Dispensing – Weighing
Reexamination Certificate
2011-06-07
2011-06-07
Caputo, Lisa M (Department: 2855)
Dispensing
Weighing
C222S052000, C222S064000, C221S006000, C221S017000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07954668
ABSTRACT:
A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket. The system may generate an out-of-product notification when the amount of product dispensed is substantially equal to zero, a low product notification when the amount of the product remaining is less than a threshold weight or a proof-of-delivery notification.
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Mehus Richard J.
Weber Bruce W.
Wiltsie Ben J.
Caputo Lisa M
Dunlap Jonathan
Ecolab Inc.
Shumaker & Sieffert P.A.
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