KR20200018196A - Liquid dispensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The liquid dispensing device includes a needle. The needle is adapted to penetrate the container without tearing a portion of the container. The portion of the container is near the penetration point on the container. The liquid dispensing device includes a motion control system. The motion control system is configured to rotate the needle while the needle passes through the container.

Description

Liquid dispensing device

The liquid is transported and / or stored in a container. Each container may contain one serving or multiple servings of liquid. Each container may maintain the quality of the liquid disposed within each container during shipping and / or storage. The container may maintain the quality of the liquid by preventing oxidation or other chemical reactions from occurring while the liquid is transported and / or stored.

In one aspect, a liquid dispensing device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention includes a needle adapted to penetrate a container without tearing a portion of the container near the through point on the container; And a motion control system configured to rotate the needle as the needle passes through the container.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, however, illustrate by way of illustration only specific aspects or embodiments of the invention and are not meant to limit the claims.

1 illustrates a system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
2 shows a block diagram of a liquid dispensing apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
3A shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
3B shows a perspective view of a jet according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
3C shows a cross-sectional view of the ejection portion shown in FIG. 3B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
4A shows a second perspective view of a liquid dispensing apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
4B shows a third perspective view of a liquid dispensing apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
5A shows a perspective view of a liquid extraction system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
5B shows a top view of a liquid extraction system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
5C shows a perspective view of a needle and manifold in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6A shows a cross sectional view of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
6B shows an example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6C shows a second example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6D shows a third example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6E shows a fourth example of a needle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6F shows a fifth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6G shows a sixth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6H shows a first example of a port disposed in a recess in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6I shows a second example of a port disposed in a recess in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6J shows a third example of a port disposed in a recess in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6K shows a fourth example of a port disposed in a recess in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6L shows a first cross sectional view of a sixth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6M shows a second cross sectional view of a sixth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6N shows a seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6O shows a first cross sectional view of a seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6P shows a second cross sectional view of a seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
6Q shows an eighth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
7 shows a flow chart of a liquid dispensing method according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
8 shows a flow chart of a liquid dispensing method according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
9A shows a flow chart of a method of recommending a liquid container according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
9B shows a flow chart of a method of recommending a liquid container according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
10 shows a block diagram of a liquid identification network element in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
11 shows a block diagram of a recommendation network element according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous details are set forth as examples of the invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details and that many variations or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Specific details known to those skilled in the art are omitted to avoid obscuring the description.

Throughout the specification, an ordinal number (eg, first, second, third, etc.) may be used as an adjective for an element (ie, any noun in the specification). The use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular order of elements unless they are explicitly disclosed, such as by the use of "before", "after", "single" and other such terms. It is not limited to elements. Rather, using ordinal numbers distinguishes elements. By way of example, the first element may be distinguished from the second element, and the first element may comprise one or more elements and may follow (or precede) the second element in the order of the elements.

In the following descriptions of FIGS. 1-11, in various embodiments of the technology, any component described in connection with the drawings may be the same as one or more of the same named component described in connection with any other figures. For the sake of simplicity, the description of the components will not be repeated for each figure. Thus, each embodiment and every embodiment of the components of each figure is incorporated by reference, it is assumed that it is optionally present in all other figures having one or more of the same name components. Additionally, in accordance with various embodiments of the technology, any description of components in the figures is implemented in connection with, or instead of, the embodiments described in connection with the correspondingly named components in any other figure. It should be construed as an alternative embodiment that may be.

In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and apparatus for dispensing liquids from containers. Liquid contained in a container may degrade its performance when exposed to the surrounding environment. The liquid may be exposed to the atmospheric environment, for example, when the container is opened for dispensing the liquid or through heat transfer between the surrounding environment surrounding the container and the liquid contained in the container.

The liquid dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention prevents or reduces the rate of decomposition of the liquid in the container by shielding the liquid from the surrounding environment. The liquid dispensing device can control the gaseous conditions in the vessel and the thermal conditions of the liquid in the vessel.

The liquid dispensing device may also maintain the orientation of the vessel, thereby preventing solid or other materials contained within the vessel from being dispensed with the liquid contained in the vessel. The direction may, for example, cause the liquid extraction point on the container to bend down.

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

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

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

Additional embodiments of the present invention may relate to a system for dispensing liquids. The system may include one or more liquid distribution devices operably connected to one or more network elements via a network. The network element can be, for example, an authentication server, a liquid supplier server and a recommendation server.

The authentication server allows the user to log in to the liquid dispensing device. By logging on to the device, the user can be provided access to one or more functions of the liquid dispensing device, or the user will be denied access.

The liquid supplier server may enable the liquid dispensing device to automatically notify the supplier of the liquid that the container is depleted. Thereafter, the liquid supplier server may add a new liquid container to the liquid dispensing device in response to the notification.

The recommendation server may receive consumption data from the liquid dispensing device. Consumption data may be associated with a user. Consumption data can be used to recommend to users of other containers of liquid for consumption.

1 shows a diagram of a system for dispensing liquid according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The system includes a plurality of liquid distribution devices 100, 101 operably connected to a plurality of network elements 120, 130, 140, 150 and one or more computing devices 160 via the network 110. Computing device 160 may also be coupled to liquid dispensing device 100, 101 via one or more separate connections, such as wireless local area network, Bluetooth, local area communication, or other communication method.

The liquid dispensing device 100, 101 may be a physical device for dispensing liquid contained in the container. The liquid can be, for example, wine, champagne, beer or any other liquid. The container may be, for example, a bottle sealed by cork, screw top or other mechanism. Reference is made to FIGS. 2-6F for further details regarding the liquid dispensing apparatus 100, 101.

Network elements 120, 130, 140, 150 may be physical devices. The network elements 120, 130, 140, 150 may be servers, for example. Each of the network elements 120, 130, 140, 150 may be operatively connected to the liquid dispensing apparatus 100, 101 via the network 110 and may be configured to support the operation of the dispensing apparatus 100, 101. .

Each of the network elements 120, 130, 140, 150 are shown as a separate device in FIG. 1, but each of the network elements 120, 130, 140, 150 may be combined with other network elements without departing from the invention. Can be. For example, the liquid identification network element 120 and the recommendation network element 130 may be a single device without departing from the present invention. In addition, the functionality of one or more network elements 120, 130, 140, 150 may be provided by a computing cloud rather than a specific device without departing from the invention.

The liquid identification network element 120 may include information that may be used to identify the type of liquid contained in the container. See FIG. 10 for further details regarding the liquid identification network element 120.

Recommendation network element 130 may include information that may be used to recommend a container of liquid for consumption by a user. See FIG. 11 for additional details regarding the recommended network element 130.

The liquid supplier network element 140 may be a supplier device that receives a request from the liquid dispensing device 100, 101 for a container of liquid. The supplier may schedule the delivery of the liquid container on request.

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

Computing device 160 may be, for example, a physical device such as a mobile phone, laptop computer, tablet computer or other personal computing and / or communication device. Computing device 160 may be operatively connected to liquid dispensing devices 100, 101. Allows a user of computing device 160 to command liquid dispensing devices 100 and 101, obtain data from liquid dispensing devices 100 and 101, and authenticate a user of liquid dispensing devices 100 and 101. Or otherwise an application may be executed on computing device 160 that may direct the functionality of liquid dispensing device 100, 101. In some embodiments of the invention, computing device 160 may act as a bridge to network 110.

The network 110 may be a communication network that enables information exchange between devices connected to the network. Network 110 may be, for example, the Internet.

2 shows a block diagram of a liquid dispensing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The liquid dispensing device 100 may dispense the liquid from the container while preserving the remaining liquid in the container for later dispensing. In addition, the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 may obtain dispensing information regarding per user and / or per dispensing criteria. Distribution information may be sent to one or more network elements.

The liquid dispensing apparatus 100 may include a processor 200. The processor 200 may be a physical device including a circuit. The processor 200 may be, for example, a central processing unit, an embedded processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable gate array, or any other type of programmable computing device.

Processor 200 may be operatively coupled to non-transitory computer readable memory 205 that stores instructions. Non-transitory computer readable memory 205 may be a physical device such as a hard disk drive, read-only memory, or a solid state drive. The instructions may cause the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 to perform the functions shown in FIGS. 7-9B when executed by the processor 200.

The liquid dispensing device 100 may include a memory 210 operatively coupled to a processor. Memory 210 may be a physical device such as a random access memory. The memory 210 may be used for temporary storage of data.

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

The liquid dispensing device 100 may include a user interface 220. The user interface 220 may be a physical component for interacting with the liquid dispensing device 100. Liquid dispensing device 200 may include, for example, a display, a touch sensitive display, a button, and / or a switch. The user interface 220 may enable the liquid dispensing device 100 to provide information to and receive input from the user.

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

Identification system 220 may identify a container of liquid and a liquid receptacle. The container of liquid may be a wine bottle, for example, and the liquid receptacle may be a wine glass, for example. When the container is inserted into the liquid dispensing apparatus 100, the liquid container identification sensor 222 can identify the type of liquid contained in the container. Liquid container identification sensor 222 may also monitor the amount of liquid in the container as the liquid is dispensed. Liquid container identification sensor 222 may be a physical component such as, for example, a camera. The liquid container identification sensor 222 may also include an interrogation source, such as a light source, to facilitate measurement by the sensor. See FIG. 4 for further details regarding the liquid container identification sensor 222.

Additionally, when the liquid dispensing device is instructed to dispense the liquid, the liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 can determine whether the receptacle is in the dispensing area. By determining whether the receptacle is in the dispensing area, the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 can prevent spilling of the liquid by not dispensing the liquid when the receptacle is not in the dispensing area. The liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be a physical component such as, for example, a camera, a capacitive sensor, a distance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other type of sensor for detecting the presence of a physical object. See FIG. 3A for further details regarding the liquid container identification sensor 222.

Liquid extraction system 230 may extract liquid from the container in response to a request from the user. The liquid can be extracted automatically and the remaining liquid can be prevented from being exposed to the environment. In addition, the liquid extraction system 230 may weigh the dispensed liquid to determine the user's consumption habits. The liquid extraction system 230 may include a penetrating device 232, a liquid container holding device 234, and a liquid metering device 236. Each of the components is described below.

The penetrating device 232 can be configured to penetrate a portion of the container. In one embodiment of the invention, the penetrating device remains in the container after passing through a portion of the container until all or substantially all liquid is extracted from the container. The penetrating device may also be removed after passing through a portion of the container if the container must be removed from the liquid dispensing device before all or substantially all liquid is extracted from the container. A portion of the container may for example be a closure of the container. Non-limiting examples of closures include cork, screw tops, or other closure devices or components of other wine bottles. After piercing, the liquid can be extracted using the penetrating device 232. See FIGS. 5A-6F for further details regarding the penetrating device 232.

The liquid container holding device 234 may be a physical structure for holding a container including a liquid. The liquid container holding device 234 may be configured to press the container against the penetrating device 232 to penetrate the container. See FIGS. 4A-5B for further details regarding the liquid container holding device 234.

Liquid metering device 236 may be a physical component for metering liquid dispensed by a liquid dispensing device. The metering device 236 may be, for example, a flow meter. The liquid extracted from the container may flow through the liquid metering device 236 before being dispensed and may allow a certain amount of liquid to be dispensed. See FIG. 5C for additional details regarding the liquid metering device 236.

Liquid preservation system 240 may preserve the quality of the liquid disposed within the vessel. Liquid preservation system 240 may control both the atmosphere and the thermal conditions of the liquid to preserve the quality of the liquid. Liquid preservation system 240 may include a heat regulation device 242 and an atmosphere control device 244. Each of the components is described below.

Thermal regulation device 242 may be a physical component for temperature regulation. Heat regulation device 242 may include, for example, an air conditioning system, a heat pump, a heat exchanger, and / or a Peltier cooler. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat regulation device 242 may be a valve connected to an external source of temperature controlled air provided by a source other than the liquid distribution device. Thermal regulation device 242 may also include one or more temperature sensors. The heat regulation device 242 may generate an air flow to regulate the temperature of the liquid in the vessel at a predetermined temperature. The thermal control device 242 can measure the temperature of the liquid using one or more temperature sensors and can modify the temperature and / or flow rate of the generated air flow based on the temperature of the liquid. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the heat regulation device 242 may maintain the temperature of the liquid based on the type of liquid disposed in the vessel. See FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B for further details regarding the heat regulation device 242.

Atmosphere control device 244 may be a physical component for regulating the atmosphere within the container. Atmosphere control device 244 may include, for example, a gas source and a pressure regulator. The gas source can be, for example, a pressurized vessel of gas. In some embodiments of the invention, the gas source may be an external source, such as, for example, the gas supply of a building. Atmosphere control device 244 may inject gas into the container through a liquid permeation device. The pressure of the gas can be maintained through a pressure regulator, where maintaining the pressure prevents oxygen from entering the vessel and dissolves in the liquid in the vessel. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the atmosphere control device 244 may maintain the pressure of the gas based on the type of liquid disposed in the vessel. For further details regarding the atmosphere control device 244 refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

3A shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The liquid dispensing device 100 includes an interior volume accessible by the door 310 for holding one or more containers containing liquid. The inner volume is surrounded by a shell 315 that hides the container from the user's perspective when the container is in the liquid dispensing device 100.

The user interface 220 is included in the door 310. User interface 220 allows information to be communicated to a user of the device and / or allows the user to enter information into liquid dispensing device 100. The user interface 220 may be, for example, a touch sensitive display. An image corresponding to the type of liquid contained in the container within the liquid dispensing device 100 may be displayed to the user via the user interface 220. The touch sensitive portion of the user interface 220 allows a user to request that liquid be dispensed at the liquid dispensing device 100. Certain amounts of liquid may be designated for dispensing.

Although the user interface 220 is shown disposed on the door, the user interface 220 may be disposed on another portion of the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 without departing from the present invention. Additionally, the user interface 220 can be placed on a separate device without departing from the present invention. The separate device may be, for example, a tablet computer, point of sale terminal or other type of computing device. The separate device may operate as a thin client for the liquid dispensing device 100 or may otherwise enable communication between the user and the liquid dispensing device 100.

One or more blowouts may also be disposed on the door 310. Liquid extracted from the vessel disposed in the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 may be dispensed into the receptacle through the ejection portion. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the spout 300 is made of plastic, wood, metal or a combination of the aforementioned materials. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the decorative elements of the spout 300, such as a hood or other cover, may be made of wood, while the components of the spout 300 that directly connect with the fluid are made of plastic. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the spout 300 is made of wood. In addition, while shown in FIG. 3A as being disposed on the door, the jet 300 may also be disposed on other portions of the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 without departing from the present invention.

3B shows a perspective view of a jet 300 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The diagram of FIG. 3B shows the mechanical components of the jet 300 that allow liquid to be dispensed by the jet 300. The jet 300 may include a decoration (not shown), such as a cover or hood, which improves the appearance of the jet 300 or hides the mechanical features of the jet 300 without departing from the invention.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the receptacle 300 may protrude outwardly from the door 310 such that a receptacle may be disposed below the ejection portion to receive fluid extracted from a container disposed with the liquid dispensing device. To be. The jet can be made of plastic, metal, ceramic or a combination of the aforementioned materials. The jet can be made of other materials without departing from the invention. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the jet can be coated with a hydrophobic or food safety coating. The coating may reduce the likelihood of fluid dispensed by the jet contaminated by the jet or residual material on the jet from previously disposed fluid and / or when fluid is dispensed on / after the fluid is dispensed. This can reduce the likelihood of leaving residues or contaminants on the.

The ejection portion may include at least two liquid dispensing ports 301. Each port may be hydraulically connected to a corresponding container as fluid is dispensed from the corresponding container. The blowout section may include more or fewer ports 301 without departing from the invention.

3C shows a cross-sectional view of the jet along the inner length of the jet for hydraulically connecting one of the ports 301 to a container (not shown). Blower 300 may include a pressure actuated stopper 302 near port 301 along hydraulic path 303 connecting port 301 to the vessel. The pressure-operated stopper 302 may seal the hydraulic path 303 when the fluid pressure on the vessel side of the pressure-operated stopper 302 along the hydraulic path 303 is less than a predetermined amount. When the fluid pressure on the container side of the pressure-operated stopper 302 along the hydraulic path 303 is greater than a predetermined amount, the pressure-operated stopper 302 may open the hydraulic path 303 to allow fluid to flow. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the predetermined amount may be or may be greater than the ambient pressure, so that unless the fluid is pumped or pressurized at the vessel side of the pressure-operated stopper 302, the pressure-operated stopper ( 302 seals the hydraulic path 303.

While not shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the spout 300 can include other structural components or adapter attachment points. For example, the nozzle 300 may include an aeration device or an adapter attachment point for attachment of the aeration device. The venting device may alter the properties of the fluid dispensed by the nozzle by injecting gas into the fluid or mixing the fluid with the gas prior to dispensing the fluid. The adapter attachment point may be a series of threads, pins or other mechanical interlocking structures for fixedly attaching the device to the spout 300.

Returning to FIG. 3A, a liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be disposed on the door 310. The liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be a physical component for determining whether a receptacle is present to receive the liquid dispensed by the liquid dispensing device 100. The liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be, for example, a camera, distance sensor, ultrasonic sensor, capacitive device, or proximity sensor. The liquid receptacle identification sensor 224 may be another sensor without departing from the present invention. Also shown in FIG. 3A as being disposed on the door, the liquid receptacle sensor 224 may be disposed on another portion of the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 without departing from the present invention.

4A shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 4A, door 310 and shell 315 have been removed. In addition, the insulation and other materials used to reduce heat transfer and noise generation have also been removed to better illustrate the additional components of the liquid distribution device 100.

The liquid dispensing apparatus 100 includes a liquid extraction system 230. The liquid extraction system accepts a container of liquid and automatically extracts liquid from the container in response to a request from a user.

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

4B shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 4B, door 310, shell 315 and liquid extraction system 230 have been removed. In addition, the insulation and other materials used to reduce heat transfer and noise generation have also been removed to better illustrate the additional components of the liquid distribution device 100.

The liquid dispensing apparatus 100 includes a liquid preservation system 240. Liquid preservation system 240 may include heat control device (s) 242 and atmosphere control device 244. Each of the aforementioned devices may be disposed in an interior volume of the liquid dispensing device 100.

Atmosphere control device (s) 244 may include a gas source and one or more gas flow and gas pressure regulators. The gas may be supplied from the source to the regulator and into the vessel in turn to maintain the atmosphere environment within the vessel.

Heat conditioning device (s) 242 may include a heating unit, cooling unit, fan, heat exchanger, and / or other device to facilitate controlling the temperature of the liquid disposed in the vessel at the desired temperature.

5A shows a perspective view of a liquid extraction system 230 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid extraction system 230 includes a liquid container holding device 234 for receiving and holding a container of liquid, a penetrating device 232 for penetrating the container, and a liquid metering device for metering liquid extracted from the container (not shown). ) Is included. The liquid container holding device 234 and the penetrating device 232 can work cooperatively to penetrate the container and extract liquid from the container.

FIG. 5B shows a top view of the liquid extraction system 230 shown in FIG. 5A. As shown from FIG. 5B, the liquid container holding device 234 includes a platform 525 mounted on the sliding rail 530. The platform 525 may be connected to a linear actuator 535 that controls the position of the platform along the length of the sliding rail. Although not shown in FIG. 5B, the liquid container holding device 234 may include a sealing cup as a secondary seal around the closure of the container. Such a sealing cup can provide additional protection against liquid leakage from the container after the closure has been penetrated by the penetrating device. The sealing cup can be a gasket, fairing or any other sealing component.

The penetrating device 232 may include a needle 500 for penetrating the vessel, a manifold 510 for controlling the flow of liquid, and a rotary actuator 505. Needle 500 may be connected to rotary actuator 505. The rotary actuator 505 can rotate the needle 500 when in operation.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the penetrating device 232 may include a periodic actuator (not shown). Periodic actuators may cause the needle 500 to vibrate along the path while passing through the vessel. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the path may be aligned with the length of the needle, perpendicular to the length of the needle, or inclined relative to the length of the needle. Vibrating the needle along the path while penetrating the vessel allows the needle 500 to vibrate during penetration of the vessel. Vibrating the needle 500 during penetration can reduce the likelihood that debris will settle into the needle 500. Vibrating the needle 500 during the penetration may reduce the likelihood that the needle 500 will bend or otherwise be permanently deformed during the penetration. Vibrating the needle 500 during penetration can reduce friction between the needle 500 and the vessel during penetration. Vibrating the needle 500 during piercing may reduce the likelihood that a portion of the container will break and thereby break the seal between the container and the needle 500 during and / or after piercing.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the periodic actuator comprises a cam, ie a rotating or sliding piece in the mechanical coupling device, which is mechanically connected to the needle 500. The cam may be mechanically connected to the needle 500 via a cam follower that converts the rotational movement of the cam into reciprocating linear motion. The cam can be mechanically coupled to the motor. The motor may be an electric, pneumatic or other type of motor that rotates the cam.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the periodic actuator includes an elliptical channel that vibrates the needle 500 while the needle 500 passes through the container. The vibrations generated by the elliptical channel can be parallel to the length of the needle, perpendicular to the length of the needle or inclined to the length of the needle without departing from the invention.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the periodic actuator includes an ultrasonic transducer that is mechanically coupled to the needle 500 to cause the needle 500 to vibrate through the vessel. The vibration may be parallel to the length of the needle, perpendicular to the length of the needle or inclined to the length of the needle 500 without departing from the invention.

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

Needle 500 may include a plurality of passages, and liquid may traverse the length of needle 500 by this passageway. In addition, passages may be connected to the manifold 510 to direct the flow of liquid leaving each passage.

An exemplary container 575 is also shown in FIG. 5B. As shown in FIG. 5B, an exemplary container 575 is disposed on a platform. To extract liquid from the exemplary vessel 575, a linear actuator 535 can be operated to move the platform towards the penetrating device 232. Moving the platform may press a portion of the exemplary container 575 against the needle 500. For example, the container may be a wine bottle with a closure device such as a cork, screw top or other structure for sealing the bottle. The closure device can be natural, artificial or any other type of material. The wine bottle may be positioned on the platform such that the cork is adjacent to the needle 500.

While the exemplary container 575 is pressed against the needle, the rotary actuator can be actuated to cause the needle 500 to rotate. Rotating the needle 500 while pressing against the exemplary container 575 can cause the needle 500 to penetrate the exemplary container 575 easily and reproducibly. Once needle 500 penetrates through example vessel 575, liquid may be extracted from vessel 575 as will be further described with respect to FIGS. 5C-6F.

5C shows a perspective view of needle 500 and manifold 510 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Needle 500 and manifold 510 can work cooperatively to extract liquid from the vessel and to adjust the ambient conditions within the vessel.

Needle 500 may include an injection port 550 and an extraction port 555. Each of the ports may be disposed near the first end of the needle 500. The ports may be used to inject gas and extract liquid from the container, respectively, as the needle 500 passes through the container.

Manifold 510 may be disposed at the end of the needle away from the port. Manifold 510 may be a physical component that directs the flow of liquid into and out of injection port 550 and extraction port 555. Additionally, manifold 510 may include a rotational coupling such that the needle can be rotated by the rotary actuator.

The manifold 510 is a liquid metering device port for the connection of the ambience control port (s) 591 for the connection of the injection port 550 to the atmosphere control device and the extraction port 555 for the liquid metering device. 590).

FIG. 6A shows a cross sectional view of needle 500 shown in FIG. 5C. As shown from FIG. 6A, the needle 500 includes an injection passage 600 connected to the injection port 550 and an extraction passage 610 connected to the extraction port. Each of the passages is separately connected to the manifold. Infusion port 550 and / or extraction port 555 may be disposed adjacent the first end of the length of needle 500 close to point 560 of the needle. Point 560 of the needle may be a surface designed to penetrate the container.

Although needle 500 is shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A as having four injection ports 550, four extraction ports 555, flat outer and coaxially aligned passageways, many variations without departing from the invention. This is possible. 6B-6M show examples of needles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

6B shows a first example of a needle according to an embodiment of the invention. The first example is similar to the needle 500 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The needle of the first example includes an extraction port 555 disposed within the concave helical groove 620. Placing the extraction port 555 in the groove 620 may prevent debris from blocking the extraction port 555. In addition, dispersing the ports around the cylindrical surface may also reduce the likelihood that debris will block all extraction ports 555. The recess can follow a spiral path along the length of the needle and along the outer surface of the needle. Debris can form when the needle penetrates the container.

6C shows a second example of a needle according to an embodiment of the invention. The second example is similar to the needle 500 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The needle of the second example includes an extraction port 555 disposed in the concave groove 625. The concave groove may be arranged along the direction of insertion of the needle. The insertion direction may follow the length of the needle. Placing the extraction port 555 in the concave groove 625 may prevent debris from blocking the extraction port 555. In addition, creating a concave groove 625 disposed along the insertion direction can be more cost effective than a concave helical groove (620 of FIG. 6B).

6D shows a third example of a needle according to an embodiment of the invention. The third example is similar to the needle 500 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The third example needle includes an extraction port 555 formed by drilling a hole through the outer wall of the needle. It may be more cost effective than forming recesses as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. Each of the extraction ports 555 may be disposed in a separate punch recess 630.

6E shows a fourth example of a needle according to an embodiment of the invention. The fourth example is similar to the needle 500 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The fourth example needle includes an extraction port 555 formed in the radial groove 635. Forming the extraction port 555 in the radial groove can reduce the likelihood that debris will block the extraction port 555.

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

6G shows a sixth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Illustrated. The sixth example is similar to the needle 500 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The needle of the sixth example includes a recess 645 disposed between the point 560 of the needle and the length 646. As used herein, the length 646 of the needle refers to the portion of the needle other than the point 560 and the tapered portion 647 of the point 560 from the point to the circular portion having a diameter. That is, the length of the needle may be cylindrical and may have a diameter along the length of the needle.

In various embodiments, recesses or protrusions may be present along length 646. As used herein, the recess refers to the portion of the length of the needle that is recessed inwardly from the surface corresponding to the average diameter of the needle. In contrast, the protrusion refers to the portion of the length of the needle that protrudes outward from the surface corresponding to the average diameter of the needle. The recesses and / or protrusions may have a complex surface profile. That is, the recess may have a more complicated shape than simply a cylinder of diameter smaller than the length. For example, the recess may comprise an area tapered along the length of the needle from the diameter of the length to the smaller diameter and then tapered from the smaller diameter to the diameter of the length. Similarly, the protrusion may comprise an area tapered along the length of the needle from the diameter of the length to the larger diameter and then tapered from the larger diameter to the diameter of the length. Needles may include any number, amount and arrangement of recesses and / or protrusions without departing from the invention.

In various embodiments of the present invention, injection port 550 and / or extraction port 555 may be disposed on recesses and / or protrusions. Injection port 550 and / or extraction port 555 may be disposed at other locations on the needle without departing from the invention.

Returning to FIG. 6G, a sixth example of a needle including an injection port 550 disposed in a recess 645 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. By recessing the injection port 550, the likelihood of a portion of the container tearing while the needle penetrates the container is reduced. The tearing of a portion of the container may cause fluid leakage from the container, gas leakage from the container and / or debris to be placed in the injection or extraction passageway of the needle.

During insertion of the needle into the container, the needle may displace a portion of the container, for example a part of the cork of the wine bottle, to create a passage through which the needle may cross into the interior of the container. The vessel is sometimes formed of a material that is practically elastic, so that a constant pressure is applied to the needle by the vessel trying to close the passageway formed by the needle. The aforementioned continuous pressure is generally directed toward the center of the needle, which causes the portion of the vessel displaced by the needle to be continuously pressed towards the center of the needle. As the needle passes through the container, the misaligned portion of the container may be pressed into a port or other recess along the length of the needle. When pressed into a port or other recess, the portion of the container may tear due to the shear force exerted on the container by the port or recess of the needle as the needle crosses into or out of the container. The above-mentioned torn portions can be lodged in ports, passages in the needles or other parts of the liquid dispensing mechanism, thereby hampering the needle's ability to extract fluid from the container.

One or more embodiments of the present invention may reduce the likelihood of part of the container tearing during insertion of the needle into the container. Specifically, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the injection port and / or the extraction port can be disposed in the recess in a manner that reduces the likelihood of tearing of the container by the port and / or the recess.

6H shows a cross-sectional view of a first example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recess 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 6H, the injection port 550 is disposed at the most concave point 650 of the recess. The most concave point 650 is disposed in the center of the recess 645 along the length of the needle. By placing the injection port 550 at the most concave point 650, since the port is concave away from the surface 651 of the needle, for example the average diameter of the needle, the likelihood of tearing is reduced.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the injection port 550 includes an opening disposed on the surface of the recess 645. Injection port 550 may be a hollow cylindrical structure extending into the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical structure passes through the most concave point 650. In another embodiment of the present invention, as will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 6J and 6K, the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical structure cannot pass through the most concave point of the recess.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the opening of the injection port may be disposed at a first distance from the longitudinal axis of the length of the needle. That is, the injection port may be a cylindrical structure extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the needle. The injection port can include an opening in the needle length. The extraction port may also be a cylindrical structure extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the needle. The extraction port may also include an opening in the length of the needle at a second distance from the longitudinal axis of the length of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the first distance is less than the second distance. That is, the opening of the injection port is closer to the longitudinal axis of the length of the needle than the opening of the extraction port. Alternatively, deviating from the present invention, the opening of the extraction port is closer to the longitudinal axis of the length of the needle than the opening of the injection port.

6I shows a cross-sectional view of a second example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recess 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 6I, the injection port 550 is disposed at an offset point 652 offset along the length of the recess 645 from the most recessed point 650 of the recess. By placing the injection port 650 at the offset point 652, the injection port 550 is concave away from the surface 651 of the needle, for example the average diameter of the needle and inclined with respect to the surface 651 of the length of the needle. Since it is disposed at a position on the recess having an angled surface, the possibility of tearing is reduced.

6J shows a cross-sectional view of a third example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recess 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 6J, the injection port 550 is disposed at the most concave point 650 of the recess 645. However, in contrast to FIG. 6H, the most concave point 650 is offset from the center of the length of the recess 645. By placing the injection port 650 at the most concave point 650 and offsetting the point from the center of the length of the recess 645, the injection port 550 makes an inclination angle with respect to the surface 651 of the length of the needle. Since it is disposed at a position on the recess 645 adjacent to the surface 653 having the surface, the possibility of tearing is reduced.

6K shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth example of an injection port 550 disposed in a recess 645 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 6K, the injection port 550 is disposed at an offset point 652 offset along the length of the recess 645 from the most recessed point 650 of the recess. In addition, the most concave point 650 is offset from the center of the length of the recess 645. Thus, in FIG. 6K, the most concave point 650 is offset from the center of the length of the recess 645, and the injection port 652 is offset from the most concave point 650. Injection port 650 as described because the injection port 550 is disposed at a location on the recess 645 adjacent to the surface 654 having a surface that makes a large tilt angle with respect to the surface 651 of the length of the needle. Placing it reduces the likelihood of tearing.

6H-6K have been described in connection with the injection port, the extraction port may have similar characteristics without departing from the present invention. For example, the extraction port may be disposed at a location in the recess similar to the locations described with respect to FIGS. 6H-6K with respect to the injection port. Additionally, while FIGS. 6H-6K show that the length of the injection port, ie the longitudinal axis of the hole forming the port, is perpendicular to the length of the needle, the length of the injection port and / or the extraction port is the needle length. The angle of inclination can be achieved with respect to. For example, the length of any port may be oriented at an angle of 30 °, 45 ° or 60 ° to the length of the needle rather than 90 ° to the needle as shown in FIGS. 6H-6K. . The length of any port can be oriented at different angles to the length of the needle without departing from the invention.

6L shows a cross-sectional view of the sixth example shown in FIG. 6G. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the injection port 550 may be offset from the most concave point of the recess 645 along the length of the needle, as described with respect to FIGS. 6K and 6I. For example, as shown in FIG. 6L, the injection port 550 is offset towards the point 560 of the needle along the length of the needle from the most concave point of the recess 645. Offset the injection port 550 towards the point 560 of the needle may further reduce the likelihood of a portion of the container tearing while the needle penetrates the container. In one or more embodiments, the injection port 550 may be disposed at the most concave point of the recess 645 without departing from the present invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the recess 645 is not symmetric along the length of the needle, as described in connection with FIGS. 6H and 6J. For example, the recess 645 may be divided into two parts based on the most concave point, that is, the point of the recess closest to the longitudinal axis of the length of the needle. The first portion may be a portion located closer to the point 560 and the second portion may be a portion located further away from the point 560. The first portion may have a length shorter than the length of the second portion. The length of each portion of the needle from the most concave portion to the first position along the length of the needle has a diameter equal to the diameter of the length of the needle away from the point, ie the point on the side of the extraction port 555 opposite the point. It can be a distance along the length.

Thus, since it has a shorter length, the first portion of the recess may have a surface having an angle steeper than the angle of the surface of the second portion, for example a more inclined angle with respect to the surface of the needle. . Increasing the steepness of the angle of the first portion relative to the second portion may further reduce the likelihood of the portion of the container tearing while the needle is inserted into the container.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, extraction port 555 may be formed by cutting of a metal block. For example, extraction port 555 may be milled from an aluminum block. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, extraction ports 555 may be symmetric about the axis of each port.

FIG. 6M shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sixth example shown in FIG. 6G. In FIG. 6M, extraction port 555 can be manufactured by using a punch to cut a circular piece from a tube. Punching rather than machining extraction port 555 as described with respect to FIG. 6L may cause some deformation of the tube close to the area of each punch. While cutting each circular portion, rather than cutting the surface of the tube vertically, moving the punch at an angle may prevent it from becoming symmetrical as the injection port 550 described with reference to FIG. 6L. Other methods of making asymmetric extraction ports and / or injection ports can be used without departing from the present invention.

Although the needles shown in FIGS. 6G-6M are shown to have a smooth length, ie do not include threads, the needles may include threads as shown in FIG. 6F without departing from the present invention. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the threaded portion may extend along the length of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the threaded portion may extend along the length of the needle and along the tapered portion. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the threaded portion may extend along the length, tapered portion and point of the needle. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the thread can extend along a portion of the length of the needle, for example between the injection port and the extraction port. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the threaded portion may extend along the tapered portion of the needle.

6N shows a perspective view of a seventh example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The seventh example is similar to the needle 500 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. However, the length of the needle is formed in a spiral, for example cork screw shape. The interior of the length of the needle may have multiple passages such that gas may be injected into the vessel using one of the passages, while fluid is being extracted simultaneously from the vessel using the second passageway.

6O shows a first cross-sectional view of the needle of the seventh example at extraction port 555. More specifically, FIG. 6o shows a cross section perpendicular to the length of the needle. As shown in the cross section, the needle is divided into two compartments running along the length of the needle. The first compartment is separated from the second compartment by an interior separation wall 660. The first compartment is cylindrical in shape. The second compartment is tubular in shape and surrounds the first compartment. The first compartment is hydraulically connected to the injection port 550 and the second compartment is hydraulically connected to the extraction port 555. In the figure, the broken line represents the connection between the injection port and the first compartment that does not appear in the position of the first cross-sectional view. The dashed line is included for reference and does not indicate the presence of a physical structure at a position along the length of the needle shown in the first cross-sectional view.

6P shows a second cross sectional view of the needle of the seventh example. More specifically, FIG. 6p shows a cross section perpendicular to the length of the needle. As shown in the cross section, the needle is divided into two compartments running along the length of the needle. The compartment is contoured by a dividing wall 660 extending along the length of the needle. The first compartment has the shape of half of the cylinder. The second compartment also has the shape of half the cylinder. The first compartment is hydraulically connected to the injection port 550 and the second compartment is hydraulically connected to the extraction port 555.

6Q shows a perspective view of an eighth example of a needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The eighth example is similar to the needle 500 shown in FIG. 6N. However, the needles are all formed of two independent cylindrical compartments along the helical path. Each cylindrical compartment is hydraulically connected to an injection port 550 or extraction port 555, respectively. Each of the cylindrical compartments can be hydraulically isolated from each other along the length of the needle, thereby allowing gas to be pumped into the container using one of the paths while the fluid is extracted from the container using another path.

While the helical needle shown in FIGS. 6N-6Q is shown to include one injection port and one extraction port, the spiral needle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may employ any number of injection ports and extraction ports. Can have. Moreover, the number of injection ports and extraction ports may be different without departing from the present invention. Additionally, the size and / or shape of the injection port and / or extraction port, respectively, may be the same or different from any other port without departing from the present invention. Further, although the length of the helical needle is shown as being constant, concave or protruding portions may be lengthened along the length of the helical needle, as described in connection with FIGS. 6G-6M without departing from the present invention.

7 shows a flow chart in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The method shown in FIG. 7 can be used to dispense liquid from a container in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. One or more steps shown in FIG. 7 may be omitted, repeated, and / or performed in a different order between different embodiments. The method shown in FIG. 2 can be performed by a liquid dispensing apparatus, for example.

In step 700, the liquid dispensing apparatus obtains a liquid container addition request to the liquid dispensing apparatus.

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

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

In step 702, the liquid dispensing apparatus starts a cleaning procedure.

When the liquid is extracted from the container, the liquid may traverse through piping, conduits, flow regulators or other structures of the liquid dispensing device before the liquid is dispensed through the spout. While traversing the structure of the liquid dispensing device, deposits or other substances of liquid may be placed on the structure of the liquid dispensing device. If these substances are not removed before the second liquid is dispensed by the liquid dispensing device, the second liquid may be lifted up and contaminated by the aforementioned substances. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a cleaning procedure may be performed prior to inserting a new container. The cleaning procedure can remove debris, some of the first liquid remaining in the device, or other material so that the second liquid is not contaminated when dispensed by the liquid dispensing device.

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning procedure further comprises inserting a container containing the cleaning solution into the liquid dispensing device. Once inserted, the liquid dispensing device can automatically insert the penetrating device into the cleaning solution and dispense the cleaning solution. Dispensing the cleaning solution may remove any contaminants introduced by the existing vessel from the liquid dispensing apparatus.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning procedure further includes removing the container containing the cleaning solution system by retracting the penetrating device from the container.

The method may proceed to step 703 after step 702.

In step 703, the liquid dispensing device opens the bay and waits for the container to be inserted by the user.

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

In step 704, the liquid dispensing device determines the type of liquid contained in the container.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the liquid dispensing device may determine the type of liquid in the container using the liquid container identification sensor described in connection with FIG.

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the liquid dispensing device may match the sensor readings to a library that relates the sensor readings to the liquid type. For example, if the sensor reading is an image of a container, the liquid dispensing device may compare the image with a library of packaging images. The image can include content from a label of the container. For example, a wine bottle may include a label indicating the type of wine, year, winery and / or other information that can be used to uniquely identify the liquid in the wine bottle. As another example, the wine bottle may include a barcode, QR code or other graphical indicator that may be used to identify the liquid in the wine bottle. Based on the comparison, the image readout value may match one of the library items. The matched library item may specify the type of liquid, the controlled temperature and the controlled atmosphere. The library may include a controlled temperature and / or a controlled atmosphere as recommended by the manufacturer of the liquid contained in the container.

For example, if a library is stored on the device or remotely, for example, sending sensor readings to and receiving a response from the computing device, for example, to another computing device stored therein, the liquid dispensing device performs a local matching. can do.

In step 705, the liquid supply sets the heat regulation device based on the adjustment temperature. Setting the regulating temperature allows the heat regulating device to start monitoring the temperature of the vessel and to apply a cooled or heated air stream to modify the temperature of the liquid disposed within the vessel.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the conditioning temperature may be the conditioning temperature identified in step 704. That is, the adjustment temperature may be set to the recommended temperature (also referred to as temperature setting) for the liquid of the liquid provider, such as the winemaker. In another embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting temperature may be set by the user via the user interface. For example, when the container is inserted into the device, the user of the device can set the regulating temperature via the interface.

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

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

In step 707, the liquid absence apparatus sets the atmosphere adjusting device based on the adjustment atmosphere determined in step 704.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the atmosphere control device may control the atmosphere within the container by injecting gas into the container through the needle. The gas can be, for example, argon or nitrogen. The atmosphere control device may control the type of atmosphere by injecting a certain type of gas, and may adjust the pressure of the atmosphere by injecting a large amount of gas until the pressure regulator indicates that the pressure is at a certain pressure.

In step 708, the liquid dispensing device notifies the user that the container is ready for liquid dispensing.

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

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

In step S800, the liquid dispensing apparatus obtains a liquid dispensing request.

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

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

In step 802, the liquid supply device requests the user to log in to the device.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the liquid dispensing device may request a user logon by displaying a message to the user on the user interface. In response to the request, the user can enter his login credentials.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the liquid dispensing device may verify login credentials by contacting the authentication network element. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the liquid dispensing device may verify this by comparing the login credentials with a set stored in the memory if the liquid dispensing device. If the credentials cannot be verified, the liquid dispensing device may refuse to dispense the liquid until a verifiable credential is provided.

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the location of each key on the keypad can be changed each time the user is prompted to enter an identification code. For example, if a user is given a numeric identification code, the device may display a numeric keypad. Each time the numeric keypad is displayed, the number displayed on each button of the keypad may be different. Changing the position of the characters displayed by the interface can reduce excessive use of portions of the user interface, thereby extending the useful life of the user interface.

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the request specifies the type of liquid and the amount of liquid.

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the dispensing parameter may be at a bottle of liquid, vintage of liquid, area of liquid, producer of liquid, type of liquid, time of dispensing, amount of dispensing, time of dispensing and / or date. Information relating to the location of the liquid dispensing device and the user who requested dispensing can be specified. Information related to the user may include the gender of the user, the age of the user and the income of the user. Dispensing parameters may also include parameters of the dispensing system, including the amount of gas remaining in the liquid dispensing device for injecting into the container, the current / voltage relationship over each time of computing / motor in the device.

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

This method may end after step 804.

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

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

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

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

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the list of liquid containers may be formed as a collection of liquid containers consumed by one of the other users specified in the user group based on the consumption history of each of the other users.

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the user's consumption history may be analyzed to determine the type of liquid consumed by the user. A container of liquid from a commercial seller can be added to the container list based on the type of liquid consumed by the user.

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

In some embodiments of the invention, the user may select whether the user wants a recommendation based on a user group, a suggestion from the seller, another source and / or a combination of the aforementioned sources. Once a selection is made by the user, the recommendation may be limited to the selected source.

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the response may be sent to the liquid dispensing device.

9B illustrates a flow chart in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The method shown in FIG. 9B can be used to recommend a liquid container for a user in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. One or more steps shown in FIG. 9B may be omitted, repeated, and / or performed in a different order, among other embodiments. The method shown in FIG. 9B may be performed by, for example, a recommendation network element.

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

In step 955, the liquid supply device obtains a response specifying the liquid container.

In step 960, the liquid dispensing device displays an image of the liquid container to the user.

In step 965, the liquid supply displays the option to obtain a liquid container to the user.

In step 970, the liquid supply apparatus determines whether the user has selected an option for obtaining a liquid container. If the liquid dispensing device determines that the user has selected the option to obtain a liquid container, the method proceeds to step 975. If the liquid dispensing device determines that the user has not selected the option to obtain a liquid container, the method may end after step 970.

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

For example, if a liquid dispensing device is deployed in a hotel, the liquid dispensing device may send a request to facility management or room service so that the selected liquid container is provided to the user.

The method may end after step 975.

10 shows a block diagram of a liquid identification network element 120 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid identification network element 120 may identify the liquid based on sensor readings of the vessel in which the liquid is placed.

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

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

The liquid identification network element 120 may include a memory 1060 operably connected to the processor. The memory 1060 may be a physical device such as a random access memory. The memory 1060 may be used for temporary storage of data.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, memory 1060 may store a library of items 1000 and 1010. Each item may include identifiers 1001 and 1011. Sensor readings of the container may be compared with each identifier 1001, 1011 to determine a matching library item.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, each library item is a liquid type (1002, 1012), a bottle (1003, 1013), a region (1004, 1014), a vintage (1005, 1015) and / or a winery (1006, 1016). ). Each library item may also specify a prescribed temperature and a specified atmosphere.

Liquid identification network element 120 may include network adapter 1065. The network adapter 1065 may be a physical device for accessing the network. The network adapter may be, for example, an Ethernet adapter, a fiber optic network adapter or a wireless network adapter. The network adapter 1065 may enable the liquid identification network element 120 to exchange information with the network element (eg, 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.) and / or the liquid dispensing device.

Liquid identification network element 120 may include a user interface 1070. User interface 1070 may be a physical device for interacting with liquid identification network element 120. Liquid identification network element 120 may include, for example, a display, a touch sensitive display, a button, and / or a switch. The user interface 1070 can enable the liquid identification network element 120 to provide information to and receive input from the user.

11 shows a block diagram of a recommendation network element 130 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The recommendation network element 130 may store a consumption history of each user and a group association between users.

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

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

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

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, memory 1160 may store a library of items 1100 and 1110. Each item may include a consumption history of users 1101 and 1111 and group associations 1102 and 1112 between the user and other users.

Recommended network element 130 may be a network adapter 1165. The network adapter 1165 may be a physical device for accessing a network. The network adapter may be, for example, an Ethernet adapter, a fiber optic network adapter or a wireless network adapter. The network adapter 1165 may enable the recommended network element 130 to exchange information with the network element (eg, 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.) and / or the liquid dispensing device.

Recommendation network element 130 may include a user interface 1170. The user interface 1170 may be a physical device for interacting with the recommendation network element 130. Recommendation network element 130 may include, for example, a display, a touch-sensitive display, a button, and / or a switch. The user interface 1170 can enable the recommendation network element 130 to provide information to and receive input from the user.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages: (i) Embodiments of the present invention may enable automatic dispensing of liquids from containers, and (ii) embodiments of the present invention Injecting gas into the sealed container to maintain pressure in the container while the liquid is being dispensed may enable rapid dispensing of the liquid from the sealed container, and (iii) embodiments of the present invention may be used for cork, screw top or other Enable automatic penetration of a vessel sealing device such as a structure, and (iii) embodiments of the invention may be carbonized or otherwise maintained by maintaining a pressure level in the vessel after the vessel has been penetrated to remove a portion of the liquid from the vessel. Liquid containing dissolved gases may be preserved, and (v) embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide Maintaining the orientation (eg, the orientation of the vessel can force the precipitate to settle on the shoulder of the vessel) can reduce the distribution of deposits or other materials disposed within the vessel with the liquid in the vessel, ) Embodiments of the present invention may hide a container from the user's field of view while the liquid is dispensed from the container, and (iii) embodiments of the present invention control the atmosphere in the container and the temperature of the liquid disposed within the container And (iii) embodiments of the present invention may automatically notify the supplier of a liquid container when the container is depleted, thereby automatically allowing a new container to be installed or scheduled for installation. And (iii) embodiments of the present invention allow the properties of the liquid disposed in the container to be automatically determined and control on the liquid Allows the degree and atmosphere to be set automatically.

Although the present invention has been described above in connection with a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

In the liquid dispensing device,
A needle adapted to penetrate the vessel without tearing a portion of the vessel near a penetration point on the vessel; And
And a motion control system configured to rotate the needle as the needle passes through the container. The method of claim 1, wherein the needle,
An injection port for injecting gas into the vessel; And
An extraction port for extracting liquid from the vessel,
Wherein the injection port and the extraction port are hydraulically separated from each other in the needle. The method of claim 2, wherein the needle,
point;
Tapered portion; And
The apparatus further comprises a length. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the injection port is disposed between the point and the extraction port. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the injection port is disposed between the tapered portion and the extraction port. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tapered portion tapers to a first diameter at the point, the length portion has a second diameter, and the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The method of claim 3, wherein the needle,
Further comprising a tapered portion having a first diameter,
The length has a second diameter,
Wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the recess is disposed between the point and the extraction port. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the recess is disposed between the tapered portion and the extraction port. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the recess is disposed along the length of the needle. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the injection port is disposed within the recess. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the recess is not symmetrical along the length of the needle. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein an injection port is offset along the length of the needle from the most concave point of the recess. The method of claim 1, wherein the needle,
A length having a cylindrical shape;
An opening of the injection port disposed at a first distance from the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape; And
Further comprising an opening of the extraction port disposed at a second distance from the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape,
The first distance is less than the second distance. The method of claim 14, wherein the needle,
Points disposed along an axis of the cylindrical shape; And
And a tapered portion disposed between the point and the length portion. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the needle further comprises a recess, wherein the opening of the injection port is disposed within the recess. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the recess is asymmetric with respect to the opening of the injection port. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the opening of the injection port is not disposed at the most concave point of the recess. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the recess is asymmetrical with respect to the most recessed point of the recess. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the longitudinal axis of the injection port is inclined with respect to the cylindrical longitudinal axis.

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