Refillable Countermount Dispensers

This application claims priority to and any benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/642,927, filed May 6, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Fluid dispensers are commonly used in restaurants, factories, hospitals, and public bathrooms. These dispensers may contain fluids such as, for example, soap and sanitizer dispensers. Some dispensers utilize some type of manual pump actuation mechanism wherein the user pushes or pulls a lever to manually dispense a quantity of fluid into the user's hands. “Hands-free” dispensers may also be utilized wherein the user simply places their hand underneath or in front of a sensor and an electromechanical pump mechanism dispenses a metered quantity of fluid.

In some embodiments, a dispenser includes a permanent container or reservoir into which additional fluid is poured from an external fluid source (e.g., an external bottle, bag, or other refill container). This arrangement may be preferred for dispensers for which access to the fluid source is inconvenient (e.g., countertop mounted dispensers that store fluid beneath the counter) or undesirable (e.g., dispensers for which user maintenance of the dispenser, such as disassembly and/or replacement of components, is preferably minimized), or to allow for refilling of the dispenser fluid container from a larger, more economical external refill container. Such dispensers are difficult and messy to refill. In addition, there is often a significant amount of waste, or residual fluid, that remains in the external refill container.

In addition, these dispensers are prone to individuals refilling the dispenser with unauthorized fluids. The unauthorized fluids may not provide the level of cleanliness, germ kill, dirt and germ removal, and the like, as a consumer expects to receive from the dispenser. In addition, unauthorized fluids may damage the dispenser or decrease its life expectancy.

A variety of mechanical and electronic mechanisms have been utilized to prevent replacement of a depleted installed refill container with an unauthorized or incorrect refill container, for example, to ensure the correct type and quality fluid is being provided, or to limit the source of replacement fluid to approved manufacturers or distributors. Examples of such mechanisms include mechanically, magnetically, electromechanically, or electronically keyed arrangements that require the refill container to have a proper connector or identifier (e.g., magnetic, electromechanical, or electronic identifier) to assemble with and/or enable functioning of the dispenser. Despite these measures, tactics for improper or unauthorized refilling of a dispenser remain, including reuse of an authorized refill container by injection of refill fluid into the container (often referred to as “stuffing” or “drill and fill”).

Exemplary soap and sanitizer dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary soap or sanitizer dispenser includes a refill port, a refill pump, a reservoir, a wireless communication device configured to read data from a refill container, a controller, memory, an object sensor, a dispensing pump, a foam generator, and a dispensing outlet. The controller receives data from the transceiver. The controller determines as a function of the data whether the refill container is an authorized refill container. If the refill container is an authorized refill container, the controller causes the refill pump to pump liquid from the refill container to the reservoir. If the refill container is not an authorized refill container, the controller does not cause the refill pump to pump liquid from the refill container to the reservoir, and if an object sensor detects an object proximate the dispensing outlet, the controller causes the dispensing pump to dispense a dose of fluid.

An exemplary reservoir for a soap or sanitizer dispenser is also disclosed. The exemplary reservoir includes a container. The container has a body that includes an outside wall and a first neck located on top of the body. In addition, the body includes a first molded-in cavity configured for receiving an optical emitter. The first molded-in cavity extends from the outside wall to an interior of the container. The body includes a second molded-in cavity configured for receiving an optical receiver. The second molded-in cavity extends from the outside wall to an interior of the container. The body further includes a third molded-in cavity in the body configured for receiving an optical receiver. The third molded-in cavity extends from the outside wall to an interior of the container. The first molded-in cavity is located on a first side of the body and the second molded-in cavity and third molded cavity are located on a second side of the body.

Another exemplary soap or sanitizer dispenser includes a refill port having a connector, a supply conduit, a liquid reservoir configured for holding soap or sanitizer and a first pump. The first pump is in fluid communication with the supply conduit and the liquid reservoir. The soap or sanitizer dispenser further includes a controller, memory, a transceiver, an object sensor and a second pump. The second pump includes an inlet in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, and one or more pump outlets. A dispensing outlet is also included. The one or more pump outlets are in fluid communication with the dispenser outlet. The controller receives a signal from the transceiver and as a function of the signal determines whether a refill container is an authorized refill container. If the refill container is an authorized container, the controller causes the first pump to pump liquid, and if the refill container is not an authorized container, the controller does not cause the first pump to pump liquid.

The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific aspects of the present disclosure.

As described herein, when one or more components are described as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between the components or may be indirect such as through the use of one or more intermediary components. Also as described herein, reference to a “member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a single structural member, component, or element but can include an assembly of components, members, or elements. Also as described herein, the terms “substantially” and “about” are defined as at least close to (and includes) a given value or state (preferably within 10% of, more preferably within 1% of, and most preferably within 0.1% of).

Also, while certain exemplary embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings relate to externally filled counter-mounted fluid dispensers and external refill containers for hand hygiene applications, and systems and methods for monitoring and controlling external refilling of hand hygiene dispenser devices, it should be understood that many of the inventive features described herein may be applied to other devices, systems, and methods. For example, the features described herein may be utilized in other dispensing arrangements (e.g., internal refill cartridge based dispensers, wall mounted dispensers, stand mounted dispensers, standalone dispensers, tabletop dispensers, portable dispensers), dispensers for other types of fluids (e.g., sunscreen, pharmaceuticals), dispensers of solid materials (e.g., powders, particulate), and other types of containment devices.

“Circuit communication” as used herein indicates a communicative relationship between devices. Direct electrical, electromagnetic and optical connections and indirect electrical, electromagnetic and optical connections are examples of circuit communication. Two devices are in circuit communication if a signal from one is received by the other, regardless of whether the signal is modified by some other device. For example, two devices separated by one or more of the following--amplifiers, filters, transformers, optoisolators, digital or analog buffers, analog integrators, other electronic circuitry, fiber optic transceivers or satellites—are in circuit communication if a signal from one is communicated to the other, even though the signal is modified by the intermediate device(s). As another example, an electromagnetic sensor is in circuit communication with a signal if it receives electromagnetic radiation from the signal. As a final example, two devices not directly connected to each other, but both capable of interfacing with a third device, such as, for example, a CPU, are in circuit communication.

Also, as used herein, voltages and values representing digitized voltages are considered to be equivalent for the purposes of this application, and thus the term “voltage” as used herein refers to either a signal, or a value in a processor representing a signal, or a value in a processor determined from a value representing a signal.

“Signal”, as used herein includes, but is not limited to one or more electrical signals, analog or digital signals, one or more computer instructions, a bit or bit stream, or the like.

“Logic,” synonymous with “circuit” as used herein includes, but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s). For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor or microcontroller, discrete logic, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other programmed logic device. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. The circuits identified and described herein may have many different configurations to perform the desired functions. The exemplary methodologies provide instructions for creating logic to control desired functions.

Values identified in the detailed description may be exemplary and may be different as needed for a particular dispenser and/or refill design. Accordingly, the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein are not limited to the particular values or ranges of values used to describe the embodiments disclosed herein.

An exemplary aspect of the present application involves systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the refilling of a fluid dispenser, for example, to prevent filling the dispenser with improper or incorrect fluids, or by unauthorized individuals. In one such embodiment, an externally filled soap dispenser is configured to monitor and control refilling of the fluid dispenser from an external refill container by identifying and/or preventing unauthorized or improper refill attempts. As used herein, an “externally filled fluid dispenser” includes any dispenser for which an internal reservoir is refilled by supplying fluid (e.g., from an external refill container) to an external supply port that is connected with or in fluid communication with the reservoir, as compared to a fluid dispenser that houses a replaceable or removable fluid refill container or cartridge, that remains in the dispenser and fluid is dawn out of the removable fluid refill container when fluid is dispensed on a user's hand. An externally filled fluid dispenser arrangement may be desirable for counter mounted dispensers having a spout or nozzle portion and external supply port mounted above a counter (or “above deck”) and a fluid containing portion (e.g., reservoir) mounted below the counter (or “below deck”), for example, to eliminate the need for below-counter access to the dispenser for refilling.

The exemplary systems illustrated herein are counter-mount dispensers, however, the inventive aspects of this system work well with many dispenser systems, such as, for example, through-the-wall dispenser systems, wherein the dispensing outlet is located on one side of a wall and the reservoir is located on the other side of the wall. In addition, while the illustrated examples show the external supply port in a dispensing spout, the external supply port may be located in any suitable location.

schematically illustrates an exemplary fluid dispensing systemincluding an externally filled fluid dispenserand an external refill container. The exemplary dispenserincludes a below deck reservoirand dispensing mechanism(disposed in housing), an above deck spout or nozzle portionhaving an outlet nozzleconnected to the reservoirby a dispense conduit, and an external supply portis connected to the reservoirby a supply conduit. The dispensing mechanismis operable to pump or otherwise facilitate the flow of fluid from the reservoirthrough the dispense conduitto the outlet nozzlein response to user manipulation of a user interface (shown schematically at).

An exemplary dispensing mechanismincludes a sequentially activated multi-diaphragm pump. Sequentially activated multi-diaphragm pumpmay be, for example, the foam at a distance sequentially activated pumps are shown and described in U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 18/159,697, which is titled Sequentially Activated Multi-Diaphragm Foam-At-A-Distance Dispenser Systems, filed on Jan. 26, 2023, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This pump is desirable for foam-at-a-distance systems, in which the pump pumps liquid and air separately through pump outlets and the liquid and air are mixed together remotely from the pump. Another exemplary sequentially activated multi-diaphragm pump that may be used in the dispensing mechanismis shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,143,339, titled Sequentially Activated Multi—Diaphragm Foam Pumps, Refill Units and Dispenser Systems, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This pump is desirable for dispensing systems that mix air and liquid proximate the pump and pump the resulting foam mixture up to the dispensing nozzle. Optionally, pumpmay be a piston foam pump, such as that shown and described with respect to.

Dispensing mechanismincludes a motorfor driving pumpand an optional encoder. Encoderprovides a signal to controller. The signal may be used to control or change the volume of fluid dispensed during each actuation of the dispenser system. In addition, the signal may be used by the controller to determine an estimated amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir. In addition, the signal may be used to allow operation of the pumpfor a selected number of dispenses after controllerreceives a signal from level sensor(discussed in more detail below) that the reservoiris empty or near empty.

The user interface may include any suitable manual, electromechanical, or electronic actuating mechanism, including, for example, a manually depressible hand bar or plunger, an electrical switch engaging button, or a “hands free” voice, optic, motion, or proximity sensor. In the schematically illustrated example, the dispenserincludes a controllerin circuit communication with an electronic user interface(e.g., an infrared object sensor) and in circuit communication with a dispensing mechanism. When the controllerreceives an actuation signal from the user interface, the controller initiates operation of the dispensing mechanismto dispense fluid from the reservoirthrough the dispense passageto the outlet nozzle.

An optional access door (shown schematically at) may be provided over the external supply portto hide the external supply portto make the dispensermore aesthetically pleasing, or to prevent or inhibit unauthorized access. The access doormay include an optional locking or latching mechanism (e.g., mechanically, electromechanically, electronically), shown schematically at, to secure the access doorin a closed position covering the external supply port, for example, to prevent unauthorized access to the external supply port, and/or to prevent inadvertent or unintentional exposure of the supply port.

In an exemplary embodiment (described in greater detail below), the spout portion of the dispenser may include an access door panel that is movable (e.g., slideable, pivotable) to expose an external supply port carried by the spout portion. The access door may be unlocked using a variety of arrangements, including, for example, a mechanical key or other insertable tool, a keypad entered combination code, or a radio frequency identification device (RFID), near field communication (NFC.) or other wireless unlocking code. In some embodiments, an unlocking element (e.g., code carrying RFID tag) may be carried by the external refill container, such that an authorized external refill container must be brought into proximity with the access door locking mechanism to open the access door. In other embodiments, the unlocking element may be a separate user-carried component (e.g., a mechanical key or electronic (e.g., RFID) key card.

In another embodiment, the external supply portof the dispensermay additionally or alternatively include a keyed, self-sealing connector (e.g., a keyed quick disconnect fitting member), shown schematically at, that connects with a corresponding keyed, self-sealing connectoron the external refill container, while preventing an open-flow connection with non-keyed or incorrectly keyed external containers. This arrangement would prevent a user from simply pouring refill fluid into the open or exposed external supply portto refill the reservoir, or from supplying refill fluid from an unauthorized or incorrect (i.e., non-keyed or incorrectly keyed) container. The keying mechanism of the connectors may, for example, be mechanically, magnetically, or electromechanically operable.

In still another embodiment, an external refill container may include an electronic keying mechanism configured to transmit an authorized supply data signal to a controller in the dispenser, to initiate controller operation of a pump to pump refill fluid supplied to the external supply port to pass to the reservoir.

The external supply portmay be located above the reservoiras illustrated. The external supply portmay be located below the reservoir. The external supply portmay be located above the counter C. The external supply portmay be located below the counter C. The external supply portmay be located remote from the dispenser, such as, for example, on the other side of a wall or in a closet.

In the schematically illustrated exemplary embodiment of, the dispenserincludes a pumpin circuit communication with the controllerand disposed along (and defining a portion of) the supply passage. The external refill containerincludes a keying transponder or tagconfigured to directly or indirectly transmit an authorized supply data signal to the controller(e.g., to an antenna of the controller) of the dispenser, to identify the external refill containeras an authorized refill container. In response to receiving the authorized supply data signal, the controllercontrols operation of pumpto pump fluid from the external supply portto the reservoir.

A prior art system includes a valve (not shown) instead of the pump. The valve opens up and allows fluid to flow from external refill to reservoir due to gravity. In such systems, the external refill container is a sealed system to prevent unauthorized refilling of the refill container. The refill container is made of a thin plastic and the refill container collapses inward when fluid flows out of the refill container. It takes vacuum pressure to collapse refill container. When the fluid in the refill container gets low, the vacuum pressure slows the flow of fluid out of the refill container. Eventually, the fluid flow out of the refill container stops leaving a large supply of residual waste in the container. In some instances, the maintenance workers squeeze or compress refill container to prevent so much residual waste, however, applying pressure to the refill container may damage the refill port, the reservoir or other components of the dispenser and still does not completely empty the container. In contrast, pumpdraws sufficient vacuum pressure to completely empty external refill container. In addition, pumpprovides a constant flow rate for fluid flowing from external refill containerto reservoir. In addition, because fluid can't flow from external refill containerto reservoirwithout operating the pump, the system is harder to by-pass.

In addition, pumpprovides for flexibility in the location of the external supply port, allowing the external supply portto be located virtually any place, including below reservoir. When locating external supply portbelow, or near the top of the reservoir, a one-way liquid valve (not shown) may be desired to prevent fluid from flowing out of the reservoirand back through the pump.

Fluid dispensing systemincludes a reservoir level sensor. Level sensormay be any type of level sensor. The level sensor may sense one or more levels. The level sensor may be a continuous level sensor that measures the level at any time, or may detect one or more discrete levels of fluid in the reservoir. The illustrated level sensoris a multi-level optical system (MLOS). Level sensoris an infrared (IR) level sensor and includes a IR transmitterand three IR receivers,, and. The number of IR receivers required will depend on the level of accuracy desired and what the detection of the level of fluid in reservoir is being used for in the dispensing system. While level sensoris illustrated with three IR receivers, level sensormay have one or more IR receivers. In some embodiments, level sensorincludes 4 or more IR receivers. In some embodiments, level sensorincludes 5 or more IR receivers. In some embodiments, level sensorincludes 6 or more IR receivers. In some embodiments, level sensorincludes 2 or fewer IR receivers.

IR transmitteris located at the top of the reservoir. IR receiveris located near the top of reservoir. IR receiveris located proximate the bottom of the reservoirand IR receiveris located between IR receiverand IR receiver. Liquid in reservoirlimits the IR signal transmission. When liquid is located above the IR receiver, the IR receiver does not receive enough IR radiation to indicate that the liquid is at or below the IR receiver. In this illustration, when reservoiris completely filled, the liquid blocks sufficient radiation from IR receiver, IR receiverand IR receiverand controllercan determine that reservoiris full. As the liquid drops below IR receiver, IR receiverdetects IR radiation from the IR transmitterand the controllercan determine that the reservoiris not completely full. As the liquid in the reservoircontinues to drop and drops below IR receiver, controllercan determine that the liquid is at the level of IR receiver.

The controllerutilizes the reservoir full, i.e. IR receivernot receiving sufficient IR radiation from IR transmitterto shut off pump. Optionally, controllermay track the time between IR receiverdetecting IR radiation from IR transmitterand IR receiverdetecting IR radiation from IR transmitterto determine a rate of use of the liquid in reservoir.

As the liquid in reservoircontinues to drop and IR receiverreceives IR radiation from IR transmitter, controllermay determine that the reservoiris empty. Controllermay prevent operation of dispenser systemif the reservoiris empty to prevent issues arising from pumping air out of reservoirinto dispensing mechanism. This feature is particularly useful in preventing priming issues, e.g. loss of prime. Dispensing mechanismis preferably a sequentially activated multi-diaphragm pump (not shown) and if air gets into the liquid pump chamber (not shown) and liquid feed conduit, the air may prevent the pump from drawing liquid in from the reservoironce the reservoiris refilled. Optionally, controllermay permit a selected number of dispenses of fluid from dispensing outletto occur after the signal is received from IR receiverbefore preventing operation of the system.

Optionally, as reservoiris refilled, controllermay determine the time between when IR receiverstops receiving sufficient IR radiation, due to it being covered by liquid, and the time IR receiverstops receiving IR radiation from IR transmitterto determine rate of fill. The rate of fill may be use, for example, to inform a user as to how much time it will take for the reservoirto be filled.

Dispenser systemmay include one or more optional indicators. The one or more optional indicatorsmay be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), one or more audible indicators, one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), one or more other displays, and/or combinations thereof. The one or more indicatorsmay be used to indicate, reservoir full, reservoir needs toped off, reservoir empty, rate of fill, rate of depletion, a dispenser error, and the like.

Optionally, pumpand/or its drive motormay include an optional encoder. Controllermay receive signals from the encoderand calculate the fill flow rate of the reservoir. In addition, the signal provided by the encodermay be used to calculate the volume of liquid removed from the external refill container. As described in more detail, the amount of liquid removed, or the amount of liquid remaining, in the external refill containermay be written to a memory storage deviceso that the next time memory storage deviceis read, the correct volume of fluid that should be remaining in the refill is known by the dispenser.

In addition, if optional encoderis used, controllermay utilize the signal received from the encoderto approximate the level of liquid in the reservoir.

An external refill containermay utilize many different electronic keying mechanisms for communicating an authorized supply signal to the controllerof the dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, an RFID transponder or tagis located in or on the connectorof the containerand is arranged to transmit an authorized supply signal to a transceiverhoused in the above deck spout portionof the dispenser, with the transceiverbeing in wired or wireless circuit communication with the controllerdisposed in the below deck housing. The proximity of the transponder or tagto the transceiverallows for the use of a passive RFID transponder tag, and the use of short range, low power RFID communication (e.g., Near Field Communication, Bluetooth® LE communication) between the transponder tag and the receiver. Transceivermay conserve power by waking up and checking for an external refill containerperiodically. The period of time may be adjusted based on system requirements, such as, for example, a desired battery life. The period may be a very short period, such as, for example, a period of time marked in milliseconds. The transceivertransmits the authorized supply data signal to the controllerfor evaluation of the data signal, and the controller actuates the motorto operate the pump.

The authorization data signal may include one or more codes or other information that may be relevant to whether fluid from the corresponding container should be permitted to be supplied to the dispenser reservoir. For example, a unique serial code may be used to identify a specific batch of refill fluid being supplied, a product code may be used to identify the type of fluid stored in the refill container, and a distributor or manufacturer code may be used to identify the source of the fluid (e.g., to identify the supplier as an authorized distributor or manufacturer). A date code may identify the age of the fluid (e.g., to prevent refilling the dispenser with an expired fluid).

Transponder or tagmay be a writeable memory storage device, such that the controllermay transmit to the keying transceiver, for storage in the memory storage device, additional usage information that may be relevant to future usage of the external refill container. As one example, where an external refill containeris intended for a single use, the dispensing systemmay be configured such that once the external refill containerhas been connected to the dispenserto supply refill fluid to the dispenser, with the keying transceiverplaced in circuit communication with the dispenser controller, the dispenser controllertransmits an invalidating data signal to the keying transceiverto write an invalidating code to (or to erase an authorization code from) the memory storage device, to prevent unauthorized re-use of the refill container. The disabled refill containermay be configured to be recycled and reset by an authorized user or administrator by erasing the invalidating code or writing a new authorization code to the memory storage device.

As another example, where unauthorized refilling of the external refill containeris prohibited, the dispensing system may be configured such that the dispenser controller, through data signals received from a level sensor, time operation of pumpor data signals from encoder, determines a fill level of the refill container, or an amount of fluid supplied from the refill container into the reservoir, and writes to the writeable memory storage devicedata corresponding to an amount of liquid in the refill containeror an amount of liquid removed from refill container. In a subsequent use of the external refill container, dispenser controllermay obtain an amount of liquid that should be remaining in the refill containerand only allow pumpto pump the volume of liquid that should be remaining in the refill container. In response to identifying an improper refilling of the container, the controllermay provide an alert, locally (e.g., audible alarm tone, display panel warning light on the user interface) and/or remotely (e.g., cell phone text alert, alert transmission to a central computer system). Still further, the controllermay transmit an invalidating data signal to the keying transceiverto write an invalidating code to (or to erase an authorization code from) the container's memory storage device, to prevent subsequent use of the refill container.

illustrate various views of an exemplary fluid dispenserfor use with an external refill container (e.g., the external refill containerof, described in greater detail below). The exemplary dispenserincludes a below deck reservoirand pump housing assemblyand an above deck spoutconnected to the pump house assembly by a stem portionthat extends through a countertop C (e.g., of a sink or other structure). Although fluid dispenseris configured to be a counter-mount dispenser, fluid dispensermay be any type of fluid dispenser, such as, for example, a through-the-wall dispenser, a stand mounted dispenser, a wall mounted dispenser or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, an external supply port() is disposed within the spoutand is concealed by an access doorassembled with the spout. The access doorforms an upper panel portion of the spout, such that the access door is flush with the other exterior surfaces of the spoutwhen the access dooris in a closed position. The access dooris slideable in a forward direction from the closed position to an open position exposing the external supply port. While many different structural arrangements may be used for a sliding access door mechanism, in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in, side recesses or tracksin an access door insert(attached to access door panel) slidingly interengage with side railsof a spout body insert(secured within a shell portionof the spout). The access doorincludes a latch, to secure the access doorin a closed position covering the external supply portto prevent unauthorized access to the external supply port. A keywayin the access door panelallows insertion of a key or other tool T (e.g., paper clip) to release the latchfor movement of the access door. In the illustrated embodiment, the latchincludes a flexible tabof the spout body insertthat is flexed out of engagement with a shoulder portionof the access door insert when the tool T is inserted into the keywayand pressed against the flexible tabIn other embodiments (not shown), a bitted key or electronic/electromechanical locking mechanism may be utilized to provide increased security against unauthorized opening of the access door.

The external supply portincludes a quick disconnect socketconnected with a supply passageextending to the reservoir. The quick disconnect socketis configured for interlocking connection with a corresponding quick disconnect plugdisposed on the external refill container(e.g., threaded onto an end port of the refill container, see), with the socketand plugself-sealing against fluid passage when disconnected. This self-sealing arrangement prevents a user from simply pouring refill fluid into the exposed external supply port (thereby preventing most incorrect or unauthorized fluid refill operations).

While many different types of couplings may be used, in an exemplary embodiment, a polypropylene quick coupling type quick disconnect fitting arrangement based on, for example, model no. 60PPV-SE2-06 (manufactured by LinkTech Quick Coupling, Inc.) is utilized. According to another aspect of the present application, a release button may be provided on the spout to facilitate disconnection of the socket and plug. In the illustrated embodiment, a release buttonis disposed on a rear portionof the spout shell portionand is depressible to engage a spring-loaded release buttonon the quick disconnect socketfor detachment of the refill container quick disconnect plug. The refill containermay include a removable capto cover the quick disconnect plugwhen the refill container is not in use.

To further safeguard against the supplying of incorrect or unauthorized refill fluid to the reservoir, the pump housing assemblyof the dispenserincludes a pumpdisposed along, and defining a portion of, the supply passage. When the pumpis not energized and is not pumping liquid, a refill fluid supplied to the external supply portis blocked within the supply passageby the pump, even when supplied by a refill container having the correct quick disconnect plug or other such keyed connector. To energize the pumpand cause liquid from the refill containerto be pumped into the reservoir, the refill containeris provided with an electronic keying mechanismthat communicates authorization data to a dispenser controllerdisposed in the pump housing(formed by housing membersas shown in), which energizes pumpin response to verification of the authorization data until the reservoiris full.

In the illustrated embodiment, a collar-shaped RFID transceiveris assembled with the quick disconnect plugof the refill container(), and is positioned for short range, low power RFID communication (e.g., Near Field Communication) with a corresponding RFID transceiverdisposed in the external supply port. The supply port transceiverreceives refill container data (e.g., corresponding to supplier identifying distributor codes, fluid and/or container identifying serial numbers, and fluid fill level data) from the refill container transceiver, and transmits this data (e.g., by wired circuit communication) to the controller. Once the controllerverifies that the refill containeris from the correct supplier (e.g., by verifying the distributor code stored in the memory of the transceiver), contains the correct fluid (e.g., by verifying the serial number or product code stored in the memory of the transceiver), and/or contains sufficient fluid for refilling (e.g., by checking the fluid fill level data stored in the memory of the transceiver), the controllerinitiates actuation of the pumpto pump liquid from the refill containerthrough the quick disconnect socketto the reservoir.

Pumpis driven by a motor. Pumpmay be any type of pump, such as, for example, a gear pump, a diaphragm pump, a sequentially activated diaphragm pump or the like. Pumpand/or motormay include an encoder (not shown). The encoder may provide signals to the controller, such that the controllermay determine rate of fill of reservoir, whether refill containeris empty, the amount of fluid removed from refill containeror the like.

To trigger RFID communication, transceiverperiodically issues an interrogation signal to the refill container transceiver, and for receipt of a response transmission of the authorized supply data signal from the refill container transceiver. The supply port transceivertransmits the authorized supply data signal to the below deck controllerfor evaluation of the data signal, and the controllerenergizes the pumpin response to confirmation that the authorized supply data signal corresponds to an authorized refill container (provided that the level of fluid in the reservoiris not at a “full” level).