Abstract:
This invention relates to a container containing a fluid, such as pressurized gas, and a machine with a receptacle for utilizing such container.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a national stage application under 35 USC 371 of International Application No. PCT/IL2012/050499, filed Dec. 4, 2012, which claims the priority of Israeli Patent Application No. 216929, filed Dec. 13, 2011 and Provisional Application No. 61/570,673, filed Dec. 14, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a container containing a fluid, such as pressurized gas, and a machine with a receptacle for utilizing such container. A particular, but not limiting, example of such container is one containing pressurized carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and a machine for preparing a carbonated drink utilizing it. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    RFID (radio-frequency identification) elements are commonly used for labeling and identification of goods. Such RFID elements are used to store data relating to said goods, such as manufacturing data, shipping information, authenticity identification, etc. The RFID element is usually passive, namely, such that is unable to actively transmit data, and therefore requires the use of an appropriate external de-coder (or reader) enabling reading of the information stored on the RFID element. However, other arrangements are known, in which the RFID element also comprises an antenna and an energy source, such as a battery, enabling active transmission of data from the RFID to the reading device (such as those described in WO 2005/111961). 
         [0004]    In most cases, the RFID element is in the form of a label, or a tag, which can be removably adhered to an external surface of an object (as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,868,765). These labels, however, are prone to forgery, as they are easily accessible and replaced. 
         [0005]    Other arrangements provide an RFID element embedded in a single point within the object side-wall (as described, for example, in US 2008/0012687 and WO 2011/046631). Such labeling or embedding does not facilitate usage of simple automatic reading equipment, as proper reading of the data on the label requires accurate positioning of the RFID element with respect to the reading device. This problem is of enhanced significance when the object bearing the label is a replaceable element within an elaborate system, based on user-operation. In such cases, a solution providing fail-proof identification is required, namely, that the positioning of the RFID element and reader will not require intervention or adjustment by the user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The current disclosure provides a metal container containing a fluid, configured for replaceable incorporation into a machine in which the fluid is utilized. A particular, non-limiting example is a metal container containing pressurized CO 2 , which is incorporated into a machine for preparation of a carbonated drink, typically in a unit quantity. The container is of the kind intended for replacement, once the fluid in it has been exhausted. 
         [0007]    The container of the present disclosure comprises an identification module, which is fitted at the base of the container. This identification module comprises an RFID element that stores data relating to identifiers of the container that can be transmitted, via the RF transceiver circuitry of said element to communicate such data to an appropriate RF communication module properly positioned within the machine. In this manner, the machine processor, included within the machine, can receive container-related identifiers, such as, but not limited to, container authenticity data, identifiers of the fluid-filling facility and of the extent of utilization of fluid within the container. 
         [0008]    Thus, the present disclosure provides a metal container containing a fluid for replaceable incorporation into a machine in which the fluid is utilized. The container has a base with an identification module incorporated in it. The identification module comprises an RFID element for storing data relating to the container&#39;s identifiers and for communicating such data to an RF communication module in the machine. 
         [0009]    The present disclosure also provides a machine comprising a receptacle for a fluid-containing container of the above kind having a base and an opening. The machine comprises a fitting arrangement for fitting with the opening and for drawing fluid therefrom. The receptacle comprises an RF communication module for communication with the RFID element at the container&#39;s base to obtain data on the container&#39;s identifiers. 
         [0010]    According to one embodiment, the identification module is positioned within a recess formed at the base of the container, typically at its center. Such an arrangement allows for repeatedly matched and accurate positioning of the identification module and the RF read/write module upon replacement of the container by the user. 
         [0011]    By one embodiment, the identification module comprises a shielding element between the RFID element and the juxtaposed portion of the base. As the container is made of metal, such a shielding element prevent refractions of the RF signal and allows for directional reading/transmitting of RF signals to/from the RFID element. The shielding element is typically in the form of a plate but may have other forms, e.g. dome-like, being curved, etc., and is positioned between the RFID element and the juxtaposed portion of the base. The shielding element may typically be made of a ferromagnetic metal/alloy, such as ferrite steel, zinc-ferrite, manganese-zinc-ferrite, barium-ferrite, cobalt-ferrite, etc. 
         [0012]    By an embodiment of the current disclosure provided is an identification module, comprising an RFID element and a shield plate for fitting into a recess formed in a metal container. The fitting is such that the shield plate is situated between the RFID element and the wall portion in said recess. Typically the identification module is formed so its external face (namely that face which overlays the RFID element) is made to be flush with the external face of the container when fitted into the recess. The fixing of the identification module into the recess may be by adhering, using an adhesive or by any other suitable means. 
         [0013]    The RFID element stores data relating to the container. The data may include an identifier of the authenticity of the container, which may serve, for example, as a measure of quality control. Furthermore, the identifier may be that of the fluid-filling facility in which the container has been filled with the fluid, and may serve a similar purpose. The processor operating within the machine may thus be configured to block operation of the machine where authenticity-indicating data is not read by the RF read/write module; or where the identifier is not that of an authorized fluid-filling facility. 
         [0014]    The data stored in the RFID element may also include usage data. For example, the amount of fluid utilized by the machine may be inputted to the element through the RF communication module, and may be used as a counter to gauge the amount of fluid remaining within the container. The utilization of fluid may be gauged either by the number of quantified withdrawals of fluid from the container, or directly based on flow/volume measurement of the fluid withdrawn from the container. Where a used container is accidentally or deliberately introduced into the same or different machine, such usage data may provide an indication on the amount of residual fluid remaining within the container. 
         [0015]    In accordance with one embodiment of the current disclosure, the fluid is a pressurized gas, such as CO 2 , as already noted above; and in accordance with this embodiment, such a container is typically utilized within a machine for the preparation of a carbonated drink. Such a machine may be for use at home, office, etc. 
         [0016]    The metal container is typically constructed of an aluminum-based alloy or steel-based but, as will be appreciated, the invention is not limited to such a container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a container, according to an embodiment of the current disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  shows a bottom perspective view of a container of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  shows a longitudinal cross-section through the container across the A-A line. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the section marked B in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of a machine according to the disclosure herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1-4 , showing a metal container  20  that can contain a fluid, such as pressurized CO 2 , adapted for replaceable incorporation into a machine (schematically shown in  FIG. 5 ), where the fluid is utilized. In this machine, a fitting element (to be described below with reference to  FIG. 5 ) fits threading  22 , formed about the opening  24  of the container&#39;s neck  26  for regulated withdrawal of fluid from the container. Fitted within the neck is a flow control mechanism  28  (best seen in  FIG. 3 ), for controlling fluid flow. 
         [0024]    The container has a base  30  with recess  32  accommodating identification module  33 . The identification module  33  (shown in detail in  FIG. 4 ), which may also be referred to by some as “smart card”, includes a RFID element  34 , shield plate  36 , made of a ferromagnetic metal or alloy, and a cover  38 . All of these elements are held together and in place, embedded within a matrix  40 , which is a solidified adhesive. The identification module may also comprise a layer of polymeric foam (such as foamed polyurethane, not shown), providing additional cushioning and shock absorbing properties. It is noted that RF waves pass through such a polymeric foam layer without interference, therefore data reading from the “smart card” is not hindered. 
         [0025]    In an alternative embodiment, the identification module  33  is separately prepared as a matrix, e.g. made from a polymeric material, in which RFID element  34  and shield plate  36  being embedded therein. The module is shaped so as to fit within recess  32  with the outer face thereof being flush with the bottom face of the base  30 . 
         [0026]    The RFID element known per se includes a RF transceiver and data storage as well as some components for energizing the element, in response to an RF signal from an RF communication module within the machine. 
         [0027]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 5  showing a machine  50  configured for providing a carbonated drink through a dispensing outlet. The machine, which is shown schematically, includes a receptacle  52  for removably receiving a replaceable container  20  which may be that of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-4 , and includes a fitting arrangement  54  for fitting with the neck and through such fitting, permitting gas flow out of the container into tubing  56  within the machine. It should be noted that the flow control arrangement  28  is designed to permit flow only upon engagement of the container&#39;s neck with the fitting element. 
         [0028]    The machine also includes a RF read/write module  58  which, once the container is in place within the machine, is in juxtaposition to the identification module  33 . The machine further includes a processor  60  linked to the RF read/write module  58  and also linked to a controller  70  which controls operation of the machine. In the absence of data identifying that the container is authentic and being filled in an authorized filling facility, the processor will induce the controller to block operation of the machine.