KR20170077226A - Inductively heatable fluid reservoir - Google Patents

Abstract

The fluid reservoir includes a reservoir body, a heating structure, a piston, and an outlet port. The reservoir body includes a transverse plane, and a translation axis. The cross section is 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 energizes the fluid contained in the reservoir bore. The piston translationally moves along the translation axis. The available volume of the reservoir to accommodate the fluid is defined by the distance between the piston and the end of the reservoir body. When the piston is translationally moved toward the end along the translational axis, the volume of fluid energized by the heating structure flows from 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.

Description

[0001] INDUCTIVELY HEATABLE FLUID RESERVOIR [0002]

[0001] This application is a PCT of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 530,479, filed October 31, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to dispensers for viscous fluids, and more particularly to motion and / or proximity-activated dispensers for heating viscous fluids prior to dispensing the fluids.

[0003] Motion activated soap dispensers are well known. These dispensers advantageously reduce the spread of germs and disease by not requiring any contact with the dispensers. Automated soap dispensers typically have a large amount of fluid that flows freely. The mechanisms of these dispensers hold a residual amount of soap, which can be taken into account when considering a large reservoir size. Soap remains in the container. The soap also typically contacts the container outer side distribution mechanism.

[0004] Motion-activated dispensing may be advantageously used with other fluids, such as personal lubricants or other materials that are dispensed into medical disciplines. In particular, the lack of contamination may be ideal. However, dispensing of other fluids can be performed effectively using existing soap dispensing devices, taking into account that the residual fluid remaining in the dispenser may be dirty, non-hygienic, or can lead to unacceptable waste none.

[0005] It may also be beneficial to warm or heat the fluid, such as a personal lubricant, prior to dispensing the fluid. The systems and methods disclosed herein provide an improved dispensing mechanism that can be used with personal lubricants or other viscous fluids.

[0006] In one aspect of the invention, the dispenser includes a housing having a base configured to stably rest on a support surface. The housing includes an upper portion in which a gap between the base and the upper portion is positioned over the base sized to receive a human hand. The upper portion defines a cavity dimensioned to receive an opening extending directly into the cavity through the fluid reservoir and the lower surface of the upper portion. The pressing member is positioned in the cavity, the actuator is coupled to the pressing member, and the pressing member is pressed toward the opening and away from the opening. The fluid reservoir can be positioned within the cavity and the fluid reservoir includes 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-driven opening.

[0007] In another aspect, the dispenser includes a controller mounted within the housing and operably coupled to the actuator, wherein the controller is 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 operably coupled to the controller, and the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to the output of the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is mounted in the upper portion and the controller is mounted in the base. The dispenser may further comprise a light emitting device mounted within a portion of the housing, preferably within the upper portion. In this embodiment, the upper portion includes a downwardly facing translucent panel that is positioned below the light emitting device. In at least some other embodiments, the upper portion includes a thinner section of the housing that is 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 portions of the plurality of discrete positions including a start position and an end position in response to detecting movement of the gap by the proximity sensor. The controller may also be configured to activate the actuator to move to a starting position in response to sensing an actuator ' s positioning in an end position. The dispenser may further include a temperature control element disposed in thermal contact with the cavity or otherwise for heating the fluid reservoir. The temperature control element is preferably a heating element such as a resistance heater.

[0008] In another aspect, the actuator is configured to press the pressing member in a first direction, and the upper portion is arranged substantially transverse to the first direction (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the first direction) RTI ID = 0.0 > 1, < / RTI > The pressing member may include a pressing surface extending normal from the opening and having a normal that is substantially parallel to the first direction. The pressing member can be positioned on the second side of the opening on the opposite side of the first side. The actuator is configured to urge the urging member in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, the upper portion defines rails extending perpendicular to the first direction, and the urging member is configured to slidably receive the rails. The fluid reservoir can be collapsible in a cavity having a first surface in contact with the stop surface and a second surface in contact with the pressure surface, the neck contacting the first surface, and the collapsible reservoir The body may have a substantially constant cross-section along a substantially entire range of the body between the first surface and the second surface.

[0009] In yet another aspect, the biasing member includes a roller that is rotatably coupled to the actuator and defines a rotational axis. The actuator is configured to move the rollers in a first direction toward the openings and perpendicular to the rotational axis across the cavities away from the openings. The pressing member may include an axle extending through the roller and the upper portion defines guides that engage the end portions of the axle. The actuator may be coupled to the end portions of the shaft by a flexible but substantially non-extensible line. The springs can be coupled to the end portions of the axle and can be configured to press the roller from the opening to an offset starting position.

[0010] In another aspect, the opening extends through the lower surface of the upper portion in a first direction, and the pressing member is positionable to a starting position having a cavity positioned between the opening and the pressing member. The actuator is configured to press the urging member along the first direction from the starting position toward the opening. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the upper portion defines an aperture, the lid is hingedly secured to the lower surface and is selectively positionable over the aperture, and the aperture is defined in the lid. In some embodiments, one or more members extend from the cavity to an offset position in the cavity, and each member of one or more members is pivotally mounted on the upper portion, An arm - a first arm extending a pressing member phase having a pressing member positioned between the first arm and the opening; And a second arm that engages the actuator.

[0011] In another aspect, the first and second rods each have a second end that is pivotally coupled to one side of the cavity at the first end and is positioned on the opposite side of the cavity. The actuator is configured to engage the first and second rods and draw the first and second rods towards the opening through the cavity.

[0012] In various embodiments, the dispenser includes a housing, an aperture of the housing, a receptacle in the housing, a heating element, and an actuator. The aperture may be a distribution aperture. The receptacle or cavity is configured and arranged to removably receive the reservoir bore. When the reservoir bore is received by the receptacle, the outlet port of the reservoir bore is exposed through the aperture. The heating element is configured and arranged to energize or heat the fluid contained within the reservoir bore. When the actuator is actuated, the actuator provides a dispensing force to induce a flow of energized fluid of a predetermined volume in the reservoir through the exposed outlet port of the reservoir bore. Thus, the dispenser distributes a predetermined volume energized through the aperture.

[0013] 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 (such as an electric stepper motor). The dispensing force translates the piston of the reservoir bore by a predetermined distance to induce and dispense a predetermined amount of energized fluid flow.

[0014] In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is linearly proportional to a predetermined volume of the distributed energized fluid. The heating element may be configured and arranged to induce a current in the heating structure. The heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid contained in the reservoir bore. The induced current in the heating structure energizes or heats the fluid.

[0015] In various embodiments, the dispenser further includes a sensor that generates a signal when the object is positioned proximate to the aperture of the housing or when the object is moving relative to the aperture. A 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 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).

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing includes a base portion below the aperture. The housing is configured 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 below the aperture. The containment depression is configured and arranged to include a volume of dispensed fluid.

[0017] The apertures are configured and arranged such that when a predetermined volume of fluid flows through the outlet port of the reservoir, a 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 surround at least a portion of the receptacle such that the heating element is configured and arranged to energize substantially uniformly at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir. In at least some embodiments, the receptacle is a pivoting receptacle configured and arranged to pivot into an open position and a closed position. The dispenser may include a pivot assembly configured and arranged to pivotally rotate at least one of the receptacle, the heating element, and the actuator.

[0018] In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser includes a housing, an aperture of the housing, a receptacle in the housing, an actuator, and a power source. The aperture may be a distribution aperture. The receptacle is configured and arranged to receive the reservoir bore. When the reservoir bore is received by the receptacle, the outlet port of the reservoir bore is exposed through the aperture. When actuated, the actuator provides a dispensing force that directs the flow of the volume of fluid within the reservoir through the outlet port of the reservoir bore and distributes the volume of the fluid through the aperture. The power source provides power to the actuator. The power source includes an alternating current source.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the dispenser further comprises a heating element. The alternating current source provides alternating current to the heating source. The heating element may be close to the receptacle. The dispenser may further include a motor that provides a dispensing force. AC power supplies AC current to the motor. The dispenser may also include at least one touch sensitive sensor. The at least one contact detection sensor may detect a user's contact through the housing.

[0020] The fluid reservoir includes an outlet port disposed on the reservoir body, the heating structure, the piston, and the reservoir body. The reservoir body includes a first end, a second end, a transverse section, and a translation axis. The translational motion axis is substantially orthogonal to the transverse plane. The translational motion 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 configured and arranged to energize or heat at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir bore. The piston is constructed and arranged to translate along a translation axis. The available volume of the reservoir to accommodate 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 the closed end of the reservoir bore. When the piston is translationally moved along the translation axis toward the second end, the volume of fluid energized by the heating structure flows from 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.

[0021] In some embodiments, the heating structure is a conductive disk that includes a cross-section that substantially coincides with the cross-section of the minor bore body. The heating structure may be disposed close to the second end of the main bore body. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir bore further comprises in-use tabs configured and arranged to indicate whether the piston has been translated from the 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 regulator bore body may be a cylindrical body. The second end is a cylindrical base.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the outlet port includes a valve constructed and arranged to allow fluid contained in the reservoir to flow through the valve in response to a translation of the piston toward the second end of the reservoir body. The valve is also configured and arranged to retain the fluid in the reservoir when the piston is not translated. The outlet port includes a valve retainer configured and arranged to match an aperture of the dispenser when the reservoir bore is received by a cavity in the dispenser. The valve retainer includes a retainer circumference that is configured and arranged to allow fluid flowing through the outlet port to flow without contact with the circumference of the retainer when the fluid contained within the reservoir flows through the outlet port.

[0023] In various embodiments, the cross-section of the exit port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the translational axis. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the exit port is oriented substantially parallel to the translation axis. The outlet port may be disposed proximate the heating structure such that the fluid flowing through the outlet port approaches the heating structure before flowing through the outlet port. The piston includes a driven structure configured and arranged to align with a drive shaft driven by the motor. In at least one embodiment, the piston includes a driven structure configured and arranged to match a drive shaft driven by a pressurized gas.

[0024] 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 volume configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the fluid contained in the longitudinal axis and the reservoir. When the fluid is received in the volume of the reservoir body, the heating structure is configured and arranged to thermally couple to the fluid contained in the body and energize at least a portion of the fluid contained within the body. The piston is configured and arranged to translate along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the reservoir body. The nozzles are arranged on the surface of the reservoir bore configured and arranged to output fluid contained within the reservoir bore. The first valve resists the output of fluid through the nozzle unless a dispensing force is applied to the reservoir bore. The dispensing force increases the internal pressure of the fluid to overcome the resistance of the first valve.

[0025] In some embodiments, the reservoir bore includes a bottom cap including an aperture that allows the drive shaft to apply a dispensing force to the piston, wherein when the dispensing force is applied to the piston, the piston is translated The resistance of the first valve is overcome to output a portion of the fluid from the nozzle. The regulator bore may further include a nozzle assembly. When a dispensing force is applied to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly translates relative to the reservoir body and the resistance of the first valve is overcome to output a portion of the fluid from the nozzle.

[0026] The nozzle may be an angled nozzle. When the reservoir bore is received by the fluid dispenser, the angled nozzles are 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 work together to selectively restrict 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 needle valve.

[0027] Some embodiments of the regenerative bore include seals configured and arranged to provide a visual indication of whether the piston has previously been translated from an initial position. The regulator bore may be an airless pump regulator bore. The regenerated bore can be a customized bottle, and the cosmetics industry utilizes bottles that are not customized or remodeled. At least one embodiment includes an overcap configured and arranged to prevent the output of fluid from the nozzle when the reservoir is not in use.

[0028] Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.
[0029] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a compression element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0033] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a rolling element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 5;
[0035] Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Fig. 5;
[0036] Figure 8 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a plunger according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an isometric view showing the plunger mechanism of the dispenser of FIG. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 8;
[0039] Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Fig. 8;
[0040] Figs. 12A and 12B are front sectional views of the dispenser of Fig. 8;
[0041] FIG. 13 is another partial exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 8;
[0042] Figure 14 is an isometric view of an operating assembly of the dispenser of Figure 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 16 is an isometric view showing the dispenser and fluid reservoir of FIG. 16 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] Figs. 17A to 17C are sectional views of the dispenser of Fig. 16;
[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a dispenser consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The lid is opened to expose the removable fluid reservoir received by the dispenser.
[0047] FIG. 19a illustrates an exploded view of a fluid reservoir bore consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0048] FIG. 19b illustrates an assembled fluid reservoir bore consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0049] FIG. 20A illustrates the electrical current induced in a heating structure consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0050] FIG. 20b illustrates an embodiment of a heating element consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0051] FIG. 21a illustrates an exploded view of a dispenser consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0052] FIG. 21b illustrates a top view of a dispenser consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The lid is opened to expose a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir, of Figures 19a-19b received by the dispenser.
[0053] FIG. 22a illustrates a cutaway side view of a dispenser containing fluid reservoir bore.
[0054] FIG. 22B is an enlarged cut away side view of FIG. 22A, in which the actuator of the dispenser has been withdrawn from the shaft.
[0055] FIG. 22C illustrates a stepper motor included in an actuator consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0056] FIG. 23A illustrates a side view of a dispenser consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The electromagnetic source included in the dispenser illuminates the dispenser.
[0057] Figure 23b illustrates the lower side surface of the dispenser showing the dispensing aperture.
[0058] FIG. 24a illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a fluid reservoir, such as the outlet portion of the fluid reservoir of FIGS. 19a-19b.
[0059] FIG. 24b illustrates a bottom view of a valve relative to the fluid reservoir bore, such as the outlet port of the fluid reservoir bore of FIGS. 19a-19b, consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0060] FIG. 25 illustrates a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a fluid reservoir bore consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0061] Figures 26a-b provide views of another embodiment of a dispenser including a rotating fluid reservoir receptacle assembly that is pivoting. In Figure 26A, the pivoting receptacle assembly is pivoted into the closed position; In Fig. 26B, the pivoting receptacle assembly is pivoted to the open position.
[0062] FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded view of a pivot assembly 2760 consistent with the various embodiments described herein.
[0063] FIG. 28 provides an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir bore for use with various embodiments of the fluid dispensers disclosed herein.
[0064] FIG. 29 illustrates a cut-away side view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir bore for use with various embodiments of the fluid dispensers described herein. The nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir is uncompressed.
[0065] FIG. 30 illustrates another cut-away side view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir bore for use with various embodiments of the fluid dispensers disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir is in a compressed state.
[0066] FIG. 31a provides a cut away side view of a dispenser including a pivot assembly, wherein the pivot assembly received the fluid reservoir and was pivoted into the closed position.
[0067] FIG. 31B provides a cut away side view of the dispenser of FIG. 31A, wherein the pivot assembly has been turned to a partially open position to show the proper clearance of angled nozzles.
[0068] Figure 32A illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir bore consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0069] Figure 32b illustrates an assembled isometric view of the assembled fluid reservoir of Figure 32a.
[0070] Figure 32c illustrates a side view of the assembled fluid reservoir of Figures 32a, 32b.

[0071] 1, the dispenser 10 includes a dispenser 10 having a longitudinal direction 14 perpendicular to the vertical direction 12, a vertical direction and a transverse direction 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 12, ). ≪ / RTI > The vertical direction 12 may be perpendicular to the plane surface on which the dispenser 10 rests. Likewise, the transverse and longitudinal directions 14, 16 may be parallel to the support surface.

[0072] The dispenser 10 may include a housing 18 having a C-shape in the longitudinal-vertical plane. 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 bore 26. The reservoir bore 26 may include a neck 28 that defines an opening 30 and a body 32 that is coupled to the neck 28. The neck 28 may be smaller such that the body 32 can be inserted into an opening that the body 32 can not or can not pass through without modification. The cavity 24 may be wider than the body 32 in the transverse direction 16 to facilitate removal of the reservoir bore 26. The opening 30 can be a pressure sensing opening that is closed if there is no pressure applied to the body 32 but allows fluid to pass through the opening in response to a critical- will be. For example, the apertures 30 can be any of a variety of "no-drip" systems used in many seasoning dispensers known in the art.

[0073] The cavity 24 may be accessible by a lid 34 that covers a portion of the upper portion 20. The lid 34 may be attached to the upper portion 20 vertically above the upper portion 20, vertically below the upper portion 20, or on the lateral surface of the upper portion 20. The cover 34 may be completely removable and secured by snap fit or by some other means. The lid 34 may also be hingedly attached to the upper portion or slid transversely into and out of the closed position. For example, a slide-out drawer that defines a portion of the cavity 24 for receiving the reservoir bore 26 may slide in and out of the transverse surface of the upper portion 20.

[0074] The pressing member 36 is configured to compress and retract the reservoir bore 26 to enable insertion of the refill reservoir bore 26 after an extractable fluid is pushed from the original reservoir bore 26 ). The pressing member 36 may define a positioned pressing face 38 opposite the stop face 40 defining the wall of the cavity 24. [

[0075] Referring to Fig. 2, the pressing member 36 can be slidably mounted to the housing 18. As shown in Fig. For example, the pressing member 36 may define one or more slots 42 that receive the rails 44 that are 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 pressing member 36 to move the pressing member 36 toward the reservoir bore 26 to draw fluid from the reservoir bore 26. The actuator 46 may be any linear actuator, such as a motor driven screw or worm gear, servo, rotary cam, or the like. In particular, the actuator 46 can advantageously maintain its condition when there is no applied power. The actuator 46 may be secured within one or more actuator mounts 50 that are secured to any other portion of the housing 18 including the upper portion 20 or the base 22. [ In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 46 is engaged with the pressing member 36 by a spreader 48 that distributes force over a wider area of the pressing member 36.

[0076] The dispenser 10 may include a proximity sensor 52 configured to maintain 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, detecting the reflected light, interrupting the light incident on the proximity sensor 52, changing the inductance or capacitance, detecting a thermal signature or temperature change, Movement, proximity or any other technique for detecting presence. Proximity sensor 52 may project below the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 or may protrude through the lower surface 54 into a gap between the upper and lower portions 20, Can be exposed. Other sensors than proximity sensors, such as voice-activated sensors, may be used. Moreover, multiple sensors can be used for the same or various parts of the device.

[0077] In some embodiments, one or more of the 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 portion 20,22. For example, the bottom surface 54, or a portion thereof, can be translucent or perforated so that light from the light emitting elements can reach the gap. The light emitting elements 56 may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, or other light emitting structures. Alternatively, the lighting elements may provide light emitting from the bottom or side.

[0078] A variety of structures or shapes may form the housing 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 includes a curved outer portion 58 and a curved inner portion 60 defining a curved or C-shaped cavity for receiving the components of the dispenser 10 when engaged . The ends of the curved portions 58, 60 may be planar or may include planar surfaces. In particular, the outer curved portion 58 may include three or more points in a common plane for placement on a flat surface, or a lower end having a planar bottom surface for placement on a flat surface.

[0079] The controller 62 may be mounted within the housing 18, such as the base 22. The controller 62 may be operably coupled to some or all of the actuator 46, the proximity sensor 52 and the light emitting elements 56. The controller 62 may be coupled to these elements by wires. The controller 62 may also be coupled to a power source (not shown), such as a battery or a power adapter. The controller 62 may be implemented as a printed circuit board with electronic components that are effective in performing the functions attributed to the controller 62. The controller 62 may include a processor, memory, or other computing capabilities for performing functions attributable thereto.

[0080] 3 and 4, the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 may define an opening 66 for receiving the neck 28 of the minor bore 26. As shown, if the fluid does not enter the user's hand, the opening 30 can freely distribute the fluid without any fluid being applied to any part of the dispenser other than the base 22. As is also apparent, the aperture 30 and the neck 28 are disposed closer to the stop face 40 than to the pressing face 38. In this way, when the body 32 of the reservoir 26 collapses, the neck 38 inserted in the opening 30 does not interfere with the advancement of the pressing face 38. The neck 28 can be locatable as close as possible to the surface of the body 32 that engages the stop face 40. The gap between the pressing face 38 and the stop face 40 over the opening 66 measured parallel to the surface of the housing supporting the reservoir bore 26 may be X and the distance between the stop face 40 ) And the distance between the neck 28 and the side of the neck closest to the stop face may be less than 10% X, preferably less than 5% X.

[0081] The lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 may further include an aperture for receiving a portion of the proximity sensor 52 or for allowing light, vibrations, thermal energy, etc. to enter the proximity sensor 52 68). The lower surface 54 may further include an opening for allowing light from the light emitting devices 56 to be radiated into the gap. Alternatively, the bottom surface 54 may comprise translucent or transparent, translucent or transparent portions, so that light can pass through the bottom surface 54. [ In some embodiments, the marker 70, such as a depression, painting mark, or other visual indicator, may be positioned on a base (not shown) positioned vertically below the opening 66 to indicate where the dispenser 10 will distribute fluid Can be defined on the upper surface of the base 22.

[0082] The pressing member 36 can slide back and forth in the actuator direction 72, which is generally parallel to the longitudinal direction, e.g., within 20 degrees. The pressing face 38 may be substantially perpendicular to the actuator direction 72 such that the normal of the pressing face 38 is parallel to the actuator direction 72 within +/- 5 degrees, . The stop face 40 may also be substantially perpendicular to the actuator direction (i.e., have a substantially parallel normal). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the stop face 40 is angled to enable insertion of the reservoir bore 26. For example, the stop face may have a normal from the actuator direction 72 upward from 2 degrees to 10 degrees, or any other non-zero angle.

[0083] In some embodiments, the reservoir 26 may be directly or indirectly heated by the heating element 74 and the heating element 74 may be operatively coupled to the controller 62, And may include a thermal sensor that enables its thermostatic control. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 74 is coupled to the pressing member 36, such as to the exemplary bottom surface of the pressing member that is perpendicular to the pressing face 38. Other possible locations include an exemplified location 76a directly opposite the pressing face 38 or a location 76b directly opposite the stop face 40. [ In some embodiments, it may be sufficient to simply heat air around the reservoir 26 such that no thermal contact with the reservoir 26 or the structure facing the reservoir 26 is required. Thus, the heating element 74 may be located at any convenient location within the upper portion 20, or at any other portion of the housing 18. Alternatively, other temperature-controlled elements may be used to heat or cool the fluid or to maintain the temperature of the fluid.

[0084] The controller 62 may be configured to move the pressing member 36 from the starting position shown in Fig. 3 to the end position located closer to the stop face 40. Fig. The controller 62 may be configured to move the pressing member 36 between discontinuous positions between the starting position and the end position. For example, the controller 62 may be configured to cause the actuator 46 to move the pressing member 36 from one position to the next position in response to detecting motion based on the output of the proximity sensor 52 . When the pressing member 36 detects that the end position has been reached, the controller 62 can be configured to cause the actuator 46 to move the pressing 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 is advanced from the starting position, for example, when the pressing member is advanced N times, the controller 46 moves the pressing member to the starting position Lt; / RTI > In one preferred embodiment, the user can adjust the advance amount of the pressing member 36 using the controller. In this way, individual users may have more or less fluid delivered to their hands when placing their hands under the openings. For this purpose, a rotatable adjustment knob or other switch (e.g., up and down arrow buttons) may be provided.

[0085] Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the pressing member 36 may be embodied as a roller 80, and the roller 80 may be configured as a roller bore 26, as the roller 80 urges across the minor bore 26 ). ≪ / RTI > The body 32 can be flat so that the length 82 and 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 rotational axis of the roller 80 when positioned in the cavity 24 and the length 82 may be parallel to the direction of movement of the roller 80 in response to actuation of the roller 80 As shown in FIG. 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, in order to enable insertion of the reservoir bore 26, the roller 80 may be positioned at the starting position shown in Fig. The neck 28 can be locating at the end of the body 32 opposite the end closest to the roller 80 when in the illustrated starting position.

[0086] 6 and 7, the roller 80 may rotate about one or more axles 88 having ends projecting from the roller 80. The axles may be seated on ridges 90 that define a drive direction 72 for the roller 80 and may have upper edges that are parallel to the drive direction 72. The axles 88 can also be retained on the ridges 90 by a U-shaped cover 92. The cover 92 may include a cutout portion 94 having parallel edges 96 and the roller 80 is allowed to move between the parallel edges 96. The edges 96 or other portion of the cover 92 may be positioned against the ridges 90 to provide a slot and the axles 88 may slide within the slot. The cover 92 may have faces 98 that are inclined upwardly in accordance with the distance from the cutout 94 to guide the reservoir bore 26 into the cavity 24. [ The cover 92 may define the channels 100 on either side of the cutout portion 94 or define a U-shaped channel that extends on both sides of the cutout portion 94.

[0087] In some embodiments, channels 100 may provide space for accommodating lines 102 for pulling an 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 and extend around the posts 104 and are common to the axles 88, driven by the actuators 46, To the pulley 106 or the spool, respectively. In response to the rotation of the rotary actuator 108 the lines are wound on the pulley 106 and thereby the opening 66 and the posts 104 through which the neck 28 of the reservoir 26 passes The roller 80 is pulled. To return the roller 80 to its starting position, biasing members such as springs 110 may be coupled to the housing 18 and to the axle 88 on either side of the roller 80. Upon removal of the force exerted by the rotary actuator 108, the springs 110 may press the roller back into the starting position. Alternatively, the springs may bias the roller toward the forward position of compression of the reservoir bore. In this alternative embodiment, the lines 102 and the actuator 108 serve to advance the roller under the tension of the spring or springs and to pull the roller back into the non-compression starting position against spring pressure.

[0088] The rotational actuator may be moved to a position where the roller 80 does not change its position, e.g., position, so that it may be stepped between various positions between the starting position closest to the opening 66 and the final position. . The support surface 112 supports the body 32 of the minor bore 26 so that the body 32 is pinned between the roller 80 and the support surface 112 during the movement of the roller (pinched).

[0089] The embodiment of Figures 5-7 may likewise include a controller 62, proximity sensor 52, and light 56 configured similarly to those shown in Figures 1-4. The controller 62 may be configured to advance the roller 80 between discontinuous positions in response to detecting proximity using the proximity sensor 52. In other embodiments of the present invention, . Likewise, the controller 62 may be configured to return the roller 80 to the starting position when the end position is reached, or to allow the return of the roller 80. The embodiments of FIGS. 5-7 may be used for positioning the upper portion (not shown) interfacing with, or otherwise interfacing with, the support surface 112, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, The heating element 74 may be positioned to heat the air within the chamber 20.

[0090] 8, in some embodiments, the reservoir cover 120 may be secured to the lower surface 54 by a hinge or may be completely removable and secured by a snap fit or some other means. An opening 66 for receiving the neck 28 of the reservoir bore 26 may be defined within the reservoir cover 120. Thus, in use, the neck 28 (see Figs. 9-11) is disposed within an opening 66 having a body 32 of the reservoir 26 fixed in the seat 122, such as a concave or other surface So that the reservoir cover 120 can be secured to the lower surface 54.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of the cover 120, e.g., the end that is anchored to the opposing hinging, 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 an optionally releasable manner.

[0092] Referring to Figures 9-11, in some embodiments, the reservoir cover 120 may be releasably secured within the aperture 126 covered by it using the illustrated mechanism and may be hinged have. The hub 128 including the registration boss 130 on its upper surface may have forward spring arms 132 extending in a forward direction therefrom in the longitudinal direction 14. The front spring arms 132 may also be laterally spread at a predetermined distance from the hub 128. The spring arms 132 may also be bent downwardly from the hub 128 and secured to the crossbar 134 spanning a range of distal ends of the forward spring arms 132. As shown, the crossbar 134 extends over a portion of the opening 126 and engages the ridge 124 to retain the cover 120 within the opening 126. As shown in FIG. Spring arms 132 and crossbar 134 may be formed of resilient material, e.g., spring steel, which may be deformed to allow ridges to pass through crossbar 134. [ The front spring arms 132 are positioned such that the vertical gap is between the bottom surface of the hub 128, the opening 128, the upper surface of the cover 120 positioned in the opening 126, Can be bent downwardly from the base portion 128.

[0093] The rear spring arms 136 can be secured to the hub 128 and project back in the longitudinal direction 14 therefrom. The rearward spring arms 136 can also be flared outwardly from one another in the lateral direction 16 and bent downwardly from the hub 128 in the vertical direction 12. The rear spring arms 136 may be pivotally secured to the axle portions 138 projecting outwardly in the lateral direction 16 from the cover 120. The axle portions 138 may be cylindrical with axes extending in the lateral direction 16. The rear spring arms 136 may include bent end portions that are insertable within the axle portions 138. The rear spring arms 136 can be retained in engagement with the axle portions 138 due to the biasing force of the rear spring arms 136. [ In some embodiments, the forward spring arms 132, the rear spring arms 134, and the crossbar 134 may be part of a single metal rod or wire that is bent into the shape illustrated.

[0094] The axle portions 138 may be secured to the cover 120 by an arm 140 extending from the outer side of the upper portion 20 into the upper portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 140 is arcuate such that its concave bottom surface lies within the range of the edge of the opening 126.

[0095] The axle portions 138 can be positioned within the positioned sheets 142 on either side of the arm 140. 9 and 10, the sheets 142 are opened to allow insertion and removal of the axle portions 138 from the sheets 142. As shown in Figs. The cover 34 engages the hub 128 and urges the rear spring arms 136 downward and thereby urges the axle portions 138 into the seats 142. 10), the lid 34 includes a registration hole 144A (not shown) for receiving the boss 130 formed on the hub 128 to maintain the hub 138 in the proper location within the cavity 24, ). In the illustrated embodiment, the registration hole 144A extends completely through the lid 124. As shown in Fig. In some embodiments, the user presses the hub 128 and forcibly presses the crossbar 134 out of engagement with the ridge 124 to allow the bore cover 120 to fall out of the aperture 126 The registration boss 130 can be pressed through the through hole 144A. In some embodiments, the hub 128 may include one or more posts 145 (see Figure 11) secured to the inner surface of the lid 34 or other covering of the upper portion 20, It is possible to define registration holes 144A and 144B in excess.

 [0096] Pressing fluid from the reservoir bore 26 positioned within the cavity 24 can be accomplished by a plunger 146 driven in a substantially vertical direction 12. In particular, the plunger 146 can move substantially vertically within the gap between the seat 122 of the cover 120 and the hub 128 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). For example, the plunger may move substantially parallel (e.g., within +/- 5 parallelograms) to the central axis of the opening 126. In some embodiments, the plunger 146 may be driven by the crossbar 148 on the plunger 146 in the transverse direction 16 and may extend transversely beyond the plunger 146 have. In the illustrated embodiment, the claw bar 148 passes through an elevated post 150 or tube formed on the upper surface of the plunger 146 (see FIG. 14). The ends of the crossbar 148 can slide within the vertical grooves 152 defined in the upper portion 20, with the grooves on either side of the opening 126. As should be apparent from Figs. 9-11, the upper portion 20 is formed at a slight angle, for example, from 2 to 10 degrees from the horizontal. The grooves 152 would likewise be of 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 that are positioned on opposite sides of opening 126. In some embodiments, one or more of the springs 156 may engage the crossbar 148, or a portion of the plunger 146 or other structure secured thereto (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The springs 156 may bias the plunger toward the opening 126. [ The springs 156 may include first arms 160 and second arms 162.

[0097] 8 and 12A, when inserting the reservoir bore 26 into the cavity 24, the user places the reservoir 26 on the cover 120 and then rubs the cover 120 upward So that the reservoir bore 26 is eccentric with respect to the plunger 146. The configuration of FIG. 12A may be the starting position for the plunger 146. 12B, when compressing the plunger 146 toward the cover 120, the body 32 of the reservoir bore 26 is moved until the plunger 146 reaches the end position shown in Fig. 12B Thereby forcing the fluid from the opening 30. The plunger 146 may be moved between a plurality of discontinuous positions between the illustrated start and end positions to release discontinuous amounts of fluid from the reservoir 126, such as for other embodiments disclosed herein. have.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the springs 156 can be seated in the sheets 158 positioned laterally outboard from the posts 150, but other positions can be advantageously used. 12A and 12B, the first arms 160 of the springs 156 press against the crossbar 134. As shown in FIGS. The second arm 162 of each spring 156 may engage a portion of the upper portion 20 to counter torque on the arm 160.

[0099]  Figures 13 and 14 illustrate examples of drive mechanisms that can be used to drive the plunger 146. [ The springs 156 may be considered as part of the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may include rods 164 that extend along the upper portion, generally in the longitudinal direction 14, such as upwardly inclining upwardly of the upper portion 20 angle. The rods 164 include first arms 166 that are secured to first end portions of the rods engaging the linear actuator 46 by a spreader 48 that is driven up and down by a linear actuator 46, . ≪ / RTI > The rods 164 may include second arms 168 that are secured at second end portions opposite first end portions. The rods 164 may seat within the slots 170 defined by the upper portion 20.

[00100] The second arms 168 extend over the plunger 146 such that the arms 168 are also raised in response to the elevation of the arms 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 168 are loops that extend around the posts 154 and between the crossbar 134 and the plunger 146. As should be appreciated, the actuator 46 can only forge the arms 166 upward. Accordingly, the arms 168 may be operable to counter the force of the biasing springs 156 to enable insertion of the reservoir bore 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 forge fluid from the reservoir bore 26. The actuator 46 may be coupled to the arms 166 to allow the actuator 46 to for both lift and lower the arms 166 and 168. In some embodiments, In other embodiments, the springs 156 can oscillate the plunger 146 upward and the actuator 46 is operable to oscillate the plunger 146 downward toward the cover 120. [ As shown in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the rods 164 may pass through the coils of the springs 156.

[00101] 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 may be configured to advance the plunger 146 between the non-contiguous positions in response to detecting proximity using the proximity sensor 52 . Likewise, the controller 62 may be configured to allow the return or return of the plunger 146 to the starting position when the end position is reached. The embodiment of Figs. 9-14 may likewise include the heating bore 26, the cavity 24, or the heating element 74 in thermal contact with the air in the upper portion 20.

[00102]  15 and 16, in some embodiments, the upper portion 20 and the lower portion 22 may have the illustrated configuration. In particular, rather than having a C-shape, the upper portion 20 and the lower portion 22 may be joined at both ends to define an opening 180 for receiving a portion of the user's hand. The embodiments of Figures 15 and 16 can be used with the illustrated reservoir bore 26. As shown, the body 32 of the reservoir bore 26 may have a substantially constant cross-section along its height. The handle 182 may be secured to the body 32 opposite the neck 28 to enable removal of the reservoir bore 26. [ A lip or shoulder 184 can protrude from the handle 182 and extend outwardly from the body 32.

[00103] The upper portion 20 may define an opening 186 for receiving the reservoir bore 26 and may include an inclined surface surrounding the opening 186 to guide the reservoir bore 26 into the opening 186 188). A sheet 190 that is shaped to engage shoulder 184 may also be positioned near opening 186.

[00104] 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 can pass through the sleeve and be inserted into the opening 66. In some embodiments, washer 194 may be positioned over opening 66 and neck 28 may be inserted through washer 194.

[00105] In the illustrated embodiment, fluid is forcing from the reservoir bore 26 by the positioned arms 196 on either side of the 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 the pivot 200 on one side of the sleeve 192 and pass over the opposite side of the sleeve 192 while the sleeve 192 is being positioned therebetween . The arms 196 may be part of a single metal rod bent into the illustrated shape including a straight portion defining the pivot 200. The link 202 may be pivotally mounted to the arms 196 and into the housing 18 by a crossbar 204 that is affixed to the opposite side of the pivot 200 such as to both of the bar arms 196 . The actuator 46 is configured to pivotally connect the link 202 to the housing 18 at a point between the point of attachment of the link 202 to the housing 18 and the point of attachment of the arms 196 to the link 202. [ Lt; / RTI > However, the actuator 46 may also be coupled to the link 202 at other points along the link 202. Likewise, the actuator 46 may be pivotally mounted to the housing 18, such that the actuator 46 is pivoted during actuation of the actuator 46.

[00106] As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the actuator 46 can be reduced, thereby pulling down the arms 196 down over the flexible sleeve 192, Can be forged. In other embodiments, the actuator 46 may move the arms 196 between discontinuous positions from a starting 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.

[00107] 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. In other embodiments disclosed herein, the controller 62 may be configured to advance the arms 196 between discontinuous positions corresponding to detecting proximity using the proximity sensor 52. Likewise, the controller 62 may be configured to return the arms 196 to a starting position when the end position is reached, or may be configured to allow the return of the arms 196 to a starting position. The embodiment of Figs. 15-17C may likewise include a heating bore 26, a cavity 24, or a heating element 74 in thermal contact with the air in the housing 18.

[00108] Figure 18 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a dispenser consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The cover 1834 is opened to expose the fluid reservoir 1850. Dispenser 1800 removably receives fluid reservoir 1850. Dispenser 1800 energizes and / or warms the fluid contained within fluid reservoir 1850 prior to dispensing the fluid. Heating, heating, or otherwise energizing the fluid prior to dispensing may increase the satisfaction of the user of the dispenser 1800.

[00109] As discussed below, the dispenser 1800 effectively energizes the dispensed fluid, because at least the heating element contained in the dispenser 1800 is very close to the outlet port of the fluid reservoir 1850. The importance of proximity depends on the properties of the fluid being heated, such as viscosity and thermal conductivity. Preferably, the fluid is substantially heated throughout the reservoir prior to dispensing. Positioning of the heating element near the outlet port allows the piston to move within the reservoir bore 1850 without interfering with the heating element. The heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid.

[00110] In various embodiments and as discussed further in the context of at least Figures 19a-19b and 20a-20b, dispenser 1800 increases energizing efficiency because the heating process is an inductive heating process. Inductive heating allows more utilization of the energy used to warm the fluid. For example, inductive heating of the fluid reduces the secondary temperature of the dispenser 1800. Inductive heating does not warm the housing or other components of the dispenser 1800, but concentrates energy to warm the fluid. Inductive heating also permits heating within the reservoir 1800, facilitating the installation of the reservoir 1800 in the dispenser 1800, without worrying about the electrical connections between the dispenser 1800 and the reservoir 1850.

[00111] Also, at least due to 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 / Completely or at least nearly completely drains the fluid contained within the reservoir 1850 prior to the need to replace the fluid reservoir 1850 with a new fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir bore 1850 is a rigid body reservoir bore. The rigid body reservoir bore allows full or near complete depletion of the fluid contents of the reservoir 1850 by the dispenser 1800. Thus, the dispenser 1800 reduces the waste of the fluid product. Various embodiments of the regrinding bore 1850 are discussed at least in the context of Figures 19a-19b and Figures 24a-24b. Also as described in detail below, in some embodiments, the motor drives the actuator.

[00112] The cavity or receptacle included in the housing of the dispenser 1800 removably receives the fluid reservoir 1850. In preferred embodiments, the cavity or receptacle includes finger trenches 1852 or depressions for receiving the user's fingers when inserting or removing the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800. Finger trenches 1852 provide greater ease of insertion or removal of the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800.

[00113] Although not shown in FIG. 18, as discussed below in the context of FIGS. 22A-22B and 23B, the housing of the dispenser 1800 is connected to the outlet port of the reservoir 1850, such as the outlet port 1914 As shown in FIG. The apertures in the housing are located on the lower surface of the housing and over the containment depression 1820. The containment depression 1820 suitably contains any fluid that is not received by the user's hand, or otherwise intercepted and distributed from the aperture. In preferred embodiments, containment depression 1820 is a depressed or recessed portion of the housing of dispenser 1800. The containment depression 1820 can be circular, elliptical, or any other appropriately shaped depressed or recessed portion. The containment depression 1820 allows for easy cleaning of any dispensed fluid that is not intercepted by the user's hands.

[00114] The dispenser 1800 includes various user controls, such as a switch 1802. The switch 1802 may turn on and off the various functions of the dispenser 1800, preferably the nightlight discussed below. In other embodiments, the switch 1802 may be a power button or may control the thermal function. In some embodiments, the switch 1802 is a pressable button. The user presses switch 1802 and / or pushes switch 1802. In at least one embodiment, the switch 1802 includes at least one electromagnetic energy source for indicating the current state of the dispenser 1800, such as a light emitting diode (LED).

[00115] The switch 1802 may function as a lock / unlock selector for the dispenser 1800. For example, pressing the switch 1802 for a predetermined time, such as three seconds, may transition the dispenser 1800 to a lock-mode. In the lock-mode, the dispenser 1800 is locked out from dispensing fluid. An embedded LED or other LED located in front of or behind the switch 1802 illuminates the environment when the user locks the dispenser 1800. Subsequent depressions of the power switch 1802 for a predetermined time can unlock the dispenser 1800 so that the dispenser 1800 can now dispense the fluid.

[00116] As mentioned above, FIG. 18 illustrates cover 1834 of the open position. The user may insert the reservoir bore 1850 and / or remove the reservoir bore 1850 from the dispenser 1800. In some embodiments, the user slides and / or translates the lid 1834 back and forth on the rails embedded in the dispenser housing to open and close the compartment receiving the reservoir 1850. In such embodiments, when the user opens or closes the lid 1834, the lid 1834 is held attached to the rails embedded in the housing of the dispenser 1800. In other embodiments, the lid 1834 is snap-on and off when the user opens or closes the lid 1834. Such snapping may include tactile and / or audio feedback. In an alternative embodiment, the lid 1834 is a hinged lid.

[00117] In at least one embodiment, the magnetic forces at least partially anchor the lid 1834. One or more magnets embedded in at least one of the housing or cover 1834 of the dispenser 1800 provide magnetic forces. In at least one embodiment, the magnetic forces cause the lid 1834 to adhere 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, the dispenser 1800 includes a lid sensor. The lid sensor detects when the user opens or closes the lid 1834. The operation of these sensors can 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 drive shaft, pressing member, or other actuator drive component, such as drive shaft 2148 of Figure 21B. When the dispenser 1800 retracts the drive component, the user may remove the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800.

[00118] 19A illustrates an exploded view of fluid reservoir bore 1950 consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The various fluid dispensers disclosed herein, such as the dispenser 1800 of FIG. 18, accommodate a fluid reservoir 1950. In the preferred embodiment, fluid reservoir 1950 receives fluid. The dispensers energize and distribute the contained fluid.

[00119] Fluid reservoir bore 1950 includes a reservoir body 1902. In a preferred embodiment, the regior bore body 1902 is a rigid or at least semi-rigid body. Other embodiments are not so limited, and the regulator bore body 1902 may be a flexible body. The regulator bore body 1902 includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends define an axis. The minor bore body 1902 includes a section section. The axis is substantially perpendicular to the section section. In preferred embodiments, the cross-section section is substantially uniform along the axis. The axis may be a translational motion axis.

[00120] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 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. Thus, the cross section of the minor bore body 1902 can be substantially circular, elliptical, parabolic, hyperbolic or any other such curved shape. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second ends of the minor bore body 1902 are cylindrical bases or end caps of a cylindrical body. The translational motion axis may be between the cylindrical bases.

[00121] In other embodiments, the regior bore body 1902 may include parallelepiped geometry. Thus, the cross section may be substantially parallelogram shaped, such as rectangular or square in shape. In at least one embodiment, the cross section may include fewer or greater than four sides. For example, the cross section may be triangular or octagonal. Other possible geometries for the rigid bore body 1902 and corresponding cross sections are possible.

[00122] The minor bore body 1902 may be an optically transparent body or at least an optically translucent body. In such an embodiment, the user can visually inspect the amount of remaining fluid in the reservoir 1950. In other embodiments, the regior bore body 1902 may be optically opaque. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is optically opaque, except for a window that indicates the amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir 1950.

[00123] The fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 is such that when the electromagnetic energy source illuminates an optically transparent reservoir body 1902, the fluid distributes the light in such a way that it exhibits the frequency or color of the electromagnetic energy the fluid illuminates. And may include optical properties. In at least one embodiment, the fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 may appear "glow" when illuminated by an electromagnet energy source included in the various fluid dispensers described herein. One or more of the electromagnetic sources embedded in the various dispensers disclosed herein may at least partially illuminate the fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 and / or the reservoir 1950. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is at least partially a thermal insulation body. In such embodiments, the fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 effectively retains thermal energy. Thus, these embodiments increase the heating efficiency of the dispenser housing the reservoir 1950.

[00124] In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 1950 includes a heating structure 1920. The induction as discussed in the context of Figures 20a-20b can provide energy to heating or warm heating structures. In the preferred embodiments, the 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 in the reservoir body 1902. In such embodiments, the reservoir 1950 includes a chamber for receiving the heating structure 1920. The receiving chamber isolates the heating structure 1920 so that the heating structure 1920 does not contaminate the received fluid.

[00125] In some embodiments, the cross section of the heating structure 1920 substantially matches the cross section of the minor bore body 1902. In other embodiments, the cross section of the heating structure 1920 deviates from the cross section of the minor bore body 1902. In preferred embodiments, the heating structure 1920 is positioned within the regio bore body 1902.

[00126] Fluid reservoir bore 1950 includes an outlet port 1914. In various embodiments, the outlet port 1914 includes a valve 1910 and a valve retainer 1912. Valve 1910 may be comprised of a flexible material, such as synthetic rubber, plastic, latex, and the like. Valve 1910 includes one or more slits, apertures, or other openings to allow fluid contained within the reservoir to flow out of the reservoir bore through valve 1910. Figure 24B illustrates one such configuration of valve seals. 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.

[00127] The valve retainer 1912 holds the valve 1910. In a preferred embodiment, the valve 1910 is concentric with the valve retainer 1912. The outer circumferential portion of the valve 1910 is adjacent to or close to the inner circumferential portion of the valve retainer 1912. Valve 1910 and valve retainer 1912 may be configured to allow flow when fluid flows through one or more slits or openings in valve 1910, So that the fluid does not contact the valve retainer 1912 including the inner circumferential portion of the valve retainer 1912.

[00128] The fluid reservoir 1950 further includes a piston 1904. Piston 1904 is a translatable or displaceable piston. The piston 1904 translates along the translational axis. The piston 1904 includes one or more use taps 1906 or tongues. As shown in Figure 19A, the first end of the minor bore body 1902 includes one or more trenches, depressions, or other such structures. These trenches or depressions match the use taps 1906. As described below in the context of FIG. 19B, use taps 1906 provide a signal. This signal indicates that the piston 1904 has already replaced at least some of the 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 the actuators included in the various dispensers disclosed herein, such as the pressing member. In various embodiments, the pressing member may be a drive shaft.

[00129] As described below, the dispenser actuator drives the translation of the piston 1904 along the translation axis. The fluid contained within the fluid reservoir 1950 flows out of the reservoir 1950 through the outlet port 1914 when the piston 1904 is driven to reduce the available storage volume at the fluid reservoir 1950. [ do. The available storage volume at the fluid reservoir 1950 may be based on the distance between the cross section of the reservoir body 1902 and the second end of the piston 1904 and the reservoir body 1902. In preferred embodiments, the second end is a closed end.

[00130] Thus, the translational movement of the piston 1904 toward the second end of the minor bore body 1902 leads to a reduction in available storage volume. Mechanical actuation to translate the piston 1904 displaces the contained fluid and forces a portion of the fluid to flow through the outlet port 1914.

[00131] The piston 1904 and the reservoir body 1902 are configured such that the interface between the piston 1904 and the reservoir body 1902 properly retains the fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 when the piston 1904 is not translated. Lt; / RTI > 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 received fluid and the cross section of the reservoir body 1902. In such embodiments, the cross section of the piston or at least the outer circumference 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 inner walls of the regior bore body 1902. The seal is sufficient to hold the contained fluid. Thus, the reservoir bore 1950 does not leak fluid contained from the first end of the reservoir body 1902 when the dispense force translates or otherwise displaces the piston 1904. [

[00132]  In a preferred embodiment, the valve 1910 is configured such that a force such as a dispensing force does not translate the piston 1904 toward the second end of the minor bore body 1902, If the storage volume is not reduced in any other way, it retains the fluid in the reservoir 1950. The slit or opening of the valve 1910 may be similar to the slits of a seasoning container such as a squeezable ketchup bottle. The valve is preferably dome-shaped upwardly towards the fluid such that the force displacing the resilient dome downwardly must be utilized before the valve is opened for dispensing. The physical dimensions and configurations of one or more of the slits or apertures of the valve 1910 can be varied. This variability may be based on the viscosity of the fluid contained in the material and the reservoir 1950 in which the valve 1910 is constructed. By proper selection of the physical dimensions and configurations of the slits, the fluid will not flow through the openings unless the dispense force displaces the contained fluid without translating the piston 1904.

[00133] Because the valve 1910 is constructed of an elastic rubber-like material, the slits or apertures can be substantially closed or self-sealing until the dispensing or displacement force pushes the fluid through the aperture. When displaced by the dispensing force, the fluid flows through the slits or openings. This effect may be similar to the self-sealing of the rubber nipple on a baby's bottle. The rubber nipple includes slits or holes. The fluid does not flow through the slits or holes on such a rubber nipple unless the infant supplies a vacuum or suction force or the pressure squeezes the bottle. Thus, the valve 1910 resists the output or distribution of the fluid unless a distribution force greater than the distribution force threshold increases the internal pressure of the fluid to a pressure greater than the pressure threshold to overcome the resistance of the valve 1910.

[00134] 19B illustrates an assembled fluid reservoir bore 1950 consistent with the 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 minor bore body 1902.

[00135] 19B, the outlet port 1914 is positioned on the surface of the regio bore body 1902. As shown in Fig. The surface including the outlet port is not positioned on the first or second ends of the reservoir body 1902. [ Rather, 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 translational axis of the row bore body 1902. However, other embodiments are not so limited and the outlet port 1914 can be positioned on the second end of the minor bore body 1902 such that the cross section of the outlet port 1914 is substantially parallel to the translational axis have. The outlet port 1914 is shown with a concentric valve 1910 and a valve retainer 1912. The surface of the valve 1910, including one or more slits or openings, may be recessed above portions of the valve retainer 1912. This configuration provides an additional clearance for the fluid flowing through the valve 1910.

[00136] In preferred embodiments, the outlet port 1914 is positioned proximate the second end of the minor bore body 1902 to ensure that an increased portion of the received fluid flows from the outlet port 1914. Thus, the fluid will continue to flow through the outlet port 1914 in a translation of the piston 1904 until the piston 1904 is in physical contact with the second end of the minor bore body 1902. At this point, all or at least most of the contained fluid displaceable by the piston 1904 is displaced. Thus, the reservoir 1950 is sufficiently drained.

[00137] FIG. 19B illustrates a fluid reservoir 1950 of an initial condition prior to dispensing any fluid contained therein. The initial position of the piston 1904 is close to the first end of the reservoir body 1902. A volume defined between the piston 1904 and the second end of the reservoir body 1902 is defined by the regulator bore body 1902 and retains 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 taps, some embodiments use a sealing structure that is brittle, fragile, or otherwise fragile to provide an indication of previous use. The various dispenser actuators discussed herein can hold the drive rod when translating the piston 1904. By maintaining the rod, the dispenser can detect whether the use taps 1906 or the brittle seal are intact or not. Accordingly, the dispenser can determine whether the reservoir bore 1950 has experienced previous use or is a virgin reservoir bore.

[00138] The drive shaft of the dispenser actuator aligns with the driven structure 1908. The translational motion of the drive shaft causes the piston 1904 to translate towards the second end of the regenerative bore body 1902. The translational movement of the piston 1904 toward the second end of the minor bore body 1902 induces a meshing force between the use taps 1906 and the trenches or depressions of the minor bore body 1902. The engaging force breaks, collapses, bends, or otherwise deforms the use tabs 1906.

[00139] When the use taps 1906 are disturbed from the initial position, these use taps 1906 are deformed. The modified use tabs 1906 inform the user that the reservoir 1950 has already dispensed some amount of fluid contained within the reservoir 1950. For example, modified usage taps 1906 indicate that the piston 1904 is not in the initial position of the piston 1904. [ For reasons of hygiene or safety, the user may want to discard or otherwise not use the already used little bore 1950. Modified usage tabs 1906 indicate that the other party may have already used the regior bore 1950. For hygienic reasons, the user may wish to discard the partially used regenerative bore.

[00140] 20A illustrates the current induced in the heating structure 2020 consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the heating structure 2020 is a conductive heating disk. An alternating current (AC) source 2030 supplies alternating current 2040 to the heating element 2010. The heating element 2010 is a conductive element. 20A, the heating element 2010 includes a plurality of conductive coils. In accordance with Maxwell's electromagnetic (EM) equations, alternating current 2040 generates a perturbing magnetic field 2050. [ Again, in accordance with Maxwell's EM equations, a current, such as an alternating current 2060, is induced in the heating structure 2020 as the electrical conductor, such as the heating structure 2020, is exposed to the perturbing magnetic field 2050. When the alternating current 2060 is induced in the heating structure 2020, the electrical resistance of the heating structure 2020 causes heating of the heating structure 2020.

[00141] The fluid contained within the fluid reservoir 1950 of FIGS. 19A-19B is in thermal contact with or is thermally coupled to the heating structure 2020 and a current flows through the heating structure 2020 When passing, the heating structure 2020 can energize or heat the material. As described herein, the inductive heating of the heating structure 2020 does not require physical contact between the heating element 2010 and the heating structure 2020. Accordingly, the various dispensers disclosed herein may use inductive heating to heat or otherwise energize the heating structure 2020 remotely or at a distance. Thus, since the heating element 2010 is physically isolated from the material to be energized by the heating structure 2020 and the heating structure 2020, the heating element 2010 does not physically contact the material to be energized. Thereby, the contact between the contamination paths and the heated elements is reduced.

[00142] 20B illustrates an embodiment of a heating element 2070 consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. 20B, in a preferred embodiment, by using a printed circuit board (PCB) technique, the heating element 2070 is printed. The heating element 2070 includes a plurality of printed conductive coils 2080. Conductive coils 2080 are relatively inexpensive to implement, by using PCB technology. PCBs can be mass produced using known techniques. The heating element 2070 also includes at least one terminal 2090 for supplying an alternating current to the plurality of conductive coils 2080. Accordingly, algorithms or methods for induction heating of a material may change the frequency of the current supplied based on the properties of the material.

[00143] In at least one embodiment, the alternating current supplied is a high frequency alternating current in the conductive coils 2080. The heating element 2070 may be used as the heating element, for example, to energize or heat the heating structure 2020 of Figure 20a or the heating structure 1920 of Figures 19a-19b by induction heating at a distance have. In order to selectively control the heating rate or temperature of the material that is in thermal contact with the heating structure and the heating structure, the frequency of the supplied current may be changed, or the AC current source 2030, such as the alternating current source 2030 of Figure 20a, May be used.

[00144] Figure 21A illustrates an exploded view of the dispenser discussed above consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. 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 accommodating at least one hand of the user to intercept the fluid dispensed from the dispenser 2100. In some embodiments, the housing of the dispenser 2100 includes a rubber foot 2132 that is mounted on the base portion to stabilize the dispenser 2100 when the dispenser 2100 is on a surface, such as a nightstand or table, and And a base weight 2130.

[00145] The housing also includes a removable or slidable lid 2134 for concealing a receptacle, cavity or compartment to removably receive 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. The printed circuit board 2170 includes conductive coils. Conductive coils provide an induction current in the heating structure within the reservoir 2150. The heating structure and fluid contained within the reservoir 2150 are thermally coupled.

[00146] The dispenser 2100 includes a circuit board 2162. Circuit board 2162 includes various electronic devices and / or components for enabling operation of dispenser 2100. Such devices and / or components may include processor devices and / or microcontroller devices, diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, voltage regulators, oscillators, memory devices, logic gates, But is not limited thereto. The dispenser 2100 includes a switch 2102. Dispenser 2100 includes a night light. In at least one embodiment, the nightlight emits light upward through the switch 2102 to indicate a distribution mode or other user selection. In the preferred embodiments, the nightlight illuminates at least a portion of the gap of the front piece 2122, which the user inserts his hand to accommodate the volume of fluid dispensed. As shown in FIG. 23A, in some embodiments, the nitrite illuminates downwardly visible light from around the distribution aperture. The ring lens 2156 or the light guide can focus and / or scatter the light to obtain the desired illumination effect. The ring lens 2156 can surround or restrict the outer periphery of the distribution aperture. Dispenser 2100 includes an actuator. In various embodiments, the actuator may include an electric motor 2146. However, other embodiments are not limited thereto.

[00147] 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. The containment depression 2120 includes and / or retains any dispensed fluid that is not intercepted by the user's hand. In a preferred embodiment, the containment depression 2120 is included in the front piece 2122.

[00148] Figure 21B illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a dispenser consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The lid 2134 is opened to expose fluid reservoir bores, such as fluid reservoir bores 1950 of Figures 19a-19b. Dispenser 2100 removably accommodates the reservoir bore. The actuator of the dispenser 2100 includes a displaceable piston included in the reservoir 2150, such as a drive shaft 2148 for translating the piston 1904 of Figures 19a-19b. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical work, such as an electric motor. The mechanical translational motion drives drive shaft 2148 and / or other actuator components. Other embodiments may utilize other mechanisms to drive the drive shaft 2148. At least one embodiment utilizes water pressure to drive the drive shaft 2418.

[00149] Dispenser 2100 includes heating element 2170. The heating element 2170 can inductively generate or provide current in a corresponding heating structure buried in the reservoir 2150, such as the heating structure 1920 of Figures 19a-19b. The induced current energizes or heats at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir 2150. In preferred embodiments, when the dispenser 2100 receives the reservoir 2150, the heating structure in the reservoir 2150 is close to the heating element 2170. [ However, the heating element 2170 is physically separated 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 regulated bore 2150 body is aligned with a driven structure in which the drive shaft 2148 is contained on the piston of the regulated bore, such as the driven structure 1908 and the piston 1904 of Figs. 19A-B, ≪ / RTI >

[00150] In at least one embodiment, the heating element 2170 includes a sensor that detects the fluid type of fluid contained within the reservoir 2150. Such sensing can determine the characteristics of the embedded heating structure in the accommodated reservoir 2150, such as, but not limited to, electrical conductivity or magnetic dipole strength. The determined heating structural characteristics indicate the type of fluid contained in the reservoir 2150. Other methods are available, including optical and / or mechanical methods, to determine one or more characteristics of the fluid contained within the reservoir 2150. For example, sensing can be used to determine fluid properties, mechanical methods based on the geometry of the reservoir bore, and loading on an actuator that translates the piston of the reservoir 2150. The algorithms used to energize the fluid may vary based on the characteristics of the detected fluid.

[00151] In other embodiments, the accommodated reservoir 2150 may not include a heating structure. In such embodiments, the fluid contained within the accommodated reservoir 2150 may be heated by resistive conductive elements embedded in or near the receptacle or cavity that receives the reservoir 2150. In these embodiments, direct heating is used that is not inductive to energize the fluid.

[00152] In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes temperature sensors for measuring or sensing the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir 2150. The dispenser 2100 may change the operation of the heating element 2170 based on the sensed current in the heating structure or the detected temperature of the fluid. For example, if the fluid reaches a predetermined maximum temperature, the controller or processor device included in the dispenser 2100 may turn off or otherwise de-activate the heating element 2170. [ If the temperature of the fluid drops below a predetermined minimum temperature, the dispenser 2100 may reactivate the heating element 2170. The user can select the minimum and maximum fluid temperatures with various user controls included in the dispenser 2100. In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes a programmable thermostat.

[00153] 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 C power supply, such as an internal battery. The power supply may include a power cord 2104. The power cord 2104 provides power from the external supply to the dispenser 2100. The supplied power is used by various components of the dispenser 2100, including, but not limited to, a processor device, an actuator, a heating element 2170, a buried nightlight as well as various user interfaces and user selection devices . The power cord 2104 may include a wall-plug AC adapter utilizing prongs for North America, Europe, Asia or any other such area. Finger trenches 2152 assist in the insertion and removal of the reservoir 2152 from the fluid reservoir receptacle or cavity of the dispenser 2100.

[00154] Various user controls and / or user interfaces are included in the dispenser 2100. At least one of the controls may be a touch sensitive control or sensor. The contact detection controls may be capacitive touch sensors. The contact detection sensors, controls, or components may be housed within the housing of the dispenser 2100. The touch sensitive components may sense at least one of contact, proximity, or motion of the user's hand through the housing. In preferred embodiments, sensing the proximity or motion of the user's hand under the distribution aperture, the heating element is turned 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, if the user places his hand under the dispensing aperture, the proximity sensor may trigger the dispensing mechanism such that the volume of the fluid is distributed to the user's hand.

[00155] The dispense event or trigger dispenses a predetermined volume of fluid out of the reservoir 2150 through the dispenser 2100 by translating the drive shaft 2148 a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance corresponds to a predetermined volume. In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes a timer. The timer can prevent a distribution event from occurring if the lockout time has not elapsed since the previous distribution event. This lockout mode limits the dispense frequency of the dispenser 2100. Thus, the likelihood that a user will inadvertently trigger multiple distribution events is minimized. The lockout time or maximum distribution frequency may be programmed by the user using various user controls or selectors.

[00156] Other touch sensing or proximity / motion controls or sensors include at least one of a brightness 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 brightness icon 2128 or a color icon 2126, for displaying the functionality of the corresponding user control. Some of the user controls or icons may be illuminated with electromagnetic energy sources, such as LEDs for indicating the user's choice or other functionality.

[00157] At least one of the user controls, such as the brightness selector 2118 or the color selector 2116, may be a touch sensitive slide control that continuously changes the user selection when the user slides his finger through the slide control. For example, embedded nightlights may include multiple electromagnetic energy sources at various frequencies to provide visible light at multiple frequencies or colors. In the 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 nightlight to provide a light source. By mixing red, green, and blue (RGB) components, visible light of various colors can be generated.

[00158] Thus, the buried nitride may be a selectable or otherwise tunable RGB nightlight or a light source. The user can continuously blend the selection of LEDs to activate by sliding his finger along the color selector 2116. [ For example, the intensity of one or more of the differently colored LEDs may be changed by the color selector 2116 to produce various colors emitted by the nightlight. Likewise, the total luminance or intensity of the nightlight can be selected by continuously changing by the luminance selector 2118. [

[00159] Other user selectors or controls include a volume selector 2112. The user can select the dose of the fluid to be dispensed by the dispenser 2100. [ In a preferred embodiment, the user may select one of a plurality of predefined volumes to be distributed. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21B, three predetermined volumes, such as small, medium, or large doses are used, as indicated by the three differently sized fluid drop icons of the volume selector 2112 It is possible.

[00160] Volume selector 2112 is a touch sensitive user control, and thus the user can contact a sized fluid drop icon sized to correspond to the desired amount of injection. Alternatively, each time the contact is made with the icon, the dose amount selection is cyclized to the next amount to illuminate the selection. Thus, each of the small, medium, and large drop indicators may include an individual LED. The currently selected volume can be displayed by activating the appropriate LED and illuminating the corresponding fluid drop icon. In other embodiments, a continuous selection of volumes to be distributed is available. In such embodiments, the volume selector 2112 is a slide control contact sensing selector.

[00161] The dispenser 2100 may change the volume dispensed by the dispenser 2100 in a single dispense event by changing the length by which the drive shaft 2048 translates the piston in the fluid reservoir 2150 by triggering the actuator do. In preferred embodiments, because the cross-section of the reservoir 2150 is uniform, the amount of fluid dispensed at a single dispensing event is linearly proportional to the length through which the piston is translated. Thus, the dispenser 2100 changes the length that the drive shaft 2148 was driven in one distribution event based on the user selection of the volume selector 2112.

[00162] The ejector 2114 may be a contact detection control. When the ejector 2114 is activated the drive shaft 2148 is translated away from the drive mechanism of the reservoir 2150 and retracted from the reservoir 2150 so that the user can move from the dispenser 2100 to the reservoir 2150, 2150). In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes a spring-loaded mechanism for automatically releasing the reservoir 2150 when the drive shaft 2148 clears the body of the reservoir 2150.

[00163] In some embodiments, when the drive shaft 2148 clears the body of the regulated bore 2150, the LED contained in the ejector 2114 may be illuminated to indicate that the user is able to safely remove the reservoir 2150, Native. In other embodiments, the LED proximate to or embedded within the receiving receptacle is activated to indicate that the reservoir bore 2150 can be safely removed. If the body of the regulated bore 2150 is transparent or translucent, any remaining fluid in the regulated bore 2150 can be illuminated. In other embodiments, the LEDs embedded in such receiving receptacles may represent other functionalities. By using the finger trenches 2152, the user can remove the reservoir 2150 from the dispenser 2100.

[00164] 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 of the LEDs may be activated in a "blink mode" or in a slowly pulsing optical mode. When the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature, the flickering or pulsing LED can be switched to the "solid" mode. Alternatively, to indicate the ready state, the light can change color. It is understood that other methods of operating the indicators may serve to indicate the functionality or modes of the dispenser 2100. Other indicators may indicate that the reservoir bore 2150 is empty and needs to be replenished or replaced. Other indicators may indicate an error condition of the dispenser 2100. The buried nitrite can act as one or more indicators.

[00165] Figure 22A illustrates a cut away side view of another embodiment of a received fluid reservoir and dispenser consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. Dispenser 2200 includes a removable power cord 2204. Dispenser 2200 includes a power switch 2202. Figure 22A illustrates that the gap is within the housing. The gap defines the volume between the distribution aperture and containment depression (2220). The gap or volume accommodates the user's hand during a dispensing event such that the user's hand accepts or otherwise intercepts the fluid dispensed by the dispenser 2200. [

[00166] As disclosed herein, a motion or proximity sensor may be detected when a user's hand is positioned within a volume or moving within a volume. As illustrated in FIG. 23A, the night light included in the dispenser 2200 can illuminate a volume that accommodates a user's hand. The first movement of the user's hand can activate the heating element. Once properly heated, the further placement of the user's hand in the gap will activate the dispensing of the fluid. Any fluid that falls onto the lower base portion of the housing and is not intercepted by the user's hand is contained within containment depression 2220.

[00167] The housing of the dispenser 2200 includes an actuator cavity 2209. The actuator cavity 2209 accommodates various components of the actuator of the dispenser, such as the stepper motor 2246 of Figure 22C. The drive shaft or pressing member of the actuator drives the piston 2204 contained in the accommodated reservoir 2250. Modified use taps included on the piston 2204 indicate that the drive shaft of the actuator translationally moves the piston and distributes at least a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir 2250. Dispenser 2200 includes heating element 2270 to energize or heat fluid in reservoir 2250. The heating element 2270 induces current in the heating structure within the reservoir 2250.

[00168] 22B is an enlarged view of the fluid reservoir 2250. FIG. Fluid reservoir bore 2250 is received within dispenser 2200 consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The heating elements 2270 of the dispenser 2200 are positioned in close proximity to the heating structure 2220 contained within the reservoir 2250 . However, there is no physical contact between the heating element 2270 and the heating structure 2200 because the wall at the second end of the reservoir 2250 isolates the two conductive components. Rather, an alternating current at heating element 2270 induces a current in heating structure 2220. The induced current energizes the fluid contained within the reservoir 2250.

[00169] Dispenser 2200 includes dispensing aperture 2280 on the underside of dispenser 2200. The dispensing aperture 2280 can be located in the front piece of the housing of the dispenser 2200, such as the front piece 2122 of Figure 21A. The outlet port of the regulator bore 2250 is recessed above the dispensing aperture of the dispenser 2200. Additionally, the perimeter portion 2256 of the distribution aperture 2280 is configured and arranged such that the perimeter portion 2256 does not contact the valve of the outlet port of the regulated bore 2250. Thus, as the volume of fluid flows through the apertures or slits in the reservoir 2250, fluid is dispensed from the dispenser 2200.

[00170] However, the dispensed volume of the fluid does not contact any portion of the dispenser 2200, except perhaps the containment depression 2220. Thus, the only portion of the dispenser 2200 that may require cleaning of the dispensed fluid is the containment depression 2220. The fluid reservoir 2250 is inserted into the dispenser 2200. Also, the fluid reservoir 2250 can be such that the contained fluid is depleted over a number of dispensing events. Empty fluid reservoir 2250 can be removed from dispenser 2200 without leaving any residue or other traces of fluid dispensed by dispenser 2200.

[00171] 22C illustrates a stepper motor 2246 included in an actuator consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The stepper motor 2246 may be included in the actuators of various embodiments of the dispensers disclosed herein. The stepper motor 2246 may include a motor housing 2240. Motor housing 2240 houses conductive coils for converting electrical energy into mechanical work. The mechanical work drives the drive shaft 2248. The pressing member or drive shaft 2248 may translate the piston of the reservoir bore to dispense fluid from the dispenser.

[00172] In various embodiments, the stepper motor 2246 is usable to accumulate the total distance, or the total number of steps the drive shaft 2248 has advanced. In a preferred embodiment, at each step the drive shaft 2248 advances, the drive shaft 2248 causes the piston contained in the fluid reservoir bore to translate a predetermined distance toward the two ends of the body of the reservoir bore Or displace. When the cross section of the main body of the reservoir is uniform along the translation axis, a predetermined volume of the fluid contained in the reservoir is displaced by the piston and forced out of the outlet port of the reservoir bore. Thus, by accumulating the total number of steps or the total drive shaft displacement distance, the total amount of fluid dispensed from the dispenser can be determined. If the initial storage volume of the reservoir is known, a dispenser, such as dispenser 2200 in Figures 22A-22B, can determine how much fluid remains in the reservoir bore.

[00173] 23A illustrates a view of dispenser 2300 consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The lower surface of the dispenser 2300 includes a dispensing aperture 2380. The night light included in the dispenser 2300 illuminates a gap in which a user's hand intercepts the fluid dispensed by the dispenser 2300. [ The electromagnetic energy sources, such as multi-color LEDs, and the optical guiding and / or focusing device, such as the ring lens 2156 of FIG. 21A, enable nightlight functionality. The user can change the color and / or intensity of the night light.

[00174] 23B illustrates another view of an embodiment of dispenser 2300 consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The lower surface of the dispenser 2300 includes a dispensing aperture 2380. 23B shows the peripheral portion 2356 of the distribution aperture 2380. FIG. The outlet port of the reservoir is exposed through the dispensing aperture 2380 and received by the dispenser 2300. Valve 2310 of the outlet port is visible. The valve 2310 is recessed above 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 periphery 2312 of the dispensing aperture. Thus, when fluid flows through the valve 2310, the fluid is separated from the dispenser 2300, including the perimeter 2356 of the dispensing aperture 2380. Accordingly, the dispenser 2300 is not contaminated from the fluid dispensed by the dispenser 2300. [

[00175] 24A shows an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a fluid reservoir, such as the outlet port 2414 of the fluid reservoir bore of FIGS. 19A and 19B, consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. Fig. 24A shows the regio bore body 2402. Fig. The outlet port 2414 includes a valve 2410 and a valve retainer 2412. The valve 2410 and the valve retainer 2412 engage the regulator bore body 2402. The valve 2410 is recessed above the valve retainer 2412. The dispense force displaced the fluid contained within the reservoir bore. Thus, dispensed fluid volume 2470 flowed through slit 2490 in valve 2419. During the transition from the interior of the reservoir bore to the exterior of the reservoir bore, the dispensed fluid volume 2470 did not contact either the reservoir body 2404 nor the valve retainer 2412. The surface tension and gravitational field formed the dispensed fluid volume 2470 into a fluid drop.

[00176] 24A shows a bottom plan view of a valve 2410 for a fluid reservoir, such as the outlet port of the fluid reservoir 1950 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. The valve includes a slit 2490 that allows fluid to flow from the first side of the valve 2410 to the 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 bore.

[00177] In various embodiments, multiple slits form a slit 2490. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 24B includes two transverse slits. The two slits may be orthogonal slits. In the preferred embodiments, slit 2490 is a unidirectional slit in its slit 2490. The unidirectional slits enable the flow of fluid from the first side to the second side but delay the flow of fluid from the second side to the first side. In other embodiments, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > slit < / RTI >

[00178] Figure 25 shows a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid reservoir bore consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. Fluid reservoir bore 2514 is a rotatable fluid reservoir bore that includes a plurality of single serving fluid volumes 2580. In some embodiments, each single serving fluid volume 2580 is packaged in a blister-pack style pod. Various embodiments of the dispensers are enabled to rotate the reservoir bore 2514 to continuously align each single serving fluid volume 2580 with the drive shaft or pressing member of the actuator. The drive shaft may forge or otherwise displace the flow of fluid within each single serving fluid volume 2580. [

[00179] In some embodiments, the displacement of the fluid punctures or ruptures the foil or thin film covering the single serving fluid volume 2580. In other embodiments, the actuator component, such as a needle or pin, ruptures the foil or film. Once punctured or ruptured, the fluid will flow out of the dispensing aperture in the dispenser. The actuator may rotate the fluid reservoir bore 2514 to wait for the next dispense event. If each of the single serving fluid reservoir bores 2580 is exhausted, the user may remove the reservoir bore 2514 and provide a new fluid reservoir bore in the dispenser.

[00180] Figures 26A-26B provide views of another embodiment of a dispenser 2600 that includes a swirling fluid reservoir receptacle assembly. Dispenser 2600 includes a housing and an aperture in the housing. In various embodiments, the swivel assembly is included as part of the dispenser housing. The swivel assembly includes a receptacle, such as the fluid reservoir bore receptacle 2770 of FIG. The receptacle is configured to removably receive a fluid reservoir, such as fluid reservoir bore 2650 of Figure 26B. When the reservoir bore is received by the receptacle, the outlet port of the reservoir bore is exposed through the aperture. As discussed in other embodiments, the dispenser 2600 includes an actuator, such as the stepper motor 2246 of Figure 22C. When actuated, the actuator provides a dispensing force that directs flow of a predetermined volume of fluid through the outlet port and distributes the fluid through the aperture through the outlet port. In at least some embodiments, the dispenser 2600 includes a heating element, such as the conductive coils 2780 of FIG. 27. The heating element is configured to heat at least a portion of the fluid within the reservoir.

[00181] In Figure 26a, the swivel fluid reservoir or receptacle assembly of the dispenser 2600 is pivoted into the closed position. Since the lid 2634 is closed, the fluid reservoir contained in the dispenser 2600 is hidden from the view of Fig. 26A. 26B, the swivel receptacle assembly of the dispenser 2600 is pivoted to the open position. When open, the lid 2634 of the dispenser 2600 is pivoted upwards to an angular position to expose the fluid reservoir 2650. In Fig. 26B, a dispenser 2600 slidably receives a fluid reservoir 2650, and a dispenser 2600 accommodates a fluid reservoir 2650. Fig.

 [00182] Figure 27 illustrates an exploded view of a pivot fluid reservoir assembly 2760 consistent with the various embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, the pivot fluid reservoir assembly 2760 is a pivot receptacle assembly, or simply a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly 2760 may be included in the dispensers of the various embodiments disclosed herein, including but not limited to dispensers 2600 of Figs. 26A-26B and dispensers 3100 of Figs. 31A-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.

[00183] The drive shaft of actuator 2746 is configured and arranged to engage fluid reservoir bore 2750 when fluid reservoir bore 2750 is inserted into or otherwise received by fluid reservoir bore receptacle 2770. For example, as shown in FIG. 31A, the reservoir 3150 is received by the dispenser 3100. The actuator 3146 includes a drive shaft 3148. Drive shaft 3148 is engaged with piston 3104 of piston 3150 through aperture 3108. [ This engagement enables distribution and / or emission of the fluid contained within the fluid reservoir 2750. The actuator 2746 is received in the cup-shaped, rearward portion of the pivot assembly body 2790. The fluid reservoir receptacle 2770 is received in the cup-shaped, forward portion of the pivot assembly body 2790. Thus, when assembly body 2790 is rotated or pivoted about its pivot axis, each of the minor bore 2750, receptacle 2770, and actuator 2746 rotate together. Actuator 2746 engages fluid reservoir bore 2750 through aperture, U-channel, trench or other opening in both assembly body 2790 and receptacle 2770. The actuator 2746 may be a linear actuator.

[00184] 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 within the reservoir 2750 in an inductive process similar to that discussed in the context of Figures 20A-20B. In the preferred embodiment, the conductive coils 2780 are positioned on the outer surface of the receptacle 2770 so that the conductive coils 2780 do not physically contact the walls of the fluid reservoir 2750. In other embodiments, the conductive coils 2780 are locally located along the inner surface of the receptacle 2770 or are embedded within the walls of the receptacle 2770. 27, conductive coils 2780 surround the body of fluid reservoir 2750. As shown in FIG. Conductive coils 2780 induce current in the heating structure contained in the reservoir 2750. This induced current provides uniform inductive heating of the fluid contained within the reservoir 2750.

[00185] Pivot assembly 2760 includes an electrical choke 2780 for isolating noise or crosstalk between other frequency-sensing electronic components housed within a fluid dispenser including conductive coils 2780, an actuator 2746, Gt; 2792 < / RTI > When the pivot assembly is closed, a cover 2734 is included in the pivot assembly 2734 to hide the fluid reservoir 2750 in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 26A.

[00186] The photo-radiation circuit board 2794 is positioned at the bottom of the pivot body 2790. The photo-radiation circuit board 2794 includes at least one photo-emitter, such as an LED. The LED may be used as a nightlight feature, as discussed in the context of various embodiments herein. The photo-emission circuit board 2794 also includes at least one of a motion sensor, another LED facing up to illuminate at least a portion of the receptacle 2770 when in an open position, or other LEDs for illuminating various control features . In other embodiments, the motion sensor is mounted on other circuit boards included in the dispenser. The motion sensor may be an infrared (IR) LED. The photo-radiation circuit board 2794 may be engaged with a corresponding aperture or lens that is at least partially transparent to the frequencies emitted by the circuit board 2794. Such a configuration may be similar to the photo-radiation circuit board 3194 and the lens 3196 of Figs. 31A-31B.

[00187] The 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 released by the user. In at least some embodiments, the user releases the latching element by shorting the lid 2734 downwardly. The latching element can provide tactile feedback of the engagement / release event to the user. The latching element can be integrated into the lid 2734.

[00188] 28 provides an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir used in conjunction with various embodiments of the fluid dispensers disclosed herein. For example, the dispenser 2600 of Figures 26A-26B may receive and dispense heated fluid from a fluid reservoir 2850 similar to the fluid reservoir 2850. [ Fluid reservoir bore 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 overcap 2830 do. The reservoir bore 2850 may include a valve assembly 2832.

[00189]  In a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir 2850 is an airless pump reservoir or bottle that is customized. In various embodiments, the valve assembly 2832 is integrated with a pump or cap assembly 2820. Pump assembly 2820 may be a snap-on upper. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly 2832 includes a lower valve assembly aperture 2892 that leads to an inner chamber, a pathway, or a cavity of the valve assembly. Additional valve assembly upper apertures are included. For example, the valve assembly upper aperture 2994 of the fluid reservoir 2950 shown in FIG. 29 may be similar to the upper aperture of the valve assembly 2832. The upper aperture enables a flow pathway through the inner cavity of the valve assembly 2832. This flow pathway is in the inner cavity of the valve assembly 2832 and between the lower aperture 2892 and the upper aperture. The flow pathway provides fluid communication between the reservoir body 2802 and the nozzle 2812. One or more valves positioned in the flow path selectively block or otherwise inhibit flow through the flow path. A plurality of valves within the valve assembly 2832 allow the pumping operation to move fluid upwardly from the regenerative bore body 2802 and out through the nozzle 2812. Various embodiments of valve assemblies are discussed in detail with respect to Figures 29-30.

[00190] The reservoir body 2802 may be a bottle, such as a 5 milliliter bottle. The minor bore body 2802 includes a first end, a second end, a cross section, and a longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis is a translation axis because the piston 2804 translates along the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section is substantially uniform along the translational axis relative to at least a portion of the length of the minor bore body 2802. 28, the first end of the body 2802 may be an open end that receives the piston 2804. [ The regenerative bore body 2802 can be a cylindrical body, a tube-shaped body, or any other such configuration of a reservoir or bottle.

[00191] The bottom cap 2806 may include a centrally located aperture 2808 or other opening. The aperture 2808 enables engagement between the translationally movable piston 2804 of the fluid reservoir 2850 and the drive shaft of the actuator included in the dispenser. The drive shaft is received and passed by an aperture 2808 to physically contact and engage the mating portion of the bottom or rear portion of the piston 2804. The bottom or rear portion of the piston 2804 may be a driven structure. The translational motion of the drive shaft translates the piston 2804 against the rear bore body 2802 when mating with the piston 2804 or when engaged with the piston 2804. The translational motion of the piston 2804 may be similar to the translational motion of the plunger driving the fluid through the hypodermic syringe. The translation of the piston 2804 toward the upper or upper portion of the body 2802 at least distributes the portion of the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2850, as described in the context of Figures 29-30. The fluid is dispensed from the positioned nozzle 2812 on the lateral surface of the nozzle assembly 2814. As shown in FIG. 28, the nozzle 2812 may include a protrusion or tip positioned on the lateral or side surface of the nozzle assembly 2814.

[00192] The nozzle 2812 may be included in the outlet port portion of the reservoir 2850. The outlet port may include a valve retainer that mates with the dispensing aperture of the dispenser when the reservoir 2850 is received in the cavity and / or the receptacle within the dispenser. In at least one embodiment, the valve retainer includes a retainer periphery, whereby when the fluid flows out through the outlet port, the flowing fluid will flow without contacting the retainer perimeter.

[00193] In addition to the translation of the piston 2804, the translational movement of the nozzle assembly 2814 toward the upper portion of the reservoir body 2802 will also distribute the portion of the contained fluid through the outlet port or nozzle 2812. Accordingly, the user may dispense fluid from the reservoir 2850 by supplying a pumping force on the upper surface of the nozzle assembly 2814. [ This enables hand operation of the regulated bore 2850. Thus, the fluid may be dispensed from the reservoir 2850 by manual movement of the nozzle assembly 2814 or translational motion of the piston 2804. To prevent accidental triggering of dispensing events, such as hand pumping or nozzle assembly 2814 operation, when the reservoir bore 2850 is not in use or otherwise not received by the dispenser, 2830 are provided. In the preferred embodiments, the overcap 2830 is customized considering the downward angle of the nozzle 2812 as discussed below.

[00194] In some embodiments, the reservoir bore 2850 initially includes a seal, such as a thin film, label or other weak / fragile element. The seal covers the aperture 2808. Upon initial use of the reservoir 2850, the drive shaft of the dispenser will puncture and / or puncture this seal. The perforated seal on the bottom cap 2806 provides the user with a visual indication that the reservoir 2850 has already been used by the dispenser. The various embodiments may include one-time use tabs similar to the use tabs 1906 of Figs. 19A-19B. These use taps may be included in other structures of piston 2804, pump assembly 2820, valve assembly 2832 or reservoir 2850. Use taps may indicate when the piston 2804 has been translated from its initial position.

[00195] Use taps included in pump assembly 2820 or valve assembly 2832 are particularly advantageous because these use taps can be used to reduce the volume of previous dispense triggered by the translational movement of piston 2804 or the user- Because it signals the 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 drive shaft. Any of these pre-event signaling mechanisms can provide a greater load on the actuator. Accordingly, the dispenser can automatically detect whether the reservoir bore has been affected by a previous dispense event or whether the reservoir bore is a virgin reservoir. In addition, the dispense force required by the drive shaft varies with the viscosity or other characteristics of the fluid. In addition, the viscosity and other characteristics that affect the required dispense force vary with the fluid that may be stored in the reservoir, such as the reservoir 2850, for example. For example, the viscosity varies between water-based, oil-based and silicone-based lubricants. Accordingly, sensing the rod on the actuator provides a means for determining the fluid contained within the reservoir. The dispenser may provide a user with an indication that fluid reservoir 2850 has been affected by previous dispensing events and / or fluid types.

[00196] In a preferred embodiment, the pump assembly 2820 includes an alignment member 2822 or a keyed portion to ensure proper alignment and / or orientation when inserted into the dispenser. The alignment member 2822 may include protrusions, keys, or other suitable structures that mate or mate with corresponding structures of the fluid reservoir receptacle of the dispenser, such as, for example, the fluid reservoir bore receptacle 2770 of FIG. In such embodiments, the fluid reservoir 2850 can be inserted into the receptacle only when the alignment member 2822 is properly aligned with the corresponding keyed structure in the receptacle of the dispenser. This ensures that, when received by the dispenser, the reservoir 2850 rotates in its proper orientation about its longitudinal axis. Proper rotation is required so that the nozzle 2812 is oriented in the downward position and aligned with the dispensing aperture of the dispenser.

[00197] In some embodiments, the nozzle 2812 is angled downward (when the reservoir bore 2850 is positioned in a vertical orientation). When the fluid reservoir 2850 is received by a dispenser such as the dispenser 2600 of Figure 26a, the longitudinal axis of the reservoir is oriented at an angle at a horizontal angle in the dispense arm of the dispenser. 27 is pivoted to a closed position when the reservoir 2850 is received within the dispenser and pivot assembly, the downward angle of the nozzle 2812 causes the nozzle 2812 to move substantially vertically And downward.

[00198] For example, as shown in FIG. 31A, the reservoir 3150 is received by the dispenser 3100. The reservoir bore 3150 includes a downwardly angled nozzle 3112 (when oriented in a vertical position). When received in the upwardly angled dispenser arm 3180, the angled nozzles 3112 are oriented substantially vertically. This vertical orientation of the nozzle 3112 allows for a clear line of sight to allow 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, thereby reducing the need for periodic cleaning of the dispensing aperture of the dispenser, e.g., 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 vertically oriented, 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 receptacle or cavity such as the receptacle 2770 of FIG. The outlet port of the nozzle 2812 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir 2850.

[00199] The reservoir body 2802 includes a volume for receiving at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir 2850. The volume available to contain the fluid can be substantially defined by the distance between the piston 2804 and the other end of the body 2802. [ In preferred embodiments, the regior bore body 2802 includes a conductive heating structure 2810. A heating element, such as conductive coils 2780 in FIG. 27, can inductively generate current in such a heating structure 2810, at least as described in the context of FIGS. 20A-20B. The 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.

[00200] The heating structure 2810 may be a conductive tube. The heating structure 2810 is configured and arranged such that when the reservoir 2850 is assembled such a heating structure 2810 surrounds at least a portion of the lower chamber 2824 of the valve assembly 2832. In a preferred embodiment, do. 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 portions of the heating structure 2910 exposed to the volume of the regulated bore body 2902 of the regulated bore 2950. In other embodiments, the heating structure 2810 is a conductive tube that substantially lids at least a portion of the outer surface of the lower chamber 2824 of the pump assembly 2820. In other embodiments, the conductive tube lining at least a portion of the inner 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.

[00201] The heating element 2810 may be comprised of any conductive material, such as copper, silver, gold, and the like. In the preferred embodiments, the heating element 2810 is constructed of stainless steel. The heating element 2810 may be a stainless steel coil. Stainless steel is an advantageous material because stainless steel will not corrode or contaminate any fluid contained within the body 2802. [ Also, in preferred embodiments, the heating element 2810 is preferably a magnetic element. When the reservoir 2850 is received by a pivot assembly such as the pivot assembly 2760 of FIG. 27, inductive coils, such as the coils 2780 of FIG. 27, enclose the heating structure 2810. The conductive coils provide substantially uniform heating of the fluid contained in the reservoir 2850. In addition, the tubular configuration of the heating element 2810 will enable faster heating cycles. In at least one embodiment, the heating element 2810 is integrated with the valve assembly 2832.

[00202] 29 illustrates a cut away side view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir bore for use with various embodiments of the fluid dispensers disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir is uncompressed. The reservoir bore 2950 includes a bottom cap 2906. The bottom cap 2906 includes a central aperture 2908 that allows engagement of the drive shaft with the piston 2904.

[00203] The reservoir bore 2950 includes a reservoir body 2902 that defines an interior volume for housing the fluid. At least a portion of the internal volume is exposed to the conductive tubular heating structure 2910. 29, in the preferred embodiments, the heating structure 2910 lines the outer surface of the lower chamber 2924 of the valve assembly (e.g., valve assembly 2832 of FIG. 28). As discussed throughout, current is induced in the heating structure 2910 to heat the fluid contents. The internal volume of the regulator bore body 2902 is in fluid communication with the valve assembly and pump assembly (e.g., pump assembly 2820 of FIG. 28). At least one of the valve or pump assembly is in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly 2914 and particularly below the angled nozzle 2912.

[00204] As discussed in the context of FIG. 28, the flow pathway is through the valve assembly. One or more valves may selectively restrict or enable flow through the flow pathways. The lower valve assembly intake port receives the pressurized fluid from the lower bore body 2902. The valve housing 2952 houses a lower valve (e. G., 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 suppresses 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. The lower intake orifice 2992 and the upper output orifice 2994 are in fluid communication through the inner cavity of the spring valve 2918, or flow path. A one-way valve may be positioned within the 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.

[00205] A lower ball valve housed within the housing 2952 and the upper spring valve 2918 may be engaged with the lower ball valve when the piston 2904 translates upward or the nozzle assembly 2914 translates downward, Thereby preventing fluid communication between the body 2912 and the body 2902. 30 illustrates downward translation of the nozzle assembly of the reservoir 3050. FIG.

[00206] During the dispensing event, due to the displacement of the piston 2904, the increased pressure of the fluid in the body 2902 displaces the lower ball valve 2952. 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 the ball valve 2952 is displaced.

[00207] The nozzle assembly 2914 is prevented from translating forward by the dispensing member when the reservoir bore 2950 is positioned within or otherwise received by the dispenser (e.g., dispenser 3100 of Fig. 31a). As shown in Fig. 31A, the nozzle assembly of the reservoir 3150 is prevented from translational movement by the distribution member 3182. Fig. When the piston 2904 continues to translate, fluid flowing into the lower chamber 2924 will increase the pressure in the chamber 2924 and overcome the restoring force of the inner spring 2916. When the restoring force associated with the inner spring 2916 is overcome, the body 2902 translates toward the nozzle assembly 2914, because the dispensing member prevents the reciprocal movement of the nozzle assembly.

[00208] The resilient force of the inner spring 2916 is overcome and the spring valve 2918 will translate deeper into the lower chamber 2924 when the lower bore body 2902 translates toward the nozzle assembly 2914. [ For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the spring valve is translated into the lower chamber 3024 and exposes the lower intake aperture 3092 of the spring valve to the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. The lower intake orifice 2992 retracts or receives a portion of the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024 when plunged into the pressurized fluid. Due to the pressure differential, fluid flows through the inner cavity of the spring valve 2918 into the chamber 2926 of the nozzle assembly 2914 or into the upper flow volume. From the upper chamber 2926, the fluid flows out through the angled nozzle 2912. The upward translational motion of the piston 2904 and the relative translational motion between the body 2902 and the nozzle assembly 2914 are transmitted from the rear bore body 2902 and through the nozzle 2912 to the bottom of the reservoir 2950 Allowing outward fluid flow.

[00209] When the displacement force is removed from the piston 2904 by any one or a combination of the reduced pressure from the dispensed fluid and the reduction of the mechanical load, the inner spring 2916 moves the initial position of the spring valve 2918 And restrain additional flow of fluid from the nozzle 2912. [ The ball valve in the housing 2952 will reseat at its initial position and will inhibit the flow of additional fluid into the chamber 2924 and thus the nozzle (s) 2912) or outflow port through the outlet port. Thus, the ball valve and spring valve 2918 in the housing 2952 resist the output of fluid through the nozzle 2912, unless the dispensing force increases the internal pressure of the fluid to overcome the resistance of the valves.

[00210] The hand operation of the regulated bore 2950 operates on a similar principle; However, the nozzle assembly 2914 is translationally moved toward the body 2902. In the hand motion of the reservoir 2950, only a predetermined volume of fluid can be dispensed in a single dispense event. The predetermined volume of fluid is based on the total amount of fluid displaced by one pump of the assembly 2914 of the nozzles. In addition, in the hand operation of the reservoir 2902, the ball valve in the housing 2952 prevents back flow of the pressurized fluid back into the lower chamber 2924 into the lower bore body 2902. In a dispensing event triggered by translational motion of the piston 2904, a lower ball valve is not required, since there will be no back flow into the body 2902 from the lower chamber 2924. [ Accordingly, some embodiments do not include a bottom valve (e.g., a ball valve).

[00211] Another advantage of the dispense event triggered by the translation of the piston 2904 is that the fluid will continue to be dispensed as long as a translational motion or displacement force is applied to the piston 2904. Thus, any desired, or predetermined, amount of fluid can be displaced in a single dispensing event, wherein the drift shaft applies a displacement and / or dispense force to the piston 2904. In the preferred displacement events, approximately 0.1-0.2 ml of dosing fluid is dispensed. However, as discussed herein, other embodiments are not mandatory, and various dispensers enable the selection of a destination from a user. Furthermore, the reservoir bore 2950 may include an alignment member 2922 to prevent misalignment when inserting the reservoir bore 2950 into the dispensing unit. For example, the alignment member 2922 may be similar to the alignment member 2822 of FIG.

[00212]  30 shows another cross-sectional side view of a fluid reservoir bore for use with various embodiments of the 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 downwardly relative to the lower bore body 3002 to expose the intake orifice 3092 to the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. As noted above, the fluid flows through the spring valve to the upper chamber or flow volume 3026 of the nozzle assembly and flows out through the angled nozzle 3012.

[00213] Correspondingly, FIG. 30 illustrates the relative translational motion between the downwardly angled nozzle 3012 (or outlet port) and the regio bore body 3002. This translational motion is due to the dispensing event. In the manual dispense event, the user translates the nozzle assembly downwardly relative to the regior bore body 3002. When the dispensing event is triggered by the translation of the piston 3004 upwardly toward the nozzle assembly, the regulator bore body 3002 translates relative to the nozzle assembly. This translational movement of the piston 3004 is enabled by the engagement of the drive shaft through the aperture 3008. [ A tubular heating structure 3010 for heating the fluid stored in the fluid reservoir 3050, an intake port 3096, and a valve housing 3052 housing the inner lower ball valve are also shown. When inserted into the fluid dispenser, a keyed or alignment member 3022 is also shown to ensure proper alignment.

[00214] 31A provides a side cross-sectional view of a dispenser including a pivot assembly wherein the pivot assembly received a fluid reservoir and was pivoted into a closed position. The view of the dispenser 3100 of Fig. 31A may be similar to the view of the dispenser 2200 shown in Fig. 22A. Dispenser 3100 may include features similar to dispenser 2600 of Figs. 26A and 26B and any other embodiments of the dispensers disclosed herein. For example, the dispenser 3100 includes a dispenser housing that includes an upwardly angled dispensing arm 3180. The pivot assembly of the dispenser 3100 may be similar to the pivot assembly 2760 of FIG. Dispenser 3100 includes a pivot actuator 3146 and a drive shaft 3148. Drive shaft 3148 engages piston 3104 of reservoir bore 3150 through central aperture 3108 of reservoir bore 3150. [

[00215] The pivot assembly includes a conductive coil 3180 that surrounds the fluid containing body of the reservoir 3150. The body of the regulator bore 3150 includes a conductive heating structure. In various embodiments, the conductive coils 3180 substantially enclose a portion of the reservoir bore 3150 that includes a heating structure for directing current to the heating element. For example, refer to the position of the heating structure 2910 in FIG. 29 or the bottom bore 2950. The induced current heats or warms the fluid contents of the reservoir bore 3150 stored in the regulator bore body 3102. Since the electric coils 3180 uniformly surround the heating element, the fluid is uniformly heated. The pivot assembly includes a photo-emitting circuit board 3194 that is aligned with an at least partially transparent element 3196 of the housing of the dispenser 3100. The 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 to a closed position. The latching element may be a magnetic latching element at least partially embedded in lid 3134 of Figure 31B.

[00216] When the pivot assembly is in the closed position, angled nozzles 3112 of the reservoir 3150 are oriented in a substantially perpendicular direction such that the dispensed fluid contacts the surfaces of the dispensing aperture of the dispenser 3100 prevent. Because the nozzle 3112 is positioned adjacent to the rigid distribution member 3182, the nozzle 3112 does not translate in the dispensing event. Rather, the body 3102 of the dispenser 3150 is displaced forward with respect to the nozzle 3112. As discussed in the context of Figures 29-30, this displacement of the body has dispensed the flow of fluid from the reservoir 3150.

[00217] 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 may include an upper PCB 310 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, (3164). Similarly, the bottom PCB 3162 houses an electronic device for controlling the actuator 3146. The power cord 3104 provides power to the upper PCB 3164, the lower PCB 3162, the actuator 3146 and other electro-driven elements of the dispenser 3100. In the preferred embodiments, the power cord 3104 provides alternating current (AC) power.

[00218] 31B provides a cut away side view of the dispenser 3100 of FIG. 31A, wherein the pivot assembly has been turned into a partially open position. 31B illustrates a sufficient clearance between angled nozzle 3112 (of FIG. 31A) and dispensing member 3182 of angled dispensing arm 3180 when pivot assembly is pivoted and closed . In some embodiments, the pivot assembly is spring-loaded such that when the latching elements are decoupled, the pivot assembly is automatically pivoted to the open position. When completely opened, the reservoir 3150 can be removed from the dispenser 3100. It should be noted that the actuator 3146, the drive shaft 3148, the photon emitter board 3194, the reservoir 3150 and the cover 3134 pivot with the pivoting assembly. When pivoted to the open position, the drive shaft 3148 can automatically retract from the piston 3104 of the reservoir bore 3150.

[00219] 32A illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir bore in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. Fluid reservoir bore 3250 may be collapsible or an accordion-style reservoir. Fluid reservoir bore 3250 includes a rigid reservoir body 3202 that is configured and arranged to receive or otherwise mate with flexible reservoir body 3206 to form the body of fluid reservoir 3250 . The flexible reservoir body 3206 includes a flexible accordion-type bellows body. The flexible body 3206 may expand and contract to accommodate the amount of fluid stored in the reservoir 3250.

[00220] Fluid reservoir bore 3250 includes an exit port 3214. In various embodiments, the outlet port 3214 includes a valve 3210 and a valve retainer 3212. Each of the outlet port 3214, the valve 3210 and the valve retainer 3212 is connected to the outlet port 1914, the valve 1910, and the valve retainer 1912 of Figs. 19A to 19B or the outlet The port 2414, the valve 2410 and the valve retainer 2412. Fluid reservoir bore 3250 includes a piston 3204 that is translationally movable. In the preferred embodiments, the piston 3204 is configured and arranged to match the distal end of the flexible reservoir body 3206. The flexible body 3206 may include a trench or indent 3208 to engage the drive shaft of the fluid dispenser. In various embodiments, the piston 3204 engages the internal service of the flexible body 3206, so that when the drive shaft engages the indent 3208, the drive shaft translates the piston 3204.

[00221] In a preferred embodiment, the piston 3204 includes a projection or indent centered to engage the 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 is folded to accommodate the reduced fluid volume contained within the reservoir 3250. Preferred embodiments include a heating structure, such as heating structure 1920 of FIGS. 19A-19B, heating structure 2020 of FIG. 20A, heating structure 2910 of FIG. 29, or any other heating structure discussed herein .

[00222] Figure 32B illustrates a bottom view of the assembled fluid reservoir 3250 of Figure 32A. 32C illustrates a side view of the assembled fluid reservoir 3250 of FIGS. 32A and 32B.

[00223] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described hereinabove, many modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiments. Instead, the present invention should be determined entirely with reference to the following claims.

Embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive feature or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

Claims (40)

In a fluid reservoir,
A second end, a transverse plane, and a translation axis, the translational axis being substantially orthogonal to the transverse plane, and the first end and the second end, The transverse plane being substantially uniform along the translation axis with respect to at least a portion of the length of the reservoir body,
A heating structure configured to energize at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir and thermally coupled to the fluid when the fluid is received in the reservoir; And arranged;
A piston configured and arranged to translate along said translational axis; a volume of a reservoir available for containing said fluid is defined by a distance between said piston and said second end of said reservoir body; And
An outlet port disposed on a surface of the reservoir, the volume of fluid energized by the heating structure being greater than the volume of the reservoir when the piston is translationally moved toward the second end along the translational axis; Wherein the volume of the energized fluid is linearly proportional to the length of the translational movement of the piston,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the heating structure is a conductive disk comprising a cross-section substantially coinciding with a cross-section of the reservoir body,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the heating structure is disposed proximate to the second end of the reservoir body,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising at least one prior-event indicator configured and arranged to indicate whether the piston has been translated from an initial position.
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first end of the reservoir body is an open end for receiving the piston,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the reservoir body is a cylindrical body and the second end is a cylinder base,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the outlet port includes a valve such that fluid contained in the reservoir flows through the valve in response to a translation of the piston toward the second end of the reservoir body, Arranged,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the valve is further configured and arranged to retain fluid in the reservoir when the piston is not translated,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the outlet port comprises a valve retainer configured and arranged to align with an aperture of the dispenser when the reservoir is received by a cavity in the dispenser.
Fluid reservoir bore. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the valve retainer includes a retainer perimeter wherein the retainer perimeter is configured such that when the fluid contained within the reservoir flows through the outlet port, the fluid flowing does not contact the retainer perimeter, ≪ / RTI >
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the cross-section of the exit port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the translational axis,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the cross-section of the exit port is oriented substantially parallel to the translational axis,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
The outlet port being proximate the heating structure such that the fluid flowing through the outlet port is close to the heating structure prior to flowing through the outlet port,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the piston comprises a driven structure constructed and arranged to be aligned with a driveshaft driven by an actuator,
Fluid reservoir bore. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a surface of the reservoir bore in which the outlet port is disposed is a surface of the reservoir body,
Fluid reservoir bore. 1. A fluid regulating bore for containing fluid,
Wherein the regulating bore comprises:
Regular bore body - said regulated bore body including a volume configured and arranged to receive a longitudinal axis and at least a portion of the fluid received in said regulated bore;
A heating structure configured to thermally couple to the fluid contained within the body and to energize at least a portion of the fluid contained within the body when the fluid is received in the volume of the regulated bore body; Configured and arranged;
A piston configured and arranged to translate along at least a portion of a longitudinal axis of the reservoir body;
A nozzle disposed on a surface of the reservoir configured and arranged to output fluid contained in the reservoir; And
A first valve that resists the output of fluid through the nozzle unless a dispensing force is applied to the reservoir bore, the dispensing force increasing the internal pressure of the fluid to overcome the resistance of the first valve,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising a bottom cap including an aperture that allows the drive shaft to apply a dispensing force to the piston, wherein when the dispensing force is applied to the piston, the piston is moved along the longitudinal axis And wherein the resistance of the first valve is overcome to output a portion of the fluid from the nozzle,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein when the 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 selected such that a portion of the fluid from the nozzle Overcome to output,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the nozzle is an angled nozzle such that when the reservoir is received by the fluid dispenser the angled nozzle is oriented substantially vertically,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising an alignment member to enable proper nozzle alignment when the reservoir is received by the fluid dispenser.
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the heating structure comprises a conductive tube-shaped element within at least a portion of the volume of the reservoir body,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the heating structure is a stainless steel heating structure,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the first valve is a ball valve,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the first valve is a spring valve,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising a seal configured and arranged to provide a visual indication of whether the piston has previously been translated from an initial position.
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the reservoir bore is an airless pump reservoir bore,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising an over cap configured and arranged to prevent the output of fluid from the nozzle when the reservoir is not in use.
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the reservoir body comprises a flexible body,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the piston includes an indent for engaging a protrusion of the reservoir body.
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 17. The method of claim 16,
Said reservoir being an accordion reservoir,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. In the fluid reservoir,
A first end, a second end, a transverse section, and a translational axis, the translational axis being substantially orthogonal to the transverse section and defined by the first end and the second end, , Said cross-section being substantially uniform along said translation axis with respect to at least a portion of the length of the reservoir body,
A piston configured and arranged to translate along the translation axis; a volume of a reservoir available for containing the fluid is defined by a distance between the piston and the second end of the reservoir body; And
An outlet port disposed on a surface of the reservoir; a volume of the fluid flows through the outlet bore and through the outlet port when the piston is translated along the translational axis toward the second end;
The first end being configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of an actuator such that when the actuator is received, the actuator engages the piston, and when engaged, the actuator is configured to translate the piston toward the second end And arranged,
Fluid reservoir bore. 32. The method of claim 31,
Wherein the first end includes a bottom cap and the bottom cap includes a central aperture configured and arranged to receive a drive shaft of the actuator.
Fluid reservoir bore. 32. The method of claim 31,
Wherein the heating structure is configured and arranged to thermally couple to the fluid and energize at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir when the fluid is received in the reservoir, felled,
Fluid reservoir bore. 34. The method of claim 33,
Wherein the heating structure is a conductive disk comprising a cross-section substantially coinciding with a cross-section of the reservoir body,
Fluid reservoir bore. 34. The method of claim 33,
Wherein the heating structure is disposed proximate to the second end of the reservoir body,
Fluid reservoir bore. 34. The method of claim 33,
Wherein the heating structure comprises a conductive tube-shaped element within at least a portion of the volume of the reservoir body,
Fluid reservoir containing fluid. 34. The method of claim 33,
Wherein the heating structure is a stainless steel heating structure,
Fluid reservoir bore. 34. The method of claim 33,
Wherein the heating structure is a magnetic heating structure,
Fluid reservoir bore. 32. The method of claim 31,
The piston including a driven structure configured and arranged to align with a drive shaft driven by an actuator,
Fluid reservoir bore. 32. The method of claim 31,
Further comprising a frangible seal constructed and arranged to indicate a previous use of the reservoir bore,
Fluid reservoir bore.

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