Patent ID: 8700809

Claim:
A substance communicating device for use in conjunction with an appliance configured to perform a physical cycle of operation on an article using the substance communicating device, the appliance having a first substance service connector component and a first coupling component, the substance communicating device comprising: a main body; one of a substance consumer or a substance provider provided on the main body; a substance line having a first end coupled with the one of the substance consumer or the substance provider and a second end remote from the first end; a second substance service connector component provided on the main body and coupled with the second end of the substance line, the second substance service connector component being physically engageable with the first substance service connector component to form a substance pathway for the transfer of a substance between the first and second substance service connector components; a second coupling component provided on the main body and configured to engage the first coupling component when the first and second substance service connector components are engaged to selectively permit the transfer of the substance between the first and second substance service connector components; one of media, an interface for receiving media, or a media access component provided on the main body for providing information regarding the substance; and a communication interface provided on the main body for communicating the information to the appliance; wherein the information communicated by the substance communicating device to the appliance is used by the appliance to affect the physical cycle of operation; wherein the substance comprises a gas, liquid, or solid material.