Patent ID: 7571586
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: B08B,B67D,G07F

Abstract:
1. A sanitizing and fluid refilling system, comprising: a plurality of containers each having at least one sealable opening, a set of lateral grooves, and a set of bottom grooves; wherein each container includes a label made of durable material and at least one readable means embedded in the container's structure to provide identifying information on the container's owner, the container, and the container's contents; means for reading the at least one readable means; a database that stores and provides information and instructions depending on the information obtained from the container's owner, the container's and its contents' identifying information; and at least one vending machine each comprising a vending machine opening leading to an inner chamber having at least three separate sections, a plurality of protrusions disposed in such way as to engage the set of bottom grooves and lock the container in place and control container's rotational motion wherein said container may be positioned inside the vending machine through said vending machine opening and wherein said container is configured to be locked in a pre-determined arrangement by using both sets of grooves as engaging means, with the vending machine limiting the undesired movement of said container, a display panel, an information access mechanism having a starting mechanism, a container detection mechanism, a damage inspection mechanism, a payment mechanism, a cleaning system, a refilling system, and a computer that controls said systems; said damage inspection mechanism comprising a light emitter, a receiver disposed so as to receive a signal from the light emitter and discern if container is damaged, and an alert mechanism for finalizing process in case of damage; said cleaning mechanism comprising a pair of locking arms each arm extending parallel to the container and comprising a vertical extension, a rotational portion, and a locking extension disposed so as to engage the lateral grooves and controlling the upside down movement of the container, each arm disposed so as to be able to turn container upside down, a pipe disposed so as to dispense a cleaning agent and water inside the container; a means to insert the pipe in the container; a vacuum for suctioning residues, a second light emitter; a second receiver; wherein said second light emitter and second receiver are disposed so as to detect whether container has been cleaned appropriately; and said refilling mechanism comprising a second pipe for serving the fluid, level sensors, and closing means for sealing the filled container.