Electricity: conductors and insulators – Combined fluid conduit and electrical conductor
Reexamination Certificate
2002-05-21
2003-11-18
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Combined fluid conduit and electrical conductor
C137S177000, C455S066100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06649829
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector apparatus and method for connecting a fluid coupler set for controlling fluid dispensing and fluid transmission. More specifically, the present invention relates to a Radio Frequency (RF) control system incorporated with a connector apparatus having a fluid coupler set with radio-frequency-identification (RFID) circuitry for monitoring and/or controlling fluid dispensing and fluid transmission.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typically, conventional fluid connectors used for fluid dispensing or fluid transmission have a fluid coupling assembly with a first end connected to a fluid source and a second end connected to a fluid system including a fluid line. The coupling assembly normally comprises a male coupler and a corresponding female coupler for receiving the male coupler. The male coupler or the female coupler further includes a mechanical latch for latching/unlatching the male coupler and the female coupler in a coupled/uncoupled state. To place the coupling assembly in the connected state, the male coupler is inserted into one end of the female coupler, with a seal member extending therebetween to create a fluid tight seal. Accordingly, the male coupler and the female coupler define a passageway for fluid flow therethrough when the coupling assembly is in the connected state.
However, these fluid connectors cannot distinguish one mating coupler from another. The conventional female coupler, for example, cannot distinguish between mating male couplers that are unique with respect to the date and/or origin of manufacture, fluid compatibility, ownership, that are proprietary, or any other characteristic pertinent to the control of fluid flow through connectors. Further, such fluid connectors do not provide a reliable structure and configuration for communication between the coupling halves in recognizing a positive connection therebetween within a desired range and for subsequent communication to control fluid flow. Furthermore, existing devices do not provide a way to prevent misconnection between mismatched coupling halves in preventing product contamination.
Thus, there is a need for an improved connector apparatus for fluid dispensing that can identify or distinguish different couplers, and further to enable control connection between coupling halves and control of fluid dispensing and transmission. Furthermore, there is a need for a reliable fluid control system that is simplified and cost effective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome the limitations of the related art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification. This invention is directed to a connector apparatus for controlling fluid dispensing and/or fluid transmission.
One embodiment of a connector apparatus includes a fluid transfer line into which suitable coupling halves are releasably connected; the first of the coupler halves having a first transmitter and the second coupling half equipped with a second transmitter. Preferably, the first and second transmitters communicate by wireless means. More preferably, the first and second transmitters are constructed and arranged so as to communicate when the first and second couplers are at least partially connected in a pre-coupled position.
In one embodiment of the connector apparatus, the first and second transmitters are mounted on the first and second couplers, respectively.
In one embodiment of the connector apparatus, the transmitter on the first coupler is a radio frequency (RF) device attached on the first coupler. The second coupler is releasably connected with the first coupler, and the transmitter on the second coupler is an RF device mounted on the second coupler. Preferably, the RF device on the first coupler is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (referred to as RF coupler hereafter) and the RF device on the second coupler includes a data communication module (referred to as reader coupler hereafter).
Preferably, a fluid control device (referred to as process equipment hereafter) is operatively connected with the second coupler. The process equipment includes means for directly or remotely enabling or terminating the flow of fluid through the coupling halves and the fluid transfer line by signal transmission through the first transmitter and the second transmitter.
Preferably, the process equipment is in communication with the RF device on the second coupler, and the process equipment enables or disables fluid flow through the first coupler (RF coupler), the second coupler (reader coupler), and the fluid transfer line. The first and second couplers are in communication through their respective RF devices. The first coupler transmits and receives signals from the second coupler, and the second coupler transmits and receives signals from the first coupler and the process equipment. The process equipment transmits and receives signals to and from the second coupler.
In one embodiment of the connector apparatus, signal communication in determining proper connection between a first and a second coupler is designed such that the couplers communicate through their RF devices when in close proximity. Preferably, the first and second couplers are positioned in close proximity for communication therebetween such that the first and second couplers are in the pre-coupled position where connection is initiated. More preferably, the pre-coupled position is such that the end faces of the couplers are at least partially connected where further engagement of the coupling halves initiates interlocking between the couplers in a coupled state. The first and second couplers are enabled for connection when a positive signal is communicated between the first and second couplers for a confirmed match.
In one embodiment, the second or reader coupler includes a short range circuit. Preferably, the short range circuit includes an operating range of less than 5 cm, such that the second coupler can effectively communicate with the first coupler when the couplers are at least partially connected in the pre-coupled state described above. Preferably, the short range reader circuit includes a single operating frequency. More preferably, the short range circuit includes a single operating frequency being least 13 MHz thereby enabling the use of a low powered reader circuit.
In one embodiment, the process equipment is operatively connected with a flow governing device that is mounted to the fluid transfer line, where the flow governing device is controlled by the process equipment through signal communication between the transmitters on the first and second couplers to enable or disable fluid flow and control fluid flow conditions. In one embodiment, the flow governing device is incorporated with the second or reader coupler for controlling fluid flow at the point of connection between the first and second couplers in the connector apparatus. That is, the reader or second coupler also acts as the flow governing device, manipulated either directly from the data communication module or indirectly from the process equipment.
In one embodiment the second coupler includes a lock out device mounted thereon. The lock out device is constructed and configured to prevent misconnection of the second coupler to an incorrect first coupler. Preferably, the lock out device is a releasable electro-mechanical lock device manipulated by a control system based on information from the RF communication between the first and second couplers when the first and second couplers are in the pre-coupled position.
Preferably, the first coupler is in fluid communication with the second coupler when the first coupler and the second coupler are connected together. The first coupler may be suitably connected with a fluid source and the second coupler may be suitably connected with a fluid line.
In one embodiment, a system for controlling fluid dispensing and transmission includes a connector apparatus having a first RF coupler that is releasably connected to a co
deCler Charles Peter
Garber Richard Stewart
Meyer David W.
Colder Products Company
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Nino Adolfo
Reichard Dean A.
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