RU2809937C2 - Radio transmitter device for application in method and system for monitoring, control, and optimization of product consumption - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: control systems.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to monitoring, controlling, and/or optimizing consumption of products delivered to consumers through containers circulating in a distribution network. A faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device comprises: a faucet handle device for use with a liquid product dispensing faucet and in connection with a liquid product distribution network, comprising: a faucet handle radio transmitter device mounted within the faucet handle device and comprising: a low-power radio communication/processing module; a faucet handle sensing circuit for sensing and transmitting physical properties associated with the faucet handle and/or faucet and/or line and/or container attached to said faucet handle to the said radio communication/processing module, a faucet handle RF signal transmission circuit for transmitting radio frequency signals from the faucet handle radio transmitter device without using a geographic location diagram; and a faucet handle battery pack mounted inside the said outer casing, and a mobile communication device.

EFFECT: monitoring and reporting of the physical properties and location of a faucet handle in a liquid product distribution network.

18 cl, 67 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to the following provisional and regular applications, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference:

[0002] US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/339,513, entitled "MONITORING, CONTROL AND/OR OPTIMIZATION OF PRODUCT CONSUMPTION", filed May 20, 2016;

[0003] US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/363643 entitled "SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF LIQUID INSIDE KEGS", filed July 16, 2016;

[0004] U.S. Regular Patent Application No. 15/602,024, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING, CONTROL AND OPTIMIZING THE CONSUMPTION OF GOODS DELIVERED TO CONSUMERS THROUGH CONTAINERS CIRCULATING IN A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK", Patent Attorney Case KEGS001 US0TR filed May 22, 2017 ;

[0005] U.S. Regular Patent Application No. 15/602,029, entitled "DISTRIBUTION NETWORK FOR MONITORING, CONTROL AND OPTIMIZING THE CONSUMPTION OF LIQUID DRINKING PRODUCTS DELIVERED TO CONSUMERS VIA CONTAINERS", patent attorney case KEGS002US0, filed 22 May 2017;

[0006] US Patent Application for Design No. 29/604,979, entitled "RING RADIO TRANSMITTER", Patent Attorney Case KEGS001USD, filed July 16, 2016;

[0007] US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/551779 entitled "DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING THE USE OF FAUCET HANDLES", filed August 24, 2017; And

[0008] US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/664315, entitled "DEVICE, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING THE USE OF FAUCET HANDLES", filed April 30, 2018.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0009] The present invention generally relates to monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing the consumption of products delivered to consumers via containers circulating in a distribution network. Alternatively, the disclosed solution includes a radio transmitter and methods of operation for monitoring, controlling, and/or optimizing the use of equipment and/or resources distributed across a geographic region, moving between or among locations, and having application, content, or other related information about the condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0010] The beer industry in the United States and other countries includes a number of participants performing specific functions from producing beer to distributing beer to selling beer to consumers who ultimately drink and enjoy beer in its many forms. While the US has legal requirements to enforce a three-tier system, requiring all beer to go through a distributor or wholesaler, for many reasons the three-tier system is also the most common way the beer industry operates in most other countries. The distributor does on-site sales and marketing for the manufacturer, with distributors selling the beer to retailers who ultimately serve the beer consumer. Distributors also maintain cold storage warehouses to store beer and fleets of trucks to deliver beer to final destinations. The distributor also ensures that retailers always stock fresh beer. Some countries allow breweries to handle their own distribution, in which case the brewery has both production and distribution functions.

[0011] As is known, beer is sold to consumers in two main ways: in bottles and through kegs. Beer kegs are made of stainless steel or, less commonly, aluminum. A keg has a single hole at one end called a "passage." A pipe called a "tube" runs from this hole to the other end. Nowadays, most large breweries use kegs with an inner tube. There is a self-closing valve, opened by a connecting fitting, which is attached when using the keg for sale on tap. There is also a hole at the top of the tube that allows gas (usually carbon dioxide) to push the beer out of the keg. The connecting fitting has one or two valves that control the flow of beer from the keg and gas into the keg. The keg must be in a vertical position, i.e. with a hole at the top for dispensing beer. Attached to the valve on the keg is a line that runs to a tap handle where the beer is dispensed to customers.

[0012] Kegs are typically a brewery's second largest asset (the first being their production equipment) and the asset is not under its control. The average loss of kegs in this industry is 4% - 5% per year, with owners usually not knowing where or when they are losing them. Keg deposits are only $30-$50, while a keg's cost is $100-$150. The deposit does not cover the cost of the keg. Matching collateral between seller and recipient requires manual counting and is subject to error. To track the location of kegs, you must manually scan them at each location.

[0013] Kegs are often stolen or misplaced by vendors. Thus, when breweries need empty kegs, the required kegs are not available because they have not yet been returned. Without visibility into where kegs are and when they will be returned, it is difficult to predict and plan for demand.

[0014] Keg maintenance schedules are also very important to maintain product quality. However, without knowing the exact history of each keg, it is impossible to determine specific schedules. Without proper measurements, a brewery has little ability to optimize the use of its kegs. Keeping track of which kegs need servicing based on the number of uses in use requires manual counting and is prone to error. Keeping track of which kegs need cleaning and what type of cleaning based on number of uses also requires manual counting and is prone to error.

[0015] When kegs are returned, they must be manually scanned to determine the lot number, beer type, dates, etc. When scanning individual kegs as they enter and leave the warehouse, one mistake can lead to an inaccurate inventory count. Matching keg serial numbers to deliveries requires manual labor and is prone to error.

[0016] Tracking keg inventory in cold rooms, trucks, and warehouses requires manual counting and is prone to error. The use of cardboard tags to identify keg contents, fill dates, etc. - a common practice - is prone to error as such tags often come off. The result is that a retail outlet may inadvertently run out of a particular type of beer.

[0017] Beer is subject to aging, with some beer being better when fresh and some being better when aged. Unpasteurized beer must be stored below certain temperature limits to prevent spoilage. Thus, sensitivity to such product requirements poses a constant challenge for distributors and retailers, as errors can then affect consumer acceptance of the beer manufacturer's product.

[0018] The distributor's delivery truck is also an important part of the beer industry as it is the point where human limitations and incomplete information can lead to a variety of problems. Inside the truck it is difficult/impossible to tell exactly what kegs are in the truck. It is difficult to manage a group of drivers while monitoring compliance, making real-time route changes, etc. It is difficult to track day-to-day which kegs are on the truck and when the truck enters the delivery facility and picks up the load. Drivers may also try to turn off tracking to hide unscheduled stops. It is difficult to collect mileage and speed data from a truck. It is difficult to train new drivers on the route, and it is difficult for drivers to learn the nuances of their customers' requirements.

[0019] One way to solve these problems would be to use GPS tracking devices on beer kegs. However, tracking devices are often removed by the person stealing the keg. Most GPS tracking equipment costs a nominal $100 as it includes a cellular radio, GPS radio, etc. GPS tracking equipment is also bulky and requires power to operate. Most GPS tracking equipment requires a cellular data plan to communicate back to the owner. This monthly fee is not acceptable for a beer keg. This cost and associated complications make GPS trackers for beer kegs unsuitable.

[0020] Although a brewery/distributor sells a keg to a retailer (i.e., restaurant, bar, etc.), this does not mean that the keg is offered for sale on tap (i.e., pints of it are offered for sale). Thus, the brewery/distributor does not know whether the retailer needs a new keg or not. Therefore, it is necessary for the brewery and distributor to review the seller's account to verify that the keg is sold by the glass. The brewery and distributor also want to know if the keg is “full at the restaurant,” “empty at the distributor,” and other logical states and transitions. Collecting this information can be very time-consuming and complex, requiring multiple trips just to maintain the information.

[0021] Once the keg reaches the retailer, it is difficult to determine when the taproom line may run out due to the keg being in the refrigerated compartment. The retailer would like to know how many units can be sold, but tracking keg levels using point-of-sale (POS) applications is inaccurate due to differences in how beer is served and when and how kegs are replaced. Flow meters that measure how much liquid is drawn from the keg (and thus how full the keg is) should be installed (1) in a line between the keg and the handle at the bar; or (2) inside a valve attached to the keg; or (3) inside the valve in the handle. Again there is the problem of correlating keg changes with flow meter measurements. Measuring the level of a liquid inside a container often requires making a pass through the container. Solutions for weighing a keg to determine how full it is may also require weighing each keg individually, and the scales may interfere with racking and must be moved between kegs. All of this adds undue complexity to the use of kegs and the skills that retailers and consumers use when using kegs.

[0022] There is also an opportunity to improve the relationship between the brewer and the consumer. In the market, it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of marketing for a specific beer. Consumers want to order beer they like. Consumers would like to know when their favorite beer will be available near them. When a favorite beer isn't available, consumers want recommendations for something else to try. When traveling, it is difficult for a consumer to find a place and what he wants. Breweries would like to attract the attention of new consumers. It is difficult to guess at a consumer's beverage consumption preferences (i.e., type of beer). The retailer's point of sale terminal often cannot distinguish which beer was sold. Consumers may want to order a specific type of beer. Consumers also like to know when promotions are running.

[0023] Given the above factors, the modern beer industry requires significant improvements in the supply chain involving breweries, distributors, retailers and consumers. There is a need to significantly improve the use and monitoring of beer kegs throughout the beer supply chain, both for the profitability of this industry and for the protection and convenience of consumers. However, prior to the present invention, such improvements have not been effective in providing satisfactory solutions to these problems and opportunities.

[0024] In many applications, it is not currently possible or economical to provide a fill level measuring device on a portable fluid container where remote determination of the fluid level within the container from a third location is desired. This capability may be desirable for a variety of reasons, such as preventing inventory depletion, optimizing delivery and distribution schedules and/or inventory levels, analyzing fluid usage over time, meeting product freshness requirements, etc.

[0025] Due to pressure, temperature or fluid holding requirements, many portable fluid containers are made of metal. The metal prevents radio and visible light detection systems from detecting fluid levels outside the container. Thus, most fluid measurement systems for metal containers require either penetration into the container (ultrasonic reflections, floats), or are weight-based (measuring the weight of the container), or are based on flow measurement (measuring the amount of contents exiting the container). Each of these solutions has limitations.

[0026] Container penetrating systems are expensive to implement on existing containers. In addition, some fluid containers (eg beer kegs) have strict cleaning requirements that any system within the container must meet. When the contents are flammable (such as propane), it is difficult to safely implement electrical circuits inside the container. The systems existing inside the container must withstand all temperature extremes intended for the container and its contents. Beer kegs require steam disinfection. Propane tanks require extreme cold as the liquid evaporates. These requirements make measurement systems existing inside a container expensive and difficult to implement.

[0027] Alternatively, the container may have a weighing system outside the main vessel. These types of systems are expensive and require modification of the holding vessel since the measuring device must support the full weight of the vessel and its contents. Reliable operation of such devices on various surfaces - from uneven floors to open lattice shelves - is difficult to achieve. These types of fluid measurement systems are difficult to implement, heavy, and expensive.

[0028] Flow-based systems measure the fluid leaving the vessel. If such a system is built into a container, it suffers the same difficulties listed above as any measuring system that penetrates the container. Where such a system is located outside the container, established distribution methods such as standardized connections and container sizes make modification of the container impractical. To achieve compatibility with existing fluid dispensing systems, any such flow measurement device must not change the size, shape or required connection of the container. In addition, the device must not be easily detached from the container. These requirements make flow metering devices impractical for use on portable containers.

[0029] Flow measurement systems are primarily used in lines that are connected to a fluid container. When using this method, it is difficult for the flow-based measuring device to distinguish between full and partially full containers. These types of measuring devices have the limitation that they do not take into account which container they are attached to. Merely measuring the amount of fluid passing through a line may not accurately determine the fill level of a container, since it is not known how full the container was to begin with or how much of the flow is attributed to one container versus another. In particular, beer kegs may be frequently connected and disconnected (for example, to regularly clean the line) while the keg is still being emptied, making it difficult to keep track of when a new container is joined to the line.

[0030] Filling systems that maintain constant container pressure (eg, keg beer dispensing systems) do not provide a means to directly measure the volume of fluid using pressure. Beer kegs are very sensitive to bacterial contamination, and any measuring system that comes into contact with the fluid must be easy to disinfect and maintain. Flammable contents, such as those found in propane tanks, make it difficult to safely make electrical connections within the containment container. Heat requirements (such as in the case of steam processing) prevent the use of many conventional fill level detection mechanisms based on being inside the container.

[0031] Established distribution methods, such as standardized connections and container sizes, make it impractical to add a fluid transfer measurement device to a container if doing so would change the size, shape, or required connection of the container. Fluid sensing devices that are in line with the container connection rather than attached to the container itself are unreliable. These types of measuring devices have the limitation that they do not take into account which container they are attached to. Merely measuring the amount of fluid passing through a line may not accurately determine the fill level of a container, since it is not known how full the container was to begin with or how much of the flow is attributed to one container versus another.

[0032] Many fluid measurement systems for pressure containers are not economically feasible in terms of the cost of the container and/or its contents. When containers are changed frequently (beer kegs, consumer propane tanks), the supplier must consider the cost of loss or damage to the container. Fluid level measurement is most valuable when it can be performed remotely, without the need for constant access to the container. In addition to the fluid level, remote identification of a given container and its specific contents is also important.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Taking into account the above-mentioned challenges of the brewing industry at each of the brewery, distributor, retailer and consumer levels, the present disclosure presents numerous innovations, improvements and inventions related to monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing the flow of products delivered to consumers via containers, that circulate in the distribution network. The disclosed solution includes a method and system for monitoring, managing, and/or optimizing the use of equipment and/or resources distributed over a geographic region, moving between or among locations, and having application, content, or other related status information.

[0034] In accordance with one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system including a keg distribution monitoring and reporting device for operation in conjunction with a faucet handle device for flow monitoring and reporting. The keg distribution monitoring and reporting device includes a radio transmitter device comprising a low power consumption radio communication/processing module. The sensing circuit is coupled to a radio transmitter device for sensing and transmitting to the radio communication/processing module physical property parameters associated with the keg. The RF signal transmission circuitry is coupled to a radio communication/processing module for transmitting RF signals without the use of geolocation or cellular radio circuitry.

[0035] The faucet handle device for monitoring and reporting flow includes circuitry for sensing the flow of liquid through a faucet located for dispensing liquid from a keg. The faucet handle device for monitoring and reporting flow includes a faucet handle radio transmitter device that is mounted inside and protected by the faucet handle and contains a low power consumption faucet handle radio communication/processing module. The faucet handle sensing circuit is coupled to the faucet handle radio transmitter device to sense and transmit to the faucet handle radio communication/processing module physical property parameters associated with the liquid dispensed from the keg.

[0036] The faucet handle RF signal transmission circuitry is coupled to the faucet handle radio communication/processing module for transmitting RF signals from the faucet handle device to monitor and report flow rates without the use of geolocation circuitry or cellular radio communication. The faucet handle battery power supply is installed inside the faucet handle, protected by it, and provides electrical power to the faucet handle radio transmitter device.

[0037] A mobile communications device including geolocation sensing and cellular radio circuitry for moving to multiple locations within a keg distribution network and configured to selectively receive and process radio frequency signals from a small form factor reporting device and/or a faucet handle device to monitor and report consumption passively and without user interaction. The mobile communication device further includes memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor-executable instructions related to the keg and the keg distribution network. The mobile communication device further includes computer processing circuitry for processing data and executing executable instructions to monitor and report the physical properties and location of a keg within a keg distribution network without the use of another network uplink/gateway circuitry device.

[0038] The keg distribution monitoring and reporting device and the flow monitoring and reporting faucet handle device may operate independently or jointly to sense and report fluid storage status, flow rates, and financial transactions related to liquid product distribution throughout the product distribution network. .

[0039] The liquid product distribution network of the present invention includes a radio transmitter that provides wireless communication to accurately identify kegs even when they are not visible/accessible. The radio transmitter also enables accurate inventory of kegs in the warehouse. The radio transmitter also provides automatic real-time correlation of returned kegs, as well as keg location and cold storage inventory. The radio transmitter allows the use of ordinary mobile phones to detect kegs within a 100' ft radius, in the background, without any manual intervention and from a distance when the kegs are not visible.

[0040] The radio transmitter provides the ability to automatically and accurately correlate keg serial numbers for deposit matching and inventory maintenance. The radio transmitter and associated software make it easy to view keg contents, filling dates, etc. In this case, a regular mobile phone can be used, as well as kegs with tags for maintenance based on the number of revolutions during operation.

[0041] Since the radio transmitter allows the keg to be uniquely identified as well as its distributor and brand, the status of the keg can be automatically communicated to the brewery/distributor. The distribution network mechanism for determining how full each keg is is fixed to the keg and does not require the kegs to be moved to a scale for weighing. A radio transmitter connects within the distribution network to automatically transmit fill data to the appropriate brewery/distributor.

[0042] When using a cell phone communication system, the radio transmitter does not require its own GPS and cellular radios, so it can cost ten dollars or less. The radio transmitter also doesn't require a monthly cellular plan, has a small form factor, and can last five years on a regular lithium battery. Operating nominally for five years, the radio transmitter fits within the normal five-year keg maintenance cycle. The distribution network includes a keg level measurement system that does not require entry into the container. The keg level measurement system isolates acoustic measurements by: (1) using ambient noise suppression; (2) synchronizing measurements to match the acoustic pulse generated by a specific keg. The level measurement system is non-continuous, saving power when not measuring, and requires no line penetrations or modification of handles/taps.

[0043] The distribution network includes a truck reader enabling real-time inventory of the distribution truck. By placing antennas on the ends of the wires, the truck's main reader unit can be hidden and/or mounted under the dashboard or seats. By connecting the ODB2 connector in the delivery truck, this unit can be easily installed, while it can collect mileage, speed and other data from the vehicle. By integrating a Wi-Fi antenna, the unit can “store and forward” - collecting data during the day and automatically downloading it at night when the truck returns to base. The truck reader acts as an information database for delivery drivers, tracking the information they need to make deliveries, such as parking location instructions, lockout or access codes, best times of day to make deliveries, consumer contacts and instructions, etc. d.

[0044] The truck reader allows for real-time monitoring of trucks and drivers. For example, a truck reader can determine which driver is closest to a required delivery, and whether drivers remain on their routes or make unscheduled stops, etc.

[0045] By collecting data about the location and history of kegs or handles, the distribution network determines state transitions for the kegs. Some of the state transitions are determined retroactively. For example, the absence of readings after a certain period of time may retroactively detect a state transition that occurred at the beginning of that period. Call redirects between receiving devices and locations may detect state changes. For example, a keg that was detected by a cold store reader but is then no longer detected by that reader and then detected by a truck reader could cause the status to change to "delivered."

[0046] The distribution network may determine that the keg has been delivered to a merchant (ie, a consumer, such as a restaurant/bar), but may not know which merchant or exactly when. If a mobile sensor (e.g. a mobile phone) detects/determines by contact the presence of a keg at a location, then the distribution network determines which retailer the keg was delivered to and can retroactively determine the delivery schedule and other information since it now knows which retailer received the keg .

[0047] Using store and forward, the mobile sensor can download statistical information from the radio transmitter 16 when it detects it from the merchant. Using mesh networking, storage and forwarding at the retailer, an arriving keg can announce its arrival to other kegs at the retailer. When one of the older kegs leaves the seller and returns to the brewery, it forwards information from the keg that just arrived when the seller had it.

[0048] The distribution network includes a weighing mat that can integrate branding such that a given keg type is associated with a location on the mat. The brewery can be responsible for its portion of the mat, allowing the total mat area to gradually increase over time. The mat wirelessly detects where kegs are on the mat using a radio transmitter to determine which keg is being weighed. By correlating the decrease in keg levels with beverage purchases, it is possible to determine which consumer made a purchase from which keg. Once the keg is identified, the brewery, beer type, beer production date, etc. can be recognized.

[0049] By matching a consumer's location with a keg's location, the consumer can be notified (1) when a keg of their favorite beer is on tap; (2) the closest location to buy 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 becomes available for sale on tap, the release for sale action can trigger alerts to consumers indicating that the keg is now available.

[0050] The distribution network may indicate that other beers currently available on tap are similar to what the consumer likes/has bought before/what his friends like/what others are drinking/what's popular/freshest/most aged/ what is seasonal or special/what comes from a local brewery/what comes from a brewery far away/what has special ingredients/what is limited supply. The distribution network may indicate that other beers currently available on tap are similar to what the consumer likes/has purchased before/etc., thereby introducing the consumer to new breweries. The distribution network may indicate the date each beer was produced, how long it was aged, how long it was sold on tap, etc.

[0051] By comparing a consumer's purchase of a product with the marketing done to the consumer, the effectiveness of the marketing can be determined and thereby improve future marketing. The brewery may allow the consumer to "be in charge" of the keg so that the consumer is notified where the keg is being shipped, when it arrives at locations, etc. If a consumer wants to be responsible for a keg of only a certain type of beer, the container can be allocated to his responsibility each time he brews, so he "owns" the specific keg, even if the actual container is different each time the beer is brewed. This allows the brewery to properly rotate its kegs while allowing the consumer to know that they are responsible for one keg.

[0052] The present invention describes a system and mechanism for remotely determining the fill level of a fluid container.

The present invention for remote container fill level sensing satisfies the above needs by being able to work with metal containers while being small and inexpensive to adapt to existing containers. Since the fill level does not penetrate the main container of the container, there is the advantage of not having to expand or modify the container or its valves and connections. The system and mechanism of the present invention do not directly contact the body of the main vessel or the fluid inside and do not need to be protected from the heat of sterilization and the cold of evaporation.

[0053] These and numerous other technical and performance advantages will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of the present specification on which the claims herein are based in their entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] New features considered distinctive for the disclosed invention are set forth in the claims below. The disclosed invention itself, as well as the preferred embodiment, other objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood with reference to the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Thus, having described the invention in general terms, reference is made below to the accompanying drawings, not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates the architecture of a liquid product distribution network according to the present invention;

[0057] in FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a radio transmitter according to the present invention;

[0058] in FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a printed circuit board (PCB) and battery pack assembly in accordance with the present invention, including components for performing the described functions;

[0059] in FIG. 4 shows an assembled radio transmitter in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary method of attaching a radio transmitter of the present invention to the rim of a keg;

[0061] in FIG. 6 shows an alternative switch configuration that uses the metal surface of the keg to activate the radio transmitter;

[0062] in FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a tamper-evident mechanism for holding and securing a radio transmitter to the rim of a keg;

[0063] in FIG. 8A-8C show a radio transmitter locking mechanism for attaching a radio transmitter of the present invention to the rim of a keg;

[0064] in FIG. 9 shows an alternative locking mechanism for securing the radio transmitter around the keg handle;

[0065] in FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a fluid level sensing mechanism for determining keg volume;

[0066] in FIG. 11A-11C illustrate various embodiments of mounting a radio transmitter and volume monitoring device in accordance with the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of an authenticated fastening mechanism for securing a radio transmitter to a keg;

[0068] FIG. 13 is a circuit block diagram of a radio transmitter architecture in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the system disclosed herein;

[0069] FIG. 14A and 14B depict various hardware for use on a distribution truck operating in a liquid product distribution network in accordance with the present invention;

[0070] in FIG. 15 illustrates various exemplary events that may affect keg state transitions when monitored kegs 14 move from different geographic regions;

[0071] in FIG. 16 shows the arrangement of various kegs 14 on an exemplary mat for use in a system according to the present invention;

[0072] FIG. 17 illustrates improved keg utilization, monitoring, and reporting between operations occurring in a cold room and operations occurring in a public space such as a restaurant or other location;

[0073] FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary radio transmitter signal reader for detecting and measuring tags in accordance with the present invention;

[0074] in FIG. 19 illustrates a location of a fill reader in connection with a refrigerator compartment or other location for detecting and reporting the status of a plurality of kegs;

[0075] FIG. 20 illustrates the principle of using faucet handles as a mechanism for monitoring the flow rate of beer or other liquid in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[0076] FIG. 21 shows how a faucet handle in accordance with the present invention may be designed to enable sensing and reporting of liquid dispensing;

[0077] FIG. 22-24 depict various alternative embodiments of a faucet handle mechanism for measuring and reporting flow rates of the method and system disclosed herein;

[0078] FIG. 25-26 depict various alternative embodiments of a faucet handle arrangement for measuring and reporting flow in accordance with the method and system disclosed herein;

[0079] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a radio transmitter architecture for a flow metering and reporting faucet handle device disclosed herein, in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

[0080] FIG. 28 shows a schematic diagram of a faucet handle device for measuring and reporting flow in accordance with the present invention;

[0081] FIG. 29 illustrates a connection diagram of a faucet handle metering and reporting device disclosed herein;

[0082] FIG. 30A and 30B show an electrical connection structure for a faucet handle circuit for flow metering and reporting in accordance with the present invention;

[0083] FIG. 31A-31C illustrate a preferred embodiment of a faucet handle device for measuring and reporting flow rate for operation in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention;

[0084] FIG. 32A - 32C show an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] FIG. 33 shows a fully assembled embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 32A-32C;

[0086] FIG. 34 - 36 represent additional alternative embodiments of a faucet handle device for measuring and reporting flow rate in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0087] FIG. 37 illustrates an example monitoring device screen that may be used in FIG. 19;

[0088] FIG. 38A and 38B illustrate how a liquid distribution network in accordance with the present invention can sense the status of a keg in a refrigerator compartment with the metal door closed.

[0089] FIG. 39 depicts a layered structure of a weighing mat according to the disclosure of the present invention; 40

[0090] FIG. 40 shows a weighing or measuring device for integration within a weighing mat according to the present invention;

[0091] FIG. 41 illustrates the connection of a keg radio transmitter to a weigh mat in accordance with the present invention;

[0092] in FIG. 42 shows a potential configuration of stacked kegs 14 that can be measured and monitored using a weighing mat in accordance with the present invention;

[0093] in FIG. 43-46 show various screens of a mobile device application for the present invention;

[0094] FIG. 47-49 illustrate exemplary screens that may find use on mobile phones and tablets for detecting and reporting kegs or pens at various locations and data useful for monitoring and reporting in accordance with the present invention;

[0095] FIG. 50 illustrates an application marketing feedback loop according to the present invention.

[0096] FIG. 51A-51D illustrate data that can be reported by software according to the present invention;

[0097] FIG. 52 illustrates a display of a system account editor according to the present invention; And

[0098] in FIG. 53 further illustrates information that can be generated by the system of the present invention when delivering a plurality of devices and measuring and reporting faucet handle flow rates.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0099] 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 illustrate the invention and not to be limiting. Although the invention is broadly applicable to various types of systems, it is not possible to include all possible applications and situations of application of the invention in this description. After reading this description, many alternative embodiments of the present invention will be clear to one skilled in the art.

[0100] FIG. 1 illustrates the architecture of a liquid product distribution network according to the present invention. The liquid distribution network 10 (or distribution network) is a system for monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing the consumption of products delivered to customers via containers entering the distribution network. Alternatively, distribution network 10 is a system for monitoring, controlling, and/or optimizing the use of equipment and/or resources distributed in a geographic region, moving between or among locations, and having application, content, or other related status information .

[0101] FIG. 1 shows the distribution network 10, which can be assumed to begin at the keg section 12 14, where the kegs 14 and either the sensor or radio transmitter 16 can operate either separately or in concert, with the faucet handle arrangement explained and described below for monitoring and expense messages. It should be noted that the description of FIG. 1, in the embodiment disclosed herein, may be applied to a sensor and radio transmitter 16 located on the keg 14, or, as will be described in more detail below, may be applied to a faucet handle device for monitoring and reporting flow. The sensor and radio transmitter 16 disclosed herein, as well as the faucet handle device for monitoring and reporting flow, can perform similar functions for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of products in a distribution network, such as a beer distribution network. Thus, the sensor and radio transmitter 16, as well as the faucet handle device described later for monitoring and reporting flow, can operate in concert or separately. These initial aspects of the present description accordingly focus on the sensor and radio transmitter 16. This will be followed by a more detailed description of the faucet handle arrangement for monitoring and reporting flow. Thus, both the sensor and the radio transmitter 16, as well as the structure and function of the faucet handle device described herein for monitoring and reporting, are within the scope of the inventions of the present disclosure.

[0102] Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, tap handles may indicate the presence of each section 12 of kegs 14 and a plurality of liquid product containers, in this case kegs 14, may form part of a distribution network 10. Through the use of sensors and radio transmitters 16 associated with kegs 14, a mesh network 18 is formed. The mesh network 18 has functions applicable to breweries 20, trucks 22, warehouses 24, cold stores 26, restaurants 28 and vendors 30, and even event venues 32 .

[0103] The sensor/data acquisition section 34 is adjacent to the keg section 12 14 as a further integral part of the distribution network 10 . The sensor/data acquisition section 34 may have multiple devices receiving output from the keg section 12 14. The stationary reader 36 may receive information from the mesh network 18 as well as from mobile devices such as mobile device 38, mobile device 40, and mobile device 42 As used herein, sensing device 36/38 refers to either the stationary reader 36 and/or the mobile devices 38, 40, 42, whichever is most appropriate for the particular context.

[0104] The sensor/data acquisition section 34 also communicates via interface 44 with management software such as ERP system software 46, POS system software 48, and CMS system software 50. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software 46 provides brewery management software functions. POS system software 48 provides the functionality of point of sale systems. And the CMS system software 50 provides consumer management software functions for the distribution network 10.

[0105] Server section 52 provides an interface between distribution network 10 and the Internet 54. Using server computers 52, server section 52 makes available to distribution network 10 all application data and other resources that may reside on the Internet and that may be applicable to the operation of the network. 10 spread.

[0106] The reporting/marketing/sales (RMS) section 58 provides accounting and management functions through the mobile device 60, which may be any of the mobile devices 38, 40, or 42. Additionally, computers, such as desktop computers or mainframe computers 62, may interact with the distribution network 10 through communication with the server section 52. Using said RMS section 58, breweries 20, distributors 64, retailers 30, and consumers 66 can benefit from the operation of the distribution network 10.

[0107] In addition, there is a delivery section 68, which can be considered either an addition to or part of the distribution network 10. The delivery section 68 may include a plurality of delivery trucks 70 equipped with various communication and display hardware 72 for communicating with the mesh network 18 and individual radio transmitters 16 mounted on the kegs or handles 14.

[0108] In the distribution network system 10, radio transmitters 16 are attached to kegs 14 or other trackable elements. The tracked kegs 14 are not fixed in a geographic location, but move depending on the needs of the business tracking them, and thus the transmitters move in a geographic location. The stationary reader 36 and mobile devices 38, 40, 42 act as sensors and may or may not have fixed geographic locations.

[0109] The distribution network 10 software allows the location of each keg 14 to be automatically reported, as well as the status and/or condition of the contents of each keg 14, and the status and position of each handle. In many applications, tracking the status/contents of a keg 14 is more important than simply the location of the keg 14 . For example, in the brewing industry, a 14 keg might go from "Empty" to "Filled with IPA" to "IPA at Distributor" to "IPA at Consumer" to "IPA on tap at Consumer" to “Empty at the Consumer”, etc. The distribution network 10 software automatically detects and updates the known state of the contents of each keg 14 as follows.

[0110] Exemplary events that may influence a state transition include: entering or exiting a geographic region; approaching or moving away from the stationary reader 36; receiving an input event from the corresponding system; sensors on the radio transmitter itself 14; etc. The kegs 14 have wireless radio transmitters 16. The location of the radio transmitter 16 on the keg 14 may be at various locations on the keg 14 that may be more advantageous for sensor readings, calculation accuracy, and/or wireless signal reception. The radio transmitters 16 are attached to the outside of the keg 14 without modification or penetration and have no direct way of measuring the liquid level inside or the weight of the keg 14.

[0111] The propagation network 10 software does not need to collect all measurements before calculating the state transition. The distribution network 10 software may be distributed among a plurality of sensor radio transmitters 16, as well as a plurality of mobile devices 38, as well as stationary readers 36, as well as server computers 56 in a cloud 54 on the Internet. Each of them is considered a node in the distribution network 10. Any node in the distribution network 10 may have the authority to detect a change in the state of the keg 14 or mesh network 18 and then report that change to the rest of the distribution network 10. RMS section 58 allows arbitration of all such state changes and recording of the final state of kegs 14 or mesh networks 18 for reporting to the user.

[0112] There may be buffering/delay between triggering events in the operation of the propagation network 10 and the eventual propagation of state changes to the rest of the propagation network 10. This is because the collection from radio transmitters 16, reading and/or collection of data on stationary readers 36 or mobile devices 38, communication with the server section 52 may not take place in real time. For example, reading and/or collection by the stationary reader 36 may occur when there is no available connection to the distribution network 10. In this case, the data is buffered until the connection is established, and then changes in the state of the keg 14 are propagated through the distribution network 10.

[0113] Examples of applications supporting distribution network 10 include keg 14 and contents tracking, delivery truck communications 70, tracking the status and location of industrial or contractor equipment, transportation, tools and usage, rental properties, railroad cars, pets, shopping carts, portable toilets, storage containers, food or beverage or product delivery containers, fuel cells or containers, etc.

[0114] The distribution network 10 provides optimization and efficiency in the delivery, loading and tracking of kegs 14 and/or the contents of kegs 14. Tracking of kegs 14 and detailed knowledge of the contents of kegs 14 provide the ability to automatically change restaurant menus, automatically organize inventory, data for production forecasts suppliers, automated marketing and promotional communications, automated real-time inventory in warehouses and storage areas such as cold storage, automatic check-in and verification of containers, and optimization of replenishment delivery schedules and/or routing. The distribution network 10 also makes it possible to determine how long the keg 14 or similar piece of equipment has been in service to trigger maintenance schedules, automatically generate invoices, monitor lease compliance, and generate alarms. The distribution network 10 further allows for monitoring the temperature of the contents for legal and regulatory compliance, reporting the "proper" condition of the contents of the keg 14, and reporting high/low temperature procedures.

[0115] Wireless technologies that the distribution network 10 may employ include Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, GPRS, GSM, CDMA, ultrasonic, infrared, etc.; Example wire technologies that can be applied are Ethernet, optical, serial, etc. The wireless communication capability 38 means that scanning of kegs and handles 14 can occur automatically, in the background, without any manual interaction.

[0116] Wireless scanning can occur at a distance without the kegs or handles 14 being visible. Wireless scanning can occur at a distance without special equipment. The use of mobile devices 38 means that any user can detect kegs 14 within a radius of 100' feet, which radius depends on the specific capabilities of the mobile device. Wireless connectivity allows automatic, real-time detection of container status without manual scanning. Wireless connectivity allows container locations to be automatically determined in real time without manual scanning. The radio transmitter can even operate inside palletized and stacked clusters of multiple kegs or in cases or boxes containing multiple handles 14.

[0117] Using known mobile devices 38, the radio transmitter 16 does not require its own GPS and cellular radios, so it can cost about $10 or less. Radio 16 also doesn't require a monthly cellular plan, has a small form factor, and can last five years on a regular lithium battery. Operating nominally for five years, the radio transmitter fits within the normal five-year keg maintenance cycle.

[0118] Radio transmitter 16 takes advantage of available connection points. If a stationary reader 36 or a mobile device 38 is nearby, the radio transmitter 16 will default to communicating with that device. However, if neither of them is nearby, the radio transmitter 16 may choose to upgrade the communication to Wi-Fi. However, if Wi-Fi is also unavailable, radio transmitter 16 may choose to upgrade the communication to cellular data. This way, communications are extended to higher-cost media only when needed.

[0119] By using the store-and-forward function, the distribution network 10 can send only summary information (eg, position once a day) over the cellular data network and store the entire history locally for download later when a less expensive ( i.e. free) environment.

[0120] The point of sale terminal, POS 48, may provide sales data either directly to the sensor/data acquisition section 34 or to the Internet at the server section 52. Server section 52 aggregates data and performs calculations to determine fill levels of each keg 14 and delivers the resulting data and reports to breweries 20, distributors 64, retailers 30, and/or consumers 66. Additionally, server section 52 performs actions based on the determined fill data. for example, automatically reorders inventory.

[0121] Available direct or indirect communication mechanisms and/or protocols include wired, wireless, wireless dynamic, peer-to-peer, audio, optical, radio, serial, TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, etc. The mobile device 38 may have a wireless connection to the Internet (e.g., Wi-Fi), while the stationary reader 36 inside the refrigerator compartment in the keg section 12 14 may require a non-wireless connection (e.g., Ethernet or serial line) due to shielding of wireless communication by the walls of the refrigerator compartment .

[0122] The distribution network 10 allows delivery data to be collected. Each radio transmitter 16 has a unique identifier (ID) and can store information about the kegs 14 on which it is attached, either in its own storage device or on a computer server 56. Such history includes the date of delivery to retailer 30, what product is in keg 14, what type of product it is, when it was brewed, when keg 14 was filled, which distributor 64 delivered keg 14, temperature changes over time, etc. If this data is stored on the radio transmitter 16, another radio transmitter 16 can send the data using a mesh network, and/or the stationary reader 36 and/or the mobile device 38 receives the data and sends it to the server section computer 56; otherwise, the data is already on the server computer 56 and is indexed by a unique identifier. Additionally, location, market data, sales history, and other information about the seller 64 are stored on the server computer 56. All this information is provided to calculate the fill level of keg 14.

[0123] The distribution network 10 allows location data to be collected through the stationary reader 36. By analyzing the wireless signals received from each keg 14, the stationary reader 36 can determine the distance from each of its antennas or each of its antennas to each keg 14. This information can be used to generate a three-dimensional estimate of the location of each keg 14. A stationary reader 36 is located in the refrigerator compartment to enable the distance of each keg 14 from the bottling lines to be determined. Typically, the stationary reader 36 may be placed near the location where the draft lines pass through the wall of the cold room into the public draft sales area of the retailer 30, and/or may be positioned vertically to best measure stacked kegs 14 and/or kegs 14 on shelves. Location data is provided to calculate the fill level of the keg 14.

[0124] The distribution network 10 allows data to be collected on empty kegs 14. Conventional cold stores are overfilled and empty kegs 14 are typically not stored there. The keg 14 exiting the refrigeration chamber is an indicator of whether the keg 14 is full or empty—whether it has been used for sale on tap or not, and this data is provided to calculate the fill level of the keg 14.

[0125] The distribution network 10 allows data to be collected at a distance. The distance of each keg 14 from the wall of the tap room is an indication of whether the keg 14 has been used for sale on tap or not, and this data is provided to calculate the fill level of the keg 14.

[0126] The distribution network 10 allows delivery date data to be collected. Since kegs 14 are typically used for sale by the glass in order of delivery, the delivery date is provided to calculate the fill level of the keg 14. Additionally, the delivery date provides a lag measurement for other events, such as the keg 14 leaving the refrigeration chamber.

[0127] The distribution network 10 allows data to be collected at the radio transmitter 16. The radio transmitters 16 of the distribution network 10 may have additional sensors on them (such as a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, etc.), with a stationary reader 36 collecting data from these sensors and provides them for calculating the fill level of keg 14.

[0128] The distribution network 10 allows data to be collected from the inputs to calculate the fill level of the keg 14. The stationary reader 36, mobile devices 38, and radio transmitters 16 allow the data to be collected for use in methods that determine the fill level of each keg 14.

[0129] The distribution network 10 allows the collection of product information data. The distribution network 10 knows the brand and product in each keg 14 and thus the type of product (IPA, Pilsner, Porter, Bock, etc.). The brand, product, product type and current sales volume for each such product are provided to calculate the fill level of the keg 14.

[0130] The distribution network 10 allows data to be collected on the history of the keg 14. The server section 52 collects statistical data (e.g., sales volume for each brand, product, type, etc.) for each calendar day (e.g., weekdays and holidays ) and day of the week (e.g. weekday or weekend) and provides them for calculating the fill level of the keg 14.

[0131] The distribution network 10 allows data to be collected about merchants 30. Server section 52 stores information about each merchant 30 (e.g., zip code, sales statistics, etc.), which data is provided to calculate the fill level of keg 14 .

[0132] The distribution network 10 allows the collection of handle data, such as whether the handle is on the faucet, what position the handle is in, when and how long the faucet remains open, etc.

[0133] The propagation network 10 allows the significance of each data element to be collected to calculate the fill level of the keg 14. Significance weights are calculated from the provided input values, and then applied to each input value along with thresholds to determine probabilistic answers to the following questions:

[0134] - Is keg 14: (1) full and set for sale by the glass; (2) actually available by the glass; or (3) emptied and removed from sale by bottle?

[0135] - If (2) keg 14 is on sale by the glass, how full is it?

[0136] - If keg 14 is not empty yet, when is it expected to be empty?

[0137] - What is the volume of product consumption in each keg 14 at seller 30?

[0138] To answer each of the above questions, a margin of error is also determined, with the margin of error being fed back into the calculation. When the calculated probability answer is determined to be higher than the specified threshold for each question, the question is considered to have that answer.

[0139] Some inputs provide a verified answer to a question. For example, if keg 14 is returned to distributor 64 after it has been delivered to retailer 30 and has remained in the refrigeration compartment long enough to be emptied, then calculations may confirm that keg 14 has been emptied. When it is verified that kegs 14 have moved from being sold on bottle to being emptied and removed from sale by bottle, previous time estimates are compared to the actual time and feedback is applied to the calculation to improve the estimates.

[0140] The distribution network 10 also supports actions that can be initiated based on the results of the calculations. For example: automatic reordering; updating the website or publicly displaying products that are on tap or planned to be on tap; notifying interested users of the current or expected condition(s) of the keg(s) - for example, notifying the person responsible for keg 14 that their keg 14 will be used for sale on tap, is on sale on tap, or has been emptied; input of keg 14 emptying rate into product forecasts; and so on.

[0141] An alternative embodiment of the distribution network 10 may not include a stationary reader 36. When it is not possible to install a stationary reader 36 inside a retailer's cold room, the radio transmitter 16 on the kegs 14 may operate in a bidirectional mode. In this mode, data is transferred between kegs 14 regarding their position and/or to determine their position in the refrigeration compartment, and/or to calculate their fill level. Each keg 14 stores all or part of the data about the kegs 14 in the refrigerator compartment, and later, when the keg 14 leaves the refrigerator compartment, the data stored on the transmitter is downloaded to the server section.

[0142] 52. This download may occur through the mobile device 38; automatically in the background by approaching the mobile device 38 with the application; automatically when keg 14 encounters a stationary reader outside the refrigerator compartment; when keg 14 is returned to distributor 64 or brewery 20; or any other suitable contact with the radio transmitter 16.

[0143] In FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a radio transmitter 16 in accordance with the present invention. The radio transmitter assembly 16 includes an inner housing 81 that may enclose a printed circuit board (PCB)/battery pack 82. Once assembled, the inner housing 81 and the PCB/battery pack 82 may be located within the outer housing 84. It should be noted that in FIG. 2-7 shows one possible housing; in fig. 12 and 13 below show another possible housing in the form of a ring radio transmitter 142.

[0144] In FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a PCB and battery pack in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, including components for performing the disclosed functions. In fig. 3 further shows a general design for a PCB/battery pack 82 including a battery 86 fixed to a PCB 94. Located on the opposite side of the PCB 94 from the battery 86 are sensors 90, including temperature and other sensors, and an antenna 92. On the PCB 88 a codec/decoder (CODEC)/DSP 96 may also be visible. In FIG. 15 below provides a more detailed explanation regarding the electrical circuit found on PCB 94.

[0145] The radio transmitter 16 is less than 1" inch in height such that it is mounted on the bottom hoop of the keg 14, as shown below in FIG. 11A. The curve shape is optimized to fit three keg sizes. The radio transmitter 16 does not increase the size of the keg 14 in any dimension. Thus, the application of the distribution network 10 does not require any physical changes to the lines, valves or handles of the merchants 30.

[0146] The use of a rechargeable battery 86 allows the radio transmitter 16 to be completely sealed, with only electrical contacts on the outside provided for charging the battery.

[0147] The radio transmitter 16 includes a built-in temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the keg 14. The vibration sensor determines whether the keg 14 is being transported. The sensor holder 91 may also accommodate additional sensors. The orientation/polarization of antenna 92 maximizes the power of radio transmissions from both the top and bottom of keg 14. Battery 86 is sized to fit under the rim of keg 14 and to achieve at least a 5-year service life. Battery 86 may be soldered to PCB 88 to reduce cost. Power is not continuously supplied to the measurement system of the distribution network 10, which saves power when no measurements are being taken.

[0148] In FIG. 4 shows an assembled radio transmitter 16 in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention, with the width 92 being less than 1 inch so that the radio transmitter 16 can be mounted on either the top or bottom hoop of the keg 14. The radio transmitter 16 further has a curved edge 94 that can fit over at least three different types of known keg 14 configurations at points along the curved edge 94. One curved back portion fits each size keg 14 at different points along the curve, with the epoxy/foam tape occupying a small space for each size. Securing can be accomplished with either a rivet, such as at space 96, or epoxy resin, such as at space 98, to securely position the radio transmitter 16 on the keg 14. IP67 water resistance is achieved with epoxy resin sealing the halves, as well as by bonding to the keg 14. This eliminates the need for an O-ring or seals. Epoxy resin requires no surface preparation, reducing installation time and cost.

[0149] The outer shell 84 includes a “tear-off” layer to allow the keg to be destructively released from the epoxy when the battery 86 wears out. The air space in the inner housing 80 is minimized to achieve an airtight seal. The use of a very small, long "capillary" tube allows the pressure to be released when required while still being watertight. The outer housing 84 includes a unique serial number, bar code, QR code, or other coding visible on its exterior. It should be noted that the serial number of the outer housing 84 may be different from the radio serial number to prevent spoofing. The outer housing 84 may include a variety of tamper-proof mechanisms to prevent unauthorized removal of the radio transmitter 16. The outer housing 84 may also include an integrated desiccant container to protect against moisture condensation at various temperatures.

[0150] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary method of attaching a radio transmitter 16 of the present invention to the rim 100 of a keg 14. For example, by using an epoxy layer 102, the attachment of the radio transmitter 16 can be secure and waterproof to protect the PCB/battery pack 82. An epoxy layer 102 can be applied to the mounting space 98 , providing a small volume within which sufficient epoxy resin can be applied to rigidly mount the radio transmitter 16 to the rim 100 of the keg 14. By using the same epoxy resin mounting the body on the keg 14 to also seal the joint between the body halves, manufacturing steps can be omitted. The housing 84 allows the radio transmitter 16 to interact with the three-dimensional curved side surfaces of the keg 14, maximizing the adhesion and protection provided by the rim of the keg 14 while minimizing heat transfer from the body of the keg 14. The housing 84 may be completely sealed but still be included during installation.

[0151] An alternative switch configuration may be used using a sticker to seal the hole for the pin that activates the switch to turn on the radio transmitter 16. In this configuration, the one-time activation is not reversible. Similar pin holes are also used to activate "link mode" for servicing the radio transmitter 16. Such a sticker may cover the hole(s) and provide a watertight seal; the edges of the sticker, protected by the insert edge in the outer housing 84, are cut off. Alternatively, a waterproof on/off switch can be used via a screw that activates a hardware switch.

[0152] In FIG. 6 shows an alternative switch configuration that uses the metal surface of the keg 14 to activate the radio transmitter 16. Metal contact pins 104 and 106 may be located on the outside of the inner housing 80 to connect corresponding circuitry on the PCB/battery pack 82 to create a conductive circuit. In other words, the contact pin 104 may provide electrical contact with the rim 100 of the keg 14, which allows electrical current to flow to the contact pin 106. The resulting circuit uses a minimum voltage and current to provide an indication that the radio transmitter 16 is securely attached to the rim 100 of the keg 14. It should It is also noted that at attachment point 96, radio transmitter 16 can be securely located on the rim 100 of keg 14.

[0153] The radio transmitter 16 is protected under the existing rolled rim 100 of the keg 14. Pins contacting the metal shell of the keg 14 complete a circuit to activate the switch. The enclosure can be completely sealed and still be included when installed. The use of a rechargeable battery allows the unit to be completely sealed, with only electrical contacts on the outside for charging the battery. Using an inductive loop or other contactless charging mechanism avoids electrical penetration into the case, reduces manufacturing costs, and provides a less precise interface between the case and the charging station.

[0154] In FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of an outer housing 84 for holding and securing a radio transmitter 16 to the rim 100 of a keg 14. FIG. 7, the outer housing 84 is secured to the rim 100 of the keg 14 using screws or other fastening mechanism 108. The inner housing 80 may be positioned within the outer housing 84 to securely position the PCB/battery pack 82 to the rim 100 of the keg 14. In one embodiment, a permanent socket/ the shell 84 is permanently attached to the keg 14, while the inner body 16 is a removable part that can be subjected to maintenance. Because radio transmitter 16 uniquely identifies keg 14, distributor 64, and brand, the status of keg 14 can be automatically transmitted to brewery 20 or distributor 64.

[0155] In FIG. SA-SC illustrates a radio transmitter locking mechanism for securing a radio transmitter according to the present invention to the rim 100 of a keg 14. In this example, FIG. The SA-SC hook mechanism 110 may engage with an existing element of the keg 14, such as a handle hole or hoop 114. The hoop 114 is an integral part of the keg 14, including a rim 100, a rolled edge 112, and a rim wall 114 of the keg 14. Attachment mechanism 110 may be locked in position between the top surface 116 of the keg 14 and the rolled edge 112 of the hoop so that it cannot be removed without releasing the fastening mechanism. This mechanism expands into the space between the rolled rim 112 and the rim wall 114, the body 116 of the keg 14 and the rim wall 114.

[0156] In another embodiment, the hook mechanism 120 engages with an existing feature on the keg 14 (such as a handle hole or hoop rim). In another embodiment, the radio transmitter 16 is secured to the keg 14 in a "safety bracelet" manner around the opening of a hoop 122 in the rim 100 of the keg 14, with a hook mechanism 120 being used to secure back to itself or extend the outer housing 84.

[0157] The radio transmitter 16 may also be mounted on the hoop 114 of the keg 14 instead of the body 116 of the keg 14. Heat transfer from the body of the keg 14 to the hoop 114 is along the seam, so heat is transferred slowly, and conventional batteries 86 can be used. The radio transmitter 16 is protected under the existing rolled rim 112 of the keg 14 on either the top or bottom of the keg 14, with the PCB/battery pack 82 configured to fit in both cases. For

[0158] example of attaching the top hoop, coin cell batteries can be used. The bottom hoop (shown below) uses a cylindrical battery. The outer body 84 has a curved back that fits well with the hoop 122.

[0159] In FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which radio transmitters 16 can be attached to the edge 100 of the keg using a wrist strap 118. The radio transmitter 16 is secured around the hoop 122 of the keg 14 of the edge 114 of the keg. The wristband 128 extends through an opening in the keg edge wall 114 and back toward itself and has an attachment point 120 for the outer radio transmitter housing 84 into which the end 122 of the wristband is secured.

[0160] In FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of a fluid level sensing mechanism that includes the use of a battery-powered bead 124 to determine the volume of beer 126 inside a keg 14. In this configuration, the sealed bead 124 wirelessly or mechanically transmits a periodic signal that can be detected through metal keg 14. The 124 ball can withstand the high temperature cleaning cycle and chemicals used in preparing the keg 14 for reuse. By placing one or more detection or communication devices on the exterior of the keg 14, such as a listening device 128 and/or 130, that measure characteristics of the received signals, such as sound reflections, power, harmonics, etc., the amount of air can be determined or liquid in keg 14. Communication may be bidirectional, whereby bead 124 may receive a signal transmitted wirelessly or mechanically from outside keg 14. When using bidirectional communication, bead may store data locally; perform reset functions; measure received signals, modify the signal and return it back. The attenuation of the received signal due to the ball being in the liquid and air helps determine the volume of liquid in keg 14.

[0161] The ball may be battery powered or mechanically actuated. An example of a mechanical power source may be a coil spring, or expansion and contraction caused by the heating/cooling cycle of the keg 14. Using a measurement from a fluid level measurement mechanism transmitted through a radio transmitter 16, the distribution network 10 can automatically transmit fill data to the appropriate brewery 20/ distributor 64. The distribution network 10 mechanism does not require any changes to the lines, valves or handles of the distributors 30. The radio and sensor network of the distribution network 10 can automatically transmit fill data to the desired brewery 20 and/or distributor 64.

[0162] In FIG. 11A-11C show various embodiments of mounting a radio transmitter 16 and a volume monitoring device in accordance with the present invention. In fig. 11A shows that the fill level sensing device is small enough to fit on the top or bottom of the keg (preferably the top) and not be in direct contact with the body of the main vessel. In fig. 11B shows a fill level sensing device attached to the outside of the keg but not extending into the main body of the keg.

[0163] In FIG. 11A shows the radio transmitter 16 mounted on the bottom 134 of the keg 14 on the inside of the bottom hoop 136 of the keg 14. The radio transmitter 16 may be hidden under the bottom hoop 136 of the keg 14 where it is not visible to a person who cannot recognize that the keg 14 is being tracked. Using the acoustic properties of the keg 14, the radio transmitter 16 and the distribution network 10 can measure the liquid level from outside the keg 14.

[0164] In FIG. 11B shows one embodiment of a fill sensor 138 with flow detection for use with a keg 14. In addition to a radio transmitter 16 that may be mounted on the side wall 139 of the keg 14, a microphone 138 is used to form part of the fill level measurement system for the keg 14. Microphone 138 picks up ambient noise. The captured ambient noise can be subtracted from the signal measured from the keg 14 to isolate noise coming from inside the keg 14. The sound measurement system of the propagation network 10 isolates the acoustic measurements by using ambient noise suppression while synchronizing the measurements to match the acoustic pulse generated by the immediate keg .

[0165] In FIG. 11C shows another embodiment of the radio transmitter 16 in the form of a ring radio transmitter 142. The ring radio transmitter 142 may be placed around the keg outlet 144 to measure fluid passing through the keg outlet 144. A ring radio transmitter 142 may also extend through the top of the keg 14, either surrounding or extending the connection to the keg.

[0166] 14. The ring radio transmitter 142 may be positioned loosely around the keg outlet 144 to fall away from the keg body 14 during sanitization, i.e. when keg 14 is turned over. Thus, when the keg 14 becomes hot from cleaning, the RF ring 142 is not in contact with the main body of the keg 14. When the keg 14 is returned to a vertical position, the RF ring 142 returns to its place and contacts the main body for operational use. When the keg 14 is in a vertical position, the radio ring 142 contacts the main body of the keg 14 to generate an acoustic pulse and/or measure the acoustic properties of the keg 14. The radio ring 142 of the keg 14 can be detached to facilitate cleaning around and under it. By allowing easy cleaning around and below it, the radio ring 142 allows the keg owner to maintain a sterile environment for the product entering the keg 14 and exiting the keg 14 through the keg outlet 144.

[0167] In FIG. 11C illustrates an alternative embodiment of a radio transmitter 16 according to the present invention for mounting on a keg opening 144 on the top of a keg 14. A ring radio transmitter 142 is located under a keg cover 140. The keg cap 140 is removed by using a self-breaking tab 141, which releases the cap but also renders the cap unusable by separating a side of the keg cap 140. The radio ring 142 can determine whether the keg cap 140 is present or not. The keg cap 140 removal event is used by the distribution network 10. By using the keg lid 140, the distribution network 10 can determine with a high probability whether the keg 14 has been set for sale by the glass. The retailer 30 typically does not remove the keg cover 140 until the keg 14 is installed for sale on tap because the keg cover 140 prevents dirt and food from entering the keg opening 144. The radio ring 142 is secured to the keg opening 144 by a friction fit or other flexible configuration 145 that secures the radio ring 142 to the keg opening 144 and prevents removal unless authorized by an authorized person. Such securing mechanism may be a locking mechanism, ratchet, hidden tabs, or other friction mechanism to prevent removal of the radio ring 142. By allowing the radio ring 142 to be locked, the distribution network 10 can ensure that the radio ring 142 is in place unless cases when servicing is carried out by an authorized person. The ring radio transmitter 142 is mechanically coupled to the top surface of the keg 14 and the keg opening 144 so that it can withstand the shocks and stresses associated with the typical handling of full or empty kegs. The radio ring 142 does not increase the existing dimensions of the keg 14 so that the keg can be handled and stacked in a conventional manner. No changes are required to 30 vendor lines, valves, handles or processes; pallets or distributor processes 64; delivery truck equipment or processes 70; or automated filling and cleaning equipment, storage systems or brewery processes 20.

[0168] The radio ring 142 may also have additional functionality beyond the functionality inherent in the present embodiment of the radio transmitter 16. The additional volume of the radio ring 130 enables and continually expands the functionality and supports the electronics for the radio ring 142 to operate within the distribution network 10.

[0169] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of an authenticated fastening mechanism 160 for securing a radio transmitter 16 to a keg 14. An authenticated fastening mechanism 160 securely secures the radio transmitter 16 to a keg 14 while ensuring non-destructive removal/replacement by authorized parties only.

[0170] An authenticated fastening mechanism 160 operates within the outer housing 84 of the radio transmitter 16 and is secured to a hook and latch 162. The mechanical hook and latch 162 provides a permanent lock for securing the radio transmitter 16 to the keg 14. The hook 162 is hidden from external interference—internal drive only (solenoid) , engine, etc.) may disengage the hook. The engagement arm 164 is inserted within the recess 166 with elastic force from the spring 168. The engagement arm 164 is actuated under the control of the actuator 170 to be removed from the recess 166 in response to a signal from the central processing unit (CPU) 172. The antenna 174 may receive the actuation signal from external source to operate the engagement arm 164 under control of the CPU 172. The battery 86 may provide actuation power to operate the CPU 172 to control the drive 170. The authenticated fastening mechanism 160 further provides external voltage pads 180 to allow electrical power to be supplied to the outer housing 84, which provides the ability to temporarily power the internal drive circuit in the event of battery failure or to charge a rechargeable battery 86. These pins are electrically isolated from the battery to prevent current leakage. Alternatively, digital connection 182 may provide an optional digital signal input for controlling CPU 172 to operate the drive.

[0171] The authenticated fastening mechanism 160 allows the distributor 64 or retailer 30 or event venue 32 to place the radio transmitter 16 on the kegs 14 only when they are in their possession, and to remove them before the kegs are returned and are no longer in at their disposal. The authenticated fastening mechanism 160 may require a secret digital security key to operate the hook lever 164. The digital security key is transmitted wirelessly to the radio transmitter 16 via antenna 174. The CPU 172 verifies the digital security key in several possible ways. When using a digital key, unlike a mechanical key, no water entry points are introduced into the outer housing 84, eliminating the space of the mechanical key, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. When using a digital key, each keg 14 can have a unique digital lock code, and digital keys can be easily managed using software.

[0172] A security mechanism requiring a secret digital access key is used to secure the radio transmitter 16 to the keg 14. By using a digital key, water entry points are not introduced, mechanical key space is eliminated, and manufacturing costs are reduced. When using a digital key, each keg 14 can have a unique digital lock code, and the keys can be easily managed using software. Breaking one lock does not reveal any other locks.

[0173] In FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a radio transmitter electrical circuit 190 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the system disclosed herein. The radio transmitter circuitry 190 includes a radio communication/processing module 96 coupled to a temperature sensor 192 and a CODEC/DSP 194. The analog-to-digital circuit (ADC) 196 of the radio communication/processing module 96 receives an output 198 from the temperature sensor 192. Additionally, via an input /general purpose output (GPIO) 200, radio/processing module 96 supplies collector voltage (VCC) 202 to temperature sensor 192. At VCC 204, rechargeable battery 86 supplies 2 to 3 volt operating power to radio/processing module 96. The CODEC/DSP 194 interfaces with the radio/processing module 96 at an inter-chain integrated circuit/serial peripheral interface (12C/SPI) 206 of the radio/processing module 96 with the 12C/SPI interface 208 . Through the inter-chain integrated circuit/general purpose input/output (12S/GPIO) audio interface 210, the radio communication/processing module 96 communicates with the 12S/GPIO CODEC/DSP interface 212. The CODEC/DSP 194 connects to the converter 148 via a digital-to-analog converter interface. (DAC) 214. Additionally, CODEC/DSP 194 interfaces with microphone/sensor 150 at ADC interface 216. Antenna 174 provides input for Rf interface 218.

[0174] Radio transmitter circuitry 190 utilizes mobile devices 38-42 and fixed readers 36 of the distribution network 10 to eliminate the need for separate circuitry for GPS and cellular radio communications. As a result, the cost of manufacturing the radio transmitter 16 is about US$10 or less. In addition, the radio transmitter 16 does not require a monthly cellular data plan to operate the distribution network 10, has a small form factor, and can operate for five years on conventional lithium battery cells. When operated for five years, the radio transmitter 16 aligns the distribution network 10 with the typical five-year service cycle for kegs 14 from most breweries and distributors. The radio configuration of radio transmitter 16 also allows operation inside stacks of metal kegs, as described in more detail below.

[0175] The electrical circuitry of the radio transmitter 190 includes firmware capable of operating in multiple modes. The radio transmitter circuitry 190 operates in a disconnected mode after ensuring safety and preserving battery life. Radio transmitter circuitry 190 enters connectivity mode only, either temporarily during boot-up or via a switch/pad on PCB 88. Radio transmitter circuitry 190 operates in connectivity mode, protected by asymmetric encryption and authentication and allowing authenticated, connectionless pairing . The radio transmitter circuitry 190 operates in a mode for pairing an access code generated algorithmically based on the broadcast major numbers, minor numbers, and shared secret key. This mode can additionally use a timestamp, board serial number, etc. The radio transmitter circuitry 190 may optionally operate in a connectivity mode to update the radio transmitter 16 serial number and other parameters after manufacture but before deployment.

[0176] The distribution network 10 has multiple roles for various devices/components. Such devices include radio transmitter 16, radio ring transmitter 142, stationary reader 36, mobile devices 38, 60, server computers 56, and RMS section computers 62. This document describes the functions suitable for various devices/components capable of performing such functions.

[0177] The device, operating as a central device, scans for signaling devices and can initiate connections. Such a device operates as a master device in one or more connections. Typical examples are mobile devices 38 and computers 62. This means that the device roles used for established connections are peripheral and central roles. The other two device roles are used for unidirectional communication. The translator function applies to a non-connectable alarm device, such as temperature sensor 192 transmitting the current temperature or radio transmitter 16. The supervisor function scans for alarm devices but cannot initiate connections. This could be a remote display on the mobile device 38 receiving and presenting the temperature data, or monitoring the radio transmitter 16.

[0178] Two important device roles for radio transmitter 16 applications are peripheral and broadcast. They both send the same type of signaling device, except for one specific label indicating whether it is connectable or non-connectable. The Bluetooth Low Energy solution is ideal for the RF 16 transmitter as it is low power, with this ecosystem already deployed on most smartphones or other Bluetooth Smart Ready devices on the market. Low power consumption is achieved by reducing transmission times as much as possible and allowing the device to go into sleep mode between transmissions.

[0179] The non-pairable radio transmitter 16 is a Bluetooth low energy device in broadcast mode. It simply transmits the information stored inside. Since connectionless broadcast does not enable any reception capabilities, it achieves the lowest possible power consumption by simply waking up, transferring data, and returning to sleep. This solution has the disadvantage that dynamic data is limited to what only the device knows, or that the data is available through an external input from exemplary serial protocols (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Universal Serial Bus (USB) ) etc.).

[0180] The connected radio transmitter 16 is a Bluetooth low energy device in peripheral mode, which means that it can not only transmit but also receive. This allows a central device (eg, mobile device 38) to connect and interact with services implemented on radio transmitter 16. The services provide one or more characteristics that can be modified by a peer device. One example of these characteristics would be a data string that represents the information being translated. Thus, it is possible to have a configurable radio transmitter 16 that is easily updated wirelessly.

[0181] FIG. 14A and 14B depict various hardware for use on a delivery truck operating on the distribution network 10 of the present invention. The truck 70 may be any type of distribution truck that can deliver a plurality of kegs 14 to fill the keg section 12 14 of the liquid product distribution network 10. At delivery section 68, truck 70 also includes the ability to interface with radio transmitter 16 or ring radio transmitter 142.

[0182] The interaction that truck 70 can perform is provided by a truck reader 230, which may be located under the seat 232. The truck reader 230 is a communications device that connects to various antennas, including, for example, a cellular antenna 234 or a Bluetooth antenna 236 . Additionally, truck 70 may utilize a GPS antenna 238, an OBD2 connector 240, and/or a Wi-Fi antenna 242. In fig. 14B illustrates an alternative configuration in which the tablet 244 may provide various functions related to control of delivery operations and monitoring of delivery operations consistent with the optimal operations of the liquid products distribution network 10.

[0183] If the truck 70 is parked within Wi-Fi range of the main office, updates can be downloaded in batches via Wi-Fi when the truck 70 returns to the main office. This can save cell phone data costs. The hardware is designed with a main processor in a housing with a GPS antenna 238, a Wi-Fi antenna 242, a Bluetooth antenna 236, and a cellular connection located either internally or externally via wires to enable remote antenna placement. Truck reader 230 optionally connects to vehicle OBD2 connector 240 for power and/or diagnostic data. Each of these four antennas can be internal or external - external via wires allows for flexible placement. The truck reader 230 allows for real-time inventory by placing antennas on the ends of wires. The main unit of the truck reader 230 can be hidden/or mounted under the dashboard or seats 232. By connecting the ODB2 connector 240 in the truck 70, the truck reader 230 can be easily installed and can collect mileage, speed and other data from the vehicle.

[0184] By integrating a Wi-Fi antenna 242, the truck reader 230 can perform a “store and forward” function of collecting data during the day and automatically downloading it at night when the truck 70 returns to base. The Wi-Fi antenna 242 may also operate as a Wi-Fi access point inside the truck 70. Thus, the tablet 244, for example, may have an Internet connection while the truck 70 is moving. The truck driver's cell phone 70 may also use the Wi-Fi antenna 242 to combining security, logging and firewall functions.

[0185] Using truck 70 as a Wi-Fi access point, truck reader 230 can send messages, alerts, instructions, and new routes to the driver in real time. As a Wi-Fi access point, truck 70 may connect a display to tablet 244 to display maps, instructions, warnings, and other data to the driver. The truck reader system 230 acts as a clearinghouse for delivery drivers, allowing them to track information needed to complete deliveries. Such information may include parking instructions, lockout codes or access codes, best times of day to make deliveries, consumer contacts and instructions, etc. The distribution network system 10 may use the truck reader 230 to provide real-time monitoring of trucks and drivers. For example, truck reader 230 may allow it to be determined which driver is closest to a required delivery, and whether drivers remain on their routes or make unscheduled stops, etc.

[0186] The truck reader 230 may act as a Wi-Fi access point, allowing connected clients to access the Internet via a cellular modem connection. Conventional Wi-Fi password protection and encryption are used to prevent unauthorized use of the connection. When operating as a Wi-Fi access point, the tablet 244 is used as the screen/graphical user interface (GUI). This provides the ability to record complex mapping, routing, billing and other functions on the tablet and integrate them with the truck's reader 230 sensor data.

[0187] Truck reader 230 may operate independently of any mobile devices (phones, tablets) in truck 70. Software on truck reader 230 and tablet 244 may communicate with each other and share computing, communication, and display processing. Depending on the capability of the tablet 244, the truck reader 230 communicates functions to the tablet and vice versa. For example, tablet 244 includes a cellular modem connection to the Internet, wherein software on tablet 244 can receive data from keg 14 and transmit such data to server section 52 of distribution network 10. Software in the truck reader 230 may detect when kegs 14 are in range (ie, loaded onto a vehicle) or out of range (ie, delivered from truck 70). By accessing the known history of the keg 14 from the radio transmitter 16, the truck reader 230 can determine whether an empty keg is being loaded or a full keg is being delivered.

[0188] The truck reader 230 allows for real-time inventory of the truck. By placing antennas on the ends of the wires, the truck reader 230 can be hidden and/or mounted under the dashboard or seats. By connecting ODB2 connector 240 to truck 70, truck reader 230 can be easily installed and can collect mileage, speed, and other data from truck 70.

[0189] Call forwarding between radio transmitters 16 and locations may be determined by state changes. For example, if keg 14 was detected by the stationary cold store reader 36, but is then no longer detected by the stationary reader 36, and is then detected by the truck reader 230, this may result in the status changing to "delivered."

[0190] As a further example, distribution network 10 may determine that keg 14 has been delivered to retailer 30, such as a restaurant or bar, but may not know which retailer 30 or when. When mobile device 38 detects the presence of keg 14 at a location, distribution network 10 determines which retailer 30 received keg 14 and can retroactively determine the delivery schedule and other information because it now knows which retailer 30 received keg 14.

[0191] The distribution network 10 software reports the activity of the truck driver 70 back to the distributor headquarters 64, which information may include unscheduled stops, driving speed, etc. The distribution network software 10 allows remote control and monitoring of the truck reader 230. When the truck driver 70 views a known account, the latest inventory on the account can be viewed by the driver, for example, on the tablet 244. The distribution network 10 software automatically manages collateral information such as how many kegs 14 are in each location of the keg section 12 14. and determines the current deposit of that location of the 12 keg section 14. The deposit information is automatically transferred back to invoices, accounts, etc., and can be used as a double check of data entered by truck drivers 70.

[0192] In FIG. 15 illustrates various exemplary events that may affect the state transition of keg 14 as monitored kegs 14 18 move from different geographic regions within the distribution network 10. In fig. 15 kegs 14 A, B and C represent containers for liquid products within the keg section 12 14. Items 1 30 to 7 254 represent various mobile devices 30, stationary readers 36, etc. Region X 244, region Y 246 and region Z 248 represent geographic regions included in the distribution network 10.

[0193] By collecting location and history data of kegs 14 and handles, distribution network 10 determines state transitions. Some of the state transitions are determined retroactively. For example, the absence of readings after a certain period of time may retroactively determine a state transition that occurred at the beginning of that period. Call transfers between radio transmitters 16, fixed readers 36, and mobile devices 38 may detect state changes. For example, a keg 14 that was detected by the stationary cold storage reader 36 but is then no longer detected by the stationary reader 36 and is then detected by the truck reader 230 may cause the status to change to "delivered."

[0194] Distribution network 10 may determine that keg 14 has been delivered to retailer 30 (i.e., a customer such as a restaurant/bar), but may not know which retailer 30 or when. When the mobile device 38 detects/determines by contact the presence of a keg 14 at a location, the distribution network 10 determines which merchant 30 the keg was delivered to and can retroactively determine the delivery schedule and other information since it now knows which merchant 30 received the keg 14 .

[0195] Using the store and forward function, the mobile device 38 can download statistical information from the radio transmitter 16 when it detects the radio transmitter 16 at the merchant 30. Using the mesh network 18, store and forward at the merchant 30, the arriving keg 14 18 can announce its arrival to the other kegs 14 at the seller 30. When one of the older kegs 14 leaves the seller 30 and returns to the brewery 20, it forwards information from the keg 14 that just arrived when the seller 30 had it.

[0196] Because the radio transmitter 16 uniquely identifies the keg 14, distributor, and brand, the status of the keg 14 can be automatically transmitted to the brewery 20 or distributor 64. The distribution network 10 mechanism for determining how full each keg 14 is affixed to the keg 14 and does not require moving kegs 14 to scales for weighing. Distribution network 10 uses communication between radio transmitter 16 and fixed reader 37/mobile device 38 to automatically transmit fill data to the desired brewery 20 and/or distributor 64.

[0197] Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the distribution network 10 performs operations of particular interest when entering or leaving a geographic region. Geographic regions are defined such that when the sensing device 36/38 is within a region and locates or otherwise detects a radio transmitter 16, the keg 14 on which the radio transmitter 16 is mounted may be considered to have “entered” that geographic region. This decision may be based on the relative locations of both the keg 14 and the sensing device 36/38 relative to a given region.

[0198] In FIG. 18, the sensing device 36/381 detects that the keg 14 A 14 is inside region X; similarly, sensing device 36/38 7 detects that keg B 14 is located within region Y. If sensing device 36/38 is determined to be in the region but no elements are detected, then any elements that were previously determined to be in that region region can be defined as having “emerged” from the region. In fig. 15 the sensing device 36/38 5 is inside region Z, but keg C 14 is not detected. A delay may be applied to allow keg C 14 to be detected or not detected. Fixed reader 36/mobile device 38 6 can detect keg C 14, but it is not within a specific geographic region, so sensing device 36/38 6 confirms that keg C 14 is no longer in region Z. At any given time, sensing device 36/38 may or may not detect multiple kegs 14 and may or may not be within any number of (possibly overlapping) regions.

[0199] Depending on the geographic region within which the detection occurs, how far from the sensing device 36/38 the keg 14 is detected, etc., the software of the distribution network 10 determines what state changes should occur. Geographic location can be determined by several factors: GPS reading on the sensing device 36/38; a Wi-Fi network in the vicinity of which the sensing device 36/38 is located or connected to; being "close" to another sensing device 36/38 having a predicted location; discovery of wireless networks or topologies, triangulation using signal strength, etc.

[0200] Triangulation can be used to pinpoint a location. For example, the received signal strengths of radio transmitter 16 at one or more receiving stations are compared to determine the most accurate location of the transmitter with respect to those stations. Receiving stations may be nodes in a wireless propagation network, such that knowledge of the node and the received signal strength at that node allows the probability propagation to be determined for the location of the radio transmitter 16. This probability propagation may be influenced by additional data, such as known locations of buildings or other interference structures, loss of data packets, vehicle speed, received signal strength of additional transmitters, relative location of other neighboring elements, “crowding” of objects, etc.

[0201] In some cases, the location of the sensing device 36/38 may be assigned a static location (eg, if the sensing device 36/38 is not expected to move). In this case, any elements approaching a certain distance to the sensor can lead to a change in the state of the element.

[0202] The distribution network 10 software has a programming interface through which it can download and/or receive updates from other systems or input methods. These updates may result in state changes. Example systems and input methods are

[0203] automated assembly lines; content filling systems; point of sale systems; transport and receiving systems; etc. Data from these input methods can be combined with any of the other detection mechanisms to reach a conclusion. For example, if the transportation system indicates that five kegs 14 were loaded and simultaneously five items were detected to have left a geographic region, then the distribution network 10 may determine that the five kegs 14 are loaded kegs 14 and add the serial numbers of the kegs 14 to shipping invoice.

[0204] Serial numbers of kegs 14 can be automatically and accurately matched without manual labor. Collaterals can be automatically and accurately matched without manual counting. Inventory is maintained accurately and automatically without manual counting. Contents of 14 kegs, filling dates, etc. can be easily found using a regular mobile phone without manual scanning or searching. The kegs 14 can be automatically and accurately marked for maintenance based on the number of revolutions during operation. The distribution network 10 automatically reports where each keg 14 is located and how full it is without manual checking. By collecting location and history data of kegs 14 and/or handles, distribution network 10 determines state transitions. Some of the state transitions are determined retroactively. For example, the absence of a reading after a short period of time may retroactively detect a state transition that occurred at the beginning of that period.

[0205] In FIG. 16 illustrates the arrangement of various kegs 14 on an exemplary weighing mat 250 for use in a distribution system 10. The mats can be designed to have preset keg locations or allow kegs to be positioned randomly. On the weighing mat 250 are predetermined locations 252 for the keg 14 on which the keg 14 is stored.

[0206] The design 254 depicts the use of logos of the distributor 64 or brewery 20 on which the keg 14 is placed. The design 254 indicates that the keg 14 contains beer from the company whose logo is located at the mat location 252. The weighing mat 250 has a thin, stationary pad or surface on which one or more kegs 14 can be placed and integrates inconspicuously with the racks (or floor). The weighing mat 250 allows kegs 14 to be randomly moved within the cooler or other location of the keg section 12 14. The weighing mat 250 may integrate branding such that a given type of keg 14 is associated with a location 252. The brewery 20 may be responsible for its portion of the mat 250 for weighing, allowing the total mat area of 250 to gradually increase over time. The weigh mat 250 wirelessly detects, using a radio transmitter 16, where the kegs 14 are on the weigh mat 250 to determine which keg 14 is being weighed.

[0207] The weighing mat 250 has a low profile (less than 1” (inch) so that the retailer's existing racks 30 can be used. The weighing mat 250 preferably has a sloped front edge so that the kegs 14 can easily slide along the top surface. The mat The weigh mat 250 may have one or more projections/grooves to accommodate a variety of sizes or design positions of the keg 14. The weigh mat 250 does not have to be square, but can be circular or hexagonal to facilitate tight stacking of kegs 14 in many different refrigerator space configurations. .

[0208] Areas of the weighing mat 250, which can be printed with a supplier's logo, help the retailer 30 keep track of which kegs 14 are used for which draft handles within the bar. The logo 254 also allows the brewery 20 or distributor 64 to give away/responsible the weigh mat 250 when the retailer 30 signs up for a supplier account. The weighing mat 250 mates easily with adjacent mats so that kegs 14 can slide back and forth across the weighing mats 250 and transversely across the weighing mats 250. The edges of the weighing mat 250 may include electrical connections for transmitting data between the weighing mats 250. The weighing mat 250 may be sized to accommodate multiple kegs 14 on a single weighing mat 250, with each keg 14 being weighed separately. The weigh mat 250 wirelessly detects, using a radio transmitter 16, where the kegs 14 are on the weigh mat to determine which keg 14 is being weighed.

[0209] Using the store and forward function, the mobile device 38 can download statistical information from the radio transmitter 16 when the radio transmitter 16 detects the mobile device 38 at the merchant 30. Using the mesh network 18, store and forward at the merchant 30, the arriving keg 14 can report its arrival of other kegs 14 from the seller. When one of the older kegs 14 18 leaves the seller 30 and returns to the brewery 20, the mesh network 18 forwards information from the keg 14 that just arrived when the seller 30 had it.

[0210] FIG. 17 illustrates improved use, monitoring, and reporting of kegs 14 between operations occurring in the cold room 278 and operations occurring in a public space 279, such as a restaurant or other location. In fig. 17 shows the interaction between the refrigeration chamber 278 of the 12 keg section 14, in which a mesh network 18 of the kegs 14 can be placed over the weighing mat 250 for report generation and communication with the public room 279 to provide a comparison between the operation of the tap handles 260 in the public room 279 and the beer halls. kegs 14 within the keg section 12 14 of the refrigerator compartment 278. Alternatively, the radio ring 142 of the keg 14 may instead serve as the weighing mat 250. In addition, within the public area 279 there is a transaction indication that the distribution network 10 allows a transaction using point of sale (POS) 262. The POS transaction uses information related to the status of kegs 14 inside the cold room 278 and provides input for users to make purchases. and other decisions regarding the consumption of different beers in accordance with the condition of the kegs 14.

[0211] By correlating decreasing levels of kegs 14 with increasing beverage purchases, distribution network 10 provides the ability to determine which consumer 66 made a purchase from which keg 14. Once keg 14 is determined, brewery 20, beer type, beer production date, and etc., as disclosed herein.

[0212] By matching the location of consumer 66 with the location of keg 14, consumer 66 can be notified when keg 14 of his favorite beer is available for sale on tap 260; where is the nearest public premises 279 to buy a glass of beer; how long will this beer be on sale at 260 bottlings, i.e. how full keg 14 is, or if keg 14 is no longer available, as well as how fresh the beer is when it was brewed.

[0213] When the limited supply keg 14 arrives for sale at the bottle 260, the action of a handle located on the tap 260 may trigger alerts to the consumer 66 indicating that the keg 14 is now available. Distribution network 10 may indicate that other beers currently available on tap are similar to what consumer 66 likes/has purchased before/what his friends like/what others are drinking/what's popular/freshest/most aged/what is seasonal or special/that comes from a local brewery 20/that comes from a distant brewery 20/that has special ingredients/that is limited supply.

[0214] The distribution network 10 may indicate that other beers are being sold via the handle on tap 260, similar to what consumer 66 likes/has purchased before/etc., thereby introducing consumer 66 to new breweries. The distribution network 10 may indicate the production date of each beer, how long it was aged, how long it was sold on tap, etc. The distribution network 10 may recommend locations based on the types of beer available.

[0215] When consumer 66 enters public premises 279, using POS function 262, it is determined that consumer 66 is within range of keg 14. This is used to determine when consumer 66 arrived and/or left the location and can be correlated with the marketing performed on that consumer 66. By comparing the customer 66's purchase of a product with the marketing performed on consumer 66, the effectiveness of the marketing can be determined. This effectiveness can be calculated automatically, with future selection of marketing messages or processes determined automatically.

[0216] By correlating the reduced levels of keg 14 with beverage purchases, it is possible to determine which consumer 66 made a purchase from which keg. Once the keg 14 is identified, the brewery, beer type, beer production date, etc. can be recognized.

[0217] By matching the location of consumer 66 with the location of keg 14, consumer 66 can be notified (1) when keg 14 of his favorite beer is available for sale on tap; (2) the closest location to buy a glass of beer; (3) how long the beer will be on tap (i.e. how empty keg 14 is); (4) that keg 14 is no longer available; (5) how fresh the beer is (i.e. when it was brewed).

[0218] When a limited supply keg 14 arrives for sale on tap, the action of entering for sale on tap (i.e., handle moving to tap) may trigger alerts to consumers 66 indicating that the variety represented by the keg/handle 14 is now available. The distribution network 10 may indicate that other products currently available in bulk are similar to what consumer 66 likes or has previously purchased; what the consumer's friends like 66; what other consumers drink 66; what's popular in that location or nearby; what's freshest in that location or nearby; which product is the most seasoned; which product is seasonal or special; what product comes from a local brewery; what product comes from a distant brewery; which product has special or specific ingredients; which product is on limited offer; etc.

[0219] The distribution network 10 may indicate that other beers currently available on tap (i.e., that different pens are used) are similar to what consumer 66 likes/has previously purchased/etc. , thus introducing the consumer 66 to new breweries. The distribution network 10 may indicate the production date of each beer, how long it was aged, how long it was sold on tap, etc.

[0220] Distribution network 10 may recommend locations based on the types of beer available. When a consumer 66 enters a location/event, using the kegs of the distribution network 10, the fact that the consumer 66 is within range of the keg 14 is determined. This is used to determine when the consumer 66 arrived and/or left the location and can be correlated with marketing , performed in relation to this consumer 66.

[0221] The brewery may allow consumer 66 to "be in charge" of keg/handle 14 so that consumer 66 is notified where keg 14 is being shipped, when it arrives at locations, etc. If consumer 66 wants to be responsible for a keg 14 of only a certain type of beer, the container can be allocated to his responsibility each time he brews, so he appears to "own" the specific keg, even if the actual container is different each time the beer is brewed. This allows the brewery to properly rotate its kegs 14 while allowing the consumer 66 to be aware that he is responsible for one keg.

[0222] FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary fixed reader 36 for detecting and measuring a radio transmitter 16 in accordance with the present invention. The stationary reader 36 includes a yellow light-emitting diode (LED) 270 and a red LED 272. The stationary reader 36 is preferably mounted on a wall, such as inside the refrigerator compartment 278 or other location. The stationary reader 36 preferably does not have a screen, but is controlled by a mobile device application 38. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) 270 and 272 indicate the status of the stationary reader 36. The red LED 272 indicates whether the stationary reader 36 is powered and connected to the Internet 54. Yellow LED 270 indicates that keg reading 14 is activated using radio transmitter 16 or ring radio transmitter 142 and, during initial setup, indicates that stationary reader 36 is ready to accept the Wi-Fi password.

[0223] If the fixed reader 36 does not have a current connection to the Internet, then the necessary connection can be made peer-to-peer (eg, via Bluetooth). The stationary reader maintains a connection to the Internet and actively attempts to reestablish the connection if the connection fails. Indications of the proximity of kegs 14 are taken continuously. If the Internet connection 54 is interrupted, the readings are buffered to the local buffer sensors/data collection section 34, and when the Internet connection 54 is restored, the buffered data is transferred to the server computer 56. The data is compressed before being encrypted, authenticated and sent to the server.

[0224] Each stationary reader 36 in the distribution network 10 has a unique identifier and a unique asymmetric encryption key. Only the mobile device 38, which has the second half of the asymmetric key, is authorized to control the stationary reader 36.

[0225] The asymmetric key is retrieved from the server computer 56, is not permanently stored on the mobile device 38, and has only single session usage rights.

[0226] In FIG. 19 illustrates the location of a fill reader in connection with a refrigerator compartment 278 or other location for detecting and reporting the status of a plurality of kegs 14. FIG. 19 further illustrates the use of a mobile reader 274 that may be used at a stand 276 near the mesh network 18 of kegs 14 within the cold storage compartment 278.

[0227] FIG. 20 illustrates the principle of using faucet handles as a mechanism for monitoring the flow rate of beer or other liquid in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; The present invention describes a system and mechanism for remotely tracking and monitoring the use of a faucet handle and associated beverage dispensing systems.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 20, 277 tap handles are provided free of charge to retail outlets to advertise the brand of beer currently on tap. For example, when a restaurant decides to sell a new brand, the distributor or brewery provides a tap handle 277 for use in the restaurant when pouring that beer. The tap handle advertises the beer on tap and also acts as a handle for dispensing the drink through the 279 tap.

[0229] Laws dictate that ownership of the faucet handle 277 remains with the supplier and not with the retailer. In accordance with the laws adopted for the three-tier system, the seller does not own the pen - it is provided free of charge for use in promoting the brand. Since compliance is governed by law and not contract, forcing the seller to return the tap handle (i.e., the brewery/distributor must prove that the seller still has the handle).

[0230] Faucet handles 277 are often lost. After faucet 279 is removed, handle 277 can be placed in a box under the bar; put on display in some room of the restaurant; misplaced; thrown away; deposited; taken home by an employee; given to a regular client. When a brewery or distributor comes to pick up a handle, the salesperson often doesn't know where the handle is; or the place where the pen is kept is not accessible (for example, in the manager's office, etc.). Since the distributor/brewery does not know when the handle is installed on the faucet and when it is removed, there is always a time lag between when the 277 handle is not in use and when the brewery/distributor tries to take it away - increasing the likelihood that it will get lost.

[0231] There are no established vendor solutions in the industry for remotely measuring activity on a faucet handle, such as how many times a bartender “pulls” handles to dispense a drink. Flow meters exist to measure beverage flow through lines connecting the container to the tap, giving an indirect measurement of pen usage. However, such flow data is collected locally for retailer use, and there are no established networks or processes to transmit such data back to distributors and/or breweries in real time.

[0232] There is a need for a system capable of remotely monitoring faucet handles 277 . Such a system would make it possible to remotely collect data on handle pulls and transmit it to all interested parties - suppliers. Accordingly, FIG. 21 shows how a faucet handle 281 may be designed in accordance with the present invention to enable sensing and reporting of liquid dispensing. Typical 281 tap handle parts include 283 handle, 285 marker, 287 hanger bolt, 289 hoop, 291 tap lever, 293 bolt, 295 tap, from distributors and breweries. This is a simple determination of whether handle 281 is still on the seller's premises. This prompts the seller to return the handle 281. Making the handle 281 trackable further allows the distributor/brewery to be notified immediately when the handle 281 is removed from the tap 295 so that it can be picked up.

[0233] The present invention discloses a small faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow that may be attached to or integrated into the faucet handle 281 . The faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow allows for location tracking and measurement of remote use of the faucet handle 281 at multiple locations. The faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow is configured to save the sensed conditions for later downloading. Flow monitoring and reporting faucet device 301 may also communicate with another flow monitoring and reporting faucet device 301 on a peer-to-peer basis.

[0234] FIG. 22 - 26 depict various alternative embodiments of a faucet handle device 301 for measuring and reporting flow in accordance with the method and system disclosed herein. The faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow may be located in a variety of locations. In particular, the specific retail outlets 281 in which the faucet handles will be used are not known in advance. No configuration or installation at a remote retail location is required. The faucet handle 281 can be moved from one location to another without the need to install or configure each one.

[0235] The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow is configured to operate in the fluid distribution networks described herein and in US Pat. No. 10,083,431 to track the handle 281 as its location changes. Connection to a typical typical personal mobile device is automatic and occurs automatically without requiring manual configuration or interaction.

[0236] The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow may also be able to communicate directly without using the aforementioned network. The faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow is small enough to be built into the faucet handle 281 itself. This means that it can be used without changing the external dimensions of the handle.

[0237] The battery life of the faucet handle 281 with the faucet monitoring and flow reporting device 301 is at least 2 years and can be up to five years or more, depending on the battery used. The device automatically correlates with the drink being dispensed because the tap handle is made to advertise that drink (that is, the tap handle advertises a brand and possibly a specific type of beer. If the handle is installed, then that specific brand of beer is being served. The system can automatically know which brand is on It doesn't matter which tap or line the drink is connected to.

[0238] Coordination with the remote restaurant is not required. The remote restaurant may not use tracking information - it may still be collected. The restaurant may not even know that it is being collected. Persons using the faucet handle 281, i.e., restaurant, distributor, etc., may not be aware that it is being tracked due to the potentially identical form factor to conventional faucet handles. The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow determines whether the handle is on the faucet or not. The tap handle 281 can be in different states - in a warehouse, in a distribution network; on tap in a restaurant; in a box in a restaurant. The sensor continues to work even if the handle is not on the tap. In addition, it determines what state it is in - on the tap or in the drawer.

[0239] The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow does not simply measure faucet activity. Knowing that the faucet handle 281 is not used on the faucet is important. The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow provides important information even without connection to the faucet 295 and the product dispensing system. If the tap handle 281 is not on the tap, it means that the brand is no longer dispensed (this could be because the keg is empty or for some other reason). For the distributor or supplier, this means they must review the account.

[0240] The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow does not simply measure the dispensing of the product. This is because knowing that the pen is not measuring (i.e. in the drawer) is just as important as measuring the flow of the product. The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow can detect when the faucet handle has left the building, since knowing that it has left the building is important. This could happen if the restaurant lost or otherwise became dispossessed of the 281 faucet handle.

[0241] The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow measures usage and thus indirectly the dispensing of product. When combined with the keg tracking system of the present invention, the faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow provides complete visibility into what is happening with the kegs and fluid. In combination with a digital menu system, the faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting consumption can provide automatic updating of the products served (the handle is installed on the faucet, which means the brand is available for purchase).

[0242] The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting consumption can automatically update a website with information about a product sold locally, without the need for configuration at the point of sale. In combination with a digital menu system, the faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting consumption can interactively display product sales (the brand lights up when the handle is used). When combined with a point of sale recording, the tap handle 281 with the tap device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow can provide a measure of product "shrinkage" (sales must be consistent with use of the handle - any spills made without a corresponding point of sale recording means the product has been given away).

[0243] Because the faucet handle 281 has information about when it is installed and removed from the faucet, it can provide an indication that the lines are being cleaned properly (the handle is removed during off-peak hours and then reinstalled). This is a way to remotely double check that line cleaning procedures are being performed regularly.

[0244] When more than one tap handle 281 is tracked at a point of sale, relative sales data (i.e., how one brand sells when another brand also sells) is available to distributors and breweries. This data typically exists at the restaurant's point of sale, but is not available to the distributor/brewery. The collection of this data does not require permission from the provider.

[0245] Location tracking helps determine where lost pens 281 are located and prevent them from being lost or misplaced in the distribution network. Ensures accountability for employees and accounting records. Location tracking can help the supplier (brewery, distributor) return older versions of pens. Often kegs are sold and not immediately put into bottling (they are put into storage). Pen tracking allows the supplier to know when a keg they previously sold actually goes on tap and is sold.

[0246] Various physical embodiments of faucet handle 281 are included within the scope of the present invention and are shown in FIG. 22 - 26. These may include a faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow, built into a cavity within the faucet handle 281. In fig. 25 shows a faucet handle 281 with a faucet flow monitoring and reporting device 301 built into the hoop at the bottom of the faucet handle. Moreover, the hoop containing the tracker can be modified with any existing handle that has a hanging bolt. The faucet handle 281 with the faucet device 301 for monitoring and reporting flow can also be modified with any existing handle that has an "internal hoop" using an adapter thread.

[0247] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram 305 of a radio transmitter architecture for a flow metering and reporting faucet handle device disclosed herein, in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The schematic block diagram shows an RTC (real time clock) 307, a flash memory 309 for storing external memory, a level sensor 311 that detects the position of the handle and its deviation from the axis, and a fastening sensor 313 that determines whether the faucet handle 281 is installed on the bolt 293 tap. I2C 315 provides the communication bus, and Serial Peripheral Interface SPI 317 provides the communication bus. The 319 General Purpose Input/Output Interface (GPIO) provides general-purpose I/O. Additional sensors can be added such as temperature, acoustic, vibration, GPS, cellular modem, light element (i.e. handle lights up when used), infrared element, etc. Additional 301 Faucet Device Components for Flow Monitoring and Reporting include antenna and RF circuitry 321 and Vcc voltage source 323 from battery 325.

[0248] Another possibility is to use the handles with infrared, directional antennas, or other means of measuring signal propagation to determine their position relative to each other. For example, the handle has information that it is in position 1 of 10. This could be important data for marketing purposes or to link handle use to line use (along with keg line use) to verify that the tap handle 281 is in on the right line, etc.

[0249] FIG. 28 shows a schematic diagram of a faucet handle arrangement for measuring and reporting flow in accordance with the present invention. An inexpensive direction-insensitive gravity switch 331 is shown in FIG. 28. The 331 switch has a low profile and can be designed without increasing the height of the printed circuit board (PCB) more than other components. This can be compared to conventional omnidirectional gravity switches, which have additional height. Switch 331 may be configured with multiple segments 333 (six shown here) to provide variablely accurate omnidirectional readings. Fewer segments 333 require fewer processor GPIOs 319; more 333 segments require more GPIO 319 inputs. Using six 333 segments means that when the faucet handle is actuated in the vertical plane, there will always be an "empty" segment to separate "on" from "off". A design using fewer segments is also possible, with a trade-off between manufacturing cost and accuracy. Can be constructed using standard metal protective materials.

[0250] FIG. 29 illustrates a connection diagram 335 of a faucet handle 281 metering and reporting device disclosed herein. A ball bearing is designed to roll on the flat guard platform 337 and provides an electrical connection between the platform 337 and the edge sensors 339. This provides a reliable and inexpensive solution compared to having three or more conventional tilt switches. It also increases reliability because the logic is simplified. This is true because there is no need to combine the readings of three or more conflicting sensors.

[0251] FIG. 30A and 30B show an electrical connection structure for a faucet handle circuit 301 for measuring and reporting flow in accordance with the present invention. The use of gold plated (FIG. 30A) contacts 339 improves reliability. Provides the ability to arbitrarily rotate the faucet handle 281 on the faucet and at the same time detect the “on” or “off” positions. Compared to conventional gravity switches, which are unidirectional (Fig. 30B). The software can be programmed to determine which handle position represents the "on" or "off" position. The faucet handle 281 is designed to allow arbitrary rotation to be changed for cleaning the line, etc.). In combination with the faucet sensor 341 described below, can be used to determine when the faucet handle 281 has likely changed rotation.

[0252] It is possible to detect both the on and off positions using the same switch 331. It is not necessary to have two different switches. The software is also used to detect "no activity" - this may be a backup mechanism for determining whether the faucet handle 281 is on the faucet. Switch 331 operates less than 10 degrees from horizontal and detects a slight backward tilt of the faucet handle in the off position. It is difficult to achieve such a small degree with commercially available gravity switches. In the present embodiment, the inner circle after applying the parts may be 10 mm. The rest of the board can be as small as possible given the metal parts and topology. The seven metal pieces are pin posts attached to a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0253] FIG. 31A-31C illustrate a preferred embodiment of a faucet handle device for measuring and reporting flow rate for operation in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention. In the faucet sensor 341 in FIG. 31A uses a split metal insert 343 in which the tap bolt provides the conductive material to close the switch 331. There are no moving parts (unlike conventional switches which have a moving actuator. The tap switch 341 is low profile and does not increase the height of the rim/handle. Split the metal insert 343 is threaded, see Fig. 31B, with the two halves 345 and 347 separated by plastic 349. When the thread is seated on the bolt, switch 331 is closed by conduction through the bolt.

[0254] The configuration of FIG. The 31A-31C allows for low-cost assembly (no moving parts). The device is also waterproof and does not require gaskets to seal it. Works with common metals for faucet bolts; does not require the bolt to be magnetic. Cannot be pressed accidentally (unlike a button that can be pressed accidentally). As shown in FIG. 31C, it features a low profile with no extra height required to activate the switch or springs. The configuration does not depend on how far the faucet handle is screwed onto the faucet. If it is screwed on deep enough to stay on the faucet, the switch will work.

[0255] A standard locknut may be used to hold the faucet handle 281 in position around the bolt, which promotes actuation of the switch 331 by applying more force to the threads. The thread material is selected for good conductivity and thread strength. A thread may start out as Grade 2B and with additional manufacturing tolerances end up being Grade 1B. The top of the metal piece provides a surface for connection to the PCB (via pins).

[0256] One side of the releasable thread 343 may connect directly to the battery, or may use the same clamp that is used to hold the battery 325 to contact the top of the metal portion. The top of the metal parts can be exposed but still provide a watertight seal. Threads can either be pre-formed into the metal parts or added after the plastic is molded. threaded metal-plastic

[0257] FIG. 32A - 32C show an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the metal portion is deflected by means of a locknut to contact the metal threads in the housing. The disadvantage of this configuration is that the device may operate accidentally; requires tightening the locknut; difficult to mold; increases height.

[0258] FIG. 33 shows a fully assembled embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 32A-32C. The locknut touches the metal part of the housing; the locknut also touches the bolt, which touches the metal threads in the body; the locknut closes the switch, connecting all the metal parts together. The disadvantage of this configuration is that the device may have an expensive metal part for the bottom of the housing; requires a metal insert in the housing to provide access to the printed circuit board to the metal part; requires tightening the locknut

[0259] An alternative faucet sensor is shown in FIG. 34. This switch can be activated by a bolt in the cavity. The disadvantage of this configuration is that it increases the height of the device and makes it difficult to mold. This further reduces the amount of thread available to retain the faucet handle 281. Another alternative faucet sensor is shown in FIG. 35. In FIG. The 35 pin passes through the housing and activates a switch on the PCB. The disadvantages are that this configuration requires the circuit board to be located under the battery. Thus, if springs are not used, excessive force may damage the PCB. This configuration can be difficult to assemble and ensure it is waterproof. This configuration may be accidentally activated. Additionally, this configuration requires a locknut to be tightened and introduces a dependency on the locknut diameter. This configuration increases the height - from 17 mm to 18 mm.

[0260] Another alternative faucet sensor is shown in FIG. 36. A variant of a detachable metal insert, in which the contacts for the upper parts of the metal parts are molded into the housing. This allows the PCB to be a watertight cavity separated from the threads. The disadvantage of this configuration is that the device can be more expensive to mold and increases the height. Other alternative embodiments may be considered and all should be considered within the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

[0261] In FIG. 37 depicts a full reader display 280 that may be displayed by a mobile reader 274 or sensing device 36/38 to indicate the status of kegs 14 within the mesh network 18. The display 280 provides information 282 about empty kegs 14 and information 284 about full kegs 14. Empty display 282 keg display 14 indicates that keg1, keg2, keg3, and keg4 are empty kegs 14. Full keg display 284 14 indicates that keg10, keg11, keg12, and keg13 are full. The fill icon 286 indicates movement from empty to full for the various kegs 14 in the refrigerator compartment 278. The indicator 286 indicates what type of liquid product is in the various kegs, in this case pale ale. The display 280 also indicates the operating date of the display.

[0262] The fill reader display 280 allows the brewery 20 to enter the fill date and contents of the kegs 14 as they fill them using a conventional tablet device 274. The distribution network 10 software allows the brewery 20 to select a product to fill the kegs with, manually labeling the kegs 14 when they are full, and show the adjacent keg 14 and its condition. Based on the preferences of the brewery 20, the distribution network 10 software may either require manual tagging of kegs 14 or automatically tagging kegs 14 based on being within a specified distance range of the fill reader 274 over a period of time.

[0263] In FIG. 38A and 38B show how stationary reader 36 can read the status of keg 14 in refrigerator compartment 278 with the metal door closed. In the refrigerator compartment 278, a mesh network 18 of radio transmitters 16 may be located behind a closed metal refrigerator door 290. During this time, it is not possible to obtain the necessary communication between the radio transmitter 16 and the receiving device 36/38. However, as shown in FIG. 38B, when the refrigerator door 290 is opened, a clear communication channel is opened between the stationary reader 36 and the mesh network 18, allowing each radio transmitter 16 on the kegs 14 to be read. Alternatively, communication may occur with any mobile device 38, 40, 42, 60 externally refrigeration chamber. Although it is not possible to read the radio transmitters 16, statistical data may be stored and forwarded from the radio transmitter 16. Alternatively, as mobile devices 38 enter and exit the refrigerator compartment 278, they may collect data from the kegs 14 or the mesh network 18 in the refrigerator compartment 278 for subsequent reporting. about network 10 distribution.

[0264] FIG. 39 and 40 depict a layered structure of a weighing mat 250 according to the present invention. The weighing mat 250 includes a smooth top layer 292 adhered to a compressible release layer 294. Below the compressible release layer 294 is a bottom layer 296. The weighing mat 250 may be placed on metal bars 298. The bottom layer 296 may include a rubber layer. 300 with high friction coefficient. The smooth top layer 292 may further include a projection 302 upon which a keg 14 can be placed. The smooth top layer allows the kegs 14 to slide easily onto the weighing mat 250. The surface of the bottom layer 296 may include a rubber or high friction adhesive surface to secure the weighing mat 250 in place to the metal shelf bars 298 . An optional raised lip 302 on the smooth top layer 292 helps place one or more kegs 14 in the best position(s) for weighing, as well as for use in association with other kegs 14 in the mesh screen 18.

[0265] FIG. 41 depicts a weighing or measuring device 304 for integration within a weighing mat 250 in accordance with the present invention. Weighing devices 304 are located between the smooth top layer 292 and the bottom layer 296. Examples of weighing devices 304 may be a load cell, a pressure sensor, etc. The deflection of the smooth top layer 292 and the compression of the compressible spacer layer 294 when the keg 14 is placed on the weigh mat 250 transfers the weight force of the keg 14 to the weighing device 304. An optional separating material can be used to support the smooth top layer 292 outside the weighing zone(s). . Overload protection prevents damage to the weighing device 304 from large sudden loads resulting from a fall from a shelf onto the weighing mat 250.

[0266] FIG. 41 further illustrates the communication of the radio transmitter 16 with the weighing mat 250 in accordance with the present invention. In fig. 41 shows a weighing mat 250 including weighing devices 304 located below a projection 302. A radio transmitter 16 communicates with the mat's antenna 306. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 41, weighing mat 250 correlates the weight of keg 14 as measured by weighing devices 304 with changes in the condition of keg 14.

[0267] Radio antenna 306 receives signals from radio transmitter 16 when keg 14 is placed on weighing mat 250. The weighing mat 250 may then transmit the weight of the keg 14 and other information about each keg 14 either directly to the stationary storage system reader 36, the mobile device 38, or an intermediate sensing device 36/38. The intermediate sensing devices 36/38 may further include another weighing mat 250; another stationary reader 36; mobile device 38; Internet or cloud server computer 56 via Wi-Fi; and so on.

[0268] Radio transmitter 16 includes sensors on PCB 88 that can detect events that cause a change in state in keg 14 , mesh network 18 , or elsewhere in distribution network 10 . An example would be a temperature sensor 192 detecting a temperature change that is significant to monitor the status of the keg 14. This temperature change and/or the status change itself is communicated to the mobile device 38 and thus to the rest of the distribution network 10.

[0269] Placing the radio transmitter 16 on the bottom rim 136 of the keg 14 allows the mat antenna 306 to easily detect and disambiguate signals from other adjacent kegs 14 in the mesh network 18. The distribution network 10 software determines what brand and type of beer is on the weighing mat 250 ; when keg 14 was filled; etc. The mat antenna 306 is positioned to best detect the radio transmitter 16 directly above the corresponding weigh mat 250 in the absence of other adjacent kegs 14 in the vicinity, but not on the weigh mat 250. The weighing mat 250 may also include a radio frequency shield to prevent elements on the weighing mats 250 from being detected on the lower metal shelf bars 298 . The mat antenna 306 may be directional to further assist in disambiguation from adjacent kegs 14.

[0270] The mechanical overload protection mechanism directly allows full kegs 14 to safely fall onto the weigh mat 250. Such an event may occur when the weigh mat 250 is on the floor and a keg 14 falls from an adjacent shelf. When using the load cell as a weighing device 304, a mechanical stop is included in the operation of the load cell to prevent damage to it in the event of overload. When a pressure sensor is used as weighing device 304, a point load may compress the smooth top layer 292, the separation layer 294, and the rubber layer 300 such that the load is transferred to the metal shelf bars 298 below the weighing mat 250. The surface will only record load readings spread across the smooth top layer 292.

[0271] In each mesh network 18, one weighing mat 250 may act as a “master” mat responsible for collecting information from neighboring weighing mats 250 before sending it to the computer server 56. The weighing mats 250 may be separately connected to the server section 52 via Wi-Fi or other means. The weighing mats 250 may transmit readings directly to the sensing devices 36/38 or an adjacent tablet computer. Radio measurements are aggregated by propagation network software 10 from multiple weighing mats 250 to disambiguate multiple radio transmitter signals 16 from different kegs. 14. The weight of the kegs 14 is aggregated by the software of the distribution network 10 to automatically order more product as needed. The weigh mat 250 hardware communicates events to the distribution network 10 software, for example, kegs 14 enter and leave the weigh mat 250; keg 14 is almost empty; the new keg 14 was used for bottling sales; etc. The distribution network software 10 uses events received from the weigh mat 250 hardware to determine additional conditions, such as whether the last full keg 14 of a particular brand has been installed for sale on tap 260; etc. These events and conditions trigger actions such as POS 262 notification.

[0272] In FIG. 42 shows a potential configuration of stacked kegs 14 that can be measured and monitored using a weighing mat 250 in accordance with the present invention. An alternative dual keg weighing mat 310 14 provides the ability to stack two kegs 14 on top of each other - a top keg 272 and a bottom keg 274. With the top keg 272 stacked on the bottom keg 274, the weigh mat 276 can provide a weight estimate of the combined weight of the two kegs 14 Stacking two kegs 14 on top of each other assumes that one of them is either full or empty. Thus, both kegs 14 can begin to fill while the top keg 14272 can be emptied. The top keg 272 may then be placed on the bottom with the bottom keg 274 connected to the dispensing tap 260. In this configuration, only one keg 14 is emptied at a time. The weighing mat 250 may have a readout area indicating weight/fill percentage/etc. for the keg 14 currently used for sale on tap 260. The distribution network 10 software may automatically compensate for the event that the bottom keg 14274 is full or empty.

[0273] In FIG. 43-46 show various application screens of the mobile device 38 for the present invention. In fig. 43 shows a connection via mobile device 38 with wireless transmission from a fixed reader 36 and/or radio transmitter 16. As shown in FIG. 43, the access screen 320 indicates the ability to determine that the stationary reader 36 is within the Bluetooth connection of the badge 322 or the Wi-Fi connection of the badge 324 to the mobile device 38. The red indicator light 326 may indicate that "Truck #1" as a reading station is available for mobile device 38.

[0274] Access screen 320 also provides the ability to select stations 328, trucks 330, or other locations within the liquid products distribution network 10.

[0275] The distribution network 10 software residing on the mobile phone/device creates a peer-to-peer network to support the operation of the fixed reader 36. The screen of the mobile device 38 allows settings to be entered allowing the fixed reader 36 to connect to the local Wi-Fi and then to the rest of the networks 10 distribution. Fig. 43 is a list of fixed readers from different vendors 30, where the red/green indicator signals 326 depict the status indication of the fixed reader 36. The Bluetooth connection icon 322 and the Wi-Fi connection icon 324 indicate whether the corresponding fixed reader 36 currently has a wireless connection to the network 10 spread.

[0276] In FIG. 44 shows how mobile device 38 may be connected to distribution network 10. For example, mobile device 38 may be connected through server section 52 at selection 340 or a peer-to-peer network at sensor/data acquisition section 34 at selection 342. These connections may be selected by the user of mobile device 38, as in the illustrated example of peer-to-peer selection 340 in FIG. 44.

[0277] In FIG. 45 shows how the software of the mobile device 38 may allow the user to determine the state of the software of the distribution network 10 at the station. So the version 350 screen shows the station name as “reader #4” using the Wi-Fi network “private Wifi” and version 1.1.1. Version screen 350 also indicates the presence of nearby Wi-Fi networks applicable to mobile device 38. In FIG. 45 shows information received from the stationary reader 36 about its current state, using a name relevant to the location of the reader. At the same time, information is provided whether the Wi-Fi network is programmed in it and the firmware version of the stationary reader 36. Selecting “Nearby” allows you to show other radio transmitters 16 that can currently be detected by the stationary reader 36.

[0278] In FIG. 46 simply illustrates the ability to select among different Wi-Fi networks, as may typically be the case when operating a mobile device 38. FIG. Figure 46 shows the identification and selection of a Wi-Fi network (private Wifi) from the available Wi-Fi networks as indicated in the list.

[0279] In FIG. 47-50 show exemplary screens that may find use for mobile phones and tablets operating as mobile devices 38 in detecting and reporting kegs 14 in various locations, and data applicable to monitoring and reporting. Fig. 47-36 further demonstrate the communication capabilities of the distribution network 10 software. For example, in FIG. 47 shows the interface of the mobile device 38, including a satellite perspective, providing the ability to maintain different accounts associated with the distribution network 10, as well as the ability to drill down into accounts to determine the status of the accounts. Thus, the maintenance and detail screen 360 displays a satellite image 362, including a plurality of keg icons 364 14 indicative of accounts associated with the distribution network 10. For example, the selection panel 366 provides the ability to select neighboring locations 368, keg 14 reporting sections 370, fill state selector 372, and delivery sections 374 to perform various functions of the distribution network 10.

[0280] In FIG. 47 shows a screen 360 showing the analysis of tracking data and occupancy levels of the distribution network 10 to provide a list of maps and locations in which kegs 14 appear equipped with radio transmitters 16 and sensing devices 36/38 for reading them. On the top half of the screen 360, each circle 364 with a beer mug represents a location of the keg section 12 14. The circle 362 without a beer mug may represent a group of locations of the keg section 12 14. The bottom half of the screen 360 may provide a list of accounts associated with each circle 362 or 364. By either clicking on circle 362 or 364 or on the account name below, the image shown in FIG. 48, providing additional information about a specific account, here is the 15th Street Cafe. The icon may change depending on the condition of the keg 14 at a particular location.

[0281] The controls at the bottom of the map area of the 360 screen include (1) adding a new account that has not yet been measured; (2) changing the type of graphic image of the map; (3) displaying the user's current location; (4) changing the size of the map in relation to the list. The four yellow buttons at the top of the list area lead to four screens with the following specific information: (1) containers detected nearby within the user's specified radius; (2) a list of all containers, their location/condition/etc.; (3) a control element for filling the kegs 14, similar to that shown in FIG. 38; (4) Delivery screen for entering notes and information about a specific delivery.

[0282] By performing a reverse address lookup (from GPS to a specific address) when the truck 70 stops, the distribution networks 10 can determine the delivery account and thus the inventory at the location of the keg network 12 4. If the transmitting device 36/38 does not include itself the ability to reverse search for a specific address, the GPS data associated with the sensing device 36/38 can be transmitted to the server computer 56, which transmits this GPS data to another sensing device 36/38, which can perform the search; or transmitted directly to another receiving device 36/38 within the distribution network 10. The determined reverse lookup result for a particular address may then be sent back to the original sensing device 36/38. After performing an address lookup, the sensing device 36/38 may cache the address so that the next time only the GPS data is needed to determine the corresponding account of the keg section 12 14. The distribution network 10 software may also display route information to the driver of the truck 70. Such route information may include the day's records, driving route, what needs to be unloaded and loaded, verifies that the driver leaves and picks up the correct inventory; etc. The distribution network 10 software may also learn the route of the truck driver 70 over time. For example, the distribution network 10 software may record that deliveries to a particular account are always made from a particular parking location. This information becomes part of the information base displayed by the distribution network 10 software to the truck driver 70. The distribution network 10 software also provides an information base serving as a repository for routes, account specific information such as combinations for locks, where empty kegs 14 are stored, and etc., schedules, invoices, requirements for unloading and loading, etc. Loading, delivery and inventory data are cross-referenced with invoices, route schedules, last known inventory (i.e. lost kegs), etc. The tablet 244 on the truck 70 may communicate wirelessly with the truck reader 230 to display mapping, routing, etc. In fig. 48 shows the results of selecting the "Nearby" function 368, where, for example, a message about a cafe on 15th Street may be generated in the form of a screen 390. The screen message 390 may present information related to the configuration of the keg 14 and the associated mesh network, for location messages, here is a cafe on 15th street.

[0283] In FIG. 49 shows the type of information available about each keg 14 in addition to the above: serial number, contents, location, size of keg 14, history of keg 14. Once the keg 14 function 370 is selected, a keg information screen 380 may be displayed on the mobile device 38 14 according to FIG. 49. Such information may include the name assigned to the keg 14, the product contained in the keg 14, the condition of the keg 14, any identification number associated with the keg 14, the size of the keg 14, and any significant operations associated with the keg 14.

[0284] In FIG. 49 shows the type of information available about the account: name and address; notes about the account (instructions on who to contact, etc.); kegs 14 in place and their contents; date of delivery to account; how full the kegs are 14; statistical history of the account, including the average number of days required to empty a 14 keg; average volume of product consumption.

[0285] FIG. 50 relates to the POS marketing feedback loop 262 of FIG. 37 in accordance with the present invention. The POS marketing feedback loop 262 may be assigned via an application or wireless network to indicate to the consumer 66 a restaurant or other location of the keg section 12 14 where kegs 14 containing a beer of known interest to the consumer 66 may be available. The screen 400 appears on the mobile device. 38 of the consumer 66 to provide notification from the RMS section 58 of the distribution network 10. Screen 400 indicates an event that may be of interest or importance to consumer 66 or another participant in distribution network 10. Notice 402 shows that the beer brand "Austin IPA" has just been made available at the Revolution location. Through this notification, mobile device 38 allows consumer 66 to share this information or simply acknowledge this event by selecting "Share" or "OK" as appropriate. The value of this function for all participants in the distribution network 10 can be quite high.

[0286] FIG. 51A-51D illustrate data that may be communicated by software of the distribution network 10 to perform various management and financial functions related to collateral information and financial transactions. Such management and financial information has significant advantages with respect to invoices, accounting and verification of information entered by the driver of the truck 70 related to deliveries of kegs 14. FIG. 51A provides a report that may be very useful to distributor 64 or brewery 20 in reporting inventory by location of a section 12 of kegs 14. Report 410 may be applied, for example, to distributor 64 and provides a “location inventory,” a list of locations 412 of vendors 30. that may be serviced by the distributor 64. Report segment 414 represents the status for an empty keg 14 that may be present at the location. Report segment 416 represents time-stamped information related to the history of keg 14 having the identification “Keg #008.” Thus, in FIG. 51A illustrates how the distribution network 10 software allows the high-level aggregate view to be drilled down into individual keg histories 14.

[0287] In FIG. 51B provides information related to kegs 14 that may be located at a particular location of the retailer 30 in a “Turn Report.” In fig. 51B shows calculations of the “state” of keg 14 and the number of days each keg 14 is in each state. This drawing also shows the complete cycle of a 14 keg from the brewery (date on the left); through various states; until keg 14 is returned to the brewery (date on the right).

[0288] In FIG. 51C provides an "Inventory Report" by keg 14 or on a per keg basis 14. FIG. 51C shows data similar to FIG. 51B, except that the current location of the keg 14 is in column 2; the contents of keg 14 in column 3 - and keg 14's current progress through the states it has gone through to date.

[0289] In FIG. 51D shows the Daily Changes report at the location. In the report in FIG. 51D shows daily changes in the states of the kegs 14 as they move through the distribution network 10. These are just examples of the many types of reports and financial management information provided by the software and distribution network 10 components. When applied, other types of reports may also be useful to participants in the distribution network 10.

[0290] In FIG. 52 shows an accounts screen for viewing merchant accounts 30, their location on a map, merchant information, merchant inventory, and account history. Accounts screen in FIG. 52 shows information that can be generated by the distribution network 10 when delivering kegs 14, which indicates the latest inventory location of the seller 30, which can be viewed by the driver of the truck 70. The accounts screen in FIG. 52 allows location granularity to indicate the state of a location that is part of the distribution network 10. The Accounts screen includes report generation and includes views of kegs, products, readers, etc. for the seller 30, which can be viewed through a web browser or within the application of the mobile device 38 of the distribution network 10. The accounts screen displays data about 16 radio transmitters, 14 kegs, 20 breweries, products (such as beer brands and types), 64 distributors, 30 retailers, 14 keg section 12 locations, 36 stationary readers, etc. either individually or in groups/collections. The Accounts screen also provides a toolbar for displaying general information in user-configurable cells. Accounts screen in FIG. 52 displays only data permitted to the user/device and may additionally generate notifications (eg, beer too old, lost keg, delivery errors) that are important throughout the distribution network 10.

[0291] In FIG. 53 shows an additional aspect of a liquid distribution network for automatically managing collateral information. Such information may include how many kegs 14 are located at the location of each merchant 30 in the distribution network 10. When a keg 14 with a radio transmitter 16 or a ring radio transmitter 142 appears in the keg section 12 14, such as the location of the seller 30, from the distribution truck 70, it automatically becomes part of the distribution network 10 at the location of the keg section 12 14. This is indicated in the report 420 in FIG. . 53, which includes collateral information related to that keg. Thus, delivery of the keg 14 initiates a financial transaction related to the newly deposited keg 14 at the merchant location 30. Thus, the deposit is subject to a $120 fee due to communication with the radio transmitter 16. Similarly, when the keg 14 having radio transmitter 16, returned through distribution network 10, $60 return reimbursement appears. The illustrated example distribution network 10 system automatically credits and debits the deposit based on the measurements of the 4 remaining kegs 14 and the 2 loaded kegs. On the right is locating the actual kegs 14 on merchant account 30 and using that data to populate the invoice so that it shows exactly which kegs 14 were unloaded and loaded.

[0292] The software automatically manages the deposit information - how many kegs 14 are in each location, and determines that location's current deposit. Deposit information is automatically transferred back to invoices, accounts, etc., or can be used as a double check on data entered by drivers. A waybill is typically prepared before truck driver 70 leaves the warehouse, with a set of his waybills used as a pick sheet for loading kegs 14 and their products onto truck 70. When truck driver 70 actually makes the delivery, the specific keg(s) 14 deposited and loaded is added to the invoice. Section 422 of the Inventory report in FIG. 53 shows a list of all kegs 14 that may be located at the location of the keg section 14. Column 424 of the inventory report 422 provides identification of the keg 14 having the identifier "QB #3-005". Column 426 shows that keg 14 QB #3-005 contains 6 inches of pale ale product, as shown in column 428. Inventory report 422 further shows that distribution network 10 has also discovered other kegs 14, such as kegs 14, having identifiers “HB#3-001”, “HB#3-003”, etc. All 14 kegs listed in the inventory report 422 have a corresponding content measurement in terms of both volume and beer type.

[0293] Thus, a liquid distribution network monitoring and reporting system disclosed herein includes a keg distribution monitoring and reporting device for operation in conjunction with a faucet handle device for flow monitoring and reporting. The keg distribution monitoring and reporting device includes a radio transmitter device comprising a low power consumption radio communication/processing module. The sensing circuit is coupled to a radio transmitter device for sensing and transmitting to the radio communication/processing module physical property parameters associated with the keg. The RF signal transmission circuitry is coupled to a radio communication/processing module for transmitting RF signals without the use of geolocation or cellular radio circuitry.

[0294] The faucet handle device for monitoring and reporting flow includes circuitry for sensing the flow of liquid through a faucet located for dispensing liquid from a keg. The faucet handle device for monitoring and reporting flow includes a faucet handle radio transmitter device that is mounted inside and protected by the faucet handle and contains a low power consumption faucet handle radio communication/processing module. The faucet handle sensing circuit is coupled to the faucet handle radio transmitter device to sense and transmit to the faucet handle radio communication/processing module physical property parameters associated with the liquid dispensed from the keg.

[0295] The faucet handle RF signal transmission circuitry is coupled to the faucet handle radio communication/processing module for transmitting RF signals from the faucet handle device to monitor and report flow rates without the use of geolocation circuitry or cellular radio communications. The faucet handle battery power supply is installed inside the faucet handle, protected by it, and provides electrical power to the faucet handle radio transmitter device.

[0296] A mobile communications device including geolocation sensing and cellular radio circuitry for moving to multiple locations within a keg distribution network and configured to selectively receive and process radio frequency signals from a small form factor reporting device and/or a faucet handle device to monitor and report consumption passively and without user interaction. The mobile communication device further includes memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor-executable instructions related to the keg and the keg distribution network. The mobile communication device further includes computer processing circuitry for processing data and executing executable instructions to monitor and report the physical properties and location of a keg within a keg distribution network without the use of another network uplink/gateway circuitry device.

[0297] The keg distribution monitoring and reporting device and the flow monitoring and reporting faucet handle device may operate independently or jointly to sense and report fluid storage status, flow rates, and financial transactions related to liquid product distribution throughout the product distribution network .

[0298] Since the faucet handle is controlled by a user, the faucet handle sensing device may include sensors that can distinguish between different people operating the same handle. For example, the faucet handle includes NFC detection circuitry to detect the bracelet or ring that each employee is wearing; may include a fingerprint reader; or other biometric sensor to determine who controls the pen. This can be done anonymously - distinguishing people - or be a separate and security feature where only certain people are allowed to operate the handle.

[0299] Combining the above data collection with the recording of spilled drinks provides a correlation between employee activity and sales activity.

[0300] The benefits and advantages that can be provided by the present invention are described above with respect to specific embodiments. These beneficial effects and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or be more pronounced, should not be construed as critical, necessary or essential features of any or all claims. When used herein, singular forms shall also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, it should be understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” or “includes” and/or “including” or any other form thereof are to be construed as non-exclusively including elements or limitations , following from these terms. Accordingly, a system, method, or other embodiment comprising a set of elements is not limited to those elements and may include other elements that are not expressly listed or inherent in the claimed embodiment. These terms, as used in this specification, indicate the presence of the claimed features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements , components and/or their groups.

Claims (45)

1. A device for monitoring and reporting the spread of faucet handles, containing: a valve handle device for monitoring and reporting flow distribution for use with a liquid product dispensing tap and in connection with a liquid product distribution network, comprising: a faucet handle radio transmitter device installed inside the faucet handle device and protected by said faucet handle device and comprising a low power consumption radio communication/processing module; a faucet handle sensing circuit coupled to said radio transmitter device for sensing and transmitting to said radio communication/processing module physical properties associated with the faucet handle and/or faucet and/or line and/or container attached to said faucet handle, and a faucet handle RF signal transmission circuit coupled to said radio communication/processing module for transmitting RF signals from the faucet handle RF transmitter device without using a geographic location circuit; and additionally a battery power supply for the faucet handle installed inside and protected by said outer housing and providing electrical power to said radio transmitter device; a mobile communication device comprising geographic location sensing and cellular radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within a liquid product distribution network and configured to receive and process said radio frequency signals from said faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device; wherein said mobile communication device further comprises memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable instructions related to the faucet 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 physical properties and location of the tap handle in the distribution network of the liquid product. 2. The faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising circuitry and computer processor instructions for sensing the location, type, and flow rate related to the distribution of said liquid product through the liquid product distribution network. 3. The faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device of claim 1, further comprising at least one autonomous sensor coupled to said sensing circuitry for sensing whether the faucet handle is attached to the faucet. 4. The faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device of claim 1, further comprising at least one autonomous sensor coupled to said sensing circuitry for distinguishing between users who operate said faucet handle. 5. The faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of LED indicators, an LCD display, or other display mechanism providing a visual indication of alarms and the operating status of the faucet handle. 6. The faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device according to claim 1, installed inside said faucet handle, taking the place of a standard faucet handle hoop. 7. A method for monitoring and reporting the proliferation of faucet handles, comprising the following steps: control of the operation of the faucet handle device to monitor and report flow distribution; wherein said steps of controlling the operation of the faucet handle device for monitoring and reporting flow propagation include the following steps: installing and permanently mounting a faucet handle radio transmitter device for mounting inside and protecting a faucet handle, comprising a low power consumption faucet handle radio communication/processing module, comprising the following steps: communicating the sensing circuitry with said faucet handle radio transmitter device for sensing and transmitting to said radio communication/processing module, said faucet handle radio communication/processing module physical properties associated with the faucet handle and/or faucet attached to said faucet handle, and communicating an RF signal transmission circuit with said radio communication/processing module for transmitting RF signals from the faucet handle radio transmitter device without using a geographic location circuit; and additionally installing a battery power supply in said outer housing and providing electrical power to said radio transmitter device using said battery power source such that said faucet handle device for monitoring and reporting flow propagation operates without geolocation sensing circuitry for a period of up to two years; And moving a mobile communication device containing geographic location sensing and cellular radio circuitry to a plurality of locations in a liquid product distribution network and configuring said mobile communication device to receive and process said radio frequency signals from the faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device; storing data and computer processor executable instructions related to the faucet and faucet handle distribution in a memory circuit in said mobile communication device, and processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the faucet handle in a liquid distribution network product and communicating with a liquid product distribution network using a computer processing circuit in said mobile communication device; And wherein the steps of controlling the operation of said faucet handle device for monitoring and reporting flow include the steps of sensing the flow of liquid through a faucet located for dispensing liquid from a liquid product distribution network. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of controlling the operation of said faucet handle monitoring and reporting device propagation using at least one autonomous sensor associated with said sensing circuitry for sensing whether the faucet handle is attached to the faucet. 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of controlling the operation of said monitoring device and reporting the propagation of the faucet handles using at least one autonomous sensor associated with said sensing circuitry for distinguishing between users who operate said faucet handle. 10. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of controlling the operation of said faucet handle monitoring and reporting device using a plurality of LED indicators, an LCD display, or other display mechanism providing a visual indication of alarms and the operating status of the faucet handle. 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of forming said flow-monitoring tap handle device in the form factor of a tap handle for dispensing said liquid product to conceal the presence of said flow-monitoring tap handle device in said tap handle and thereby preventing detection of said faucet handle devices for monitoring and reporting flow during normal faucet handle operations. 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of using a communication gateway uplink circuit device in controlling the operation of said liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system. 13. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of forming said flow monitoring faucet handle device in the form factor of a faucet handle for dispensing said liquid product, taking the place of a standard faucet handle hoop. 14. Container distribution network containing: a device for monitoring and reporting the distribution of faucet handles according to claim 1, a monitoring device and reporting the distribution of containers, comprising: a device for sensing and reporting small form factor containers, comprising: an outer casing having a height and diameter of less than a few inches for mounting and permanently attaching to the container; a radio transmitter device mounted within and protected by an outer housing and comprising a low power consumption radio communication/processing module; a sensing circuit coupled to said radio transmitter device for sensing and transmitting to said radio communication/processing module physical properties associated with the container; And an RF signal transmission circuit coupled to said radio communication/processing module for transmitting RF signals from said small form factor container sensing and reporting device without using a geographic location circuit; and additionally a battery power supply installed inside and protected by said outer housing and providing electrical power to said radio transmitter device; wherein said small form factor container sensing and reporting device is configured to operate without a geographic location sensing circuit for a period of up to five years; And a mobile communication device comprising geographic location sensing and cellular radio circuitry for moving to a plurality of locations within a container distribution network and configured to receive and process said radio frequency signals from said small form factor message device; wherein said mobile communication device further comprises memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable instructions related to the container and the container distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing the data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting physical properties and location container in a container distribution network; And a container distribution network communication circuit and an information technology network connected to provide communication between said plurality of container distribution network locations. 15. The container distribution network of claim 14, wherein said faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device is mounted within said faucet handle, taking the place of a standard faucet handle hoop. 16. The container distribution network of claim 14, wherein said faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device further comprises at least one autonomous sensor coupled to said sensing circuitry for sensing whether the faucet handle is attached to the faucet. 17. The container distribution network of claim 14, wherein said faucet handle distribution monitoring and reporting device further comprises at least one autonomous sensor coupled to said sensing circuitry for distinguishing between users who operate said faucet handle. 18. The container distribution network of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of LED indicators, an LCD display, or other display mechanism that provides a visual indication of alarms and the operating status of the container.