초록 ▼

Food and beverage containers with attached or connected transponders. In one embodiment, relatively inexpensive passive transponders are used and are embedded or otherwise attached to the food and beverage containers. A transponder exciter is placed in or near the food or beverage dispenser for ener

Food and beverage containers with attached or connected transponders. In one embodiment, relatively inexpensive passive transponders are used and are embedded or otherwise attached to the food and beverage containers. A transponder exciter is placed in or near the food or beverage dispenser for energizing the transponder on the food or beverage container, and for discerning information therefrom. Alternatively, active transponders can be used and an non-exciter reader can be used. The information from the containers can be used to track the containers and control the amount of consumable material with which the containers are filled, the number of times the containers are filled, and the type of material with which the containers are filled.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A food or beverage container, comprising: a body constructed to hold a consumable material; and a transponder connected to the body, the transponder being constructed to emit an RF transponder signal to a dispenser to automatically commence dispensing of the consumable material, the RF transp

1. A food or beverage container, comprising: a body constructed to hold a consumable material; and a transponder connected to the body, the transponder being constructed to emit an RF transponder signal to a dispenser to automatically commence dispensing of the consumable material, the RF transponder signal having information about the consumable material including a predetermined quantity and quality of the consumable material ordered by a customer and to be dispensed by the dispenser, the transponder having a memory capable of being programmed with customer order data. 2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transponder has a memory containing identity data for the container. 3. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the identity data includes a serial number. 4. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the identity data includes information on the size of the container. 5. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the identity data includes information on the make of the container. 6. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transponder has a memory containing one of at least identity or customer order data. 7. A container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transponder, in response to an activation signal, generates an output signal based on the data in the memory. 8. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the body comprises a paper-based food receptacle. 9. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the body comprises a paper-based beverage receptacle. 10. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the body comprises a plastic cup. 11. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the body comprises a polystyrene cup. 12. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the body has an outside surface and an inside surface, the inside surface being adapted to contact at least one of a food and a beverage; and the transponder is connected to the outside surface of the body. 13. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the transponder is disposed within the body. 14. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the RF transponder signal relates to a type of food to be held by the body. 15. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the RF transponder signal relates to a type of food to be automatically placed into the body. 16. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the RF transponder signal relates to a plurality of types of food to be automatically placed into the body. 17. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the RF transponder signal relates to a plurality of types of food to be sequentially placed into the body. 18. A container as set forth in claim 17, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of food to be sequentially placed into the body comprises a condiment. 19. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the RF transponder signal relates to a type of beverage to be placed into the body. 20. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the RF transponder signal relates to a quantity of beverage to be placed into the body. 21. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the consumable material comprises at least one of a food and a beverage. 22. A container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the RF transponder is a passive responder and constructed to receive an excitation signal, and in response emit the RF transponder signal. 23. A food or beverage container, comprising: a body constructed to hold a consumable material; and a transponder connected to the body, the transponder constructed to emit an RF transponder signal to a dispenser to automatically commence dispensing of the consumable material, the RF transponder signal having information about the consumable material and wherein the transponder has a memory containing customer order data. 24. A container as claimed in claim 23, wherein the customer order data includes instructions for a food preparer.