Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02688734 2016-06-22
Title
PHOTOCHROMIC OPTICALLY KEYED DISPENSER
Scope of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates to a key system for determining conditions of
compatibility
of a replaceable component of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser such as a
fluid dispenser
and, more particularly, to an optical key system sensing electromagnetic waves
transmitted
through a waveguide to determine if the waveguide has a photochromic portion.
Background of the Invention
100021 Key systems are known in which a particular key is required to be
received in a
key system as to control an aspect of operation. Many different types of keys
are used as, for
example, keys to open locks in doors and operate machinery such as
automobiles.
[0003] In the context of dispensing systems, U.S. Patent Publication US
2006/0124662 to
Reynolds et al, teaches an electrically powered key device on a refill
container to determine
if the refill container is compatible with a fluid dispenser. The refill
container provides a coil
terminated by one of a number of capacitors and the container is received in a
housing that
provides a pair of coils that are in spacial relationship with the installed
refill coil. By
energizing the housing's coil, the other coil detects the unique electronic
signature which, if
acceptable, permits the dispensing system to dispense material. The system
thus utilizes a
near field frequency response to determine whether the refill container is
compatible with the
dispensing system.
[0004] Such previously known key devices using near field frequency
response suffer the
disadvantage that they are relatively complex and require a number of metal
coils. This has
the disadvantage of precluding substantially the entirety of the key device to
be manufactured
from plastic material and causes difficulties in recycling.
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[0005] Photochromic and the related word photochromism are words which do
not have
a rigorous technical definition.
[0006] Photochromic is often defined as describing compounds that undergo a
transformation of a chemical species between two forms by the absorption of
electromagnetic
radiation where the two forms have different absorption spectra, that is,
different abilities to
absorb electromagnetic radiation in a range of "test wavelengths", as in
wavelength or
strength. Often the word photochromic is used to describe a "reversible"
reaction where an
absorption band of the electromagnetic spectrum, typically in the visible part
of the
electromagnetic spectrum, changes dramatically in strength or wavelength.
Typically, the
reaction is a photochemical reaction by the absorption of "activating
electromagnetic
radiation" in a range of "activating wavelengths-.
[0007] However, photochromic compounds can be considered to be either
reversible or
irreversible. Thus, while many technical definitions refer to photochromism as
reversible, in
this application and in the following claims:
I. the term " irreversible photochromic" is used to refer to
photochemical
reactions that yield a permenant change by the absorption of
electromagnetic radiation;
2. the term "reversible photochromic" is used to refer to photochemical
reactions by the absorption of electromagnetic radiation that are reversible;
and
3. the term "photochromic" as used includes reactions which are reversible
polychromic as defined in (2) above and reactions which are irreversible
photochromic as defined in (1) above.
[0008] The activating electromagnetic radiation absorbed in the
photochromic reaction is
to be considered as being in a range of activating wavelengths which may be
any wavelength
electromagnetic radiation but is preferably light, more preferably near
visible light, ultaviolet
light, and visible light.
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[0009] The different abilities of the two forms of a chemical species of a
photochromic
compound to absorb electromagnetic radiation may be different abilities to
absorb
electromagnetic radiation in any range of test wavelengths which may be any
wavelength
electromagnetic radiation but is preferably light, more preferably, near
visible light, ultaviolet
light, infared light and visible light.
10010! The two forms of a reversible photochromic compound may be
considered to be
an unactivated form in which the compound or dye is in an unactivated state
and an activated
form in which the compound or dye is in an activated state.
[0011] Another somewhat arbitrary requirement of reversible photochromic
compounds
is that they require the two forms to be stable under ambient conditions for a
reasonable time.
The timescale of reversion is important for many embodiments of the invention
considered in
this application, and photochromic compounds may be selected or molecularly
engineered
with timescale of reversion as may be desired. For example, a reversible
photochromic
compound in an unactivated state may on receiving an adequate "dose" of
activating
electromagnetic radiation change from an unactivated state to an activated
state and in the
activated state will inherently in the absence of the activating
electromagnetic radiation
inherently return to the unactivated state. As one alternative, the reversible
photochromic
dye in the activated state may on receiving an adequate "dose" of unactivating
electromagnetic radiation change from the activated state to the unactivated
state. The
timescale of reversion may be the only significant difference between what
might be
considered an irreversible photochromic compound and reveresible photochromic
compound.
[0012] Reversion of reversible photochromic compounds may also be affected
by the
absence or presence of electromagnetic radiation in a range of wavelengths,
notably light and
therefore by darkness, being the absence of light.
[0013] The timescale of reversion of reversible photochromic compounds is
often shorter
at higher temperatures and accelerated by heating. A close relationship exists
between
photochromic and thermochromic compounds.
[0014] The extent to which photochromic compounds considered to be stable
at ambient
conditions and particularly thermally stable at ambient temperatures may be
significant and
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photochromic compounds may be selected or can also be molecularly engineered
with
stability including thermal stability as may be desired.
100151 The time that a reversible photochromic compound may be considered
to revert
from the activated state to the unactivated state at normal ambient room
temperatures, may
be referred to as the "reversion time period". The time that a reversible
photochromic
compound may be considered to change from an unactivated state to an activated
state at
normal ambient room temperature may be referred to as the "activation time
period".
100161 The ability of a waveguide containing a reversible photochromic
compound in an
unactivated state to transmit electromagentic radiation in a range of test
wavelength is
referred to as the "inherent transmission characteristic" or the "unactivated
transmission
characteristic". The ability of a waveguide containing a reversible
photochromic compound
in an activated state to transmit electromagnetic radiation in the range of
test wavelengths is
referred to as the "activated transmission characteristic".
100171 Compounds which are known and can be used as reversible photochromic
dye
include spiropyrans, spirooxazines, diarylethcnes, azobenzenes, photochromic
quinones and
inorganic photochromics including silver and zinc halides and silver chloride.
U.S. Patents
4,913,544 and 4,851,530 teach exemplary known photochromic compounds and dyes.
Such
photochromic compounds and dyes are known for use in a variety of materials
including
plastic and glass. For example, photochromic dyes sold under the trade mark
REVERSACOL by James Robertson Ltd. arc dyes which are preferably activated
light from
350-410 nm and may be readily incorporated into various materials including
low density
polyethylene at, for example, 0.05% concentration. Such photochromic dyes may
be selected
so as to provide for different activation time periods and different reversion
time periods for
the activated dyes to fade from an activated state with maximum absorbance of
test
wavelengths of light to an inactivated state with lower absorbance of test
wavelengths of
light. Such REVERSACOL photochromic dyes may be used in various polymer matrix
including polyolefins, vinyls, acrylic resins and styrenes. The preferred
usage can be in
relatively inexpensive low density polyethylene in the range of 0.1% to 2% by
weight.
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Summary of the Invention
[0018] To at least partially overcome these disadvantages of the previously
known devices,
the invention provides each of: (a) a replaceable key component including
photochromic
waveguide, (b) a mechanism, preferably a dispenser for use with a key
component including a
photochromic waveguide, and (c) a method of operation of such a mechanism.
100191 To at least partially overcome other disadvantages of the previously
known devices,
the present invention provides a method of controlling the operation of a
mechanism,
preferably a dispenser, having a removable component with a waveguide by
selectively passing
electromagnetic radiation through the waveguide and sensing electromagnetic
radiation
transmitted through the waveguide so as to determine if the waveguide includes
a compatible
photochromic portion.
10020] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical key
system in which
compatibility of a component is tested by measuring the electromagnetic
radiation passed
through a waveguide to see if it is photochromic.
[0021] Another object is to provide an inexpensive system for determining
whether a refill
container is compatible with a dispensing system.
100221 Another object is to provide an improved method of controlling the
operation of a
mechanism having a removable component.
100231 In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for
controlling
operation of a mechanism dependent upon whether a waveguide includes a
photochromic dye.
[0024] The present invention provides a method of controlling the operation
of a
mechanism, preferably a dispensing mechanism, by selectively inputting
electromagnetic
radiation into a waveguide, sensing transmitted electromagnetic radiation
through the
waveguide and controlling operation based on whether or not the sensed
radiation indicates the
waveguide may have a photochromic dye, including one or more of a reversible
photochromic
portion and an irreversible photochromic portion. The invention also provides
a dispenser
having the components necessary to carry out the method. The invention also
specifically
covers a removable component for a mechanism in which the removable component
includes a
waveguide including at least one photochromic portion including one or more
of: (1) a
photochromic portion which contains a reversible photochromic dye, and (2) an
irreversible
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
photochromic portion. In this regard, the invention provides a novel removable
component,
preferably for use in a dispenser, preferably a fluid dispenser, which
removable component
includes a novel waveguide including a photochromic portion.
100251 In accordance with the present invention, there is provided various
combinations of
features of the optical waveguide, the electromagnetic emitter and the
electromagnetic sensor
for determining whether any particular waveguide is compatible with a
mechanism with which
it is to be associated. The waveguides may have a varying combination of
features of: (1)
permanent capabilities for specific electromagnetic light wave absorption and
transmission as
by having a permanent colour, and (2) variable capabilities for light
absorption and
transmission as via the use of photochromic dyes which may be reversible
and/or irreversible.
Any combination of one or more of these features may be used alone or together
in
combination with other features such as size, position and placement of the
waveguides and the
use of frangible elements on the waveguide to provide advantageous
arrangements for uniquely
coding and keying waveguide containing components for use in specific
mechanisms and
methods for determination if any of the waveguide containing components meet
the criteria of
any specific of the mechanisms.
100261 In a first aspect, the present invention provides a removable and
replaceable keying
component which is required for operation of a mechanism,
the keying component including an electromagnetic radiation waveguide,
the waveguide having an inlet for electromagnetic radiation and an outlet
electromagnetic radiation,
the waveguide providing a path for transmission of electromagnetic radiation
from the inlet to the outlet,
the waveguide includes a photochromic portion which contains a photochromic
dye which has an inherent unactivated state and an activated state,
on radiating with a dose of activation electromagnetic radiation in a range of
activation wavelengths the photochromic dye changing from the unactivated to
the activated
state,
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with the photochromic dye in the unactivated state the photochromic portion
having an inherent first transmission characteristic of electromagnetic
radiation in a range of
test wavelengths, and
with the photochromic dye in the activated state the photochromic portion
having
a second transmission characteristic of electromagnetic radiation in the range
of test
wavelengths different than the first transmission characteristic,
the keying component serving a function in the operation of the mechanism in
addition to the function of providing the waveguide. Preferably, the keying
component
comprises a replacement component for an apparatus for dispensing material,
the
replacement component selected from the group consisting of: (a) wherein the
apparatus for
dispensing material is a dispenser for flowable material: (i) a chamber
forming body for a
pump having a chamber for receiving a movable material displacing element
therein, (ii) a
movable material displacing element to be received in a chamber of a chamber
forming body
for a pump, (iii) a chamber forming body for a fluid rotary pump having a
chamber for
receiving a rotatable fluid displacing element therein, (iv) a pump impeller,
(v) a piston
chamber forming body for a fluid piston pump having a chamber for slidably
receiving a
piston element coaxially therein, (vi) a piston element for a fluid piston
pump, (vii) a
reservoir for containing flowable material to be dispensed, (viii) a
connecting collar for
engagement about an outlet of a reservoir for containing flowable material to
be dispensed to
secure the reservoir to a conduit via which the flowable material is
dispensed, (ix) a pump
assembly for a fluid dispenser, and (x) a reservoir assembly including a
reservoir containing
material to be dispensed in which the reservoir having an outlet and a valve
mechanism
across the outlet; and (b) wherein the apparatus for dispensing material is a
dispenser for
sheet material wound on in roll; (i) a roll about which the sheet material to
be dispensed is
wound, and (ii) an engagement member on a roll about which the sheet material
to be
dispensed is wound, which engagement member provides for operative coupling of
the roll to
the dispenser for sheet material.
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[0027] In a second aspect, the present provides a method of controlling the
operation of a
mechanism having a removable component removably coupled thereto, comprising
the steps
of:
selectively inputting input electromagnetic radiation into a waveguide carried
on a
removable, replaceable component for transmission through the waveguide;
sensing transmitted electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the
waveguide;
and
permitting operation of the dispensing mechanism only if the step of sensing
electromagnetic radiation determines that the waveguide includes a
photochromic portion
which contains a first photochromic dye which is activated by a dose of first
activation
electromagnetic radiation in a first range of activation wavelengths.
[0028] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of
controlling the
operation of a mechanism having a removable component removably coupled
thereto,
comprising the steps of:
selectively inputting input electromagnetic radiation into a first waveguide
carried
on the removable, replaceable component for transmission through the first
waveguide;
sensing transmitted electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the first
waveguide,
determining from the transmitted electromagnetic radiation sensed as
transmitted
through the first waveguide whether the first waveguide includes a primary
photoreactive
portion which contains a photoreactive first dye,
the first dye when unactivated is activated by radiation with the dose of
first
activation electromagnetic radiation in the first range of activation
wavelengths,
when the first dye is not activated , the primary portion having an inherent
transmission characteristic for relative transmission of electromagnetic
radiation in a first
range of test wavelengths,
when the first dye is activated, the primary portion having an activated first
transmission characteristic for relative transmission of electromagnetic
radiation in the first
range of test wavelengths different from the inherent transmission
characteristic of the
primary photochromic portion, preferably the method including the steps of:
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inputting into the first guideway for transmission through the first waveguide
as
input electromagnetic radiation the dose of the first activation
electromagnetic radiation in
the first range or activation wavelengths,
after inputting the dose of the first activation electromagnetic radiation in
the first
range of activation wavelengths into the first guideway: (i) further inputting
into the first
guideway for transmission through the first waveguide as input electromagnetic
radiation test
electromagnetic radiation in the first range of test wavelengths, (ii) sensing
transmitted
electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the .first waveguide for
electromagnetic
radiation in the first range of test wavelengths and (iii) determining from
the electromagnetic
radiation in the first range of test wavelengths sensed in step (ii) if the
first waveguide has the
first transmission characteristic of the portion, and (iv) if the first
waveguide is determined
in step (iii) to have the first transmission characteristic assuming the first
waveguide includes
the primary photochromic portion and if the .first waveguide is determined to
have the
inherent transmission characteristic of the primary photochromic portion
assuming the first
waveguide does not includes the primary photochromic portion, and
controlling operation of the mechanism dependant on whether the first
waveguide
is assumed to include the primary photochromic portion.
100291 Preferably, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention,
the method
includes determining from the transmitted electromagnetic radiation sensed
whether the first
waveguide includes a photochromic portion which contains a photochromic second
dye
which has been activated by radiation with a dose of second activation
electromagnetic
radiation in a second range of activation wavelengths,
the second dye when unactivated is activated by radiation with the dose of
second
activation electromagnetic radiation in the second range of activation
wavelengths, and
inherently returns to being unactivated after the passage of a second period
of time from last
being radiated with the dose of second activation electromagnetic radiation,
when the first dye is not activated and the second dye is not activated, the
photochromic portion having the inherent transmission characteristic for
relative
transmission of electromagnetic radiation in a first range of test
wavelengths,
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when the first dye is not activated and the second dye is activated, the
photochromic portion having an activated second transmission characteristic
for relative
transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the first range of test
wavelengths different from
the inherent transmission characteristic,
inputting into the first guideway for transmission through the first waveguide
as
input electromagnetic radiation the dose of the second activation
electromagnetic radiation in
the second range of activation wavelengths,
in the second period of time after inputting the dose of the second activation
electromagnetic radiation in the second range of activation wavelengths: (i)
further
inputting into the first guideway for transmission through the first waveguide
as input
electromagnetic radiation test electromagnetic radiation in the second range
of test
wavelengths, (ii) sensing transmitted electromagnetic radiation transmitted
through the first
waveguide for electromagnetic radiation in the second range of test
wavelengths and (iii)
determining from the electromagnetic radiation in the second range of test
wavelengths
sensed in step (ii) if the first waveguide has one of the inherent
transmission characteristic
and the second transmission characteristic, and (iv) if the first waveguide is
determined in
step (iii) to have the second transmission characteristic assuming the first
waveguide includes
the photochromic portion and if the first waveguide is determined to have the
inherent
transmission characteristic assuming the first waveguide does not includes the
photochromic
portion, and
controlling operation of the mechanism dependant on whether the first
waveguide
is assumed to include the photochromic portion.
100301 Preferably, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention,
the invention
includes selectively inputting input electromagnetic radiation into a second
waveguide
carried on the removable, replaceable component for transmission through the
second
waveguide;
sensing transmitted electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the second
waveguide,
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
determining from the transmitted electromagnetic radiation sensed as
transmitted
through the second waveguide whether the second waveguide includes a secondary
photochromic portion which contains a photochromic secondary dye which has
been activated by radiation with a dose of secondary activation
electromagnetic radiation in a
secondary range of activation wavelengths,
the secondary dye when unactivated is activated by radiation with the dose of
secondary activation electromagnetic radiation in the secondary range of
activation
wavelengths, and inherently returns to being unactivated after the passage of
a secondary
period of time from last being radiated with the dose of secondary activation
electromagnetic
radiation,
when the secondary dye is not activated, the secondary photochromic portion
having an inherent transmission characteristic for relative transmission of
electromagnetic
radiation in a first range of test wavelengths,
when the secondary dye is activated, the secondary photochromic portion having
an activated secondary transmission characteristic for relative transmission
of
electromagnetic radiation in the secondary range of test wavelengths different
from the
inherent transmission characteristic of the secondary photochromic portion,
inputting into the second guideway for transmission through the second
waveguide as input electromagnetic radiation the dose of the secondary
activation
electromagnetic radiation in the secondary range of activation wavelengths,
in the secondary period of time after inputting the dose of the secondary
activation electromagnetic radiation in the secondary range of activation
wavelengths into the
second guideway: (i) further inputting into the second guideway for
transmission through
the second waveguide as input electromagnetic radiation test electromagnetic
radiation in the
secondary range of test wavelengths, (ii) sensing transmitted electromagnetic
radiation
transmitted through the second waveguide for electromagnetic radiation in the
secondary
range of test wavelengths and (iii) determining from the electromagnetic
radiation in the
secondary range of test wavelengths sensed in step (ii) if the second
waveguide has the
secondary transmission characteristic, and (iv) if the second waveguide is
determined in step
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(iii) to have the inherent transmission characteristic of the secondary
photochromic portion
assuming the second waveguide does not includes the secondary photochromic
portion, and
controlling operation of the mechanism dependant on whether the second
waveguide is assumed to include the secondary photochromic portion.
100311 In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of
controlling
operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component
comprising the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a
waveguide
earned at least in part on the removable component and controlling operation
of the
mechanism based on sensed electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the
waveguide.
Preferably, the method involves directing into the waveguide emitted
electromagnetic
radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of
input parameters.
The waveguide preferably is provided with pre-selected radiation transmission
properties
selected from a plurality of electromagnetic radiation transmission
properties. The
waveguide preferably includes a photochromic portion which has transmission
properties
which can be varied. The input parameters and radiation transmission
properties may be
selected from wavelength, intensity, duration and placement in time.
Preferably, the method
is used to control the operation of a dispensing mechanism having as a
removable component
a replaceable reservoir containing material to be dispensed by operation of
the dispenser.
Preferably, the waveguide is at least partially carried by the reservoir and
is coupled against
removal to the reservoir or coupled to the reservoir in a manner that
separation of the
waveguide and the reservoir results in destruction of the waveguide and/or the
reservoir.
Preferably, at least part of the waveguide is carried on the removable
component such that
coupling or uncoupling of the removable component changes the transmission
characteristics
of the waveguide as, for example, by the waveguide comprising a frangible
member broken
on removal of the removable component. Preferably, the removable component has
a
plurality of waveguides and the method includes measuring the electromagnetic
radiation
passing through two or more of the waveguides, preferably preventing operation
of the
dispenser when the measured electromagnetic radiation of a first of two of the
waveguides
does not comply with its pre-selected output parameters and the measured
electromagnetic
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radiation of a second of two of the waveguides does not comply with its pre-
selected Output
parameters.
100321 The invention, in a fifth aspect, provides a dispensing system
including a reservoir
assembly including a reservoir containing material to be dispensed in an
activation unit. The
reservoir assembly is removably coupled to the activation unit for replacement
by a similar
reservoir assembly. An electromagnetic radiation waveguide is provided having
an inlet and
an outlet and providing a path for transmission of electromagnetic radiation
from the inlet to
the outlet. An electromagnetic radiation sensor is carried on the activation
unit sensing
electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide by the outlet. At least part of
the waveguide is
carried by the reservoir and removable therewith. A control mechanism is
provided to
control operation of the dispenser depending upon whether the electromagnetic
radiation
sensed by the sensor indicates that a portion of the waveguide carried on the
reservoir is
photochromic.
[00331 In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method of
controlling the
operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component
removably
coupled thereto comprising the steps of:
measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carried on a
removable, replaceable component, and
permitting operation of the dispensing mechanism only when the measured
electromagnetic radiation complies with one or more pre-selected output
parameters.
[0034] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a dispensing
system
comprising:
a reservoir assembly including a reservoir containing material to be dispensed
and
an activation unit,
the reservoir assembly removably coupled to the activation unit for
replacement
by a similar reservoir assembly,
an electromagnetic radiation waveguide having an inlet and an outlet and
providing a path for transmission of electromagnetic radiation from the inlet
to the outlet,
an electromagnetic radiation sensor carried by the activation unit sensing
electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide via the outlet,
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at least part of the waveguide carried by the reservoir assembly and removable
therewith,
a control mechanism to control operation of the dispenser based on whether the
electromagnetic radiation sensed by the sensor appropriately correlates to pre-
selected
electromagnetic radiation profiles.
[0035] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a replaceable
reservoir
assembly having a photochromic waveguide for use in a dispensing system.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0036] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be
conic apparent
from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0037] Figure 1 is a pictorial view of a dispenser assembly in accordance
with a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 2 is a pictorial exploded view of the dispenser assembly
shown in Figure 1;
[0039] Figure 3 is a pictorial view showing assembly of the reservoir
assembly and
backplate assembly shown in Figure 2;
10040! Figure 4 is a schematic pictorial side view showing the relative
positioning of the
reservoir assembly and an activation unit in the assembled dispenser of
Figures 1 and 3;
[0041] Figure 5 is an exploded pictorial view of the reservoir assembly
shown in Figures
2 and 3;
[0042] Figure 6 is a pictorial view showing the assembled bottle, valve
member, piston
chamber forming member and piston shown in Figure 5;
[0043] Figure 7 is a pictorial top rear view of the collar shown in Figure
5;
100441 Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the dispenser
assembly 10
shown in Figure 1;
[0045] Figure 9 is an exploded pictorial view of a second embodiment of a
collar which,
when assembled, would have external features identical to that shown in Figure
7;
100461 Figure 10 is a schematic pictorial view showing a third embodiment
of a collar
similar to that in Figure 7 juxtapositioned with four key emitters/sensors to
be carried on the
backplate assembly;
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[0047] Figure 11 is a schematic pictorial view similar to Figure 10 but
showing a fourth
embodiment of a collar;
[0048] Figure 12 is a schematic exploded pictorial view similar to Figure
10 but showing
a fifth embodiment of a collar with three alternate waveguide inserts for use
therewith;
[00491 Figure 13 is a schematic pictorial view of a sixth embodiment of a
collar also
schematically showing a key emitter and key sensor to be carried on a
backplate assembly;
[0050] Figure 14 is a schematic pictorial view of a seventh embodiment of a
collar also
schematically illustrating four key emitters/key sensors to be carried on the
backplate
assembly;
[0051] Figure 15 is a schematic pictorial view of a selective optical
coupling device in
accordance with the present invention;
[0052] Figure 16 is a radial cross-section through one side of the wall of
the collar shown
in Figure 7 along section line A-A';
[0053] Figure 17 is a cross-section similar to that shown in Figure 16,
however, along
section line B-B' in Figure 7;
[0054] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-section similar to that shown in
Figures 16 or 17,
however, of a reduced cross-sectional area frangible portion of the wall of
the collar;
[00551 Figure 19 is a schematic pictorial representation of a section of a
waveguide
comprised of three modular waveguide members;
[0056] Figure 20 is a schematic exploded pictorial view of the waveguide
members of
Figure 19;
100571 Figure 21 shows a seventh embodiment of a collar similar to that
shown in Figure
7 and together with a board carrying a sensor and an emitter;
[0058] Figure 22 shows a top view of the collar and board in Figure 21;
[0059] Figure 23 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view
along section line
C-C' in Figure 22 showing the collar in cross-section and also showing in
cross-section, a
schematic catch arrangement;
[0060] Figure 24 shows an eight embodiment of a collar and a board carrying
a sensor
and an emitter similar to that shown in Figure 21;
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[0061] Figure 25 is a schematic pictorial view of a reservoir bottle
similar to that shown
in Figure 5;
[0062] Figure 26 is a schematic cross-section through a frangible member
carried on the
reservoir bottle of Figure 25 showing positioning of a sensor and an emitter;
[0063] Figure 27 is a schematic cross-section along section line A-A' in
Figure 25 and
showing the cross-section reservoir in conjunction with a further embodiment
of an emitter
and scanner in accordance with the present invention;
[0064] Figure 28 is a pictorial rear view of a reservoir bottle similar to
that shown in
Figure 5;
[0065] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view through the neck of the
reservoir shown in
Figure 28 and illustrating a further embodiment of an emitter and sensor in
accordance with
the present invention;
100661 Figure 30 comprises a vertical cross-section through a piston as
shown in Figure
5, however, showing the piston engaged with a presser member and an
arrangement of
emitters and sensors in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
100671 Figure 31 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a fluid
dispenser in
accordance with a further embodiment of the invention having similarities to
the dispenser
illustrated in Figures 1 to 26;
[0068] Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a
fluid
dispenser in accordance with the present invention;
[0069] Figure 33 is a partial cross-sectional side view through the fluid
dispenser of
Figure 32 in an assembled condition;
[0070] Figure 34 is an exploded pictorial rear view of the pump assembly of
the
dispenser shown in Figure 32;
100711 Figure 35 is a partial cross-sectional front view through the fluid
dispenser of
Figure 32;
[0072] Figure 36 is a schematic pictorial view of an automatic paper
dispenser in
accordance with a further aspect of the present invention;
[00731 Figure 37 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional front view through
the axis of a
roll of paper received in the paper dispenser of Figure 36; and
16
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
[0074] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional front view the same as in Figure 36
but of a
different embodiment.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
[0075] Reference is made to Figure 1 which illustrates a dispenser assembly
10 in
accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
dispenser
assembly 10, as best seen in Figure 2, includes a removable reservoir assembly
12 adapted to
be secured to a housing formed by a combination of a backplate assembly 14, a
presser
member 15 and a shroud 16. The backplate assembly 14 has a generally forwardly
directed
faceplate 17 from which a horizontally disposed support plate 18 extends
forwardly supported
by two side plates 19. The presser member 15 is pivotally mounted to the
backplate assembly
14 between the two side plates 19 with stub axles 20 received in joumaling
bores 21 in each of
the side plates 19. The housing is completed by the shroud 16 being coupled to
the backplate
assembly 14 to substantially enclose the support plate 18 and the presser
member 15. The
reservoir assembly 12 is adapted to removably couple to the assembled housing.
[0076] As best seen in Figure 5, the reservoir assembly 12 comprises a
reservoir bottle 22,
a pump assembly 25 and a key collar 26. The bottle 22 has a threaded neck 27
about an outlet
28. A locking tab 29 extends forwardly and axially relative to the threaded
neck 27 and is of
generally rectangular shape in horizontal, axial cross-section having flat
parallel side faces and
an end face normal thereto. The pump assembly 25 includes a piston chamber-
forming
member 30 having an outer flange 31 which is internally threaded such that the
outer flange 31
may be threadably engaged onto the threaded neck 27. The pump assembly 25
further includes
a piston 32 and a valve member 33. The piston 32 is reciprocally movable
coaxially within a
cylindrical chamber formed within the piston chamber-forming member 30 so as
to dispense
fluid from inside the bottle 22 out of the outlet 28 internally through the
piston 32 and out a
discharge opening 34 of the outer end of the piston 32.
[0077] The bottle 22 and pump assembly 25 is shown assembled in Figure 6.
To the
assembly as shown in Figure 6, the key collar 26 is applied by sliding the
collar 26 axially
upwardly such that the collar 26 comes to be engaged in a snap-lit upon the
outer flange 31
against removal from the outer flange 31 and with the locking tab 29 engaging
in a slotway 46
17
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
on the collar 26 so as to prevent rotation of the collar 26 relative to the
bottle 22. As seen in
Figure 7, the collar 26 has an axial upper end 35 and an axial lower end 36
with a central,
generally cylindrical opening 37 extending therethrough. A generally
cylindrical side wall 38
about the opening 37 carries approximate the lower end 36 three radially
inwardly extending
lower shoulder members 39 presenting stop shoulders 80 directed axially toward
the upper end
35. Approximate the upper end 35, the side wall 38 includes three radially
inwardly directed
upper shoulder members 40. The upper shoulder members 40 have a catch surface
81 directed
towards the lower end 36 and a bevelled camming surface 82 directed towards
the upper end
35. On sliding of the collar 26 coaxially upwardly onto the outer flange 31,
the camming
surface 82 of the upper shoulder members 40 engage with an outer lower surface
83 of the
outer flange 31 biasing the upper shoulder members 40 radially outwardly to
permit the outer
flange 31 to move relative the collar 26 axially toward the lower end 36 into
the opening 37 of
the collar 26. Once an upper end 84 of the outer flange 31 becomes located
below the upper
shoulder member 40, the upper shoulder member 40 returns to its inherent
unbiased position
with the catch surface 81 disposed above the upper end 84 of the outer flange
31 radially
inwardly therefrom thus locking the outer flange 31 between the stop shoulders
80 of the lower
shoulder member 39 and the catch surface 81 of the upper shoulder member 40.
100781 The collar 26 carries on its upper end 35 a pair of upwardly
extending lock tabs 45
providing a slotway 46 therebetween. The slotway 46 is sized to closely
receive the locking
tab 29 of the bottle 22 therebetween. When coupling the collar 26 onto the
assembled bottle
22 and pump assembly 25, the slotway 46 is circumferentially aligned with the
locking tab 29
on the bottle 22 such that the reservoir assembly 12 when fully assembled as
shown in Figure 2
has the locking tab 29 on the bottle 22 received within the slotway 46
preventing relative
rotation of the collar 26 and bottle 12. In the reservoir assembly 12 as shown
in Figure 2, the
piston chamber-forming member 30 and the collar 26 are secured to the bottle
22 against
removal. That is, the key collar 26 and piston chamber-forming member 30 are
preferably
secured on the bottle 22 substantially against removal other than by
significant breaking or
deformation of the bottle 22 or key collar 26.
[00791 The extent to which removal or attempted removal of the collar 26
and/or pump
assembly 25 is possible or is not possible, or may require destruction of one
or more of the
18
CA 02688734 2016-06-22
bottle 22, key collar 26 or piston chamber- forming member 30 can be selected
as desired. For
example, at the time of assembly, the bottle 22, piston chamber forming member
30 and collar
26 can be permanently secured together as with glue or by sonic welding.
[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the interior side wall 38 of the collar
26 may be knurled
with axially extending alternating ribs and slotways only partially shown at
170 in Figure 7
such that a complementarily knurled outer surface of the outer flange 31
having axially
extending alternating ribs and slotways may couple with ribs on the side wall
38 preventing
relative rotation of the piston chamber-forming member 30 relative to the
collar 26 once the
collar is applied.
[0081] With the backplate assembly 14, presser member 15 and shroud 16
assembled and,
for example, secured to a wall, the assembled reservoir assembly 12 may be
coupled thereto by
the reservoir assembly 12 moving vertically downwardly relative the backplate
assembly 14
with the collar member 26 and pump assembly 25 to pass vertically downwardly
through an
opening 190 in the plate 18, and the entire reservoir assembly 12 then being
urged rearwardly
to engage a rear support portion 191 of the plate 18 above the collar 26 and
below a lower
shoulder 192 on the bottle placing the piston 32 into a position for coupling
with or in which it
is coupled with the presser member 15. Removal of the reservoir assembly 12 is
accomplished
by reversed movement forwardly then upwardly.
[0082] The backplate assembly 14 includes and carries an activation unit 48
best seen in
Figure 4. The activation unit 48 includes as only schematically shown in
Figure 8, an electric
motor 49 which rotates via a series of gears 50, a drive wheel 51 carrying an
eccentrically
mounted axially extending cam post 52 shown in Figure 4. The cam post 52
couples to an
inner end of the presser member 15 such that in rotation of the drive wheel 51
in one full
revolution, the presser member 15 is pivoted about its stub axles 20
downwardly and then
upwardly, returning to the same position. The presser member 15 is coupled to
the piston 32
by engagement between catch members (not shown) carried by the presser member
15 with an
engagement flange 54 on the piston 32. Such catch members and engagement may
be similar
to that described in U.S. Patent 5,373,970 to Ophardt dated December 20, 1994,
which
engagement necessarily results on coupling of the reservoir assembly 12 with
the backplate
assembly 14.
19
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
[0083] In one cycle of operation, the motor 49 is operated so as to rotate
the drive wheel 51
360 degrees and thus move the piston 32 in a single stroke inwardly and
outwardly to dispense
an allotment of fluid from the bottle 22. The motor 49 is an electric motor
and its operation
may be controlled by a control mechanism receiving various inputs. The
activation unit 48
shown is adapted to be used as a touchless dispenser in which the presence of
a user's hand
below the presser member 15 underneath the discharge outlet 34 is sensed by a
hand sensing
system including an electromagnetic radiation emitter 53 located at the bottom
front of the
activator unit 48 to direct radiation downwardly and forwardly towards the
position the user's
hand is to be placed and an electromagnetic radiation sensor 54 also located
near the bottom
front of the activation unit 48 adapted to sense radiation reflected off the
user's hand. The
hand sensing system, on suitable receipt of reflected radiation from the hand,
provides a
suitable signal to the control mechanism indicating the presence of the hand,
for example,
satisfying at least one condition for operation of the motor.
[0084] While the use of a hand sensing mechanism involving electromagnetic
emitter 53
and sensor 54 is illustrated, many other systems may be provided to provide a
primary
indication that fluid should be dispensed. For example, these could include
providing a simple
on/off switch to be manually activated, or a requirement for identification as
by use of a
fingerprint as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent 6,206,238 to Ophardt,
issued March 27,
2001.
[0085] The activation unit 48 also includes portions of an optical key
system towards
determining if the reservoir assembly 12 is compatible with the activation
unit 48, that is,
whether the reservoir assembly 12 meets pre-selected criteria to permit use
with the activation
unit 48. The activation unit 48 includes an electromagnetic radiation key
emitter 55 and an
electromagnetic radiation key sensor 56. Each is provided on the front face of
the activation
unit 48 on an upper portion of the activation unit and directed forwardly. As
best seen in
Figure 2, the key emitter 55 includes a generally cylindrical shroud 57 about
its lamp and the
key sensor 56 includes a similar shroud 58 about its sensor, which shrouds 57
and 58
substantially prevent any transmission of electromagnetic radiation
thcrethrough and
effectively serve to directionalize the key emitter 55 and key sensor 56 so as
to restrict
emissions or receptions of either to light passing through the outer end of
the shrouds 57 and
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
58. As best seen in Figures 4 and 7, the collar 26 has two arms 60 and 61
which extend
rearwardly from the collar 26 toward each of the key emitter 55 and key sensor
57. The collar
26 provides an electromagnetic radiation waveguide from an end face 62 at the
end of arm 60
through the collar 26 to the face 63 at the end of the arm 61 providing an
outlet to the
waveguide. The waveguide is schematically illustrated in dashed lines as 64 in
Figure 7 as
extending in a generally U-shape within a U-shaped rim 65 of material disposed
proximate the
upper end 35 of the collar 26 about its outer periphery.
[0086] Referring to Figure 4, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the key
emitter 55
enters the waveguide 64 via the inlet end face 62 and is conducted via the
waveguide 64
through the collar 26 with electromagnetic radiation to exit the waveguide 64
via the outlet end
face 63 with the radiation exiting the waveguide via the outlet end face 63 to
be sensed by the
key sensor 56. The activation unit 48 includes a key control system under
which as a
prerequisite to dispensing, having regard to the electromagnetic radiation
emitted by the key
emitter 55, the electromagnetic radiation sensed by the key sensor 56 is to
comply with one or
more pre-selected parameters. As by way of a non-limiting example, the key
emitter 55 may
emit electromagnetic radiation within a selected range of wave lengths and, in
the absence of
the key sensor 56 sensing electromagnetic radiation within the range of
emitted radiation, the
motor 49 may not be permitted to operate. Thus, in the simplest case, should a
non-compliant
reservoir assembly 12 which has the bottle 22, pump assembly 25 but not the
collar 26, be
coupled to the backplate assembly 14 and would not have a waveguide, the
radiation of a
selected wavelength emitted by key emitter 55 would not be directed to or
sensed by the key
sensor 56 and the control mechanism of the activation unit would not permit
dispensing.
100871 In the preferred embodiment, the collar 26 may preferably be formed
as by
injection moulding from a plastic material which permits transmission of
electromagnetic
radiation therethrough. As is known to a person skilled in the art, various
plastic materials
such as polycarbonate plastics can be used which provide a resultant product
having
electromagnetic radiation transmitting properties. Radiation which may enter
the light
transmitting collar 26 as by being directed normal to the inlet end face 62
will, to some extent,
be reflected internally by reason of such light impinging at relatively low
angles on the
external surfaces of the collar forming effectively the sides of the wave
guide. A portion of the
21
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
radiation directed into the collar 26 is passed through the collar 26 as
around the U-shaped
external rim 65 with some proportion of the radiation to be directed
substantially perpendicular
to the exit end face 63 to exit the waveguide and be sensed by the key sensor
56.
[0088] The collar 26 may be formed as unitary element all from the same
radiation
transmitting properties or may be formed from a number of different materials.
For example,
to increase internal reflection, exterior surfaces of the collar 26 especially
about the rim 65
could be coated with a reflective material other than on the inlet end face 62
and the outlet end
face 63. The collar 26 may be formed such that merely a U-shaped portion of
the collar, for
example, substantially corresponding to the U-shaped rim 65 may comprise light
transmitting
materials and the remainder of the collar may be formed of other plastic
materials.
[0089] The collar 26 may be formed to incorporate therein one or more pre-
existing optical
fibres, for example, disposed to extend internally within the U-shaped rim as
with an inlet end
of an optical fibre to be presented at the inlet end face 62 and an outlet end
of the optical fibre
to be presented at an outlet end face 63.
[0090] Reference is made to Figure 9 which shows a second embodiment of a
collar 26 in
accordance with the present invention which will have, when assembled, an
identical
appearance to the collar 26 shown in Figure 7. The collar 26 as shown in
Figure 9 is formed
from three pieces, namely, a base 66, a top 67 and an optical fibre member 68.
The base 66
and top 67 are injection moulded from plastic and are adapted to snap-fit
together against
separation. The base 66 has an upwardly directed U-shaped half channel 69
formed therein
and the top 67 has a similar downwardly directed U-shaped half channel 96. The
optical fibre
68 is positioned sandwiched between the base 66 and top 77 received between
the half channel
member 69 carried on the base and the half channel member 96 carried on the
top. The optical
fibre 68 has a first end 97 open to the end face 62 of the arm 60 and a second
end 98 open to
the end face 63 of the arm 61 such that the optical fibre member 68 provides
the waveguide
through the collar 26. In the assembled collar 26, the optical fibre member 68
is secured
within the collar 26 against removal. The optical fibre member 68 may comprise
a short
length of a conventional optical fibre or may preferably comprise an extrusion
of plastic
material having appropriate light transmitting properties such as a
cylindrical extrusion of
flexible polycarbonate or other plastic.
22
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
100911 The channelway which is formed by combination of the half channels
69 and 96
may preferably have adjacent each end face 62 and 63 a port portion of
restricted cross-
sectional closely sized to tightly hold each end of the optical fibre member
68 therein and with
interior portions of the channelway interior from the port portions of
increased diameter to
facilitate easy insertion of interior portions of the optical fibre members
68.
100921 Reference is made to Figure 10 which illustrates a third embodiment
of a collar 26.
As seen in Figure 10, at the rear end of the collar 26, an internal
compartment 102 is provided
closed at its rear by a rear wall 110 having four port portions 111, 112, 113
and 114
thcrethrough. Two optical fibre members 105 and 106 are shown. Each optical
fibre has a
first end secured in one of the port portions and a second end secured in
another of the port
portions such that each optical fibre member provides a respective waveguide
from one port
portion to a second port portion. Opposite each of the port portions, four
elements 211, 212,
213 and 214 are schematically shown, each of which is intended to
schematically illustrate
either a key emitter or a key sensor to be carried on an activation unit such
as shown, for
example, in Figure 4 suitably located in front of a respective of the port
portions. Of the four
elements, preferably, at least one comprises an emitter and at least one
comprises a sensor. In
one preferred embodiment, each of these elements may each comprise either an
emitter or a
sensor or, preferably, both. Preferably, each of the elements 211, 212, 213
and 214 are carried
on a computerized control circuit permitting selected operation of each of the
elements either
as an emitter or a sensor or to be inoperative. Such an activation unit can be
electronically
keyed to adopt a particular configuration of sensors and emitters.
100931 In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, two optical fibre
members 105 and 106
are shown. It is to be appreciated that merely one optical fibre member need
to be provided.
For example, a single optical fibre member could be provided to connect any
two of the port
portions. For example, an optical fibre could have one end connected to the
port portion 111
and a second end connected to any one of the port portions 112, 113 or 114. In
a simple
configuration, the element 121 could be programmed to be a key emitter and a
selected one of
the elements 212, 213 and 214 could be selected to be a sensor having regard
to the
corresponding port portion to which the end of a single optical fibre member
may be
connected. The collar member thus, by suitable positioning of the optical
fibre member, may
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
be configured to provide a waveguide at a matching location. If desired, a
second optical fibre
member could be used to couple the remaining two of the port portions which
are not assumed
by the first optical fibre member as seen in Figure 10.
100941 Each of the optical fibres which is used may have different
radiation transmission
characteristics. For example, one of the optical fibre members may be tinted
blue such that
that optical Fibre serves as a filter to prevent passage therethrough of light
which is not within a
range of corresponding blue wavelengths. Similarly, the other optical fibre
could be tinted red
and yellow so as to act as filters merely permitting the passage of red or
yellow wavelength
light.
100951 Reference is made to Figure 11 which illustrates a fourth embodiment
of a wave
guide in accordance with the present invention similar to that shown in Figure
10, however,
incorporating three different optical fibres 105, 106 and 107. Additionally,
each of the port
portions 111, 112, 113 and 114 are each shown as having three opening
therethrough, each of
which opening is adapted to receive the end of one optical fibre member. Thus,
up to three
optical fibre members can be received in each port portion. In the particular
configuration
shown in Figure 11, a First end of each of the three optical fibres is
connected to the port
portion 111, however, merely one end of a different one of the three optical
fibres is connected
to each of the ports 112, 113 and 114. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure
11 as one
preferred non-limiting example, the optical fibre 105 preferably is tinted
blue so as to act as a
filter and prevent the passage of light other than of corresponding blue
wavelength light
therethrough. The optical fibre 106 is tinted red and acts as a Filter to
prevent the passage of
light other than corresponding red wavelength light therethrough. The optical
fibre 107 is
tinted yellow and acts as a Filter to prevent the passage of light other than
corresponding
yellow wavelength light therethrough. The element 211 may be adapted to
selectively emit
light containing all of blue, red and yellow light or merely one or more of
blue, red or yellow
light at different times and each of the sensors 212, 213 and 217 will look at
an appropriate
time for light, the absence of light of any wavelength or, alternatively,
light at a selected blue,
red and/or yellow wavelength.
100961 Reference is made to Figure 12 which illustrates a fifth embodiment
of a collar
member 26 having similarities to that illustrated in Figure 10, however, in
which the optical
24
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
fibre members have been removed and are to be replaced by one of the three
waveguide inserts
shown as 171, 172 and 173 in schematic exploded perspective in Figure 15. Each
of the
waveguide inserts is preferably injection moulded from a light transmitting
material such as
polycarbonate. Insert 171 is adapted to provide light transmission from the
portal portion 111
to the portal portion 114. An insert 172 is adapted to be inserted as shown to
provide
communication between portal 111 and portal 113 or if inverted 180 degrees to
provide
communication between portal 112 and portal 114. Insert 173 is adapted to
provide
communication between portals 112 and 113. By the suitable selection of a
relatively simple
injection moulded plastic insert 171, 172 or 173, the collar member 26 may be
configured to
have a desired waveguide therein. Each of the inserts may be provided to have
different
radiation transmission properties and may, for example, act as a colour
filter. Each insert 171,
172 and 173 is sized to closely fit inside the compartment 102 with side
locating tabs 174
provided to extend the side-to-side dimension of inserts 172 and 173. Each
insert has two
faces 176 and 177 to serve as an inlet/outlet to its waveguide relative its
respective portals.
Curved portions 178 and 179 of the wall of the insets opposite the faces 176
and 177 assist in
directing radiation internally from one face to the other.
100971
Reference is made to Figure 13 which schematically illustrates a sixth
embodiment
of the collar and key sensing system in accordance with the present invention.
As seen in
Figure 13, the collar 26 is identical to the collar in the first embodiment of
Figure 7 with the
exception that the arms 60 and 61 are removed and a key member 70 is provided
to extend
rearwardly. The actuation unit 48 is modified such that a key emitter 71 is
located to one side
of the key member 70 directing radiation sideways through the key member 70
and a key
sensor 72 is on the other side of the key member 70 directed sideways. In this
manner, the key
emitter 71 directs radiation into an inlet face 74 on one side of the key
member 70 and the key
sensor 72 senses radiation passing outwardly through an outlet face 75 on the
other side of the
key member 70. The key member 70 preferably provides a waveguide for
transmission of
electromagnetic radiation. As one non-limiting example, the waveguide may
include a
waveguide which acts like a filter which substantially prevents any
transmission of radiation
therethrough of light of a first certain characteristic or wavelength yet lets
light of a second
characteristic or wavelength pass through, and the key sensor 72 at the time
light of both the
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
first and second certain characteristic or wavelengths is emitted by the key
emitter 71 looks for
the absence of light of the first characteristic or wavelength and the
presence of light of the
second characteristic or wavelength.
[0098] With the key member 70 located in a vertical slotway between the key
emitter 71
and the key sensor 72, their engagement can prevent relative rotation of the
reservoir assembly
12 relative the backplate assembly 14.
[0099] While the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13 shows a collar merely
with the key
members, it is to be appreciated that a modified collar could be provided in
having both the
arms 64 and 65 providing a first waveguide and the key block providing a
second guide and
that two separate key emitters may be provided and two separate key sensors
may be provided.
[0100] Reference is made to Figure 14 which illustrates a seventh
embodiment of a key
member in accordance with the present invention which has features similar to
those shown in
Figure 7 and in Figure 13. In Figure 14, a central key member 70 is provided
serving as a
waveguide for passage of radiation laterally therethrough. On either side of
the key member
70, there are provided a pair of waveguide extensions 151 and 152 adapted to
be securely
carried on the backplate assembly. Each waveguide extension includes an outer
face 153 or
154 directed laterally towards a respective face 74 or 75of the key member 70
and an inner end
155 or 156 directed rearwardly and adapted for optical coupling with a key
emitter/sensor
element 71 or 72 also carried on the backplate assembly. As in the embodiment
of Figure 7,
the collar 26 includes at the end of each arm 60 and 61, end faces 62 and 63
served to be
optically coupled with two key emitters/sensors 56 and 57 carried on the
activation unit.
[0101] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13, a portion of the
waveguide is provided
as the waveguide extensions 151 and 152 on the activation unit and a portion
of the waveguide
is provided as the key member 40 on the collar member 26.
101021 Reference is made to Figure 15 which illustrates a selective optical
coupling
mechanism illustrating a pair of key emitter or sensor elements 56 and 57
disposed opposite to
optical first windows 163, 164 carried in a coupling unit 165. The coupling
unit 165 is a
generally rectangular shaped member with a pair of cavities 166, 167 having a
narrow end 168
open to the first windows 163, 164 and a wide end 169 open to second windows
181, 182, 183
with two for each of the cavities. A waveguide member 184 having a generally
parallelogram
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
shape is adapted to be received within either cavity 166 or 167 in a position
which connects a
first window to one of the second windows. The waveguide member 184 can be
rotated 180
degrees and placed in a cavity so as to provide a waveguide between a first
window at the first
end and a different other of the second window at the second end. Such an
arrangement can be
provided either in a cavity in the collar member 26 or in a portion of a
cavity on the activation
unit and thus can form another method for mechanically selecting a relative
path of a portion
of the waveguide either carried by the collar 26 or the activation member 48.
101031 It is to be appreciated that different waveguide members 184 may
have different
properties such as different abilities to transmit, filter, block or polarize
electromagnetic
radiation passed therethrough. For example, a plurality of such members could
be provided of
different tinted colours, blue, red, yellow, green and the like and provide
simple members
which can be readily manually inserted to a customized activation member or a
collar member
for a particular desired configuration.
101041 In accordance with the present invention, the electromagnetic
radiation may be
selected having regard to pre-selected parameters. These parameters may
include radiation
within one or more ranges of wavelengths, electromagnetic radiation within one
or more
ranges of intensity, polarized electromagnetic radiation, and electromagnetic
radiation within
one or more ranges of duration and at one or more different points in time.
101051 The waveguide which is provided may have electromagnetic radiation
transmitted
properties selected from a plurality of properties and including the ability
to transmit one or
more ranges of wavelengths and or the ability to block one or more ranges of
wavelengths, the
ability to restrict the intensity of electromagnetic radiation which can be
transmitted through
the waveguide, preferably, as a function of most of the waveguide. The
transmission
properties may restrict the transmission of radiation having a first range of
wavelengths yet
permit transmission of radiation having a range of second wavelengths.
101061 Reference is made to Figures 16 and 17 which illustrate cross-
sections through the
collar 26 shown in Figure 7 along section lines A and B, respectively, in
axially extending
planes which extend radially from a center through the central opening 37. In
each of Figures
16 and 17, the radially extending rim 65 is shown as rectangular in cross-
section containing
27
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
and effectively forming throughout the inner rectangular cross-sectional area
of the rim 65 the
waveguide 64.
[0107] Figure 18 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional similar to that
shown in Figures 16
and 17, however, at a cross-sectional point in between section lines A and B
at a point in
between a circumferential end of the shoulder member 40 and before the stop
shoulder 80 is
provided. The cross-sectional area shown in Figure 18 superimposes a dashed
line showing
the outline of the cross-section of Figure 17. The cross-section in Figure 18
is of a
considerably reduced cross-sectional area compared to that shown in either
Figures 16 or 17.
That circumferential portion of the collar 26 represented by the cross-section
of Figure 18
comprises, in effect, a frangible portion. Insofar as a person may attempt to
remove the collar
26 from engagement on the reservoir assembly, circumferentially applied forces
on being
transmitted to the reduced cross-sectional segment shown in Figure 18 will
result in breaking
and rupture of the collar through this reduced cross-sectional area, thus,
breaking and rupturing
the wave guide 64. In Figure 18, the cross-sectional area of the waveguide 64
is shown to be a
reduced sized triangular portion compared to the rectangular area shown in
Figures 16 and 17.
The cross-sectional area of the waveguide through the frangible portion is
selected to be
adequate to permit radiation to pass through the waveguide in normal use. When
the collar
member 26 may be broken by circumferential severing through the reduced cross-
sectional
area portion of Figure 18, the waveguide 64 will be broken with the broken
waveguide
preferably preventing or impairing the ability of the waveguide to transfer
radiation through
the break point. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 18, it is expected
that initial fracture
may occur in the lower portion below the triangular waveguide which may assist
in splitting
through the waveguide from the lower apex of the triangular waveguide upwardly
to a wider
portion at the top.
[0108] Many modifications and variations of frangible waveguides or
waveguides which
will break if a collar is attempted to be physically removed can be
envisioned. For example, in
the context of a waveguide which incorporates a pre-existing optical fibre
member such as
shown in Figure 9, a mechanism can be structured to sever the optical fibre
member as a
requirement of removal of the collar.
28
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
[0109] Reference is made to Figure 19 which illustrates a schematic
pictorial view of a
portion of a waveguide 200 formed from three modular waveguide elements 201,
202 and 203.
The waveguide element 201 has a first end face 210 and a second end face 211.
The member
201 is a constant cross-sectional shape between the end faces. As
schematically illustrated by
the parallel lines 212, the guide wave member 201 is polarized so as to
restrict light passing
between the end faces 210 and 211 to being light which propagates parallel to
each other in a
certain direction. Waveguide member 212 is identical to waveguide member 210,
however, is
shown in the embodiment as rotated 90 degrees such that it has the schematic
parallel lines 212
of waveguide member 202 is perpendicular to the parallel lines 212 on the
waveguide member
201. When arranged in this configuration as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the
waveguide
members 201 and 202 effectively block all light transmission therethrough.
Waveguide
member 203 is shown as a similarly sized waveguide member which may be
selected, for
example, to be of a particular colour such as the colour blue. The waveguide
members 201,
202 and 203 are each modular members which can be replaced or substituted by
other
members and thus by simple insertion or removal of different modular members
provide for
different light transmission characteristics of the resultant waveguide. While
the waveguide
member 203 is shown as being of a particular colour, it is to be appreciated
that each of the
waveguides 201 and 202 could be provided as modular elements in a plurality of
different
colours.
[0110] Each of the waveguide members 201, 202 and 203 may be stacked
immediately
adjacent to each other and, for example, to form a central portion of the
replaceable waveguide
184 is shown in Figure 15. It is to be appreciated that in a manner similar to
that shown in
Figure 15, a coupling unit similar to 165 could be provided as with a
rectangular recess so as to
receive each of the three waveguide members 201, 202 and 203 aligned in a row.
[0111] One or more of the waveguide members 201, 202 and 203 may be
provided as part
of a waveguide on the activation unit and any one or more of the waveguide
members 201, 202
or 203 or other similar modular waveguide members may be provided on the
collar 26.
Further, insofar as the waveguide may have different abilities to polarize
light passing
therethrough, such a waveguide may be used with either an emitter of polarized
light or a
sensor sensitive to polarized light.
29
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
101121 The use of a plurality of different modular guide members such as
201, 202 and 203
to form the waveguide can provide a simplistic mechanism for customizing the
waveguide to
have selected key features.
101131 In the preferred embodiments illustrated, for example, in Figure 4,
in combination
with a suitable waveguide, there is shown both a key emitter 55 and a key
sensor 56. It is not
necessary in accordance with the present invention that a key emitter 55 be
provided. The
electromagnetic radiation to pass through the waveguide and be sensed by the
key sensor may
originate from an external light source such as, for example, the ambient
light in any
environment, for example, ambient light from lighting within a washroom or
natural sunlight.
For example, as seen in Figure 1, the front portion of the shroud 16 indicated
as 220 in Figure
1 could be provided to transmit electromagnetic radiation therethrough which
may impinge on
a frontmost surface 221 of the collar 26 as shown in Figure 2 which could be
flattened and
directed forwardly so as to provide an entry point for light into the
waveguide contained in the
collar. In this case, merely the radiation sensor 56 need be provided.
[01141 Alternatively, entrance for ambient air to the waveguide could be
provided at the
sides or bottom of the waveguide through a suitable face in the waveguide
disposed to permit
entry into the waveguide of electromagnetic radiation from an external source.
As another
example, in the context of Figure 2, the bottle and fluid within the bottle 22
may be provided to
be electromagnetic radiation transmitting with light to pass downwardly
through the bottle 22
through the lower shoulder 192 and down onto an upwardly directed surface of
the collar 26.
The waveguide may then comprise the walls and shoulder of the bottle 22, the
fluid in the
bottle as well as the collar 26. Suitable selection of the radiation
transmission properties
therefore of the bottle walls and bottom and the fluid to be dispensed can be
utilized in
establishing pre-selected keying features.
10115] Insofar as light may pass downwardly through the shoulder 192 in the
bottle 22 to
the collar 26, it would be possible to incorporate a component of the pump
assembly such as a
radially outwardly extending flange of the piston chamber-forming member 30 as
being part of
the waveguide and in such an event, the waveguide might incorporate a path
downwardly
through the shoulder 192 of the bottle past or through the support plate 18
and axially through
the outer flange 31 of the piston chamber-forming member 30 as to a portion of
the waveguide
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
as to a sensor disposed axially below the outer flange 31. Preferably, the
waveguide would be
at least partially through the collar 26 at some portion such as axially
through the collar or
radially outwardly through a portion of the collar 26 which would serve as a
waveguide to
couple light from the outer flange 31 to a sensor carried on the activation
unit 12.
101161 Rather than use ambient light to pass through portions of the bottle
and/or fluid in
the bottle, a separate emitter could be provided as, for example, to pass
radiation downwardly
or sideways or otherwise which would pass through a portion of the bottle
and/or the fluid in
the bottle to be received by a sensor.
[0117] As to the nature of electromagnetic radiation to be used, many
conventionally
available sensors and/or emitters are available for use in emitting and
sensing electromagnetic
radiation in the visible light spectrum. This is not necessary, however, and
electromagnetic
radiation outside the visible spectrum may be used. This could be advantageous
as, for
example, to mask the nature of any modular components which may comprise a
portion of a
waveguide. For example, whether or not any modular waveguide element may
appear to have
a visible colour such as blue, red or yellow, insofar as it is adapted for
transmission of non-
visible electromagnetic radiation, then the presence or absence of colour in
the modular unit
could assist in fooling an imitator.
[0118] Reference is made to Figure 21 showing a key collar 26 similar to
that shown in
Figure 7 but for a few differences. Firstly, the lock tabs 45 of the collar 26
in Figure 7 have
been removed for simplicity in illustration. Providing such locking tabs are
preferred,
however, the locking tabs need not as in the context of Figure 7 be provided
on the front of the
collar facing outwardly but could be provided at other locations as on the
rear of the collar
diametric to the position shown, for example, in Figure 7. Secondly, as seen
in Figure 21,
bridging between the arm 60 and the arm 61, there is provided a thin frangible
member 220.
101191 Figure 21 shows in addition to the key collar 26, a separate board
218 which carries
a key emitter 55 and a key sensor 56. Arm 60 includes an end face 62 normal to
the key
emitter 66 which face 62 is engaged by the key emitter with the end face 62
generally normal
to the key emitter 55. Arm 61 includes an end face 63 which is shown as being
normal to the
key sensor 56 and is engaged by the key sensor. The arm 60 includes a
reflecting outer side
shoulder surface 222 disposed at 45 degrees to the end face 62. Arm 61
similarly includes a
31
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
reflecting outer side shoulder surface 223 at 45 degrees to the end face 63.
The arms 60 and 61
are joined by a bridge member 221 formed by a projection 224, the frangible
member 220 and
a projection 225. The arm 60 has the projection 224 extending laterally
inwardly to an end face
226 disposed normal to the end face 62. The arm 61 similarly has the
projection 225 extending
laterally inwardly to an end face 227 normal to the end face 63 and spaced
from and opposed
from the end face 226. The frangible member 220 extends between the end face
226 and the
end face 227 normal to each end face. The frangible member 220 has a cross-
sectional area
significantly less than the cross-sectional area of either of the projection
224 or the projection
225 measured parallel the end faces 226 and 227.
101201 The frangible member 220 is preferably formed integrally with the
key collar 26 as
by injection moulding from plastic.
101211 Figure 22 in top view schematically illustrates two paths that
radiation may take on
being transmitted through the key collar 26 from the key emitter 55 to the key
sensor 56. A
dashed line indicates a shorter optical path 64 in which radiation from the
key emitter 55
perpendicular to the end face 62 is reflected off the shoulder surface 222
extends through the
projection 224, through the frangible member 220, through the projection 225,
is reflected off
the shoulder surface 223 and passes through the arm 61 normal the end face 63
to be sensed by
the key sensor 56. An alternate longer optical path 264 is shown in dashed
lines in Figure 22
as extending internally of the arm 60 and around the circumference of the key
collar 26 and,
hence, via the arm 61 to the key sensor 55.
101221 Reference is made to Figure 23 which illustrates a cross-sectional
side view along
section C-C' in Figure 22 through the frangible member 220 and which therefore
shows the
projection 224 not in cross-section. Figure 23 schematically illustrates, as
seen in cross-
section, a pair of resilient catch members 230 and 231 secured to the
activation unit 48 similar
to the type shown in Figure 2. Preferably, coupling of the key collar 26 to
the activation unit
48 is accomplished by rearward sliding of the key collar 26 towards the
activation unit 48 in a
direction indicated by the arrow 239.
101231 The two resilient catch members 230 and 231 are schematically shown
in cross-
section as secured to the activation unit 48. Each catch member 230 and 231
has a forwardly
directed cam surface 232 and 233, respectively, which on relative rearward
movement of the
32
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
key collar 26 will engage the frangible member 220 and cause deflection of the
resilient catch
members 230 and 231 upwardly or downwardly out of the path of the frangible
member 220
until the frangible member 220 is received rearward of the respective catch
shoulders 234 and
235 on each of the catch members 230 and 231, whereupon the catch members 230
and 231
will under their inherent bias move to assume a latched position as shown in
Figure 23 with
their catch shoulders 234 and 235 disposed forwardly of a forward surface of
the frangible
member 220.
101241 With removal of the key collar 26 by forward sliding of the key
collar away from
the activation unit 48, the catch members 230 and 231 will engage the
frangible member 220
and prevent its forward movement. The frangible member 220 is preferably of a
material and
has a construction which will be broken and severed under manual forces which
can be readily
applied in sliding the key collar 26 forwardly. As a result, with forward
movement of the key
collar 26 and removal of the key collar 26 from coupling with the activation
unit 48, the
frangible member 220 is broken and preferably severed from the key collar 26.
101251 As a result, if the key collar 26 with the broken or removed
frangible member 220
is reinserted into the dispenser, then there will no longer exist the optical
path 64 for
transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the frangible member 220.
Thus, the
electromagnetic transmission properties of the waveguide formed within the key
collar 26 will
have been changed by severing the frangible member 220 on removal of the key
collar 26.
The nature of the electromagnetic radiation sensed by the key sensor 26 will
be altered and the
dispenser control mechanism can give suitable instructions as to how to deal
with this event as,
for example, to not permit operation of the dispenser.
101261 Reference is made to Figure 24 which shows an eighth embodiment of
the key
collar 26 similar to that shown in Figure 7 but with a few differences.
Firstly, in Figure 24, the
arm 60 and the arm 61 are joined by the bridge member 221 which is of
substantially constant
cross-sectional area normal to the end faces 62 and 63 between the two arms 60
and 61.
101271 Secondly, extending laterally from outside surface 238 of the arm
61, there is
provided a cantilevered frangible member 220 having but one end secured to the
arm 60. The
frangible member 220 has a cross-sectional area normal to the end face 62 of
the arm 61 which
is significantly reduced compared to that of the arm 60.
33
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
[0128] As contrasted with the embodiment of Figure 21, in Figure 24, two
key emitters are
provided, a first key emitter 55 and a second parallel key emitter 255. The
first key emitter 55
is disposed to direct radiation into the end face 62 of the arm 60. The second
key emitter 255
is located to engage a surface 262 on the frangible member 220 and to direct
radiation into the
frangible member 220. The key sensor 56 engages the end face 63 of the arm 61.
In the
embodiment of Figure 24, the frangible member 220 is adapted to be severed
from or removed
from the key collar 26 on removal of the key collar 26 from the dispenser.
[0129] While the frangible member 220 is coupled to the key collar 26 as
shown in Figure
24, then electromagnetic radiation from the second key emitter 255 will enter
the waveguide
via the frangible member 220 and will be picked up by the key sensor 56.
However, insofar as
a key collar is coupled on which the frangible member 220 has been severed
from the key
collar, then the key sensor 56 will not pick up radiation from the second
emitter 255. While
two key emitters 56 and 256 are provided, only the key emitter 255 is needed
to sense the
removal of the frangible member 220.
[0130] The frangible member 220 in Figure 24 need not be severed from the
key collar 26,
rather, it may be bent forwardly into, for example, assume a position bent
away from the
second key emitter 256 as, for example, to a 45 degree position and would
result in a
significant change in the waveguide transmission characteristic such that
radiation from the
second key emitter 255 would be significantly lessened to the extent it may
enter the
waveguide and thus be sensed by the key sensor 56.
[01311 In Figure 24, the radiation is directed into the frangible member
via the surface 262
which is in the same plane as end face 62 on the arm 60. Alternatively, the
key emitter 255
may direct radiation into the frangible member 220 at another location as, for
example, at a
lateral side surface 264 of the frangible member 220, with the sensor 256
suitably re-
positioned.
[0132] Figure 24 shows the use of a plurality of key emitters 55 and 255
and one key
sensor 56. Of course, in a similar arrangement, one or more key sensors could
be used with at
least one key sensor coupled to the frangible member 220 and one key emitter
to input
radiation to arm 61.
34
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
101331 Referring to Figure 25, a reservoir bottle 22 is shown which is
similar to the
reservoir bottle 22 shown in Figures 1 to 5. As a notable difference, however,
the reservoir
bottle 22 in Figure 25 carries as extending downwardly from its lower edge, a
frangible
member 220 which is in the form of a relatively thin plate member formed
integrally with the
reservoir bottle 22 as, for example, from plastic material and which is
adapted to serve as a
portion of a waveguide. The frangible member 22 is adapted on rearward sliding
insertion of
the bottle 22 to slide rearwardly so as to be received between a key emitter
355 and a key
sensor 356 as schematically illustrated in a horizontal cross-section in
Figure 26. The
frangible member 220 is adapted to be severed or removed on removal of the
reservoir bottle
22. The frangible member 220 on the reservoir bottle 22 is to serve as a
portion of a
waveguide. The frangible member 220 on the bottle 22 may be in substitution of
the key collar
26 and its waveguide as in the other embodiments or in combination therewith.
101341 Frangible members 220 have been shown as coupled to the reservoir
bottle 22 in
Figure 25 and to the key collar 26 as in Figures 21 and 24. Similar frangible
members forming
part of a waveguide may be coupled to the pump assembly as preferably to the
piston chamber
forming member 30.
[0135] The particular nature of the frangible member 220 may vary widely.
The objective
is to provide an arrangement such that with insertion or removal of a
removable component,
comprising in the case of the preferred embodiment the reservoir assembly 12,
a portion of a
waveguide carried by the removable reservoir assembly 12 becomes changed such
that a
control system can recognize a reservoir assembly 12 which has been coupled or
uncoupled
more than once and make an appropriate selection as to how to deal with this
in control of the
dispenser as one example, when the control system recognizes that a reservoir
assembly has
been coupled or uncoupled more than once then the control system may prevent
dispensing of
the material.
101361 As another example, when the control system recognizes that a
reservoir assembly
has been coupled or uncoupled more than once, then the control system may
merely permit
thereafter a given number of activations of the piston pump after which the
control system will
prevent dispensing. in the context of the embodiment in Figure 24 there are
two distinct
optical paths, a first optical paths between key emitter 55 and key sensor 56
and a second
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
optical path between key emitter and 255 and key sensor 56. The possibilities
for the control
system sensing include the following:
A: Double Positive - meaning sensing of electromagnetic radiation
through the first optical path and sensing electromagnetic radiation through
the second
optical path;
B: Double Negative - meaning no sensing of electromagnetic radiation
through the -first optical path and no sensing electromagnetic radiation
through the second
optical path;
C: First Positive/Second Negative - meaning sensing of
electromagnetic radiation through the first optical path and no sensing of
electromagnetic
radiation through the second optical path; and
D: First -Negative/Second Positive - meaning no sensing of
electromagnetic radiation through the first optical path and sensing of
electromagnetic
radiation through the second optical path.
[0137] A first rule of operation for the control system preferably is that
operation is only
permitted when the control system senses passage of electromagnetic radiation
through the
first optical path, that is there is either (A) Double Positive or (C) First
Positive/Second
Negative.
10138j A counter mechanism for the control system is to count activation of
the piston 32
when there is electromagnetic radiation through the first optical path thus,
under either
condition (A) double positive or condition (C) First Positive/Second Negative.
A second rule
of operation is preferably is that after a maximum number of activations have
been counted
since the last resetting of the counter mechanism that operation of the pump
is prevented.
The maximum number of operations can be selected having regard to the volume
of the fluid
in any reservoir assembly which has been applied and the volume of dosage that
is the
amount of liquid which is to be dispensed by the piston 32 in a typical
activation. If, for
example, the reservoir assembly is a 1 litre and the dosage volume is 1 ml
then a maximum
number of activation could be selected to be, for example, 1000 activations,
however,
preferably there will be some buffer for inaccuracy of strokes, for example,
an additional 5
36
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
percent to 25 percent thus representing, for example, as a maximum being
selected between
preferably 1050 and 1250 activations.
101391 The count preferably may be reset to zero at a time when in sequence
the control
system after sensing no radiation through the first optical path, that is
either condition (B)
double negative or condition (D) First Negative/Second Positive the senses (A)
Double
Positive. This is equivalent to a situation in which the reservoir assembly is
removed such
that (B) the Double Negative is sensed and then a new reservoir assembly with
its fragile
member 220 in tact is applied, in which case the reservoir assembly would be
expected to
have its reservoir is tilled of fluid and it is reasonable to reset the
counter to zero and permit
in the normal course operation of the dispenser for dispensing of all of the
fluid from the
reservoir, stopping operation, however, preferably if more than a maximum
activations have
been carried out as reasonably necessary to empty the reservoir. Having the
maximum
number of activations used to stop operation when there has been a continuous
double
positive is not necessary but preferred.
101401 From a condition in which the counter mechanism is counting, if the
reservoir
assembly is then removed, condition B a Double Negative would be sensed. If
the same
reservoir assembly is removed and then recounted, such reservoir assembly will
not have the
frangible member 220 attached. On recounting, there will be a sensing of
condition C being
First Positive and Second Negative. On such sensing, the control system will
not restart the
counter to zero but will continue with the same count. This permits a
reservoir assembly
which has been removed and recounted to continue to be dispensed, however,
only to the
maximum number of activations. The same reservoir assembly may thus be removed
and
recounted a number of times with a counter mechanism continuing to count and
operation
being permitted until such time as the maximum number of activations has
arisen.
101411 If after removal of a reservoir assembly, a reservoir assembly is
coupled which
does not include either the first optical path or the second optical path then
the condition (B)
the double negative arises and no dispensing is permitted. Similarly, if a
reservoir assembly
might be applied which provides condition (D) of a First Negative and a second
positive,
then no dispensing arises.
37
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
101421 Whether or not the counter mechanism may be operative such that it
will stop
dispensing during the condition (A) of continuous Double Positive when a
mechanism is
reached arises, it is preferred that when condition (C) arises with First
Positive and Second
Negative that the counter mechanism stop dispensing when the maximum number of
activations have been reached.
[0143] The counter mechanism may have a separate total count function which
counts
the number of activations of the piston irrespective of whether or not anyone
of the
conditions A, B, C or D are present as, for example, to provide an indication
of the life and
overall usage of the dispenser. Of course, the counter mechanism and the
maximum for each
counter mechanism may be varied depending upon the volume of the reservoir,
the nature of
the fluid to be dispensed, the size and or stroke of the piston as would be
appropriate. As
well, the maximums of counter mechanism may be selected so as to ensure that
all of the
fluid is dispensed or to ensure that activations is stopped before all the
fluid may be
dispensed from the reservoir.
[0144] The present invention teaches the use of a dual key system in which
two key
systems are sensed to control operation of the dispenser. The preferred
embodiments teach
that both key systems are optical systems. However, this is not necessary and
the present
invention includes a dual key system where one or both of the key systems are
not optical but
rather are another type of keying system. Such other types of key systems can
include
mechanical, magnetic, radio frequency, optical scanner, electrical and
capacitor based
systems including one or more of such key systems used in combination with
each other and
with optical key systems. For example, in the context of Figures 25 and 24,
the elements
indicated 255 and 355 can comprise merely a capacitor which senses the present
or absence
of the frangible element 22. As another alternative, the frangible element 220
may carry a
magnet such as in a form of a magnetic strip and the elements 255 and 355 may
comprise a
magnetic detector. The frangible element 220 might carry a machine readable
optical
representation such as a bar code or universal product code and the elements
255 and 355
may comprise an optical reader such as a bar code reader. The frangible
element 220 may
carry radio-frequency identification (R.HD) tag or transponder, whether
passive, active or
semi-active to be sensed by the element 255 and 355 being a complimentary
sensory.
38
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
[0145] Carrying a secondary keying system on the removable reservoir
assembly for
alteration of the secondary keying system on coupling or uncoupling of the
removable
reservoir assembly provides in the context of the operation described with
reference to Figure
24, an improved control of the operation of a dispenser permitting as
described above,
amongst other things, the permitted coupling and recoupling of the same
reservoir assembly
to the dispenser for dispensing to a maximum number of actuations of the pump
as described
above. The use of such a frangible member whether optical, magnetic, a RFID
tag or a bar
code or otherwise could be used not only with the primary keying system
disclosed in the
present application as being optical but also with other keying systems such
as that described
in U.S. patent publication US2006/0124662 to Reynolds et al., using an
electric
coil/capacitor type system. An optical key system is preferred as in the
proposed preferred
embodiments in that all of the components of the optical key system on the
removable
reservoir assembly may be conveniently made from plastic as by injection
moulding.
101461 As to the change of the characteristics of a waveguide on coupling
of the
removable reservoir assembly 12 to the dispenser, it is possible that selected
frangible
portions on the reservoir assembly 12 be removed on coupling or insertion
rather than on
removal. It is not necessary that the waveguide be changed by removal or
severing of a
frangible member. A portion of the removable reservoir assembly 12 which
comprises a
portion of the waveguide may be bendcd or deflected or otherwise manipulated
in a manner
so that they can come to be suitably positioned relative to a key emitter or a
key sensor on
coupling yet on removal or reinsertion would not adopt the same physical
configuration.
[0147] It may be possible for unauthorized tampering of a device in
accordance with the
present invention as by the removal of the catch mechanism such as the catch
members 230
and 231 shown in Figure 23 to prevent the severance of frangible member 220 so
that the
reservoir assembly 12 could be reused. Alternatively, after severing of
frangible member
220 from reservoir assembly 12, efforts could be made to secure a frangible
member in an
appropriate location towards possibly having the wave path appear unchanged.
Methods for
overcoming such tampering include having a control mechanism count the number
of
activations to calculate when a reservoir assembly 12 may be considered to
have its reservoir
bottle empty and preventing operation after the reservoir bottle 22 is
perceived to be empty
39
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
as by not permitting use until the controller sees that there is a removal and
replacement of
the key member as in the sensing of the absence of a frangible member followed
by the
sensing of the presence of a frangible member. This arrangement may, for
example, require
the provision of additional key emitters, key sensors and members through
which an optical
path is sensed. The removal of the catch members 230 or 231 could be prevented
by their
physical location and/or by requiring some test by a control system to ensure
that, in fact, the
catch members may be intact.
[0148] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the reservoir
assembly 12 is
removable as by moving vertically downward and then being slid rearwardly. It
is to be
appreciated that with various arrangements, the reservoir assembly 12 could be
coupled to
the remainder of the dispenser merely by moving vertically downwardly or
merely sliding in
one direction as, for example, horizontally or at an angle downwardly and
rearwardly. Of
course, in the preferred embodiments shown, the vertical opening through the
support plate
18 is to be sized to permit the lower end of the reservoir assembly 12
including the key collar
26 to be moved downwardly therethrough before being slid rearwardly.
[0149] In the preferred embodiments illustrated, the optical sensor or
emitters are shown
as substantially in contact with the waveguide through which electromagnetic
radiation is to
be transferred. This is preferred but not necessary as light will transfer
through air and can
assist in the relative location of the various sensors and emitters and the
entrances and exists
of the waveguides.
101501 In accordance with the present invention, the various waveguides
through which
radiation is transmitted may be photochromic or include a photochromic
portion. Referring
again to Figure 7, the collar 26 may be formed as by injection moulding from a
plastic
material which includes at least one reversible photochromic dye. The
reversible
photochromic dye is a dye which inherently assumes an "unactivated state". The
dye when
unactivated, that is, in an unactivated state, may be activated by radiation
with a "dose" of
activation electromagnetic radiation in a range of "activation wavelengths"
for the dye so as
to assume an activated state. After a period of time from being last radiated
with the dose of
activation electromagnetic radiation, the reversible photochromic dye returns
to its
unactivated state preferably returning inherently. When the dye is not
activated, that is, when
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
in the unactivated state, the dye has a different ability to absorb
electromagnetic radiation in a
range of "test wavelengths" than when the dye is activated, that is, in the
activated state.
Typically, the dye when in the unactivated state has a relatively low ability
to absorb
electromagnetic radiation in a range of the test wavelengths, as a result,
when the first dye is
not activated, the photochromic waveguide 64 has an "inherent transmission
characteristic"
for relative transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the range of test
wavelengths which
is relatively high. When such a dye is activated, that is, in an activated
state, typically the
dye absorbs electromagnetic radiation in the range of the test wavelengths to
a substantially
greater extent than the ability of the dye to absorb electromagnetic radiation
in the range of
the test wavelengths when dye is not activated. As a result, when the dye is
activated, the
photochromic waveguide 64 has an "activated transmission characteristic" for
relative
transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the range of the test wavelengths
different than
the inherent transmission characteristic of the photochromic waveguide when
the dye is not
activated. The activated transmission characteristic of the photochromic
waveguide typically
provides for substantially less transmission through the waveguide of
electromagnetic
radiation in the range of the test wavelength than the transmission
characteristic, however, it
could provide for greater transmission.
101511 By way of a simple example, the collar 26 may be formed by injection
moulding
from low density polyethylene including an Oxford Blue REVERSACOL trade mark
reversible photochromic dye which when radiated by a suitable dose of
ultraviolet light
preferably in the range of 350-410 nm becomes fully activated. The plastic
forming the
waveguide, with the dye unactivated may preferably be substantially
colourless, clear and
having relatively high ability to transmit light. When the Oxford Blue
REVERSACOL dye is
fully activated by a dose of the ultraviolet wavelength activation radiation
wavelength, the dye
absorbs blue light in a range of the test wavelengths appearing as Oxford Blue
in the visible
light spectrum. When the dye is activated, the plastic forming the waveguide
64 appears of an
Oxford Blue colour. When the dye is activated, visible light in the range of
the test
wavelengths representing the Oxford Blue colour are significantly prevented
from transmission
through the waveguide 64 since such Oxford Blue light in the range of the test
wavelengths is
absorbed by the activated dye. Thus, the dye when activated provides the
waveguide 64 with
41
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an activated transmission characteristic of relatively low transmission of
visible light having
the test wavelengths representing Oxford Blue colour compared to the inherent
transmission
characteristic of the waveguide 64 when the First dye is not activated and the
waveguide
permits substantially greater transmission of visible light in the range of
the test wavelengths
represented by the Oxford Blue colour.
101521 The dose of activation electromagnetic radiation in the range of
activation
wavelengths in this example with Oxford Blue REVERSACOL dye is a dose of
ultraviolet
radiation preferably in the range of 350-410nm wavelengths. The dose of
radiation provides
adequate energy in the dose required to fully activate the dye as can be
determined by simple
experimentation. The reversion time period which is required from the dye of
the waveguide
last being fully activated until the dye of the waveguide returns to being
unactivated can
depend upon the fade rate for the dye and the concentration of the dye in the
plastic. In
respect of the Oxford Blue REVERSACOL dye, the concentration of the dye in the
plastic
may be selected so as to provide for a reversion time period, for example, of
five minutes,
such that, for example, after one minute, the plastic forming the waveguide
appears only
slightly tinted in blue colour and after, for example, five minutes, the dye
is inactivated and
the plastic forming waveguide has returned to its substantially clear
uncoloured inherent
appearance.
[0153] In the context of the above described example and with the waveguide
64 of a
reversible photochromic dye in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8,
the key emitter
55 is selected to be an emitter which can selectively emit both (a)
electromagnetic radiation
in the range of activation wavelengths for the dye, that is, ultraviolet
wavelengths in the
range of 350-410 mm, and (b) electromagnetic radiation in the range of the
test wavelengths
representing the visible light of wavelengths represented by Oxford Blue
colour. The control
mechanism for the activation unit can at controlled times activate the key
emitter 55 to emit a
dose of the activation electromagnetic radiation in the range of ultraviolet
activation
wavelengths adequate to activate the dye in the waveguide 64. The control
mechanism
controls the key emitter 55 in a manner to permit electromagnetic radiation in
the range of
test wavelengths representing the Oxford Blue colour to be emitted at desired
times. The
control mechanism preferably controls the timing of, intensity, energy and
duration of each
42
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
of the activation electromagnetic radiation in the range of activation
wavelengths and the test
electromagnetic radiation in the range of the test wavelengths.
101541 The key sensor 56 is configured to sense electromagnetic radiation
transmitted
through the waveguide 64 and particularly to sense the timing, intensity,
energy and duration
of electromagnetic radiation in the range of test wavelengths, that is, of the
Oxford Blue
colour, notably over time.
101551 A preferred method of operation of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 8
with the
photochromic waveguide 64 involves in a controlled manner selectively
inputting the
activation electromagnetic radiation into the waveguide so as to selectively
control whether
or not any photochromic dye in the waveguide is activated or not activated
over time. With
the control mechanism controlling the times when the photochromic waveguide
has its
known different transmission characteristics for the electromagnetic radiation
in the range of
the Oxford Blue test wavelengths, the control mechanism can then at selected
times input test
electromagnetic radiation of the Oxford Blue colour test wavelength via the
key emitter 55
and sense via the key sensor 56 the relative levels of Oxford Blue colour test
wavelength of
test electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the waveguide 64.
101561 By this method, the dispenser control can determine whether there is
coupled to
the dispenser a waveguide including the specific Oxford Blue REVERSACOL
reversible
photochromic dye. The determination as to whether any waveguide 64 coupled to
the
dispenser includes the Oxford Blue photochromic dye can be made by sensing the
test
electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the waveguide at a time when the
photochromic dye if present in the waveguide should be activated. This may be
carried out
by inputting via the key emitter 55 into the waveguide 64 for transmission
through the
waveguide 64 input radiation representing a dose of the ultraviolet activation
electromagnetic
radiation adequate to activate the dye and, after inputting the dose of
ultraviolet activation
electromagnetic radiation sufficient to activate the dye so that the dye if
present should be in
the activated state, further inputting into the guideway 64 via the key
emitter 55 for
transmission through the guideway as input electromagnetic radiation, Oxford
Blue coloured
test electromagnetic radiation, followed by sensing with the key sensor 56 the
relative levels
of Oxford Blue wavelength electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the
waveguide 64,
43
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
and determining from the Oxford Blue wavelength electromagnetic radiation
sensed if the
waveguide 64 relatively transmits the Oxford Blue wavelength electromagnetic
radiation
above or below a threshold value. Sensing transmitted Oxford Blue wavelengths
electromagnetic radiation above a threshold valve is indicative of the first
waveguide not
having the activated transmission characteristic and that the waveguide 64
does not include
Oxford Blue photochromic dye. If the transmitted Oxford Blue wavelength
electromagnetic
radiation sensed by the key sensor 56 is determined to be below the threshold
valve, then this
is indicative that the waveguide has the activated transmission characteristic
and that the
waveguide 64 includes the Oxford Blue photochromic dye. The control mechanism
may
control operation of the dispenser dependent upon whether or not the waveguide
is indicated
to include the Oxford Blue photochromic dye.
101571 The above referred to test to determine if the waveguide 64 includes
the Oxford
Blue wavelength photochromic dye would not be able to distinguish between a
waveguide 64
including the Oxford Blue photochromic dye which has been activated and a
waveguide 64
which permanently has a colour of the Oxford Blue wavelength. The method
preferably may
include other steps in which the ability of the waveguide when expected to be
inactivated is
tested to consider if its transmission of test electromagnetic radiation in
the range of the test
wavelength matches the inherent transmission characteristic. The dispenser may
be operated
in a method which determines, at a time when the waveguide 64 should be in an
inactivated
state, if the waveguide 64 has the capability of transmitting the Oxford Blue
test
electromagnetic radiation in a manner consistent with the waveguide 64
including the Oxford
Blue photochromic dye that is inactivated. The control mechanism for the
activation unit 48
controls and is cognizant of whether the waveguide 64, if it contains the
Oxford Blue
photochromic dye, would be activated or unactivatcd. The control mechanism
would expect
that the waveguide 64 containing the Oxford Blue dye would not be activated:
(a) before any
dose of the ultraviolet activation electromagnetic radiation has been emitted
by the key
emitter 55, or (b) after the reversion time period has passed following the
last input of
ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation to activate the dye. At such point in
time as the control
determines that the Oxford Blue photochromic dye if present in the waveguide
64 would not
be activated, the following test procedure is carried out. Via the key emitter
55, input
44
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
electromagnetic radiation is input into the waveguide 64 comprising Oxford
Blue wavelength
test electromagnetic radiation. Simultaneously, the key sensor 56 is used to
sense transmitted
electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the waveguide 64 in the range of
Oxford Blue
colour test wavelengths. The control then makes a determination from the
sensed Oxford
Blue transmitted electromagnetic radiation as to the relative level of
transmission of the
Oxford Blue wavelength electromagnetic radiation. If the Oxford Blue
wavelength
electromagnetic radiation sensed is below a set threshold, then this is
indicative of the
waveguide not including the Oxford Blue reversible photochromic dye. If the
Oxford Blue
wavelength electromagnetic radiation sensed is above the relative threshold,
then this is
indicative of the waveguide including the Oxford Blue reversible photochromic
dye.
[0158] In respect of determining the relative transmission of the Oxford
Blue wavelength
test electromagnetic radiation through the waveguide from the key emitter 55
to the key
sensor 56, the control may compare the Oxford Blue wavelength test
electromagnetic
radiation emitted by the key emitter 55 with the Oxford Blue wavelength test
electromagnetic
radiation sensed by the sensor 56. Alternatively, with knowledge, for example,
of preset
intensity levels of the Oxford Blue test electromagnetic radiation emitted by
the key emitter
55, the relative intensity of the Oxford Blue test electromagnetic radiation
sensed by the key
sensor 56 may itself indicate the relative ability of the waveguide to
transmit the Oxford Blue
test electromagnetic radiation.
[0159] Insofar as electromagnetic radiation in a range of wavelengths is
required for a
reversible photochromic dye to change from an activated state to an
unactivated state, then
the control mechanism may also control the application of such radiation to
the waveguide
as, for example, by controlling the key emitter to input such radiation.
[0160] The use of the collar 26 as shown in Figure 7 has been described
above in which
the waveguide 64 is formed as a unit by injection moulding from plastic
material which
permits transmission of electromagnetic radiation therethrough and includes as
one
photochromic dye an Oxford Blue REVERSACOL photochromic dye. Such a collar 26
may,
however, include more than one photochromic dye, for example, two, three, four
or five or
more different photochromic dyes. The particular nature of the different
photochromic dyes
may be suitably selected. For example, each of the different photochromic dyes
may be
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
activated by activation electromagnetic radiation having the same range of
activation
wavelengths, for example, all may be activated by ultraviolet light. The
dosage of such
activation electromagnetic radiation of ultraviolet light to activate each
different
photochromic dyes may be the same or may vary as, for example, with the amount
of energy
required to activate one of the dyes being different than the amount of energy
required to
activate the other of the dyes such that varying the amount of energy of the
activation
electromagnetic radiation radiated can control which of the photochromic dyes
may be
activated.
[0161] In one preferred embodiment, more than one photochromic dye may be
used, each
being activated by the same activation wavelength, for example, the same
ultraviolet light
and each being relatively equally activated by any dose of such ultraviolet
light. Each of the
photochromic dyes may have a range of test wavelengths that it selectively
absorbs when
activated, for example, to have different colour when activated and,
preferably each, when
unactivated, effectively is clear transmitting visible light and provides
substantially no colour
to the waveguide. Referring to the photochromic dye as having a colour when
activated is a
simplistic way of stating that the photochromic dye when activated has an
enhanced ability to
absorb electromagnetic radiation of a particular test wavelength, in this
case, corresponding
to visible light of the specific colour.
[0162] The dispenser has been described above as being controlled by using
a method
which determines whether or not the waveguide includes a reversible
photochromic first dye.
In an analogous manner, the dispenser may be operated in a manner to determine
whether the
waveguide also includes a reversible photochromic second dye or a reversible
photochromic
third dye or any other different reversible photochromic dyes. If two or more
of the different
reversible photochromic dyes are activated by activation electromagnetic
radiation in the
same range of activated wavelengths, then these dyes may be activated
simultaneously.
Thereafter, emission of the test electromagnetic radiation for each
photochromic dye and
sensing of the transmission of such test electromagnetic radiation for each
photochromic dye
may be carried out while each of the photochromic dyes is activated.
[0163] Where multiple photochromic dyes are incorporated in the same
wavelength 64, it
is possible to utilize photochromic dyes that are activated by activation
electromagnetic
46
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
radiation having different activation wavelengths. For example, a first
photochromic dye in
the wavelength might be activated by one of ultraviolet, visible or infrared
light
electromagnetic radiation as a first range of activation wavelengths and a
second
photochromic dye may be activated by radiation with electromagnetic radiation
of a different
second range of activation wavelengths which is outside the first range. With
key emitter 55
capable of emitting the activation electromagnetic radiation selectively of
the different
desired ranges of activation wavelengths, the two different photochromic dyes
may be
selectively activated by the control mechanism.
101641 The two or more of the photochromic dyes in the same waveguide could
have the
ability when activated to selectively absorb the same test electromagnetic
radiation. For
example, different activation electromagnetic radiation may be used to
selectively activate
two different photochromic dyes, however, each of which may absorb light of
the Oxford
Blue wavelength. Nevertheless, selective testing may be carried out testing
for the level of
transmission of test electromagnetic radiation of the Oxford Blue wavelength
in the various
conditions of: (1) neither photochromic dyes being activated, (2) one of the
photochromic
dyes activated and the other of the photochromic dyes not being activated, or
(3) both of the
photochromic dyes being activated. Furthermore, each of the photochromic dyes
which
when activated may absorb the Oxford Blue wavelength to different extents and
thus
different level transmissions of Oxford Blue wavelengths electromagnetic
transmission may
be determined depending upon whether none, one or both of the photochromic
dyes are
activated.
101651 The present invention also provides for the use of irreversible
photochromic dyes.
An irreversible photochromic dye describes a dye that undergoes a relatively
permanent
change in its ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation in a range oftest
wavelengths upon
exposure to activation electromagnetic radiation in a range of activation
wavelengths. The
irreversible photochromic dyes provide the waveguide with an inherent
transmission
characteristic when not activated which is different than an activated
transmission
characteristic when activated. For example, when not activated, the
irreversible
photochromic dye may not significantly absorb electromagnetic radiation of
specific test
wavelengths yet, when activated, may significantly absorb electromagnetic
radiation of the
47
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
specific test wavelengths. Alternatively, the irreversible photochromic dye
may, when not
activated, significantly absorb electromagnetic radiation in a range of test
wavelengths yet,
when activated, may not absorb electromagnetic radiation in the range of the
test
wavelengths.
[0166] In accordance with the present invention, as shown in Figure 7, the
collar 26 may
be injection moulded in its entirety from a plastic material which contains an
irreversible
photochromic dye. For example, the irreversible photochromic dye may be a dye
which when
activated with activation electromagnetic radiation such as ultraviolet
radiation within a
certain dose in a period of time, substantially irreversible activates the dye
to permanently
significantly absorb electromagnetic radiation within a range of test
wavelengths, for
example, red colour visible light and thus assume a red colour.
101671 In accordance with the present invention, the dispenser may be
controlled such
that at some time in the cycle of operation, the irreversible photochromic dye
may be
activated such that the dye will permanently have the colour red and the
waveguide will
absorb red wavelength light.
101681 For example, in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, the control
mechanism may,
for example, after initialization such as insertion of the removable reservoir
assembly 12 or
after its initial usage, activate the irreversible photochromic dye in the
waveguide 64 as by
activation with ultraviolet light such that the waveguide thereafter will
permanently have an
activated transmission characteristic of selectively absorbing electromagnetic
radiation in a
range of red light wavelengths. Before any removable reservoir assembly 12 may
be
permitted to be used in the dispenser in an initialization process, the
control mechanism will
preferably perform a suitable initialization test to determine if the
waveguide transmits red
wavelength electromagnetic radiation. If red wavelength electromagnetic
radiation is not
permitted to be transmitted at a time when a waveguide should be unactivated,
then the
dispenser may be controlled in a manner as to prevent operation with that
reservoir. Thus, in
this manner, after any particular removable reservoir assembly 12 and its
collar 26 has been
used in a dispenser assembly, that collar 26 and its waveguide are permanently
marked by
activation of the irreversible photochromic dye as a reservoir assembly 12
which should not
48
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
be permitted to be removed, inserted and re-initialized for re-use another
time in the
dispenser.
[0169] The time when the irreversible photochromic dye may be activated to
permanently adopt its activated state, for example, red colour may take place
at times other
than after initialization or initial dispensing. For example, for any
removable reservoir
assembly at any time after insertion and before removal but preferably after
checking to see
that the waveguide 64 is an acceptable waveguide, the waveguide may then have
its
irreversible photochromic dye activated to prevent re-use after removal. The
activation of
the irreversible photochromic dye may take place at some set time after
initial insertion as,
for example, a pre-selected time in of hours, days or months after insertion
or after a
determination has been made that some pre-selected amount of fluid has been
dispensed, or
is calculated, estimated or expected to have been dispensed, from the
reservoir. For example,
the control mechanism may count the number of activations of the piston 32
such that after a
maximum number of activations have been counted since last reset of the
counter
mechanism, the irreversible photochromic dye is activated.
[0170] An irreversible photochromic dye may be selected, for example, to be
absorptive
of electromagnetic radiation of test wavelengths, for example, red wavelength
light when not
activated and, when activated, be non-absorptive and therefore transmissive of
the red colour
test electromagnetic radiation. With such a irreversible photochromic dye, on
initial insertion
of the removable reservoir 12 which the collar 26 and while the wavelength
should be
unactivated, the control mechanism may conduct a test to ensure that the
collar 26 has the
inherent transmission characteristic, that is, is absorptive of red wavelength
light. Thereafter,
the collar may be irradiated with activation electromagnetic radiation to
activate the
photochromic dye and assume a transmission characteristic that permits
increased
transmission of red light. Subsequently, tests could be conducted to ensure if
the waveguide
permits the transmission of red light and prevent operation if red light is
not adequately
transmitted.
[0171] In accordance with the present invention, one or more irreversible
photochromic
dyes may be used. Each irreversible photochromic dye may be activated by
activation
electromagnetic radiation having the same or different activation wavelengths.
Each of the
49
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
irreversible photochromic dyes may have the same or different test wavelength
electromagnetic radiation which it will selectively absorb.
[0172] In accordance with the present invention, any particular waveguide
such as the
waveguide 26 in Figure 7 may include one or more irreversible photochromic
dyes and one
or more irreversible photochromic dyes, each of which has a respective
activation
electromagnetic radiation in a range of activation wavelengths, each of which
has a
respective electromagnetic radiation in a range of test wavelengths which is
adapted to
selectively absorb. The various activation wavelengths of the activation
electromagnetic
radiation may be the same or different and the various test wavelengths of the
electromagnetic radiation absorbed may be the different or the same.
[0173] The irreversible photochromic dye may comprise a dye in respect of
which the
cumulative amount of activation electromagnetic radiation it receives will
move the
photochromic dye successively from an unactivated state towards an activated
state, for
example, progressively, as for example, to linearly with the energy of
activation
electromagnetic radiation received, increase the dye's ability to absorb
electromagnetic
radiation in the range of test wavelengths. In one embodiment, the waveguide
26 may
include both a reversible photochromic dye and an irreversible photochromic
dye, with each
having the same activation wavelength, for example, ultraviolet wavelength
light. With each
successive dose of ultraviolet radiation to successively activate the
reversible photochromic
dye in the course of normal usage, the irreversible photochromic dye becomes
increasingly
activated until it is so fully activated that it would fail to meet a minimum
threshold as to
permit further usage in the dispenser it is coupled to or that it needs be
accepted as a
replacement waveguide if removed from the dispenser and reinserted.
101741 In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it is
advantageous that the
collar 26, for example, as shown in Figure 7 may visually to a human handler
have a specific
colour or absence of colour. For example, on initial manufacture, the collar
may appear clear
or colourless. In the absence of application of appropriate input
electromagnetic radiation
and sensing appropriate output electromagnetic radiation, it would not be
apparent to a user
as to what inherent light transmitting characteristics of the waveguide will
arise and thus
would be difficult, in the absence of some not insubstantial testing and
investigation, for any
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
third party without knowledge of the transmission characteristics to determine
what specific
characteristics are found in that waveguide and arc necessary to make it
compatible with the
component for which it is intended.
[0175] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 9 shows an optical fiber member
68 as
forming a waveguide. It is to be appreciated that the optical fiber member 68
may comprise
a plastic containing one or more photochromic dyes. In the embodiment
illustrated in Figure
9, the base 66 may be formed from a plastic including a First photochromic
dye, the top 67
may be formed from a plastic including a second photochromic dye and the
optical Fiber
member 68 may be formed from a plastic including a third photochromic dye.
Emitted
electromagnetic radiation from the key emitter 55 may simultaneously be
inputted into each
of the base 66, top 67 and optical fiber member 68 and electromagnetic
radiation transmitted
through each may be sensed by the key sensor 56. Only one or two of the base
66, top 67 or
optical fiber member 68 may have a photochromic dye.
[0176] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate various embodiments in which the
elements 211, 212,
213 and 214 may selectively be either an emitter of electromagnetic radiation
or a sensor of
electromagnetic radiation. As well, Figures 10 and 11 show configurations
which adopt one
or more of three optical fiber members 105, 106 and 107 as waveguides.
Preferably, in
Figures 10 and 11, at least one of the waveguides includes a photochromic dye,
however,
each of the waveguides 105, 106 and 107 may include one or more photochromic
dyes. Each
of the waveguides 105, 106 and 107 may have a different photochromic dye. It
is within the
skill of a person knowledgeable in this area to determine a simple relative
test for inputting
activation electromagnetic radiation selectively and inputting test
electromagnetic radiation
selectively so as to determine whether or not any one of the various
waveguides includes an
expected photochromic dye.
[0177) In the embodiment of Figure 12, the individual waveguide inserts
171, 172 and
173 may each include one or more photochromic dye. Similarly, in the
embodiment
illustrated in Figure 14, the waveguide extensions 151 and 152 which may be
removable may
include one or more photochromic dyes. In the embodiments of each of Figures
15 and 20,
each of the waveguide members 184 and the waveguide members 201, 202 and 203
may
include one or more photochromic dye.
51
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
[0178] In the embodiments of Figures 13, 14, 21, 22 and 24, the collar 26
may, as in the
case collar in Figure 7, be injection moulded in its entirety of plastic
material containing one
or more photochromic dyes. Alternatively, various components of the collar 26
may be
injection moulded selectively with different plastics in different portions so
as to provide
photochromic dye in one portion which is not in another portion. For example,
in the context
of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 22, injection moulding may be carried
out so as to
injection mould the annular circular part containing the circular portion of
the waveguide 264
to be plastic having different amounts of photochromic dye than the parts of
the collar 26
forming the waveguide 64 as shown in Figure 22.
[0179] The embodiment of Figure 24 shows the use of two key emitters, a
first key
emitter 55 and a second key emitter 255. More than one key emitters may be
provided as
may be advantageous for selectively inputting into the waveguide of either
activation
electromagnetic radiation or test electromagnetic radiation of different
wavelengths. This
may be preferred to having a single emitter which is adaptable to emit
radiation of different
wavelengths. The key emitter 55 illustrated, for example, in Figure 4 may
comprise a
combination of various individual emitting devices each of which can emit
radiation of
desired wavelengths with the emitted radiation from all the individual
emitters being the
resultant emission from the key emitter 55.
[0180] The preferred embodiments illustrated show various waveguides which
are
typically referred to as comprising plastic. However, other light transmitting
materials may
be used, for example, waveguides made of glass including notably a glass
optical fiber as in
Figure 9 and the separate replaceable waveguides indicated as 105, 106, 107 in
Figures 10
and 11 or 184 in Figure 15.
[0181] The electromagnetic radiation to be emitted into the waveguides via
the key
emitter 55, transmitted through the waveguide and sensed by the key sensor 56
may
preferably be light in ultraviolet, visible and near visible wavelengths.
Light of almost any
wavelength is preferred.
[0182] In the embodiments of Figures Ito 24, the waveguide has
substantially been
characterized as a portion of the collar 26 forming a portion of the removable
reservoir
assembly 12. In the embodiment of Figure 25, the waveguide is provided as a
portion of the
52
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
bottle 22 notably the frangible member 220, however, it is to be appreciated
that it is within
the scope of the present invention that a member similar to 220 could be
provided on the
bottle which is not frangible and merely provides a waveguide, which waveguide
may
preferably include photochromic dye.
101831 In accordance with the present invention, a removable and
replaceable key
component is disclosed which is required for operation of a mechanism and
which the key
component includes an electromagnetic waveguide preferably including a
photochromic
portion. The keying portion preferably serves a function in the operation of
the mechanism
in addition to the function of providing the waveguide. In this regard, the
collar 26 in the
first embodiment serves a purpose of securing the pump assembly 24 to the
bottle 22 against
removal. In the case of the bottle 22 as seen in Figure 25, the bottle 22
serves the function of
a reservoir for fluid. These functions may be seen to be in addition to the
function of serving
as a waveguide and may be considered independent to the function of providing
the
waveguide.
[0184] In the context of the keying component being a component required
for operation
of a mechanism, the present invention is not limited to keying components for
mechanisms
whose purpose is to dispense material although this is a preferred
application. In the case
where the mechanism is an apparatus for dispensing material, the replaceable
keying
component has been shown, for example, in Figures 1 to 25 to comprise a
securing collar 26
and in Figure 25 to comprise the bottle 22. The keying component is not
limited to being
such components, however.
[0185] Reference is made to Figures 27 to 29 which illustrate two alternate
embodiments
in which the keying component including the waveguide which preferably
including a
photochromic portion comprises the bottle 22. As seen in the rear view of the
bottle 22
shown in Figure 25, a pair of recesses 250 are provided extending into the
rear and spaced by
a web 251 of the bottle. As best seen in Figure 27, the web 251 comprises a
pair of side
walls 252 and a rear wall 253. Figure 27 schematically illustrates the bottle
22 as secured in
a dispensing apparatus with the dispensing apparatus including a mounting
board 254
carrying a key emitter 55 and a key sensor 56 directed such that
electromagnetic radiation is
directed into the web 251 for transmission of electromagnetic radiation
through the web 251.
53
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
The web 251 may be configured such that electromagnetic radiation will pass
internally
through the side wall 252 through the rear wall 253 to the other side wall 252
to be sensed by
the key sensor 56. Alternatively, the electromagnetic radiation may pass
through each side
wall 252 perpendicular thereto and through the space between the side walls
252 within the
bottle 22 then through the other side wall 252 to reach the key sensor 56. In
a further
embodiment, the web 251 could be provided such that the two side walls are, in
fact, one side
wall and there is no gap therebetwecn.
[0186] Reference is made to Figure 28 which illustrates a further
embodiment of a bottle
22 having similarities to that shown in Figure 5 and Figure 25. In Figure 28,
a tab 29 is
provided on the neck 27. The tab 29 in Figure 28 is substantially the same as
the locking tab
29 in Figure 5, however, in Figure 28, the tab 29 is provided at the rear of
the bottle. Figure
29 schematically illustrates a cross-section normal to the neck 27 through the
tab 28 and with
the bottle 22 secured to a fluid dispenser with a mount board 254 similar to
that shown in
Figure 27 having its key emitter 55 and key sensor 56 disposed to engage
opposite side
surfaces 256 of the tab 29. The tab 29 thus serves as a waveguide for passage
of
electromagnetic radiation therethrough and the tab 29 preferably includes a
photochromic
dye.
101871 Reference is made to Figure 30 which illustrates an arrangement in
which the
replaceable keying component is a piston 32 of a pump assembly 25
substantially the same as
that shown in Figure 5. The piston 32 includes an engagement flange 54 which,
as shown in
a vertical cross-section in Figure 30, is adapted for engagement with a
presser member 15
such that movement of the presser member moves the piston 32 upwardly and
downwardly
as indicated by the arrow 257 shown in Figure 30. The presser member 15 is
shown to have
a slotway 257 therethrough with catch members 258 to engage the engagement
flange 54 and
couple the engagement flange 54 to the presser member 15. The presser member
15 is
shown to have two key emitters 55 and two key sensors 56. A first key emitter
55 is
disposed to direct the electromagnetic radiation radially into the engagement
flange 54
normal the axis 258 for passage radially and circumferentially through the
engagement flange
54 to a diametrically opposed key sensor 56. In addition, a second key emitter
55 is carried
by the presser member 15 to direct electromagnetic radiation axially parallel
to the axis 258
54
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
of the piston with the electromagnetic radiation to pass axially through the
engagement
flange for sensing by an oppositely disposed key sensor 56. The engagement
flange 54 thus
serves the function of a waveguide. In each of the embodiments illustrated,
where each of
the respective key emitters engages or directs electromagnetic radiation into
the respective
waveguide, there is formed on the waveguide an inlet for electromagnetic
radiation and
similarly on each waveguide opposite and opposed to each key sensor, the
waveguide
provides an outlet for electromagnetic radiation. To enhance various portions
of the
circumferential surface of the engagement flange 54 to serve as an input or
output, the
circumferential surface may be faceted and provide surfaces substantially
normal to the
emitter and sensor.
[0188] In Figure 30, the presser member 15 may comprise a presser such as
the presser
15 shown in Figure 8 which pivots about the stub axles 20, however, in
accordance with the
embodiment of Figure 30, the presser member 15 is mounted to the housing for
linear
movement parallel to the axis 258 as by mounting the presser member 15 for
sliding
vertically relative to the side plates 19 of the backplate assembly 14 shown
in Figure 2 rather
than for pivoting about the stub axles 21. Preferably in a different
arrangement, the
engagement flange 54 may be adapted to be slid horizontally rearwardly into a
forwardly
open slot formed by the presser member 15 as is known, for example, in devices
as taught by
U.S. Patent 5,431,309 to Ophardt issued July 11, 1995 albeit disclosing a
manually operated
fluid dispenser.
[0189] Each of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 27 to 30 may provide
their
respective waveguide and key emitter and key sensor in an arrangement which
avoids the
need for any of the other waveguides illustrated, for example, in Figures 1 to
26 although any
combination of two or more waveguides disclosed may be utilized.
[0190] Reference is made to Figure 31 which illustrates a cross-sectional
view with an
alternate embodiment of a fluid dispenser in accordance with the present
invention
substantially identical to that shown in Figures 1 to 26, however, with the
notable exception
that the collar 26 has been eliminated and the piston chamber-forming member
30 has been
utilized to provide a waveguide with radiation to be input into the outer
flange 31 by a key
emitter 55 to pass circumferentially about the outer flange 31 for sensing of
transmitted
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
electromagnetic radiation by the key sensor 56. As shown, the key sensor 56
and key emitter
55 are secured to the support plate 18 of the backplate assembly 14. In this
embodiment, the
structure of the dispenser is otherwise the same as the embodiment of Figures
I to 26.
[0191] Reference is made to Figure 32 which shows an exploded view of
another
embodiment of a fluid dispenser in accordance with the present invention
having similar ties
to the pump disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,836,482 to Ophardt issued November 17,
1998. The
dispenser 10 comprises a housing 14, a replaceable reservoir assembly 12 and a
cover 13.
The housing 14 is adapted to be mounted vertically as to a wall. The cover 13
is adapted to
be coupled to the housing to permit insertion and removal of the reservoir
assembly 12
preferably as in a known manner with the cover 13 hingedly connected to the
housing 14.
The replaceable reservoir assembly 12 comprises a collapsible fluid container
22 and a pump
assembly 25.
[01921 Reference is made to Figure 33 which shows in cross-section the
container 22
filled with fluid. The container 22 has a cylindrical outlet neck 27 which is
externally
threaded at its end to threadably receive a collar 26. The neck 27 has a
radially outwardly
extending flange 326 disposed closely under a radially outwardly extending
shoulder 192 of
the wall 328 of the container so as to present a radially extending support
slot 330
therebetween. The housing 14 has a horizontally extending support plate 332
with a
forwardly open U-shaped slot 334 therein sized to be complementary to support
slot 330 such
that the support plate 332 can be received in slot 330 and support the weight
of the container
22 and locate the container in a desired position.
[0193] The collar 26 supports a funnel-like plate 325 with a central
opening 338
therethrough which opens into a feed tube 340. A flapper valve member 336 is
located in
opening 338 to form a one-way valve which prevents flow upwardly from the feed
tube 340
into the container.
[0194] Fluid passing through the one-way valve formed by member 336 is
conducted via
feed tube 340 to the pump assembly 25 and then from pump assembly 25 via an
exit tube 342
to out a discharge opening 34.
[0195] The construction of the pump assembly 25 is best seen with reference
to Figure
34. The pump assembly 25 is a gear-type rotary pump with two intermeshing gear-
like
56
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
impellers, namely, a driver impeller 346 and a driven impeller 348, received
in a cavity
within a pump casing. The casing 352 comprises a primary casing member 354
with a
removable casing plug 356 defining the cavity therebetween.
101961 The impellers 346 and 348 arc identical with each adapted to be
rotated about its
respective axis. Each impeller has a gear portion 358 disposed coaxially about
the axis with
radially and axially extending teeth 360. Each impeller has an axle member 364
which
extends axially from the gear portion 358 and serves to assist in joumalling
its impeller in the
cavity
[0197] The cavity is formed so as to journal the impellers 346 and 348 for
rotation with
the axes of the impellers parallel, with the impellers disposed beside each
other and with the
teeth of one impeller intermeshing with the teeth of the other impeller in a
nip between the
impellers.
[0198] The cavity is provided with flat, radially extending front and rear
walls to
relatively closely engage the flat, radially extending front and rear surfaces
of the gear
portions 358. The front wall of the cavity is formed on the primary casing
member 354 with
two forwardly extending bores 365 sized to receive and journal the axle
members 364 of the
impellers to journal the impellers. The cavity has circumferential side wall
defined by a part-
cylinder forming surface disposed at a constant radius from the axis of the
driver impeller
346 and a part-cylinder forming surface disposed at a constant radius from the
axis of driven
impeller 348.
[0199] An inlet port 374 opens through the casing into the cavity on an
upper side of the
cavity above the nip. The feed tube 340 is connected to the inlet port 374 to
permit fluid in
the container to be in communication with the cavity.
[02001 An outlet port 376 opens through the casing 352 into the cavity on a
lower side of
the casing below the nip. The exit tube 342 is received in a friction fit
relation in the outlet
port 376 to permit fluid from the cavity to flow out of the discharge outlet
34.
102011 The driver impeller 346 has its axle member 64 extend rearwardly
from the rear
surface of the impeller 346 out of the pump casing 352 though a joumalling
bore 386 in the
plug 356 for operative connection to a motor 382. The joumalling bore 386 of
plug 356 and
57
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
the journalling bore of 356 of the casing 350 preferably engages the axle 64
in a sealed
manner as by use of 0-ring seals not shown.
102021 The driver impeller 346 is shown to carry gear teeth 379 at its
inner end to engage
with a gear toothed drive 380 carried by the motor 382. When the motor 382
rotates the
driver impeller 346, the driver impeller 346 engages the driven impeller 348
to rotate the
driven impeller and to dispense fluid from the discharge outlet 34.
102031 The motor casing 392 carries a forwardly opening socket 408 defined
within a
forwardly extending wall 406. Socket 408 has a cross-sectional shape, size and
depth
complementary to that of the casing. As shown in the preferred embodiment, the
socket 408
and casing have complementary oval shapes in cross-section. The casing carries
a stop
flange 353 which extends radially relative the axis of the impellers at a
forward end of the
casing. The stop flange serves to engage a forward edge of the wall 406 when
the casing 352
is fully inserted into socket 408. Insertion and removal of the reservoir
assembly 12 is
accomplished by sliding the reservoir assembly 12 forwardly and rearwardly
relative the
housing 14 parallel the axis of the impellers with the support plate 332
received in the
support slot 330 and the casing received in the socket 408. With such rearward
and forward
sliding, the pump assembly 25 becomes engaged and disengaged with the motor
382.
102041 A control mechanism is provided which includes a proximity sensor
which will
sense the presence of a user's hand under the exit tube 342 and provide a
signal to a control
circuit coupling the sensor to the electric motor for actuating the motor. The
control
mechanism preferably controls the supply of power to the motor 382 so that
whenever it is
desired that fluid be dispensed, the motor is operated for a pre-selected
period of time which
will dispense a single dose being approximately a predetermined quantity of
fluid.
102051 The reservoir assembly 12 is preferably disposable and recyclable.
In this regard,
each element of the reservoir assembly 12 is preferably formed from recyclable
plastic
material. The container 22 illustrated in Figure 33 is a collapsible container
form made of
recyclable plastic material. Similarly, the collar 326 and its one-way valve
336 can all be
made from recyclable plastic materials. Each of the feed tube 340, exit tube
342, primary
casing member 354 and casing plug 356 as well as the two impellers 346 and 348
are each
preferably formed from recyclable plastic material. Thus, the entirety of the
reservoir
58
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
assembly 12 is preferably formed from recyclable plastic material which can,
after use,
readily be recycled.
102061 In the context of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 32 to 35,
various different
components of the dispenser may be used as a removable and replaceable keying
component
to carry a waveguide preferably including a photochromic portion.
102071 Figure 33 shows an arrangement in which the pump impeller 346 and
notably its
axle 364 may form a waveguide made from electromagnetic radiation transmitting
plastic
with radiation to be emitted via a key emitter 55 carried on the cover 13 and
a key sensor 56
carried on the housing 14 with opposite ends of the axle member 364 forming
the inlet and
the outlet of the waveguide. The impeller 346 may be characterized as a
movable material
displacing element which is received inside a chamber for the pump assembly
25.
102081 Reference is made to Figure 34 which schematically illustrates a key
sensor 56
and a key emitter 55 in an arrangement in which the casing 352 is used as a
waveguide with
an outlet and inlet provided on diametrically opposed sides of the casing 352.
In respect of
use of the casing 352 as a waveguide, it is to be appreciated that the
radiation may extend
substantially in a straight line through a portion of the casing underneath
the bores 65. In an
alternate configuration not shown, a key emitter could be provided at the top
of the casing
and a key sensor at the bottom of the casing, for example, in between the two
bores 65 for
passage of radiation vertically therebetween forward of the cavity. Each of
the key emitter
55 and key sensor 56 shown only in Figure 34 could be secured in suitably
provided
openings (not shown) in the wall 406 of the socket 408.
102091 Figure 34 illustrates the provision of a removable keying component
as a
chamber-forming body for a pump having a chamber for receiving a movable
material
displacing element, that is, the pump impeller therein.
10210] Reference is made to Figure 35 which shows an arrangement in which
the
threaded collar 326 engaged about the outlet neck 27 of the container 22
serves as a
waveguide. Electromagnetic radiation is input into the collar 326 on the first
side via key
emitter 55, passes circumferentially about the collar 326 to a key sensor 56
supported on an
opposite side of the housing 14. The collar 326 is preferably secured to the
container 22
59
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
against removal by various means including welding, bonding and supplemental
mechanical
arrangements which prevent removal.
102111 The threaded collar 326 like the threaded outer flange 31 of the
piston chamber-
forming member 30 shown in Figure 31 is secured to the neck 27 of the bottle
22.
102121 While the outer flange 31 in Figure 35 and the collar 326 in Figure
35 are shown
as threaded onto the neck of the bottle, various other mechanical coupling
arrangements can
be provided as, for example, a one-way snap-fit arrangement which prevents
removal.
102131 A flange member like outer flange member 31 in Figure 5 and the
collar 326 in
Figure 35 may form a simple cap with an outlet tube leading to a dispensing
control
mechanism which might merely be a simple arrangement which squeezes or
releases the tube
to control material discharge. Virtually any form or manner of a cap for
closing the container
22 may be used conveniently as a keying component with a waveguide.
[0214] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 32 to 35,
the control
mechanism will preferably include a mechanism to determine if electromagnetic
radiation
passing through the waveguide from the key emitter 55 to the key sensor 56
meets expected
electromagnetic radiation profiles and the control mechanism may be operated
to determine
whether or not the waveguide includes an expected photochromic portion.
102151 Reference is made to Figures 36 to 38 which illustrate a dispenser
for sheet
material wound in a roll, notably paper towelling of the type disclosed, for
example, in U.S.
Patent 6,069,354 to Alfano issued May 30, 2000.
[02161 As can best be seen in Figures 36 and 37, the dispenser 610 includes
a housing
generally indicated 614 with a backplate 621, typically to be mounted
vertically to a wall as
in a washroom and two side walls 623 which extend vertically and forwardly
from the
backplate 621. On the inside of each of the side walls 623 there is mounted an
end plug 600.
The end plugs carry a journalling portion 661 with a cylindrical outside
surface which is
received within a hollow core 670 of a roll of paper 672 carrying rolled
layers of paper
sheeting 674 which is to be dispensed. The hollow core 670 is thus .rotatably
journalled upon
the journalling portions for rotation about the axis 700. The end plugs 600
carry radially
extending inwardly directed locating shoulder 663 to limit side-to-side
movement of the
hollow core 670. The hollow core 670 is preferably formed out of material such
as plastic to
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
provide a waveguide which has an inlet at one end of the hollow core and an
outlet at the
other end of the hollow core. A key emitter 55 is provided in one of the end
plugs 600 and a
key sensor 56 is provided in the other end plug 600 each axially aligned with
the
circumferential wall of the hollow core 670 such that radiation may be
selectively passed
axially through the waveguide formed by the cylindrical wall of the hollow
core 670.
102171 Figure 36 also shows a second waveguide being provided as a circular
disc 702
which is fixedly secured inside the hollow core 670. The disc 702 is made of a
material
which transmits electromagnetic radiation and preferably as with the other
waveguide
includes a photochromic portion. An axially centrally located key emitter 55
is provided on
one end plug 600 to direct electromagnetic radiation through the hollow center
of the hollow
core 670 into the waveguide forming disc 702. A complementary key sensor 56 is
provided
in the other end plug 600.
102181 Figure 36 shows the use of two different waveguides. It is to be
appreciated that
merely one or other of these waveguides may be provided. Each waveguide may
preferably
include a photochromic portion although this is not necessary.
102191 In the embodiment in Figure 35, the hollow core 670 is shown as
preferably
comprising a plastic material which forms a waveguide. Rather than have the
entirety of the
hollow core 67 being a plastic material, it may comprise a composite material,
for example, a
thin cylindrical tube of plastic material forming a waveguide about which
there may be
provided an additional tube of, for example, cardboard or other paper-like
material. As well,
rather than provide the waveguide on the hollow corc to be a continuous
cylinder, the
waveguide might comprise but a strand of optical fiber carried on a
cylindrical tube of
paperboard type material.
10220] Reference is made to Figure 37 which shows a similar roll of paper
672 carried on
a hollow core 670, however, in which the core 670 carries a pair of end plugs
600 which are
fixedly secured to the hollow core 670 of the roll of paper and with each end
plug 600 being
removably secured in a catch member 800 which is fixedly secured to the side
wall 623. The
two end plugs 600 together with the hollow core 670 are rotatable as a unit
with a cylindrical
end flange 702 of each of the end plugs 600 received in a cylindrical
journalling cavity
within the catch members 800. As seen, a key emitter 55 is provided in one
catch member
61
CA 02688734 2009-12-16
SOO and the same catch member has a key sensor 56 at a diametrically opposite
location. The
cylindrical disc 702 on the end plug 600 thus serves the function of a
waveguide and
preferably includes a photochromic portion.
[02211 While
the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments,
many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the
art. For a
definition of the invention, reference is made to the following claims.
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