proximity/motion controls or sensors include at least one of a luminance selector 2118 , a color selector 2116 , a volume selector 2112 , and an ejector 2114 . Some of the user controls are marked by an indicator or icon, such as a luminance icon 2128 or a color icon 2126 to indicate the functionality of the corresponding user control. Some of the user controls or icons may 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 luminance selector 2118 or color selector 2116, may be a touch-sensitive slide control that continuously changes a user selection as the user slides his or her finger through the slide control. For example, an embedded nightlight may include multiple sources of electromagnetic energy of various frequencies to provide visible light of multiple frequencies or colors. In preferred embodiments, the electromagnetic sources are LEDs. 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 may be included in the night light to provide a light source. Visible lights of various colors can be generated by mixing red, green, and blue (RGB) components.

Thus, the buried nightlight may be a selectable or otherwise tunable RGB nightlight or light source. The user can continuously mix the selection of LEDs to activate by sliding his or her finger along the color selector 2116 . For example, the intensity of one or more differently colored LEDs may be altered by color selector 2116 to produce the various colors emitted by the nightlight. Likewise, the overall luminance or intensity of the nightlight may be selected by continuously varying it by luminance selector 2118 .

Other user selectors or controls include a volume selector 2112 . A user may select a dose of fluid to be dispensed by the dispenser 2100 . In a preferred embodiment, the user may select one of a number of predefined volumes to be dispensed. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21B , three predefined volumes are used, such as a small, medium, or large injection amount, as indicated by the three differently sized fluid drop icons of the volume selector 2112 . It is possible.

Volume selector 2112 is a touch sensitive user control, so that a user can contact a fluid drop icon sized to correspond to a desired dose. Alternatively, the dose selection is cycled to the next amount each time the icon is touched to illuminate the selection. Accordingly, each of the small, medium, and large drop indicators may include a separate LED. The currently selected volume can be indicated by activating the appropriate LED to illuminate the corresponding fluid drop icon. In other embodiments, a continuous selection of volumes to be dispensed is available. In such embodiments, the volume selector 2112 is a slide control touch sensitive selector.

The dispenser 2100 changes the volume dispensed by the dispenser 2100 in a single dispensing event by changing the length at which the driveshaft 2048 translates the piston in the fluid reservoir 2150 due to triggering the actuator. . In preferred embodiments, because the cross-section of reservoir 2150 is uniform, the amount of fluid dispensed in one dispensing event is linearly proportional to the length the piston is translated. Accordingly, the dispenser 2100 changes the length that the driveshaft 2148 has been driven in one dispensing event based on the user selection of the volume selector 2112 .

Ejector 2114 may be a touch sensitive control. When the ejector 2114 is activated, the driveshaft 2148 translates away from the driven mechanism of the reservoir 2150 and retracted from the reservoir 2150 , such that the user removes the reservoir 2150 from the dispenser 2100 . allow to remove In at least one embodiment, dispenser 2100 includes a spring-loaded mechanism for automatically releasing reservoir 2150 when driveshaft 2148 clears the body of reservoir 2150 .

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

When the heating mode of the dispenser 2100 is activated, other indicators included in the dispenser are displayed. For example, when the dispenser heats the fluid in the reservoir 2150 , one or more LEDs may be activated in a “blinking mode” or in a slowly pulsing light mode. When the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature, the blinking or pulsing LED can be switched to "solid" mode. Alternatively, the light may change color to indicate readiness. It is understood that other methods of operating the indicators may serve to indicate the functionality or modes of dispenser 2100 . Another indicator may indicate that the reservoir 2150 is going empty and thus needs to be replenished or replaced. Other indicators may indicate an error state of the dispenser 2100 . The buried nitrite may serve as one or more indicators.

22A illustrates a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a contained fluid reservoir and dispenser consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The dispenser 2200 includes a removable power cord 2204 . The dispenser 2200 includes a power switch 2202 . 22A illustrates that the gap is within the housing. The gap defines a volume between the dispensing aperture and the containment depression 2220 . The gap or volume accommodates a user's hand such that, during a dispensing event, the user's hand receives or otherwise intercepts the fluid dispensed by the dispenser 2200 .

As disclosed herein, a motion or proximity sensor can detect when a user's hand is positioned within or moves within a volume. As illustrated in FIG. 23A , a nightlight included in the dispenser 2200 may illuminate the volume receiving the user's hand. A first movement of the user's hand may activate the heating element. Once properly heated, further placement of the user's hand within the gap will activate the dispensing of the fluid. Any fluid that has fallen onto the lower base portion of the housing and is not intercepted by the user's hand is contained within containment depression 2220 .

The housing of the dispenser 2200 includes an actuator cavity 2209 . The actuator cavity 2209 houses various components of the dispenser's actuator, such as the stepper motor 2246 of FIG. 22C . A driveshaft or biasing member of the actuator drives a piston 2204 contained in a contained reservoir 2250 . Modified use tabs included on piston 2204 indicate that the actuator's driveshaft has translated the piston and dispensed at least some of the fluid contained within reservoir 2250 . The dispenser 2200 includes a heating element 2270 for energizing or heating the fluid in the reservoir 2250 . The heating element 2270 induces an electric current in the heating structure in the reservoir 2250 .

22B is an enlarged view of fluid reservoir 2250 . The fluid reservoir 2250 is housed within a dispenser 2200 consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, when the dispenser 2200 receives the reservoir 2250 , the heating element 2270 of the dispenser 2200 is positioned in close proximity to the heating structure 2220 contained within the reservoir 2250 . . However, because the wall at the second end of the reservoir 2250 isolates the two conductive components, there is no physical contact between the heating element 2270 and the heating structure 2200 . Rather, an alternating current in the heating element 2270 induces a current in the heating structure 2220 . The induced current energizes the fluid contained within reservoir 2250 .

The dispenser 2200 includes a dispensing aperture 2280 on the underside of the dispenser 2200 . The dispensing aperture 2280 may be located in a front piece of the housing of the dispenser 2200 , such as the front piece 2122 of FIG. 21A . The outlet port of the reservoir 2250 is recessed above the dispensing aperture of the dispenser 2200 . Additionally, the perimeter 2256 of the dispensing aperture 2280 is constructed and arranged such that the perimeter 2256 does not contact the valve of the outlet port of the reservoir 2250 . Thus, as a volume of fluid flows through the openings or slits in reservoir 2250 , the fluid is dispensed from dispenser 2200 .

However, the dispensed volume of fluid does not come into contact with any portion of the dispenser 2200, possibly except for the containment depression 2220. Thus, the only portion of dispenser 2200 that may require cleaning of the dispensed fluid is containment depression 2220 . The fluid reservoir 2250 is inserted into the dispenser 2200 . In addition, fluid reservoir 2250 may be depleted of contained fluid over multiple dispensing events. Empty fluid reservoir 2250 can be removed from dispenser 2200 without leaving a residue or other traces of the fluid dispensed by dispenser 2200 .

22C illustrates a stepper motor 2246 included in an actuator consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. Stepper motor 2246 may be included in the actuator of various embodiments of dispensers disclosed herein. The stepper motor 2246 may include a motor housing 2240 . Motor housing 2240 houses conductive coils to convert electrical energy into mechanical work. Mechanical work drives the driveshaft 2248 . The pressure member or driveshaft 2248 may translate the piston of the reservoir to dispense fluid from the dispenser.

In various embodiments, stepper motor 2246 is usable to accumulate a total distance, or a total number of steps the driveshaft 2248 has advanced. In a preferred embodiment, at each step the driveshaft 2248 advances, the driveshaft 2248 translates or displaces a piston contained in the fluid reservoir towards the two ends of the body of the reservoir, a predetermined distance. make it When the cross-section of the body of the reservoir is uniform along the axis of translation, the predetermined volume of fluid contained within the reservoir is displaced by the piston and forced out of the outlet port of the reservoir. Thus, by accumulating the total number of steps or the total driveshaft displacement distance, the total amount of fluid dispensed from the dispenser can be determined. When the initial storage volume of the reservoir is known, a dispenser, such as dispenser 2200 of FIGS. 22A and 22B , can determine how much fluid remains in the reservoir.

23A shows a diagram of a dispenser 2300 consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The lower surface of the dispenser 2300 includes a dispensing aperture 2380 . A nightlight included in dispenser 2300 illuminates a gap through which a user's hand intercepts the fluid dispensed by dispenser 2300 . Electromagnetic energy sources, such as multi-color LEDs, and a light guiding and/or focusing device, such as ring lens 2156 of FIG. 21A enable the functionality of a nightlight. The user can change the color and/or intensity of the nightlight.

23B shows another view of an embodiment of a dispenser 2300 consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The lower surface of the dispenser 2300 includes a dispensing aperture 2380 . 23B shows the perimeter 2356 of the dispensing aperture 2380 . The outlet port of the reservoir is exposed through dispensing aperture 2380 and received by dispenser 2300 . The valve 2310 at the outlet port is visible. A valve 2310 is recessed over the aperture 2380 . Note that the valve retainer 2312 of the outlet port separates the slits or openings of the valve 2310 from the outer perimeter 2312 of the dispensing aperture. Thus, when the fluid flows through the valve 2310 , the fluid separates from the dispenser 2300 comprising the perimeter 2356 of the dispensing aperture 2380 . Accordingly, the dispenser 2300 is not contaminated from the fluid dispensed by the dispenser 2300 .

24A shows an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an outlet port 2414 of a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir of FIGS. 19A and 19B consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. 24A shows the reservoir body 2402 . The outlet port 2414 includes a valve 2410 and a valve retainer 2412 . A valve 2410 and a valve retainer 2412 engage the reservoir body 2402 . The valve 2410 is recessed over the valve retainer 2412 . The dispensing force displaced the fluid contained within the reservoir. Thus, dispensed volume of fluid 2470 flowed through slit 2490 in valve 2419 . During the transition from the inside of the reservoir to the outside of the reservoir, the dispensed fluid volume 2470 was not in contact with the reservoir body 2404 nor the valve retainer 2412 . Surface tension and gravitational fields formed the dispensed fluid volume 2470 into fluid droplets.

24B shows a bottom view of a valve 2410 for an outlet port of a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir 1950 of FIGS. 19A and 19B consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The valve includes a slit 2490 that allows the flow of fluid from a first side of the valve 2410 to a second side of the valve 2410 . In a preferred embodiment, the first side of valve 2410 faces the interior of the reservoir. The second side faces the outside of the reservoir.

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

25 depicts a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid reservoir consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. Fluid reservoir 2514 is a rotatable fluid reservoir that includes a plurality of single serving fluid volumes 2580 . In some embodiments, each single serving fluid volume 2580 is packaged in a blister-package style pod. Various embodiments of dispensers are enabled to rotate reservoir 2514 to continuously align each single serving fluid volume 2580 with the actuator's driveshaft or pressure member. The driveshaft may pressurize or otherwise displace the fluid within each single serving fluid volume 2580 .

In some embodiments, displacement of the fluid punctures or ruptures the foil or membrane covering the single serving fluid volume 2580 . In other embodiments, an actuator component, such as a needle or pin, ruptures the foil or membrane. Once punctured or ruptured, the fluid will flow out of the dispensing aperture in the dispenser. The actuator may rotate the fluid reservoir 2514 to await the next dispensing event. When each of the single serving fluid reservoirs 2580 is depleted, the user can remove the reservoir 2514 and provide a new fluid reservoir to the dispenser.

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

In FIG. 26A , the pivot fluid reservoir or receptacle assembly of dispenser 2600 is pivoted to a closed position. Because the lid 2634 is closed, the fluid reservoir housed in the dispenser 2600 is hidden from the view of FIG. 26A . In FIG. 26B , the pivot receptacle assembly of dispenser 2600 is pivoted to an open position. When opened, lid 2634 of dispenser 2600 pivots to an upwardly angled position to reveal fluid reservoir 2650 . 26B , dispenser 2600 slidably receives fluid reservoir 2650 such that dispenser 2600 receives fluid reservoir 2650 .

27 illustrates an exploded view of a pivot fluid reservoir assembly 2760 consistent with various embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, pivot fluid reservoir assembly 2760 is a pivot receptacle assembly, or simply a pivot assembly. Pivot assembly 2760 may be included in dispensers of various embodiments disclosed herein, including but not limited to dispenser 2600 of FIGS. 26A and 26B and dispenser 3100 of FIGS. 31A and 31B . The pivot assembly 2760 includes a pivot assembly body 2790 constructed and arranged to receive an actuator 2746 and a fluid reservoir receptacle 2770 . Actuator 2746 may be similar to stepper motor 2246 of FIG. 22C .

When the fluid reservoir 2750 is inserted into or otherwise received by the fluid reservoir receptacle 2770 , the driveshaft of the actuator 2746 is constructed and arranged to engage the fluid reservoir 2750 . For example, as shown in FIG. 31A , reservoir 3150 is received by dispenser 3100 . Actuator 3146 includes a driveshaft 3148 . Driveshaft 3148 engages piston 3104 of piston 3150 through aperture 3108 . This engagement allows for dispensing and/or dispensing of fluid contained within fluid reservoir 2750 . Actuator 2746 is received in the cup-shaped, rear portion of pivot assembly body 2790 . A fluid reservoir receptacle 2770 is received in the cup-shaped, front portion of the pivot assembly body 2790 . Accordingly, when the assembly body 2790 is rotated or pivoted about its pivot axis, the reservoir 2750 , the receptacle 2770 , and the actuator 2746 each rotate together. Actuator 2746 engages fluid reservoir 2750 through an aperture, U-channel, trench, or other opening in both assembly body 2790 and receptacle 2770 . Actuator 2746 may be a linear actuator.

Receptacle 2770 includes conductive coils 2780 . Conductive coils 2780 may be included in the dispenser heating element. Conductive coils 2780 are employed to inductively energize or heat the fluid stored in fluid reservoir 2750 . Conductive coils 2780 may inductively heat the contained fluid in reservoir 2750 in an inductive process similar to that discussed in the context of FIGS. 20A and 20B . In a preferred embodiment, the conductive coils 2780 are positioned on the outer surface of the receptacle 2770 such 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 along the interior surface of the receptacle 2770 or are embedded in the walls of the receptacle 2770 . 27 , conductive coils 2780 surround the body of fluid reservoir 2750 . Conductive coils 2780 induce current in the heating structure included in reservoir 2750 . This induced current provides uniform inductive heating of the fluid contained within reservoir 2750 .

Pivot assembly 2760 is an electrical choke for isolating noise or crosstalk between conductive coils 2780 , actuator 2746 , and other frequency-sensing electronic components housed within a fluid dispenser including pivot assembly 2760 . (2792). A lid 2734 is included in the pivot assembly 2734 for hiding the fluid reservoir 2750 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 26A when the pivot assembly is closed.

A photo-radiating circuit board 2794 is positioned at the bottom of the pivot body 2790 . The photo-emissive circuit board 2794 includes at least one photo-emitter, such as an LED. An LED may be used as a night light feature, as discussed in the context of various embodiments herein. The photo-emissive circuit board 2794 also includes at least one of a motion sensor, another LED facing upward to illuminate at least some of the receptacle 2770 when in the open position, or other LEDs to illuminate various control features. may include In other embodiments, the motion sensor is mounted on other circuit boards included in the dispenser. The motion sensor may be an IR (infrared) LED. The photo-emitting circuit board 2794 may engage 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-emissive circuit board 3194 and lens 3196 of FIGS. 31A and 31B .

A latching element or coupler may be included to lock, secure, or otherwise hold the pivot assembly 2760 in the closed position. In various embodiments, the latching element is a magnetic element. The latching element secures the pivot assembly in the closed position until disengaged by the user. In at least some embodiments, the user disengages the latching element by briefly pressing the lid 2734 downward. The latching element may provide a user with tactile feedback of an engagement/disengagement event. A latching element may be integrated into the lid 2734 .

28 provides an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with various embodiments of fluid dispensers disclosed herein. For example, dispenser 2600 of FIGS. 26A and 26B can receive and dispense heated fluid from a fluid reservoir similar to fluid reservoir 2850 . The fluid reservoir 2850 includes a bottom cap 2806 , a translatable piston 2804 , a reservoir body 2802 , a pump or cap assembly 2820 , a nozzle assembly 2814 , and an over cap 2830 . Reservoir 2850 can include a valve assembly 2832 .

In a preferred embodiment, fluid reservoir 2850 is a customized airless pump reservoir or bottle. In various embodiments, valve assembly 2832 is integrated with pump or cap assembly 2820 . The pump assembly 2820 may be a snap-on top. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly 2832 includes a lower valve assembly aperture 2892 leading to an internal chamber, pathway, or cavity of the valve assembly. An additional valve assembly upper aperture is included. For example, the valve assembly upper aperture 2994 of the fluid reservoir 2950 shown in FIG. 29 can be similar to the upper aperture of the valve assembly 2832 . The upper aperture enables a flow path through the interior cavity of the valve assembly 2832 . This flow path is within the interior cavity of the valve assembly 2832 and between the lower aperture 2892 and the upper aperture. The flow path provides fluid communications between the reservoir body 2802 and the nozzle 2812 . One or more valves positioned within the flow path selectively block or otherwise inhibit flow through the flow path. A plurality of valves in valve assembly 2832 allow a pumping action to move fluid up and out of reservoir body 2802 and out through nozzle 2812 . Various embodiments of valve assemblies are discussed in detail with respect to FIGS. 29 and 30 .

The reservoir body 2802 may be a bottle, such as a 5 milliliter bottle. The reservoir body 2802 includes a first end, a second end, a cross section and a longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis is a translational axis as the piston 2804 is translated along the longitudinal axis. 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 . 28 , the first end of the body 2802 may be an open end that receives a piston 2804 . The reservoir body 2802 may be a cylindrical body, a tube-shaped body, or any other such configuration of a reservoir or bottle.

The bottom cap 2806 may include a centrally located aperture 2808 or other opening. Aperture 2808 enables engagement between the translatable piston 2804 of the fluid reservoir 2850 and the driveshaft of an actuator included in the dispenser. The driveshaft is received by and passes through aperture 2808 to physically contact and engage a mating portion of the bottom or rear portion of piston 2804 . The bottom or rear portion of the piston 2804 may be of a driven configuration. When mating with piston 2804 or when engaging piston 2804 , translation of the driveshaft translates piston 2804 relative to reservoir body 2802 . Translation of the piston 2804 may be similar to the translation of a plunger driving fluid through a hypodermic syringe. As will be explained at least in the context of FIGS. 29 and 30 , translation of the piston 2804 towards the top or upper portion of the body 2802 is the portion of the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2850 . distribute the Fluid is dispensed from a nozzle 2812 positioned on a lateral surface of the nozzle assembly 2814 . As shown in FIG. 28 , the nozzle 2812 may include a protrusion or tip positioned on a lateral or lateral surface of the nozzle assembly 2814 .

Nozzle 2812 may be included in the outlet port portion of reservoir 2850 . The outlet port may include a valve retainer that mates with the dispensing aperture of the dispenser when reservoir 2850 is received by a cavity and/or receptacle within the dispenser. In at least one embodiment, the valve retainer includes a retainer perimeter such that as the fluid flows through the outlet port, the flowing fluid flows without contacting the retainer perimeter.

In addition to translation of the piston 2804 , translation of the nozzle assembly 2814 towards the top portion of the reservoir body 2802 will also dispense a portion of the contained fluid through the outlet port or nozzle 2812 . Accordingly, a user may dispense fluid from reservoir 2850 by applying a pumping force on the top surface of nozzle assembly 2814 . This allows for hand operation of the storage 2850 . Accordingly, fluid may be dispensed from reservoir 2850 by manual motion of nozzle assembly 2814 or translation of piston 2804 . To prevent accidental triggering of a dispensing event, such as hand pumping or operation of nozzle assembly 2814 , when reservoir 2850 is not in use or otherwise not received by a dispenser, overcap 2830 ) is provided. In preferred embodiments, the over cap 2830 is customized to account for the downward angle of the nozzle 2812 as discussed below.

In some embodiments, reservoir 2850 initially includes a seal, such as a thin film, label, or other fragile/brittle element. The seal covers the aperture 2808 . Upon initial use of reservoir 2850, the dispenser's driveshaft will puncture and/or puncture this seal. The perforated seal on the bottom cap 2806 provides a visual indication to the user that the reservoir 2850 has already been used by the dispenser. Various embodiments may include one-time use tabs similar to use tabs 1906 of FIGS. 19A and 19B . These use tabs may be included in piston 2804 , pump assembly 2820 , valve assembly 2832 , or other structures of reservoir 2850 . Use tabs may indicate when the piston 2804 has been translated from its initial position.

Use tabs included in pump assembly 2820 or valve assembly 2832 are particularly advantageous, since they use prior dispensing triggered by translation of piston 2804 or user-initiated manual action of nozzle assembly 2814 . Because it signals an event. A heat shrink-type tamper seal may also provide an indication of previous use. In various embodiments described herein, the actuator of the dispenser may sense a load or resistance on the driveshaft. Any of these pre-event signaling mechanisms can provide a greater load on the actuator. Accordingly, the dispenser can auto-detect whether the reservoir has been affected by a previous dispensing event or whether the reservoir is a virgin reservoir. In addition, the dispensing force required by the driveshaft varies with the viscosity or other properties of the fluid. Also, viscosity and other properties that affect the required dispensing force vary depending on the fluids that may be stored in a reservoir, such as reservoir 2850 . For example, viscosity varies between aqueous, oil-based and silicone-based lubricants. Accordingly, sensing the load on the actuator provides a means for determining the fluid contained within the reservoir. The dispenser may provide the user with an indication of whether the fluid reservoir 2850 has been affected by a previous dispensing event and/or fluid type.

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

In some embodiments, nozzle 2812 is angled downward (when reservoir 2850 is positioned in a vertical orientation). When the fluid reservoir 2850 is received by a dispenser, such as dispenser 2600 of FIG. 26A , the longitudinal axis of the reservoir is oriented at an angle above a horizontal plane within the dispense arm of the dispenser. When the reservoir 2850 is received within the dispenser and pivot assembly, such as when the pivot assembly 2760 of FIG. 27 is pivoted to a closed position, the downward angle of the nozzle 2812 causes the nozzle 2812 to be substantially vertical. and oriented downwards.

For example, as shown in FIG. 31A , reservoir 3150 is received by dispenser 3100 . Reservoir 3150 includes a downwardly angled nozzle 3112 (when oriented in a vertical position). When received in an upwardly angled dispenser arm 3180 , the angled nozzle 3112 is oriented substantially vertically. This vertical orientation of the nozzle 3112 allows a vertical clear line of sight for the dispensed fluid to flow into the user's hand. A clear line of sight prevents the dispensed fluid from contacting the surfaces of the dispenser, thus reducing the need for periodic cleaning of the dispenser's dispensing aperture, such as the dispensing aperture 2380 of FIGS. 23A-23B. In a preferred embodiment, the downward angle of the nozzle 2812 measured below the horizontal plane when the reservoir 2850 is oriented vertically is substantially equal to the angle of the dispense arm of the dispenser measured above the horizontal plane. The nozzle 2812 may include a valve retainer that mates with the aperture of the dispenser when the reservoir is inserted into a cavity or receptacle, such as receptacle 2770 of FIG. 27 . The outlet port of the nozzle 2812 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir 2850 .

The reservoir body 2802 includes a volume for receiving at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir 2850 . The volume available for receiving fluid may be substantially defined 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 FIG. 27 , may inductively generate current in this heating structure 2810 , at least as described in the context of FIGS. 20A and 20B . A conductive heating structure 2810 may be located around the outer surface of the body 2802 . In some embodiments, heating structure 2810 is an internal structure.

The heating structure 2810 may be a conductive tube. In preferred embodiments, the heating structure 2810 is constructed and arranged such that the heating structure 2810 surrounds at least a portion of the lower chamber 2824 of the valve assembly 2832 when the reservoir 2850 is assembled. . At least a portion of the heating structure 2810 is exposed to the fluid contained in the reservoir body 2802 . For example, FIG. 29 shows that portions of heating structure 2910 are exposed to the volume of reservoir body 2902 of reservoir 2950 . In other embodiments, the heating structure 2810 is a conductive tube that substantially lines at least a portion of the outer surface of the lower chamber 2824 of the pump assembly 2820 . In other embodiments, the conductive tube lines at least a portion of the interior surface of the reservoir body 2802 , including at least a portion of the fluid containing volume within the body 2802 . The heating structure 2810 is thermally coupled to the fluid contained within the reservoir 2850 .

Heating element 2810 may be constructed of any conductive material, such as, for example, copper, silver, gold, or 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 it will not corrode and contaminate any fluid contained within 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 FIG. 27 , inductive coils, such as coils 2780 of FIG. 27 , surround heating structure 2810 . The conductive coils provide substantially uniform heating of the fluid contained in reservoir 2850 . Also, the tubular configuration of the heating element 2810 will allow for faster heating cycles. In at least one embodiment, the heating element 2810 is integrated with the valve assembly 2832 .

29 shows a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with various embodiments of fluid dispensers disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir is in an uncompressed state. Reservoir 2950 includes a bottom cap 2906 . The bottom cap 2906 includes a central aperture 2908 that allows engagement of the piston 2904 with the driveshaft.

Reservoir 2950 includes a reservoir body 2902 that defines an interior volume that houses the fluid. At least a portion of the interior volume is exposed to the conductive tubular heating structure 2910 . As shown in FIG. 29 , in preferred embodiments, heating structure 2910 lines the outer surface of lower chamber 2924 of a valve assembly (eg, valve assembly 2832 of FIG. 28 ). As will be described throughout, an electric current is inductively generated in heating structure 2910 to heat the fluid contents. The interior volume of reservoir body 2902 is in fluid communication with a valve assembly and a pump assembly (eg, pump assembly 2820 of FIG. 28 ). At least one of the valve or pump assemblies is in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly 2914 and in particular underneath the angled nozzle 2912 .

As discussed in the context of FIG. 28 , the flow path exits through the valve assembly. The one or more valves may selectively inhibit or enable flow through the flow path. The lower valve assembly intake port draws in pressurized fluid from the reservoir body 2902 . The valve housing 2952 houses a lower valve (eg, a ball valve) that inhibits or enables fluid flow between the intake port 2996 into the lower valve assembly chamber 2924 . The upper spring valve 2918 inhibits or enables fluid flow between the lower valve assembly chamber 2924 and the flow volume 2926 of the nozzle assembly 2914 , as discussed below. The spring valve includes a restoring spring 2916 , a lower intake orifice or aperture 2992 , and an upper output orifice or aperture 2994 . Lower intake orifice 2992 and upper output orifice 2994 are in fluid communication through an internal cavity of spring valve 2918 , or flow path. A one-way valve may be positioned within valve 2918 . Fluid flowing through the valve assembly flow path and into the flow volume 2926 of the nozzle assembly will be dispensed from the reservoir 2950 through the angled nozzle 2912 .

If a dispensing event is not triggered, such as when the piston 2904 translates upwards or the nozzle assembly 2914 translates downwards, the housing 2952 and the lower ball valve received into the upper spring valve 2918 are the nozzles. Prevents fluid communication between 2912 and body 2902 . 30 illustrates downward translation of the nozzle assembly of reservoir 3050 .

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

When reservoir 2950 is positioned within or otherwise received by a dispenser (eg, dispenser 3100 in FIG. 31A ), nozzle assembly 2914 is prevented from forward translation by the dispensing member. 31A , the nozzle assembly of the reservoir 3150 is prevented from translation by the dispensing member 3182 . If the piston 2904 continues to translate, the fluid flowing into the lower chamber 2924 will increase the pressure in the chamber 2924 , overcoming the restoring force of the inner spring 2916 . Because the dispensing member is preventing translation of the nozzle assembly, when the restoring force associated with the inner spring 2916 is overcome, the body 2902 translates toward the nozzle assembly 2914 .

The restoring force of the inner spring 2916 is overcome, and when the reservoir body 2902 is translated towards the nozzle assembly 2914 , the spring valve 2918 will translate deeper into the lower chamber 2924 . For example, as shown in FIG. 30 , the spring valve is translated into the lower chamber 3024 , exposing the lower intake aperture 3092 of the spring valve to the pressurized fluid within the lower chamber 3024 . When plunged into the pressurized fluid, the lower intake orifice 2992 draws in or receives a portion of the pressurized fluid from the lower chamber 3024 . Due to the pressure differential, the fluid flows through the inner cavity of the spring valve 2918 into the chamber 2926 or upper flow volume of the nozzle assembly 2914 . From the upper chamber 2926 , the fluid flows out through an angled nozzle 2912 . Accordingly, upward translation of the piston 2904 and relative translation between the body 2902 and the nozzle assembly 2914 are directed out of the reservoir body 2902 and through the nozzle 2912 out of the reservoir 2950 . Allows fluid flow.

When the displacement force is removed from the piston 2904 by either or a combination of reduced pressure from the dispensed fluid, reduced mechanical load, or a combination thereof, the inner spring 2916 releases the initial position of the spring valve 2918. will restore and inhibit further flow of fluid from nozzle 2912 . When the pressure in chamber 2924 subsides, the ball valve in housing 2952 will reset to its initial position, inhibiting the flow of additional fluid into chamber 2924, and thus nozzle ( 2912) or block the outflow of fluid through the outlet port. Accordingly, the ball valve and spring valve 2918 in the housing 2952 resists output of the fluid through the nozzle 2912 unless the dispensing force increases the internal pressure of the fluid to overcome the resistance of the valves.

Hand operation of reservoir 2950 operates on a similar principle; However, the nozzle assembly 2914 is translated towards the body 2902 . In hand operation of reservoir 2950, only a predetermined volume of fluid may be dispensed in a single dispensing event. The predetermined volume of fluid is based on the total amount of fluid displaced by one pump of the assembly 2914 of nozzles. In addition, in hand operation of reservoir 2902 , a ball valve in housing 2952 prevents backflow of pressurized fluid in lower chamber 2924 back into reservoir body 2902 . In a dispensing event triggered by the translation of the piston 2904 , the lower ball valve is not needed because there will be no backflow from the lower chamber 2924 into the body 2902 . Accordingly, some embodiments do not include a bottom valve (eg, a ball valve).

Another advantage of a dispensing event triggered by the translation of the piston 2904 is that the fluid will continue to dispense as long as a translational or displacement force is applied to the piston 2904 . Accordingly, any desired, or predetermined, amount of fluid may be displaced in a single dispensing event, wherein the driveshaft applies a displacement and/or dispensing force to the piston 2904 . In preferred displacement events, approximately 0.1 to 0.2 ml of a dose of fluid is dispensed. However, as discussed herein, other embodiments are not mandatory, and various dispensers enable dosing paper selection from the user. Moreover, the reservoir 2950 may include an alignment member 2922 to prevent misalignment when inserting the reservoir 2950 into the dispensing unit. For example, alignment member 2922 may be similar to alignment member 2822 of FIG. 28 .

30 shows another side cutaway view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with various embodiments of fluid dispensers disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of fluid reservoir 3050 is shown in a compressed state. Compression of the spring 3016 translates the spring valve downward relative to the reservoir body 3002 , exposing the intake orifice 3092 to the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024 . As noted above, fluid flows through a spring valve into the upper chamber or flow volume 3026 of the nozzle assembly and out through an angled nozzle 3012 .

Correspondingly, FIG. 30 illustrates the relative translation between the downwardly angled nozzle 3012 (or outlet port) and the reservoir body 3002 . This translation is due to a distribution event. In a manually operated dispensing event, the user translates the nozzle assembly downward relative to the reservoir body 3002 . When a dispensing event is triggered by translation of the piston 3004 upwards towards the nozzle assembly, the reservoir body 3002 is translated relative to the nozzle assembly. This translation of the piston 3004 is enabled by engagement of the driveshaft through the aperture 3008 . Also shown is a tubular heating structure 3010 that heats the fluid stored in the fluid reservoir 3050 , an intake port 3096 , and a valve housing 3052 housing an internal lower ball valve. A keyed or alignment member 3022 is also shown to ensure proper alignment upon insertion into the fluid dispenser.

31A provides a side cutaway view of a dispenser including a pivot assembly, wherein the pivot assembly received a fluid reservoir and pivoted to a closed position. The view of dispenser 3100 in FIG. 31A may be similar to the view of dispenser 2200 in FIG. 22A . Dispenser 3100 may include features similar to dispenser 2600 of FIGS. 26A and 26B and any other embodiments of dispensers disclosed herein. For example, dispenser 3100 includes a dispenser housing that includes an upwardly angled dispensing arm 3180 . The pivot assembly of dispenser 3100 may be similar to pivot assembly 2760 of FIG. 27 . The dispenser 3100 includes a pivot actuator 3146 and a driveshaft. Driveshaft 3148 engages piston 3104 of reservoir 3150 through central aperture 3108 of reservoir 3150 .

The pivot assembly includes conductive coils 3180 surrounding a fluid-containing body of reservoir 3150 . The body of the reservoir 3150 includes a conductive heating structure. In various embodiments, the conductive coils 3180 substantially surround a portion of the reservoir 3150 that includes a heating structure for directing an electric current to the heating element. See, eg, FIG. 29 or positioning of heating structure 2910 in reservoir 2950. The induced current heats or warms the fluid contents of the reservoir 3150 stored in the reservoir body 3102 . Because the electrical coils 3180 uniformly surround the heating element, the fluid is uniformly heated. The pivot assembly includes a photo-emitting circuit board 3194 aligned with an at least partially transparent element 3196 of a housing of the dispenser 3100 . Light emitting circuit board 3194 includes at least one light emitting device, such as an LED. As discussed herein, a latching element may also be included to secure or otherwise couple the pivot assembly in a closed position. The latching element may be a magnetic latching element that is at least partially embedded in the lid 3134 of FIG. 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 to prevent dispensed fluid from contacting the surfaces of the dispensing aperture of the dispenser 3100 . do. Because the nozzle 3112 is positioned adjacent the rigid dispensing member 3182 , the nozzle 3112 does not translate in the dispensing event. Rather, the body 3102 of the dispenser 3150 is displaced forward relative to the nozzle 3112 . As discussed in the context of FIGS. 29 and 30 , this displacement of the body distributed the flow of fluid from reservoir 3150 .

In addition to the light emitting circuit board 3194 , the dispenser 3100 includes one or more circuit boards on which electronic components for controlling the operation of the dispenser 3100 are mounted. At least one of the circuit boards may be a printed circuit board (PCB). For example, the dispenser 3100 is an upper PCB on which electronic components for controlling the night light of the dispenser 3100, motion/contact sensors, various LED indicators, inductive heating coils 3180, user controls, etc. are mounted. (3164). Similarly, the lower PCB 3162 houses the electronics for controlling the actuators 3146 . Power cord 3104 provides power to top PCB 3164 , bottom PCB 3162 , actuator 3146 , and other electrically driven elements of dispenser 3100 . In preferred embodiments, the power cord 3104 provides alternating current (AC) power.

FIG. 31B provides a side cutaway view of dispenser 3100 of FIG. 31A , wherein the pivot assembly has been pivoted to a partially open position. As partially open, FIG. 31B illustrates sufficient clearance between the dispensing member 3182 of the angled dispensing arm 3180 and the angled nozzle 3112 (of FIG. 31A ) when the pivot assembly is pivoted open and closed. . In some embodiments, the pivot assembly is spring-loaded such that the pivot assembly automatically pivots to the open position when the latching elements are decoupled. When fully open, reservoir 3150 can be removed from dispenser 3100 . It should be noted that actuator 3146 , driveshaft 3148 , photo-emitter board 3194 , reservoir 3150 , and lid 3134 pivot with the pivoting assembly. When pivoted to the open position, the driveshaft 3148 may automatically retract from the piston 3104 of the reservoir 3150 .

32A illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The fluid reservoir 3250 may be collapsible or may be an accordion-style reservoir. The fluid reservoir 3250 includes a rigid reservoir body 3202 that is constructed and arranged to receive or otherwise mate with a flexible reservoir body 3206 to form a body of the fluid reservoir 3250 . The flexible reservoir body 3206 includes a flexible accordion-shaped bellows body. The flexible body 3206 can expand and contract to accommodate the amount of fluid stored in the reservoir 3250 .

The fluid reservoir 3250 includes an outlet port 3214 . In various embodiments, the outlet port 3214 includes a valve 3210 and a valve retainer 3212 . The outlet port 3214 , the valve 3210 , and the valve retainer 3212 are respectively the outlet port 1914 , the valve 1910 , and the valve retainer 1912 of FIGS. 19A and 19B or the outlet of FIGS. 24A and 24B . port 2414 , valve 2410 , and valve retainer 2412 . The fluid reservoir 3250 includes a translatable piston 3204 . In preferred embodiments, the piston 3204 is constructed and arranged to mate with the distal end of the flexible reservoir body 3206 . The flexible body 3206 may include a trench or indent 3208 to engage a driveshaft of a fluid dispenser. In various embodiments, the piston 3204 engages the internal service of the flexible body 3206 , such that the driveshaft translates the piston 3204 when the driveshaft engages the indent 3208 .

In a preferred embodiment, the piston 3204 includes a centrally located protrusion or indent for engagement with an indent 3208 of the reservoir 3208 . As the piston 3204 translates towards the outlet port 3214 , the fluid is dispensed, and the flexible body 3206 folds to accommodate the reduced amount of fluid contained within the reservoir 3250 . Preferred embodiments include a heating structure, such as heating structure 1920 of FIGS. 19A and 19B , heating structure 2020 of FIG. 20A , heating structure 2910 of FIG. 29 , or any other heating structure discussed herein. .

32B illustrates a bottom view of the assembled fluid reservoir 3250 of FIG. 32A . 32C illustrates a side view of the assembled fluid reservoir 3250 of FIGS. 32A and 32B .

33 provides an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with various embodiments of fluid dispensers disclosed herein. Fluid reservoir 3350 may include features similar to fluid reservoir 2850 of FIG. 28 . As such, the fluid reservoir 3350 includes a bottom cap 3306 , a reservoir body 3302 , a pump or cap assembly 3320 , a nozzle assembly 3314 , an over cap 3330 , and a valve assembly 3332 . . Any of the various embodiments of fluid reservoirs discussed herein may be a fluid delivery pod, or simply a pod.

When assembled, reservoir 3350 may include features similar to reservoirs 2950 or 3050 of FIGS. 29 and 30 , respectively. As such, the fluid reservoir may be used with the various dispensers discussed herein. For example, the reservoir 3350 may be the fluid dispensers 1800 of FIGS. 18, 21A and 21B, 22A and 22B, 23A and 23B, 26A and 26B, and 31A and 31B, respectively. , 2100, 2200, 2300, 2600 or 3100) may be received by a fluid dispenser.

Similar to fluid reservoir 2850 , fluid reservoir 3350 is a customized airless pump reservoir or bottle. Accordingly, the reservoir 3350 includes a pumping action triggered by the compressive force between the nozzle assembly 3314 and the reservoir body 3302 . The compressive force is directed along the longitudinal axis of the reservoir 3350 .

To induce a pumping action, valve assembly 3332 may be similar to valve assembly 2832 . As such, the valve assembly 3332 includes a lower valve chamber 3324 . A lower valve assembly aperture 3392 positioned at the bottom of the lower chamber 3324 leads into an internal chamber, path, or cavity of the valve assembly 3332 . An upper aperture is included in the valve assembly 3332 . The upper aperture enables a flow path through the interior cavity of the valve assembly 3332 .

This flow path is within the interior cavity of the valve assembly 3332 and between the lower aperture 3392 and the upper aperture. The flow path provides fluid communications between the reservoir body 3302 and the nozzle 3312 . One or more valves positioned within the flow path selectively block or otherwise inhibit flow through the flow path. A plurality of valves in valve assembly 3332 enable a pumping action to move fluid up and out of reservoir body 3302 and out through nozzle 3312 .

In the reservoir 2850 of FIG. 28 , the compressive force that triggers a dispensing event may be applied by translating the piston 2804 along the reservoir body 2802 towards the nozzle assembly 2814 . In contrast, reservoir 3350 does not include a translatable piston. Rather, as discussed below, a compressive force to trigger dispensing may be provided between the top surface of the nozzle assembly 3314 and the bottom cap 3308 .

When disposed in a dispenser, such as dispenser 3100 of FIGS. 31A and 31B , a dispensing member of a dispenser, such as dispensing member 3182 of dispenser 3100 , causes forward translation of nozzle assembly 3314 relative to dispenser 3100 . to prevent However, because the reservoir body 3302 is translatable relative to the nozzle assembly 3214, the reservoir body 3302 can translate forward through the driveshaft 3148 of the actuator 3146, which This is because it prevents forward translation of 3314 relative to dispenser 3100 . Driveshaft 3148 and distribution member 3182 provide compressive forces to the top and bottom of reservoir 3350 . Shortening the distance between the nozzle assembly 3314 and the reservoir body 3302 induces a pumping action that dispenses fluid from the nozzle 3312 .

To facilitate this dispensing event, the bottom cap 3306 includes a centrally located indent 3308 or other mating structure. Indent 3308 enables engagement between reservoir 3350 and a driveshaft of an actuator included in a dispenser, such as driveshaft 3148 of dispenser 3100 . The driveshaft is received by and mated with the indent 3308 to physically contact and engage the indent 3308 on the lower surface of the bottom cap 3306 . When mated or otherwise engaged with the bottom cap 3306 , translation of the driveshaft applies a force to the bottom of the reservoir 3350 . This force induces translation of the reservoir body 3302 . When the nozzle assembly 3314 prevents forward translation through the dispensing member 3182 , the reservoir body 3302 translates relative to the nozzle assembly 3314 . This translation shortens the relative distance between the body 3302 and the nozzle assembly 3314 and triggers the pumping action of the valve assembly 3332 . Thus, this translation triggers a dispensing event and fluid flows from the nozzle 3312 .

For example, reducing the distance between the nozzle assembly 3314 and the reservoir body 3302 can be analogous to the translation of a plunger driving fluid through a hypodermic needle. In at least one embodiment, reducing the distance between the nozzle assembly 3314 and the reservoir body 3302 may be similar to the translational motion of the piston 2804 of the reservoir 2850 , resulting in a dispensing event.

Any force that causes relative translation between the nozzle assembly 3314 and the reservoir body 3302 and shortens the distance between the two components can trigger a dispensing event. Accordingly, the user may dispense fluid from the reservoir 3350 by applying a pumping force on the top surface of the nozzle assembly 3314 . This allows for hand operation of the storage 3350 . Thus, similar to reservoir 2850 , fluid may be dispensed from opposing (compressive) forces against nozzle assembly 3314 and bottom cap 3306 . To prevent accidental triggering of a dispensing event, such as hand pumping or operation of nozzle assembly 3314 , when reservoir 3350 is not in use or otherwise not received by a dispenser, overcap 3330 ) is provided.

In some embodiments, reservoir 3350 initially includes a seal, such as a thin film, label, or other fragile/brittle element. The seal spans the nozzle assembly 3314 and the reservoir body 3302 . If the relative distance has previously been shortened, the seal is broken. The broken seal provides a visual indication to the user that the reservoir 3350 is already in use by the dispenser or has been manually manipulated by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the pump assembly 3320 includes an alignment member 3322 or keyed portion to ensure proper alignment and/or orientation when inserted into the dispenser. Alignment member 3322 may include a projection, key, or other suitable structure that mates or engages a corresponding structure of a fluid reservoir receptacle of a dispenser, such as, for example, fluid reservoir receptacle 2770 of FIG. 27 . In such embodiments, the fluid reservoir 3350 can be inserted into the receptacle only when the alignment member 3322 is properly aligned with a corresponding keyed structure in the receptacle of the dispenser. This ensures that the reservoir 3350 rotates about its longitudinal axis in the proper orientation when received by the dispenser. Proper rotation is required so that the nozzle 3312 is oriented in a down position and aligned with the dispensing aperture of the dispenser. Similar to reservoir 2850 , in some embodiments, nozzle 3312 is angled downward (when reservoir 3350 is positioned in a vertical orientation). This downward angulation of the nozzle 3312 allows for vertical orientation of the nozzle 3312 when the reservoir 3312 is placed in the dispenser.

The reservoir body 3302 includes a volume for receiving at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir 3350 . In preferred embodiments, the reservoir 3350 includes a conductive heating element 3310 positioned at least partially within the reservoir body. The conductive heating structure 3310 can be similar to the heating structure 2810 of the reservoir 2850 . A heating element, such as the conductive coils 2780 of FIG. 27 , may inductively generate a current in this heating structure 3310 , at least as described in the context of FIGS. 20A and 20B .

In various embodiments, the valve/heating structure sub-system 3300 of the reservoir 3350 includes a combination of a heating structure 3310 and a valve assembly 3332 . In preferred embodiments, the heating structure 3310 is constructed and arranged such that the heating structure 3310 surrounds at least a portion of the lower chamber 3324 of the valve assembly 3332 when the reservoir 3350 is assembled. . At least a portion of the heating structure 3310 is exposed to the fluid contained in the reservoir body 3302 . The heating structure 3310 is thermally coupled to the fluid contained within the reservoir 3350 .

28, 29, or 30, respectively, except that, in various embodiments, the reservoir 3350 includes a translatable piston, such as a piston 2804, 2904, or 3004, for dispensing a fluid therein. storage of at least one of storage 2850 , storage 2950 , or storage 3050 of Rather, dispensing fluid into reservoir 3350 requires a compressive force between the top and bottom of reservoir 3350 . The compressive force will shorten the distance between the nozzle assembly 3314 and the reservoir body 3302 . This shortening triggers a pumping action of reservoir 3350 and dispensing fluid therein. In reservoirs 2850, 2950 and 3050, a compressive force is provided by translating a corresponding piston.

The specific heat capacity of the various fluid types that can be stored in any of the reservoirs disclosed herein varies with the type of fluid. More viscous fluids may have a larger specific heat capacity than less viscous fluids. For example, water-based lubricants are typically more viscous than silicone-based lubricants and, therefore, typically have a higher specific heat capacity. In other words, to raise the temperature of a highly viscous fluid (water-based lubricants) by a predetermined amount, more than the same temperature change that may be required for a lower viscous fluid (silicone-based lubricants) It requires a lot of energy.

For fluids that are induction heated in reservoirs such as the reservoirs of any of the fluid reservoirs 1950, 2850, 2950, 3050, 3350 of FIGS. 19A and 19B , 28 , 29 , 30 and 33 , Different amounts of energy are required to raise the temperature of a fluid based on the type of fluid being inductively heated. Thus, a highly viscous fluid may take longer to heat up in one of the dispensers. In some embodiments, in reservoirs intended to contain fluids with greater specific heat capacity, a more efficient heating structure may be employed. These more efficient heating structures ensure that the fluids contained therein are heated by the dispenser within approximately the same time that fluids with low specific heat capacity are heated.

In essence, multiple configurations of heating structures may be employed to compensate for differences in the specific heat capacity of the fluids contained within the various reservoirs. The heating structure may be formed specifically for a particular fluid type. For example, for a given specific heat capacity, a heating structure may be formed to draw a predetermined amount of induced current to heat the fluid in the reservoir by a predetermined amount within a predetermined period of time.

To provide the various efficiencies of the heating structures employed in the reservoirs disclosed herein, the electrical conductivity or electrical resistance of the heating structures within the reservoir is varied depending on the type of fluid to be contained. Conductivity or resistance can be changed by changing the material from which the heating structure is made. For example, the heating structure may include silver, copper, gold, stainless steel, surgical steel, or aluminum, depending on the fluid to be contained.

In some embodiments, the surface area of the heating structure is varied to vary the amount of thermal energy transferred to the contained fluid. More current is induced in larger heating structures than in smaller heating structures. Thus, compared to smaller heating structures employed in reservoirs containing low-viscosity fluids, larger heating structures may be employed in reservoirs containing high-viscosity fluids. Moreover, heating structures that include a larger surface area transfer heat to the fluid more efficiently because more surface area is in thermal contact with the fluid.

For cylindrical or tubular heating structures such as 2810, 2910, 3010, 3310, etc., the length of the cylindrical heating structure may vary depending on the type of fluid to be contained. A longer heating structure results in a heating structure having a larger surface area. These heating structures are more efficient because a greater current can be induced and a greater surface area is in thermal contact with the fluid. Assuming constant length induction coils, such as conductive coils 2780 of FIG. 27 (and assuming that the length of the induction coils is longer than the coaxial heating structure), a larger current will be induced in the longer heating structure. Smaller lengths of heating structures will produce less current. In some embodiments, the surface area of the heating structure is changed by varying the inner radii and/or outer radii of the cylindrical heating structure.

Another advantage of varying the length of the heating structure is that the reservoirs can be configured to heat different fluid types by only changing the configuration of the heating coil, such as the length of the heating structure. Each of the other components included in the reservoir may be the same regardless of whether the reservoir contains a silicone-based lubricant or an aqueous lubricant. The only difference is the length of the heating structure. This simplifies, streamlines, and reduces costs in the manufacturing process rather than making multiple reservoir types for different fluid types. Moreover, the dispenser itself does not need to be programmed with different heating times. Accordingly, the configuration of the dispenser device is simplified and the use becomes easier.

Another advantage of forming one specific heating structure for one fluid type is the ability to automatically detect the type of fluid being heated. For example, any of the various dispensers disclosed herein, including at least dispenser 3100 of FIG. 31 , can detect the amount of current induced in the heating structure of the contained reservoir. The dispenser may detect a corresponding energy drop in the current in heating coils, such as conductive coils 2780 of FIG. 27 , to determine the current induced in the heating structure. From the detected energy loss, the length of the heating structure and thus the type of fluid contained can be determined. The dispenser may provide, via a user interface, an indication of the type of fluid in the contained reservoir.

34 illustrates a valve/heating structure sub-system 3400 that may be included in various fluid reservoir embodiments disclosed herein. For example, sub-system 3400 may be included in any one of storages 2850 , 2950 , 3050 , or 3350 of FIG. 28 , 29 , 30 , or 33 , respectively.

Sub-system 3400 may be similar to sub-system 3300 of FIG. 33 . Accordingly, sub-system 3400 includes a valve assembly 3432 and a conductive heating structure 3410 . Sub-system 3400 is a modular sub-system in which heating structures of various lengths may be included in sub-system 340 . Valve assembly 3432 can be similar to valve assembly 2832 or valve assembly 3332 of reservoir 2850 or reservoir 3350 , respectively. Likewise, heating element 3410 can, respectively, include reservoir 2850 or similar to heating element 2810 or heating element 3310 of reservoir 3350 . As discussed below, a valve/heating structure sub-system, such as valve/heating structure sub-system 3400 , enables efficient heating of various fluid types by allowing for differences in the surface area of the heating structure.

In the valve/heating configuration sub-system 3400 , the valve assembly 3432 includes a lower chamber 3424 , which terminates at a valve intake port 3496 that includes a lower valve assembly aperture 3492 . The valve assembly 3432 further includes a valve assembly trigger 3434 . The valve assembly 3432 includes a fluid flow path between a lower valve assembly aperture 3492 and an upper valve assembly aperture at the top of the trigger 3434 . Triggering or compression of the trigger 3434 induces fluid to flow from below the lower aperture 3492 , through the fluid flow path, and from the upper aperture. In various embodiments, triggering the trigger 3434 induces a pumping action to draw the fluid up and through the fluid flow path.

34 , heating structure 3410 may be a conductive tube or hollow cylinder that includes heating structure apertures 3426 . The heating structure 3410 is received above the lower chamber 3424 and is concentric or coaxial with the lower chamber 3424 . In at least one embodiment, the heating structure aperture 3426 slidably receives at least a portion of the lower chamber 3424 . The heating element 3410 includes an overlap region 3428 where the longitudinal edges of the tube overlap to create a tube structure. In some embodiments, heating element 3410 does not include an overlapping region. In some embodiments, a gap may exist between the longitudinal edges of a tube, ie a split tube. In at least one embodiment, the longitudinal edges are welded or crimped to join the edges.

(R-r)로 근사화된다. 가열 구조(3410)의 외부 표면적(A)은 A

1πR2로 근사화된다. 마찬가지로, 가열 구조(3410)의 내부 표면적은 1πr2로 근사화된다. l, R, r 중 임의의 것이 저장소와 함께 수납되는 유체에 특정한 가열 구조를 생성하도록 변화될 수 있고, 즉 수납된 유체의 비열 용량을 보상하도록 맞춤화될 수 있다. I, R, r을 변화시키는 것은, 내부 유체를 가열하기 위한 유도 전류가 더 많거나 적어지게 하여, 이에 따라 디스펜서 내에서 더 많게너 더 적은 가열 시간을 필요로 할 것이다. Heating structure 3410 may be of length l. Moreover, the outer radius and inner radius of the heating structure may be characterized by R and r, respectively. Therefore, the thickness (t) of the tube is t

(Rr) is approximated. The outer surface area A of heating structure 3410 is A

It is approximated as 1πR2. Likewise, the inner surface area of heating structure 3410 is approximated as 1πr2. Any of l, R, r may be varied to create a heating structure specific to the fluid contained with the reservoir, ie tailored to compensate for the specific heat capacity of the contained fluid. Varying I, R, r will cause more or less induced current to heat the inner fluid, thus requiring more or less heating time in the dispenser.

h). 하부 챔버(3424)의 다른 길이(H)는 가열 요소(3410)를 초과하고, 가열 요소(3410)에 의해 커버되지 않는다. 일부 실시예들에서, 하부 챔버(3424)의 전체 길이(L)는 L

H + h로 근사화된다. 다른 실시예들에서, 하부 챔버(3424)의 일 부분은 가열 요소(3410) 미만이다. 가열 구조(3410)는 유체와 접촉하는 가열 구조(3410)의 표면적의 양에 따라 하부 챔버(3424)를 따라 어디든지 포지셔닝될 수 있다. 적어도 하나의 실시예에서, 가열 구조(3410)의 일 부분은 하부 개구(3492) 아래로 연장된다. In at least one embodiment, heating structure 3410 is positioned over lower chamber 3424 such that heating structure 3410 covers a length h of lower chamber 3410 (l).

h). The other length H of the lower chamber 3424 exceeds the heating element 3410 and is not covered by the heating element 3410 . In some embodiments, the overall length L of the lower chamber 3424 is L

It is approximated as H + h. In other embodiments, a portion of the lower chamber 3424 is less than the heating element 3410 . The heating structure 3410 may be positioned anywhere along the lower chamber 3424 depending on the amount of surface area of the heating structure 3410 in contact with the fluid. In at least one embodiment, a portion of the heating structure 3410 extends below the lower opening 3492 .

35 depicts three embodiments of valve/heating structure sub-systems that may be incorporated into the various fluid reservoirs disclosed herein, wherein the length of the heating structure varies based on the type or viscosity of the fluid contained therein. do. Sub-systems 3500 , 3540 and 3580 include valve assemblies 3532 , 3572 , and 3592 , respectively. Likewise, sub-systems 3500 , 3540 and 3580 include heating structures 3510 , 3550 and 3590 , respectively.

Heating structures 3510 , 3550 and 3590 are l1 , l2 and l3 in length, respectively, where l1 > l2 > l3 . Accordingly, the heating structure 3510 may be used for a reservoir containing a viscous fluid (eg, an aqueous lubricant). Heating structures 3590 may be used in a reservoir containing a low viscosity fluid (eg, silicone-based lubricant). Heating structure 3550 may be used in a reservoir containing a fluid that is of specific heat capacity anywhere between an aqueous lubricant and a silicone-based lubricant. Heating structures that draw low induced current are desirable for less viscous fluids to avoid excessive heat transfer to the lower chamber of the valve assemblies.

15.2 mm이다. 다양한 실시예들에서, 1 mm < l3 < 10 mm이다. 바람직한 실시예들에서, 3 mm < l3 < 7 mm이다. 특정의 바람직한 실시예에서, l3

5 mm이다. 다양한 실시예들에서, 5 mm < l2 < 15 mm이다. 바람직한 실시예들에서, 7 mm < l2 < 13 mm이다. 일부 실시예들에서, 가열 구조들(3510, 3550 또는 3590) 중 적어도 하나의 외부 직경(outer diameter)은 6 mm 내지 10 mm이다. 바람직한 실시예에서, 외부 직경은 대략 8 mm이다. 수납된 유체의 유형 또는 점도에 따라, 임의의 가열 구조들의 길이 및 다른 선형 치수들에 대해 다른 값들이 가능하다는 것을 이해해야 한다. In various embodiments, 10 mm < 11 < 20 mm. In various preferred embodiments, 13 mm < 11 < 17 mm. In certain preferred embodiments, l1

It is 15.2 mm. In various embodiments, 1 mm < 13 < 10 mm. In preferred embodiments, 3 mm < 13 < 7 mm. In certain preferred embodiments, l3

5 mm. In various embodiments, 5 mm < 12 < 15 mm. In preferred embodiments, 7 mm < 12 < 13 mm. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of at least one of heating structures 3510 , 3550 or 3590 is between 6 mm and 10 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter is approximately 8 mm. It should be understood that other values are possible for the length and other linear dimensions of any of the heating structures, depending on the type or viscosity of the contained fluid.

In some embodiments, the length of the lower chamber of the valve assembly is subdivided into two lengths, denoted H and h, wherein the heating element covers the length denoted h and the length denoted H is not covered by the heating element. does not In FIG. 35 , corresponding lengths h1 , h2 , and h3 as well as H1 , H2 , and H3 lengths are shown in valve assemblies 3532 , 3572 , and 3592 , respectively. Although each of the heating structures is located at the lower end of the corresponding lower chamber of the valve assemblies in FIG. 35 , other embodiments are not so limited, and the heating structure may be positioned anywhere on the corresponding lower chamber.

In at least one embodiment, each of the valve assemblies 3532 , 3572 , and 3592 is the same, such that only the length of the corresponding heating structures 3510 , 3550 and 3590 needs to be changed to accommodate the various fluid types. . Accordingly, the manufacturing process of reservoirs for containing fluids of various types or viscosities is simplified and/or streamlined. The manufacturing process of the dispenser is also simplified because the heating structure of the reservoir itself takes into account the heating times of different fluids without changing the programming of the dispenser in which the reservoir may be placed.

36 shows three fluid reservoirs comprising heating structures of varying lengths and positioning to compensate for the specific heat capacity of the fluid stored in the corresponding reservoirs. Each of the fluid reservoirs 3600 , 3640 and 3680 can be similar to any one of the reservoirs 2850 , 2950 and 3050 of FIGS. 28 , 29 , and 30 respectively, which is the fluid reservoirs 3600 , 3640 , respectively. , 3680) because each includes a piston. However, it should be understood that in the alternative, each of the fluid reservoirs 3600 , 3640 and 3680 may not include a piston. Accordingly, the reservoirs 3600/3640/3680 may be similar to the liquid reservoir 3350 of FIG. 33 . Each of the fluid reservoirs 3600/3640/3680 includes a valve/heating structure sub-system similar to the valve/heating structure sub-systems 3400 , 3500 , 3540 and 3580 of FIGS. 34 and 35 .

The only difference between the reservoirs 3600 , 3640 and 3680 is the length and positioning of the corresponding heating structures 3610 , 3650 and 3690 . Heating structure 3610 includes a length 14 and is positioned to run the length of the lower chamber of the valve assembly. Heating structure 3650 includes length 15 and is positioned near the bottom of the lower chamber of the valve assembly. Heating structure 3690 includes a length 16 and is positioned near the center of the lower chamber of the valve assembly, where l4 > l5, l6. At least a portion of each of the heating structures 3610 , 3650 and 3690 is positioned within the reservoir body and is in thermal contact with a fluid stored in the reservoir body. It should be understood that the positioning as well as the length of the heating structure may vary in each of the embodiments discussed throughout. For example, the length and positioning may be based on the type of fluid contained in the reservoir, as well as reservoir embodiments that do not include a piston (such as fluid reservoir 3350 in FIG. 33 ) as well as piston (fluid reservoir 2850 in FIG. 28 ). may vary in storage embodiments including

37 illustrates a valve/heating structure sub-system 3700 in which the inner and outer radii of the heating structure are varied to compensate for the specific heat capacity of the fluid stored in the corresponding reservoir. Heating structures 3710, 3750, and 3790, respectively, are shown in bottom view to demonstrate differences in outer and inner radii: (R1, r1), (R2, r2), and (R3, r3), respectively. Each thickness t of the heating structure is equal to the difference between the corresponding outer and inner radii.

As noted above, the difference in the outer radius of the heating structure increases the surface area of the heating structure in thermal contact with the fluid. Thus, increasing the outer radius may be applicable to heating structures employed for heating highly viscous fluids. Varying the thickness of the heating structure changes the electrical conductance of the heating structure so that the amounts of induced currents are varied. Thus, the thickness can be varied to compensate for different fluid types. The radius of the lower chamber of the valve assembly 3732 may be varied to compensate for differences in the inner radii r1 , r2 and r3 of each of the heating structures 3710 , 3750 and 3790 . In alternative embodiments, the heating structure may be made in other shapes and sizes than those discussed above, with different sizes to compensate for different fluids within the reservoirs.

38 illustrates a method 3800 for providing a fluid reservoir customized to contain a particular fluid type. After the start block, process 3800 proceeds to block 3802, where the type of fluid to be contained in the reservoir is determined. For example, at block 3802, it may be determined whether an aqueous lubricant or silicone-based lubricant should be contained in the reservoir.

At block 3804 , the type of conductive material of the heating elements is determined based on the type of fluid. For example, depending on the type of fluid to be heated, a conductive material such as silver, gold, stainless steel or surgical steel, copper, etc. may be determined. The type of material may be based on the electrical conductivity or resistance of the material type.

At block 3806, the physical dimensions of the heating structure are determined based on the fluid type. For example, as discussed herein, the inner and/or outer radius as well as the length of the heating structure may be determined to compensate for the specific heat capacity of the fluid type. At block 3808, the valve/heating structure sub-system is incorporated. As in sub-systems 3500 , 3540 or 3580 , a heating structure is positioned above the lower chamber of the valve assembly. Additionally, at block 3808, the position of the heating structure on the lower chamber of the valve assembly may be determined. For example, FIG. 36 shows various positioning of the heating structure to compensate for the specific heat capacity of a fluid type. At block 3810, the valve/heating structure sub-system is installed in a reservoir, such as reservoir 2850 or 3350 of FIG. 28 or 33, respectively.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described as set forth above, many modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely with reference to the following claims.

Embodiments of the invention for which exclusive features or privileges are claimed are defined as follows.

Claims (29)

A fluid delivery pod comprising:
a first surface;
a second surface opposite the first surface;
a reservoir body intermediate the first and second surfaces, the reservoir body configured to receive a fluid;
an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir;
a heating structure within the reservoir body, the heating structure being electrically conductive to wirelessly receive induced energy from an energy source external to the fluid reservoir for heating at least a portion of a fluid within the reservoir body; and
a valve assembly operative to dispense at least a portion of the heated fluid through the outlet port in response to application of compressive forces on the opposing first and second surfaces;
the first surface further comprises a piston, the piston translates along at least a portion of the reservoir body;
wherein the valve assembly includes a lower chamber and the heating structure is positioned around at least a portion of the lower chamber of the valve assembly;
fluid delivery pods. According to claim 1,
the physical dimensions of the heating structure are based on the fluid type of fluid contained within the reservoir body;
fluid delivery pods. 3. The method of claim 2,
wherein the different fluid delivery pods receive fluids of different fluid types and include different heating structures, wherein the physical dimensions of the different heating structures are based on the different fluid types;
fluid delivery pods. delete According to claim 1,
wherein the lower chamber of the valve assembly and the heating structure are coaxial along an axis extending between the first and second surfaces;
fluid delivery pods. According to claim 1,
wherein the heating structure is a conductive tube comprising a length, an inner radius and an outer radius;
fluid delivery pods. 7. The method of claim 6,
wherein the heating structure has a length of 13 to 17 millimeters;
fluid delivery pods. 7. The method of claim 6,
wherein the heating structure has a length of 3 to 7 millimeters;
fluid delivery pods. According to claim 1,
a lower chamber of the valve assembly slidably receiving the heating structure;
fluid delivery pods. A fluid reservoir comprising:
A reservoir body comprising a first end, a second end and a volume, the reservoir body constructed and arranged to receive a fluid in the volume, the first end constructed and arranged to receive an actuator a reservoir body comprising at least one of an aperture or an indent;
a piston received within the volume of the reservoir body and constructed and arranged to translate along an axis of translation;
a nozzle in communication with the interior volume of the reservoir body, the nozzle being constructed and arranged to output the fluid contained within the reservoir;
a valve assembly comprising a lower chamber and a first valve, wherein the first valve resists output of the fluid through the nozzle unless a dispensing force is applied to the reservoir, wherein the dispensing force is a resistance of the first valve a valve assembly that increases the internal pressure of the fluid to overcome and
a heating structure disposed within the reservoir body and surrounding an outer surface of a lower chamber of the valve assembly, wherein when the fluid is received within a volume of the reservoir body, the heating structure is thermally coupled with the fluid; a heating structure constructed and arranged to heat at least a portion of the fluid contained within a reservoir body;
fluid reservoir. 11. The method of claim 10,
wherein the heating structure is a conductive tube comprising a length, an inner radius aperture and an outer radius, the aperture constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of the lower chamber of the valve assembly;
fluid reservoir. 12. The method of claim 11,
the length of the heating structure is based on a fluid type of fluid contained in the volume of the reservoir body;
fluid reservoir. 12. The method of claim 11,
at least one of an outer radius or an inner radius of the heating structure is based on a fluid type of fluid contained in the volume of the reservoir body;
fluid reservoir. 12. The method of claim 11,
The outer radius of the heating structure is 6 mm to 10 mm,
fluid reservoir. 12. The method of claim 11,
wherein the tube comprises at least one of an overlapping region, a welded region, or a gap region;
fluid reservoir. 11. The method of claim 10,
The first end of the reservoir body includes the aperture, wherein when the aperture receives the actuator, the actuator mates with the piston and the actuator provides the distribution forces on the piston. doing,
fluid reservoir. A fluid reservoir containing a fluid, comprising:
a reservoir body comprising a longitudinal axis and a volume, the reservoir body constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of a fluid within the volume;
a piston constructed and arranged to translate along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the reservoir body;
A heating structure disposed within the reservoir body, wherein when a fluid is received within a volume of the reservoir body, the heating structure is thermally coupled to energize at least a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir body. a heating structure, wherein the length of the heating structure is based on a fluid type of the fluid contained therein;
a nozzle in communication with the interior volume of the reservoir and constructed and arranged to output the contained fluid; and
a valve assembly that resists output of the fluid through the nozzle unless a compressive force is applied to the reservoir along the longitudinal axis;
a length of the heating structure is a first length when a first type of fluid of a first specific heat capacity is received in the reservoir body;
a length of the heating structure is a second length when a second type of fluid of a second specific heat capacity is received within the reservoir body;
the first length is greater than the second length, and the first specific heat capacity is greater than the second specific heat capacity;
fluid reservoir. 18. The method of claim 17,
wherein the heating structure and the lower chamber of the valve assembly are coaxial with the longitudinal axis;
fluid reservoir. delete 18. The method of claim 17,
the thickness of the heating structure is based on the fluid type of the fluid contained therein;
fluid reservoir. A method of providing a fluid transfer pod according to claim 1, comprising:
determining the type of fluid to receive within the fluid transfer pod;
determining one or more physical dimensions of the heating structure based on the determined type of fluid, wherein a change in the one or more physical dimensions changes at least an electrical conductance of the heating structure. determining physical dimensions; and
providing the fluid transfer pod to the heating structure;
wherein the heating structure comprises one or more physical dimensions determined based on the type of fluid.
A method of providing a fluid delivery pod. 22. The method of claim 21,
determining a type of conductive material based on the type of fluid;
wherein the heating structure is constructed from the determined type of conductive material, wherein a change in the type of conductive material changes at least an electrical conductivity of the heating structure;
A method of providing a fluid delivery pod. 23. The method of claim 22,
wherein the type of conductive material comprises at least one of stainless steel or surgical steel;
A method of providing a fluid delivery pod. 22. The method of claim 21,
wherein said type of fluid comprises at least one of a water-based lubricant or a silicone-based lubricant;
A method of providing a fluid delivery pod. 22. The method of claim 21,
wherein the determined at least one physical dimension of the heating structure comprises a length of the heating structure;
A method of providing a fluid delivery pod. 26. The method of claim 25,
the determined length of the heating structure is between 13 and 17 millimeters;
A method of providing a fluid delivery pod. 26. The method of claim 25,
the determined length of the heating structure is between 3 and 7 millimeters;
A method of providing a fluid delivery pod. 22. The method of claim 21,
wherein the determined at least one physical dimension of the heating structure comprises a diameter of the heating structure, wherein the determined diameter is between 6 and 10 millimeters;
A method of providing a fluid delivery pod. 22. The method of claim 21,
The heating structure is a cylindrical heating structure,
A method of providing a fluid delivery pod.

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