NZ788190A - A distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing flow of liquid beverage products delivered to customers via containers - Google Patents
A distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing flow of liquid beverage products delivered to customers via containersInfo
- Publication number
- NZ788190A NZ788190A NZ788190A NZ78819017A NZ788190A NZ 788190 A NZ788190 A NZ 788190A NZ 788190 A NZ788190 A NZ 788190A NZ 78819017 A NZ78819017 A NZ 78819017A NZ 788190 A NZ788190 A NZ 788190A
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- keg
- tap handle
- radio
- reporting
- monitoring
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims 10
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 title 1
- 239000012263 liquid product Substances 0.000 claims abstract 41
- 230000001702 transmitter Effects 0.000 claims abstract 14
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract 11
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract 5
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 claims abstract 5
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 claims abstract 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract 4
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butylhydroxytoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC(C(C)(C)C)=C(O)C(C(C)(C)C)=C1 NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 229940035295 Ting Drugs 0.000 claims 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 235000013601 eggs Nutrition 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims 1
Abstract
liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising: a tap handle flow distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for use with a liquid product dispensing faucet and in association with a liquid product distribution network, comprising; a tap handle radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said tap handle apparatus and comprising a low energy consumption radio/processing module; tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associating with the tap handle and/or a faucet and/or line and/or container attached to said tap handle, and tap handle radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry; and further a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter device; a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the liquid product distribution network and configured to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said tap handle passively and without user interaction; said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the tap handle and the liquid product distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the tap handle within the liquid product distribution network. er device fitting within and protected by said tap handle apparatus and comprising a low energy consumption radio/processing module; tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associating with the tap handle and/or a faucet and/or line and/or container attached to said tap handle, and tap handle radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry; and further a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter device; a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the liquid product distribution network and configured to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said tap handle passively and without user interaction; said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the tap handle and the liquid product distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the tap handle within the liquid product distribution network.
Description
signals from said tap handle ely and without user interaction; said mobile communications
device r comprising memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable
instructions relating to the tap handle and the liquid product distribution network, and further
comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and executing said executable
instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and on of the tap handle
within the liquid product distribution network.
A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK FOR MONITORING, CONTROLLING AND OPTIMIZING FLOW
OF LIQUID BEVERAGE PRODUCTS DELIVERED TO CUSTOMERS VIA CONTAINERS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS
This application is a Divisional Application of New Zealand Patent Application
No. 747833 and claims benefit to the Provisional Applications No. 62/339,513 entitled
oring, lling, and/or Optimizing Flow of Products” filed on May 20, 2016 and
No. 62/363,643 entitled “System, Apparatus and Methods for Determining the Amount of Liquid
Inside Kegs” filed on July 16, 2016, each of the above patent applications being here expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE ION
The present disclosure relates generally to monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing flow
of products delivered to customers via containers that flow in a distribution network. Alternatively,
disclosed t matter includes a distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing
flow of liquid beverage products red to customers via containers, ent and/or
resources that are spread out in a geographic area, move between or among locations, and have
usage, contents, or other associated state information.
BACKGROUND
Any discussion of the background art hout the specification should in no way be
considered as an ion that such background art is prior art, nor that such background art is
widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or
worldwide.
The beer industry in the United States and other countries involves a number of
participants performing specific roles from g the beer, to distributing the beer, to vending
the beer to consumers who y drink and enjoy the beer in its many forms. While the United
States has legal requirements for maintaining a three-tier system requiring all beer to pass
through a distributor or wholesaler, for many reasons a three-tiered system is the most popular
way of ing the beer industry in most other countries, as well. The distributor does the
-ground sales and marketing for the producer, and the distributors sell the beer to vendors
who ultimately serve the beer consumer. Distributors also maintain refrigerated warehouses to
store the beer, and fleets of trucks to ship the beer to ultimate destinations. The distributor also
makes sure the retailers are always carrying fresh beer. In some states breweries are allowed to
self-distribute, in which case the brewery takes on both production and distributing functions.
Of course, beer is sold to consumers in two primary ways, in bottles and through kegs.
Beer kegs are made of stainless steel, or less commonly, of aluminum. A keg has a single opening
on one end, called a “bung”. A tube called a “spear” extends from the opening to the other end.
Most major breweries now use internally speared kegs. There is a losing valve that is
opened by the coupling g which is attached when the keg is tapped. There is also an opening
at the top of the spear that allows gas (usually carbon dioxide) to drive the beer out of the keg.
The coupling fitting has one or two valves that control the flow of beer out of and gas into the keg.
The keg must be in the upright position, that is, with the opening on top for the beer to be
dispensed.
Kegs are typically the second biggest asset a brewery has (the first is their production
facility) and the asset is not under their control. The ry average keg loss is 4% - 5% per
year and usually owners do not know where and when they are losing them. Keg deposits are
only $30 - $50, while the cost of the keg is $100 - $150. The deposit does not cover the cost of
the keg. Correlating deposits between deliverer and ent requires manual counting and is
error prone. In order to track location of kegs, it is necessary to manually scan them at each
location.
Kegs are often stolen or misplaced by vendors. So, when breweries need empty kegs,
the ed kegs are not available, because they have not yet been returned. Without visibility
into where the kegs are and when they will return, it is difficult to predict and plan for needs.
Keg maintenance schedules also are very important to maintain product quality. But
without g the exact history of each keg, it is impossible to determine specific schedules.
Without good measurements, a brewery has little ability to optimize usage of their kegs. g
track of which kegs need to be serviced based upon number of uses in the field requires manual
counting and is error prone. Keeping track of which kegs need which type of cleaning based upon
number of uses also es manual ng and is error prone.
When kegs are returned, it is necessary to manually scan them to determine batch
number, beer type, dates, etc. When scanning individual kegs, as they go in and out of a
warehouse, one mistake can make inventory inaccurate. ating keg serial numbers with
deliveries requires manual labour and is error prone.
Keeping track of keg inventories in cold rooms, trucks, warehouses es manual
counting and is error prone. Using cardboard labels to determine keg ts, fill dates, etc. —
a usual practice — is error prone, because such labels frequently come off. An end result is that
a retail outlet may inadvertently run out of a particular style of beer.
Beer ages and some beers are better fresh and some are better aged. Unpasteurized
beer must be kept below certain temperature thresholds to prevent spoilage. So, being sensitive
to such product needs is an ongoing challenge for distributors and vendors, as errors here can
affect a consumer’s acceptance of a brewer’s product.
The distributor’s delivery truck is also a critical part of the beer industry, yet a place where
human tions and incomplete information can cause many problems. Inside a truck, it is
difficult/impossible to tell exactly which kegs are in the truck. It is hard to manage a fleet of drivers,
monitoring compliance, doing real-time route s, etc. It is difficult to keep track of which
kegs are in a truck from day-to-day and as the truck drives in delivers and pick-ups. s may
also try to e tracking to hide unscheduled stops. It is difficult to capture mileage and speed
data from a truck. It is hard to train new drivers on a route, and hard for drivers to learn the
nuances of their consumers’ requirements.
One way to solve these problems might be to use GPS tracking devices on the beer
kegs. But, tracking devices are often removed by a person stealing a keg. Most GPS tracking
equipment costs nominally $100, because it includes a cell radio, GPS radio, etc. GPS tracking
equipment also is bulky and requires power to operate. Most GPS tracking equipment es a
cell data plan to icate back to the owner. This y fee is prohibitive for a beer keg.
This cost and the related complications make GPS trackers prohibitive for a beer keg.
Although a brewery/distributor sells a keg to a vendor (i.e. restaurant, bar, etc.) it does
not mean the keg goes on tap (i.e. pints of it offered for sale). So, the brewery/distributor does not
know if the vendor needs a new keg or not. It is ary, therefore, for the brewery and
distributor to visit the vendor account to check if a given keg is on tap. A brewery and distributor
also wants to know if a keg is “full at restaurant”, “empty at distributor” and other logical states
and transitions. Gathering this information can be very time consuming and difficult, ing
several trips just to maintain the information.
Once a keg reaches a vendor, it is hard to determine when a line in the tap room might
run out due to a keg in the cold room. A vendor would like to know how many servings they can
sell, but POS tracking of keg levels is inaccurate due to variances in how the beer is served and
when and how a keg is changed out. Flow meters which measure how much liquid is taken out
of a keg (and y how full the keg is) must be installed (1) in the line between the keg and the
handle in the bar; or (2) inside the valve which is attached to the keg; or (3) inside the valve in the
handle. Again there is the problem of correlating keg changes with the flow meter measurements.
Measuring the liquid level inside a ner often requires breaching the ner. Solutions for
weighing the keg to determine how full it is also may require each keg to be weighed individually,
and the scale may interfere with shelving and need to be tioned between kegs. All of this
unduly complicates the use of kegs and experience that vendors and consumers enjoy in the use
of kegs.
There is also opportunity for improving the relationships between the brewery and the
consumer. In the marketplace, it is difficult to determine marketing effectiveness for a particular
beer. Consumers desire to engage with the beers they like. Consumers would like to know when
their favourite beer is available nearby. When a favourite beer is not available, consumers would
like to know recommendations of something else to try. When travelling, it is hard for a consumer
to find a place and something they would like.
Breweries would like to gain the attention of new consumers. It is difficult to blindly
determine a consumer’s drinking preferences (i.e. type of beer). A vendor’s point-of-sale terminal
will often not distinguish which beer was sold. Consumers may want to engage a particular style
of beer. Consumers also would like to know when ions occur.
In light of the above considerations, today’s beer industry calls for significant
ement in the supply chain involving breweries, distributors, vendors, and consumers. There
is the need to greatly improve the use and monitoring of beer kegs hout the beer supply
chain for both ry profitability and consumer protection and enjoyment. However, until the
present disclosure, no such improvements have been effective in actorily addressing these
concerns and opportunities.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or rate at least one or more of
the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
In light of the above problems with the beer industry at each level of brewery, distributor,
vendor and consumer, the present disclosure provides numerous innovations, improvements, and
inventions relating to monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing flow of products delivered to
consumers via containers that flow in a distribution network. The sed subject matter includes
a distribution network for ring, controlling and optimizing flow of liquid beverage products
delivered to customers via containers, ent and/or resources that are spread out in a
geographic area, move between or among locations, and have usage, contents, or other
associated state information.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product bution
k for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to
consumers via liquid t sing containers, comprising:
at least one liquid product dispensing container for transporting from a ort location
to a dispensing location, said at least one liquid t dispensing container comprising an
adaptably affixed radio transmitter and microprocessor for sensing and transmitting a plurality of
data measurements relating to the status of said liquid t dispensing ner;
a stationary or mobile radio signal reader operable within said distribution network for
receiving said plurality of data measurements from said radio transmitter and further
communicating information relating to said plurality of data measurements with computer software
systems associated with said dispensing on for a plurality of data collection functions, said
data collection ons comprising liquid product management functions, liquid product sales
ons, and liquid product consumer management functions;
a computer processing system associated with said stationary reader for processing data
and executing instructions associating with said information relating to said data collection
functions and r interfacing said information relating to said data collection functions with an
internet communications interface; and
a reporting and marketing sales subsystem associated with said computer processing
server system for interfacing with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in
association with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and ing said liquid
products.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is ed a method for monitoring,
controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for ry to consumers via liquid product
dispensing containers using liquid product distribution network, comprising the steps of:
transporting from a transport location to a dispensing location at least one liquid product
dispensing container, said at least one liquid product dispensing container comprising an
bly d radio transmitter and microprocessor for sensing and transmitting a plurality of
data measurements ng to the status of said liquid product dispensing container;
ing said plurality of data measurements from said radio transmitter and further
communicating information relating to said plurality of data measurements with computer re
systems associated with said dispensing location for a plurality of data collection functions using
a stationary or mobile radio signal reader operable within said distribution network, said data
collection functions comprising liquid product management functions, liquid product sales
functions, and liquid product consumer management functions;
processing data and executing instructions associating with said ation relating to
said data collection functions and further interfacing said information relating to said data
collection functions with an internet ications interface using a computer processing
system associated with said stationary reader; and
interfacing with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in association with
the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid products using a
ing and ing sales subsystem associated with said er processing server
system.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a radio transmitter device
for use in a liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow
of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product dispensing containers, said liquid
product distribution network comprising:
at least one liquid product dispensing container for transporting from a transport location
to a dispensing location, said at least one liquid product sing ner comprising an
adaptably affixed radio transmitter and microprocessor for sensing and transmitting a plurality of
data measurements ng to the status of said liquid product dispensing container, said radio
transmitter device further comprising:
an outer housing for ing to the liquid product dispensing container, said
outer housing comprising an enclosure and an attachment mechanism for attaching said
casing to a predetermined location of said liquid product dispensing container;
a self-contained power source for providing power to the liquid product
dispensing container ;
a radio transmitter device for securing in said enclosure and further comprising:
a radio/processing module for processing radio signal transmissions of
ation relating to the liquid product dispensing container;
an antenna associated with said radio/processing module for sending and
receiving said radio signal transmissions between said radio/processing module and at
least one hub and/or mobile device;
a mechanism for broadcasting a signal and data such that a receiver of the
broadcast can approximate the ce to the broadcaster using teristics of the
signal and data contained therein;
a sensor interface for allowing one or more s to be interfaced with the
processor; and
processor instructions and attached memory for operating said radio transmitter
device to store and communicate information relating to the location of the liquid product
dispensing container, the state of the liquid product sing container, and the state
of the liquid product within the liquid product dispensing container;
a stationary or mobile radio signal reader operable within said distribution k for
receiving said plurality of data measurements from said radio transmitter device and further
communicating information relating to said plurality of data;
measurements with computer software systems associated with said dispensing location
for a plurality of data collection functions, said data collection functions comprising liquid product
management functions, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product er management
functions;
a computer processing system associated with said stationary reader for processing data
and executing instructions associating with said ation ng to said data collection
functions and further interfacing said information ng to said data collection ons with an
internet communications interface; and
a reporting and marketing sales subsystem associated with said computer processing
server system for interfacing with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in
association with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid
products.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a keg distribution
monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device, comprising:
an outer housing having a height and diameter of less than several inches for
fitting on and fixedly attaching to top or bottom chime of a keg without extending any keg
physical boundaries in any dimension, and further whereby the top or bottom chime
ally protects said outer housing during keg distribution in a keg distribution
network;
an inner housing fitting within and ted by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said inner housing and
comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
g circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associating with the
keg; and
radio ncy signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of phic position or cell
radio circuitry;
and further:
a battery power supply g within and protected by said outer housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
whereby said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device operates
without geographic position sensing or cell radio try for a period of up to five years;
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and
cell radio try for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network
and configured to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor and reporting device passively and without user ction;
said mobile ications device further comprising memory circuitry for
storing data and computer processor executable ctions relating to the keg and the
keg distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for
processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and
reporting the al ties and location of the keg within the keg distribution
network, without ise using network uplink/gateway circuit device.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring and
reporting the physical properties and location of a keg within a keg distribution network,
comprising the steps of:
attaching a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device to a keg, comprising the
steps of:
fitting and fixedly attaching an outer housing having a height and diameter of
less than several inches to a top or bottom chime of a keg without extending any keg
physical boundaries in any dimension, and further physically protecting said outer
housing using the top or bottom chime during keg distribution in a keg distribution
network;
fitting an inner g within said outer housing;
fitting within said inner housing and protecting a radio transmitter device comprising a
low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
ating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for g and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associated with the
keg; and
associating radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry with said
radio/processing module for transmitting requency signals from said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic position or cell
radio circuitry;
and further:
fitting a battery power supply within said outer housing and ically powering
said radio itter device using said battery power supply, whereby said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device operates without geographic on sensing or
cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years;
moving a mobile communications device comprising geographic position
sensing and cell radio circuitry to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution
network and uring said mobile communications device to receive and process said
radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and reporting device passively and
without user interaction; and
storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg
and the keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile ications device,
and processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and
reporting the physical properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution
k and communicating with the keg distribution network using computer processing
circuitry within said mobile communications device, without otherwise using a network
uplink/gateway circuit device.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a keg distribution network,
sing: a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network for monitoring and reporting
the physical properties and on of a plurality of kegs, at least a subset of said plurality of
locations.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a keg distribution
ring and reporting tus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and ing device, comprising:
an outer housing having a height and er of less than several inches for
fitting on and fixedly attaching to a top or bottom chime of a keg without extending any
keg physical boundaries in any dimension, and further whereby the top or bottom chime
physically protects said outer housing during keg distribution in a keg distribution
network;
an inner housing fitting within and protected by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said inner housing and
comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
g circuitry ated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties ating with the
keg; and
radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic position or cell
radio circuitry;
and further:
a battery power supply g within and protected by said outer housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
y said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device operates
t geographic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years;
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position g and
cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of ons within the keg distribution network
and configured to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor and reporting device passively and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for
storing data and er processor executable ctions relating to the keg and the
keg distribution network, and r comprising computer processing circuitry for
processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and
reporting the physical properties and location of the keg within the keg bution
network, without otherwise using k uplink/gateway circuit device; and
a keg distribution network communications circuitry and information technology
networks associated for providing communications amongst said plurality of keg
distribution network locations.
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product
distribution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising:
a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for operation in ation with a
tap handle flow monitoring and reporting tus;
said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising:
a small form factor keg g and reporting , comprising:
an outer housing having a height and diameter of less than several
inches for fitting on and y attaching to top or bottom chime of a keg without
extending any keg physical boundaries in any dimension, and further whereby
the top or bottom chime physically protects said outer housing during keg
distribution in a keg distribution network;
an inner housing fitting within and protected by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said inner
housing and comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
sensing circuitry associated with said radio itter device for
sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical
properties associating with the keg; and
requency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from
said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of
geographic position or cell radio circuitry;
and further:
a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and
ically powering said radio itter device;
whereby said small form factor keg sensing and ing device operates
without phic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years;
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and
cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network
and configured to receive and process said requency signals from said small form
factor and reporting device passively and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for
storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the
keg distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for
processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and
reporting the physical properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution
network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device; and
said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus sing a tap
handle configured for pulling and circuitry and for sensing flow of a liquid through a tap
positioned to dispense a liquid from said keg.
According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for ring
and reporting the physical properties and location of a liquid storage and dispensing data in a
sed distribution network, comprising the steps of:
ing a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus in association with a tap
handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus;
said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus operating steps sing the
steps of:
attaching a small form factor keg sensing and ing device to a keg,
comprising the steps of:
fitting and fixedly attaching an outer housing having a height and
er of less than several inches to a top or bottom chime of a keg without
extending any keg al boundaries in any dimension, and further physically
protecting said outer housing using the top or bottom chime during keg
distribution in a keg distribution network;
fitting an inner housing within said outer housing;
fitting within said inner housing and protecting a radio transmitter
device comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
ating with said radio itter device sensing circuitry for
sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical
properties associated with the keg, and
associating radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry with said
processing module for itting requency signals from said small
form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic
position or cell radio circuitry;
and further:
fitting a battery power supply within said outer housing and electrically powering
said radio transmitter device using said battery power supply, whereby said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device operates without geographic position sensing or
cell radio try for a period of up to five years; and
moving a mobile communications device comprising geographic position
sensing and cell radio try to a ity of locations within the keg distribution
network and uring said mobile ications device to receive and process said
radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and reporting device
ely and without user interaction;
storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg
and the keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device,
and processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and
reporting the physical properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution
network and communicating with the keg distribution network using computer processing
circuitry within said mobile communications device, without otherwise using a network
uplink/gateway circuit device; and
said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus operating steps
comprising the steps of pulling a tap handle configured for pulling and sensing flow of a
liquid through a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from the keg.
According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product distribution
network monitoring and reporting system, comprising:
a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for operation in association with a
tap handle distribution ring and reporting apparatus, wherein said liquid product distribution
network alternatively utilizes at different locations either said keg distribution monitoring and
reporting apparatus or said tap handle bution monitoring and reporting apparatus, or both
said keg distribution monitoring and ing apparatus and said tap handle distribution
monitoring and reporting apparatus;
said keg distribution ring and reporting tus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device, comprising:
an outer housing having a height and diameter of less than several
inches for fitting on and fixedly attaching to top or bottom chime of a keg without
extending any keg physical boundaries in any dimension, and further whereby
the top or bottom chime physically protects said outer housing during keg
distribution in a keg distribution network;
an inner housing fitting within and protected by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said inner
housing and comprising a ergy consumption radio/processing module;
sensing try associated with said radio transmitter device for
sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical
properties associating with the keg, and
radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
processing module for transmitting requency signals from said small
form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic
position or cell radio try;
and further:
a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
whereby said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device operates
without geographic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years;
said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus comprising
circuitry and for sensing location, type and flow of a liquid through a tap positioned to
dispense a liquid from said keg containing said liquid product, n said tap handle
distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises:
a tap handle radio transmitter device for fitting within or configured in
integral association within the form factor of said tap handle and protected by a
tap handle and comprising a ergy consumption tap handle
radio/processing module;
tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said tap handle radio
transmitter device for sensing and communicating to said tap handle
processing module physical properties associating with liquid dispensed
from the keg, said sensing circuitry further for sensing and icating to
said radio itter device a predetermined set of physical operational
parameter values associating with said tap handle; and
tap handle radiofrequency signal ission circuitry associated with
said tap handle radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals
from said tap handle distribution monitoring and ing apparatus without the
use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry;
and further:
a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and ted by said tap handle
distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and electrically powering said tap handle
radio transmitter device; and
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and
cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of ons within the keg distribution network
and configured to selectively receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said
small form factor keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and/or said tap
handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus passively and without user
interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for
storing data and er processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the
keg distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for
processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and
reporting the physical properties and location of the keg and/or tap handle within the
distribution network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway t device;
wherein said keg distribution ring and reporting apparatus and said tap
handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus may operate independently or
collaboratively for g and reporting the status of fluid storage, flow, and ial
ions relating to the bution of said liquid product throughout the liquid product
distribution network.
According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided keg distribution
monitoring and reporting network system, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensor apparatus, comprising:
a housing adapted for fixed attachment to a keg;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said housing and
comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module and ured to
operate in an encrypted, non-connectable mode;
sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associated with the
keg including data relating to the identification and status of the keg; and
radio frequency signal ission circuitry associated with said
processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency s from said
sensor apparatus;
a y power supply fitting within and protected by said g and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
a mobile communications device sing:
geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of
locations within the keg distribution network; and
configured to receive and process said encrypted radio frequency signals from
said sensor apparatus passively and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising:
memory circuitry for storing the data and computer sor executable
instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution network;
r comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and
executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network, without otherwise
using network uplink/gateway circuit device; and
the mobile communications device being operable within the distribution
network for ing the data from the radio transmitter and r communicating
information relating to the data with computer software systems associated with the
dispensing location for a plurality of data tion functions.
According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring
and reporting the physical properties and on of a keg within a keg distribution k
system, comprising the steps of:
attaching a small form factor keg sensor apparatus to a keg, comprising the steps of:
fitting and fixedly attaching a protective housing to the keg;
fitting within said housing, a radio transmitter device comprising a low energy
consumption radio/processing module ured to operate in an encrypted non
connectable mode; and
associating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associated with the
keg including data relating to the identification and status of the keg;
the method further sing the steps of:
associating radio frequency signal transmission circuitry with said
radio/processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency s from said
sensor tus; and
fitting a battery power supply within said housing and electrically powering said
radio transmitter device using said battery power supply;
moving a mobile communications device comprising:
phic position sensing and cell radio circuitry to a plurality of locations
within the keg distribution k; and
configuring said mobile communications device to receive and process said
encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus passively and without user
interaction;
storing the data and computer processor able instructions relating to the keg and
the keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device;
processing the data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and
reporting the physical properties, including data relating to the identification and status of the keg,
and location of the keg within the keg distribution network;
communicating with the keg distribution network using computer processing circuitry
within said mobile communications device, t otherwise using a network uplink/gateway
circuit device; and
the mobile communications device being operable within the distribution network for
receiving the data from the radio itter and further communicating information relating to the
data with computer software systems associated with the dispensing location for a plurality of
data collection functions.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided keg distribution
network , comprising:
a ity of locations within the keg distribution network for monitoring and reporting the
physical properties and on of a ity of kegs, at least a subset of said plurality of locations
comprising a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, sing:
a small form factor keg sensor apparatus, comprising:
a housing adapted for fixed attachment to a keg;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said housing and
comprising a low energy consumption radio/processing module configured to
operate in an encrypted non connectable mode;
sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for
sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical
properties associated with the keg including data relating to the identification
and status of the keg; and
radio frequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency signals from
said sensor apparatus;
a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and ically
powering said radio transmitter device;
a mobile communications device comprising:
phic on sensing and cell radio try for moving to a plurality of
locations within the keg distribution network; and
configured to receive and process said encrypted radio frequency signals from
said sensor apparatus passively and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising:
memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable
ctions relating to the keg and the keg bution network;
r comprising computer processing circuitry for processing the data and
executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network, without otherwise
using network uplink/gateway circuit device; and
the mobile communications device being operable within the distribution
network for receiving the data from the radio transmitter and further communicating
information relating to the data with computer software systems associated with the
dispensing location for a plurality of data collection functions; and
a keg distribution network communications circuitry and information technology
networks ated for providing ications t said plurality of keg
distribution network locations.
ing to a fourteenth aspect of the ion, there is provided a keg distribution
monitoring and reporting apparatus, sing:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device, comprising:
a housing adapted for fixed attachment to a keg;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said housing and
comprising a low-energy consumption processing module;
g circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associating with the
keg, and radio frequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device;
a battery power supply fitting within and ted by said housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device; and
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and
cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network
and configured to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor and reporting device;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data
and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution
network, and further comprising computer processing try for processing said data and
executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the al properties and
location of the keg within the keg distribution network, without otherwise using network uplink/
gateway circuit device.
According to a nth aspect of the invention, there is ed a method for monitoring
and reporting the physical properties and location of a keg within a keg distribution network,
comprising the steps of:
ing a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device to a keg, comprising the
steps of:
fitting and fixedly attaching a housing to the keg;
fitting within said housing and protecting a radio transmitter device comprising
a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
associating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associated with the
keg, and associating radio frequency signal transmission circuitry with said
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor keg sensing and ing device;
fitting a battery power supply within said housing and electrically powering said
radio transmitter device using said battery power supply; and
moving a mobile ications device comprising geographic position
sensing and cell radio circuitry to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution
network and uring said mobile communications device to receive and process said
radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and reporting device ely and
without user interaction;
storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the
keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device, and processing
said data and executing said executable ctions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network and communicating with the
keg bution network using computer processing circuitry within said mobile communications
device, without otherwise using a network uplink/gateway circuit .
According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a keg distribution
network, comprising:
a ity of locations within the keg distribution network for ring and reporting the
physical properties and location of a ity of kegs, at least a subset of said plurality of locations
comprising a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device, comprising: an housing to
a keg;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and ted by said g and
comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
g circuitry ated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associating with the
keg, and radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device;
a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and
cell radio try for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network
and configured to receive and process said radiofrequency s from said small form
factor and reporting device;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for
storing data and computer processor executable ctions relating to the keg and the
keg distribution network, and further comprising computer sing circuitry for
processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and
reporting the physical properties and location of the keg within the keg bution
network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device; and
a keg distribution network communications circuitry and information logy
networks associated for providing communications amongst said plurality of keg
distribution network locations.
The keg distribution network of any of the aspects of the invention may further comprise
instructions and circuitry for permitting a mobile communications device to decode signal
transmitted from said radio transmitter device.
The keg distribution network may r comprise a signal reader for communicating
data relating to the physical properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product
distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and zing the flow of liquid products for
delivery to consumers served by a distribution network for distributing said liquid products via
liquid product dispensing containers. The liquid t distribution network includes at least one
liquid t dispensing container for transporting from a transport location to a dispensing
on. At least one liquid product sing container includes an adaptably affixed radio
transmitter and microprocessor for sensing and transmitting a plurality of data measurements
relating to the status of said liquid product dispensing container. A stationary or mobile radio signal
reader operates within the distribution network for ing the plurality of data measurements
from the radio transmitter and further communicating ation relating to the plurality of data
measurements. Computer re systems are associated with the radio signal (s) for a
plurality of data collection functions. The data collection functions e liquid product
ment ons, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product consumer management
functions. A computer processing server system associates with the stationary reader for
processing data and executing instructions ating with the information relating to the data
collection functions. The computer processing server further icates information relating
to the data collection functions with an internet communications or cloud interface. A ing
and marketing sales system ates with the er processing server systems for
interfacing with a plurality of computer processing s operating in association with the
functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming the liquid products.
According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product
distribution network and provides a liquid product dispensing container device for affixing to a
liquid product dispensing container, such as a beer keg, for monitoring, controlling and/or
optimizing flow of a liquid product delivered to ers from the liquid product dispensing
container. The liquid product dispensing container moves from location to location and dispenses
the liquid product from a location in a distribution network. The liquid product dispensing container
device includes a casing for attaching it to the liquid product dispensing container. The casing
es an enclosure and an attachment mechanism for attaching the casing to a predetermined
location of the liquid product dispensing container. The liquid product dispensing container device
includes a power source for providing power. A light indicator may be ed for indicating the
status of the liquid product dispensing container device. The liquid product dispensing container
device includes a radio transmitter circuit for securing in the enclosure. A radio/processing module
processes radio signal transmissions of information relating to the liquid product sing
container. An antenna associates with the radio/processing module for sending and receiving the
radio signal transmissions between the radio/processing module and at least one nary
reader and/or mobile device. A temperature sensor t senses temperatures ng to the
liquid product sing container and generating electronic signals relating to the temperatures.
A ucer circuit senses measurements of the liquid product within the liquid product
dispensing container and generates electronic signals relating to the sensing measurements. A
microphone/sensor circuit for sensing sounds and related data associates with the dispensing of
the liquid product from the liquid product dispensing container. A codec/digital signal processing
circuit includes memory and computer instruction processing circuitry for receiving data and
processing instructions from the temperature sensor, the transducer, and microphone/sensor
circuit generating information relating to the location of the liquid product dispensing container,
the state of the liquid t dispensing container, and the state of the liquid product within the
liquid product dispensing container. Processor instructions enable ing the radio transmitter
device to communicate information ng to the location of the liquid t dispensing
container, the state of the liquid product dispensing ner, and the state of the liquid product
within the liquid product dispensing container.
The liquid product distribution network of the present disclosure includes a radio
transmitter providing wireless communications for determination of exact kegs, even if they are
not visible/accessible. The radio transmitter also makes possible exact keg inventory in a
warehouse. The radio transmitter also makes le automatic and real-time correlation of
returned kegs, as well as determination of keg location, and cold room inventory. The radio
transmitter makes use of normal mobile phones for detecting kegs within a 100’ radius, in the
background, without any manual interaction and at a distance without kegs being visible.
The radio transmitter permits automatically and accurately correlating keg serial
numbers for ating deposits and maintaining inventory. The radio transmitter and associated
software permits easily looking up keg contents, fill dates, etc., and can use a normal mobile
phone, as well as flag kegs for service based upon number of turns in the field.
Because the radio transmitter enables uniquely identifies a keg, as well as its distributor
and brand, the status of the keg can be automatically relayed to the brewery/distributor. The
distribution network mechanism for determining how full each keg attaches to the keg and does
not require shifting of kegs on scales for weighing. The radio transmitter connects within the
distribution network to automatically relay fill data to the correct brewery / distributor.
By ging a cell phone communication system, the radio itter does not need
its own GPS and cell radios, allowing it to cost ten dollars or less. The radio transmitter also does
not e a y cell data plan, has a small form factor, and can run five years on typical
lithium battery cells.
By operating nominally for five years, the radio transmitter aligns with the normal
five-year service cycle of kegs. The distribution network includes a keg level measuring system
that does not require penetration of the container. The keg level measuring system isolates
acoustic measurements by:
(1) using ambient noise cancellation;
(2) timing measurements to correspond with the ic impulse generated by the
immediate keg.
The level measuring system is not continuous, saving power when not measuring, as
well as does not require either penetration of lines or modification of handles/taps.
The distribution network includes a truck reader that allows real-time inventory of a
delivery truck. By putting the antennas at the end of wires, the truck reader main unit can be
hidden and/or made secure under the dash or seats. By connecting the ODB2 port in the delivery
truck, the unit is easy to install and can collect mileage, speed and other data from the vehicle.
By integrating a Wi-Fi antenna, the unit can “store and d” - collect data during the day and
automatically download it at night when the truck returns to base. The truck reader acts as a
knowledge base for delivery drivers -keeping track of information they need to make
deliveries - such as instructions on where to park, lock codes or access codes, best time of day
to make deliveries, consumer contacts and instructions, etc.
The truck reader allows ime monitoring of trucks and drivers. For example, the truck
reader enables determining which driver is nearest to a required delivery, and whether drivers
stay on their routes or make unscheduled stops, etc.
By collecting data on the location and history of kegs, the distribution network ines
state transitions for kegs. Some of the state transitions are determined retroactively. For example,
a lack of readings after a period of time may retroactively determine a state transition that ed
at the beginning of the period. Hand-offs between sensing devices and ons can ine
state changes. For example, a keg that was detected by a cold room reader, but then is no longer
detected by that reader, then is detected by a truck reader, might cause a state change to “being
delivered”.
The distribution network may have determined a keg has been delivered to a vendor
(i.e. consumer such as restaurant/bar), but may not know which vendor or exactly when. When a
mobile sensor (such as a mobile phone) detects/contacts the ce of the keg at a location,
the distribution k then determines which vendor the keg went to, and can retroactively
determine the delivery schedule and other information because it now knows which vendor
received the keg.
Using store and forward, the mobile sensor can download historical information from the
radio transmitter 16 when it detects it at a vendor. Using the mesh k and store and forward
at a vendor, an arriving keg can icate its arrival to the other kegs at the vendor. When
one of the older kegs leaves the vendor and returns to the y, it forwards the information
from the keg that newly arrived while it was at the vendor.
The distribution network includes a weighing mat that can ate branding so that a
given type of keg is correlated to a place on the mat. A brewery can sponsor their portion of a
mat, allowing the total area of the mat to build up over time. The mat determines wirelessly using
the radio itter where kegs are on the mat, to determine which exact keg is being weighed.
By correlating the decrease in keg levels with drink purchases, it is possible to determine which
consumer purchased from which keg. Once the keg is determined, it is then known which y,
type of beer, date brewed, etc.
By correlating consumer location against keg location, it is possible to notify the
consumer:
(1) when a keg of their favourite beer goes on tap;
(2) the t location to purchase a glass of beer;
(3) how long the beer is likely to be on tap (i.e. how empty the keg is);
(4) the keg is no longer available;
(5) how fresh the beer is (i.e. when it was brewed).
When a limited supply keg goes on tap, the action of going on tap can r alerts to
consumers indicating the keg is now ble.
The distribution network can te other beers currently available on tap that are
similar to what the consumer likes/has purchased before/what their friend likes/what others are
drinking/what is popular/what is freshest/what has aged longest/what is seasonal or l/what
is from a local brewery/what is from a faraway brewery/what has special ingredients/what is of
d supply. The distribution network can indicate other beers tly available on tap that
are similar to what the consumer likes/has purchased before/etc. thereby introducing the
consumer to new breweries. Distribution network can te the brew date of each beer, how
long it has aged, how long it has
By correlating consumer purchase of product against marketing done to the consumer,
it is possible to determine marketing effectiveness, and thereby improve future marketing. A
brewery can allow a consumer to “sponsor” a keg such that the consumer is notified where the
keg travels, when it arrives locations, etc. If the consumer wants to sponsor a keg with a certain
type of beer only, a container can be allocated to his sponsorship at every g, so it appears
he “owns” a specific keg, even if the actual container is different at each brewing. This allows a
brewery to rotate their kegs normally while still allowing the consumer to perceive they are
sponsoring a single keg.
According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid product
distribution k monitoring and reporting system, comprising:
a keg distribution monitoring and ing apparatus for operation in association with a
tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus;
said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device, sing: an outer
housing having a height and diameter of less than several inches for fitting on and fixedly
attaching to top or bottom chime of a keg without extending any keg physical boundaries
in any dimension, and further whereby the top or bottom chime physically protects said
outer housing during keg distribution in a keg distribution network;
an inner housing fitting within and ted by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said inner housing and
comprising a ergy consumption radio/processing module;
sensing try ated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associating with the
keg, and radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency s from said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic position or cell
radio circuitry; and
r a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer g
and electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
whereby said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device operates t
geographic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years; and
a mobile communications device comprising phic position sensing and cell radio
circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network and configured to
receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and ing device
passively and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data
and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution
network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and
executing said executable instructions for ring and reporting the physical properties and
location of the keg within the keg distribution network, without otherwise using network
/gateway circuit device; and
said tap handle flow monitoring and ing apparatus comprising a tap handle
configured for pulling and circuitry and for g low of a liquid through a tap oned to
dispense a liquid from said keg.
The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any of the
aspects of the invention, wherein said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further
comprises at least one self-contained transducer within said outer housing and associated with
said sensing circuitry for sensing an associated fill level of said keg.
The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any of the
aspects of the invention, said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further
sing mechanical or electronic locks for preventing unauthorized removal of said keg
distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus from the keg distribution monitoring and reporting
apparatus.
The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any of the
aspects of the invention, further comprising a ity of LED lights, LCD display, or other display
mechanism providing visual tion of alarms and operational status of the keg.
The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any of the
aspects of the invention, said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further
sing instructions and circuitry for permitting a consumer mobile device to decode signal
itted from said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus.
The liquid product dispensing container device of any of the aspects of the invention,
further comprising a battery and associated circuitry for operating said liquid product dispensing
ner device in a self-contained mode for at least three months.
The liquid product distribution network monitoring and ing system of any of the
aspects of the invention, n said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus further
a tap handle radio transmitter device for atively fitting within or configured in integral
association within the form factor of said tap handle for being protected by a said tap handle and
comprising a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing module;
tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said tap handle radio transmitter device for
sensing and communicating to said tap handle radio/processing module physical properties
associating with the tap handle, and tap handle radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry
associated with said tap handle radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals
from said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus without the use of geographic
position or cell radio circuitry; and
further a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said tap handle
flow monitoring and reporting apparatus and electrically powering said tap handle radio
transmitter device; and
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio
try for moving to a ity of ons within the keg bution network and configured to
selectively receive and process said requency signals from said small form factor and
ing device and/or said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus passively and
without user interaction;
said mobile ications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data
and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution
network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and
executing said able instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and
location of the tap handle within the keg distribution network, without otherwise using network
uplink/gateway circuit device.
According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for
monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of a liquid storage and dispensing
data in a keg-based distribution k, comprising the steps of:
operating a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus in association with a tap
handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus;
said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus operating steps comprising the
steps of:
attaching a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device to a keg,
comprising the steps of:
fitting and fixedly attaching an outer housing having a height and
diameter of less than several inches to a top or bottom chime of a keg without
extending any keg physical boundaries in any dimension, and further physically
protecting said outer housing using the top or bottom chime during keg
distribution in a keg distribution network;
fitting an inner housing within said outer housing;
g within said inner housing and protecting a radio transmitter
device comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
ating with said radio transmitter device g circuitry for
sensing and communicating to said processing module physical
ties associated with the keg, and associating radiofrequency signal
transmission circuitry with said radio/processing module for transmitting
requency s from said small form factor keg sensing and reporting
device without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry; and
further fitting a y power supply within said outer housing and
electrically ng said radio transmitter device using said battery power
supply, whereby said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device
es without geographic position g or cell radio circuitry for a period
of up to five years; and
moving a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and
cell radio circuitry to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution k and configuring said
mobile communications device to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said
small form factor and reporting device passively and without user interaction;
storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the
keg bution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device, and processing
said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network and icating with the
keg bution network using computer processing circuitry within said mobile communications
device, without otherwise using a k uplink/gateway circuit device; and
said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus ing steps comprising the
steps of pulling a tap handle configured for pulling and sensing flow of a liquid through a tap
positioned to dispense a liquid from the keg.
The method further comprising the step of operating at least one self-contained
ucers within said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and associated with
said attached sensors for determining the fill level of the keg.
The method further comprising the step of preventing unauthorized removal of said keg
distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus from the liquid product sing container using
at least one ical or electronic locks ing within said outer housing.
The method further comprising the step of generating at least one set of alarms and
operational status ation from said keg bution ring and reporting apparatus for
transmission as wireless signals to a display unit providing visual indication of alarms and
operational status of said liquid product dispensing container device using a plurality of LED lights,
LCD display, or other display mechanisms.
The method further comprising the step of permitting a consumer mobile device to
decode a plurality of signals transmitted from said keg distribution monitoring and reporting
apparatus using instructions and circuitry associated with said radio/processing module.
The method of any of the aspects of the invention, further comprising the step of
ing said tap handle flow monitoring and ing apparatus by performing the steps of:
operating a tap handle radio transmitter device fitting within or configured in integral
ation within the form factor of said tap handle for being and protected by a tap handle and
comprising a ergy consumption tap handle radio/processing module;
sensing and communicating to said tap handle radio/processing module physical
properties associated with the tap handle using a tap handle sensing circuitry associated with
said tap handle radio transmitter device, and transmitting radiofrequency signals from said tap
handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus without the use of geographic position or cell
radio circuitry using radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said tap handle
radio/processing module; and
further supplying power to said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus using
a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said tap handle flow monitoring
and reporting apparatus and electrically powering said tap handle radio transmitter device; and
sensing geographic position of said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus
using sensing and cell radio circuitry ated with a mobile communications device for moving
to a plurality of locations within the keg bution network and configured to selectively receive
and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and reporting device and/or
said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus passively and without user interaction;
storing data and er processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the
keg distribution network using memory try associated with said mobile communications
device, and further processing said data and ing said executable instructions for monitoring
and ing the physical properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution k,
without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device.
The method of any of the aspects of the ion, further sing the step of forming
said tap handle flow monitoring apparatus within the form factor of a tap handle for dispensing
said liquid product for concealing the presence of said tap handle flow monitoring apparatus within
said tap handle and thereby preventing detection of said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting
apparatus during normal tap handle ions.
According to a twenty first aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product
distribution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising:
a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for operation in association with a
tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, wherein said liquid product distribution
network alternatively utilizes at different locations either said keg distribution monitoring and
reporting apparatus or said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, or both
said keg bution ring and reporting tus and said tap handle bution
monitoring and reporting apparatus;
said keg bution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device, comprising:
an outer housing having a height and diameter of less than several
inches for fitting on and fixedly attaching to top or bottom chime of a keg without
extending any keg physical boundaries in any dimension, and further whereby
the top or bottom chime physically protects said outer housing during keg
distribution in a keg distribution k;
an inner housing fitting within and protected by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said inner
housing and comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing ;
sensing try associated with said radio transmitter device for
sensing and icating to said radio/processing module physical
properties ating with the keg, and radiofrequency signal transmission
circuitry associated with said processing module for transmitting
radiofrequency signals from said small form factor keg sensing and reporting
device without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry; and
further a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer
housing and electrically ng said radio transmitter ;
whereby said small form factor keg g and reporting device
operates without geographic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period
of up to five years; and
said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus sing circuitry and
for g on, type and flow of a liquid through a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from
said keg ning said liquid product, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and
reporting apparatus further comprises:
a tap handle radio transmitter device for fitting within or configured in integral
association within the form factor of said tap handle and protected by a tap handle and
comprising a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing module;
tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said tap handle radio transmitter
device for sensing and communicating to said tap handle radio/processing module
physical properties associating with liquid dispensed from the keg, said sensing circuitry
further for sensing and communicating to said radio transmitter device a predetermined
set of physical operational parameter values associating with said tap handle; and
tap handle radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said tap
handle radio/processing module for transmitting requency signals from said tap
handle distribution monitoring and reporting tus without the use of geographic
position or cell radio circuitry; and
further a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said tap
handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and electrically powering said tap
handle radio transmitter device; and
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio
circuitry for moving to a plurality of ons within the keg distribution network and configured to
selectively receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor keg
distribution ring and reporting apparatus and/or said tap handle distribution monitoring and
reporting apparatus passively and without user interaction;
said mobile ications device r comprising memory circuitry for storing data
and computer sor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution
network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and
executing said executable instructions for monitoring and ing the physical ties and
location of the keg and/or tap handle within the distribution network, without otherwise using
network uplink/gateway circuit device;
wherein said keg distribution monitoring and ing apparatus and said tap handle
distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus may operate independently or collaboratively for
sensing and reporting the status of fluid storage, flow, and financial operations relating to the
bution of said liquid product throughout the liquid product distribution network.
The liquid product dispensing network of the twenty first aspect, wherein said tap handle
monitoring and reporting apparatus r comprises a tap handle tilt oning switching device
for sensing and reporting the positioning of the tap handle as an indication of liquid product flow
from the keg through said tap handle.
The liquid product dispensing network of any of the aspects of the invention, wherein
said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises sensors to
distinguish between ent individuals operating the same handle.
The liquid product dispensing network of any of the aspects of the invention, wherein
said keg distribution monitoring and ing apparatus for ission of as wireless signals to
a display unit providing visual indication of alarms and operational status of keg distribution
monitoring and reporting apparatus using a plurality of LED lights, LCD display, or other display
mechanisms.
The liquid product dispensing network of the any of the aspects of the invention, wherein
either said keg distribution ring and reporting apparatus or said tap handle distribution
monitoring and reporting apparatus or both comprise instructions and circuitry for permitting a
consumer mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said liquid product dispensing
container device.
The liquid product sing k of the any of the aspects of the invention, wherein
said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises a battery and
associated circuitry for operating said tap handle distribution ring and reporting tus
in a self-contained mode for at least three months.
According to a twenty second aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product
distribution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising:
a tap handle flow distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for use with a liquid
product dispensing faucet and in association with a liquid product distribution network,
comprising:
a tap handle radio transmitter device g within and protected by said tap
handle apparatus and comprising a low-energy consumption processing module;
tap handle g circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for
sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties
associating with the tap handle and/or a faucet and/or line and/or container attached to
said tap handle, and tap handle radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated
with said radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small
form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of phic position or
cell radio circuitry; and
further a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said
outer housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
a mobile communications device sing geographic on sensing and cell radio
try for moving to a plurality of locations within the liquid product distribution network and
configured to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said tap handle passively and
without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data
and computer processor executable instructions relating to the tap handle and the liquid t
distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said
data and ing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the tap handle within the liquid product distribution network.
According to a twenty third aspect of the ion, there is provided a method for
monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of a liquid storage and dispensing
data in a keg-based distribution network, comprising the steps of:
operating a tap handle flow distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus;
said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting tus operating steps
comprising the steps of:
fitting and fixedly attaching a tap handle radio transmitter device for fitting within
and protected by a tap handle and comprising a low-energy consumption tap handle
radio/processing module, comprising the steps of:
associating with said radio transmitter device sensing try for
sensing and communicating to said processing module to said tap handle
radio/processing module physical properties associated with the tap handle
and/or faucet attaching to said tap handle, and associating radiofrequency
signal transmission circuitry with said radio/processing module for transmitting
radiofrequency signals from said tap handle radio transmitter g and
reporting device without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry;
further fitting a battery power supply within said outer housing and
electrically ng said radio transmitter device using said battery power
supply, whereby said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device
operates without geographic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period
of up to two years; and
moving a mobile communications device comprising geographic
position sensing and cell radio try to a plurality of locations within the liquid
product distribution network and configuring said mobile ications
device to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said tap handle
radio/processing device;
storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the tap and tap
handle distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile ications device, and processing
said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical
ties and location of the tap handle within the liquid product distribution network and
communicating with the liquid product bution network using computer sing circuitry
within said mobile communications device and with the capability of not using a k
uplink/gateway circuit device; and
said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus operating steps comprising the
steps of sensing flow of a liquid through a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from the keg.
According to a twenty fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product
distribution network ring and ing system, sing:
a liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for operation in
association with a tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus, wherein said liquid product
distribution network alternatively utilizes at different locations either said tap handle flow
monitoring and reporting apparatus, or both said liquid t distribution monitoring and
reporting apparatus on a keg and said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus;
said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising a small
form factor keg sensing and reporting device positioned on a keg; and
said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus comprising circuitry and for
sensing location, type and flow of a liquid through a tap oned to dispense a liquid from said
keg containing said liquid t, wherein said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting
apparatus further comprises:
a tap handle radio transmitter device for fitting within or configured in integral
association within the form factor of said tap handle and protected by a tap handle and
comprising a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing module;
tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said tap handle radio transmitter
device for sensing and communicating to said tap handle radio/processing module
physical properties associating with liquid dispensed from the keg, said sensing circuitry
further for sensing and communicating to said radio transmitter device a predetermined
set of physical operational parameter values associating with said tap handle; and
tap handle requency signal transmission try associated with said tap
handle radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said tap
handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus t the use of phic position
or cell radio circuitry; and
further a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said tap
handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus and electrically powering said tap handle
radio transmitter device; and
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position g and cell radio
circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the liquid product distribution network and
configured to selectively receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and/or said tap handle flow
monitoring and reporting apparatus ely and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data
and er processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the liquid product
distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said
data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and on of the keg within the liquid product distribution network, without otherwise
using network uplink/gateway circuit device;
wherein said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and said tap
handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus may operate ndently or collaboratively for
sensing and reporting the status of fluid storage, flow, and ial operations ng to the
distribution of said liquid product throughout the liquid product distribution network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth
in any claims that are filed later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as the
preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by
reference to the ing detailed description of an rative embodiment when read in
conjunction with the accompany gs, wherein:
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the
accompanying drawings, which are not arily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of the liquid product distribution network of the
present disclosure;
Figure 2 shows and exploded view of the radio transmitter of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the PCB and battery assembly of the
present disclosure including components for performing the disclosed ons;
Figure 4 shows and assembled radio transmitter according to the teachings of the
present disclosures;
Figure 5 depicts an ary mode of attaching the radio transmitter of the present
disclosure to the rim of a keg;
Figure 6 shows an alternate switch configuration employing the keg metal surface to
turn on the radio transmitter;
Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a tamper-resistant mechanism for holding
and securing the radio itter to the keg rim;
Figures 8A h 8C depict a radio itter fixing mechanism for securing the radio
itter of the present disclosure to the keg rim;
Figure 9 shows an alternative fixing mechanism for ng the radio transmitter around
the handle of a keg;
Figure 10 depicts one embodiment of a fluid level measurement mechanism for
determining keg volume;
Figures 11A through 11C show various ways of securing embodiments of the radio
transmitter and volume monitoring device of the present disclosure;
Figures 12 and 13 t an alternative embodiment of the radio transmitter of the
present disclosure for securing to the keg opening at the top of the keg;
Figure 14 shows a ucer-microphone configuration for use on a collar radio
transmitter for determining volume and other properties of a keg;
Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of an authenticated attachment mechanism for
securing the radio transmitter to a keg;
Figure 16 presents a t block diagram of the radio transmitter architecture according
to a preferred embodiment of the tly disclosed system;
Figures 17A and 17B portray s hardware for use on a delivery truck operating
within the liquid product bution k of the present disclosure;
Figure 18 provides various example events that may influence the transition of keg
states as monitored kegs 14 move from various geographic regions;
Figure 19 shows the arrangement of various kegs 14 on an exemplary mat for use in
the system of the present disclosure;
Figure 20 illustrates improved keg use, monitoring, and reporting between operations
that occur in a cold room and operations that occur in a public room, such as a restaurant or other
location;
Figure 21 depicts an exemplary radio transmitter signal reader for tag detection and
measurement according to the present disclosure;
Figure 22 shows the arrangement of a fill reader in ation with a cold room or other
location for detecting and reporting the condition of a plurality of kegs;
Figure 23 illustrates exemplary screen of a monitoring device as may be applied in
Figure 22;
Figures 24A and 24B illustrate how the liquid product distribution network of the present
sure may sense keg status in a cold room with a closed metal door.
Figure 25 depicts a layered construction of a weighing mat according to the teachings
of the present disclosure;
Figure 26 depicts a weighing or measuring device for integration into the weighing mat
of the present disclosure;
Figure 27 illustrates the association of a keg radio itter with a weighing mat of the
present disclosure;
Figure 28 shows a potential configuration of stacked kegs 14 as may be measured and
monitored using the weighing mat of the present sure;
Figures 29 through 32 show various screens of a mobile device application for the
present disclosure;
Figures 33 through 35 illustrate exemplary screens as may find use for mobile phones
and tablets for detecting and ing kegs 14 at various locations and data applicable to
ring and reporting of the present disclosure;
Figure 36 illustrates a marketing feedback loop of an application of the present
sure.
Figures 37A through 37D illustrate data as may be reported by software of the present;
Figure 38 illustrates an account editor y of the system of the present; and
Figure 39 further shows information as may be generated by the system of the present
disclosure in the delivery of kegs 14 to te keg inventory and .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
One or more embodiments of the invention are described below. It should be noted that
these and any other ments are exemplary and are intended to be illustrative of the
invention rather than limiting. While the invention is widely applicable to ent types of systems,
it is impossible to include all the possible ments and contexts of the ion in this
disclosure. Upon reading this sure, many alternative embodiments of the present invention
will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art.
Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of the liquid product distribution network of the
present disclosure. Liquid product distribution network (or bution network) 10 is a system for
monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing flow of products red to customers via containers
that flow in a distribution network. Alternatively, distribution network 10 is a system for monitoring,
controlling and/or optimizing use of equipment and/or resources that are spread out in a
geographic area, move between or among locations, and have usage, contents, or other state
information associated with them.
Figure 1 shows distribution network 10 which may be considered to begin at keg 14
section 12. At keg 14 n 12 a plurality of liquid product containers, here kegs 14, may become
part of distribution network 10. Through use of sensor and radio transmitters 16 associated with
kegs 14, a mesh network 18 results. Mesh network 18 has functions applicable to breweries 20,
trucks 22, warehouses 24, cold rooms 26, restaurants 28, and vendors 30, and even event venues
Sensors/data collection section 34 adjoins keg 14 section 12 as the next integral part of
distribution network 10. At sensors/data collection section 34 may be several devices that receive
the output from keg 14 section 12. Stationary reader 36 may receive information from mesh
network 18, as many mobile devices such as mobile device 38, mobile device 40, and mobile
device 42. Herein, sensing device 36/38 references either stationary reader 36 and/or mobile
s 38, 40, 42 as is most appropriate in the specific context.
Sensor/data collection section 34 also provides association via interface 44 with
management software, such as ERP system software 46, POS system software 48, and CMS
system software 50. ERP system software 46 provides functions of y management
software. POS system software 48 provides functions of point-of-sale s. And, CMS system
software 50 provides customer management software ons for bution network 10.
Server section 52 provides interface between distribution network 10 and the Internet
54. Using server computers 52, server section 52 makes accessible to distribution network 10 all
the applications data and other resources that may be on the Internet and as may be applicable
to the ion of distribution network 10.
ing/marketing/sales (RMS) section 58 provides accounting and management
functions via mobile device 60, which may be any one of mobile devices 38, 40, or 42. In addition,
computers such as desktop or a mainframe computers 62 may interface with distribution network
by ication with server section 52. Using our RMS section 58, breweries 20, distributors
64, vendors 30, and consumers 66 may benefit from the operation of distribution network 10.
Also, as may be considered either an adjunct or part of distribution network 10, there
appears delivery section 68. Delivery section 68 may include us delivery trucks 70
ed with various communications and display hardware 72 for communication with mesh
network 18 and dual radio transmitters 16 affixed to kegs 14.
In distribution network 10 system, radio transmitters 16 attach to kegs 14 or other items
being tracked. Kegs 14 being tracked are not fixed in geographic location, but move based upon
the needs of the business tracking them, and so the transmitters move in geographic location.
Stationary reader 36 and mobile devices 38, 40, 42 act as s and may or may not have fixed
geographic locations.
Distribution network 10 re permits automatically reporting the location of each keg
14, as well as the state and/or the state of the contents of each keg 14. In many applications, keg
14 state/content tracking is more important than just keg 14 location. For example, in the brewing
industry, keg 14 may go from “Empty” to “Filled With IPA” to “IPA at Distributor” to “IPA at
Customer” to “IPA on Tap at er” to “Empty at Customer”, etc. Distribution network 10
software automatically detects and updates the known state of the contents of each keg 14, as
follows.
Example events that may influence the transition of state include: entering or exiting a
geographic region; ng near or departing from a stationary reader 36; receiving an input event
from a d system; sensors on radio transmitter 14 itself; etc. Kegs 14 have ss radio
transmitters 16. The location of radio transmitter 16 on keg 14 may be at a variety of locations on
keg 14, as may be more advantageous for sensor readings, accuracy of calculations and/or
receiving the wireless signal. Radio transmitters 16 attach on the outside of keg 14 without
modifying or penetrating it, and do not have a direct way to measure liquid level inside or weight
of keg 14.
Distribution network 10 software does not have to t all the measurements before
computing a state transition. Distribution network 10 software may be distributed across multiple
sensor radio transmitters 16, as well as multiple mobile devices 38, as well as stationary readers
36, as well as server computers 56 on internet cloud 54. Each of these is considered a node in
distribution network 10. Any node in distribution network 10 may have ity to determine a
state change of a keg 14 or mesh network 18 and then communicate the change to rest of
distribution network 10. RMS section 58 permits arbitrating all such state changes and recording
the ultimate state of kegs 14 or mesh networks 18 for reporting to a user.
There may be buffering /delay between triggering events in the operation of distribution
network 10, and the te ation of state changes in the rest of distribution network 10.
This is because collection from radio transmitters 16, sensing and/or ing of data at
stationary readers 36 or mobile devices 38, communication to a server section 52 may not occur
in real time. For example, the sensing and/or gathering by stationary reader 36 may happen when
there is no available connection to distribution network 10. In this case, the data is buffered until
a connection is established, and then the keg 14 state changes propagate through distribution
network 10.
Example applications that distribution network 10 enable include keg 14 and content
tracking, delivery truck 70 communications, industrial or ctor equipment status and location
ng, shipments, tools and use, leased items, railroad cars, pets, shopping carts, portable
toilets, storage containers, food or beverage or produce delivery containers, fuel cells or
containers, etc.
Distribution network 10 s optimization and efficiency in the delivery, pickup, and
tracking of kegs 14 and/or keg 14 content. Tracking of kegs 14 and detailed knowledge of keg 14
ts makes possible tic restaurant menu changes, automatic stock ordering, data for
supplier manufacturing forecasts, automatic marketing and ising messages, automatic and
real-time inventory in warehouses and storage areas such as cold rooms, automatic check-in and
check-out of containers, and optimization of ishment delivery schedules and/or routing.
Distribution network 10 also enables determining how long a keg 14 or similar piece of equipment
has been in service for triggering maintenance les, tically generate invoices,
monitoring lease compliance, and generating alarms. Distribution k 10 further enables
monitoring temperature of contents for legal and regulatory compliance, reporting a “good” state
of keg 14 contents, as well as reporting over/under temperature procedures.
Wireless technologies which distribution network 10 may employ include Bluetooth,
Zigbee, Wi-Fi, GPRS, GSM, CDMA, ultrasonic, infrared, etc.; example wired technologies which
could be employed are ethernet, optical, serial, etc. Wireless capability 38 means scanning of
kegs 14 may occur tically, in the background, without any manual interaction.
Wireless ng can occur at a distance without kegs 14 being visible. Wireless
scanning can occur at a ce without special equipment. Use of mobile devices 38 means
anyone can detect kegs 14 within 100’ radius, said radius depending upon exact capabilities of
mobile device. ss capability allows real-time and automatic determination of container
status without manual scanning. Wireless capability allows automatic and real-time determination
of container locations without manual scanning. Radio transmitter may work even inside palletised
and stacked collections of many kegs 14.
By leveraging the known mobile devices 38, radio transmitter 16 does not need its own
GPS and cell radios, allowing it to cost ~$10 or less. Radio transmitter 16 does not require a
monthly cell data plan, has a small form factor, and can run five years or more on typical lithium
y cells. By ing at least five years, the radio transmitter aligns with the normal ear
service cycle of kegs.
Radio transmitter 16 takes advantage of available connection points. If stationary reader
36 or mobile device 38 is nearby, radio transmitter 16 will default to communicate with that device.
However, if neither is nearby, radio transmitter 16 may choose to upgrade communication to
Wi-Fi. However, if Wi-Fi is not available either, radio transmitter 16 may choose to upgrade
ication to cell data. In this way, communication is escalated to more expensive mediums
only when required.
By using a “store and forward” function, bution network 10 can send only summary
information (for example, position once a day) over the cell data network, and save locally the
entire history for uploading later when a less expensive (i.e. free) medium is available.
Point-of-sale terminal, POS 48, may provide sales data either directly to sensor/data
collection section 34 or to Internet in server section 52. Server section 52 ates data and
performs calculations to ine fill levels of each keg 14 and delivers resulting data and reports
to breweries 20, distributors 64, vendors 30 and/or ers 66. Additionally, server section 52
performs actions based upon the determined fill data - for e, automatically reordering
stock.
Available direct or indirect data communication mechanisms and/or protocols include
wired, wireless, ad-hoc, o-peer, audio, optical, radio, serial, TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, etc.
Mobile device 38 may have a wireless tion to the internet (for e, Wi-Fi) while
stationary reader 36 inside cold room of keg 14 section 12 may e a non-wireless connection
(for example, Ethernet or serial line) due to the walls of a cold room shielding wireless
communication.
Distribution network 10 permits the collection of delivery data. Each radio transmitter 16
has a unique ID, and can store information about a keg 14 to which if attaches either in its own
memory, or on server computer 56. Such history includes the delivery date to a vendor 30, which
product is in keg 14, what type of t it is, when it was , when keg 14 was filled, which
distributor 64 delivered the keg 14, temperature history, etc. If the data is stored on radio
transmitter 16, another radio transmitter 16 may forward the data using the mesh network, and/or
nary reader 36 and/or mobile device 38 receives the data and sends it to server section
computer 56; otherwise the data is already on server computer 56 and indexed by the unique ID.
Additionally, location, market data, sales y and other information about a vendor 64 is stored
on server computer 56. All this information is provided for the calculation of keg 14 fill level.
Distribution network 10 permits the collection of data on the location via stationary reader
36. By examining the wireless signals received from each k eg 14, stationary reader 36 may
determine the distance from each of its antenna(s) to each keg 14. This information can be used
to generate a three-dimensional estimate of the location of each keg 14. Stationary reader 36 is
situated in a cold room to be able to determine the distance of each keg 14 from tap lines.
Typically, stationary reader 36 might be placed near where the tap lines go through the wall of a
cold room into the public dispensing area of vendor 30, and/or situated vertically to best e
stacked kegs 14 and/or kegs 14 on shelves. The location data is provided to the calculation of
keg 14 fill level.
Distribution network 10 permits the collection of data on empty kegs 14. Typical cold
rooms are crowded, and empty kegs 14 tend not to be stored in them. A keg 14 leaving the cold
room is an indicator of whether the keg 14 is full or empty - has been tapped or not - and this data
is ed to the calculation of keg 14 fill level.
Distribution k 10 permits the collection of data on distance. The ce of each
keg 14 from the tap wall is an indicator of whether the keg 14 has been tapped or not, and this
data is provided to the calculation of keg 14 fill level.
Distribution k 10 permits the collection of data on delivery date. Since kegs 14 are
typically tapped in the order of delivery, ry date is provided to the calculation of keg 14 fill
level. Additionally, the delivery date provides a measurement of hysteresis to other events such
as a keg 14 leaving the cold room.
Distribution network 10 permits the collection of data on radio transmitter 16. Distribution
network 10 radio transmitters 16 may have additional sensors on them (such as temperature,
shake sensor, etc.) and stationary reader 36 collects the data from these sensors and provides
them to the calculation of keg 14 fill level.
Distribution network 10 permits the collection of data on inputs to the keg 14 fill level
calculation. Stationary reader 36, mobile devices 38, and radio transmitters 16 permit the
collection of data which is fed into methods that determine the fill level of each keg 14,
Distribution network 10 s the collection of data on product information. Distribution
network 10 knows the brand and product in each keg 14, and thereby the type of product (I PA,
Pilsner, , Bock, etc.). The brand, t, type of product, and current sales rate for each
such product is provided to the calculation of keg 14 fill level.
Distribution network 10 permits the collection of data on keg 14 history. Server section
52 collects historical data (such as sale rate for each brand, product, type, etc.) for each calendar
day (for example, workdays vs holidays) and day of week (for example, weekday vs d)
and provides this to the ation of keg 14 fill level.
Distribution network 10 permits the collection of data on vendors 30. Server n 52
stores information about each vendor 30 (e.g. zip code, historical sales data, etc.) and this data
is provided to the calculation of keg 14 fill level.
Distribution network 10 permits the collection of the importance of each data item to the
calculation of keg 14 fill level. Importance s are calculated from the ed input values,
and then d to each input value along with threshold values to determine probability answers
to the following questions:
• Is the keg 14: (1) full and staged to be tapped; (2) actually on tap; or (3) emptied
and off tap?
• If (2) the keg 14 is on tap, how full is it?
• If the keg 14 is not yet empty, when is it expected to be empty?
• What is the rate of consumption of the product in each keg 14 at the Vendor
A margin of error is also determined for the answer to each of the above, and the margin
of error feeds back into the calculation. When the calculated probability answer is determined to
be above a set threshold for each question, the question is considered to have the given answer.
Certain input data es a verified answer to a question. For example, a keg 14 being
returned to a distributor 64 after having been delivered to a vendor 30 and staying in the cold
room long enough to be d, calculations could verify that keg 14 has been emptied. As kegs
14 are verified to have transitioned from being on tap to being d and off tap, the previous
time tes are compared against the actual time, and feedback is applied into the calculation
to e the estimates,
Distribution network 10 also supports actions that may be triggered based upon the
results of the calculations. For example: automatic reordering; updating a web site or public
display of the products on tap or scheduled to be on tap; notifying sted users of the current
or expected state(s) of keg(s) - for example, notifying a sponsor of a keg 14 that their keg 14 is
about to go on tap, is on tap, or has been emptied; feeding the rate of keg 14 emptying into
t forecasts; etc.
An alternative embodiment of distribution network 10 may not include stationary reader
36. When it is not possible to install a stationary reader 36 inside a vendor 30 cold room, radio
transmitter 16 on the kegs 14 are able to act in a bi-directional mode. In this mode, data is
communicated between the kegs 14 about their position and/or to determine their position in the
cold room and/or calculate their fill level. Each keg 14 stores all or part of the data about the kegs
14 in the cold room, and later when a keg 14 leaves the cold room, the data stored on the
transmitter is uploaded to server section 52. This upload could occur via a mobile device 38;
automatically in the background by coming into proximity with an app a mobile device 38;
automatically when the keg 14 ters a stationary reader outside the cold room; when the
keg 14 returns to distributor 64 or y 20; or by any other suitable contact with the radio
transmitter 16.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the radio itter 16 of the
present disclosure. The assembly of radio transmitter 16 es inner housing 81 which may
cover printed circuit board (PCB)/battery assembly 82. Once assembled, inner housing 81 and
PCB/battery assembly 82 may be positioned within outer housing 84. Note that Figures 2 through
7 show one possible housing; s 12 and 13, below, show another possible housing as collar
radio transmitter 142.
Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the PCB and battery assembly of one
embodiment of the present disclosure including components for performing the disclosed
ons. Figure 3 further shows the general construction for PCB/battery assembly 82 ing
battery 86, which affixes to PCB 94, On the opposite side of a PCB 94 from battery 86 appears
sensors 90, which includes temperature and other sensors, and antenna 92. CODEC/DSP 96
may also be seen on PCB 88. Figure 15, below, provides more explanation in detail regarding
the electronic circuitry residing on PCB 94.
Radio transmitter 16 is less than 1 “ high so that it fits on bottom chime of keg 14, as
shown below in Figure 11 A. The shape of the curve is optimized to fit three sizes of kegs. Radio
transmitter 16 does not extend the boundaries of keg 14 in any dimension. As such, employing
distribution network 10 requires no physical changes to the vendors 30 lines, valves, or handles.
Using rechargeable battery 86 allows the radio itter 16 to be completely sealed,
where only electrical contacts on the outside provided to charge the battery. Radio transmitter 16
es an on board temperature sensor to monitor keg 14 temperature. A shake sensor
determines if keg 14 is in transit. A sensor header 91 may also accommodate additional sensors.
Antenna 92 orientation/polarization zes radio transmission strength from either the top or
the bottom of keg 14. Battery 86 is sized to fit under keg 14 rim and to get at least a 5-year life.
Battery 86 may be soldered to PCB 88 to reduce cost. Distribution network 10 measuring system
is not continuously powered, thus saving power when not taking measurements.
Figure 4 shows and assembled radio transmitter 16 according to the teachings of the
present disclosure, wherein width 92 appears less than 1 inch in order that radio transmitter 16
may fit on either the top or the bottom chime of a keg 14. Radio transmitter 16 further includes a
curved edge 94 that may fit at least three different types of known keg 14 configurations at points
along curved edge 94. A single curved back mate to each size keg 14 at different points along
the curve, and epoxy/foam tape takes up the small amount of space for each size. ment
may be by either a rivet, such as at point 96, or by epoxy, such as at space 98, for securely
positioning radio transmitter 16 on keg 14. Waterproof IP67 achieved by epoxy sealing halves as
well as bonding to keg 14. This eliminates the need for O-ring or seals. Epoxy requires no e
preparation, reducing installation time and cost.
Outer housing 84 includes a “break away” layer to allow destructive prying of the tag
loose from epoxy when battery 86 runs out. ce in inner g 80 is zed to achieve
an air tight seal. Use of a very small, long “capillary” tube allows pressure venting if necessary
while still maintaining waterproofness. Outer housing 84 includes a unique serial number, bar
code, OR code, or other coding visible on its outer side. Note that the outer housing 84 serial
number may be different from radio serial number to rage spoofing. Outer housing 84 may
include variety of tamper resistant mechanisms for preventing unauthorized removable of radio
transmitter 16. Outer housing 84 may also include an integrated desiccant container for protecting
against moisture condensation in varying temperatures.
Figure 5 depicts an exemplary mode of attaching radio transmitter 16 of the present
disclosure to keg 14 rim 100. For example, using an epoxy layer 102, attachment of radio
transmitter 16 may be secure and waterproof to protect PCB/batteries assembly 82. Epoxy layer
102 may be applied to attachment space 98 which provides a small volume into which an enough
proxy may be applied for a firm setting of radio transmitter 16 on keg 14 rim 100. By using the
same epoxy that mounts housing to keg 14 to also seal the joint between housing ,
manufacturing steps can be skipped. Housing 84 allows radio transmitter 16 to interface with
three-dimensional curved keg 14 surfaces, maximizing adhesion and protection afforded by keg
14 chime, while minimizing heat transfer from the keg 14 body. Housing 84 can be completely
sealed but still able to be turned on when mounted.
An ate switch configuration using a sticker to seal opening for pin which activates
a switch to turn on radio transmitter 16 may be used. In this configuration, a me tion
is not ible. Similar pin holes also used to activate “connection mode” for maintenance of
radio transmitter 16. Such a sticker may cover hole(s) and make a water tight seal; edges of a
sticker protected by inset edge in outer housing 84 cut-away. Alternately, a waterproof on/off
switch via screw can be used which activates hardware switch.
Figure 6 shows an alternate switch configuration employing the keg 14 metal surface to
turn on radio transmitter 16. Metal t pins 104 and 106 may appear outside of inner housing
80 for connecting associated circuitry on PCB/battery assembly 82 for creating a conductive
t. That is, contact pin 104 may make electrical contact with keg 14 rim 100, which permit
electrical current flow to t pin 106. The resulting t uses minimal voltage, and t
to provide indication that radio transmitter 16 is firmly secured on the keg 14 rim 100. Note, also,
that at attachment point 96, radio transmitter 16 may be securely positioned on keg 14 rim 100.
Radio transmitter 16 is protected under the existing rolled keg 14 rim 100. Pins ting
the metal shell of the keg 14 closes a circuit to activate a switch. The housing can be tely
sealed but still able to be turned on when mounted. Using a rechargeable battery allows the unit
to be completely sealed, and only electrical contacts on the outside provided to charge the battery.
Providing and inductive loop or other tless ng mechanism allows the electrical
penetration of the housing to be avoided, decreasing manufacturing cost, and allowing less
precise interface between housing and charging station.
Figure 7 shows an exemplary ment of an outer g 84 for holding and
securing the radio transmitter 16 to keg 14 rim 100. In Figure 7, outer housing 84 secures to keg
14 rim 100 using screws or other fastening mechanism 108. Inner housing 80 may rest within
outer housing 84 for securely positioning PCB/battery assembly 82 at keg 14 rim 100. In one
embodiment, a ent seat/shell 84 is permanently attached to keg 14, and inner g 16
is a removable portion that can be serviced. Because radio transmitter 16 uniquely identifies the
keg 14, butor 64 and brand, the status of the keg 14 may be automatically relayed to brewery
or distributor 64.
Figures 8A through 8C depict a radio transmitter fixing mechanism for securing the radio
transmitter of the t sure to keg 14 rim 100. In the example of Figures 8A through 8C,
a hook mechanism 110 may engage an existing feature of keg 14, such as the handle opening or
chime 114. Chime 114 is a constituent part of a keg 14 including rim 100, rolled edge 112 and
keg 14 rim wall 114. Attachment ism 110 may be fixed in on between keg 14 top
surface 116 and chime rolled edge 112 such that it cannot be removed without releasing the
attachment mechanism. The mechanism expands into the space between rolled rim 112 and rim
wall 114, and keg 14 body 116 and rim wall 114.
In another instantiation, hook mechanism 120 engages an existing feature on the keg 14
(such as the handle opening or the rim of chime). In another instantiation, the radio transmitter 16
attaches to keg 14 like a “secure bracelet” around a chime 122 opening in keg 14 rim 100, hook
mechanism 120 is then used to secure back to itself or an extension of outer housing 84.
Radio itter 16 may also be mounted on chime 114 of keg 14, instead of the keg
14 body 116. The transfer of heat from the keg 14 body to chime 114 is along a seam, so heat
transfers slowly and typical batteries 86 can be used. Radio itter 16 is protected under the
existing rolled keg 14 rim 112 on either the top or bottom of keg 14, PCB/battery assembly 82 is
designed to fit in both cases. For top chime 122 attachment example, button cell batteries may
be used. For a bottom chime (shown below), a cylindrical cell battery is used. Outer housing 84
has a curved back to mate well with chime 122.
Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure wherein at keg rim
100 radio transmitters 16 may attach using a secure bracelet 118. Radio transmitter 16 attaches
around keg 14 chime 122 of keg rim 114. Bracelet 128 passes through an opening of keg rim wall
114 and back onto itself have a fastening point 120 of radio transmitter outer housing 84 into
which bracelet end 122 secures.
Figure 10 depicts one embodiment of a fluid level measurement mechanism which
es the use of a battery powered ball 124 for determining the volume of beer 126 within keg
14. In this configuration, hermetically sealed ball 124 transmits a periodic signal wirelessly or
mechanically that can be detected through the metal of keg 14. Ball 124 can withstand the high
temperature cleaning cycle and the chemicals used in keg 14 preparation for reuse. By placing
one or more detection or ication devices on the outside of keg 14, such as ing
device 128 and/or 130, measuring characteristics of the receives signals, e. g., sound reflections,
strength, harmonics, etc., the amount of air or liquid in keg 14 may be determined. Communication
can be bidirectional n ball 124 may receive a signal wirelessly or mechanically transmitting
from outside of keg 14. Using bi-directional communication, it is le for the ball to store data
locally; to perform reset functions; to measure received signals and modify the signal and return
it back. The ation of a received signal due to the ball being in liquid vs. air helps determine
volume of liquid in keg 14.
Ball 124 may be battery powered or mechanically powered. An example mechanical
power source could be a wound spring, or the expansion and contraction caused by the
heating/cooling cycle for keg 14. With a measurement from fluid level measurement mechanism
communicated via radio transmitter 16, distribution network 10 may automatically relay fill data to
the correct brewery 20/distributor 64. The Distribution network 10 mechanism requires no
changes to the vendors 30 lines, valves, or handles. The bution network 10 radio and sensor
network can automatically relay fill data to the desired brewery 20 and/or butor 64.
Figures 11A h 11C show various ways of securing embodiments of radio
transmitter 16 and a volume monitoring device of the present disclosure. Figure 11A shows radio
transmitter 16 attached at keg 14 bottom 134 on the inner portion of keg 14 lower chime 136.
Radio transmitter 16 can be hidden under keg 14 lower chime 136, where a person does not see
it to know keg 14 is being tracked. Using the acoustic properties of keg 14, radio transmitter 16
and distribution network 10 may measure liquid level from the e of the keg 14.
Figure 11B shows one instantiation of flow detection fill sensor 138 for use with keg 14.
In addition to radio itter 16, which may affix to sidewall 139 of keg 14, there appears
microphone 138 forming part of a fill level measurement system for keg 14. Microphone 138
captures ambient noise. The captured ambient noise may be subtracted from the signal measured
from keg 14 to isolate noise coming from inside keg 14. Distribution network 10 sound measuring
system isolates ic ements by using ambient noise cancellation while timing
measurements to correspond with an acoustic impulse generated by the immediate keg.
Figure 11C shows another embodiment of radio transmitter 16 as collar radio transmitter
142. Collar radio transmitter 142 may be placed around keg outlet 144 to measure fluid going
through keg outlet 144. Collar radio transmitter 142 may also extend past the top of keg 14, either
surrounding our ing the connection to keg 14. Collar radio transmitter 142 may be loose
around keg outlet 144 to fall away from the keg 14 body during sanitation, i.e. when keg 14 is
upside down. So, when keg 14 is hot from cleaning, collar radio transmitter 142 does not contact
the main body of keg 14. When keg 14 is returned to an upright position, collar radio transmitter
142 falls back in place and contacts the main body for operational use. When keg 14 is in an
upright position, collar radio transmitter 142 ts the main body of keg 14 for generating
acoustic impulse and/or measuring acoustic properties of keg 14. Keg 14 collar radio transmitter
142 may be loose to facilitate cleaning around and below it. By enabling easy cleaning around
and below it, collar radio transmitter 142 allows a keg 14 owner to maintain a e environment
for product entering and exiting keg 14 through keg outlet 144.
Figures 12 and 13 present an alternative embodiment of radio transmitter 16 of the
present disclosure for securing to keg opening 144 at the top of keg 14. Collar radio transmitter
142 positions under keg cap 140. Keg cap 140 removes by using self-destructive tab 141 which
releases cap but also makes cap le by peeling away side of keg cap 140. Collar radio
transmitter 142 can sense whether keg cap 140 is present or not. The event of l of keg
cap 140 is used by distribution network 10. By using keg cap 140, distribution network 10 may
determine with high probability if keg 14 has been put on tap. A vendor 30 will usually not remove
keg cap 140 until the keg 14 is put on tap, e keg cap 140 keeps dirt and food out of the
keg opening 144. Collar radio transmitter 142 secures to keg g 144 by way of a friction fit
or other flexible configuration 145 that secures collar radio transmitter 142 to keg opening 144
and ts removal unless ted by an authorized person. Such a securing mechanism
may be a locking mechanism, ting mechanism, hidden tabs or other friction mechanism
that prevents removing collar radio transmitter 142. By allowing collar radio transmitter 142 to be
locked, distribution network 10 can insure that collar radio transmitter 142 is in place, except
during maintenance by authorized person.
Collar radio transmitter mates 142 mechanically with the top surface of keg 14 and the
keg opening 144 so that it can withstand impacts and gs associated with normal existing
handling of full or empty kegs. Collar radio transmitter 142 does not extend the existing
ries of keg 14 so that it may be handled and stacked normally. No changes are required
to the vendors 30 lines, valves, handles or processes; distributors’ 64 pallets or processes;
delivery truck 70 equipment or processes; or the brewery 20 automated fill and ng
equipment, storage systems or processes.
Collar radio transmitter 142 may also have onal functionality beyond functionality
ng in the present embodiment of radio transmitter 16. The additional volume of collar radio
transmitter 130 makes le and eve r expanding set of functions and supporting electronics
for collar radio transmitter 142 to operate within distribution network 10.
Figure 14 shows a transducer-microphone configuration for use on collar radio
transmitter 142 in determining volume and other properties of keg 14. Figure 14 shows collar
radio transmitter 142 surrounding keg opening 144 and including transmitter T1 148 and
microphone M1 150. A signal produced at T1 148 is picked up by M1 150 after being modified by
the fill level in keg 14. As a result of varying signal measurements, a determination of the
associated fill level is le. This information can be processed by collar radio transmitter 142
and then icated through distribution network 10.
Figure 15 rates an embodiment of an authenticated attachment mechanism 160 for
securing radio transmitter 16 to keg 14. Authenticated attachment mechanism 160 provides a
secure attachment of radio transmitter 16 to keg 14, while allowing non-destructive
detaching/replacement by only authorized parties. Authenticated attachment mechanism 160
operates within radio transmitter 16 outer g 84 and attaches to hook and catch 162.
Mechanical hook and catch 162 provides a permanent fixture for securing radio transmitter 16 to
keg 14. The hook 162 is hidden from al tampering - only an internal actuator
(electromagnet, motor, etc.) can disengage the hook. Engagement arm 164 inserts into recess
166 with a spring force from spring 168. Engagement arm 164 actuates under control of actuator
170 to withdraw from recess 166 in response to a signal from CPU 172. Antenna 174 may receive
an actuation signal from an external source for actuating engagement arm 164 under the control
of CPU 172. Battery 86 may provide actuation power for CPU 172 operation to control or
170. Authenticated attachment ism 160 further provides external e pads 180 that
permit ic power to enter outer housing 84, ng the internal or circuit to be powered
temporarily in the event of batter failure or for ng rechargeable battery 86, These pins are
electrically isolated from the battery to prevent current leakage. Alternatively, digital connection
182 may e an optional digital signal input for control of CPU 172 for actuator operation.
Authenticated attachment mechanism 160 allows a butor 64 or vendor 30 or event
venue 32 to place radio transmitter 16 on kegs 14 only while they are in their possession and
remove them before kegs are returned and no longer in their possession. Authenticated
attachment mechanism 160 may require a secret digital passkey to actuate engagement arm 164.
A digital secure key is transmitted to radio transmitter 16 ssly via antenna 174. CPU 172
verifies the l secure key by several possible means. By using a digital key as opposed to a
mechanical key, no water entry points are introduced into outer housing 84, the space of a
mechanical key is avoided, and manufacturing cost is reduced. By using a digital key, every keg
14 may can have a unique digital lock code, and digital keys are easy to manage using software.
A secure mechanism requiring a secret digital passkey is used to latch radio transmitter
16 to keg 14. By using a digital key, no water entry points are introduced, the space of a
mechanical key is avoided, and manufacturing cost is reduced. By using a digital key, every keg
14 can have a unique digital lock code, and keys are easy to manage using software. ng
one lock does not expose any other locks.
Figure 16 presents a radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 block m according
to a red embodiment of the presently disclosed system. Radio transmitter electronic circuitry
190 includes processing module 96 which connects to temperature sensor 192 and
CODEC/DSP 194. The analog-to-digital circuit (ADC) 196 of radio/processing module 96 receives
output 198 from ature sensor 192. Also, through general purpose input/output (GPIO) 200,
radio/processing module 96 provides collector voltage (VCC) 202 to temperature sensor 192. At
VCC 204, rechargeable battery 86 provides 2- to 3-volt operating power to processing
module 96. CODEC/DSP 194 aces radio/processing module 96 at inter-integrated
t/serial peripheral interface (I2C/SPI) 206 of radio processing module 96 with I2C/SPI
interface 208. Through inter -integrated circuit sound/general purpose input-out PIO)
interface 210, radio/processing module 96 interfaces I2S/GPIO interface 212 of CODEC/DSP
194. CODEC/DSP 194 connects to ucer 148 via digital to analog converter interface (DAC)
214. Also, CODEC/DSP 194 interfaces microphone/sensor 150 at ADC ace 216. a
174 provides provide input to Rf Interface 218.
Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 ges mobile devices 38 to 42 and
stationary readers 36 of distribution network 10 to not need separate GPS and cell radio circuitry.
The result is that radio transmitter 16 achieves a production cost of approximately $10 or less.
Moreover, for operation of distribution network 10, radio transmitter 16 does not require a monthly
cell data plan, has a small form factor, and may run five years on typical lithium battery cells. By
operating five years, radio itter 16 allows distribution network 10 to align with the normal
five-year service cycle of kegs 14 from most breweries and distributors. The radio design of radio
transmitter 16 also may work inside stacks of metal kegs, as discussed in more detail below.
Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 includes firmware capable of operating in
several modes. Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 operates in a non-connectable mode
upon deployment security and battery life preservation. Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190
enters a connectable mode only either temporarily during boot or via switch/pad on PCB 88. Radio
transmitter electronic circuitry 190 operates in a connectable mode that is protected by
asymmetric encryption and authentication and es authenticated pairing without bonding.
Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 operates in a mode for pairing a passcode that is
generated algorithmically based upon broadcasted major, minor numbers and shared secret. This
mode may optionally use timestamp, serial number of board, etc. Radio transmitter electronic
try 190 may further operate in a connectable mode for updating the radio transmitter 16
serial number and other parameters after manufacturing, but before deployment.
Distribution network 10 accommodates a variety of roles for various
devices/components. Such devices include radio transmitter 16, collar radio transmitter 142,
stationary reader 36, mobile devices 38 and 60, server computers 56, and RMS section
computers 62. Here functions are described as appropriate for the various devices/components
capable of performing such functions.
A device operating as a central device scans for advertisers and can initiate connections.
Such a device operates as a master in one or more connections. Good examples are mobile
devices 38 and computers 62. This means that the device roles used for established connections
are the peripheral and the central roles. The other two device roles are used for one-directional
communication. A broadcaster function applies to a non-connectable advertiser, for e, a
temperature sensor 192 that asts the t temperature, or a radio itter 16. An
observer function scans for advertisements, but cannot initiate connections. This could be a
remote display on a mobile device 38 that receives the temperature data and ts it, or
tracking the radio transmitter 16.
The two obvious device roles for radio transmitter 16 applications are peripheral and
broadcaster. Both send the same type of advertisements except for one ic flag that indicates
if it is connectable or nnectable.
A Bluetooth low energy on is ideal for radio transmitter 16, because it is low power
and the eco-system is already deployed in most smartphones or other Bluetooth Smart Ready
enabled devices on the market. The low -power consumption is achieved by g the
transmission time as short as possible and allowing the device to go into sleep mode between
the transmissions.
The non-connectable radio transmitter 16 is a Bluetooth low energy device in
broadcasting mode. It simply transmits ation that is stored internally. Because the
non-connectable broadcasting does not activate any receiving capabilities, it achieves the lowest
possible power consumption by simply waking up, transmit data and going back to sleep. This
comes with the drawback of dynamic data being restricted to what is only known to the device, or
data being available through al input from example serial protocols (universal
asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), serial peripheral interface (SPI), universal serial bus
(USB), and so .
The connectable radio transmitter 16 is a Bluetooth low energy device in peripheral
mode, which means that it cannot only transmit, but also e as well. This allows a l
device (for example, a mobile device 38} to connect and interact with services implemented on
radio transmitter 16, Services provide one or more characteristics that could be modified by a
peer device. One example of these characteristic could be a string of data that represents the
broadcasted information. This way, it is possible to have a configurable radio transmitter 16 that
is easily updated over the air.
Figures 17A and 17B y various hardware for use on a delivery truck operating
within distribution network 10 of the present disclosure. Truck 70 may be any type of delivery truck
e of delivering numerous kegs 14 for populating keg 14 section 12 of liquid product
distribution network 10. In delivery section 68, truck 70 also includes the ability to interface with
radio transmitter 16 or collar radio itter 142. The interface for which truck 70 is capable
s from truck reader 230 which may be positioned beneath seat 232. Truck reader 230 is a
communications device that connects with various antenna ing cell antenna 234 or
Bluetooth antenna 236, for example. Moreover, truck 70 may use GPS antenna 238, OBD2
connection 240, and/or Wi-Fi antenna 242. Figure 17B shows an alternative configuration
whereby tablet 244 may provide various ons associated with controlling delivery operations
and monitoring delivery operations tent with the optimal ions of liquid t
distribution network 10.
If truck 70 is parked in range of home office Wi-Fi, updates can be batch downloaded via
Wi-Fi when truck 70 returns to home office. This may save cell phone data s. Hardware is
designed with a main processor in a housing with the GPS antenna 238, Wi-Fi antenna 242,
Bluetooth antenna 236 and ar connection either located internally or externally via wires to
enable remote antenna placement. Truck reader 230 optionally connects to vehicle’s OBD2
connection 240 for power and/or diagnostic data. Each of the four antennas can be internal or
external - external via wires allows le placement.
Truck reader 230 allows real-time inventory by putting the antennas at the end of wires.
Truck reader 230 main unit can be hidden and/or made secure under the dash or seats 232. By
connecting the ODB2 port 240 in truck 70, truck reader 230 is easy to install and can collect
mileage, speed and other data from the vehicle.
By integrating Wi-Fi antenna 242, truck reader 230 may perform a “store and forward”
function of collecting data during the day and automatically ad it at night when truck 70
returns to base. Wi-Fi antenna 242 may also operate as a Wi-Fi access point inside truck 70. As
such, tablet 244, for example, may have an internet connection as truck 70 drives . The
truck 70 driver’s cellular phone can also use Wi-Fi antenna 242 to incorporate security, logging
and firewall features.
Using truck 70 as a Wi-Fi access point, truck reader 230 may send messages, alerts,
instructions, new routes to the driver in real time. As a Wi-Fi access point, truck 70 may connect
a display to the tablet 244 to display maps, instructions, alerts and other data to the driver. Truck
reader 230 system acts as a knowledge base for delivery s, enabling them to keep track of
information they need to make deliveries. Such information may include instructions on where to
park, lock codes or access codes, best time of day to make deliveries, customer contacts and
instructions, etc. Distribution network 10 system may use truck reader 230 to provide real-time
monitoring of trucks and s. For example, truck reader 230 may permit determining which
driver is nearest to a required delivery, whether drivers stay on their routes or make unscheduled
stops, etc.
Truck reader 230 may act as a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing connected clients to access the
Internet over the cell modem tion. Normal Wi-Fi password protection and encryption is
used to prevent unauthorized use of the connection. When acting as a Wi-Fi hotspot, tablet 244
is used as the screen/GUI. This allows sophisticated mapping, routing, invoicing and other
functions to be written on the tablet and integrated with truck reader 230 sensor data.
The truck reader 230 may function independently of any mobile devices (phones, tablets)
in truck 70. Software on truck reader 230 and on tablet 244 can communicate with each other and
divide computation, ication, and display processing. Depending on tablet 244 capability,
truck reader 230 offloads functions to the tablet, and vice-versa. For example, 244 includes a cell
modem connection to the Internet, software on tablet 244 may receive keg 14 data and its
such data to server n 52 of distribution network 10.
Truck reader 230 re may determine when kegs 14 come in range (i.e. get loaded
on vehicle) or go out of range (i.e. are red from truck 70). By accessing the known history
of a keg 14 from radio transmitter 16, truck reader 230 may determine whether an empty is being
picked up or a full being red.
Truck reader 230 allows real-time inventory of a truck. By putting the antennas at the
end of wires, truck reader 230 may be hidden and/or made secure under the dash or seats. By
connecting the ODB2 port 240 in truck 70, truck reader 230 is easy to install and can collect
mileage, speed and other data from truck 70.
Hand-offs between radio transmitters 16 and locations can determine state changes. For
example, if a keg 14 was detected by a cold room stationary reader 36, but then is no longer
detected by that stationary reader 36, and then is detected by truck reader 230, might cause a
state change to “being delivered”.
As r example, distribution network 10 system may have determined a keg 14 has
been delivered to a vendor 30, such as a restaurant or bar, but may not know which vendor 30 or
y when. When a mobile device 38 detects the presence of the keg 14 at a location,
distribution network 10 then determines which vendor 30 the keg 14 went to, and can retroactively
determine the delivery schedule and other information because it now knows which vendor 30
received the keg 14.
Distribution network 10 software reports truck 70 driver activity back to a distributor 64
home office, which ation may include duled stops, driving speed, etc. Distribution
network 10 software allows remote management and monitoring of truck reader 230. When a
truck 70 driver visits a known account, the last inventory at the account can be viewed by the
driver on tablet 244, for example. Distribution network 10 re tically manages deposit
information, such as how many kegs 14 are at each keg 14 section 12 location, and determines
that keg 14 section 12 location’s rolling deposit fee. The deposit ation automatically
propagates back to invoices, ting, etc. and may be used as a double check against the
truck 70 drivers entered data.
Figure 18 provides various example events that may influence the transition of keg 14
states as monitored kegs 14 18 move from various geographic s in distribution network 10.
In Figure 18, kegs 14 A, B, and C, represent the liquid product containers within keg 14 section
12. Items 1 30 through 7 254 represent various mobile devices 30 and stationary readers 36, etc.
Region X 244, region Y 246, and region Z 248 represent geographic regions participating within
distribution network 10.
By collecting data on the location and history of kegs 14, bution network 10
determines state transitions. Some of the state transitions are determined retroactively. For
example, a lack of gs after a period of time may retroactively determine a state transition
that occurred at the beginning of the period. Hand-offs between radio transmitters 16, stationary
readers 36, and mobile devices 38 can determine state changes. For example, a keg 14 that was
detected by a cold room stationary reader 36, but then is no longer detected by that stationary
reader 36, then is detected by a truck reader 230, might cause a state change to “being delivered”.
Distribution network 10 may have determined a keg 14 has been delivered to a vendor
(i.e. customer such as restaurant/bar), but may not know which vendor 30 or exactly when.
When a mobile device 38 detects/contacts the presence of the keg 14 at a location, distribution
network 10 then determines which vendor 30 received the keg 14, and can retroactively determine
the delivery schedule and other information because it now knows which vendor 30 received the
keg 14.
Using the store and forward on, a mobile device 38 may ad historical
information from the radio transmitter 16 when it detects the radio transmitter 16 at a vendor 30.
Using mesh network 18 and store and forward at a vendor 30, an arriving keg 14 18 can
icate its arrival to the other kegs 14 at the vendor 30. When one of the older kegs 14
leaves the vendor 30 and returns to the brewery 20, it forwards the information from the keg 14
that newly arrived while it was at the vendor 30.
Because radio transmitter 16 uniquely identifies the keg 14, distributor and brand, the
status of the keg 14 can be automatically relayed to the y 20 and/or distributor 64. The
distribution network 10 mechanism for determining how full is each keg 14 attaches to the keg 14
and does not require shifting of kegs 14 on scales. Distribution network 10 uses the
communications of radio transmitter 16 and nary reader 37/mobile device 38 to
automatically relay fill data to the correct brewery 20 and/or distributor 64.
Referring further to Figure 18, distribution network 10 ms particularly attractive
operations upon entering or exiting a geographic region. Geographic regions are defined such
that when a sensing device 36/38 is within a region locates or otherwise detects a radio transmitter
16, the keg 14 to which the radio transmitter 16 attaches may be considered to have “entered”
the geographic region. This decision may be based upon the relative locations of both the keg 14
and the sensing device 36/38 relative to the Region.
In Figure 18, keg 14 A 14 is detected by sensing device 36/38 1 to be inside Region X;
likewise keg B 14 is ed by sensing device 36/38 7 to be inside Region Y. If a sensing device
36/38 is determined to be in a region, but items are not detected, then any items that were
previously determined to be in the region may be determined to have “exited” the region. In Figure
18, sensing device 36/38 5 is inside Region Z but keg C 14 is not detected. Hysteresis may be
d to allow time for keg C 14 to be detected or not detected. Stationary reader 36/mobile
device 38 6 can detect keg C 14, but is not within a defined geographic region, so sensing device
36/38 6 confirms keg C 14 is no longer in Region Z. At any given time, a sensing device 36/38
may be able to detect or not detect multiple kegs 14, and may be in or not in any number of
bly overlapping) regions.
ing on the geographic region the detection occurs , how far away from the
sensing device 36/38 the keg 14 is determined, etc., the bution network 10 software
determines which state tions should occur. A phic location can be determined by
several factors: the GPS reading on a sensing device 36/38; the Wi-Fi network the sensing device
36/38 is near or connected to; being “near” to another sensing device 36/38 that has a predicted
location; detection of wireless networks or topologies, triangulation using signal strength, etc.
Triangulation can be used to nt location. For example, the received signal
strengths of a radio transmitter 16 at one or more receiving stations are correlated to determine
the most accurate location of the transmitter in relation to the ns. The receiving stations may
be nodes in a wireless distribution network, and therefore knowing the node and received signal
th at that node allows determination of a probability distribution for the location of the radio
transmitter 16. This probability distribution can be influenced by additional data such as known
locations of buildings or other interference ures, data packet loss, vehicle speed, received
signal strength of additional transmitters, relative location of other nearby items, “crowdedness”
of items, etc.
In some cases, the location of a sensing device 36/38 may be assigned a static location
(for example, if the sensing device 36/38 is not expected to move). In this case, any items coming
within a certain distance of the sensor could change cause a state change for the item.
bution network 10 software has a programming interface h which it can
retrieve and/or receive updates from other s or input methods. These updates may cause
a change in state. Example systems and input methods are automated assembly lines; content
filling systems; point of sale systems; shipping and receiving s; etc. The data from these
input methods may be combined with any of the other detection mechanisms to reach a
conclusion. For e, if the shipping system indicates five kegs 14 were picked up, and
simultaneously five items were detected to leave a geographic region, then distribution network
may decide those five kegs 14 were the kegs 14 picked up, and add the serial numbers of the
kegs 14 to the shipping invoice.
Keg 14 serial numbers can be tically and accurately correlated with no manual
labour. Deposits can be automatically and accurately correlated with no manual counting.
Inventory is maintained accurately and automatically with no manual counting. Keg 14 contents,
fill dates, etc., can be easily looked up using a normal mobile phone without any manual scanning
or searching. Kegs 14 can be automatically and tely d for service based upon
number of turns in the field. Distribution k 10 automatically reports back where each keg
14 is and how full it is without any manual checking.
By collecting data on the location and history of kegs 14, distribution network 10 system
ines state transitions. Some of the state transitions are determined retroactively. For
example, a lack of readings after a short while may retroactively determine a state transition that
occurred at the beginning of the period.
Figure 19 shows the arrangement of s kegs 14 on an exemplary weighing mat
250 for use in distribution network 10. The mat may be constructed to have predeter mined
locations for kegs, or allow kegs to be arbitrarily positioned. On weighing mat 250 appear
predetermined keg 14 locations 252 on which to store a keg 14. Design 254 depicts the use of a
butor 64 or brewery 20 logos upon which to position keg 14. Design 254 indicates that the
keg 14 contains beer of the company whose logo appears on mat location 252.
Weighing mat 250 provides a thin, stationary cushion or surface upon which may be
placed under one or more kegs 14 and ates with shelving (or the floor) unobtrusively.
Weight mat 250 allows kegs 14 to be d around arily within a cold room or other keg 14
section 12 location. Weight mat 250 may integrate branding so that a given type of keg 14 is
ated to location 252. A brewery 20 can sponsor their portion of weighing mat 250, allowing
the total area of weighing mat 250 to build up over time. Weighing mat 250 determines wirelessly
using radio itter 16 where kegs 14 are on weighing mat 250, to determine which exact keg
14 is being weighed.
Weighing mat 250 has a low profile (less than 1) so that existing vendor 30 shelving units
can be used. Weighing mat 250 preferably has a sloped front edge so that kegs 14 may be easily
slid a top surface. Weight mat 250 may have one or more ridges/grooves corresponding to
multiple keg 14 sizes or layout positions. Weight mat 250 does not have to be square, and may
be round or hexagonal to facilitate densely packing kegs 14 in many different varieties of cold
room spaces.
Areas of weighing mat 250 that may be printed with a supplier’s logo help a vendor 30
keep track of which kegs 14 go to which draft s inside a bar. Logo 254 also allows a brewery
or distributor 64 to give/sponsor a weighing mat 250 when the vendor 30 signs up for a supplier
account. Weighing mat 250 easily mates to adjacent mats so kegs 14 may be slid front to back
across weighing mats 250 and side to side across weighing mats 250. The edges of weighing
mat 250 can orate electrical tions to transmit data between weighing mats 250.
Weighing mat 250 may be sized to accommodate l kegs 14 on a single weighing mat 250,
each keg 14 being weighed separately. Weighing mat 250 determines ssly using radio
transmitter 16 where kegs 14 are on the mat, to determine which exact keg 14 is being weighed.
Using store and forward, a mobile device 38 may download historical information from
the radio transmitter 16 when radio transmitter 16 detects mobile device 38 at a vendor 30. Using
the mesh network 18 and store and forward at a vendor 30, an arriving keg 14 can communicate
its arrival to the other kegs 14 at the vendor. When one of the older kegs 14 18 leaves the vendor
and returns to the brewery 20, mesh network 18 forwards the information from the keg 14 that
newly arrived while it was at the vendor 30.
Figure 20 illustrates improved keg 14 use, monitoring, and reporting between operations
that occur in a cold room 278 and operations that occur in a public room 279, such as a restaurant
or other location. Figure 20 shows the interaction between cold room 278 of keg 14 section 12
wherein mesh network 18 of kegs 14 may be positioned over weighing mat 250 for ing and
communicating with public room 279 to provide correlation between the operation of beer taps
260 in public room 279 and beer kegs 14 within keg 14 section 12 of cold room 278. Alternatively,
keg 14 collar 142 may provide the functions of weighing mat 250 d. Moreover, within public
room 279, there is an indication of a ction that distribution network 10 enables to promote
a point of sale (POS) 262 transaction. The POS ction makes use of the information relating
to the status of kegs 14 within cold room 278 and provides input for users to make purchasing
and other decisions regarding consuming different beers according to the status of kegs 14.
By correlating the decrease in keg 14 levels with an increase in drink purchases,
distribution network 10 enables ining which consumers 66 purchased from which keg 14.
Once the keg 14 is determined, then it is possible to know brewery 20, type of beer, date brewed,
etc. as herein sed.
By correlating consumer 66 location against keg 14 location, it is possible to notify the
consumer 66 when a keg 14 of their favourite beer goes on tap 260; where is the nearest public
room 279 to purchase that glass of beer; how long that beer is likely to be on tap 260, i.e. how full
is the keg 14, or if the keg 14 is no longer available, as well as how fresh is the beer, by when it
was brewed.
When a limited supply keg 14 goes on tap 260, the action of going on tap 260 can trigger
alerts to consumer 66 indicating the keg 14 is now available. Distribution network 10 can indicate
other beers tly ble on tap that are similar to what consumer 66 likes/has purchased
before/what their friend likes/what others are drinking/what is popular/what is freshest/what has
aged longest/what is seasonal or special/what is from a local brewery 20/what is from a faraway
brewery 20/what has special ients/what is of limited supply.
bution network 10 can indicate other beers currently available on tap 260 that are
similar to what consumer 66 likes/has sed before/etc. thereby introducing consumer 66 to
new breweries. Distribution network 10 can indicate the brew date of each beer, how long it has
aged, how long it has been on tap, etc. Distribution network 10 can recommend locations based
upon beer types available.
When a consumer 66 enters a public room 279 using POS function 262, the fact that the
consumer 66 is within range of a keg 14 is ined. This is used to determine when consumer
66 arrived and/or departed the location and can be correlated to the marketing done to that
consumer 66. By correlating consumer 66 purchase of t against marketing done to
consumer 66, it is possible to determine marketing effectiveness. The effectiveness can be
calculated automatically, and future selection of marketing es or processes ined
automatically.
By correlating decreased keg 14 levels with drink purchases, it is possible to determine
which consumer 66 purchased from which keg. Once the keg 14 is determined, it is then known
brewery, type of beer, date brewed, etc.
By correlating consumer 66 location against keg 14 location, it is le to notify
consumer 66 (1) when a keg 14 of their favourite beer goes on tap; (2) the nearest location to
purchase a glass of beer; (3) how long the beer is likely to be on tap (i.e. how empty the keg 14
is); (4) the keg 14 is no longer available; (5) how fresh the beer is (i.e. when it was ).
Distribution network 10 can indicate other products currently available on tap that are
similar to what consumer 66 likes or has purchased before; what friends of er 68 like;
what other consumers 66 are drinking; what is popular at this location or nearby; what is freshest
at this location or nearby; what t has aged longest; what product is seasonal or special;
what product is from a local brewery; what product is from a faraway brewery; what t has
special or specific ingredients; what product is of limited supply; etc.
bution network 10 can indicate other beers currently available on tap that are similar
to what er 66 likes/has purchased before/etc. y introducing consumer 66 to new
breweries. Distribution network 10 can indicate the brew date of each beer, how long it has aged,
how long it has been on tap, etc.
Distribution network 10 can recommend locations based upon beer types available.
When consumer 66 enters a location/event using Distribution k 10 kegs, the fact that
consumer 66 is within range of a keg 14 is determined. This is used to determine when consumer
66 d and/or departed the location and can be correlated to the ing done to that
consumer 66.
A brewery can allow consumer 66 to “sponsor” a keg 14 such that the consumer 66 is
notified where the keg 14 travels, when it arrives locations, etc. If the consumer 66 wants to
sponsor a keg 14 with a certain type of beer only, a container can be allocated to his sponsorship
at every brewing, so it appears he “owns” a specific keg, even if the actual container is different
at each brewing. This allows a brewery to rotate their kegs 14 normally while still allowing the
consumer 66 to perceive they are sponsoring a single keg.
Figure 21 depicts an exemplary stationary reader 36 for radio transmitter 16 detection
and measurement according to the present disclosure. Stationary reader 36 includes yellow LED
270 and red LED 272. Stationary reader 36 preferably mounts upon a wall, such as within cold
room 278 or at a ent location. Stationary reader 36 preferably does not have a screen, but
is managed through a mobile device 38 application. LEDs 270 and 272 indicate the state of the
stationary reader 36. A Red LED 272 reports whether stationary reader 36 is powered on and
ted to Internet 54. A Yellow LED 270 te keg 14 sensing is active using radio
transmitter 16 or collar radio transmitter 142, and, during initial setup, indicates that stationary
reader 36 is ready to receive a Wi-Fi password.
If stationary reader 36 does not have a current connection to the Internet, a peer-to-peer
connection (for example, via Bluetooth) may perform the necessary connection. Stationary reader
maintains a connection to the Internet and actively seeks to re-establish the connection, if the
tion goes down. Proximity reads to kegs 14 are taken continuously. If the Internet 54
connection goes down, the reads are spooled to a local buffer sensors/data collection n 34,
and when the Internet 54 connection returns the spooled data is transmitted to server computer
56. The data is compressed before being encrypted, authenticated and sent to server.
Each stationary reader 36 in distribution network 10 possesses a unique identifier, and
a unique asymmetrical encryption key. Only a mobile device 38 having the other half of the
trical key is authorized to manage the stationary reader 36. The asymmetrical key is
retrieved from a server computer 56, is not kept permanently on mobile device 38, and has only
per-session usage .
Figure 22 shows the arrangement of a fill reader in association with cold room 278 or
other location for detecting and reporting the ion of a plurality of kegs 14. Figure 22 further
es use of a mobile reader 274 which may be used on a stand 276 in proximity to mesh
network 18 of kegs 14 within a cold room 278.
Figure 23 depicts a fill reader display 280 that a mobile reader 274 or sensing device
36/38 may show to indicate the status of kegs 14 within a mesh network 18. Display 280 provides
information 282 regarding empty kegs 14 and information 284 regarding full kegs 14. Empty kegs
14 display 282 shows that keg1, keg2, keg3, and keg4 are empty kegs 14. Full kegs 14 y
284 shows the keg10, keg11, keg12 and keg13 are full. Fill icon 286 indicates the movement from
empty to full for the various kegs 14 in cold room 278. Indicator 286 displays that type of liquid
product is in the various kegs, here Pale Ale. Display 280 also indicates the date on which the
y is operating.
Fill reader display 280 allows a brewery 20 to input the fill date and contents of kegs 14
as they fill them using a normal tablet device 274. Distribution network 10 software allows a
brewery 20 to pick the product with which to fill the kegs, to manually mark kegs 14 as they are
filled, and to show nearby keg 14 and their state. According to brewery 20 preferences, distribution
network 10 software can either require manual marking of kegs 14, or automatically mark kegs
14 based upon being within a set distance range of fill reader 274 for a period of time.
Figures 24A and 24B illustrate how stationary reader 36 may sense keg 14 status in
cold room 278 with a closed metal door. In cold room 278, mesh network 18 of radio transmitters
16 may be positioned behind a closed metal cold room door 290. During this time, it is not possible
to obtain the necessary communication between radio transmitter 16 and sensing device 36/38.
However, as Figure 24B shows, once cold room door 290 opens, a clear communication path
between stationary reader 36 and mesh network 18 occurs making reading each radio transmitter
16 on kegs 14 possible. atively, the communication may occur to any mobile device 38, 40,
42, 60 outside cold room. While it is not possible to sense radio itters 16, historical data
may be stored in and forwarded from radio transmitter 16. Alternatively, as mobile devices 38
enter and exit cold room 278, they may pick up data from kegs 14 or mesh network 18 in cold
room 278 for later reporting in distribution network 10.
Figures 25 and 26 depict the d construction of a weighing mat 250 according to
present disclosure. Weighing mat 250 es slick top layer 292 which adheres to compressible
spacer layer 294. Beneath compressible spacer layer 294 appears bottom layer 296. ng
mat 250 may rest on metal shelf rungs 298. Bottom layer 296 may include a high friction rubber
layer 300. Slick top layer 292 may further include ridge 302 upon which may rest keg 14. Slick
top layer allows easy sliding of kegs 14 on weighing mat 250. Bottom layer 296 surface may
include a high friction rubber or adhesive surface to keep weighing mat 250 in place upon the
metal shelf rungs 298. al raised ridge 302 on the slick top layer 292 help position one or
more kegs 14 in the best on(s) for weighing, as well as for use in ation with other kegs
14 in mesh network 18.
Figure 26 depicts a weighing or measuring device 304 for integration into the ng
mat 250 of the present sure. Weighing devices 304 sandwiches between slick top layer 292
and bottom layer 296. Example weighing devices 304 may be a load cell, re sensor, etc.
tion of slick top layer 292 and compression of compressible spacer layer 294 when a keg
14 rests on weighing mat 250 transfers the keg 14 weight force onto weighing device 304.
Optional spacing material can be used to support the slick top layer 292 outside weighing
region(s). Overload protection prevents damage to weighing device 304 from large, sudden loads
dropped from a shelf onto the weighing mat 250,
Figure 27 illustrates the association of radio transmitter 16 with a weighing mat 250 of
the present disclosure. Figure 27 illustrates weighing mat 250 to include weighing devices 304
positioned below ridge 302. Radio transmitter 16 communicates with mat antenna 306. In the
embodiment of Figure 27, weighing mat 250 correlates keg 14 weight, as measured by ng
devices 304, with keg 14 state changes.
Radio antenna 306 receives signals from radio transmitter 16 when keg 14 is placed on
ng mat 250. Weighing mat 250 may then transmit the keg 14 weights and other information
about each keg 14 either directly to a storage system stationary reader 36, a mobile device 38 or
an intermediate sensing device 36/38. Intermediate sensing devices 36/38 may further include
another weighing mat 250; another stationary reader 36; a mobile device 38; an Internet or cloud
server computer 56 via Wi-Fi; etc.
Radio transmitter 16 includes has sensors on PCB 88, which may detect events that
trigger a state change in the keg 14, mesh network 18, or elsewhere in distribution k 10.
An example may be a ature sensor 192 that ines a change in temperature that is
significant for keg 14 state tracking. Such temperature change and/or the state change itself is
communicated to a mobile device 38 and thereby to the rest of the distribution network 10.
Radio transmitter 16 ent on keg 14 bottom rim 136 permits easy detection by mat
antenna 306 and signal disambiguation from other nearby kegs 14 in mesh network 18.
Distribution network 10 software determines which brand and type of beer is on weighing mat
250; when keg 14 was filled; etc. Mat antenna 306 is in position to best detect radio itter
16 directly above the respective weighing mat 250 and no other kegs 14 nearby, but not on
weighing mat 250. ng mat 250 may also incorporate an RF shield to prevent items on
weighing mats 250 on lower metal shelf rungs 298 from being detected. Mat antenna 306 may be
directional to further help in nearby keg 14 disambiguation.
A mechanical overload protection mechanism allows directly and safely ng full
kegs 14 weighing mat 250. Such an event would occur ng mat 250 is on the floor and a
keg 14 dropped from a nearby shelf. When using a load cell as weighing device 304, a mechanical
stop is incorporated into the load cell action to prevent damage to it in the case of overload. In the
case of using a pressure sensor as weighing device 304, a point load will compress the slick top
layer 292, spacer layer 294, and rubber layer 300 so that the load is transferred to metal shelf
rungs 298 beneath ng mat 250. Only a load spread across slick top layer 292 the surface
will register a read.
In each mesh network 18, one weighing mat 250 may operate as the r” mat,
responsible for collecting information from nearby weighing mats 250 before sending to server
computer 56. Weight mats 250 may be individually connected to server section 52 via Wi-Fi or
other means. Weighing mats 250 can transmit readings directly to sensing devices 36/38 or a
nearby tablet computer. Radio measurements are aggregated via distribution network 10 software
from multiple weighing mats 250 to disambiguate multiple radio transmitter 16 signals from
various kegs 14. Keg 14 weights aggregated via distribution network 10 software to automatically
order more product when necessary. Weight mat 250 hardware feeds events into distribution
network 10 software, e.g. kegs 14 going on and off a weighing mat 250; keg 14 is almost empty;
new keg 14 has been tapped; etc. bution network 10 software uses the events received from
weighing mat 250 hardware to determine additional conditions, such as whether the last full keg
14 of a certain brand has been put on tap 260; etc. These events and conditions trigger actions
such as POS notification 262.
Figure 28 shows a potential configuration of stacked kegs 14 as may be measured and
monitored using the weighing mat 250 of the present disclosure. Alternative dual keg 14 weighing
mat 310 provides the ability to stack two kegs 14, as upper keg 272 and lower keg 274. With
upper keg 272 stacked on lower keg 274, weighing mat 276 may provide a weighing measure of
the combined weight of the two kegs 14. Two kegs 14 being d on top of each other assumes
one of the two is either full or empty. Thus, both kegs 14 may start full, and upper keg 272 may
be drained. Then upper keg 272 may be placed on the bottom with lower keg 274 connecting to
tap 260. In this configuration, only one keg 14 is being d at a time. Weight mat 250 may
have a readout area g weight/percent full/etc. for the keg 14 currently on tap 260.
Distribution network 10 software may automatically compensate for the event of whether lower
keg 274 is full or empty.
s 29 through 32 show various screens of a mobile device 38 ation for the
present disclosure. Figure 29 shows connection via a mobile device 38 to a wireless transmission
from stationary reader 36 and/or radio transmitter 16. As Figure 29 depicts, access screen 320
shows the y to determine that a stationary reader 36 is within a Bluetooth connection of icon
322 or Wi-Fi connection of icon 324 to a mobile device 38. A red indicator light 326 may show
that “Truck #1” as reading station is accessible to mobile device 38. Access screen 320 provides
also the ability to select stations 328, trucks 330, or other locations within liquid product
distribution network 10.
Distribution network 10 software residing on a mobile phone/device creates a
peer-to-peer network for ing stationary reader 36. The mobile device 38 screen permits
entering settings to allow stationary reader 36 to connect to local Wi-Fi and then to the rest of the
bution network 10. Figure 29 is a list of stationary readers at various vendors 30, where
een indicator lights 326 show indication of stationary reader 36 operational status. The
Bluetooth connection icon 322 and Wi-Fi tion icon 324 show whether the respective
stationary reader 36 presently has a wireless connection to distribution network 10.
Figure 30 shows how mobile device 38 may connect to distribution network 10. For
example, mobile device 38 may connect via a server section 52 at selection 340 or a peer-to-peer
network at sensors/data collection section 34 at selection 342. These connections are selectable
by the mobile device 38 user, such as the shown example of a peer-to-peer network selection
340 of Figure 30.
Figure 31 shows how mobile device 38 software may permit a user to determine the
state of distribution network 10 software at a station. Thus, version screen 350 shows the station
name to be “Reader #4,” using the Wi-Fi network of “Private_Wifi” and n 1.1.1. Version
screen 350 also indicates the presence of nearby Wi-Fi networks applicable to mobile device 38.
Figure 31 shows information received from stationary reader 36 about its current state using a
name gful to the location of the reader. Also, here provided is information of whether a
Wi-Fi network programmed into it and the stationary reader 36 firmware version. The “Nearby”
selection allows showing other radio transmitters 16 that may be currently being detected by
stationary reader 36.
Figure 32 simply provides the ability to select among different Wi-Fi networks as would
be typical in the operation of mobile device 38. Figure 32 shows fying and selecting a Wi-Fi
k (Private_Wifi) from available Wi-Fi ks as listed.
s 33 through 35 illustrate exemplary screens as may find use for mobile phones
and tablets operating as mobile s 38 in detecting and reporting kegs 14 at various locations
and data applicable to ring and reporting. Figures 33 h 36 further demonstrate the
communication capabilities of distribution network 10 software. For example, Figure 33 shows
mobile device 38 interface including a satellite ctive which provides the ability to maintain
different accounts associated with distribution network 10, as well as the ability to drill down into
accounts for determining the account status. Thus, maintenance and drill down screen 360 shows
ite image 362, including numerous keg 14 icons 364 indicating accounts associated with
distribution network 10. For example, selection bar 366 provides the y to select nearby
locations 368, kegs 14 ing section 370, fill status selector 372, and delivery section 374 for
performing the various distribution network 10 functions.
Figure 33 shows screen 360 showing analysis of the distribution network 10 tracking
and fill level data to present a map and locations list where appear kegs 14 equipped with radio
transmitters 16 and sensing devices 36/38 for their reading. In the top half of screen 360, each
circle 364 with a beer mug represents kegs 14 n 12 location. A circle 362 without a beer
mug may represent a group of kegs 14 section 12 locations. The bottom half of screen 360 may
provide a list of the accounts ated with each circle 362 or 364. Either clicking on a circle
362 or 364, or clicking on the account name below will reveal Figure 34, which provides more
information concerning the particular account, here 15th Street Cafe. The icon may vary based
upon kegs 14 status at the particular location.
The controls at bottom of map area of screen 360 include (1) adding a new account not
already measured; (2) changing the map graphics type; (3) showing the user’s current location;
(4) changing the size of the map vs the list. The four yellow buttons at the top of the list area lead
to four screens with specific information about: (1} containers being detected nearby within a
given radius of the user; (2) a list of all ners, their location/state/etc. (3) a control to fill kegs
14 similar to Figure 22; (4) a delivery screen for entering notes and information about a specific
delivery.
By doing a reverse address lookup (from GPS to street address) when truck 70 stops,
distribution networks 10 may ine the delivery account and, thereby, inventory at the keg 4
section 12 location. If a sending device 36/38 does not include reverse street address lookup
capability, GPS data associating with the sensing device 36/38 may pass to server computer 56,
which pushes the GPS data to a different sensing device 36/38 capable of performing the lookup;
or pass directly to another g device 36/38 within distribution network 10. The determined
reverse street address lookup result may then be sent back to the original sensing device 36/38.
Once an address is looked up, sensing device 36/38 may cache the address, so the next time
only the GPS data is needed to determine the associated keg 14 section 12 account.
Distribution network 10 software may also display route information to a driver of truck
70. Such route information may include accounts for the day, driving route, what to drop off and
pick up, verifies driver drops and picks correct inventory; etc. Distribution network 10 re
may also learn a truck 70 driver’s route over time. For e, bution network 10 software
may record that deliveries to a certain t are always made from a certain parking place.
This information s a part of the knowledge base displayed by the distribution k 10
re to the truck 70 driver.
Distribution network 10 software further provides a knowledge base serving as a
repository for routes, specific t ation such as combinations to locks, where keg 14
empties are , etc., schedules, invoices, drop off and pickup requirements, etc. The pickup,
delivery and inventory data is correlated against invoices, route schedule, last known inventory
(i.e. lost kegs), etc. tablet 244 on truck 70 may communicate wirelessly with truck reader 230 for
displaying mapping, g, etc.
Figure 34 shows the results of selecting “Nearby” function 368, where a 15th St. Cafe,
for example, report may be generated as screen 390. In the report of screen 390 would be
information relating to the keg 14 configuration and associated mesh network for their reporting
location, here the 15th St. Cafe.
Figure 35 shows the type of information available about each keg 14 in addition to above:
serial number, contents, location, keg 14 size, history of keg 14. Upon selecting kegs 14 function
370, keg 14 information screen 380 of Figure 34 may appear on mobile device 38. Such
information may e a name assigned to a keg 14, the product contained in keg 14, the state
of the keg 14, any identification number relating to keg 14, the size of keg 14 and any operations
of importance relating to keg 14.
Figure 35 shows the type of ation available about the t: name and address;
notes about the account (instructions, who to contact, etc.); the kegs 14 on site and their contents;
date of delivery to the t; how full the kegs 14 are; statistical history about the account
including e days a keg 14 takes to empty; average rate of t consumption.
Figure 36 relates a POS marketing feedback loop 262 of Figure 20 ing to the
present disclosure. POS marketing feedback loop 262 may associate via an application or
wireless network to indicate to consumer 66 of a restaurant or other keg 14 section 12 location
where kegs 14 containing beer of known interest to consumer 66 may be available. Screen 400
appears on a consumer 66 mobile device 38 to e a notification from RMS section 58 of
distribution network 10. Screen 400 tes an event that may be of interest or importance to
er 66 or other participant in distribution network 10. Notification 402 shows that “Austin I
PA” brand of beer has just been made available at the location “Revolution”. Through this
notification, mobile device 38 allows consumer 66 to share this information or just acknowledge
the event by respectively selecting “Share It” or “OK”. The value of this function to all participants
in distribution network 10 may be quite high.
Figures 37A through 37D illustrate data as may be reported by distribution network 10
software for performing s management and financial ons associated with deposit
information and financial transactions. Such management and financial information has significant
benefit respecting invoices, accounting and verification of truck 70 driver-entered information
ng to deliveries of kegs 14.
Figure 37A provides a report that a distributor 64 or brewery 20 may find highly
advantageous in reporting inventory by keg 14 section 12 location. Report 410 could apply to a
distributor 64, for example, and provides an “Inventory by Location” a listing of vendor 30 locations
412 that a distributor 64 may service. Report segment 414 ts a status for an empty keg 14
that may be at a location. Report segment 416 presents time-stamped information regarding a
history of keg 14 having the identity of “Keg #008”. Thus, Figure 37A shows how distribution
network 10 software permits drilling down from a high level aggregate view into individual keg 14
histories.
Figure 37B es information relating to the kegs 14 that may be at a particular
vendor 30 location in a “Turns Report”. Figure 37B shows calculations of keg 14 “state” and how
many days each keg 14 is at each state. It also shows a complete keg 14 cycle from brewery
(date at left); through various ; to keg 14 back at brewery (date on right).
Figure 37C provides an “Inventory Report” by keg 14 or on a per-keg 14 basis. Figure
37C shows similar data to 36B, except with the current location of the keg 14 appears in column
2; the contents of the keg 14 in column 3 - and current progress of the keg 14 through states as
it has progressed so far.
Figure 37D shows a “Daily Changes” report at a on. The Figure 37D report shows
day-by-day changes in states of kegs 14 and they progress through distribution network 10. These
are just examples of the many types of reports and ial in management ation that the
distribution network 10 software and components make possible. In ation, other types of
reports may also be a benefit to participants in bution network 10.
Figure 38 shows an Accounts Screen for viewing vendor 30 accounts, their location on
the map, information about the , inventory at the vendor, and account history. The Figure
38 Accounts Screen shows information as may be generated by distribution network 10 in the
delivery of kegs 14 and indicates the last inventory of a vendor 30 location as may be viewed by
a truck 70 driver. The Accounts Screen of Figure 38 permits drilling down to a location to indicate
the status of a location that is part of distribution network 10. The Account Screen includes
reporting and includes a vendor 30 view of kegs, products, readers, etc. that may be viewed via
web browser or inside the distribution network 10 mobile device 38 app. Account Screen displays
data about radio transmitters 16, kegs 14, breweries 20, products (e.g. beer brands and ,
distributors 64, vendors 30, keg 14 section 12 locations, stationary readers 36, etc. either
individually or in ngs/aggregates. The Account Screen further provides a dashboard y
for showing overall information in user-customizable cells. The Account Screen of Figure 38
displays only data ted to user/device, and further can generate notices (e.g. beer too old,
lost keg, mistakes in delivery) of importance throughout distribution network 10.
Figure 39 shows further aspect of liquid t bution network him for
automatically managing the deposit information. Such information may include how many kegs
14 are at each vendor 30 location in distribution network 10. When a keg 14 with a radio
transmitter 16 or collar radio transmitter 142 appears in keg 14 section 12, such as a vendor 30
location, from a delivery truck 70, it automatically becomes a part of the distribution network 10
at the keg 14 section 12 location. This is indicated by the report 420 of Figure 39, which includes
deposit ation relating to the keg. The delivery of a keg 14, therefore, initiates a financial
transaction relating to the newly deposited keg 14 at the vendor 30 location. Thus, where a t
is made, a charge of $120 appears because of communication with radio transmitter 16. Likewise,
when a keg 14 having radio transmitter 16 is returned via distribution network 10, a return
reimbursement of $60 appears. The shown example Distribution network 10 system tically
credits and debits a deposit based upon measurements of 4 kegs 14 being left and 2 picked up.
On the right is shown detection of the actual kegs 14 at the vendor 30 t, and use of this
data to populate the invoice so it shows the exact kegs 14 dropped off and picked up.
Software automatically manages deposit information - how many kegs 14 are at each
location determines that location’s rolling deposit fee. The deposit information automatically
propagates back to invoices, accounting, etc.; or is used as a double check against the driver’s
entered data. The invoice is normally prepared before the truck 70 driver leaves the use,
and his stack of invoices used as a pick list to put kegs 14 and their products on truck 70. When
the truck 70 driver actually makes a delivery, the particular keg(s) 14 deposited and picked up are
added to the invoice.
“Inventory” report section 422 of Figure 39 shows a listing of all kegs 14 that may be in
a keg 14 section location. Column 424 of Inventory Report 422 provides the identification of a keg
14 having the identifier “QB #3-005”. Column 426 shows that the QB #3-005 keg 14 contains 6
inches of product, as column 428 shows, “Pale Ale”. Inventory Report 422 r shows that
distribution network 10 has also detected other kegs 14, such as kegs 14 having identifiers
001,” “HB#3-003,” etc.All kegs 14 listed in Inventory Report 422 have the associated
contents measure in terms of both volume and type of beer.
In summary, the disclosed subject matter provides a liquid product distribution network
for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers
served by a distribution network for distributing said liquid products via liquid t dispensing
containers. The liquid t distribution network includes at least one liquid product dispensing
ner for transporting from a transport location to a dispensing location. At least one liquid
product dispensing container es an adaptably affixed radio itter and microprocessor
for sensing and transmitting a plurality of data measurements relating to the status of said liquid
product sing container. A stationary or mobile radio signal reader operates within the
bution network for receiving the plurality of data measurements from the radio transmitter
and further communicating information relating to the plurality of data measurements. Computer
re systems are associated with the radio signal reader(s) for a plurality of data collection
functions. The data collection functions include liquid product ment functions, liquid
product sales functions, and liquid product consumer management functions. A computer
sing server system associates with the stationary reader for processing data and executing
instructions associating with the ation relating to the data collection functions. The er
processing server further communicates information relating to the data collection functions with
an et communications or cloud interface. A reporting and marketing sales system associates
with the computer processing server systems for interfacing with a plurality of computer
processing s operating in association with the functions of producing, buting, vending,
and consuming the liquid ts.
In further summary, the present disclosure relates to a liquid product distribution network
and provides a liquid product sing container device for affixing to a liquid product
dispensing container, such as a beer keg, for monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing flow of a
liquid t delivered to consumers from the liquid product dispensing container. The liquid
t dispensing container moves from location to location and dispenses the liquid product
from a location in a bution k. The liquid product dispensing container device includes
a casing for attaching it to the liquid product dispensing container. The casing includes an
enclosure and an attachment mechanism for attaching the casing to a predetermined location of
the liquid product dispensing container. The liquid product dispensing container device includes
a power source for providing power. A light indicator may be included for indicating the status of
the liquid product dispensing container device. The liquid product dispensing container device
includes a radio transmitter circuit for securing in the enclosure. A radio/processing module
processes radio signal transmissions of information relating to the liquid product sing
container. An a associates with the radio/processing module for sending and receiving the
radio signal issions between the radio/processing module and at least one stationary
reader and/or mobile device. A temperature sensor circuit senses temperatures relating to the
liquid t dispensing container and generating electronic signals relating to the temperatures.
A transducer circuit senses measurements of the liquid product within the liquid product
dispensing container and generates onic signals relating to the sensing measurements. A
microphone/sensor circuit for sensing sounds and related data associates with the dispensing of
the liquid product from the liquid product dispensing container. A codec/digital signal processing
circuit es memory and computer instruction processing circuitry for receiving data and
processing instructions from the temperature sensor, the transducer, and microphone/sensor
circuit generating information relating to the location of the liquid product dispensing container,
the state of the liquid product sing container, and the state of the liquid product within the
liquid product dispensing container. Processor instructions enable operating the radio transmitter
device to communicate information relating to the location of the liquid product sing
container, the state of the liquid product dispensing container, and the state of the liquid product
within the liquid product dispensing container.
The benefits and advantages that may be provided by the present invention has been
described above regarding specific embodiments. These ts and ages, and any
elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to
be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any of any or all of the claims. As used
herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further tood that the terms “comprises”
and/or “comprising” or “includes” and/or “including”, or any other variation thereof, are intended
to be interpreted as nonexclusively ing the elements or limitations which follow those terms.
Accordingly, a system, method, or other embodiment that comprises a set of elements is not
limited to only those ts, and may include other elements not expressly listed or nt to
the claimed embodiment. These terms when used in this specification, specify the presence of
stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, ts, and/or components, but do not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more features, regions, integers, steps, operations,
elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The following section comprises numbered Clauses which are not claims, but are
additional statements describing ular embodiments of the invention:
e 1] A liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing
the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product dispensing containers,
comprising:
at least one liquid product dispensing container for transporting from a transport
location to a dispensing location, said at least one liquid product dispensing container comprising
an adaptably affixed radio itter and microprocessor for sensing and transmitting a plurality
of data measurements relating to the status of said liquid product dispensing ner;
a stationary or mobile radio signal reader operable within said distribution
k for receiving said plurality of data measurements from said radio transmitter and further
communicating information relating to said plurality of data measurements with computer software
systems ated with said sing location for a plurality of data collection functions, said
data tion functions comprising liquid product management ons, liquid product sales
functions, and liquid product consumer management functions;
a computer processing system associated with said stationary reader for
processing data and executing ctions associating with said information relating to said data
collection functions and further interfacing said information relating to said data collection
functions with an internet communications interface; and
a reporting and marketing sales subsystem associated with said computer
processing server system for interfacing with a plurality of er processing systems operating
in association with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid
products.
[Clause 2] The liquid t distribution network of clause 1, further comprising a truck
reader unit for use on a delivery truck operating within the liquid product distribution network for
monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for ry to consumers via
liquid product dispensing containers.
[Clause 3] The liquid product distribution network of either clause 1 or clause 2, wherein
said a computer processing system associates with said stationary reader for sing data
and executing instructions associating events that may influence the transition of keg states as
monitored liquid product dispensing containers transit across s geographic regions.
[Clause 4] The liquid product distribution network of any one of clauses 1 to 3, further
comprising at least one weighing mat system for determining the weight of at least one liquid
product dispensing container at least one of said dispensing locations determining the volume,
state, and other ation relating to the contents of said at least one liquid product dispensing
container.
[Clause 5] The liquid product distribution network of any one of clauses 1 to 4, further
comprising circuitry and executable instructions associated said radio itter and
microprocessor for ring, controlling, and optimizing operations that occur in a dispensing
location cold room and operations that occur in a public room of said dispensing location.
[Clause 6] The liquid product distribution network of any one of clauses 1 to 5, further
comprising a fill reader at said dispensing location for ining the fill levels of said liquid
product dispensing ner located in a dispensing on cold room.
[Clause 7] The liquid product distribution network of any one of clauses 1 to 6, further
comprising a mobile device application associated with said liquid product distribution network for
ring, controlling, and optimizing operations of said liquid product distribution network.
e 8] The liquid product bution network of any one of clauses 1 to 7, further
comprising a plurality of marketing feedback instructions for using said liquid product distribution
network to market ermined liquid products to ers.
[Clause 9] A method for ring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products
for delivery to consumers via liquid product dispensing containers using liquid product bution
network, comprising the steps of:
transporting from a transport location to a dispensing location at least one liquid
product dispensing container, said at least one liquid product dispensing container comprising an
adaptably affixed radio transmitter and microprocessor for sensing and transmitting a plurality of
data measurements relating to the status of said liquid t dispensing container;
receiving said plurality of data measurements from said radio transmitter and
further communicating information relating to said ity of data measurements with computer
software systems ated with said dispensing on for a plurality of data collection
functions using a stationary or mobile radio signal reader operable within said distribution network,
said data collection functions comprising liquid product management functions, liquid product
sales functions, and liquid product consumer management ons;
processing data and executing instructions ating with said information
relating to said data collection functions and further interfacing said information relating to said
data collection functions with an internet communications interface using a er processing
system associated with said stationary reader; and
interfacing with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in
association with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid
products using a reporting and marketing sales subsystem associated with said computer
processing server system.
e 10] The method of clause 9, r comprising the step of using a truck reader unit
on a delivery truck ing within the liquid t distribution network for monitoring,
controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product
dispensing containers.
[Clause 11] The method of either clause 9 or clause 10, further comprising the step of
associating said stationary reader with a computer processing system for processing data and
executing instructions associating events that may influence the tion of keg states as
monitored liquid product dispensing containers transit across various geographic regions.
[Clause 12] The method of any one of clauses 9 to 11, further comprising the step of
determining the weight of at least one liquid product dispensing ner at least one of said
dispensing locations using at least one weighing mat system in determining the volume, state,
and other information relating to the contents of said at least one liquid t dispensing
[Clause 13] The method of any one of clauses 9 to 12, further comprising the step of
associating said radio transmitter and microprocessor for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing
operations that occur in a sing location cold room and operations that occur in a public
room of said dispensing location.
[Clause 14] The method of any one of clauses 9 to 13, further comprising the step of
operating a fill reader at said dispensing location for determining the fill levels of said liquid product
dispensing container located in a dispensing location cold room.
[Clause 15] The method of any one of clauses 9 to14, further comprising the step of using
a mobile device application associated with said liquid product distribution container for
monitoring, controlling, and optimizing ions of said liquid t bution network.
[Clause 16] The method of any one of clauses 9 to 15, further comprising the step of using
a plurality of marketing feedback instructions associated with said reporting and marketing sales
subsystem marketing predetermined liquid products to consumers as determined by such
products being contained in said liquid product bution ners.
[Clause 17] A radio transmitter device for use in a liquid product distribution k for
monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via
liquid product dispensing containers, said liquid product distribution network comprising:
at least one liquid product dispensing container for transporting from a transport
location to a dispensing location, said at least one liquid product dispensing container comprising
an adaptably affixed radio itter and microprocessor for sensing and transmitting a ity
of data measurements relating to the status of said liquid product dispensing container, said radio
itter device further comprising:
an outer housing for attaching to the liquid product dispensing container, said
outer housing comprising an enclosure and an attachment mechanism for attaching said
casing to a predetermined location of said liquid product dispensing container;
a self-contained power source for providing power to the liquid product
dispensing container device;
a radio transmitter device for securing in said enclosure and further comprising:
a radio/processing module for sing radio signal issions of
information relating to the liquid product dispensing container;
an antenna associated with said radio/processing module for sending and
receiving said radio signal transmissions between said radio/processing module and at
least one hub and/or mobile device;
a mechanism for broadcasting a signal and data such that a receiver of the
broadcast can approximate the distance to the broadcaster using characteristics of the
signal and data ned therein;
a sensor interface for allowing one or more sensors to be interfaced with the
sor; and
processor ctions and attached memory for ing said radio transmitter
device to store and communicate information relating to the location of the liquid product
dispensing container, the state of the liquid product dispensing container, and the state of the
liquid product within the liquid t dispensing container;
a stationary or mobile radio signal reader operable within said distribution
network for ing said plurality of data measurements from said radio itter device and
further icating information relating to said plurality of data measurements with computer
software systems associated with said dispensing on for a plurality of data collection
functions, said data collection functions comprising liquid product management functions, liquid
product sales ons, and liquid product consumer management functions;
a computer processing system associated with said stationary reader for
processing data and executing instructions associating with said information relating to said data
collection functions and further interfacing said information relating to said data collection
functions with an internet communications interface; and
a reporting and ing sales subsystem associated with said computer
processing server system for interfacing with a plurality of er processing systems operating
in association with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid
[Clause 18] The radio transmitter device of clause 17, further comprising instructions and
circuitry for associating a truck reader unit for use on a delivery truck operating within the liquid
product distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products
for delivery to consumers via liquid product dispensing containers.
[Clause 19] The radio transmitter device of either clause 17 or clause 18, further comprising
data and instruction for storage and executing on said computer processing system for
associating events that may influence the transition of keg states as monitored liquid product
dispensing containers transit across various geographic regions.
[Clause 20] The radio itter device of any one of s 17 to 19, further comprising
instructions and data operating on said liquid product bution k for intelligently
transmitting a plurality of marketing feedback instructions for using said liquid t distribution
network to market predetermined liquid ts to consumers according to the presence of said
radio itter device and liquid product information stored on said radio transmitter device.
[Clause 21] A keg distribution ring and reporting apparatus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device, comprising:
an outer housing having a height and diameter of less than several inches for
fitting on and fixedly attaching to top or bottom chime of a keg without extending any keg
physical boundaries in any dimension, and further whereby the top or bottom chime
physically protects said outer housing during keg distribution in a keg distribution
network;
an inner housing fitting within and protected by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said inner housing and
comprising a low-energy ption radio/processing module;
sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associating with the
keg, and
radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for itting radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device t the use of phic position or cell
radio circuitry;
and further:
a battery power supply g within and protected by said outer housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
whereby said small form factor keg g and reporting device operates
without geographic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years;
a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and
cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network and
ured to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and
reporting device passively and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for
storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg
distribution network, and r comprising computer processing circuitry for sing said
data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network, t otherwise using
network uplink/gateway circuit device.
[Clause 22] A keg distribution monitoring and reporting tus of clause 21, further
comprising instructions and circuitry for ting said mobile communications device to decode
radiofrequency signals transmitted from said radio transmitter device.
[Clause 23] A method for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of a
keg within a keg distribution network, sing the steps of:
attaching a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device to a keg,
comprising the steps of:
fitting and fixedly attaching an outer housing having a height and diameter of
less than several inches to a top or bottom chime of a keg without extending any keg
physical boundaries in any dimension, and further physically protecting said outer
housing using the top or bottom chime during keg distribution in a keg distribution
network;
fitting an inner housing within said outer housing;
fitting within said inner housing and protecting a radio transmitter device
comprising a ergy ption radio/processing module;
associating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associated with the
keg, and
associating radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry with said
radio/processing module for itting radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic position or cell
radio circuitry;
and r:
fitting a battery power supply within said outer housing and electrically powering
said radio transmitter device using said battery power supply, whereby said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device operates without geographic position sensing or
cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years; and
moving a mobile communications device comprising geographic on
sensing and cell radio circuitry to a ity of locations within the keg distribution
network and uring said mobile communications device to receive and process said
radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and ing device passively and
without user interaction;
storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg
and the keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile ications device, and
sing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the
al properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network and communicating
with the keg distribution network using computer processing circuitry within said mobile
communications device, without otherwise using a network uplink/gateway circuit device.
[Clause 24] The method for ring and reporting the physical properties and location of
a keg of clause 23, further sing the step of permitting said mobile communications device
to decode a plurality of signals itted from said radio transmitter device using instructions
and circuitry associated with said radio/processing module.
[Clause 25] A keg distribution network, comprising: a plurality of locations within the keg
distribution network for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of a plurality
of kegs, at least a subset of said plurality of locations.
[Clause 26] A keg distribution monitoring and reporting tus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting , comprising:
an outer housing having a height and er of less than several inches for
g on and fixedly ing to a top or bottom chime of a keg without extending any
keg physical boundaries in any dimension, and further whereby the top or bottom chime
physically protects said outer housing during keg distribution in a keg distribution
network;
an inner housing fitting within and protected by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said inner housing and
comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
communicating to said processing module al properties associating with the
keg, and
radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of phic position or cell
radio circuitry;
and further:
a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
whereby said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device es
without phic on sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years;
a mobile communications device comprising geographic on sensing and
cell radio try for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network and
configured to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and
reporting device passively and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for
storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg
distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said
data and executing said executable instructions for ring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network, without otherwise using
k uplink/gateway circuit device; and
a keg bution network communications circuitry and information technology
ks associated for providing communications amongst said ity of keg distribution
network locations.
[Clause 27] The keg distribution network of clause 26, wherein said radio transmitter device
further comprises instructions and circuitry for ting a mobile communications device to
decode signal transmitted from said radio transmitter device.
[Clause 28] A liquid product distribution network monitoring and ing system,
comprising:
a keg bution monitoring and reporting apparatus for operation in
association with a tap handle flow monitoring and ing apparatus;
said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device, comprising:
an outer g having a height and diameter of less than several
inches for fitting on and fixedly attaching to top or bottom chime of a keg without
extending any keg physical boundaries in any dimension, and further whereby
the top or bottom chime physically protects said outer housing during keg
distribution in a keg distribution network;
an inner housing fitting within and protected by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and ted by said inner
housing and comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for
sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical
properties associating with the keg, and
radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for itting radiofrequency signals from said small
form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic
position or cell radio circuitry;
and further:
a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
whereby said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device operates
without geographic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years;
a mobile ications device comprising geographic position sensing and
cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network
and configured to receive and s said radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor and reporting device passively and without user ction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for
g data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the
keg distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for
processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and
reporting the physical ties and location of the keg within the keg distribution
network, without ise using network uplink/gateway circuit device; and
said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus comprising a tap
handle configured for pulling and circuitry and for sensing flow of a liquid through a tap
positioned to dispense a liquid from said keg.
[Clause 29] The liquid product distribution k monitoring and reporting system of
clause 28, wherein said keg distribution monitoring and ing apparatus further comprises at
least one self-contained transducer within said outer housing and associated with said sensing
circuitry for sensing an associated fill level of said keg.
[Clause 30] The liquid t distribution network monitoring and reporting system of either
clause 28 or clause 29, said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further
comprising mechanical or electronic locks for preventing unauthorized removal of said keg
distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus from the keg distribution monitoring and reporting
apparatus.
[Clause 31] The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any
one of clauses 28 to 30, further comprising a plurality of LED lights, LCD y, or other display
mechanism providing visual indication of alarms and operational status of the keg.
[Clause 32] The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any
one of clauses 28 to 31, said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further
comprising instructions and circuitry for permitting a er mobile device to decode signal
transmitted from said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus.
[Clause 33] The liquid product dispensing container device of any one of clauses 28 to 32,
further sing a battery and associated circuitry for operating said liquid product dispensing
container device in a self-contained mode for at least three months.
[Clause 34] The liquid t distribution network monitoring and ing system any one
of clauses 28 to 33, wherein said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus further
comprises:
a tap handle radio transmitter device for alternatively fitting within or configured in integral
association within the form factor of said tap handle for being protected by a said tap handle and
comprising a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing module;
tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said tap handle radio transmitter device for
sensing and communicating to said tap handle radio/processing module physical properties
associating with the tap handle, and
tap handle radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said tap handle
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said tap handle
flow monitoring and reporting tus without the use of geographic position or cell
radio circuitry;
and further:
a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said tap handle flow
monitoring and reporting apparatus and electrically powering said tap handle radio transmitter
; and
a mobile communications device comprising phic on sensing and cell radio
try for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network and configured to
selectively receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and
reporting device and/or said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting tus passively and
without user interaction;
said mobile communications device further comprising memory try for storing data
and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution
network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and
executing said able instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and
location of the tap handle within the keg bution network, without otherwise using network
uplink/gateway circuit device.
e 35] A method for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of a
liquid storage and sing data in a keg-based distribution network, comprising the steps of:
ing a keg distribution monitoring and reporting tus in association
with a tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus;
said keg distribution monitoring and ing apparatus operating steps
comprising the steps of:
attaching a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device to a keg,
comprising the steps of:
fitting and fixedly attaching an outer housing having a height and
diameter of less than several inches to a top or bottom chime of a keg without
extending any keg al boundaries in any dimension, and further physically
protecting said outer g using the top or bottom chime during keg
distribution in a keg distribution network;
fitting an inner housing within said outer g;
fitting within said inner housing and protecting a radio transmitter
device comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
ating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for
sensing and communicating to said processing module physical
properties associated with the keg, and
associating radiofrequency signal ission circuitry with said
processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small
form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic
position or cell radio circuitry;
and further:
fitting a battery power supply within said outer housing and electrically powering
said radio transmitter device using said battery power supply, whereby said small form factor keg
sensing and reporting device operates without phic position sensing or cell radio circuitry
for a period of up to five years; and
moving a mobile communications device comprising geographic position
sensing and cell radio circuitry to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network and
configuring said mobile ications device to receive and process said radiofrequency
signals from said small form factor and reporting device ely and without user interaction;
g data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg
and the keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device, and
processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the
physical properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network and communicating
with the keg distribution network using computer processing try within said mobile
communications device, without otherwise using a network uplink/gateway circuit device; and
said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus operating steps
comprising the steps of pulling a tap handle configured for g and g flow of a liquid
through a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from the keg.
[Clause 36] The method of clause 35, further comprising the step of operating at least one
self-contained ucers within said keg distribution monitoring and reporting tus and
associated with said attached sensors for determining the fill level of the keg.
[Clause 37] The method of either clause 35 or clause 36, further comprising the step of
preventing unauthorized removal of said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus from
the liquid t dispensing container using at least one ical or electronic locks operating
within said outer housing.
[Clause 38] The method of any one of clauses 35 to 37, further comprising the step of
generating at least one set of alarms and operational status information from said keg distribution
monitoring and reporting apparatus for transmission as wireless signals to a display unit providing
visual indication of alarms and operational status of said liquid product dispensing container
device using a plurality of LED lights, LCD display, or other display mechanisms.
e 39] The method of any one of clauses 35 to 38, further comprising the step of
permitting a consumer mobile device to decode a plurality of signals transmitted from said keg
distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus using instructions and circuitry associated with
said radio/processing module.
[Clause 40] The method of any one of clauses 35 to 39, r comprising the step of
operating said tap handle flow ring and reporting apparatus by performing the steps of:
operating a tap handle radio transmitter device fitting within or configured in
integral association within the form factor of said tap handle for being and protected by a tap
handle and sing a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing module;
g and communicating to said tap handle radio/processing module
physical properties associated with the tap handle using a tap handle g circuitry associated
with said tap handle radio transmitter device, and
transmitting radiofrequency signals from said tap handle flow monitoring and
reporting apparatus without the use of geographic on or cell radio circuitry using
radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said tap handle radio/processing
module;
and r:
supplying power to said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus
using a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said tap handle flow
monitoring and reporting apparatus and ically powering said tap handle radio itter
device; and
g geographic position of said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting
apparatus using g and cell radio circuitry associated with a mobile communications device
for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network and configured to
selectively receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and
reporting device and/or said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus passively and
without user interaction;
storing data and computer processor able instructions relating to the keg
and the keg distribution network using memory circuitry associated with said mobile
communications device, and further processing said data and executing said executable
instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the keg within the
keg distribution k, t otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device.
[Clause 41] The method of any one of clauses 35 to 40, further comprising the step of
forming said tap handle flow monitoring apparatus within the form factor of a tap handle for
dispensing said liquid product for ling the presence of said tap handle flow monitoring
apparatus within said tap handle and thereby preventing detection of said tap handle flow
ring and reporting apparatus during normal tap handle operations.
[Clause 42] A liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system,
comprising:
a keg distribution ring and reporting apparatus for operation in
association with a tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, wherein said liquid
product distribution network alternatively utilizes at different locations either said keg distribution
monitoring and reporting apparatus or said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting
apparatus, or both said keg distribution monitoring and ing apparatus and said tap handle
distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus;
said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensing and reporting , comprising:
an outer housing having a height and er of less than several
inches for g on and fixedly attaching to top or bottom chime of a keg without
ing any keg physical boundaries in any dimension, and further whereby
the top or bottom chime physically protects said outer housing during keg
distribution in a keg distribution network;
an inner housing fitting within and protected by said outer housing;
a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said inner housing and
comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for
sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical
properties associating with the keg, and
radiofrequency signal ission circuitry ated with said
radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency s from said small
form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic
on or cell radio circuitry
and further:
a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and
electrically powering said radio itter device;
whereby said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device operates
without phic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years; and
said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus comprising
circuitry and for sensing location, type and flow of a liquid h a tap positioned to dispense a
liquid from said keg containing said liquid product, wherein said tap handle bution monitoring
and reporting apparatus further comprises:
a tap handle radio transmitter device for fitting within or ured in al
association within the form factor of said tap handle and protected by a tap handle and
comprising a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing module;
tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said tap handle radio transmitter
device for sensing and communicating to said tap handle processing module
physical properties associating with liquid dispensed from the keg, said g circuitry
further for sensing and communicating to said radio transmitter device a predetermined
set of physical ional parameter values associating with said tap handle; and
tap handle radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said tap
handle radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said tap
handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus without the use of geographic
on or cell radio circuitry;
and further:
a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said tap handle
distribution monitoring and reporting tus and electrically powering said tap handle radio
transmitter device; and
a mobile communications device sing geographic position g and
cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network and
configured to selectively receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form
factor keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and/or said tap handle distribution
monitoring and reporting apparatus passively and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device r comprising memory circuitry for
g data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg
distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said
data and ing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the keg and/or tap handle within the distribution network, without
otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device;
wherein said keg distribution ring and reporting apparatus and said tap
handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus may operate independently or
oratively for sensing and reporting the status of fluid storage, flow, and financial operations
relating to the distribution of said liquid product throughout the liquid product distribution network.
[Clause 43] The liquid product dispensing network of clause 42, wherein said tap handle
monitoring and ing apparatus further comprises a tap handle tilt positioning switching device
for sensing and reporting the positioning of the tap handle as an indication of liquid product flow
from the keg through said tap handle.
[Clause 44] The liquid product dispensing network of either clause 42 or clause 43, wherein
said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further ses sensors to
distinguish between different individuals operating the same handle.
[Clause 45] The liquid product dispensing network of any one of clauses 42 to 44, wherein
said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for transmission of as wireless signals to
a display unit providing visual indication of alarms and operational status of keg distribution
monitoring and reporting apparatus using a plurality of LED lights, LCD display, or other display
isms.
[Clause 46] The liquid product dispensing network of any one of clauses 42 to 45, wherein
either said keg distribution ring and reporting apparatus or said tap handle distribution
monitoring and reporting tus or both comprise instructions and circuitry for permitting a
consumer mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said liquid product dispensing
container device.
[Clause 47] The liquid t dispensing network of any one of clauses 42 to 46, wherein
said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises a battery and
ated circuitry for operating said tap handle bution monitoring and ing tus
in a self-contained mode for at least three months.
[Clause 48] A keg distribution monitoring and reporting network system, sing:
a small form factor keg sensor apparatus, comprising:
a housing adapted for fixed attachment to a keg;
a radio itter device fitting within and protected by said housing and
comprising a low energy consumption radio/processing module and configured to
operate in an encrypted, non-connectable mode;
sensing try associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associated with the
keg including data relating to the identification and status of the keg; and
radio ncy signal transmission circuitry associated with said
processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency signals from said
sensor apparatus;
a battery power supply fitting within and ted by said housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
a mobile communications device comprising:
phic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of
locations within the keg distribution network; and
configured to receive and process said encrypted radio frequency signals from
said sensor apparatus passively and without user interaction;
said mobile ications device further comprising:
memory circuitry for storing the data and computer sor executable
instructions relating to the keg and the keg bution network;
further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and
executing said executable ctions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network, without otherwise
using network uplink/gateway circuit device; and
the mobile communications device being operable within the distribution
network for receiving the data from the radio transmitter and further communicating
information relating to the data with computer software systems associated with the
dispensing location for a ity of data tion functions.
[Clause 49] A method for monitoring and reporting the physical ties and location of a
keg within a keg distribution network , comprising the steps of:
attaching a small form factor keg sensor apparatus to a keg, comprising the
steps of:
fitting and fixedly attaching a protective housing to the keg;
fitting within said housing, a radio transmitter device comprising a low energy
ption radio/processing module configured to operate in an encrypted non
connectable mode; and
associating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for sensing and
communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associated with the
keg including data ng to the identification and status of the keg;
the method further comprising the steps of:
associating radio frequency signal transmission circuitry with said
radio/processing module for itting encrypted radio frequency signals from said
sensor apparatus; and
fitting a battery power supply within said g and electrically powering said
radio transmitter device using said battery power supply;
moving a mobile communications device comprising:
geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry to a plurality of locations
within the keg distribution network; and
uring said mobile communications device to receive and process said
encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus passively and without user
interaction;
storing the data and computer processor executable ctions ng to the
keg and the keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device;
processing the data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring
and reporting the physical properties, including data relating to the identification and status of the
keg, and location of the keg within the keg distribution network;
communicating with the keg distribution network using computer processing
circuitry within said mobile communications device, without otherwise using a network
uplink/gateway circuit device; and
the mobile ications device being le within the distribution network for
receiving the data from the radio transmitter and further communicating information relating to the
data with computer software systems associated with the dispensing location for a plurality of
data collection functions.
[Clause 50] A keg distribution network system, comprising:
a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network for monitoring and
reporting the physical properties and location of a plurality of kegs, at least a subset of said
plurality of locations comprising a keg distribution monitoring and reporting tus, comprising:
a small form factor keg sensor apparatus, comprising:
a housing adapted for fixed attachment to a keg;
a radio transmitter device g within and ted by said housing and
comprising a low energy consumption radio/processing module configured to operate in
an encrypted non connectable mode;
sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and
icating to said processing module physical properties associated with the
keg including data relating to the identification and status of the keg; and
radio frequency signal ission circuitry associated with said
radio/processing module for itting encrypted radio frequency s from said
sensor apparatus;
a y power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and
electrically powering said radio transmitter device;
a mobile communications device comprising:
geographic position sensing and cell radio try for moving to a plurality of
locations within the keg distribution network; and
configured to e and process said encrypted radio frequency signals from
said sensor apparatus passively and without user interaction;
said mobile communications device r comprising:
memory circuitry for g data and computer processor executable
instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution network;
further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing the data and
executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical
properties and location of the keg within the keg bution k, without otherwise
using network uplink/gateway circuit device; and
the mobile communications device being operable within the distribution
network for receiving the data from the radio itter and further communicating
information relating to the data with computer software systems associated with the
dispensing location for a plurality of data collection functions; and
a keg distribution network communications circuitry and information technology
networks associated for providing communications amongst said plurality of keg
distribution network ons.
[Clause 51] The network system, of any one of the preceding clauses:
further comprising ctions and circuitry for ting a mobile
communications device to decode signal transmitted from said radio transmitter device; and
further comprising a signal reader for communicating data relating to the
physical properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network.
[Clause 52] The network system, of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the radio
frequency transmitter device is adapted to communicate with a plurality of wireless networks, one
or more selected from short range communications such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, and one or
more selected from long range communications ks and ured to communicate over
selected communication channels to take advantage of available connection points.
Claims (20)
1. A liquid product bution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising: a tap handle flow distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for use with a liquid t dispensing faucet and in association with a liquid product distribution network, comprising: a tap handle radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said tap handle apparatus and comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing ; tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties associating with the tap handle and/or a faucet and/or line and/or container attached to said tap handle, and tap handle radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said radio/processing module for transmitting requency signals from said small form factor keg g and reporting device without the use of geographic on or cell radio circuitry; and further: a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter device; a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio try for moving to a ity of locations within the liquid product distribution network and ured to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said tap handle passively and without user interaction; said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data and er processor executable instructions relating to the tap handle and the liquid product distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the tap handle within the liquid product distribution network.
2. The tap handle distribution network monitoring and reporting system of Claim 1, n said tap handle distribution ring and reporting apparatus is fitted within said tap handle by taking the place of a rd tap handle ferrule.
3. The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of either Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises at least one self-contained sensor associated with said sensing circuitry for sensing whether the tap handle is ed to a faucet.
4. The liquid t distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises at least one self-contained sensor ated with said sensing circuitry for distinguishing between users who operate said tap .
5. The liquid product bution network monitoring and reporting system of any one of Claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of LED lights, LCD display, or other display mechanism providing visual indication of alarms and operational status of the tap handle.
6. The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any one of Claims 1 to 5, said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprising instructions and circuitry for permitting a consumer mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said liquid product bution monitoring and reporting apparatus.
7. The tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting device of any one of Claims 1 to 6, further comprising a battery and associated circuitry for operating said tap handle distribution in a self-contained mode for at least two years.
8. A method for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of a liquid storage and dispensing data in a keg-based distribution network, comprising the steps of: operating a tap handle flow bution monitoring and reporting tus; said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus operating steps comprising the steps of: fitting and fixedly ing a tap handle radio transmitter device for fitting within and protected by a tap handle and comprising a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing module, comprising the steps of: associating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for sensing and icating to said radio/processing module to said tap handle radio/processing module physical properties associated with the tap handle and/or faucet attaching to said tap handle, and associating radio frequency signal transmission circuitry with said radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said tap handle radio itter sensing and reporting device without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry; and further: fitting a battery power supply within said outer housing and electrically powering said radio itter device using said battery power supply, y said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device operates t geographic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to two years; and moving a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry to a plurality of locations within the liquid product distribution network and configuring said mobile communications device to e and process said radiofrequency signals from said tap handle radio/processing device; storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the tap and tap handle distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device, and processing said data and ing said executable instructions for ring and reporting the physical properties and location of the tap handle within the liquid product bution network and communicating with the liquid t distribution network using computer processing circuitry within said mobile communications device and with the capability of not using a network /gateway circuit device; and said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus operating steps comprising the steps of sensing flow of a liquid through a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from the keg.
9. The method of Claim 8, r comprising the step of fitting said tap handle distribution ring and reporting tus within said tap handle by taking the place of a standard tap handle e.
10. The method of either Claim 8 or Claim 9, further comprising the step of operating said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus using at least one self-contained sensor associated with said sensing circuitry for sensing whether the tap handle is attached to a faucet.
11. The method of any one of Claims 8 to 10, r comprising the step of operating said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus using at least one self-contained sensor associated with said sensing circuitry for distinguishing between users who e said tap handle.
12. The method of any one of Claims 8 to 11, further comprising the step of operating said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting using a plurality of LED lights, LCD display, or other display mechanism providing visual indication of alarms and operational status of the tap handle.
13. The method of any one of Claims 8 to 12, further comprising the step of operating said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting using instructions and try for permitting a consumer mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus.
14. The method of any one of Claims 8 to 13, further comprising the step of forming said tap handle flow monitoring apparatus within the form factor of a tap handle for dispensing said liquid product for concealing the presence of said tap handle flow monitoring apparatus within said tap handle and thereby preventing detection of said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting tus during normal tap handle operations.
15. The method of any one of Claims 8 to 14, further comprising the use of an uplink gateway circuit device in the operation of said liquid product distribution network ring and reporting system.
16. A liquid product distribution k monitoring and ing system, comprising: a liquid product distribution monitoring and ing apparatus for operation in association with a tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus, wherein said liquid product distribution network alternatively utilizes at different locations either said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus, or both said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus on a keg and said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus; said liquid product bution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device oned on a keg; and said tap handle flow monitoring and ing apparatus comprising circuitry and for sensing location, type and flow of a liquid through a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from said keg containing said liquid product, n said tap handle flow ring and reporting apparatus further comprises: a tap handle radio transmitter device for fitting within or ured in integral association within the form factor of said tap handle and protected by a tap handle and comprising a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing module; tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said tap handle radio transmitter device for sensing and communicating to said tap handle radio/processing module physical properties ating with liquid dispensed from the keg, said sensing circuitry further for sensing and communicating to said radio transmitter device a predetermined set of physical ional parameter values associating with said tap handle; and tap handle radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said tap handle radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency s from said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry; and further: a tap handle y power supply fitting within and protected by said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus and electrically powering said tap handle radio transmitter device; and a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the liquid product distribution network and configured to selectively receive and s said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and/or said tap handle flow ring and reporting apparatus passively and without user interaction; said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the liquid product distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for sing said data and executing said executable instructions for ring; and reporting the physical properties and location of the keg within the liquid product distribution network, without otherwise using k uplink/gateway circuit device; wherein said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus may operate ndently or collaboratively for sensing and reporting the status of fluid storage, flow, and financial operations relating to the distribution of said liquid product throughout the liquid product distribution network.
17. The liquid product dispensing network of Claim 16, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting tus is fitted within said tap handle by taking the place of a rd tap handle ferrule.
18. The liquid product dispensing network of either Claim 16 or Claim 17, n said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises at least one ontained sensor associated with said sensing circuitry for sensing whether the tap handle is attached to a faucet.
19. The liquid product dispensing network of any one of Claims 16 to 18, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises at least one self-contained sensor associated with said sensing try for distinguishing between users who operate said tap handle.
20. The liquid product dispensing network of any one of Claims 16 to 19, further comprising ctions and circuitry for ting a consumer mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus. ation] philb 35:83; a % 2:33: EoEnEmE % % $2255 225% maezmcoo 322% mlm Egg 828:8 a E mm a 3%NF 3:255 NN 385235 852; wxuzt. £923QO %% 28 eoucm> 9.55 |_________J ation] philb ation] philb 03 v: .6."— ation] philb ation] philb ation] philb Transducer Microphone/ Sensor ation] philb B [Annotation] philb 246x.....................aa""" ““““““““““(248 ’/ Y 42 , // ReglonZ a: 14 254 \‘x f 250 \i' [Annotation] philb Cold Room Public Room
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US62/339,513 | 2016-05-20 | ||
US62/363,643 | 2016-07-16 | ||
US15/602,024 | 2017-05-22 | ||
US15/602,029 | 2017-05-22 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ788190A true NZ788190A (en) | 2022-05-27 |
Family
ID=
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