CN115175863A - System and method for dispensing liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing system, apparatus and method for dispensing liquid supplements, such as in the form of concentrated liquids containing flavorings, nutrients, pharmaceuticals and/or other supplements. Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include a handheld device that allows a predetermined amount of liquid to be dispensed with a single hand. Certain embodiments include independent containers controlled by removable dispensers to allow multiple types of liquids and prevent cross-contamination within the dispenser.

Description

System and method for dispensing liquids

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims U.S. provisional patent application entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING LIQUIDS" entitled from application number 62/880,230 filed 2019, 7, 30; AND U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/035,539, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING LIQUIDS", filed on 5.6.2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety FOR all purposes.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to dispensing devices, systems and methods for dispensing liquid supplements. Dispensing liquids, for example in the form of concentrated liquids containing flavorings, nutrients, pharmaceuticals and/or other supplements. In certain embodiments, a system is provided that includes a handheld device that allows a single-handed use to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid.

Background

The use of concentrates to add supplements is a common method of administering supplements such as vitamins, drugs and electrolytes. Particularly in the field of drug administration, the use of liquids has been adopted for convenience of use, for persons who have difficulty swallowing, and for persons who simply prefer to take supplements in liquid form for drinking with beverages. Recently, the use of cannabinoids and therapies has increased, however, traditional means of ingesting cannabinoids, including compounds such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Cannabidiol (CBD), may be impractical, socially unacceptable, inappropriate or undesirable.

One conventional way of ingesting or administering cannabinoids is to smoke a portion of the smoke produced by the combustion of the cannabis plant. This approach is not accurate for individual dosing and is increasingly discouraged in public settings. Furthermore, it is not recommended that certain users who might benefit from the use of cannabis derived compounds (e.g. children, elderly and persons with impaired respiratory system) smoke. For example, cannabis-derived compounds are often used in patients undergoing chemotherapy to stimulate hunger. Furthermore, in the medical community, there have been clinical findings that the use of CBD helps to treat and reduce seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy, such as renox-Gastaut (Lennox-Gastaut) syndrome and Dravet (Dravet) syndrome.

Another common way to smoke cannabinoids is by "smoking a vap," which operates on a similar principle to an e-cigarette. The vapor draw is accompanied by evaporation of the liquid containing the cannabis compound. Pulmonary health problems exist in the act of extracting steam fumes, as steam fume has been shown in some clinical trials to cause pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary injury. In some cases, smoking of a vapor smoke is considered to be the cause of death in some people. Another risk associated with vaping is dosage. The dose at which the smoke is drawn depends to a large extent on the user and the amount they draw.

A newer way to ingest or take cannabis based drugs is to orally ingest a prepared edible portion that is prepared in a biscuit, gum or other edible form. This method, while more accurate and less likely to create a corresponding health risk, is still less accurate and cannot be personalized to a particular user to provide the proper dosage, track the dosage and prevent overdosing. Furthermore, the incorrect intake of such food may lead to unsafe situations, such as excessive intake, which may lead to a poor mental state, especially for children.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a device and method for administering a cannabis-based supplement in a precise, safe and discrete manner.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for accurately and precisely dispensing a liquid. The present invention encompasses the use of a dispenser unit interconnected with interchangeable containers for dispensing different liquids. The dispenser unit accesses the dispenser function by reading a unique identifier or using a digital key to read and record unique identification information from the container. The identifying information includes, but is not limited to, a minimum dose, a maximum dose, an efficacy, a viscosity, electrical requirements for operation of the container, a remaining liquid in the container, a recommended dosage interval, and a predetermined dosage.

The interchangeability of the containers and dispensers allows a user to easily replace the liquid dispensed by the device, thereby eliminating the need to completely empty the first container before using the second container, and allowing a user to dispense a different liquid without having to carry multiple devices. Rather, a user may carry a single dispenser and multiple containers configured to interconnect with the dispenser.

One aspect of the present invention is to prevent accidental or unauthorized dispensing of liquid from the container of certain embodiments. The combination of the one-way valve and the anti-suction element prevents liquid from leaking from the container. For example, a one-way valve for filling a container allows the container to be filled from the outside of the container, but does not allow liquid to flow in the opposite direction.

Further, for example, in certain embodiments, a one-way valve for dispensing the liquid allows further flow of the liquid from the container to the exterior of the container. The one-way valve also includes a suction prevention feature. For example, certain embodiments include a suction-resistant passageway connecting an exterior of the one-way valve to an aspect of the container, wherein a user cannot place their mouth on the one-way valve to draw liquid from the container. Aspirating the dispensing area of the container will only result in aspirating air from outside the container away from the one-way valve.

Many portable devices for ingesting liquids, such as e-cigarettes and e-cigarettes, rely on the user to draw the liquid with their breath. This delivery method is neither precise nor reliable.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a repeatable, reliable and accurate means for dispensing a liquid for ingestion. The dispenser and container of certain embodiments allow for a predetermined amount of repeatable delivery. In addition, the dispenser tracks the amount dispensed, the time of dispensing, and the type of liquid dispensed.

Another aspect of the invention is that the dispenser is interconnected with a disposable or reusable container containing a liquid. The container has a separate dispensing mechanism driven by the dispenser. Thus, the dispenser is not in direct contact with the liquid and does not require cleaning. Furthermore, the non-direct contact of the liquid with the dispenser prevents cross-contamination of the liquid when changing containers.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objects and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. It is to be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may use one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below, either alone or in combination. Further, this summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full scope and ambit of the present invention. The invention is set forth in various levels of detail in this summary of the invention and in the following figures and detailed description, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the claims provided herein.

Drawings

FIG. 1-front view of some embodiments of a liquid dispensing device;

FIG. 2A-perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing a liquid, the device comprising a dispenser and a removably interconnected container;

FIG. 2B-perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing a liquid, the device comprising a dispenser and a removably interconnected container;

FIG. 3-a system schematic of certain embodiments of an apparatus for dispensing a liquid;

FIG. 4A-perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing a liquid including a container;

FIG. 4B-front cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing liquid including a container;

FIG. 5A-perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing a liquid including a container;

FIG. 5B-a side cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing liquid including a container;

FIG. 6A-a side cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing a liquid including a container in a suction stroke configuration;

FIG. 6B-side cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing a liquid including a container in a spray stroke configuration;

FIG. 7-a front cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing a liquid comprising a container;

FIG. 8-perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing a liquid comprising a container;

figure 9-schematic of a method of dispensing a liquid.

Detailed Description

Certain embodiments of the present invention, illustrated in fig. 1-3, include an apparatus 1000 for dispensing a liquid, comprising a dispenser 1100 and a container 1200. The distributor 1100 includes a power supply 2000, a central processing unit or controller 2010. As shown, the bottom surface 1105 of the dispenser is configured to interconnect with the top 1220 of the container. It should be understood that it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to interconnect the dispenser 1100 with the container 1200 using alternate sides. When the dispenser 1100 is interconnected with the container 1200, the dispenser 1200 can initiate dispensing of liquid from the container 1200 by sending an electrical signal from the dispenser's electrical connector 1110 through the container's electrical connector 1210 to the container 1200. It should be understood that it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to transmit an electromagnetic signal through the electrical connector 1110. The dispenser 1100 of some embodiments interconnects with the receptacle through the use of an electrical connector 1110 (e.g., an electrical connector 1310 that includes a magnet 1300). Certain embodiments of the magnet 1300 are located on the container 1200, alternative embodiments include the magnet 1300 on the dispenser 1100, and further alternative embodiments include the magnet 1300 on both the container 1200 and the dispenser 1100. The magnets 1300 of these embodiments provide a mechanical connection between the container 1200 and the dispenser 1100. It should be understood that alternative mechanical connections known to those skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, as shown in fig. 2A-3, a container 1200 having a plurality of magnets 1300 is included, the magnets 1300 configured to interconnect with the plurality of magnets 1300 of the dispenser. In such particular embodiments, the container 1200 and the dispenser 1100 are configured to interconnect with the container 1200 in a first orientation or a second orientation, wherein the container 1200 is rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation, wherein the magnet 1300 of the dispenser and the magnet 1300 of the container are configured to interconnect in the first orientation or the second orientation.

Certain embodiments seen in fig. 2A-3 include a container 1200 having a plurality of magnets 1300, the magnets 1300 configured to interconnect with the plurality of magnets 1300 of the dispenser. This may be desirable to prevent the dispenser 1100 from being interconnected in a manner other than that intended. Accordingly, the magnets 1300 of certain embodiments are configured in an asymmetric manner to prevent the dispenser from mating with the container in a manner other than intended. In addition, certain embodiments include an arrangement of magnets 1300 on the container, wherein the poles (north and south) of the magnets prevent improper interconnection of the container 1200 with the dispenser 1100. For example, certain embodiments include four magnets embedded into the surface of the container 1200 (typically the top 1220), wherein a first pair of magnets 1300 adjacent the first side 1230 of the container is directed toward the top 1220 with a first polarity and a second pair of magnets adjacent the second side 1230 of the container is directed toward the top 1220 with a second polarity. Thus, a dispenser 1100 having magnets 1300 configured to interconnect with the magnets 1300 of a container having an opposite polarity can be interconnected when the containers 1200 are aligned in a desired orientation. However, for example, if a user attempts to interconnect the receptacle 1200 with the dispenser 1100 with the receptacle rotated 180 degrees from the intended orientation, the magnet 1300 of the receptacle will align with the magnet of the dispenser with a matching polarity, causing the dispenser 1100 and the receptacle 1100 to repel each other and preventing the interconnection of the receptacle 1200 and the dispenser 1100.

In certain embodiments, as shown in fig. 2A-2B, the top portion 1220 of the container includes first and second electrical contacts 1210, and the first and second electrical contacts 1210 include spring-loaded electrical connectors 1310. The electrical contacts allow for electrical connection between the dispenser 1100 and the container 1200 and allow the dispenser 1100 to send an electrical signal to the container to dispense an amount of liquid. Certain embodiments include a spring-loaded electrical connector 1310, which is commonly referred to by those skilled in the art as a "pogo-pin". Some embodiments include a dispenser electrical connector 1110 that includes a spring-loaded electrical connector 1310.

Some embodiments shown in fig. 4A, including a container 1200, include a body 3000 surrounded by a sleeve 3100. In some embodiments, the sleeve 3100 is slidably disposed over the body 3000 of the container. In certain embodiments, the sleeve is disposed around the container body, thereby obscuring the view and passage of the container body except for the top 1220 and bottom 1225 portions.

As shown in fig. 4A-4B, the container 1200 of some embodiments includes a body 3000, the body 3000 having a fill port 3200, the fill port 3200 including a one-way valve 3210 disposed on an outer surface of the body 3000. The one-way valve 3210 provides liquid communication between the exterior of the body and a reservoir 3300 disposed within the body 3000. Fill port 3200 is generally configured to be adjacent top 1220 of the body when the body is held in an orientation for dispensing. However, it should be understood that fill port 3200 can be located near other orientations of body 3000, such as the bottom or sides, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, as shown in fig. 4B, the reservoir 3300 includes a cavity within the body 3000 in which a liquid can be contained and withdrawn therefrom to dispense the liquid. The reservoir includes a volume having a bottom 3310, the bottom 3310 further including a sump 3320. It should be understood that the term sump refers to a low point, dimple, depression or concavity configured to accumulate liquid. When the body 3000 is held in an orientation for dispensing, the sump 3320 is generally disposed at the lowest point of the reservoir 3300, thereby preventing air from entering the siphon tube 3400 and the pump 4000 (fig. 5A).

In certain embodiments, referring again to fig. 4B, a siphon tube 3400 is disposed within the reservoir 3320 of the reservoir to draw liquid from the reservoir 3300 as the liquid is dispensed. While the embodiments illustrated herein show a siphon tube 3400 configured to draw liquid up from the reservoir 3320 of the reservoir, it should be understood that alternative embodiments including a siphon tube 3400 configured to draw liquid down or sideways from the reservoir 3300 are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the siphon tube 3400 is configured to draw liquid up from the reservoir 3320 of the reservoir, wherein the siphon tube 3400 is interconnected with the reservoir 3320 of the reservoir, and further comprises a hole 3410 through the siphon tube 3400 through which liquid is drawn from the reservoir 3300 and into the siphon tube 3400. A hole 3410 is located at the bottom of the reservoir 3320 to further prevent air from entering the siphon 3400 or the pump 4000.

Certain embodiments of the pump 4000 shown in fig. 4B-5B are disposed within the body 3000, wherein the pump 4000 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 3300 through the siphon tube 3400. In certain embodiments, a one-way valve 3210 is disposed between the siphon tube 3400 and the reservoir 3300, wherein the liquid passes through the one-way valve 3210 prior to entering the pump 4000. It should be understood that alternative embodiments in which the one-way valve 3210 is disposed between the siphon tube 3400 and the reservoir 3300 are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, as shown in fig. 5A, pump 4000 comprises a diaphragm pump comprising O-ring 4010, diaphragm 4020, and compression element 4030. The O-ring 4010 of some embodiments is disposed against a bottom 4110 of the threaded recess 4100 of the body. In certain embodiments, the first face 4021 of the septum is disposed against the O-ring 4010 and the threaded compression element 4030 is disposed against the second face 4022 of the septum. The threaded compression element 4030 is configured to threadedly interconnect with the threaded recess 4100 of the body to apply pressure on the second face 4022 of the septum. As the threaded compression element 4030 is threadably interconnected with the threaded recess 4100 and the threads advance, the threaded compression element 4030 exerts pressure on the second face 4022 of the septum, causing the first face 4021 of the septum to exert pressure on the O-ring 4010. When pressure is applied to the O-ring 4010, the O-ring compresses and deforms, forming a seal between the O-ring 4010 and the base 4110 of the threaded groove, and a seal between the O-ring 4010 and the first face 4021 of the diaphragm.

In certain embodiments, pump 4000 is assembled within body 3000, with pump 4000 and associated components being integrated with body 3000 using welding, overmolding, adhesives, or other methods as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated that a diaphragm pump (sometimes referred to as a membrane pump) is a positive displacement pump that uses a combination of reciprocating motion of a flexible membrane to pump liquid. It should be understood that the diaphragm of the diaphragm pump 4000 of the various embodiments may comprise rubber, thermoplastic, teflon, and/or metal while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Certain embodiments shown in fig. 5A-6B include a diaphragm pump 4000 that utilizes the piezoelectric effect to actuate a suction stroke 4500 and a discharge stroke 4600. When power is supplied to the pump 4000, the diaphragm 4020 deforms away from the body 3000 in a suction stroke 4500, drawing fluid into the pump 4000 through the inlet 4200. When the pump 4000 is de-energized, the diaphragm 4020 rebounds to its rest configuration toward the body 3000 in an injection stroke 4600, forcing liquid out of the pump through outlet 4300. During a suction stroke 4500, the diaphragm pump 4000 produces a pumping action in which the reservoir 3300 draws liquid through the siphon 3400, through the one-way valve 3210, and into the pump 4000 through the inlet 4200. During a spray stroke 4600 of the diaphragm pump 4000, the diaphragm creates a positive pressure, forcing liquid out of the pump 4000 through outlet 4300.

In certain embodiments (fig. 5A), the diaphragm pump 4000 includes a concave surface 4400 in which the inlet 4200 and the outlet 4300 are disposed. The recessed surface 4400 is configured to interface with the diaphragm 4020 of the diaphragm pump and control the "one stroke" capability of the pump. In certain embodiments, the inlet 4200 is positioned in the concave surface 4400 offset from the center of the concave surface 4400. In certain embodiments, the outlet 4300 is positioned in the concave surface 4400 adjacent to or coincident with a center of the concave surface 4400. The proximity of outlet 4300 to the center of concave surface 4400 allows a majority of the motive force to more completely spray all of the liquid in the diaphragm pump 4000 in the center during injection stroke 4600 (fig. 6B). In certain embodiments, the concavity of the concave surface 4400 is configured to match the curvature of the diaphragm 4020 during the injection stroke 4600.

In certain embodiments, outlet conduit 5000 is connected to outlet 4300. Outlet conduit 5000 provides fluid communication between outlet 4300 and the exterior of vessel 1200. In certain embodiments, the outlet 5100 including the one-way valve 3210 is disposed between the outlet conduit 5000 and the exterior 6000 of the container. The one-way valve 3210 only allows liquid to flow in the direction from the outlet conduit 5000 to the exterior 6000 of the container. In certain embodiments, the one-way valve 3210 between the outlet conduit 5000 and the exterior 6000 of the container is disposed on the bottom 1225 of the container body.

In certain embodiments, the anti-pumping channel 5500 is in gas communication with an outlet valve 3210 and the fill port 3200 of the container. The anti-aspiration passageway 5500 provides an inflation volume for a variety of purposes. A first purpose of anti-aspiration channel 5500 is to provide supplemental air to fill port 3200. When liquid is dispensed, a suction force is created in the reservoir 3300 (fig. 4B) that is released through the fill port 3200, which allows air to enter the reservoir 3300 from the suction-resistant channel 5500. The secondary purpose of the anti-suck back channel 5500 is to prevent a person from misusing the container by attempting to suck liquid from the outlet valve. The anti-suction channel provides a plenum for unsealed ambient air, wherein suction of air from the bottom of the container results in suction of air from the anti-suction channel 5500 and the gap between the body 3000 and the sleeve 3100.

As shown in fig. 9, certain embodiments include a method 7000 for dispensing a liquid, the method comprising:

a) Setting 7050 preferred doses on the dispenser;

b) Saving the preferred dose 7100 to the controller of the dispenser;

c) Attaching 7150 a container to a dispenser;

d) Reading 7200 the container information from the container and storing the container information in the dispenser;

e) Wirelessly transmitting 7250 container information from the dispenser to a connected computing device;

f) Pressing 7300 a button disposed on the dispenser;

g) Sending an electrical signal 7350 to the container to initiate the suction stroke;

h) Activating the suction stroke 7400 of the diaphragm pump, resulting in pumping liquid from the reservoir into the diaphragm pump through the inlet via the first one-way valve;

i) The electrical signal 7450 that cuts off the electrical signal enables the ejection stroke of the membrane pump;

j) Spraying 7500 liquid from the diaphragm pump through the outlet and the second one-way valve;

k) Dispensing 7550 the liquid from the container;

l) record the dispensed amount 7600 and the time to dispense to the dispenser;

m) remaining amount of recording liquid 7650

m) recording the remaining amount of liquid in the container 7650; and

n) the remaining amount of 7700 remaining liquid.

In certain embodiments, the user sets 7050 a preferred dose, which is saved 7100 to the controller of the dispenser. The dispenser is configured to be removably connected to the container, and when a user connects 7150 the container to the dispenser, the dispenser reads 7200 the information from the container and stores it on the controller. In certain embodiments, the reading step 7200 includes reading a maximum dose allowed to be dispensed within a predetermined time period. Some embodiments also include a comparison 7325 step performed before the step of sending the electrical signal 7350. A comparison step 7325 compares the dispensed amounts from the records of the previous record step 7650 over a predetermined period of time before the button 7300 was pressed. If the amount of dispensing recorded within the predetermined period of time before pressing step 7300 is equal to or greater than the maximum dose, the dispenser will not send electrical signal 7350, thereby preventing dispensing of more than the maximum dose within the predetermined period of time. After reaching the maximum dose within the predetermined time period, the dispenser will not dispense further liquid until sufficient time has elapsed such that the dose dispensed within the predetermined time period before the button 7300 on the dispenser is pressed is less than the maximum dose. I is

The dispenser of some embodiments shown in fig. 3 also includes a wireless module 2020 that allows wireless communication with other computing devices 2030, such as a smart phone, computer, or other computing device having a local network or internet connection. The dispenser of some embodiments further includes user input devices such as buttons 2040, a display 2050, a USB port 2060 for wired connection to other computing devices, a charging circuit 2070, a battery 2000 for power storage, a voltage regulator 2080, a driver 2090 for transmitting electrical signals from the dispenser to the container; an electrical connector for providing electrical power and electrical signals between the dispenser and the container; and an electrical connector for allowing data to be read and written between the dispenser and the container.

In certain embodiments, the container includes a memory 2110, wherein the dispenser may store data associated with the amount dispensed, the date of dispensing, and/or the amount of liquid remaining in the container. Some embodiments of the container include a piezoelectric crystal 2100.

In some embodiments as shown in fig. 9, a user input, such as pressing button 2040 (fig. 1-3), indicates to the dispenser that the user wishes to dispense a preprogrammed desired amount of liquid. Depression of the button 7300 activates the controller to send 7350 electrical signals through the actuator and to the container through the actuator. The electrical signal drives the 7400 pump into an intake stroke wherein the diaphragm is biased away from the body and away from the concave surface of the body. During the suction stroke, liquid is drawn from the reservoir, through the siphon tube, and into the pump through the first one-way valve. After the intake stroke, termination of the electrical signal 7450 causes the diaphragm to deflect toward the concave surface during the spray stroke, thereby spraying 7500 liquid from the pump through the outlet of the pump, through the outlet conduit and through the one-way valve, and thereby dispensing 7550 liquid. After dispensing the liquid, in certain embodiments, the dispenser records 7600 the amount dispensed and the time to dispense to the dispenser. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of: wherein the dispenser records 7650 the amount remaining in the container into the memory of the container.

In certain embodiments including a dispenser, the dispenser further includes a tilt sensor 2200 (fig. 3), wherein the dispenser does not send an electrical signal unless the device is in an upright orientation (fig. 1) or substantially upright to ensure dispensing in the correct direction and prevent air from entering the pump. It should be understood that the tilt sensor 2200 of certain embodiments includes an accelerometer to measure the direction of gravitational acceleration to confirm the vertical orientation of the container prior to dispensing.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to these embodiments. However, it should be clearly understood that such modifications and variations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Moreover, the invention described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "adding" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. A device for dispensing a liquid, comprising:

a container comprising a body including a reservoir therein, the reservoir configured to contain a liquid;

the body further comprises a pump comprising an inlet interconnected with a reservoir;

the pump further comprising an outlet interconnected with an outlet conduit in liquid communication with the exterior of the body;

a dispenser having a first side configured to be removably interconnected with the container;

the dispenser further comprises a power source for driving the pump; and

a tilt sensor configured to determine an orientation of the device,

wherein the pump dispenses liquid from the reservoir through the outlet conduit to the exterior of the body,

wherein the dispenser allows activation of the pump if the tilt sensor detects that the device is in an upright position, and

wherein the dispenser does not allow activation of the pump if the tilt sensor detects that the device is not in an upright position.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first one-way valve interconnected with a first side of the body,

wherein the first one-way valve is in fluid communication between the exterior of the body and the reservoir, allowing fluid to flow from the exterior of the body to the reservoir.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a second one-way valve interconnected between an outlet conduit of the pump and an exterior of the body.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the second one-way valve is interconnected with a second side of the body.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second side of the body comprises a bottom of the body.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the inlet of the pump is offset from the center of the pump; and

the outlet coincides with the centre of the pump.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the diaphragm pump further comprises a concave surface through which the inlet enters the diaphragm pump and through which the outlet exits the diaphragm pump.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the diaphragm pump further comprises a diaphragm having an electrical connector for interconnection with a power source of the apparatus.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein applying power to the diaphragm deflects the diaphragm away from the concave surface to draw liquid from the reservoir into the diaphragm pump through an inlet of the diaphragm pump, and

wherein terminating the power to the diaphragm causes the diaphragm to bend toward the concave surface, thereby pushing liquid from the diaphragm pump through the outlet of the diaphragm pump.

11. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a siphon tube interconnected between the inlet of the pump and the reservoir.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the siphon tube is interconnected with a sump of the reservoir.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the siphon further comprises an aperture adjacent the sump,

wherein liquid is drawn through the orifice into the siphon and the pump.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a third one-way valve having liquid communication between the siphon tube and the inlet of the pump,

wherein the third one-way valve allows liquid to flow from the reservoir to the inlet of the pump.

15. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:

a passageway extending between the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve,

wherein the passageway allows gas communication between the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the first side of the dispenser includes an electrical connector configured to interconnect with an electrical connector of the container, the electrical connector of the container being interconnected with an exterior of the container.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the first side of the dispenser further comprises a magnet configured to interconnect with a magnet in the exterior of the container.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the exterior of the container comprises a top of the container.

19. A device for dispensing a liquid, comprising:

a main body;

the first side of the body comprises a plurality of magnets and an electrical connector, wherein the dispenser comprises a power source configured to interconnect the plurality of magnets and the electrical connector;

a tilt sensor configured to determine an orientation of the device,

wherein the dispenser allows activation of the pump if the tilt sensor detects that the device is in an upright position, and

wherein if the tilt sensor detects that the device is not in an upright position, the dispenser does not allow actuation of the pump;

a reservoir disposed within the body;

a first one-way valve disposed on the second side of the body, the first one-way valve being in fluid communication with the exterior of the body and the reservoir, the first one-way valve allowing fluid to flow from the exterior of the body to the reservoir;

a siphon tube configured to draw liquid from a sump in a reservoir, the siphon tube connected to a second one-way valve;

a second one-way valve in fluid communication with the siphon tube and the diaphragm pump, the second one-way valve allowing fluid to flow from the reservoir to the inlet of the diaphragm pump;

the diaphragm pump further includes an electrical connector to a power source;

the diaphragm pump also includes a concave surface;

the inlet is located in the concave surface and is radially offset from the center of the concave surface;

an outlet in the concave surface adjacent a center of the concave surface;

an outlet conduit in fluid communication with the outlet port and the third one-way valve;

a third one-way valve is disposed on a third side of the body, the third one-way valve being in fluid communication with the outlet conduit and an exterior of the body, the third one-way valve permitting fluid to flow from the outlet conduit to the exterior of the body;

the exterior of the body further includes a passage in gaseous communication between the first one-way valve and the third one-way valve;

wherein application of power to the diaphragm pump causes the diaphragm pump to bend away from the concave surface, thereby drawing liquid from the reservoir through the second one-way valve, through the siphon tube, and into the diaphragm pump through the inlet,

wherein termination of the electrical signal to the diaphragm pump causes the diaphragm pump to bend towards the concave surface, thereby pushing liquid from the diaphragm pump through the outlet, through the outlet conduit, and through the third one-way valve to the exterior of the device.

20. A method for dispensing a liquid, comprising:

connecting the container to a dispenser;

pressing a button provided on the dispenser;

sensing an orientation of the dispenser, wherein the sensing step determines whether the orientation of the dispenser is upright or non-upright;

sending an electrical signal from the container to initiate an intake stroke;

when the orientation of the dispenser is determined to be upright;

actuating a suction stroke of the diaphragm pump resulting in suction of liquid from the reservoir into the diaphragm pump;

terminating the electrical signal resulting in actuation of the spray stroke of the diaphragm pump;

ejecting liquid from the diaphragm pump through the outlet; and

dispensing a liquid from a container.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:

setting a preferred dose on the dispenser; and

the preferred dose is saved to the controller,

wherein the setting step and the saving step are performed before the pressing step.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

reading container information from the container and saving the container information to the dispenser; and

wirelessly communicating container information from the dispenser to a connected computing device,

wherein the reading step and the communication step are performed after the connecting step.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of:

recording the amount and time of dispensing to the dispenser;

recording the remaining amount of liquid in the container; and

the remaining amount of the remaining liquid is displayed,

wherein the step of recording the dispensed amount, the step of recording the remaining amount, and the step of displaying are performed after the step of dispensing.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the reading step further comprises reading maximum dose information comprising a maximum dose over a predetermined period of time and saving the maximum dose to the dispenser.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising a comparing step prior to the step of sending the electrical signal,

wherein the comparing step compares the dispensed amount recorded within a predetermined time period prior to the step of sending an electrical signal with a maximum dose, an

Wherein if the amount of dispensation recorded within a predetermined time period prior to the step of sending an electrical signal is equal to or greater than the maximum dose, the dispenser will not perform the step of sending an electrical signal.

Claims (26)

1. A device for dispensing a liquid, comprising:

a container comprising a body including a reservoir therein, the reservoir configured to contain a liquid;

the body further comprises a pump comprising an inlet interconnected with a reservoir;

the pump further comprising an outlet interconnected with an outlet conduit in liquid communication with the exterior of the body;

a dispenser having a first side configured to be removably interconnected with a container; and

the dispenser further comprises a power source for driving the pump,

wherein the pump dispenses liquid from the reservoir through the outlet conduit to the exterior of the body.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tilt sensor configured to determine an orientation of the device,

wherein the dispenser allows activation of the pump if the tilt sensor detects that the device is in an upright position, and

wherein the dispenser does not allow activation of the pump if the tilt sensor detects that the device is not in an upright position.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a first one-way valve interconnected with a first side of the body,

wherein the first one-way valve is in fluid communication between the exterior of the body and the reservoir, allowing fluid to flow from the exterior of the body to the reservoir.

4. A device according to claim 3, further comprising a second one-way valve interconnected between an outlet conduit of the pump and an exterior of the body.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the second one-way valve is interconnected with a second side of the body.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second side of the body comprises a bottom of the body.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the inlet of the pump is offset from the center of the pump; and

the outlet coincides with the centre of the pump.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the diaphragm pump further comprises a concave surface through which the inlet enters the diaphragm pump and through which the outlet exits the diaphragm pump.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the diaphragm pump further comprises a diaphragm having an electrical connector for interconnection with a power source of the apparatus,

11. the apparatus of claim 10, wherein applying power to the diaphragm deflects the diaphragm away from the concave surface to draw liquid from the reservoir into the diaphragm pump through an inlet of the diaphragm pump, and

wherein terminating the power to the diaphragm causes the diaphragm to bend towards the concave surface, thereby forcing liquid from the diaphragm pump through the outlet of the diaphragm pump.

12. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a siphon tube interconnected between the inlet of the pump and the reservoir.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the siphon tube is interconnected with a sump of the reservoir.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the siphon further comprises an aperture adjacent the sump,

wherein liquid is drawn through the orifice into the siphon tube and the pump.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a third one-way valve having liquid communication between the siphon tube and the inlet of the pump,

wherein the third one-way valve allows liquid to flow from the reservoir to the inlet of the pump.

16. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:

a passage extending between the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve,

wherein the passageway allows gaseous communication between the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the first side of the dispenser includes an electrical connector configured to interconnect with an electrical connector.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the first side of the dispenser further comprises a magnet configured to interconnect with a magnet in the exterior of the container.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the exterior of the container comprises a top of the container.

20. A device for dispensing a liquid, comprising:

a main body;

the first side of the body comprises a plurality of magnets and an electrical connector, wherein the dispenser comprises a power source configured to interconnect the plurality of magnets and the electrical connector;

a tilt sensor configured to determine an orientation of the device,

wherein the dispenser allows activation of the pump if the tilt sensor detects that the device is in an upright position, and

wherein the dispenser does not allow activation of the pump if the tilt sensor detects that the device is not in an upright position

A reservoir disposed within the body;

a first one-way valve disposed on the second side of the body, the first one-way valve being in fluid communication with an exterior of the body and the reservoir, the first one-way valve allowing fluid to flow from the exterior of the body to the reservoir;

a siphon tube configured to draw liquid from a sump in a reservoir, the siphon tube connected to a second one-way valve;

a second one-way valve in fluid communication with the siphon tube and the diaphragm pump, the second one-way valve allowing fluid to flow from the reservoir to the inlet of the diaphragm pump;

the diaphragm pump further includes an electrical connector to a power source;

the diaphragm pump also comprises a concave surface;

the inlet is located in the concave surface and is radially offset from the center of the concave surface;

an outlet in the concave surface adjacent a center of the concave surface;

an outlet conduit in fluid communication with the outlet port and the third one-way valve;

a third one-way valve disposed on a third side of the body, the third one-way valve in fluid communication with the outlet conduit and an exterior of the body, the third one-way valve allowing fluid to flow from the outlet conduit to the exterior of the body;

the exterior of the body further includes a passage in gaseous communication between the first one-way valve and the third one-way valve;

wherein application of power to the diaphragm pump causes the diaphragm pump to bend away from the concave surface, thereby drawing liquid from the reservoir through the second one-way valve, through the siphon tube, and into the diaphragm pump through the inlet,

wherein termination of the electrical signal to the diaphragm pump causes the diaphragm pump to bend towards the concave surface, thereby forcing liquid from the diaphragm pump through the outlet, through the outlet conduit, and through the third one-way valve to the exterior of the device.

21. A method for dispensing a liquid, comprising:

connecting the container to a dispenser;

pressing a button provided on the dispenser;

sending an electrical signal from the container to initiate an intake stroke;

actuating a suction stroke of the diaphragm pump resulting in suction of liquid from the reservoir into the diaphragm pump;

terminating the electrical signal resulting in the initiation of a spray stroke of the diaphragm pump;

ejecting liquid from the diaphragm pump through the outlet; and

dispensing a liquid from a container.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

setting a preferred dose on the dispenser; and

the preferred dose is saved to the controller,

wherein the setting step and the saving step are performed before the pressing step.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of:

reading container information from the container and saving the container information to the dispenser; and

wirelessly communicating container information from the dispenser to a connected computing device,

wherein the reading step and the communicating step are performed after the connecting step.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of:

recording the amount dispensed and the time of dispensing to the dispenser;

recording the remaining amount of liquid in the container; and

the remaining amount of the remaining liquid is displayed,

wherein the step of recording the dispensed amount, the step of recording the remaining amount, and the step of displaying are performed after the step of dispensing.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the reading step further comprises reading maximum dose information comprising a maximum dose over a predetermined period of time and saving the maximum dose to the dispenser.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising a comparing step prior to the step of sending the electrical signal,

wherein the comparing step compares the amount of dispensation recorded within a predetermined time period prior to the step of sending the electrical signal with a maximum dose, an

Wherein if the amount of dispensation recorded within a predetermined time period prior to the step of sending an electrical signal is equal to or greater than the maximum dose, the dispenser will not perform the step of sending an electrical signal.

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