NZ788511A - A distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing flow of liquid beverage products delivered to customers via containers - Google Patents

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 radio frequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said radio/processing module for transmitting radio frequency 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 radio frequency 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 radio frequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said radio/processing module for transmitting radio frequency 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 radio frequency 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 passively and without user interaction; said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable ctions relating to the tap handle and the liquid product bution 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.

A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK FOR MONITORING, CONTROLLING AND ZING 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 ional ations No. 62/339,513 entitled “Monitoring, Controlling, 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 orated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates generally to monitoring, controlling and/or zing flow of products delivered to customers via containers that flow in a distribution network. Alternatively, disclosed subject matter includes a distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing flow of liquid beverage products delivered to customers via containers, equipment and/or resources that are spread out in a geographic area, move between or among locations, and have usage, contents, or other associated state ation.

BACKGROUND Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such ound 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 es a number of participants performing ic roles from brewing the beer, to distributing the beer, to vending the beer to consumers who finally 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 operating the beer industry in most other countries, as well. The distributor does the on-the-ground sales and marketing for the producer, and the distributors sell the beer to s 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 ations. The distributor also makes sure the retailers are always ng 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 self-closing 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 ly carbon e) 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 tion facility) and the asset is not under their control. The industry 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 recipient 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 ced by vendors. So, when breweries need empty kegs, the required 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 y. But without g the exact history of each keg, it is impossible to determine specific schedules.

Without good measurements, a y has little ability to optimize usage of their kegs. Keeping 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 requires manual counting 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 dual 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 requires manual counting and is error prone. Using cardboard labels to determine keg contents, 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. eurized beer must be kept below certain temperature olds to prevent ge. 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 limitations 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 changes, etc. It is difficult to keep track of which kegs are in a truck from -day and as the truck drives in delivers and ps. Drivers may also try to disable 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 requires a cell data plan to communicate back to the owner. This monthly 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 d for sale). So, the y/distributor does not know if the vendor needs a new keg or not. It is necessary, therefore, for the brewery and distributor to visit the vendor t 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 tions. Gathering this information can be very time consuming and difficult, requiring 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 thereby 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. ing the liquid level inside a container often requires breaching the container. 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 ng and need to be transitioned 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 ion of new consumers. It is ult to blindly determine a er’s drinking preferences (i.e. type of beer). A ’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 promotions occur.

In light of the above considerations, today’s beer industry calls for significant improvement in the supply chain involving breweries, distributors, vendors, and consumers. There is the need to y improve the use and monitoring of beer kegs throughout 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 satisfactorily addressing these concerns and opportunities.

SUMMARY OF THE SURE: It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate 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 us innovations, improvements, and inventions relating to monitoring, lling and/or optimizing flow of products delivered to consumers via containers that flow in a distribution network. The disclosed subject matter includes a distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing flow of liquid beverage ts 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.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a keg distribution monitoring and reporting network system, comprising: a small form factor keg sensor apparatus, sing: a housing d 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 and configured to operate in an encrypted, non-connectable mode; sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for g 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 housing and ically powering said radio transmitter device; a mobile communications device comprising: geographic on 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 sing: memory circuitry for storing the data and computer processor executable ctions relating to the keg and the keg distribution network; further comprising er processing circuitry for processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the al properties and on of the keg within the keg distribution network, t 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 ation relating to the data with computer software systems associated with the dispensing location for a ity of data collection functions.

According to a second 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 system, comprising the steps of: attaching a small form factor keg sensor apparatus to a keg, sing 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 configured to operate in an encrypted non-connectable mode; and ating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical ties associated with the keg including data relating to the identification and status of the keg; the method further comprising the steps of: ating radio frequency signal transmission circuitry with said radio/processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency s from said sensor apparatus; and fitting a battery power supply within said housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter device using said y 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 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 sor executable 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 fication and status of the keg, and location of the keg within the keg distribution network; communicating with the keg distribution network using computer sing circuitry within said mobile communications device, without otherwise using a k 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 icating information relating to the data with computer software systems associated with the dispensing location for a plurality of data collection functions.

According to a third aspect of the ion, there is provided a keg distribution network system, comprising: a plurality of ons 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 apparatus, comprising: a small form factor keg sensor apparatus, comprising: a housing d 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 itter device for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module al 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 transmitting encrypted radio ncy signals from said sensor apparatus; 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 circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network; and configured to receive and process said encrypted radio frequency s from said sensor tus passively and without user interaction; said mobile communications device further comprising: memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable ctions ng 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 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 on for a plurality of data collection functions; and a keg distribution network communications circuitry and information technology networks associated for providing communications amongst said ity of keg distribution network locations. ably, the network : further comprises instructions and circuitry for ting a mobile communications device to decode signal transmitted from said radio transmitter device; and further comprises a signal reader for icating data relating to the physical properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network.

Preferably, the radio frequency transmitter device is adapted to communicate with a plurality of ss networks, one or more selected from short-range communications such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, etc., and one or more selected from long-range communications ks such as LPWAN, cellular, etc. and configured to communicate over selected communication channels to take advantage of ble connection .

According to a fourth aspect of the ion, there is provided a liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product dispensing ners, comprising: at least one liquid product dispensing container for transporting from a ort location to a sing location, 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 product dispensing ner; a stationary or mobile radio signal reader operable within said distribution network for receiving said ity 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 location for a plurality of data collection functions, said data collection functions comprising liquid product ment ons, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product consumer ment 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 acing 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 consuming said liquid products.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for ring, controlling, and zing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product dispensing containers using liquid product distribution network, comprising the steps of: transporting from a transport on to a sing location at least one liquid product dispensing container, said at least one liquid product dispensing container comprising an adaptably affixed radio itter and microprocessor for g and transmitting a plurality of data measurements relating to the status of said liquid product dispensing container; 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 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 ons, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product consumer management functions; processing data and executing instructions associating with said information relating to said data collection functions and further acing said information relating to said data collection functions with an internet communications interface using a computer processing system associated with said stationary reader; and acing with a plurality of computer sing systems operating in association with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid products using a ing and marketing sales subsystem associated with said computer processing server system.

According to sixth 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 orting from a transport location to a dispensing location, 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 product dispensing container, said radio transmitter device further comprising: an outer housing for attaching to the liquid product dispensing container, said outer g comprising an ure 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 ure and further sing: a processing module for processing radio signal transmissions of information relating to the liquid product dispensing container; an antenna associated with said radio/processing module for g 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 ast can approximate the distance to the aster using characteristics of the signal and data contained therein; a sensor interface for allowing one or more sensors 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 sing 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 ng to said plurality of data; ements 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 consumer management functions; a computer sing system associated with said stationary reader for sing data and executing instructions associating with said information relating to said data collection functions and further interfacing said ation 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 computer processing systems operating in association with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid products.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, sing: a small form factor keg sensing and ing 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 g during keg distribution in a keg distribution network; an inner housing fitting within and protected by said outer housing; a radio itter 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 radio frequency 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 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; y 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 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 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 r sing 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 keg distribution network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device. ing to a eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided 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 sensing and reporting device to a keg, comprising the steps of: fitting and fixedly ing 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 ally protecting said outer housing using the top or bottom chime during keg distribution in a keg distribution network; g 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; 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 ission circuitry 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: fitting a battery power supply within said outer g and electrically powering said radio transmitter device using said battery power , 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; moving a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry to a plurality of locations within the keg bution network 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; and storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device, and 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 and communicating with the keg distribution k using er processing circuitry within said mobile communications device, t ise using a network uplink/gateway circuit device.

According to an ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a keg distribution network, comprising: a plurality of ons 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.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, 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 bution 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 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 g and reporting device without the use of geographic on or cell radio circuitry; and r: a battery power supply fitting 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 without geographic position sensing or cell radio circuitry for a period of up to five years; a mobile communications device sing geographic position g and cell radio circuitry for moving to a ity 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 bution 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 distribution network, without otherwise using k /gateway circuit device; and a keg distribution network communications circuitry and information technology networks associated for providing communications amongst said ity of keg distribution network locations.

According to a eleventh aspect of the ion, there is provided a liquid product bution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising: a keg distribution monitoring and reporting 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, 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 g; 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 g 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 without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry; and further: a y power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and electrically ng 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; 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 e and process said radiofrequency s 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 er 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 /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.

According to an twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring and ing the physical properties and on of a liquid storage and dispensing data in a keg-based distribution network, sing the steps of: operating a keg bution monitoring and reporting apparatus in association with a tap handle flow monitoring and reporting tus; 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 bution 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; 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 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 geographic 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 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; storing data and computer processor executable ctions 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 icating with the keg distribution network using computer processing try within said mobile communications device, without otherwise using a network /gateway circuit device; and said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting tus operating steps comprising the steps of pulling a tap handle configured for g and sensing flow of a liquid through a tap positioned to se a liquid from the keg.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid t bution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising: a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for operation in ation with a tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, wherein said liquid t distribution network alternatively utilizes at different locations either said keg distribution monitoring and reporting tus or said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, or both said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus; said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, sing: a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device, sing: an outer housing having a height and diameter of less than l inches for g 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 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 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 y 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 t, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises: a tap handle radio itter 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 ption 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 ties associating with liquid dispensed from the keg, said g circuitry further for g and communicating to said radio itter 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 processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said tap handle distribution ring 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 ring 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 keg distribution network and configured to selectively receive and process said requency 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 communications device further comprising memory circuitry for g data and er sor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution network, and further comprising er processing circuitry for sing 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 circuit device; wherein said keg distribution monitoring and reporting 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 distribution of said liquid product throughout the liquid product distribution network.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the ion, 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 configured to e in an encrypted, non-connectable mode; sensing circuitry associated with said radio itter device for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties ated 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 ncy signals from said sensor apparatus; a y power supply fitting within and protected by said housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter device; a mobile communications device comprising: geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a ity of locations within the keg distribution network; and configured to receive and process said encrypted radio frequency s from said sensor apparatus passively and without user interaction; said mobile communications device further comprising: memory circuitry for storing the data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution network; 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 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 itter and r communicating ation relating to the data with computer software systems associated with the dispensing location for a plurality of data collection functions.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring and ing the physical properties and location of a keg within a keg distribution network , comprising the steps of: attaching a small form factor keg sensor tus 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 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 relating to the identification and status of the keg; the method further sing the steps of: associating radio frequency signal transmission circuitry with said processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus; and fitting a battery power supply within said housing and electrically powering said radio itter device using said battery power ; 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 encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus passively and without user interaction; storing the data and computer processor executable 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 al properties, including data relating to the identification and status of the keg, and location of the keg within the keg distribution k; communicating with the keg distribution network using computer processing circuitry within said mobile ications device, without 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 transmitter and further communicating information relating to the data with computer re systems associated with the dispensing location for a ity of data collection functions.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided keg distribution network system, comprising: a ity of locations within the keg bution network for ring and reporting the physical ties and location of a plurality of kegs, at least a subset of said plurality of locations sing a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising: 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 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 electrically powering said radio itter device; a mobile communications device sing: geographic on 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 r comprising: memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable ctions relating to the keg and the keg distribution network; further sing 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 bution 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 associated for ing communications amongst said plurality of keg distribution network locations.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a keg bution monitoring and reporting apparatus, comprising: 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; sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical properties ating 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 ing device; a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter ; and a mobile communications device comprising phic on sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a ity 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 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, t otherwise using k uplink/ gateway circuit device.

According to a eighteenth 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 ing device to a keg, comprising the steps of: fitting and y attaching a housing to the keg; fitting within said housing and protecting a radio itter 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 ties 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 reporting device; fitting a battery power supply within said g and electrically ng said radio itter device using said battery power supply; and moving a mobile communications device sing geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network and configuring said mobile communications device to receive and process said radiofrequency s from said small form factor and reporting device passively and t 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 ing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and on 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 t device.

According to an nineteenth aspect of the invention, there is ed 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 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 protected by said g and comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module; sensing 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 ated 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 circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg bution k and configured to receive and process said radiofrequency s from said small form factor and reporting ; 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 ties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit ; and a keg distribution k communications circuitry and information technology networks associated for providing communications amongst said plurality of keg distribution k ons.

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 further 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 twentieth aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product distribution network for monitoring, lling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers served by a bution network for distributing said liquid products via liquid product sing containers. The liquid product distribution network includes at least one liquid product dispensing container for orting from a transport location to a dispensing location. At least one liquid product dispensing container includes an adaptably affixed radio transmitter and microprocessor for sensing and transmitting a ity of data measurements relating to the status of said liquid product dispensing ner. A stationary or mobile radio signal reader operates within the distribution network for receiving the plurality of data measurements from the radio transmitter and further communicating information relating to the plurality of data measurements. er re systems are associated with the radio signal reader(s) for a plurality of data collection functions. The data collection functions include liquid product management functions, 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 associating with the information relating to the data tion functions. The computer processing server further icates information relating to the data collection functions with an internet communications or cloud ace. A reporting and marketing sales system associates with the computer processing server systems for acing with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in association with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming the liquid products.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the invention, there is provided 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 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 ner device includes a casing for ing it to the liquid t dispensing ner. The casing includes an enclosure and an attachment mechanism for attaching the casing to a predetermined on 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 dispensing container. An antenna associates with the processing module for sending and receiving the radio signal transmissions between the radio/processing module and at least one stationary reader and/or mobile device. A ature sensor circuit senses temperatures relating to the liquid product dispensing 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 d data associates with the dispensing of the liquid product from the liquid t dispensing container. A codec/digital signal processing t includes memory and computer instruction sing circuitry for receiving data and processing instructions from the ature sensor, the transducer, and microphone/sensor circuit ting information relating to the location of the liquid t dispensing container, the state of the liquid product dispensing 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 dispensing container, the state of the liquid product dispensing container, 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 possible tic 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 ound, without any manual interaction and at a distance without kegs being visible.

The radio itter permits automatically and accurately correlating keg serial numbers for correlating 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 ism for ining 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 leveraging a cell phone communication system, the radio transmitter does not need its own GPS and cell radios, allowing it to cost ten dollars or less. The radio itter also does not require a monthly cell data plan, has a small form , 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 bution network includes a keg level measuring system that does not e 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 acoustic impulse generated by the ate keg.

The level ing 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 forward” - 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 s -keeping track of information they need to make deliveries - such as ctions on where to park, lock codes or access codes, best time of day to make deliveries, consumer ts and instructions, etc.

The truck reader allows real-time 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 bution network determines 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 occurred at the beginning of the . Hand-offs between sensing devices and locations can determine 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 k 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 on, the distribution network then determines which vendor the keg went to, and can retroactively determine the ry 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 s it at a . Using the mesh network and store and forward at a vendor, an arriving keg can communicate its arrival to the other kegs at the vendor. When one of the older kegs leaves the vendor and returns to the brewery, 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 integrate 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, ng 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 ating the se 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 brewery, type of beer, date brewed, etc.

By correlating er location against keg on, it is possible to notify the consumer: (1) when a keg 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 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 trigger alerts to consumers indicating the keg is now available.

The distribution network can indicate other beers currently available on tap that are similar to what the er likes/has purchased before/what their friend likes/what others are drinking/what is r/what is freshest/what has aged longest/what is seasonal or special/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 currently available on tap that are similar to what the consumer has purchased before/etc. thereby introducing the consumer to new breweries. Distribution network can indicate 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 ed where the keg s, when it arrives locations, etc. If the consumer wants to sponsor a keg with a n 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 normally while still allowing the consumer to perceive they are sponsoring a single keg.

According to a twenty-second 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 flow monitoring and reporting apparatus; said 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 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 low-energy ption 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 radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry associated 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 r a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and electrically ng 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 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 s said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and reporting device passively and without user interaction; said mobile communications device further sing 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 ring and ing 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 comprising a tap handle configured for pulling and circuitry and for g low of a liquid through a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from said keg.

The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any of the s of the invention, wherein said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises at least one ontained transducer within said outer housing and ated 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 ical or electronic locks for preventing unauthorized removal of said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus from the keg distribution monitoring and reporting The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any of the aspects of the invention, further comprising a plurality of LED lights, LCD display, or other display mechanism providing visual indication of alarms and operational status of the keg.

The liquid product distribution k monitoring and reporting system of any of the aspects of the invention, said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprising instructions and circuitry for ting a consumer mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said keg distribution monitoring and ing 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 sing container device in a self-contained mode for at least three months.

The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any of the aspects of the invention, wherein said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises: a tap handle radio transmitter device for alternatively fitting within or configured in al 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 ; 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 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 g within and protected by said tap handle flow monitoring and ing apparatus and electrically powering said tap handle radio itter 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 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 t user interaction; said mobile communications 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 reporting the al properties and location of the tap handle within the keg distribution network, t otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the invention, there is ed 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 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 ing 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 bution network; fitting an inner housing within said outer housing; fitting within said inner housing and protecting a radio transmitter device sing a low-energy consumption radio/processing module; associating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for sensing and icating to said radio/processing module physical properties associated with the keg, and associating radiofrequency signal transmission try 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 r fitting a battery power supply within said outer housing and ically 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 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 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 sor 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 tus ing steps comprising the steps of g 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 sing the step of operating at least one self-contained transducers 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 ring and ing apparatus from the liquid product dispensing container using at least one mechanical or onic locks operating 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 distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for transmission as wireless signals to a display unit providing visual tion of alarms and operational status of said liquid t 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 itted 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 sing the step of operating 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 association within the form factor of said tap handle for being and protected by a tap handle and comprising a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing ; sensing and communicating to said tap handle processing module physical properties associated with the tap handle using a tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said tap handle radio transmitter , 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 processing module; and further supplying power to said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus using a tap handle battery power supply g within and protected by said tap handle flow ring and reporting apparatus and electrically powering said tap handle radio transmitter device; and sensing geographic position of said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting tus using sensing and cell radio circuitry associated 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 computer processor executable 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 network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit .

The method of any of the aspects of the invention, 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 tus 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-fourth aspect of the invention, there is ed 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 ing apparatus, wherein said liquid product bution network atively 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 reporting apparatus and said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus; said keg distribution ring and reporting apparatus, comprising: a small form factor keg g 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 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 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 try 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 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; and said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus comprising circuitry and for sensing location, type and flow of a liquid through a tap oned to se a liquid from said keg containing 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 sing a low-energy consumption tap handle 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 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 radiofrequency signals from said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus without 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 distribution monitoring and ing tus and ically powering said tap handle radio transmitter device; and a mobile ications device comprising phic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network and configured to ively e 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 try for g 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 on 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 reporting apparatus and said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus may operate independently or collaboratively for sensing and reporting the status of fluid e, flow, and financial operations relating to the distribution of said liquid product throughout the liquid t distribution network.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided liquid product distribution network monitoring and ing , sing: a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for operation in association with a tap handle bution 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 distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, or both said keg distribution monitoring and reporting 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 device, comprising: an outer housing having a height and er 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 y 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 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 radio/processing module for transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form factor keg sensing and ing 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 ing device operates t 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 through a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from said keg containing said liquid t, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring 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 associating with liquid dispensed from the keg, said sensing circuitry further for sensing and icating 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 radiofrequency signals from said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry; and r: 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 itter device; and 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 ured 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 computer processor able instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution network, and r comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and executing said able instructions for ring 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; n said keg distribution monitoring and reporting tus 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 distribution of said liquid product throughout the liquid product distribution network.

The liquid product sing network of the twenty-fifth aspect, wherein said tap handle monitoring and ing apparatus further comprises a tap handle tilt positioning ing 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 s of the invention, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises s to distinguish between different individuals operating the same handle.

The liquid product dispensing network of any of the aspects of the invention, wherein said keg bution 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 mechanisms.

The liquid t dispensing network of the any of the aspects of the invention, wherein either said keg distribution monitoring 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.

The liquid product dispensing network 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 monitoring and reporting apparatus in a self-contained mode for at least three months. ing to a -sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product distribution k 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 ons within the liquid product distribution network and configured to receive and process said radiofrequency s 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 sing computer processing circuitry for sing 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.

According to a twenty-seventh 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 bution k, sing the steps of: operating a tap handle flow distribution ring and reporting apparatus; said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus operating steps sing 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, sing the steps of: associating with said radio transmitter device g circuitry for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module to said tap handle radio/processing module al 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 requency signals from said tap handle radio transmitter sensing and reporting device without the use of phic position or cell radio try; further fitting a battery power supply within said outer housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter device using said y power , 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 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 executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the tap handle within the liquid product distribution network and communicating with the liquid product bution network using computer processing 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 tus 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-eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising: a liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for operation in association with a tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus, wherein said liquid t distribution network alternatively utilizes at different locations either said tap handle flow ring 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 distribution 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 reporting apparatus comprising try 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, 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 ; tap handle sensing circuitry associated with said tap handle radio transmitter device for sensing and communicating to said tap handle radio/processing module al 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 ating 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 ring and reporting apparatus without the use of geographic position or cell radio circuitry; and r a tap handle battery power supply fitting within and ted by said tap handle flow monitoring and ing 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 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 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 liquid product distribution network, and further comprising computer sing circuitry for sing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the keg within the liquid product distribution k, 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 independently or collaboratively for sensing and reporting the status of fluid storage, flow, and financial ions ng to the bution 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 , however, as well as the preferred mode of use, further ives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompany drawings, wherein: Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of the liquid product distribution k of the t 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 functions; Figure 4 shows and assembled radio transmitter according to the ngs of the present disclosures; Figure 5 depicts an exemplary 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 transmitter to the keg rim; Figures 8A through 8C depict a radio transmitter fixing mechanism for securing the radio transmitter of the present disclosure to the keg rim; Figure 9 shows an alternative fixing mechanism for securing the radio transmitter around the handle of a keg; Figure 10 depicts one embodiment of a fluid level measurement ism for determining keg volume; s 11A through 11C show various ways of securing embodiments of the radio transmitter and volume monitoring device of the present sure; 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 transducer-microphone configuration for use on a collar radio transmitter for determining volume and other ties of a keg; Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of an authenticated attachment mechanism for ng the radio transmitter to a keg; Figure 16 presents a circuit block diagram of the radio transmitter architecture according to a preferred embodiment of the presently disclosed system; Figures 17A and 17B portray various 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 ary 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 ing to the present disclosure; Figure 22 shows the arrangement of a fill reader in association 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 transmitter with a weighing mat of the present disclosure; Figure 28 shows a ial configuration of stacked kegs 14 as may be ed and red using the ng mat of the present disclosure; Figures 29 through 32 show various screens of a mobile device application for the t disclosure; Figures 33 through 35 illustrate exemplary screens as may find use for mobile phones and tablets for detecting and reporting kegs 14 at various locations and data applicable to monitoring and reporting of the present sure; Figure 36 illustrates a marketing feedback loop of an ation of the present disclosure.

Figures 37A through 37D illustrate data as may be reported by software of the present; Figure 38 illustrates an account editor display of the system of the present; and Figure 39 further shows ation as may be ted by the system of the present disclosure in the delivery of kegs 14 to indicate keg inventory and status.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION One or more embodiments of the invention are described below. It should be noted that these and any other embodiments are exemplary and are intended to be illustrative of the invention rather than limiting. While the invention is widely applicable to different types of systems, it is impossible to include all the le embodiments and contexts of the invention in this disclosure. Upon reading this disclosure, many alternative embodiments of the present ion will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of the liquid product bution network of the t disclosure. Liquid product distribution network (or distribution network) 10 is a system for monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing flow of products delivered to customers via ners 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 ners, 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 n 12 as the next integral part of bution 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 nary reader 36 and/or mobile devices 38 , 40 , 42 as is most appropriate in the specific context.

Sensor/data collection section 34 also provides ation via interface 44 with ment software, such as ERP system software 46 , POS system software 48 , and CMS system re 50 . ERP system software 46 provides functions of brewery management software. POS system software 48 provides functions of point-of-sale systems. And, CMS system software 50 provides customer management software functions for distribution 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 operation of distribution network 10.

Reporting/marketing/sales (RMS) n 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 communication with server n 52 . Using our RMS section 58 , ies 20 , distributors 64 , vendors 30 , and consumers 66 may benefit from the operation of bution network 10 .

Also, as may be considered either an adjunct or part of distribution network 10 , there appears ry section 68 . Delivery section 68 may include numerous delivery trucks 70 ed with various communications and display hardware 72 for communication with mesh network 18 and individual 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 ss tracking them, and so the transmitters move in geographic location.

Stationary reader 36 and mobile devices 38 , 40 , 42 act as sensors and may or may not have fixed geographic locations.

Distribution network 10 software permits automatically ing the on 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 e, in the g industry, keg 14 may go from “Empty” to “Filled With IPA” to “IPA at Distributor” to “IPA at Customer” to “IPA on Tap at Customer” 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; arriving near or departing from a stationary reader 36 ; receiving an input event from a related ; sensors on radio transmitter 14 itself; etc. Kegs 14 have wireless 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 ageous for sensor readings, accuracy of calculations and/or receiving the ss signal. Radio transmitters 16 attach on the outside of keg 14 without modifying or ating 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 collect all the measurements before ing 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 s 36 , as well as server ers 56 on internet cloud 54 . Each of these is ered a node in distribution k 10 . Any node in distribution network 10 may have authority 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 te 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 ultimate propagation of state changes in the rest of distribution network 10 .

This is because tion from radio transmitters 16 , sensing and/or gathering 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 tracking, 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 enables optimization and efficiency in the delivery, , and tracking of kegs 14 and/or keg 14 content. Tracking of kegs 14 and detailed knowledge of keg 14 ts makes possible automatic restaurant menu changes, automatic stock ng, data for supplier manufacturing forecasts, automatic marketing and advertising messages, tic and real-time inventory in warehouses and storage areas such as cold rooms, automatic check-in and check-out of containers, and optimization of replenishment delivery schedules and/or routing.

Distribution network 10 also s determining how long a keg 14 or similar piece of equipment has been in service for triggering maintenance schedules, automatically generate invoices, monitoring lease ance, and ting alarms. Distribution network 10 further enables monitoring temperature of contents for legal and regulatory compliance, ing 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 automatically, 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 distance without l equipment. Use of mobile devices 38 means anyone can detect kegs 14 within 100’ radius, said radius ing upon exact capabilities of mobile . ss capability allows real-time and automatic determination of container status without manual scanning. Wireless capability allows tic 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 y cell data plan, has a small form , and can run five years or more on typical lithium battery cells. By operating at least five years, the radio transmitter aligns with the normal five-year 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 communication to cell data. In this way, communication is escalated to more expensive s only when required.

By using a “store and forward” function, distribution 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 aggregates data and performs ations to ine fill levels of each keg 14 and delivers ing data and reports to breweries 20 , distributors 64 , vendors 30 and/or customers 66 . Additionally, server section 52 performs actions based upon the determined fill data - for example, automatically reordering stock.

Available direct or indirect data communication mechanisms and/or protocols e wired, wireless, ad-hoc, peer-to-peer, audio, optical, radio, serial, TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, etc.

Mobile device 38 may have a ss connection to the internet (for example, Wi-Fi) while nary reader 36 inside cold room of keg 14 section 12 may require a non-wireless connection (for example, Ethernet or serial line) due to the walls of a cold room shielding wireless ication.

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 product it is, when it was brewed, when keg 14 was filled, which distributor 64 delivered the keg 14 , ature 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 n computer 56 ; otherwise the data is already on server er 56 and indexed by the unique ID.

Additionally, location, market data, sales history and other ation 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 keg 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 ine 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 measure 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 s 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 provided to the calculation of keg 14 fill level.

Distribution network 10 s the collection of data on distance. The distance of each keg 14 from the tap wall is an indicator of r the keg 14 has been tapped or not, and this data is provided to the calculation of keg 14 fill level.

Distribution network 10 permits the collection of data on ry date. Since kegs 14 are typically tapped in the order of delivery, delivery date is ed to the calculation of keg 14 fill level. onally, 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 itter 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 permits the collection of data on product information. Distribution k 10 knows the brand and product in each keg 14 , and thereby the type of product (I PA, Pilsner, Porter, Bock, etc.). The brand, product, type of product, and current sales rate for each such product is provided to the calculation of keg 14 fill level. bution network 10 permits the collection of data on keg 14 history. Server section 52 collects ical data (such as sale rate for each brand, t, type, etc.) for each calendar day (for example, workdays vs holidays) and day of week (for example, weekday vs weekend) and provides this to the calculation of keg 14 fill level.

Distribution network 10 permits the collection of data on vendors 30 . Server section 52 stores ation 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 tion of the importance of each data item to the calculation of keg 14 fill level. ance weights are calculated from the provided input values, and then applied 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 ility answer is determined to be above a set threshold for each question, the question is considered to have the given answer.

Certain input data provides a ed 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 emptied, ations could verify that keg 14 has been emptied. As kegs 14 are verified to have transitioned from being on tap to being emptied and off tap, the previous time estimates are compared against the actual time, and feedback is applied into the calculation to improve 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 interested 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 product forecasts; etc.

An alternative embodiment of distribution network 10 may not e stationary reader 36 . When it is not possible to l 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 butor 64 or brewery 20 ; or by any other suitable contact with the radio transmitter 16.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the radio transmitter 16 of the present disclosure. The assembly of radio itter 16 es inner g 81 which may cover d t 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; Figures 12 and 13 , below, show another possible housing as collar radio transmitter 142 .

Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the PCB and y assembly of one embodiment of the present disclosure including ents for performing the disclosed functions. Figure 3 further shows the general construction for PCB/battery assembly 82 including 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 es no physical changes to the vendors 30 lines, valves, or handles.

Using geable battery 86 allows the radio transmitter 16 to be completely sealed, where only electrical contacts on the outside provided to charge the battery. Radio transmitter 16 includes an on board temperature sensor to monitor keg 14 temperature. A shake sensor ines if keg 14 is in transit. A sensor header 91 may also accommodate additional sensors. a 92 orientation/polarization maximizes 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 uously powered, thus saving power when not taking measurements.

Figure 4 shows and assembled radio transmitter 16 according to the ngs of the t 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 ent points along the curve, and epoxy/foam tape takes up the small amount of space for each size. Attachment 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 ation, 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. Airspace in inner housing 80 is minimized to achieve an air tight seal. Use of a very small, long “capillary” tube allows re 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 discourage spoofing. Outer housing 84 may include variety of tamper resistant mechanisms for preventing orized removable of radio itter 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 sure 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 ly 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 halves, 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 alternate 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 one-time tion is not reversible. 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 g 84 ay. 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 contact pins 104 and 106 may appear outside of inner housing 80 for connecting associated circuitry on PCB/battery assembly 82 for creating a conductive circuit. That is, contact pin 104 may make ical contact with keg 14 rim 100 , which permit electrical t flow to t pin 106 . The resulting circuit uses minimal voltage, and current 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 contacting the metal shell of the keg 14 closes a circuit to activate a switch. The housing can be completely 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 contactless charging ism allows the electrical penetration of the housing to be avoided, sing cturing cost, and ng less precise interface between housing and charging station.

Figure 7 shows an exemplary ment of an outer housing 84 for g and securing the radio transmitter 16 to keg 14 rim 100 . In Figure 7, outer housing 84 s to keg 14 rim 100 using screws or other fastening mechanism 108 . Inner housing 80 may rest within outer housing 84 for securely oning PCB/battery assembly 82 at keg 14 rim 100 . In one embodiment, a permanent hell 84 is permanently attached to keg 14 , and inner housing 16 is a removable n that can be serviced. Because radio transmitter 16 uniquely identifies the keg 14 , distributor 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 present disclosure 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 tuent part of a keg 14 including rim 100 , rolled edge 112 and keg 14 rim wall 114 . Attachment mechanism 110 may be fixed in position between keg 14 top surface 116 and chime rolled edge 112 such that it cannot be removed without releasing the attachment mechanism. The ism 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 transmitter 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 transmitter 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 ment of the t 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 g 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 includes 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 ssly or mechanically that can be detected h 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 communication devices on the outside of keg 14 , such as listening device 128 and/or 130 , measuring characteristics of the receives signals, e. g., sound tions, th, harmonics, etc., the amount of air or liquid in keg 14 may be ined. Communication can be bidirectional wherein ball 124 may receive a signal wirelessly or ically itting from outside of keg 14 . Using bi-directional communication, it is possible 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 ement 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 Distribution network 10 radio and sensor network can automatically relay fill data to the desired brewery 20 and/or distributor 64 . s 11A through 11C show various ways of securing ments 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 d. Using the acoustic properties of keg 14 , radio transmitter 16 and distribution network 10 may measure liquid level from the outside 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 acoustic measurements by using ambient noise cancellation while timing ements 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 extending 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 tion, 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 contacts 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 tate ng around and below it. By enabling easy cleaning around and below it, collar radio transmitter 142 allows a keg 14 owner to maintain a sterile 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 ng to keg opening 144 at the top of keg 14 . Collar radio itter 142 positions under keg cap 140 . Keg cap 140 removes by using self-destructive tab 141 which releases cap but also makes cap unusable 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 removal of keg cap 140 is used by distribution k 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, because keg cap 140 keeps dirt and food out of the keg opening 144 . Collar radio transmitter 142 secures to keg opening 144 by way of a friction fit or other flexible configuration 145 that secures collar radio transmitter 142 to keg opening 144 and prevents removal unless permitted by an authorized . Such a securing mechanism may be a locking mechanism, ratcheting mechanism, hidden tabs or other friction ism that ts 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 itter mates 142 mechanically with the top surface of keg 14 and the keg opening 144 so that it can withstand impacts and loadings associated with normal existing handling of full or empty kegs. Collar radio transmitter 142 does not extend the existing boundaries of keg 14 so that it may be handled and stacked normally. No changes are ed to the s 30 lines, , handles or processes; distributors’ 64 pallets or processes; delivery truck 70 equipment or processes; or the brewery 20 automated fill and cleaning equipment, storage systems or processes.

Collar radio transmitter 142 may also have additional onality beyond functionality residing in the present embodiment of radio transmitter 16 . The additional volume of collar radio transmitter 130 makes possible and eve r expanding set of functions and supporting electronics for collar radio itter 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 nding 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 ements, a determination of the associated fill level is possible. This information can be processed by collar radio transmitter 142 and then icated through distribution network 10 .

Figure 15 illustrates 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 ng non-destructive detaching/replacement by only authorized parties. Authenticated attachment mechanism 160 operates within radio transmitter 16 outer housing 84 and attaches to hook and catch 162 .

Mechanical hook and catch 162 es a permanent fixture for securing radio transmitter 16 to keg 14 . The hook 162 is hidden from external ing - only an internal actuator romagnet, motor, etc.) can age 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 ing engagement arm 164 under the control of CPU 172 . Battery 86 may provide actuation power for CPU 172 operation to control actuator 170 . Authenticated attachment mechanism 160 further es external voltage pads 180 that permit electric power to enter outer housing 84, allowing the internal actuator circuit to be powered temporarily in the event of batter failure or for charging rechargeable battery 86 , These pins are electrically isolated from the battery to prevent current leakage. atively, digital connection 182 may provide an optional digital signal input for control of CPU 172 for actuator operation.

Authenticated attachment mechanism 160 allows a distributor 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 wirelessly via antenna 174 . CPU 172 verifies the digital 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 d, and manufacturing cost is reduced. By using a digital key, every keg 14 may can have a unique digital lock code, and l keys are easy to manage using software.

A secure ism requiring a secret l 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. Breaking one lock does not expose any other locks.

Figure 16 presents a radio itter electronic circuitry 190 block diagram according to a preferred ment of the presently disclosed system. Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 includes radio/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 temperature 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 radio/processing module 96. CODEC/DSP 194 interfaces radio/processing module 96 at inter-integrated circuit/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 (I2S/GPIO) interface 210 , radio/processing module 96 interfaces I2S/GPIO interface 212 of CODEC/DSP 194 . CODEC/DSP 194 connects to transducer 148 via digital to analog converter interface (DAC) 214 . Also, CODEC/DSP 194 interfaces hone/sensor 150 at ADC interface 216 . Antenna 174 provides provide input to Rf Interface 218 .

Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 leverages 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. er, for operation of distribution network 10 , radio transmitter 16 does not require a y cell data plan, has a small form , and may run five years on l 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 ing in several modes. Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 operates in a non-connectable mode upon ment security and y 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 es in a connectable mode that is protected by asymmetric encryption and authentication and provides authenticated pairing without bonding.

Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 operates in a mode for pairing a de that is generated algorithmically based upon asted major, minor numbers and shared secret. This mode may ally use timestamp, serial number of board, etc. Radio transmitter electronic circuitry 190 may further e 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 y of roles for s devices/components. Such devices include radio itter 16 , collar radio transmitter 142 , stationary reader 36 , mobile devices 38 and 60 , server computers 56 , and RMS section computers 62 . Here functions are bed as riate 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 example, a temperature sensor 192 that asts the current temperature, or a radio transmitter 16 . An observer on scans for advertisements, but cannot initiate connections. This could be a remote display on a mobile device 38 that receives the temperature data and presents 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 specific flag that indicates if it is connectable or non-connectable.

A Bluetooth low energy solution 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 wer consumption is achieved by keeping the transmission time as short as possible and ng the device to go into sleep mode between the issions.

The nnectable radio transmitter 16 is a Bluetooth low energy device in broadcasting mode. It simply transmits information that is stored internally. Because the non-connectable broadcasting does not activate any receiving capabilities, it achieves the lowest le 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 external input from example serial protocols (universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), serial peripheral interface (SPI), universal serial bus (USB), and so forth).

The connectable radio transmitter 16 is a Bluetooth low energy device in peripheral mode, which means that it cannot only transmit, but also receive as well. This allows a central device (for example, a mobile device 38 } to connect and interact with services implemented on radio itter 16 , Services provide one or more characteristics that could be modified by a peer . One example of these teristic could be a string of data that represents the broadcasted ation. This way, it is possible to have a configurable radio transmitter 16 that is easily updated over the air.

Figures 17A and 17B portray 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 capable of delivering numerous kegs 14 for populating keg 14 section 12 of liquid product distribution network 10 . In delivery n 68 , truck 70 also includes the ability to interface with radio transmitter 16 or collar radio transmitter 142 . The ace for which truck 70 is capable derives from truck reader 230 which may be positioned beneath seat 232 . Truck reader 230 is a communications device that connects with various antenna including cell antenna 234 or Bluetooth antenna 236 , for example. er, 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 functions associated with controlling delivery operations and monitoring delivery operations consistent with the optimal operations of liquid product bution k 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 charges. Hardware is designed with a main processor in a housing with the GPS antenna 238 , Wi-Fi antenna 242 , Bluetooth antenna 236 and cellular connection either located internally or externally via wires to enable remote antenna placement. Truck reader 230 optionally ts 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” on of collecting data during the day and automatically download 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 et connection as truck 70 drives around. The truck 70 driver’s ar 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 es, 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, ctions, alerts and other data to the driver. Truck reader 230 system acts as a knowledge base for delivery drivers, 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 ts and instructions, etc. Distribution network 10 system may use truck reader 230 to provide real-time monitoring of trucks and drivers. 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 ted clients to access the Internet over the cell modem connection. Normal Wi-Fi password protection and encryption is used to prevent orized 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 n on the tablet and integrated with truck reader 230 sensor data.

The truck reader 230 may function independently of any mobile devices s, tablets) in truck 70 . Software on truck reader 230 and on tablet 244 can communicate with each other and divide computation, communication, 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 transmits such data to server section 52 of distribution network 10 .

Truck reader 230 software may determine when kegs 14 come in range (i.e. get loaded on vehicle) or go out of range (i.e. are delivered from truck 70 ). By accessing the known y of a keg 14 from radio itter 16 , truck reader 230 may determine whether an empty is being picked up or a full being delivered.

Truck reader 230 allows ime 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 itters 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 further 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 exactly when. When a mobile device 38 s the presence of the keg 14 at a location, distribution network 10 then determines which vendor 30 the keg 14 went to, and can ctively determine the delivery schedule and other information because it now knows which vendor 30 received the keg 14 .

Distribution k 10 software reports truck 70 driver activity back to a distributor 64 home office, which information may include unscheduled stops, driving speed, etc. bution 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 t can be viewed by the driver on tablet 244 , for example. Distribution network 10 software automatically 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 information automatically propagates back to invoices, accounting, etc. and may be used as a double check against the truck 70 s 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 regions 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 h 7 254 ent various mobile devices 30 and nary readers 36 , etc.

Region X 244 , region Y 246 , and region Z 248 represent geographic regions participating within bution network 10.

By collecting data on the location and history of kegs 14 , distribution k 10 determines state tions. Some of the state tions are determined retroactively. For example, a lack of readings after a period of time may retroactively determine a state transition that occurred at the beginning of the . 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 ctively determine the delivery schedule and other information because it now knows which vendor 30 received the keg 14 .

Using the store and forward function, a mobile device 38 may download 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 communicate 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 bution k 10 mechanism for ining how full is each keg 14 es to the keg 14 and does not require shifting of kegs 14 on scales. bution 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 butor 64 .

Referring further to Figure 18, bution network 10 performs particularly attractive operations upon entering or g 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 ve 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 detected 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 applied 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 ms 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 (possibly overlapping) regions.

Depending on the geographic region the detection occurs within, how far away from the sensing device 36 /38 the keg 14 is determined, etc., the distribution network 10 software determines which state transitions should occur. A geographic 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 pinpoint 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 g the node and received signal strength at that node allows determination of a probability distribution for the location of the radio transmitter 16 . This probability distribution can be influenced by onal data such as known locations of buildings or other interference structures, 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.

Distribution network 10 software has a programming interface through which it can retrieve and/or receive updates from other systems or input methods. These updates may cause a change in state. e s and input methods are automated assembly lines; t filling systems; point of sale systems; shipping and receiving systems; 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 , 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 automatically and accurately ated with no manual labour. Deposits can be automatically and accurately correlated with no manual counting.

Inventory is maintained accurately and tically 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 accurately flagged 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 on and history of kegs 14 , distribution network 10 system determines state tions. Some of the state transitions are determined retroactively. For example, a lack of gs after a short while may retroactively determine a state transition that occurred at the beginning of the period.

Figure 19 shows the arrangement of various kegs 14 on an exemplary weighing mat 250 for use in distribution network 10 . The mat may be constructed to have predetermined locations for kegs, or allow kegs to be arbitrarily oned. On weighing mat 250 appear predetermined keg 14 locations 252 on which to store a keg 14. Design 254 depicts the use of a distributor 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 e upon which may be placed under one or more kegs 14 and integrates with shelving (or the floor) unobtrusively.

Weight mat 250 allows kegs 14 to be shifted around arbitrarily 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 correlated to location 252 . A y 20 can sponsor their portion of ng mat 250 , allowing the total area of weighing mat 250 to build up over time. Weighing mat 250 ines wirelessly using radio transmitter 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 ng 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 y 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 handles inside a bar. Logo 254 also allows a brewery or distributor 64 to give/sponsor a ng mat 250 when the vendor 30 signs up for a supplier t. Weighing mat 250 easily mates to adjacent mats so kegs 14 may be slid front to back across ng mats 250 and side to side across ng mats 250 . The edges of weighing mat 250 can incorporate electrical tions to transmit data between weighing mats 250 .

Weighing mat 250 may be sized to accommodate several kegs 14 on a single weighing mat 250 , each keg 14 being weighed separately. Weighing mat 250 determines wirelessly 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 l 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 ng mat 250 for reporting 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 instead. Moreover, within public room 279 , there is an indication of a transaction that bution k 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 ing 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 determining 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 disclosed.

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 ting the keg 14 is now available. Distribution network 10 can indicate other beers currently available 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 ingredients/what is of limited supply.

Distribution network 10 can indicate other beers tly ble on tap 260 that are similar to what consumer 66 likes/has purchased /etc. thereby ucing consumer 66 to new ies. Distribution k 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 determined. 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 product against marketing done to consumer 66 , it is possible to determine marketing effectiveness. The effectiveness can be calculated automatically, and future selection of marketing messages or processes determined 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 possible 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 brewed).

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 consumer 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 product has aged t; what product is seasonal or special; what product is from a local y; what product is from a faraway brewery; what product 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 consumer 66 likes/has purchased before/etc. thereby introducing consumer 66 to new ies. bution 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 network 10 kegs, the fact that consumer 66 is within range of a keg 14 is determined. 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 .

A brewery can allow consumer 66 to “sponsor” a keg 14 such that the consumer 66 is ed 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 y to rotate their kegs 14 ly while still ng the er 66 to perceive they are sponsoring a single keg.

Figure 21 depicts an ary nary reader 36 for radio transmitter 16 detection and measurement according to the t disclosure. nary 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 different location. Stationary reader 36 preferably does not have a screen, but is d 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 connected to Internet 54 . A Yellow LED 270 indicate 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 ly seeks to re-establish the connection, if the connection 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 section 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 tion key. Only a mobile device 38 having the other half of the asymmetrical 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 rights.

Figure 22 shows the arrangement of a fill reader in ation with cold room 278 or other location for detecting and ing the condition of a plurality of kegs 14 . Figure 22 further includes 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 s 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 ing 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 display 284 shows the keg10, keg11, keg12 and keg13 are full. Fill icon 286 tes the movement from empty to full for the various kegs 14 in cold room 278 . tor 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. ing to brewery 20 ences, distribution network 10 software can either require manual marking of kegs 14 , or tically 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 k 18 of radio transmitters 16 may be positioned behind a closed metal cold room door 290 . During this time, it is not le to obtain the ary 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. Alternatively, the communication may occur to any mobile device 38 , 40 , 42, 60 e 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 k 18 in cold room 278 for later reporting in bution network 10 .

Figures 25 and 26 depict the d construction of a weighing mat 250 according to present disclosure. Weighing mat 250 includes slick top layer 292 which adheres to compressible spacer layer 294 . h compressible spacer layer 294 appears bottom layer 296. Weighing 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 . Optional raised ridge 302 on the slick top layer 292 help position one or more kegs 14 in the best position(s) for weighing, as well as for use in association with other kegs 14 in mesh network 18 .

Figure 26 depicts a weighing or measuring device 304 for integration into the weighing mat 250 of the present disclosure. Weighing devices 304 sandwiches between slick top layer 292 and bottom layer 296 . Example weighing devices 304 may be a load cell, pressure sensor, etc.

Deflection 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 ng 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 ng 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 weighing devices 304 , with keg 14 state s.

Radio antenna 306 receives signals from radio transmitter 16 when keg 14 is placed on weighing 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 g 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 itter 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 network 10 .

An example may be a temperature sensor 192 that determines 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 placement on keg 14 bottom rim 136 permits easy detection by mat antenna 306 and signal iguation 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 transmitter 16 directly above the respective weighing mat 250 and no other kegs 14 , but not on weighing mat 250 . Weighing 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 iguation.

A ical overload protection mechanism allows directly and safely dropping full kegs 14 weighing mat 250 . Such an event would occur weighing mat 250 is on the floor and a keg 14 dropped from a nearby shelf. When using a load cell as ng device 304 , a mechanical stop is orated 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 weighing 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 “master” mat, responsible for ting 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 bution network 10 software from le weighing mats 250 to disambiguate multiple radio transmitter 16 signals from various kegs 14 . Keg 14 weights aggregated via bution k 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. Distribution network 10 software uses the events ed 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 e of the combined weight of the two kegs 14 . Two kegs 14 being stacked 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 d. Then upper keg 272 may be placed on the bottom with lower keg 274 connecting to tap 260 . In this uration, only one keg 14 is being drained at a time. Weight mat 250 may have a readout area showing 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.

Figures 29 through 32 show various screens of a mobile device 38 application for the present disclosure. Figure 29 shows connection via a mobile device 38 to a ss transmission from stationary reader 36 and/or radio transmitter 16 . As Figure 29 depicts, access screen 320 shows the ability to determine that a stationary reader 36 is within a Bluetooth tion 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 . bution network 10 re residing on a mobile phone/device creates a peer-to-peer network for operating 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 Distribution k 10 . Figure 29 is a list of stationary readers at various vendors 30 , where red/green indicator lights 326 show indication of stationary reader 36 operational status. The Bluetooth connection icon 322 and Wi-Fi connection 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 ion 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 ks applicable to mobile device 38 .

Figure 31 shows information ed from stationary reader 36 about its current state using a name meaningful to the location of the . Also, here provided is information of whether a Wi-Fi network programmed into it and the nary 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 identifying and selecting a Wi-Fi network (Private_Wifi) from available Wi-Fi networks as . 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 monitoring and reporting. Figures 33 through 36 further demonstrate the ication capabilities of distribution network 10 software. For example, Figure 33 shows mobile device 38 ace including a satellite perspective which provides the ability to maintain ent ts 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 satellite image 362 , including numerous keg 14 icons 364 indicating accounts associated with distribution network 10 . For example, selection bar 366 provides the ability to select nearby locations 368 , kegs 14 reporting section 370 , fill status selector 372 , and delivery section 374 for performing the s 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 ons 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 section 12 on. 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 associated 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 t not already measured; (2) ng 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 containers, their location/state/etc. (3) a control to fill kegs 14 r 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 determine the delivery account and, thereby, inventory at the keg 4 section 12 location. If a sending device 36 /38 does not e 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 ; or pass ly to another sensing device 36 /38 within distribution network 10 . The determined e street address lookup result may then be sent back to the original sensing device 36 /38 .

Once an s 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 n 12 t.

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 software may also learn a truck 70 driver’s route over time. For e, distribution k 10 software may record that deliveries to a certain account are always made from a certain parking place.

This information becomes a part of the knowledge base displayed by the distribution network 10 software to the truck 70 driver.

Distribution network 10 software further provides a knowledge base serving as a repository for routes, specific account information such as ations to locks, where keg 14 s are stored, 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, routing, 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 ing kegs 14 function 370 , keg 14 information screen 380 of Figure 34 may appear on mobile device 38 . Such information may include a name assigned to a keg 14, the t 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 information available about the account: 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 ing average days a keg 14 takes to empty; average rate of product consumption.

Figure 36 relates a POS marketing feedback loop 262 of Figure 20 according 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 er 66 may be available. Screen 400 s on a consumer 66 mobile device 38 to provide a notification from RMS section 58 of distribution network 10 . Screen 400 indicates an event that may be of interest or importance to consumer 66 or other ipant 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 h 37D illustrate data as may be reported by distribution network 10 software for performing various management and financial functions ated with deposit information and financial ctions. Such management and financial ation has significant benefit respecting invoices, ting and verification of truck 70 driver-entered information relating to deliveries of kegs 14 .

Figure 37A es 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 presents a status for an empty keg 14 that may be at a location. Report segment 416 ts tamped 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 ate view into dual keg 14 histories.

Figure 37B provides 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 states; to keg 14 back at y (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 t progress of the keg 14 through states as it has progressed so far.

Figure 37D shows a “Daily Changes” report at a location. 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 financial in management information that the distribution network 10 software and components make possible. In application, other types of s may also be a benefit to participants in distribution network 10 .

Figure 38 shows an Accounts Screen for viewing vendor 30 accounts, their on on the map, information about the vendor, 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 ory of a vendor 30 location as may be viewed by a truck 70 driver. The Accounts Screen of Figure 38 s drilling down to a on to indicate the status of a location that is part of bution 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 types), distributors 64 , vendors 30 , keg 14 n 12 locations, stationary readers 36 , etc. either individually or in groupings/aggregates. The t Screen further provides a dashboard display for g overall information in user-customizable cells. The Account Screen of Figure 38 displays only data permitted 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 product distribution network him for automatically managing the deposit information. Such ation 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 s a part of the distribution network 10 at the keg 14 section 12 on. This is indicated by the report 420 of Figure 39, which includes deposit information relating to the keg. The delivery of a keg 14 , ore, initiates a ial transaction relating to the newly deposited keg 14 at the vendor 30 location. Thus, where a deposit 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 bution k 10 , a return reimbursement of $60 appears. The shown e bution network 10 system automatically credits and debits a deposit based upon measurements of 4 kegs 14 being left and 2 picked up.

On the right is shown ion of the actual kegs 14 at the vendor 30 account, 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 ines that location’s rolling deposit fee. The deposit information automatically propagates back to invoices, accounting, etc.; or is used as a double check t the driver’s entered data. The invoice is normally prepared before the truck 70 driver leaves the warehouse, 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 ”. Column 426 shows that the QB #3-005 keg 14 ns 6 inches of product, as column 428 shows, “Pale Ale”. Inventory Report 422 further shows that distribution network 10 has also detected other kegs 14 , such as kegs 14 having identifiers “HB#3-001,” “HB#3-003,” etc. All kegs 14 listed in Inventory Report 422 have the associated contents e 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 k for distributing said liquid products via liquid product dispensing containers. The liquid product distribution network includes at least one liquid product dispensing container for transporting from a transport location to a sing location. At least one liquid product dispensing 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 ner. A stationary or mobile radio signal reader operates within the distribution network for receiving the plurality of data measurements from the radio transmitter and further communicating information relating to the plurality of data measurements. Computer software systems are associated with the radio signal (s) for a plurality of data collection functions. The data collection functions include liquid product management functions, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product consumer management functions. A computer processing server system associates with the stationary reader for processing data and ing instructions associating with the ation relating to the data collection ons. The computer processing server further communicates information relating to the data tion ons with an internet 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 systems operating in association with the functions of producing, buting, vending, and consuming the liquid products.

In further y, the present disclosure s to 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 on in a distribution network. The liquid product dispensing container device includes a casing for attaching it to the liquid t dispensing container. The casing includes an enclosure and an attachment mechanism for attaching the casing to a ermined location of the liquid product dispensing container. The liquid product dispensing ner 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 dispensing 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 stationary reader and/or mobile device. A temperature sensor circuit senses temperatures relating to the liquid product dispensing container and generating electronic signals relating to the temperatures.

A transducer circuit senses ements of the liquid product within the liquid product sing container and generates electronic signals relating to the sensing ements. 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 sing instructions from the temperature sensor, the transducer, and hone/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 dispensing container, the state of the liquid product dispensing container, and the state of the liquid t 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 benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, ed, or essential features of any of any or all of the claims. As used herein, the ar forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” or “includes” and/or “including”, or any other ion thereof, are intended to be interpreted as nonexclusively including the elements or limitations which follow those terms.

Accordingly, a system, method, or other embodiment that comprises a set of elements is not d to only those elements, and may include other ts not expressly listed or inherent to the claimed embodiment. These terms when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, s, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more features, regions, integers, steps, operations, ts, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following n ses numbered Clauses which are not claims, but are additional statements describing particular embodiments of the invention: [Clause 1] A liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid ts 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 transmitter 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 operable within said distribution network for receiving said plurality of data measurements from said radio itter 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 tion functions, said data collection functions comprising liquid product management functions, liquid product sales ons, and liquid product consumer ment ons; 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 sing systems operating in ation with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid products.

[Clause 2] The liquid product distribution network of clause 1, r comprising a truck reader unit for use on a delivery truck operating within the liquid t distribution network for monitoring, lling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for ry to consumers via liquid product dispensing containers.

[Clause 3] The liquid product bution network of either clause 1 or clause 2, wherein said a computer processing system associates with said stationary reader for processing data and executing ctions associating events that may influence the tion of keg states as monitored liquid product dispensing containers transit across various geographic regions.

[Clause 4] The liquid product distribution k 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 information relating to the contents of said at least one liquid product dispensing container. e 5] The liquid product distribution network of any one of s 1 to 4, further comprising circuitry and executable instructions ated said radio transmitter 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 k of any one of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising a fill reader at said dispensing location for determining the fill levels of said liquid product sing container located in a dispensing location 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 monitoring, controlling, and optimizing operations of said liquid product distribution network.

[Clause 8] The liquid product distribution network of any one of clauses 1 to 7, further comprising a plurality of ing feedback ctions for using said liquid product distribution network to market predetermined liquid products to consumers.

[Clause 9] A method for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery 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 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 icating information relating to said plurality of data measurements with computer software 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 t sales functions, and liquid product consumer management functions; processing data and executing instructions associating with said ation ng to said data collection functions and r interfacing said information relating to said data collection functions with an internet communications interface using a computer processing system ated with said stationary reader; and interfacing with a plurality of computer processing systems ing in association with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid ts using a reporting and marketing sales subsystem associated with said computer processing server system.

[Clause 10] The method of clause 9, further comprising the step of using a truck reader unit on a ry truck operating within the liquid t distribution network for ring, 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 transition 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 sing container at least one of said sing 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 product dispensing container.

[Clause 13] The method of any one of clauses 9 to 12, r comprising the step of associating said radio transmitter and microprocessor for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing operations that occur in a dispensing location cold room and ions 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, r comprising the step of using a mobile device application associated with said liquid product distribution container for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing operations of said liquid product distribution network.

[Clause 16] The method of any one of clauses 9 to 15, further comprising the step of using a ity of marketing feedback instructions associated with said reporting and marketing sales tem marketing ermined liquid products to consumers as determined by such products being contained in said liquid product distribution containers.

[Clause 17] 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 sing 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 transmitter and microprocessor for sensing and transmitting a plurality of data ements ng to the status of said liquid product dispensing container, said radio transmitter 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 ontained power source for providing power to the liquid product dispensing ner device; a radio itter device for securing in said enclosure and further comprising: a radio/processing module for processing radio signal transmissions of information ng to the liquid product dispensing ner; an a ated 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 contained therein; a sensor interface for allowing one or more sensors 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 dispensing 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 network 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 consumer management functions; a computer sing system associated with said nary reader for processing data and executing instructions associating with said information relating to said data collection ons and further acing 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 ation with the functions of producing, distributing, vending, and consuming said liquid products.

[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 ry to ers 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 sing containers transit across s geographic regions.

[Clause 20] The radio itter device of any one of clauses 17 to 19, further sing ctions and data operating on said liquid product distribution network for intelligently transmitting a plurality of marketing feedback instructions for using said liquid product distribution network to market ermined liquid products to ers according to the presence of said radio transmitter device and liquid t information stored on said radio transmitter .

[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 ergy consumption radio/processing ; sensing circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and icating 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 try; 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 geographic position g 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 ity of locations within the keg bution 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 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, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device.

[Clause 22] A keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus of clause 21, further comprising instructions and circuitry for permitting said mobile communications device to decode radiofrequency signals transmitted from said radio transmitter device.

[Clause 23] A method for ring 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 an outer g having a height and er of less than l 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; g an inner housing within said outer housing; fitting within said inner housing and protecting a radio itter device comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module; ating 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 transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form factor keg g 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 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 five years; and moving a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio try to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network 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 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 bution 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 device.

[Clause 24] The method for monitoring and reporting the physical ties and location of a keg of clause 23, further comprising the step of ting said mobile communications device to decode a plurality of signals transmitted from said radio transmitter device using instructions and try 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 bution ring and reporting tus, comprising: a small form factor keg sensing and reporting , comprising: an outer g having a height and diameter 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; sensing circuitry ated with said radio transmitter device for g 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 r: a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer g and electrically powering said radio transmitter device; y 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 communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of ons within the keg bution 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 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 a keg distribution network communications circuitry and information technology networks associated for providing communications amongst said plurality of keg bution network locations.

[Clause 27] The keg distribution network of clause 26, wherein said radio transmitter device further comprises instructions and circuitry for permitting a mobile communications device to decode signal transmitted from said radio transmitter device. e 28] 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 flow monitoring and ing apparatus; said 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 ally 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 itter device fitting within and ted by said inner housing and comprising a low-energy consumption processing ; 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 try associated with said 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 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 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 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 k, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for sing said data and executing said able instructions for monitoring and reporting the al properties and location of the keg within the keg bution 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.

[Clause 29] The liquid product bution network monitoring and reporting system of clause 28, wherein said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further ses 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 product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of either clause 28 or clause 29, said keg bution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprising mechanical or electronic locks for ting unauthorized removal of said keg distribution ring 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 display, or other display mechanism providing visual indication of alarms and operational status of the keg.

[Clause 32] The liquid product bution network monitoring and reporting system of any one of s 28 to 31, said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprising instructions and circuitry for permitting a consumer mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus.

[Clause 33] The liquid t dispensing ner device of any one of clauses 28 to 32, further comprising a battery and associated circuitry for operating said liquid product dispensing container device in a ontained mode for at least three months.

[Clause 34] The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system any one of clauses 28 to 33, wherein said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises: a tap handle radio itter 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 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 tus and electrically ng said tap handle radio transmitter device; and a mobile communications device comprising phic on sensing 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 and reporting device and/or said tap handle flow ring and ing 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 keg distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and executing said executable instructions for ring and reporting the physical ties and location of the tap handle within the keg distribution network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device.

[Clause 35] 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: 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 er of less than l inches to a top or bottom chime of a keg t ing 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 low-energy consumption radio/processing ; ating 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 transmitting radiofrequency signals from said small form factor keg sensing and reporting device without the use of phic on or cell radio try; 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 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 communications device to receive and process said radiofrequency signals from said small form factor and reporting device ely and without user ction; 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 on of the keg within the keg bution 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 device; and said tap handle flow ring 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 se a liquid from the keg.

[Clause 36] The method of clause 35, further comprising the step of operating at least one self-contained transducers within said keg distribution monitoring and ing apparatus 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 ting unauthorized removal of said keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus from the liquid t dispensing container using at least one mechanical or electronic locks operating within said outer g.

[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 tion of alarms and operational status of said liquid product dispensing container device using a plurality of LED lights, LCD display, or other display mechanisms.

[Clause 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 processing module.

[Clause 40] The method of any one of clauses 35 to 39, r comprising the step of operating said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus by performing the steps of: operating a tap handle radio transmitter device fitting within or configured in al ation within the form factor of said tap handle for being and ted by a tap handle and comprising a low-energy 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 ing 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 tus 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 try ated 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 t user ction; storing data and computer processor executable instructions ng to the keg and the keg distribution network using memory circuitry associated with said mobile communications , 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 network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway t 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 concealing the presence of said tap handle flow ring 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 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 monitoring and reporting 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 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; g circuitry associated with said radio transmitter device for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical ties 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 phic on 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 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 through a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from said keg containing said liquid t, wherein said tap handle bution 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 ption tap handle radio/processing module; tap handle g 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 r 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 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 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 itter device; and 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 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 ely and without user interaction; 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 properties and location of the keg and/or tap handle within the distribution network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device; n said keg distribution monitoring and reporting tus and said tap handle distribution monitoring and ing 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 t 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 t flow from the keg through said tap handle.

[Clause 44] The liquid t dispensing k of either clause 42 or clause 43, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises 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 ring and reporting apparatus for transmission of as ss 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.

[Clause 46] The liquid product dispensing network of any one of clauses 42 to 45, wherein either said keg distribution monitoring 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 .

[Clause 47] The liquid product dispensing network of any one of clauses 42 to 46, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting tus further comprises a battery and associated circuitry for operating said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus in a self-contained mode for at least three .

[Clause 48] A keg distribution monitoring and reporting network system, comprising: a small form factor keg sensor apparatus, comprising: a g adapted for fixed attachment to a keg; a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said g 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 icating to said radio/processing module physical properties associated with the keg including data ng to the identification and status of the keg; and radio frequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said radio/processing module for itting encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus; a y power supply fitting within and protected by said housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter device; a mobile communications device sing: phic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg bution network; and configured to receive and process said encrypted radio frequency s from said sensor apparatus passively and without user interaction; said mobile communications device further comprising: memory circuitry for g the data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution network; further comprising computer processing try for processing said data and executing said executable ctions for monitoring and reporting the al ties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device; and the mobile communications 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 sing location for a plurality of data collection functions.

[Clause 49] A method for monitoring and ing the physical properties and location of a keg within a keg distribution network 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 configured to operate in an encrypted non connectable mode; and associating with said radio transmitter device sensing circuitry for sensing and icating 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 comprising the steps of: associating radio frequency signal transmission circuitry with said radio/processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus; 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: geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry to a ity of locations within the keg distribution network; and configuring said mobile communications device to e and process said encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus passively and without user interaction; storing the data and computer processor executable ctions relating to the keg and the keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device; processing the data and ing 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 er processing circuitry within said mobile ications device, without otherwise using a k uplink/gateway circuit device; and the mobile communications device being operable within the distribution network for receiving 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 collection functions.

[Clause 50] A keg distribution network system, sing: a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network for monitoring and reporting the physical ties and location of a plurality 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 sensor apparatus, comprising: a housing adapted for fixed attachment to a keg; a radio transmitter device fitting 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 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 ted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus; a battery power supply g within and protected by said outer housing and electrically ng said radio transmitter device; 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 receive and process said ted radio frequency signals from said sensor 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; 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 distribution network, without otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device; and the mobile communications device being operable within the distribution k for ing the data from the radio transmitter and further icating information relating to the data with computer software s associated with the dispensing location for a plurality of data tion functions; and a keg distribution network communications try and information technology networks associated for providing communications t said plurality of keg distribution network ons.

[Clause 51] The network system, of any one of the preceding clauses: further comprising instructions and circuitry for permitting 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 ications such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, and one or more selected from long range communications networks and configured to communicate over ed communication channels to take advantage of available connection points.

[Clause 53] A liquid product distribution network monitoring and ing system, comprising: a tap handle flow bution 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 itting radiofrequency signals from said small form factor keg sensing 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 ng 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 bution network and configured to e 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 ng to the tap handle and the liquid product 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 tap handle within the liquid product distribution network.

[Clause 54] The tap handle distribution k monitoring and reporting system of clause 53, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus is fitted within said tap handle by taking the place of a standard tap handle ferrule.

[Clause 55] The liquid product distribution network monitoring and ing system of either clause 53 or clause 54, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises at least one self-contained sensor associated with said sensing circuitry for sensing r the tap handle is attached to a faucet.

[Clause 56] The liquid t distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any one of clauses 53 to 55, wherein said tap handle bution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises at least one self-contained sensor associated with said g circuitry for distinguishing between users who operate said tap handle.

[Clause 57] The liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system of any one of clauses 53 to 56, 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.

[Clause 58] The liquid product distribution network ring and reporting system of any one of clauses 53 to 57, said tap handle distribution monitoring and ing tus further sing instructions and circuitry for permitting a consumer mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus.

[Clause 59] The tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting device of any one of clauses 53 to 58, further comprising a battery and ated circuitry for ing said tap handle distribution in a ontained mode for at least two years.

[Clause 60] A method for monitoring and reporting the al ties 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 ing tus operating steps sing 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, sing the steps of: associating with said radio transmitter device g circuitry for sensing and communicating 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 transmitter 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, y 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 ications 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 receive and s said radiofrequency signals from said tap handle radio/processing device; g 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 executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the tap handle within the liquid product distribution network and communicating with the liquid product distribution network using computer processing circuitry within said mobile communications device and with the capability of not using a network uplink/gateway circuit ; and said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus ing steps comprising the steps of sensing flow of a liquid h a tap positioned to dispense a liquid from the keg.

[Clause 61] The method of clause 60, further comprising the step of fitting said tap handle bution ring and reporting apparatus within said tap handle by taking the place of a standard tap handle ferrule.

[Clause 62] The method of either clause 60 or clause 61, 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.

[Clause 63] The method of any one of s 60 to 62, 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 distinguishing between users who operate said tap handle.

[Clause 64] The method of any one of clauses 60 to 63, further comprising the step of operating said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting using a ity of LED lights, LCD display, or other display mechanism providing visual indication of alarms and operational status of the tap handle.

[Clause 65] The method of any one of clauses 60 to 64, further comprising the step of operating said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting using instructions and circuitry for permitting a er mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus.

[Clause 66] The method of any one of clauses 60 to 65, 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 monitoring and reporting apparatus during normal tap handle operations.

[Clause 67] The method of any one of clauses 60 to 66, further sing the use of an uplink gateway circuit device in the ion of said liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system.

[Clause 68] A liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising: 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 ing apparatus, or both said liquid product bution monitoring and reporting apparatus on a keg and said tap handle flow ring and reporting apparatus; said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting tus, comprising a small form factor keg sensing and reporting device positioned on a keg; and said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus sing try 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, wherein said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises: a tap handle radio transmitter device for fitting within or ured in integral ation 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 ated with said tap handle radio transmitter device for sensing and communicating to said tap handle radio/processing module physical ties 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 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 radiofrequency signals from said tap handle flow 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 protected by said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus and electrically powering said tap handle radio transmitter ; and a mobile communications device comprising geographic position sensing and cell radio circuitry for moving to a ity 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 ing apparatus and/or said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus passively and without user interaction; said mobile ications device r 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 processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring; and ing the physical properties and location of the keg within the liquid product distribution network, t otherwise using network uplink/gateway circuit device; wherein said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus and said tap handle flow monitoring and ing apparatus may operate independently or collaboratively for g and reporting the status of fluid storage, flow, and financial operations relating to the distribution of said liquid product hout the liquid product bution network.

[Clause 69] The liquid product sing network of clause 68, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting tus is fitted within said tap handle by taking the place of a standard tap handle ferrule.

[Clause 70] The liquid t dispensing network of either clause 68 or clause 69, 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 attached to a faucet.

[Clause 71] The liquid product dispensing network of any one of clauses 68 to 70, wherein said tap handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus further comprises at least one self-contained sensor associated with said g circuitry for distinguishing between users who operate said tap handle.

[Clause 72] The liquid product dispensing network of any one of clauses 68 to 71, further comprising instructions and circuitry for permitting a consumer mobile device to decode signal transmitted from said liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus.

Claims (5)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A keg distribution monitoring and reporting network system, comprising: a small form factor keg sensor tus, sing: a housing adapted for fixed attachment to a keg; a radio transmitter device fitting within and protected by said housing and sing a low-energy consumption radio/processing module and configured to operate in an encrypted, non-connectable mode; g circuitry associated with said radio itter device for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module al 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 housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter ; a mobile communications device comprising: phic position sensing and cell radio try for moving to a plurality of locations within the keg distribution network; and configured to receive and s said encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus passively and t user interaction; said mobile communications device further comprising: memory circuitry for storing the data and computer processor able instructions ng to the keg and the keg distribution network; 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 t 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.

2. A method for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of a keg within a keg distribution network 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 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 ated with the keg including data relating to the identification and status of the keg; the method further comprising the steps of: ating radio frequency signal transmission circuitry with said radio/processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor tus; and fitting a battery power supply within said housing and ically powering said radio transmitter device using said battery power ; 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 communications device to receive and process said encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus passively and without user interaction; storing the data and er processor executable instructions relating to the keg and the keg distribution in memory circuitry within said mobile communications device; processing the data and executing said executable ctions 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 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 sing location for a plurality of data collection functions.

3. A keg distribution network system, comprising: a plurality of locations within the keg distribution k for monitoring and ing the physical properties and on of a plurality 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 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 ured to e in an encrypted non-connectable mode; sensing circuitry associated with said radio itter device for sensing and communicating to said radio/processing module physical ties associated with the keg including data relating to the identification and status of the keg; and radio frequency signal transmission circuitry ated with said radio/processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor tus; a battery power supply fitting within and protected by said outer housing and electrically powering said radio transmitter device; 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 ured to receive and process said encrypted radio frequency signals from said sensor apparatus passively and t 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 distribution k; 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 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 r communicating information relating to the data with computer software systems associated with the dispensing on 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 locations.

4. The network system, of any one of the preceding claims: further comprising instructions and circuitry for permitting a mobile communications device to decode signal transmitted from said radio transmitter ; and further comprising a signal reader for communicating data relating to the physical properties and location of the keg within the keg distribution network.

5. The network system, of any one of the ing claims, 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, etc., and one or more selected from long-range communications ks such as LPWAN, cellular, etc. and configured to communicate over selected communication channels to take advantage of available connection points. [Annotation] philb 35:83; a % 2:33: E % % $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 [Annotation] philb ucer Microphone/ Sensor ation] philb B [Annotation] philb 246x.....................aa""" ““““(248 ’/ RegionY 42 , // ReglonZ a: 14 254 \‘x f 250 \i' ation] philb Cold Room Public Room