STATIC AND DYNAMIC DISPLAY DISPENSER FOR IN-LINE FLUID FLOW, APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND A METHOD THEREOF

The present invention relates generally to a static and dynamic display dispenser for in-line fluid flow, apparatus, system, and a method of using same. More particularly, the invention encompasses an inventive fluid measuring apparatus having a tap shell housing or handle, a tap head or frame, at least one display screen, a tap stem, and a tap adaptor to connect the tap shell housing or handle to a tap spigot system. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus has at least one means to measure in real-time the fluid or liquid that is being dispensed. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus has at least one means to transmit the collected data to at least one other electronic device via a wired or wireless connection. The invention also allows for the display of at least one image. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive fluid measuring apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a static and dynamic display dispenser for in-line fluid flow, apparatus, system, and a method of using same. More particularly, the invention encompasses an inventive fluid measuring apparatus having a tap shell housing or handle, a tap head or frame, at least one display screen, a tap stem, and a tap adaptor to connect the tap shell housing or handle to a tap spigot system. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus has at least one means to measure in real-time the fluid or liquid that is being dispensed. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus has at least one means to transmit the collected data to at least one other electronic device via a wired or wireless connection. The invention also allows for the display of at least one image. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive fluid measuring apparatus.

PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a novel fluid measuring apparatus and a method of using same.

Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a fluid measuring apparatus having a tap shell housing or handle, a tap head or frame, a display screen, a tap stem, and a tap adaptor to connect the tap shell housing to a tap spigot system.

Another purpose of this invention is to provide a decorative or stylistic or themed or fancy display or screen to a fluid measuring apparatus.

Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a decorative or stylistic or themed or fancy tap head or frame to a fluid measuring apparatus.

Still yet another purpose of this invention is to provide at least one location for the display of at least one decorative element.

Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises an in-line fluid flow measuring apparatus, comprising,(a) a tap shell housing having a tap stem at one end, and a tap head at an opposite end;(b) said tap head having at least one digital display screen;(c) said tap stem having a tap adaptor, wherein said tap adaptor securely engages with a tap spigot system; and(d) said spigot system having at least one line connection with at least one fluid dispenser at one end, and at least one opening at an opposite end for dispensing of said at least one fluid.

In another aspect this invention comprises an in-line fluid flow measuring apparatus, comprising,(a) a tap shell housing having a tap stem at one end, and a tap head at an opposite end;(b) said tap head having at least one digital display screen;(c) said tap stem having a tap adaptor, wherein said tap adaptor securely engages with a tap spigot system;(d) said spigot system having at least one line connection with at least one fluid dispenser at one end, and at least one opening at an opposite end for dispensing of said at least one fluid; and(e) at least one movement sensor secured to said tap shell housing, and wherein said at least one movement sensor measures a movement and duration from a first position to a second position of said tap shell housing, and uses said measured information to calculate an amount of said at least one fluid that has been dispensed via said at least one opening of said spigot system.

In yet another aspect this invention comprises a method of measuring an in-line fluid flow, comprising,(a) providing a tap shell housing having a tap stem at one end, and a tap head at an opposite end;(b) securing at least one digital display screen to said tap head;(c) providing at least one tap adaptor between said tap stem and a tap spigot system, wherein said spigot system has at least one line connection with at least one fluid dispenser at one end, and at least one opening at an opposite end for dispensing of said at least one fluid; and(d) securing at least one movement sensor to said tap shell housing, and wherein said at least one movement sensor measures a movement and duration from a first position to a second position of said tap shell housing when said tap shell housing is moved, and uses said measured information to calculate an amount of said at least one fluid that has been dispensed via said at least one opening of said spigot system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive fluid measuring apparatus, system, and a method of using same will now be discussed with reference toFIGS. 1 through 14. Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbers represent like features and components in the drawings.

FIG. 1, illustrates a perspective view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, according to one embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, further comprises of a tap shell housing or handle10, a cover11, a tap head or frame12, a tap stem14, and a tap adaptor16. The tap adaptor16, could have a male or female connection17. The tap head or frame12, preferably has at least one display or screen18. For some applications the display or screen18, could be a touch sensitive display or screen18. Additionally, for some applications the display or screen18, could have at least one layer of a water or liquid resistant or repellent layer or material or cover19, in order to protect the display or screen18, from liquid or water damage, and also in helping to prevent cracks in the display screen18. It should be appreciated that the tap shell housing10, of the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, can be moved from a first position13, to a second position15. The movement of the tap shell housing10, from the first position13, to a second position15, could be selected from a group comprising a vertical position, a horizontal position, a rotational position, a translational position, a sliding position, and combinations thereof, to name a few. For some applications one could optionally have a switch29, such as, for example, an ON/OFF switch29, an activation switch29, a reset switch29, to name a few, on the handle10, or the tap shell housing10.

FIG. 2, illustrates a side view of an inventive tap spigot system or apparatus20, that provides a connection between the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, ofFIG. 1, and a fluid dispenser39. The inventive tap spigot apparatus20, further comprises of a male or female connection27, that is used to mate the inventive tap spigot apparatus20, to the male or female connection17, of the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, ofFIG. 1. The inventive tap spigot apparatus20, further has at least one line connecting means37, at one end, that is used to connect to a line or keg or fluid dispenser39, and a second end having at least one opening22, or spigot opening22, for the dispensing of at least one fluid21, that is contained in the fluid dispenser39. The male or female connection17, of the tap threading adapter16, also allows the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, to be attached to any preexisting tap line system20, via the male or female connection27. The fluid dispenser39, could be a keg39, or a beer keg39, or a liquid holding container39, or a beer dispensing container39, to name a few. The fluid21, could be beer21, soda21, water21, or any other dispensable fluid21, to name a few.

FIG. 3, illustrates a perspective view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus33, according to a second embodiment of this invention, which has been mated with an inventive tap spigot apparatus20. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus33, could have a tap shell housing30, having at least one readout screen28, and at least one electrical/data port24, such as, a USB port24, a charging port24, an inlet port24, an outlet port24, to name a few. It should be appreciated that the use of ‘USB’24, can be changed to a charge port24, a data port24, a power source port24, to name a few. For some applications an electrical wire35, having a first connection34, and a second connection36, could be used to electrically connect the tap shell housing or tap handle30, to an electrical source or another device38, such that, the first connection34, would be electrically connected to the port24, while the second connection36, would be electrically connected to the electrical source or another device38. For some applications the tap shell housing30, components or display device(s), may be linked to a closed network, such as, for example, a Wi-Fi25, a Bluetooth25, a wireless connectivity, through a device38, such as, a computer38, a tablet38, a smartphone38, or a similar such device38, which allows the use or operator to change and/or edit pictures or texts digitally for the fluid measuring apparatus33, to display, whether it is on screen18, or screen28, or a screen associated with the device38. For some applications the tap handle30, could be battery powered102, as shown inFIG. 10, and could be charged, such as, via a charge or data port34, such as, a USB plug34, at the bottom of the tap handle30, or a micro USB port24, on the tap handle30. The data/charge port and/or USB capability also allows the inventive fluid measuring apparatus33, to be updated via a hard line35, if anything were to happen to the wireless connectivity25, WI-FI connectivity25, and/or Bluetooth connectivity25. For some applications the tap handle30, could be controlled via a wireless connectivity25, or a hard line wire35, using a secondary electronic device38. It should be appreciated that a computer software38, an application38, and/or a website38, could be used to pair with the inventive fluid measuring apparatus33, so as to create and/or edit and/or customize a producer-made label and/or logos that would be displayed, such as, on screen18,28. For some applications the tap shell housing30, could have read-out screen28, on one side of the tap head or frame12, and a second or separate display screen18, on the other or opposite side of the tap shell housing30. The port24, also allows for the charging of an onboard battery102, if the battery102, is rechargeable, along with data transfer, firmware updates, to name a few.

FIG. 4, illustrates a front view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus43, according to a third embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus43, comprises of tap shell housing40, having a tap adaptor46, having a threaded and/or mate-able tap connection47. For some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus43, could have at least one decorative element45, where the at least one decorative element45, could be selected from a group comprising a ribbon-type image45, a hops image45, a wheat image45, a barley image45, a feather-type image45, and combinations thereof, to name a few. Additionally, for some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus43, could have at least one location to display at least one image41, such as, a corporate logo41, a branding logo41, and combinations thereof, to name a few. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus43, has the ability to display, such as, a beer logo41, a beverage name41, a photo41, a GIF41, a video41, to name a few.

FIG. 5, illustrates a front view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus53, according to a fourth embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus53, comprises of tap shell housing50, having a tap adaptor56, having a conical type tap connection57, and a fancy or decorative tap head or frame52, with a fancy or decorative display screen58. For some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus53, could have at least one decorative element55, where the at least one decorative element55, could be selected from a group comprising a ribbon-type image55, a hops image55, a wheat image55, a barley image55, a feather-type image55, and combinations thereof, to name a few. Additionally, for some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus53, could have at least one location to display at least one image51, such as, a corporate logo51, a branding logo51, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

FIG. 6, illustrates a front view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus63, according to a fifth embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus63, comprises of tap shell housing60, having a tap adaptor66, having at least one tap stopper67, and/or at least one bayonet type connection67, and a fancy or decorative tap head or frame62, with a fancy or decorative display screen68. For some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus63, could have at least one decorative element65, where the at least one decorative element65, could be selected from a group comprising a ribbon-type image65, a hops image65, a wheat image65, a barley image65, a feather-type image65, and combinations thereof, to name a few. Additionally, for some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus63, could have at least one location to display at least one image61, such as, a corporate logo61, a branding logo61, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

FIG. 7, illustrates a front view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus73, according to a sixth embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus73, comprises of tap shell housing70, having a tap adaptor76, having a female tap connection77, and a fancy or decorative tap head or frame72, with a fancy or decorative display screen78. For some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus73, could have at least one decorative element75, where the at least one decorative element75, could be selected from a group comprising a ribbon-type image75, a hops image75, a wheat image75, a barley image75, a feather-type image75, and combinations thereof, to name a few. Additionally, for some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus73, could have at least one location to display at least one image71, such as, a corporate logo71, a branding logo71, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

FIG. 8, illustrates a front view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus83, according to a seventh embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus83, comprises of tap shell housing80, having a tap adaptor86, having a male tap connection87, and a fancy or decorative tap head or frame82, with a fancy or decorative display screen88. For some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus83, could have at least one decorative element85, where the at least one decorative element85, could be selected from a group comprising a ribbon-type image85, a hops image85, a wheat image85, a barley image85, a feather-type image85, and combinations thereof, to name a few. Additionally, for some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus83, could have at least one location to display at least one image81, such as, a corporate logo81, a branding logo81, and combinations thereof, to name a few. For some applications the tap stem or handle14, could be a decorative tap stem or handle84. The decorative tap stem or handle84, could also have at least one location to display at least one image81, such as, a corporate logo81, a branding logo81, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

FIG. 9, illustrates a front view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus93, according to an eighth embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus93, comprises of tap shell housing90, having a tap adaptor96, having a female tap connection97, and a fancy or decorative tap head or frame92, with a fancy or decorative display screen98. For some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus93, could have at least one decorative element95, where the at least one decorative element95, could be selected from a group comprising a ribbon-type image95, a hops image95, a wheat image95, a barley image95, a feather-type image95, and combinations thereof, to name a few. Additionally, for some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus93, could have at least one location to display at least one image91, such as, a corporate logo91, a branding logo91, and combinations thereof, to name a few. For some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus93, could have at least one additional or second screen or display99.

FIG. 10, illustrates a perspective view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, with the cover11, removed. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, preferably has at least one power source102, such as, a battery102, a microprocessor108, and at least one movement sensor104, such as, for example, an accelerometer104. The at least one movement sensor104, records and is activated when the tap shell housing10, is moved from a first position13, to a second position15, as illustrated inFIG. 1. For some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, could also have at least one wireless data transfer unit106, to transfer data to a second device36, such as, another electronic device36. The at least one power source102, could be at least one battery102, or a rechargeable battery102. The microprocessor108, could utilize connectivity25, such as, for example, wireless connectivity25, Wi-Fi connectivity25, Bluetooth connectivity25, to name a few, to allow a user or operator (not shown) to control and manage the images displayed on the display screen18,28, via a computer38, a tablet38, a smartphone38, wirelessly25, or via a push port24. The accelerometer chip104, or movement sensor104, could be fastened or secured to the control board of the tap shell housing10, and with the integration of the accelerometer104, the tap shell housing will effectively track beer pouring or dispensing statistics in real time. Other features that can be extracted could be, for example, beer volume of the tapped keg, PSI (pounds per square inch) of the tap line37, to allow for the calculation as to how much beer is being poured every time the tap handle10, is pulled, etc. This additional information will allow proprietors, consumers, etc., to know how much beer they have poured and how much is left in the keg39, or in the dispensing unit39, in real time. This information can also be provided directly to distributors and brewers to give them more in depth data of how quickly the beverage is sold and by who.

It should be appreciated that the movement sensor104, that is associated with the tap shell housing or handle10, is sensitive enough that when the tap handle10, is moved, such as, for example, from a first position13, to a second position15, it records not only the movement but also the duration. Thus, this allows the processing unit108, that is connected to the movement sensor104, to know or calculate, for example, how much fluid21, or beer21, was dispensed from the container39, when the handle10, was moved to allow the fluid21, to pour out of the spigot opening22.

FIG. 11, illustrates a perspective view of an inventive tap adaptor apparatus116, that can be used with an inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, according to this invention. For some applications the inventive tap adaptor apparatus116, could also be used as a tap extender116, between the tap adaptor16, and the tap spigot system20. The tap adaptor116, could also have at least one opening117, to act as a female connection117, and/or at least one male connection118. For some applications the tap adaptor116, could be the same as the tap adaptor16, or the tap adaptor116, could be used to replace the tap adaptor16.

FIG. 12, illustrates a front view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus123, according to a ninth embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus123, comprises of tap shell housing120, having a fancy or decorative or stylistic or themed tap head or frame122, with a fancy or decorative or stylistic or themed display screen128.

FIG. 13, illustrates a front view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus133, according to a tenth embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus133, comprises of tap shell housing130, having a fancy or decorative or stylistic or themed tap head or frame132, with a fancy or decorative or stylistic or themed display screen138.

FIG. 14, illustrates a front view of an inventive fluid measuring apparatus143, according to an eleventh embodiment of this invention. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus143, comprises of tap shell housing140, having a fancy or decorative or stylistic or themed tap head or frame142, with a fancy or decorative or stylistic or themed display screen148.

The inventive static and dynamic display dispenser23,33,43,53,63,73,83,93,123,133,143, for an in-line fluid flow, apparatus, system, and a method thereof, and more particularly directed to a digital tap stem or handle10,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,120,130,140, for a beer dispensing apparatus39, such as, a keg39, a container39, a pressurized container39, to name a few.

In one aspect this invention is a tap stem or handle10,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,120,130,140, that is integrated with at least one display or screen18,28,48,58,68,78,88,98,128,138,148, and a microprocessor108. One aspect of the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23,33,43,53,63,73,83,93,123,133,143, is its ability to digitally display whatever the purveyor or supplier would like for the beverage name, logo, title, etc. they are offering.

For some applications the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23,33,43,53,63,73,83,93,123,133,143, may have at least one read-out28, on the back or opposite side to provide a user or an operator with data, such as, for example, beverage on tap21, how much beer21, in the keg39, is left, how much battery life of the power source102, is left, to name a few.

For some applications it is preferred that the working components, such as, the microprocessor108, display18,28,48,58,68,78,88,98,128,138,148, battery102, chipset106, accelerometer104, may be encased in any type of waterproof or water resistant material19, so as to prevent the working components to prematurely fail due to fluid contamination.

For some applications the software can be used to post in-depth information, such as, for example, flavor, ABV (alcohol by volume), hop level, IBU (International Bitterness Unit), SRM (Standard Reference Method), brewer information, in-house and/or national ratings, to name a few, such as, to a website, which will be accessible to patrons or requesters via an app or website38. One could also have a website38, that could be accessible to a patron via, for example, a scan-able QR (Quick Response) code, and that could, for example, display any promotions by the beverage company, or by the proprietor of facilities, or what is currently being offered at the facilities.

As stated earlier the use of a digital tap handle23, or the fluid measuring apparatus23, allows a purveyor or a supplier with the ability to engage their patrons with vibrant logos91,95,99, and/or in-depth information about whatever beverage they choose. This information would allow a new element in the decision making process of a consumer by providing additional information that a traditional tap handle cannot provide. While the inventive tap stem or handle10, is designed to display beer logos45,55,65,75,85,95,125,135,145, or beverage name45,55,65,75,85,95,125,135,145, it can also be used to display any potential advertising41,51,61,71,81,91, marketing41,51,61,71,81,91, or media41,51,61,71,81,91, the owner or operator of the tap handle10,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,120,130,140, wishes to display. This invention also allows the purveyor the ability to properly advertise a rotating selection of beverages, as changes to the display will be possible at any time.

It should be appreciated that the tap read-out on the display screen18,28,48,58,68,78,88,98,128,138,148, could be used for a variety of purposes, however, for some applications one could also have a digital read-out18,28,48,58,68,78,88,98,128,138,148, on both sides of the tap shell housing10,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,120,130,140.

The cross-sectional shape for the inventive tap head or frame12,52,62,72,82,92,122,132,142, can be selected from a group comprising a triangular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a polygonal shape, a cylindrical shape, a themed shape, a stylistic shape, a decorative shape, an abstract shape, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

The cross-sectional shape for the at least one inventive display or screen18,28,58,68,78,88,98,128,138,148, can be selected from a group comprising a triangular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a polygonal shape, a cylindrical shape, a themed shape, a stylistic shape, a decorative shape, an abstract shape, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

The integration of the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23, also provides the proprietor with the ability to immerse their patrons or customers with, for example, vibrant logos91,95,99, and in depth information about whatever beer they are drinking. It should be appreciated that while the tap shell housing is designed to display beer logos41,51,61,71,81,91, it can also be used to display any potential advertising, marketing or media that the owner or proprietor of the tap wishes to display41,51,61,71,81,91.

The in-line fluid flow measuring apparatus23, having the tap shell housing10, has at least one electronic port24, and wherein the at least one electronic port24, is selected from a group comprising an electrical port24, a USB port24, a mini USB port24, a micro USB port24, a charging port24, a data port24, a power source port24, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

The in-line fluid flow measuring apparatus23, having the tap shell housing10, has at least one location to display at least one image41,45,51,55,61,65,71,75,81,84,85,91,95,99, and wherein the at least one image41,45,51,55,61,65,71,75,81,84,85,91,95,99, is selected from a group comprising of a corporate logo, a branding logo, a beer logo, a beverage name, a photograph, a GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) image, a video, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

The tool used in the preset invention, namely, the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23,33,43,53,63,73,83,93,123,133,143, may be implemented using one or more computers38, executing software instructions. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive fluid measuring apparatus23,33,43,53,63,73,83,93,123,133,143, may communicate with server and client computer systems38, that transmit and receive data over a computer network35, or a fiber or copper-based telecommunications network35, or other forms of data transfer networks35, or wireless network25. The steps of accessing, downloading, and manipulating the data, as well as other aspects of the present invention are implemented by central processing units (CPU) in the server and client computers executing sequences of instructions stored in a memory. The memory may be a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a persistent store, such as a mass storage device, or any combination of these devices. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the CPU to perform steps according to embodiments of the present invention.

The instructions may be loaded into the memory of the server or client computers38, from a storage device38, or from one or more other computer systems38, over a network connection25,35. For example, a client computer may transmit a sequence of instructions to the server computer in response to a message transmitted to the client over a network by the server. As the server receives the instructions over the network connection, it stores the instructions in memory. The server may store the instructions for later execution, or it may execute the instructions as they arrive over the network connection. In some cases, the CPU may directly support the downloaded instructions. In other cases, the instructions may not be directly executable by the CPU, and may instead be executed by an interpreter that interprets the instructions. In other embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions to implement the present invention. Thus tools used in the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the server or client computers. In some instances, the client and server functionality may be implemented on a single computer platform.

Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and the constituent elements of the invention can be modified in various manners without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Various aspects of the invention can also be extracted from any appropriate combination of a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. Some constituent elements may be deleted in all of the constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. The constituent elements described in different embodiments may be combined arbitrarily.

It should be further understood that throughout the specification and claims several terms have been used and they take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Additionally, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.