초록 ▼

A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with

A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of adapting a dispensing system to different reflective environments, comprising:providing a refill container having a dispensing interface to dispense material;arranging a plurality of infrared sensors proximally about said dispensing interface to detect the presence

What is claimed is: 1. A method of adapting a dispensing system to different reflective environments, comprising:providing a refill container having a dispensing interface to dispense material;arranging a plurality of infrared sensors proximally about said dispensing interface to detect the presence of a user and a target;coupling a controller to said plurality of infrared sensors;initiating a dispensing cycle of said dispensing interface when said plurality of infrared sensors detects the presence of a user in a normal operation mode; andperiodically initiating an auto-ranging routine by said controller separate from said normal operation mode to determine a reflective environment and correspondingly adjust an amount of infrared energy to be emitted by said plurality of infrared sensors while in said normal operation mode.