Patent ID: 8230888
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: B67D

Abstract:
1. A dispensing apparatus for delivering fluid to a container, the apparatus comprising: a container holding device for receiving in use a container having a fill port and a container identifier key, the container holding device including mechanical keying arranged to permit a container with a predetermined identifier key to be completely inserted to a refill position in the container holding device, a dispensing outlet for delivering fluid to the fill pod of a container at said refill position, a fluid delivery mechanism for delivering fluid to the dispensing outlet, an actuation member movable from a start position and operatively linked to the fluid delivery mechanism to cause the fluid delivery mechanism to deliver fluid in response to movement of the actuation member from said start position, and a dispensing lock including a release mechanism for releasing the dispensing lock, the dispensing lock having a first arm movable between a first position in which it blocks movement of the actuation member from said start position and a second position in which it permits movement of the actuation member, the release mechanism including a second arm coupled to the first arm via a shaft rotatable about an axis extending along the shaft, the first and second arms being positioned near opposite ends of the shaft, the second arm rotatable between a first locked position and a second released position, the second arm rotated by insertion of a container into the refill position in the container holding mechanism, rotation of the second arm from the first position to the second position causing movement of the dispensing lock from the first position to the second position, thus enabling fluid to be delivered to the container.