Patent Description:
Key systems are known in which a particular key is required to be received in a key system as to control an aspect of operation. Many different types of keys are used as, for example, keys to open locks and doors.

In the context of dispensing systems, U. Patent Publication <CIT> teaches an electronically powered key device on a refill container to be removably compatible with a dispenser. The refill container provides a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors and the container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in spacial relationship with the installed refill coil. By energizing the housing's coil, the other coil detects the unique electronic signature which, if acceptable, permits the dispensing system to dispense material. The system thus utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether the refill container is compatible with the dispensing system. A mechanical latching arrangement is provided to retain the container to the housing to ensure correct positioning of the coils.

Such previously known key devices using near field frequency response suffer the disadvantage that they are relatively complex and require a number of metal coils. This is a disadvantage of precluding substantially the entirety of the key device to be manufactured from plastic material and causes difficulties in recycling.

<CIT> discloses a bottle sensing device for determining that the correct type of bottle is used in a table water system and for filling. Accordingly below the tap in the table water system at least one holder is attached to the neck and I or body of the bottle, which ensures a correct positioning of the bottle prior to filling. Furthermore a transmitter is provided in the table water system, which transmits optical waves to meet the bottle at a specific point, where they are diverted before being picked up by a receiver (<NUM>) to ensure the correct bottle is used.

To at least partially overcome these disadvantages of the previously known devices, the present arrangement describes in one aspect an optical key system in which two components physically juxtaposed in a latching relation provide a waveguide through which electromagnetic radiation is passed with the electromagnetic radiation transmitted passing through the waveguide being measured for comparison with pre-selected parameters. In another aspect, the invention provides for controlled operation of a mechanism with a replaceable component by monitoring two keying attributes.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of controlling the operation of a mechanism having a removable component.

This object is achieved by the method as set out in the appended set of claims.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprising the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. The method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters. The waveguide preferably is provided with pre-selected radiation transmission properties selected from a plurality of electromagnetic radiation transmission properties. The input parameters and radiation transmission properties may be selected from wavelength, intensity, duration and placement in time. Preferably, the method is used to control the operation of a dispensing mechanism having as a removable component a replaceable reservoir containing material to be dispensed by operation of the dispenser. The waveguide is at least partially carried by the reservoir and is coupled against removal to the reservoir or coupled to the reservoir in a manner that separation of the waveguide and the reservoir results in destruction of the waveguide and/or the reservoir. Preferably, at least part of the waveguide is carried on the removable component such that coupling or uncoupling of the removable component changes the transmission characteristics of the waveguide as, for example, by the waveguide comprising a frangible member broken on removal of the removable component. According to the invention, the removable component has a plurality of waveguides and the method includes measuring the electromagnetic radiation passing through <NUM> or more of the waveguides, preferably preventing operation of the dispenser when the measured electromagnetic radiation of a first of two of the waveguides does not comply with its pre-selected output parameters and the measured electromagnetic radiation of a second of two of the waveguides does not comply with its pre-selected output parameters. In such a configuration there is preferably provided for the counting of each activation of a pump mechanism dispensing an allotment of the material to be dispensed. Preferably the method includes the steps of counting of each activation of a pump mechanism dispensing an allotment of the material to be dispensed, resetting counting to zero after the removal of the removable component and its replacement with a removable dispenser whose measured electromagnetic radiation of a first of two of the waveguides complies with its pre-selected output parameters and the measured electromagnetic radiation of a second of two of the waveguides complies with its pre-selected output parameters, permitting operation of the dispenser with after the removal of a removable component and its replacement with a removable dispenser whose measured electromagnetic radiation of a first of two of the waveguides complies with its pre-selected output parameters and the measured electromagnetic radiation of a second of two of the waveguides does not comply with its pre-selected output parameters but only until the number of activations of the pump mechanism from the last restart exceeds a pre-selected maximum number of activations.

A filter may be provided disposed in a transmission path through the waveguide which filter may reduce passage of electromagnetic radiation through the waveguide.

Furthermore described is a dispensing system including a reservoir assembly including a reservoir containing material to be dispensed in an activation unit. The reservoir assembly is removably coupled to the activation unit for replacement by a similar reservoir assembly. An electromagnetic radiation waveguide is provided having an inlet and an outlet and providing a path for transmission of electromagnetic radiation from the inlet to the outlet. An electromagnetic radiation sensor is carried on the activation unit sensing electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide by the outlet. At least part of the waveguide is carried by the reservoir and removable therewith. A control mechanism is provided to permit operation of the dispenser only when the electromagnetic radiation sensed by the sensor appropriately corresponds to a pre-selected electromagnetic radiation profile.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling the operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component removably coupled thereto comprising the steps of: measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carried on a removable, replaceable component, and permitting operation of the dispensing mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation complies with one or more pre-selected output parameters.

In another aspect, a dispensing system comprising is described: a reservoir assembly including a reservoir containing material to be dispensed and an activation unit, the reservoir assembly removably coupled to the activation unit for replacement by a similar reservoir assembly, an electromagnetic radiation waveguide having an inlet and an outlet and providing a path for transmission of electromagnetic radiation from the inlet to the outlet, an electromagnetic radiation sensor carried by the activation unit sensing electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide via the outlet, at least part of the waveguide carried by the reservoir assembly and removable therewith, a control mechanism to permit operation of the dispenser only when the electromagnetic radiation sensed by the sensor appropriately correlates to a pre-selected electromagnetic radiation profile, preferably with a filter disposed in the path for reducing passage of electromagnetic radiation through the waveguide.

In yet another aspect, the method is described of controlling the operation of a dispensing mechanism having a removable component removably coupled thereto, the removable component including a reservoir containing a volume of material to be dispensed, the method comprising the steps of determining if a removable, replaceable component has a first keying attribute which complies with a first pre-selected attribute and has a second keying attribute which complies with a second pre-selected attribute, preventing operation of the dispensing mechanism with a removable, replaceable component which does not have the first keying attribute which complies with the first pre-selected attribute and does not have the second keying attribute which complies with the second pre-selected attribute, estimating the volume of material dispensed by counting the activation of a pump mechanism dispensing the material to be dispensed, resetting said counting to zero after the removal of the removable component and its replacement with a removable dispenser which has the first keying attribute which complies with the first pre-selected attribute and has the second keying attribute which complies with the second pre-selected attribute, permitting operation of the dispenser after the removal of a removable component and its replacement with a removable dispenser which has the first keying attribute which complies with the first pre-selected attribute and does not have the second keying attribute which complies with the second pre-selected attribute but only until the estimate of the volume of material dispensed by counting approximates a volume representative of a volume of the reservoir.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:.

Reference is made to <FIG> which illustrates a dispenser assembly <NUM> in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The dispenser assembly <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>, includes a removable reservoir assembly <NUM> adapted to be secured to a housing formed by a combination of a backplate assembly <NUM>, a presser member <NUM> and a shroud <NUM>. The backplate assembly <NUM> has a generally forwardly directed faceplate <NUM> from which a horizontally disposed support plate <NUM> extends forwardly supported by two side plates <NUM>. The presser member <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the backplate assembly <NUM> between the two side plates <NUM> with stub axles <NUM> received in journaling bores <NUM> in each of the side plates <NUM>. The housing is completed by the shroud <NUM> being coupled to the backplate assembly <NUM> to substantially enclose the support plate <NUM> and the presser member <NUM>. The reservoir assembly <NUM> is adapted to removably couple to the assembled housing.

As best seen in <FIG>, the reservoir assembly <NUM> comprises a reservoir bottle <NUM>, a pump assembly <NUM> and a key collar <NUM>. The bottle <NUM> has a threaded neck <NUM> about an outlet <NUM>. A locking tab <NUM> extends forwardly and axially relative to the threaded neck <NUM> and is of generally rectangular shape in horizontal, axial cross-section having flat parallel side faces and an end face normal thereto. The pump assembly <NUM> includes a piston chamber-forming member <NUM> having an outer flange <NUM> which is internally threaded such that the outer flange <NUM> may be threadably engaged onto the threaded neck <NUM>. The pump assembly <NUM> further includes a piston <NUM> and a valve member <NUM>. The piston <NUM> is reciprocally movable coaxially within a cylindrical chamber formed within the piston chamber-forming member <NUM> so as to dispense fluid from inside the bottle <NUM> out of the outlet <NUM> internally through the piston <NUM> and out a discharge opening <NUM> of the outer end of the piston <NUM>.

The bottle <NUM> and pump assembly <NUM> is shown assembled in <FIG>. To the assembly as shown in <FIG>, the key collar <NUM> is applied by sliding the collar <NUM> axially upwardly such that the collar <NUM> comes to be engaged in a snap-fit upon the outer flange <NUM> against removal from the outer flange <NUM> and with the locking tab <NUM> engaging in a slotway <NUM> on the collar <NUM> so as to prevent rotation of the collar <NUM> relative to the bottle <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, showing an non inventive embodiment, the collar <NUM> has an axial upper end <NUM> and an axial lower end <NUM> with a central, generally cylindrical opening <NUM> extending therethrough. A generally cylindrical side wall <NUM> about the opening <NUM> carries approximate the lower end <NUM> three radially inwardly extending lower shoulder members <NUM> presenting stop shoulders <NUM> directed axially toward the upper end <NUM>. Approximate the upper end <NUM>, the side wall <NUM> includes three radially inwardly directed upper shoulder members <NUM>. The upper shoulder members <NUM> have a catch surface <NUM> directed towards the lower end <NUM> and a bevelled camming surface <NUM> directed towards the upper end <NUM>. On sliding of the collar <NUM> coaxially upwardly onto the outer flange <NUM>, the camming surface <NUM> of the upper shoulder members <NUM> engage with an outer lower surface <NUM> of the outer flange <NUM> biasing the upper shoulder members <NUM> radially outwardly to permit the outer flange <NUM> to move relative the collar <NUM> axially toward the lower end <NUM> into the opening <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. Once an upper end <NUM> of the outer flange <NUM> becomes located below the upper shoulder member <NUM>, the upper shoulder member <NUM> returns to its inherent unbiased position with the catch surface <NUM> disposed above the upper end <NUM> of the outer flange <NUM> radially inwardly therefrom thus locking the outer flange <NUM> between the stop shoulders <NUM> of the lower shoulder member <NUM> and the catch surface <NUM> of the upper shoulder member <NUM>.

The collar <NUM> carries on its upper end <NUM> a pair of upwardly extending lock tabs <NUM> providing a slotway <NUM> therebetween. The slotway <NUM> is sized to closely receive the locking tab <NUM> of the bottle <NUM> therebetween. When coupling the collar <NUM> onto the assembled bottle <NUM> and pump assembly <NUM>, the slotway <NUM> is circumferentially aligned with the locking tab <NUM> on the bottle <NUM> such that the reservoir assembly <NUM> when fully assembled as shown in <FIG> has the locking tab <NUM> on the bottle <NUM> received within the slotway <NUM> preventing relative rotation of the collar <NUM> and bottle <NUM>. In the reservoir assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the piston chamber-forming member <NUM> and the collar <NUM> are secured to the bottle <NUM> against removal. That is, the key collar <NUM> and piston chamber-forming member <NUM> are preferably secured on the bottle <NUM> substantially against removal other than by significant breaking or deformation of the bottle <NUM> or key collar <NUM>.

The extent to which removal or attempted removal of the collar <NUM> and/or pump assembly <NUM> is possible or is not possible, or may require destruction of one or more of the bottle <NUM>, key collar <NUM> or piston chamber-forming member <NUM> can be selected as desired. For example, at the time of assembly, the bottle <NUM>, piston chamber forming member <NUM> and collar <NUM> can be permanently secured together as with glue or by sonic welding.

In a preferred embodiment, the interior side wall <NUM> of the collar <NUM> may be knurled with axially extending alternating ribs and slotways only partially shown at <NUM> in <FIG> such that a complementarily knurled outer surface of the outer flange <NUM> having axially extending alternating ribs and slotways may couple with ribs on the side wall <NUM> preventing relative rotation of the piston chamber-forming member <NUM> relative to the collar <NUM> once the collar is applied.

With the backplate assembly <NUM>, presser member <NUM> and shroud <NUM> assembled and, for example, secured to a wall, the assembled reservoir assembly <NUM> may be coupled thereto by the reservoir assembly <NUM> moving vertically downwardly relative the backplate assembly <NUM> with the collar member <NUM> and pump assembly <NUM> to pass vertically downwardly through an opening <NUM> in the plate <NUM>, and the entire reservoir assembly <NUM> then being urged rearwardly to engage a rear support portion <NUM> of the plate <NUM> above the collar <NUM> and below a lower shoulder <NUM> on the bottle placing the piston <NUM> into a position for coupling with or in which it is coupled with the presser member <NUM>. Removal of the reservoir assembly <NUM> is accomplished by reversed movement forwardly then upwardly.

The backplate assembly <NUM> includes and carries an activation unit <NUM> best seen in <FIG>. The activation unit <NUM> includes as only schematically shown in <FIG>, an electric motor <NUM> which rotates via a series of gears <NUM>, a drive wheel <NUM> carrying an eccentrically mounted axially extending cam post <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The cam post <NUM> couples to an inner end of the presser member <NUM> such that in rotation of the drive wheel <NUM> in one full revolution, the presser member <NUM> is pivoted about its stub axles <NUM> downwardly and then upwardly, returning to the same position. The presser member <NUM> is coupled to the piston <NUM> by engagement between catch members (not shown) carried by the presser member <NUM> with an engagement flange <NUM> on the piston <NUM>. Such catch members and engagement may be similar to that described in <CIT>, which engagement necessarily results on coupling of the reservoir assembly <NUM> with the backplate assembly <NUM>.

In one cycle of operation, the motor <NUM> is operated so as to rotate the drive wheel <NUM><NUM> degrees and thus move the piston <NUM> in a single stroke inwardly and outwardly to dispense an allotment of fluid from the bottle <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is an electric motor and its operation may be controlled by a control mechanism receiving various inputs. The activation unit <NUM> shown is adapted to be used as a touchless dispenser in which the presence of a user's hand below the presser member <NUM> underneath the discharge outlet <NUM> is sensed by a hand sensing system including an electromagnetic radiation emitter <NUM> located at the bottom front of the activator unit <NUM> to direct radiation downwardly and forwardly towards the position the user's hand is to be placed and an electromagnetic radiation sensor <NUM> also located near the bottom front of the activation unit <NUM> adapted to sense radiation reflected off the user's hand. The hand sensing system, on suitable receipt of reflected radiation from the hand, provides a suitable signal to the control mechanism indicating the presence of the hand, for example, satisfying at least one condition for operation of the motor.

While the use of a hand sensing mechanism involving electromagnetic emitter <NUM> and sensor <NUM> is illustrated, many other systems may be provided to provide a primary indication that fluid should be dispensed. For example, these could include providing a simple on/off switch to be manually activated, or a requirement for identification as by use of a fingerprint as disclosed, for example, in <CIT>.

The activation unit <NUM> also includes portions of an optical key system towards determining if the reservoir assembly <NUM> is compatible with the activation unit <NUM>, that is, whether the reservoir assembly <NUM> meets pre-selected criteria to permit use with the activation unit <NUM>. The activation unit <NUM> includes an electromagnetic radiation key emitter <NUM> and an electromagnetic radiation key sensor <NUM>. Each is provided on the front face of the activation unit <NUM> on an upper portion of the activation unit and directed forwardly. As best seen in <FIG>, the key emitter <NUM> includes a generally cylindrical shroud <NUM> about its lamp and the key sensor <NUM> includes a similar shroud <NUM> about its sensor, which shrouds <NUM> and <NUM> substantially prevent any transmission of electromagnetic radiation therethrough and effectively serve to directionalize the key emitter <NUM> and key sensor <NUM> so as to restrict emissions or receptions of either to light passing through the outer end of the shrouds <NUM> and <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the collar <NUM> has two arms <NUM> and <NUM> which extend rearwardly from the collar <NUM> toward each of the key emitter <NUM> and key sensor <NUM>. The collar <NUM> shown in <FIG> being an embodiment not according to the present invention. The collar <NUM> provides an electromagnetic radiation wave guide from an end face <NUM> at the end of arm <NUM> through the collar <NUM> to the face <NUM> at the end of the arm <NUM> providing an outlet to the waveguide. The waveguide is schematically illustrated in dashed lines as <NUM> in <FIG> as extending in a generally U-shape within a U-shaped rim <NUM> of material disposed proximate the upper end <NUM> of the collar <NUM> about its outer periphery.

Referring to <FIG>, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the key emitter <NUM> enters the waveguide <NUM> via the inlet end face <NUM> and is conducted via the waveguide <NUM> through the collar <NUM> with electromagnetic radiation to exit the waveguide <NUM> via the outlet end face <NUM> with the radiation exiting the waveguide via the outlet end face <NUM> to be sensed by the key sensor <NUM>. The activation unit <NUM> includes a key control system under which as a prerequisite to dispensing, having regard to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the key emitter <NUM>, the electromagnetic radiation sensed by the key sensor <NUM> is to comply with one or more pre-selected parameters. As by way of a non-limiting example, the key emitter <NUM> may emit electromagnetic radiation within a selected range of wave lengths and, in the absence of the key sensor <NUM> sensing electromagnetic radiation within the range of emitted radiation, the motor <NUM> may not be permitted to operate. Thus, in the simplest case, should a non-compliant reservoir assembly <NUM> which has the bottle <NUM>, pump assembly <NUM> but not the collar <NUM>, be coupled to the backplate assembly <NUM> and would not have a waveguide, the radiation of a selected wavelength emitted by key emitter <NUM> would not be directed to or sensed by the key sensor <NUM> and the control mechanism of the activation unit would not permit dispensing.

In the preferred embodiment, the collar <NUM> may preferably be formed as by injection molding from a plastic material which permits transmission of electromagnetic radiation therethrough. As is known to a person skilled in the art, various plastic materials such as polycarbonate plastics can be used which provide a resultant product having electromagnetic radiation transmitting properties. Radiation which may enter the light transmitting collar <NUM> as by being directed normal to the inlet end face <NUM> will, to some extent, be reflected internally by reason of such light impinging at relatively low angles on the external surfaces of the collar forming effectively the sides of the wave guide. A portion of the radiation directed into the collar <NUM> is passed through the collar <NUM> as around the U-shaped external rim <NUM> with some proportion of the radiation to be directed substantially perpendicular to the exit end face <NUM> to exit the waveguide and be sensed by the key sensor <NUM>.

The collar <NUM> may be formed as unitary element all from the same radiation transmitting properties or may be formed from a number of different materials. For example, to increase internal reflection, exterior surfaces of the collar <NUM> especially about the rim <NUM> could be coated with a reflective material other than on the inlet end face <NUM> and the outlet end face <NUM>. The collar <NUM> may be formed such that merely a U-shaped portion of the collar, for example, substantially corresponding to the U-shaped rim <NUM> may comprise light transmitting materials and the remainder of the collar may be formed of other plastic materials.

The collar <NUM> may be formed to incorporate therein one or more pre-existing optical fibres, for example, disposed to extend internally within the U-shaped rim as with an inlet end of an optical fibre to be presented at the inlet end face <NUM> and an outlet end of the optical fibre to be presented at an outlet end face <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG> which shows a second embodiment of a collar <NUM> not in accordance with the present invention which will have, when assembled, an identical appearance to the collar <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The collar <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is an embodiment not according to the present invention and is formed from three pieces, namely, a base <NUM>, a top <NUM> and an optical fibre member <NUM>. The base <NUM> and top <NUM> are injection moulded from plastic and are adapted to snap-fit together against separation. The base <NUM> has an upwardly directed U-shaped half channel <NUM> formed therein and the top <NUM> has a similar downwardly directed U-shaped half channel <NUM>. The optical fibre <NUM> is positioned sandwiched between the base <NUM> and top <NUM> received between the half channel member <NUM> carried on the base and the half channel member <NUM> carried on the top. The optical fibre <NUM> has a first end <NUM> open to the end face <NUM> of the arm <NUM> and a second end <NUM> open to the end face <NUM> of the arm <NUM> such that the optical fibre member <NUM> provides the waveguide through the collar <NUM>. In the assembled collar <NUM>, the optical fibre member <NUM> is secured within the collar <NUM> against removal. The optical fibre member <NUM> may comprise a short length of a conventional optical fibre or may preferably comprise an extrusion of plastic material having appropriate light transmitting properties such as a cylindrical extrusion of flexible polycarbonate or other plastic.

The channelway which is formed by combination of the half channels <NUM> and <NUM> may preferably have adjacent each end face <NUM> and <NUM> a port portion of restricted cross-sectional closely sized to tightly hold each end of the optical fibre member <NUM> therein and with interior portions of the channelway interior from the port portions of increased diameter to facilitate easy insertion of interior portions of the optical fibre members <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG> which illustrates a third embodiment of a collar <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, at the rear end of the collar <NUM>, an internal compartment <NUM> is provided closed at its rear by a rear wall <NUM> having four port portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> therethrough. Two optical fibre members <NUM> and <NUM> are shown. Each optical fibre has a first end secured in one of the port portions and a second end secured in another of the port portions such that each optical fibre member provides a respective waveguide from one port portion to a second port portion. Opposite each of the port portions, four elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are schematically shown, each of which is intended to schematically illustrate either a key emitter or a key sensor to be carried on an activation unit such as shown, for example, in <FIG> suitably located in front of a respective of the port portions. Of the four elements, preferably, at least one comprises an emitter and at least one comprises a sensor. In one preferred embodiment, each of these elements may each comprise either an emitter or a sensor or, preferably, both. Preferably, each of the elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are carried on a computerized control circuit permitting selected operation of each of the elements either as an emitter or a sensor or to be inoperative. Such an activation unit can be electronically keyed to adopt a particular configuration of sensors and emitters.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, two optical fibre members <NUM> and <NUM> are shown. It is to be appreciated that merely one optical fibre member need to be provided. For example, a single optical fibre member could be provided to connect any two of the port portions. For example, an optical fibre could have one end connected to the port portion <NUM> and a second end connected to any one of the port portions <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. In a simple configuration, the element <NUM> could be programmed to be a key emitter and a selected one of the elements <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> could be selected to be a sensor having regard to the corresponding port portion to which the end of a single optical fibre member may be connected. The collar member thus, by suitable positioning of the optical fibre member, may be configured to provide a waveguide at a matching location. If desired, a second optical fibre member could be used to couple the remaining two of the port portions which are not assumed by the first optical fibre member as seen in <FIG>.

Each of the optical fibres which are used may have different radiation transmission characteristics. For example, one of the optical fibre members may be tinted blue such that that optical fibre serves as a filter to prevent passage therethrough of light which is not within a range of corresponding blue wavelengths. Similarly, the other optical fibre could be tinted red and yellow so as to act as filters merely permitting the passage of red or yellow wavelength light.

Reference is made to <FIG> which illustrates a fourth embodiment of a wave guide in accordance with the present invention similar to that shown in <FIG>, however, incorporating three different optical fibres <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Additionally, each of the port portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are each shown as having three opening therethrough, each of which opening is adapted to receive the end of one optical fibre member. Thus, up to three optical fibre members can be received in each port portion. In the particular configuration shown in <FIG>, a first end of each of the three optical fibres is connected to the port portion <NUM>, however, merely one end of a different one of the three optical fibres is connected to each of the ports <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> as one preferred non-limiting example, the optical fibre <NUM> preferably is tinted blue so as to act as a filter and prevent the passage of light other than of corresponding blue wavelength light therethrough. The optical fibre <NUM> is tinted red and acts as a filter to prevent the passage of light other than corresponding red wavelength light therethrough. The optical fibre <NUM> is tinted yellow and acts as a filter to prevent the passage of light other than corresponding yellow wavelength light therethrough. The element <NUM> may be adapted to selectively emit light containing all of blue, red and yellow light or merely one or more of blue, red or yellow light at different times and each of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> will look at an appropriate time for light, the absence of light of any wavelength or, alternatively, light at a selected blue, red and/or yellow wavelength.

Reference is made to <FIG> which illustrates a fifth non-inventive embodiment of a collar member <NUM> having similarities to that illustrated in <FIG>, however, in which the optical fibre members have been removed and are to be replaced by one of the three waveguide inserts shown as <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in schematic exploded perspective in <FIG>. Each of the waveguide inserts are preferably injection moulded from a light transmitting material such as polycarbonate. Insert <NUM> is adapted to provide light transmission from the portal portion <NUM> to the portal portion <NUM>. An insert <NUM> is adapted to be inserted as shown to provide communication between portal <NUM> and portal <NUM> or if inverted <NUM> degrees to provide communication between portal <NUM> and portal <NUM>. Insert <NUM> is adapted to provide communication between portals <NUM> and <NUM>. By the suitable selection of a relatively simple injection moulded plastic insert <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, the collar member <NUM> may be configured to have a desired waveguide therein. Each of the inserts may be provided to have different radiation transmission properties and may, for example, act as a colour filter. Each insert <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is sized to closely fit inside the compartment <NUM> with side locating tabs <NUM> provided to extend the side-to-side dimension of inserts <NUM> and <NUM>. Each insert has two faces <NUM> and <NUM> to serve as an inlet/outlet to its waveguide relative its respective portals. Curved portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the wall of the insets opposite the faces <NUM> and <NUM> assist in directing radiation internally from one face to the other.

Reference is made to <FIG> which schematically illustrates a sixth non-inventive embodiment of the collar and key sensing system. As seen in <FIG>, the collar <NUM> is identical to the collar in the first embodiment of <FIG> with the exception that the arms <NUM> and <NUM> are removed and a key member <NUM> is provided to extend rearwardly. The actuation unit <NUM> is modified such that a key emitter <NUM> is located to one side of the key member <NUM> directing radiation sideways through the key member <NUM> and a key sensor <NUM> is on the other side of the key member <NUM> directed sideways. In this manner, the key emitter <NUM> directs radiation into an inlet face <NUM> on one side of the key member <NUM> and the key sensor <NUM> senses radiation passing outwardly through an outlet face <NUM> on the other side of the key member <NUM>. The key member <NUM> preferably provides a waveguide for transmission of electromagnetic radiation. As one non-limiting example, the waveguide may include a waveguide which acts like a filter which substantially prevents any transmission of radiation therethrough of light of a first certain characteristic or wavelength yet lets light of a second characteristic or wavelength pass through, and the key sensor <NUM> at the time light of both the first and second certain characteristic or wavelengths is emitted by the key emitter <NUM> looks for the absence of light of the first characteristic or wavelength and the presence of light of the second characteristic or wavelength.

With the key member <NUM> located in a vertical slotway between the key emitter <NUM> and the key sensor <NUM>, their engagement can prevent relative rotation of the reservoir assembly <NUM> relative the backplate assembly <NUM>.

While the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> shows a collar merely with the key members which is an embodiment not according to the present invention, it is to be appreciated that a modified collar according to the present invention could be provided in having both the arms <NUM> and <NUM> providing a first waveguide and the key block providing a second guide and that two separate key emitters may be provided and two separate key sensors may be provided.

Reference is made to <FIG> which illustrates a seventh non-inventive embodiment of a key member which has features similar to those shown in <FIG> and in <FIG>. In <FIG>, a central key member <NUM> is provided serving as a waveguide for passage of radiation laterally therethrough. On either side of the key member <NUM>, there are provided a pair of waveguide extensions <NUM> and <NUM> adapted to be securely carried on the backplate assembly. Each waveguide extension includes an outer face <NUM> or <NUM> directed laterally towards a respective face <NUM> or <NUM> of the key member <NUM> and an inner end <NUM> or <NUM> directed rearwardly and adapted for optical coupling with a key emitter/sensor element <NUM> or <NUM> also carried on the backplate assembly. As in the embodiment of <FIG>, the collar <NUM> includes at the end of each arm <NUM> and <NUM>, end faces <NUM> and <NUM> served to be optically coupled with two key emitters/sensors <NUM> and <NUM> carried on the activation unit.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, a portion of the waveguide is provided as the waveguide extensions <NUM> and <NUM> on the activation unit and a portion of the waveguide is provided as the key member <NUM> on the collar member <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG> which illustrates a non-inventive selective optical coupling mechanism illustrating a pair of key emitter or sensor elements <NUM> and <NUM> disposed opposite to optical first windows <NUM>, <NUM> carried in a coupling unit <NUM>. The coupling unit <NUM> is a generally rectangular shaped member with a pair of cavities <NUM>, <NUM> having a narrow end <NUM> open to the first windows <NUM>, <NUM> and a wide end <NUM> open to second windows <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with two for each of the cavities. A waveguide member <NUM> having a generally parallelogram shape is adapted to be received within either cavity <NUM> or <NUM> in a position which connects a first window to one of the second windows. The waveguide member <NUM> can be rotated <NUM> degrees and placed in a cavity so as to provide a waveguide between a first window at the first end and a different other of the second window at the second end. Such an arrangement can be provided either in a cavity in the collar member <NUM> or in a portion of a cavity on the activation unit and thus can form another method for mechanically selecting a relative path of a portion of the waveguide either carried by the collar <NUM> or the activation member <NUM>.

It is to be appreciated that different waveguide members <NUM> may have different properties such as different abilities to transmit, filter, block or polarize electromagnetic radiation passed therethrough. For example, a plurality of such members could be provided of different tinted colours, blue, red, yellow, green and the like and provide simple members which can be readily manually inserted to a customized activation member or a collar member for a particular desired configuration.

In accordance with the present invention, the electromagnetic radiation may be selected having regard to pre-selected parameters. These parameters may include radiation within one or more ranges of wavelengths, electromagnetic radiation within one or more ranges of intensity, polarized electromagnetic radiation, and electromagnetic radiation within one or more ranges of duration and at one or more different points in time.

The waveguide which is provided may have electromagnetic radiation transmitted properties selected from a plurality of properties and including the ability to transmit one or more ranges of wavelengths and or the ability to block one or more ranges of wavelengths, the ability to restrict the intensity of electromagnetic radiation which can be transmitted through the waveguide, preferably, as a function of most of the waveguide. The transmission properties may restrict the transmission of radiation having a first range of wavelengths yet permit transmission of radiation having a range of second wavelengths.

Reference is made to <FIG> which illustrate cross-sections through the collar <NUM> shown in <FIG> along section lines A and B, respectively, in axially extending planes which extend radially from a center through the central opening <NUM>. In each of <FIG>, the radially extending rim <NUM> is shown as rectangular in cross-section containing and effectively forming throughout the inner rectangular cross-sectional area of the rim <NUM> the waveguide <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional similar to that shown in <FIG>, however, at a cross-sectional point in between section lines A and B at a point in between a circumferential end of the shoulder member <NUM> and before the stop shoulder <NUM> is provided. The cross-sectional area shown in <FIG> superimposes a dashed line showing the outline of the cross-section of <FIG>. The cross-section in <FIG> is of a considerably reduced cross-sectional area compared to that shown in either <FIG>. That circumferential portion of the collar <NUM> represented by the cross-section of <FIG> comprises, in effect, a frangible portion. Insofar as a person may attempt to remove the collar <NUM> from engagement on the reservoir assembly, circumferentially applied forces on being transmitted to the reduced cross-sectional segment shown in <FIG> will result in breaking and rupture of the collar through this reduced cross-sectional area, thus, breaking and rupturing the wave guide <NUM>. In <FIG>, the cross-sectional area of the waveguide <NUM> is shown to be a reduced sized triangular portion compared to the rectangular area shown in <FIG>. The cross-sectional area of the waveguide through the frangible portion is selected to be adequate to permit radiation to pass through the waveguide in normal use. When the collar member <NUM> may be broken by circumferential severing through the reduced cross-sectional area portion of <FIG>, the waveguide <NUM> will be broken with the broken waveguide preferably preventing or impairing the ability of the waveguide to transfer radiation through the break point. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, it is expected that initial fracture may occur in the lower portion below the triangular waveguide which may assist in splitting through the waveguide from the lower apex of the triangular waveguide upwardly to a wider portion at the top.

Many modifications and variations of frangible waveguides or waveguides which will break if a collar is attempted to be physically removed can be envisioned. For example, in the context of a waveguide which incorporates a pre-existing optical fibre member such as shown in <FIG>, a mechanism can be structured to sever the optical fibre member as a requirement of removal of the collar.

Reference is made to <FIG> which illustrates a schematic pictorial view of a portion of a waveguide <NUM> formed from three modular waveguide elements <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The waveguide element <NUM> has a first end face <NUM> and a second end face <NUM>. The member <NUM> is a constant cross-sectional shape between the end faces. As schematically illustrated by the parallel lines <NUM>, the guide wave member <NUM> is polarized so as to restrict light passing between the end faces <NUM> and <NUM> to being light which propagates parallel to each other in a certain direction. Waveguide member <NUM> is identical to waveguide member <NUM>, however, is shown in the embodiment as rotated <NUM> degrees such that it has the schematic parallel lines <NUM> of waveguide member <NUM> is perpendicular to the parallel lines <NUM> on the waveguide member <NUM>. When arranged in this configuration as shown in <FIG>, the waveguide members <NUM> and <NUM> effectively block all light transmission therethrough. Waveguide member <NUM> is shown as a similarly sized waveguide member which may be selected, for example, to be of a particular colour such as the colour blue. The waveguide members <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are each modular members which can be replaced or substituted by other members and thus by simple insertion or removal of different modular members provide for different light transmission characteristics of the resultant waveguide. While the waveguide member <NUM> is shown as being of a particular colour, it is to be appreciated that each of the waveguides <NUM> and <NUM> could be provided as modular elements in a plurality of different colours.

Each of the waveguide members <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be stacked immediately adjacent to each other and, for example, to form a central portion of the replaceable waveguide <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. It is to be appreciated that in a manner similar to that shown in <FIG>, a coupling unit similar to <NUM> could be provided as with a rectangular recess so as to receive each of the three waveguide members <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> aligned in a row.

One or more of the waveguide members <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided as part of a waveguide on the activation unit and any one or more of the waveguide members <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> or other similar modular waveguide members may be provided on the collar <NUM>. Further, insofar as the waveguide may have different abilities to polarize light passing therethrough, such a waveguide may be used with either an emitter of polarized light or a sensor sensitive to polarized light.

The use of a plurality of different modular guide members such as <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> to form the waveguide can provide a simplistic mechanism for customizing the waveguide to have selected key features.

In the preferred embodiments illustrated, for example, in <FIG>, in combination with a suitable waveguide, there is shown both a key emitter <NUM> and a key sensor <NUM>. It is not necessary in accordance with the present invention that a key emitter <NUM> be provided. The electromagnetic radiation to pass through the waveguide and be sensed by the key sensor may originate from an external light source such as, for example, the ambient light in any environment, for example, ambient light from lighting within a washroom or natural sunlight. For example, as seen in <FIG>, the front portion of the shroud <NUM> indicated as <NUM> in <FIG> could be provided to transmit electromagnetic radiation therethrough which may impinge on a frontmost surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> as shown in <FIG> which could be flattened and directed forwardly so as to provide an entry point for light into the waveguide contained in the collar. In this case, merely the radiation sensor <NUM> need be provided.

Alternatively, entrance for ambient air to the waveguide could be provided at the sides or bottom of the waveguide through a suitable face in the waveguide disposed to permit entry into the wave guide of electromagnetic radiation from an external source. As another example, in the context of <FIG>, the bottle and fluid within the bottle <NUM> may be provided to be electromagnetic radiation transmitting with light to pass downwardly through the bottle <NUM> through the lower shoulder <NUM> and down onto an upwardly directed surface of the collar <NUM>. The waveguide may then comprise the walls and shoulder of the bottle <NUM>, the fluid in the bottle as well as the collar <NUM>. Suitable selection of the radiation transmission properties therefore of the bottle walls and bottom and the fluid to be dispensed can be utilized in establishing pre-selected keying features.

Insofar as light may pass downwardly through the shoulder <NUM> in the bottle <NUM> to the collar <NUM>, it would be possible to incorporate a component of the pump assembly such as a radially outwardly extending flange of the piston chamber-forming member <NUM> as being part of the waveguide and in such an event, the waveguide might incorporate a path downwardly through the shoulder <NUM> of the bottle past or through the support plate <NUM> and axially through the outer flange <NUM> of the piston chamber-forming member <NUM> as to a portion of the waveguide as to a sensor disposed axially below the outer flange <NUM>. Preferably, the waveguide would be at least partially through the collar <NUM> at some portion such as axially through the collar or radially outwardly through a portion of the collar <NUM> which would serve as a waveguide to couple light from the outer flange <NUM> to a sensor carried on the activation unit <NUM>.

Rather than use ambient light to pass through portions of the bottle and/or fluid in the bottle, a separate emitter could be provided as, for example, to pass radiation downwardly or sideways or otherwise which would pass through a portion of the bottle and/or the fluid in the bottle to be received by a sensor.

As to the nature of electromagnetic radiation to be used, many conventionally available sensors and/or emitters are available for use in emitting and sensing electromagnetic radiation in the visible light spectrum. This is not necessary, however, and electromagnetic radiation outside the visible spectrum may be used. This could be advantageous as, for example, to mask the nature of any modular components which may comprise a portion of a waveguide. For example, whether or not any modular waveguide element may appear to have a visible colour such as blue, red or yellow, insofar as it is adapted for transmission of non-visible electromagnetic radiation, then the presence or absence of colour in the modular unit could assist in fooling an imitator.

Reference is made to <FIG> showing a key collar <NUM> similar to that shown in <FIG> but for a few differences. Firstly, the lock tabs <NUM> of the collar <NUM> in <FIG> have been removed for simplicity in illustration. Providing such locking tabs are preferred, however, the locking tabs need not as in the context of <FIG> be provided on the front of the collar facing outwardly but could be provided at other locations as on the rear of the collar diametric to the position shown, for example, in <FIG>. Secondly, as seen in <FIG>, bridging between the arm <NUM> and the arm <NUM>, there is provided a thin frangible member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows in addition to the key collar <NUM>, a separate board <NUM> which carries a key emitter <NUM> and a key sensor <NUM>. Arm <NUM> includes an end face <NUM> normal to the key emitter <NUM> which face <NUM> is engaged by the key emitter with the end face <NUM> generally normal to the key emitter <NUM>. Arm <NUM> includes an end face <NUM> which is shown as being normal to the key sensor <NUM> and is engaged by the key sensor. The arm <NUM> includes a reflecting outer side shoulder surface <NUM> disposed at <NUM> degrees to the end face <NUM>. Arm <NUM> similarly includes a reflecting outer side shoulder surface <NUM> at <NUM> degrees to the end face <NUM>. The arms <NUM> and <NUM> are joined by a bridge member <NUM> formed by a projection <NUM>, the frangible member <NUM> and a projection <NUM>. The arm <NUM> has the projection <NUM> extending laterally inwardly to an end face <NUM> disposed normal to the end face <NUM>. The arm <NUM> similarly has the projection <NUM> extending laterally inwardly to an end face <NUM> normal to the end face <NUM> and spaced from and opposed from the end face <NUM>. The frangible member <NUM> extends between the end face <NUM> and the end face <NUM> normal to each end face. The frangible member <NUM> has a cross-sectional area significantly less than the cross-sectional area of either of the projection <NUM> or the projection <NUM> measured parallel the end faces <NUM> and <NUM>.

The frangible member <NUM> is preferably formed integrally with the key collar <NUM> as by injection moulding from plastic.

<FIG> in top view schematically illustrates two paths that radiation may take on being transmitted through the key collar <NUM> from the key emitter <NUM> to the key sensor <NUM>. A dashed line indicates a shorter optical path <NUM> in which radiation from the key emitter <NUM> perpendicular to the end face <NUM> is reflected off the shoulder surface <NUM> extends through the projection <NUM>, through the frangible member <NUM>, through the projection <NUM>, is reflected off the shoulder surface <NUM> and passes through the arm <NUM> normal the end face <NUM> to be sensed by the key sensor <NUM>. An alternate longer optical path <NUM> is shown in dashed lines in <FIG> as extending internally of the arm <NUM> and around the circumference of the key collar <NUM> and, hence, via the arm <NUM> to the key sensor <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG> which illustrates a cross-sectional side view along section C-C' in <FIG> through the frangible member <NUM> and which therefore shows the projection <NUM> not in cross-section. <FIG> schematically illustrates, as seen in cross-section, a pair of resilient catch members <NUM> and <NUM> secured to the activation unit <NUM> similar to the type shown in <FIG>. Preferably, coupling of the key collar <NUM> to the activation unit <NUM> is accomplished by rearward sliding of the key collar <NUM> towards the activation unit <NUM> in a direction indicated by the arrow <NUM>.

The two resilient catch members <NUM> and <NUM> are schematically shown in cross-section as secured to the activation unit <NUM>. Each catch member <NUM> and <NUM> has a forwardly directed cam surface <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, which on relative rearward movement of the key collar <NUM> will engage the frangible member <NUM> and cause deflection of the resilient catch members <NUM> and <NUM> upwardly or downwardly out of the path of the frangible member <NUM> until the frangible member <NUM> is received rearward of the respective catch shoulders <NUM> and <NUM> on each of the catch members <NUM> and <NUM>, whereupon the catch members <NUM> and <NUM> will under their inherent bias move to assume a latched position as shown in <FIG> with their catch shoulders <NUM> and <NUM> disposed forwardly of a forward surface of the frangible member <NUM>.

With removal of the key collar <NUM> by forward sliding of the key collar away from the activation unit <NUM>, the catch members <NUM> and <NUM> will engage the frangible member <NUM> and prevent its forward movement. The frangible member <NUM> is preferably of a material and has a construction which will be broken and severed under manual forces which can be readily applied in sliding the key collar <NUM> forwardly. As a result, with forward movement of the key collar <NUM> and removal of the key collar <NUM> from coupling with the activation unit <NUM>, the frangible member <NUM> is broken and preferably severed from the key collar <NUM>.

As a result, if the key collar <NUM> with the broken or removed frangible member <NUM> is reinserted into the dispenser, then there will no longer exist the optical path <NUM> for transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the frangible member <NUM>. Thus, the electromagnetic transmission properties of the waveguide formed within the key collar <NUM> will have been changed by severing the frangible member <NUM> on removal of the key collar <NUM>. The nature of the electromagnetic radiation sensed by the key sensor <NUM> will be altered and the dispenser control mechanism can give suitable instructions as to how to deal with this event as, for example, to not permit operation of the dispenser.

Reference is made to <FIG> which shows an eighth embodiment of the key collar <NUM> similar to that shown in <FIG> but with a few differences. Firstly, in <FIG>, the arm <NUM> and the arm <NUM> are joined by the bridge member <NUM> which is of substantially constant cross-sectional area normal to the end faces <NUM> and <NUM> between the two arms <NUM> and <NUM>.

Secondly, extending laterally from outside surface <NUM> of the arm <NUM>, there is provided a cantilevered frangible member <NUM> having but one end secured to the arm <NUM>. The frangible member <NUM> has a cross-sectional are normal to the end face <NUM> of the arm <NUM> which is significantly reduced compared to that of the arm <NUM>.

As contrasted with the embodiment of <FIG>, in <FIG>, two key emitters are provided, a first key emitter <NUM> and a second parallel key emitter <NUM>. The first key emitter <NUM> is disposed to direct radiation into the end face <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. The second key emitter <NUM> is located to engage a surface <NUM> on the frangible member <NUM> and to direct radiation into the frangible member <NUM>. The key sensor <NUM> engages the end face <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the frangible member <NUM> is adapted to be severed from or removed from the key collar <NUM> on removal of the key collar <NUM> from the dispenser.

While the frangible member <NUM> is coupled to the key collar <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, then electromagnetic radiation from the second key emitter <NUM> will enter the waveguide via the frangible member <NUM> and will be picked up by the key sensor <NUM>. However, insofar as a key collar is coupled on which the frangible member <NUM> has been severed from the key collar, then the key sensor <NUM> will not pick up radiation from the second emitter <NUM>. While two key emitters <NUM> and <NUM> are provided, only the key emitter <NUM> is needed to sense the removal of the frangible member <NUM>.

The frangible member <NUM> in <FIG> need not be severed from the key collar <NUM>, rather, it may be bent forwardly into, for example, assume a position bent away from the second key emitter <NUM> as, for example, to a <NUM> degrees position and would result in a significant change in the waveguide transmission characteristic such that radiation from the second key emitter <NUM> would be significantly lessened to the extent it may enter the waveguide and thus be sensed by the key sensor <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the radiation is directed into the frangible member via the surface <NUM> which is in the same plane as end face <NUM> on the arm <NUM>. Alternatively, the key emitter <NUM> may direct radiation into the frangible member <NUM> at another location as, for example, at a lateral side surface <NUM> of the frangible member <NUM>, with the sensor <NUM> suitably re-positioned.

<FIG> shows the use of a plurality of key emitters <NUM> and <NUM> and one key sensor <NUM>. Of course, in a similar arrangement, one or more key sensors could be used with at least one key sensor coupled to the frangible member <NUM> and one key emitter to input radiation to arm <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a reservoir bottle <NUM> is shown which is similar to the reservoir bottle <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As a notable difference, however, the reservoir bottle <NUM> in <FIG> carries as extending downwardly from its lower edge, a frangible member <NUM> which is in the form of a relatively thin plate member formed integrally with the reservoir bottle <NUM> as, for example, from plastic material and which is adapted to serve as a portion of a waveguide. The frangible member <NUM> is adapted on rearward sliding insertion of the bottle <NUM> to slide rearwardly so as to be received between a key emitter <NUM> and a key sensor <NUM> as schematically illustrated in a horizontal cross-section in <FIG>. The frangible member <NUM> is adapted to be severed or removed on removal of the reservoir bottle <NUM>. The frangible member <NUM> on the reservoir bottle <NUM> is to serve as a portion of a waveguide. The frangible member <NUM> on the bottle <NUM> may be in substitution of the key collar <NUM> and its waveguide as in the other embodiments or in combination therewith.

Frangible members <NUM> have been shown as coupled to the reservoir bottle <NUM> in <FIG> and to the key collar <NUM> as in <FIG> and <FIG>. Similar frangible members forming part of a waveguide may be coupled to the pump assembly as preferably to the piston chamber forming member <NUM>.

The particular nature of the frangible member <NUM> may vary widely. The objective is to provide an arrangement such that with insertion or removal of a removable component, comprising in the case of the preferred embodiment the reservoir assembly <NUM>, a portion of a waveguide carried by the removable reservoir assembly <NUM> becomes changed such that a control system can recognize a reservoir assembly <NUM> which has been coupled or uncoupled more than once and make an appropriate selection as to how to deal with this in control of the dispenser as one example, when the control system recognizes that a reservoir assembly has been coupled or uncoupled more than once then the control system may prevent dispensing of the material.

As another example, when the control system recognizes that a reservoir assembly has been coupled or uncoupled more than once, then the control system may merely permit thereafter a given number of activations of the piston pump after which the control system will prevent dispensing. In the context of the embodiment in <FIG> there are two distinct optical paths, a first optical paths between key emitter <NUM> and key sensor <NUM> and a second optical path between key emitter and <NUM> and key sensor <NUM>. The possibilities for the control system sensing include the following:.

A first rule of operation for the control system preferably is that operation is only permitted when the control system senses passage of electromagnetic radiation through the first optical path, that is there is either (A) Double Positive or (C) First Positive/Second Negative.

A counter mechanism for the control system is to count activation of the piston <NUM> when there is electromagnetic radiation through the first optical path thus, under either condition (A) double positive or condition (C) First Positive/Second Negative. A second rule of operation is preferably is that after a maximum number of activations have been counted since the last resetting of the counter mechanism that operation of the pump is prevented. The maximum number of operations can be selected having regard to the volume of the fluid in any reservoir assembly which has been applied and the volume of dosage that is the amount of liquid which is to be dispensed by the piston <NUM> in a typical activation. If, for example, the reservoir assembly is a <NUM> litre and the dosage volume is <NUM> then a maximum number of activation could be selected to be, for example, <NUM> activations, however, preferably there will be some buffer for inaccuracy of strokes, for example, an additional <NUM> percent to <NUM> percent thus representing, for example, as a maximum being selected between preferably <NUM> and <NUM> activations.

The count preferably may be reset to zero at a time when in sequence the control system after sensing no radiation through the first optical path, that is either condition (B) double negative or condition (D) First Negative/Second Positive the senses (A) Double Positive. This is equivalent to a situation in which the reservoir assembly is removed such that (B) the Double Negative is sensed and then a new reservoir assembly with its fragile member <NUM> in tact is applied, in which case the reservoir assembly would be expected to have its reservoir is filled of fluid and it is reasonable to reset the counter to zero and permit in the normal course operation of the dispenser for dispensing of all of the fluid from the reservoir, stopping operation however preferably if more than a maximum activations have been carried out as reasonably necessary to empty the reservoir. Having the maximum number of activations used to stop operation when there has been a continuous double positive is not necessary but preferred.

From a condition in which the counter mechanism is counting, if the reservoir assembly is then removed, condition B a Double Negative would be sensed. If the same reservoir assembly is removed and then recoupled, such reservoir assembly will not have the frangible member <NUM> attached. On recoupling, there will be a sensing of condition C being First Positive and Second Negative. On such sensing, the control system will not restart the counter to zero but will continue with the same count. This permits a reservoir assembly which has been removed and recoupled to continue to be dispensed, however, only to the maximum number of activations. The same reservoir assembly may thus be removed and recoupled a number of times with a counter mechanism continuing to count and operation being permitted until such time as the maximum number of activations has arisen.

If after removal of a reservoir assembly, a reservoir assembly is coupled which does not include either the first optical path or the second optical path then the condition (B) the double negative arises and no dispensing is permitted. Similarly, if a reservoir assembly might be applied which provides condition (D) of a First Negative and a second positive, then no dispensing arises.

Whether or not the counter mechanism may be operative such that it will stop dispensing during the condition (A) of continuous Double Positive when a mechanism is reached arises, it is preferred that when condition (C) arises with First Positive and Second Negative that the counter mechanism stop dispensing when the maximum number of activations have been reached.

The counter mechanism may have a separate total count function which counts the number of activations of the piston irrespective of whether or not anyone of the conditions A, B, C. or D are present as, for example, to provide an indication of the life and overall usage of the dispenser. Of course, the counter mechanism and the maximum for each counter mechanism may be varied depending upon the volume of the reservoir, the nature of the fluid to be dispensed, the size and or stroke of the piston as would be appropriate. As well, the maximums of counter mechanism may be selected so as to ensure that all of the fluid is dispensed or to ensure that activations is stopped before all the fluid may be dispensed from the reservoir.

The present invention teaches the use of a dual key system in which two key systems are sensed to control operation of the dispenser. The preferred embodiments teach that both key systems are optical systems. However this is not necessary and the present invention includes a dual key system where one or both of the key systems are not optical but rather are another type of keying system. Such other types of key systems can include mechanical, magnetic, radio frequency, optical scanner, electrical and capacitor based systems including one or more of such key systems used in combination with each other and with optical key systems. For example, in the context of <FIG> and <FIG>, the elements indicated <NUM> and <NUM> can comprise merely a capacitor which senses the present or absence of the frangible element <NUM>. As another alternative, the frangible element <NUM> may carry a magnet such as in a form of a magnetic strip and the elements <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise a magnetic detector. The frangible element <NUM> might carry a machine readable optical representation such as a bar code or universal product code and the elements <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise an optical reader such as a bar code reader. The frangible element <NUM> may carry radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag or transponder, whether passive, active or semi-active to be sensed by the element <NUM> and <NUM> being a complimentary sensory.

Carrying a secondary keying system on the removable reservoir assembly for alteration of the secondary keying system on coupling or uncoupling of the removable reservoir assembly provides in the context of the operation described with reference to <FIG>, an improved control of the operation of a dispenser permitting as described above, amongst other things, the permitted coupling and recoupling of the same reservoir assembly to the dispenser for dispensing to a maximum number of actuations of the pump as described above. The use of such a frangible member whether optical, magnetic, a RFID tag or a bar code or otherwise could be used not only with the primary keying system disclosed in the present application as being optical but also with other keying systems such as that described in U. patent publication <CIT> , using an electric coil/capacitor type system. An optical key system is preferred as in the proposed preferred embodiments in that all of the components of the optical key system on the removable reservoir assembly may be conveniently made from plastic as by injection moulding.

As to the change of the characteristics of a waveguide on coupling of the removable reservoir assembly <NUM> to the dispenser, it is possible that selected frangible portions on the reservoir assembly <NUM> be removed on coupling or insertion rather than on removal. It is not necessary that the waveguide be changed by removal or severing of a frangible member. A portion of the removable reservoir assembly <NUM> which comprises a portion of the waveguide may be bended or deflected or otherwise manipulated in a manner so that they can come to be suitably positioned relative to a key emitter or a key sensor on coupling yet on removal or reinsertion would not adopt the same physical configuration.

It may be possible for unauthorized tampering of a device in accordance with the present invention as by the removal of the catch mechanism such as the catch members <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> to prevent the severance of frangible member <NUM> so that the reservoir assembly <NUM> could be reused. Alternatively, after severing of frangible member <NUM> from reservoir assembly <NUM>, efforts could be made to secure a frangible member in an appropriate location towards possibly having the wave path appear unchanged. Methods for overcoming such tampering include having a control mechanism count the number of activations to calculate when a reservoir assembly <NUM> may be considered to have its reservoir bottle empty and preventing operation after the reservoir bottle <NUM> is perceived to be empty as by not permitting use until the controller sees that there is a removal and replacement of the key member as in the sensing of the absence of a frangible member followed by the sensing of the presence of a frangible member. This arrangement may, for example, require the provision of additional key emitters, key sensors and members through which an optical path is sensed. The removal of the catch members <NUM> or <NUM> could be prevented by their physical location and/or by requiring some test by a control system to ensure that, in fact, the catch members may be intact.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the reservoir assembly <NUM> is removable as by moving vertically downward and then being slid rearwardly. It is to be appreciated that with various arrangements, the reservoir assembly <NUM> could be coupled to the remainder of the dispenser merely by moving vertically downwardly or merely sliding in one direction as, for example, horizontally or at an angle downwardly and rearwardly. Of course, in the preferred embodiments shown, the vertical opening through the support plate <NUM> is to be sized to permit the lower end of the reservoir assembly <NUM> including the key collar <NUM> to be moved downwardly therethrough before being slid rearwardly.

In the preferred embodiments illustrated, the optical sensor or emitters are shown as substantially in contact with the waveguide through which electromagnetic radiation is to be transferred. This is preferred but not necessary as light will transfer through air and can assist in the relative location of the various sensors and emitters and the entrances and exits of the waveguides.

Claim 1:
A method of controlling operation of a dispensing mechanism (<NUM>) for dispensing a material, the mechanism having a removable component (<NUM>) removably coupled thereto selected from one or more of a reservoir containing the material to be dispensed and an element of a pump mechanism (<NUM>) required for dispensing the material to be dispensed, wherein a plurality of waveguides (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) are carried on the removable component (<NUM>), each waveguide (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) having an entrance and an outlet, comprising the steps of:
measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through two or more of said waveguides (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) carried on the removable component (<NUM>) by emitting electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation emitter, directing the electromagnetic radiation into the entrance of the two or more waveguides (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and sensing electromagnetic radiation exiting from the outlet of the two or more waveguides (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>),
permitting operation of the dispensing mechanism (<NUM>) only when measured electromagnetic radiation complies with one or more pre-selected output parameters,
preventing operation of the dispensing mechanism (<NUM>) when the measured electromagnetic radiation of a first of two of the waveguides (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) does not comply with the pre-selected output parameters and the measured electromagnetic radiation of a second of two of the waveguides (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) does not comply with the pre-selected output parameters.