MATERIAL CONSUMPTION INDICATOR AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a container and an indicator. The container includes a section for containing a consumable resource. The consumable resource includes one or more of a dissolvable solid and a miscible liquid. The indicator physically changes position with respect to the container to indicate the amount of consumption of the consumable resource when the container is in an environment that causes the consumable resource to be consumed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/400,741, entitled “Chemical Dispensing Systems”, filed Sep. 28, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility patent application for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

NOT APPLICABLE

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

NOT APPLICABLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to containers and more particularly to indicators that indicate when service to the container may be needed.

Description of Related Art

Containers have a plethora of uses, including storing and dispensing chemicals (e.g., solid, liquid, etc.) that are mildly to severely toxic to humans. For example, a container may be used as chemical dispensing system that houses chemical (e.g., chlorine tablets) for use in swimming pools. The chemical dispensing system includes openings so that when it is placed in a pool the chemical tablets are exposed to the water. When exposed, the chemical tablets interact with the water and slowly dissolve to better maintain desired chemical levels of the water. After a certain amount of exposure, such chemicals need to be replaced to keep the chemical levels of the water within a desired range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a container indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dispensing mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dispensing mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a container indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an adjustable indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a spring loaded mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a spring loaded mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a spring loaded mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container indicator and an electronic circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a schematic block diagram of an example of an electronic circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7C is a schematic block diagram of another example of an electronic circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes a section 12, an indicator 16, and a container top 18. The section 12 is an area, volume or space that allows container 10 to contain a consumable resource 14. The consumable resource is one or more of a dissolvable solid and a miscible liquid. The indicator 16 indicates the level (e.g., amount) of the consumable resource 14 present in the container 10. Thus, with use of indicators 16, the level of the consumable resource 14 within container 10 may be ascertained without direct contact with the container 10 contact (e.g., physical removal from the environment 20).

In an embodiment, the indicator 16 may include one or more identifiers (e.g., numbers, colors, levels (e.g., high, medium, low, etc.) and amounts (e.g., 1 tab, 2 tabs, etc.). For example, the indicator may include amount identifiers of full, half full and empty. As another example, the indicator may include number identifiers in a range of 1-10 (e.g., 1 being empty, 10 being full). As yet another example, the indicator may include color identifiers, with red representing empty, yellow representing half full and green representing full.

The environment 20 is any substance (e.g., liquid, air, etc.) that may benefit from dissemination of the consumable resource 14. For example, the environment 20 may be a swimming pool or spa and the consumable resource is chlorine tablets. As another example, the consumable resource may be a miscible liquid, the environment 20 may be air in a certain area (e.g., room, office, etc.) and the interaction of the air with the miscible liquid causes a humidity level to change. As yet another example, the environment 20 may be a mixture of solids and liquids in a water treatment tank.

The container top 18 may be a variety of sizes. For example, the container top 18 may be a circumference of the container 10. As another example, the container top 18 may be a diameter that is one half a diameter of the container 10. The container top 18 may also be mechanically coupled to the indicator 16 and/or may allow for the indicator 16 to pass through the container top 18. The container top 18 may further be or function as the indicator 16. In one example, the container top is geometrically situated (e.g., concaved, sloped, angled, etc.) and includes an insertion area 13, such that a consumable resource may be added (e.g., poured, placed, etc.) to the section, without removal of the container top 18. Note that the insertion area may be a variety of sizes to accommodate varying consumable resources. For example, the insertion area may include a cylindrical tube with a diameter of 0.5 inches. As another example, the insertion area may be a slot with an inverting flap that remains closed until sufficient pressure is provided and that functions to allow for insertion of a one inch chlorine tablet.

The container top 18 may further be configured to rotate within the container, such that the rotation allows the insertion area to be opened or closed. Further note the container top 18 may be manually rotated (e.g., by a user, robot, drone, etc.) or may be automatically (mechanically, electronically, etc.) rotated as the consumable resource is consumed, such that when the consumable resource is full, the insertion area is closed and when the consumable resource is below a threshold, the insertion area is opened. As one example, the section 12 may include a spring loaded mechanism 30 as illustrated in FIG. 9A. As the consumable resource 14 is consumed, the spring loaded mechanism 30 expands causing indicator 16 to increase in height with respect to the container. The indicator 16 may be mechanically coupled to the container top 18, such that at a point (e.g., half full, empty, etc.) the increase in height of the indicator causes the top 18 to rotate, which causes the insertion area to open.

In this embodiment, at time t1, a first amount of the consumable resource 14 is present within the section 12 of the container 10. At a second time t2, a second amount of the consumable resource is present within the section 12 of the container 10. For example, at time t1 the container 10 contains 4 full chlorine tablets and at time t2, the container 10 contains four ¾ full chlorine tablets. As a result of a reduction of chlorine tablets, the indicator 16 drops in height above the container from time t1 to time t2, which indicates the reduction in the amount of the chlorine tablets.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes section 12 and an indicator 16. The section 12 includes an outer housing 21 and a separate housing 22 for containing the consumable resource 14. The outer housing 21 is of a first material and the separate housing is of the first material and/or of a second material. For example, each of the first and second materials is one or more of a molded plastic, a molded carbon fiber, a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), rubber, carbon fiber, cork, etc.

The separate housing 22 includes the indicator 16 such that when the separate housing 22 changes position with respect to the outer housing 21, the indicator 16 changes position. In one embodiment, the separate housing 22 functions as the indicator 16. Note that the separate housing 22 is contained within the in the outer housing 21 and is free to move vertically. As such, when the consumable resource is consumed, the separate housing 22 moves within the outer housing 21, causing the indicator 16 to be more or less visible, which indicates a level of consumption.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of embodiments of a container 10 that includes section 12 and a dispensing mechanism 24. The dispensing mechanism 24 allows the consumable resource 14 to interact with the environment 20. The dispensing mechanism 24 may be one or more of an opening (e.g., slit, tube) and a membrane (e.g., synthetic, ceramic, polymeric, etc.). For example, the dispensing mechanism 24 may be a membrane such that the consumable resource 14 is dispensed at a fixed rate. As another example, the dispensing mechanism 24 may be a membrane such that the consumable resource 14 is dispensed at a variable rate that decreases as a dispensing factor (e.g., pressure, temperature, etc.) decreases. As yet another example and as shown in FIG. 3B, the dispensing mechanism 24 is an opening slit that allows the environment 20 to interact with the consumable resource 14. In an embodiment, a dispensing mechanism allows an environment (e.g., water) to interact with a consumable resource (e.g., bromine tablet, acid, etc.), which causes consumption of the consumable resource. The consumption of the consumable resource creates a desired mixture level between the consumable resource and a liquid (e.g., the environment) to be within a desired mixture range.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes a section 12 and an indicator 16. The section includes a separate housing 22 that contains consumable resource 14. The section 12 also includes a buoyant material 28 that is coupled to at least one of the separate housing 22 and the indicator 16. Note that at least some of one or both of the separate housing 22 and the indicator 16 may be the buoyant material 28. For example, in one embodiment the separate housing 22 is comprised of the buoyant material 28. The buoyant material 28 functions to cause a physical change of the indicator 16 with respect to the container 10 as the consumable resource 14 is consumed. In this embodiment, at a first time t1, the container contains four full chlorine tablets and the buoyant material 28 causes the top of the indicator 16 to be a first distance d1 from the top of the container 10. At time t2, the container contains four ½ full chlorine tablets and the buoyant material 28 causes the top of the indicator 16 to be a second distance d2 (e.g., greater than the first, less than the first, etc.) from the top of the container 10.

FIGS. 4B-C are cross-sectional views of embodiments of a container 10 that includes a separate housing 22. In one embodiment, the separate housing 22 includes filler notches 46 which function to keep filler 35 in place. In another embodiment, the filler is placed in the container without filler notches 46. Filler 35 may be made from a variety of materials. These materials include one or more of, but is not limited to, a plastic, a metal, a foam and a rubber. For example, the filler 35 may be a buoyant material comprised of Expanded Polystyrene Styrofoam (EPS). As another example, the filler may be a copper disk. The filler 35 functions to allow the same container 10 to operate in different environments 20 or with different consumable resources 14, while keeping the indicators 16 functioning appropriate for its use. As an example, at a first time, the container is used in a 12,000 gallon pool. It is desired that the container hold 4 chlorine tablets to maintain a recommended ratio of 1-3 ppm chlorine. In another example, the container 10 is used in a 400 gallon Jacuzzi and it is desired that the container hold 3 bromine tablets to maintain a recommend ratio of 3-5 ppm bromine. Thus, after the first time and before the second time, additional fillers 35 may be added such that the indicators that accurately indicate a respective amount of the chlorine during the first time also accurately indicate a respective amount of bromine during both the first and second times. This allows the same indicator to be used for various applications while accurately indicating an amount of the consumable resource present within the container.

FIG. 4D is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes a separate housing 22 and an adjustable indicator 48. The separate housing 22 functions to contain a consumable resource and also to cause the adjustable indicator 48 to physically change position in relation to the container 10. The adjustable indicator may be mechanically coupled to the separate housing 22. Note the separate housing may also function as the adjustable indicator 48. The adjustable indicator may be adjusted (e.g., shortened, lengthened, etc.) so that the container may contain varying levels of one or more consumable resources and the adjustable indicator will accurately indicate the amount of the one or more consumable resources present within the container 10.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 in an environment 20 that includes an indicator 16, a container top 18, a spring loaded mechanism 30, and a separate housing 22 for containing a consumable resource 14. The spring loaded mechanism 30 functions to expand as the consumable resource is consumed. As the spring loaded mechanism 30 expands, the indicator 16 changes position with respect to a top portion of the container 10. For example, at time t1, the separate housing 22 contains a first amount of the consumable resource 14 causing the spring loaded mechanism 30 to be at a first expansion, the first expansion causing indicator 16 to be at a first height d1. At time t2 the separate housing 22 contains a second amount of the consumable resource 14 causing the spring loaded mechanism 30 to be at a second expansion, the second expansion causing indicator 16 to be at a second height d2. The change in height of the indicator 16 from d1 to d2 indicates a change in the amount of the consumable resource 14 that is present within container 10.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross sectional views of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes an indicator 16, a container top 18, a spring loaded mechanism 30, and a separate housing 22 for containing a consumable resource 14. In one embodiment, the spring loaded mechanism is below one or more of the separate housing 22 and the consumable resource 14. The spring loaded mechanism 30 exerts an upward force on one or more of the consumable resource 14 and the separate housing 14. Thus, as the consumable resource 14 is consumed, the spring loaded mechanism 30 expands and causes the indicator 16 to increase in height with respect to the container 10. The increase in height of the indicator 16 indicates a remaining level of the consumable resource 14.

FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 in an environment 20 that includes a separate housing 22, an indicator 16, a section 12 for containing a consumable resource 14, and an electronic circuit 50. The electronic circuit 50 functions to determine a position of one or more of the container 10, the separate housing 22, and the indicator 16. The electronic circuit monitors various conditions of the environment 20 and consumable resource 14, ensures the consumable resource is being disseminated as desired (e.g., as programmed in memory 58) and sends an alert message. For example, the electronic circuit monitors a temperature and chlorine level of water in a swimming pool. As another example, the electronic circuit determines an amount of the consumable resource is below a threshold level and sends a user (e.g., a computing device, a refill drone, etc.) a message indicating the consumable resource is below the threshold level. As another example, the electronic circuit determines the consumable resource consumption rate is above a rate threshold.

FIGS. 7B and 7C are a schematic block diagrams of the electronic circuit 50. In the embodiment of FIG. 7B, the electronic circuit 50 includes a processing module 52, transceiver 54 one or more sensors 56, and a memory 58. In the embodiment of FIG. 7C, the electronic circuit 50 includes a processing module 52, transceiver 54 one or more environment sensors 55, one or more indicator sensors and a memory 58.

The one or more sensors 56 determine a value of a physical position of the indicator with respect to the container to determine the amount of the consumable resource 14 present in the container 10. The processing module 52 receives the value representative of the amount and may store the value in memory 58 and/or may send to the value to the transceiver 54 along with a command message to send the value to a computing device.

The one or more environmental sensors 55 may detect one or more conditions of the environment 20. The conditions include one or more of a temperature, a humidity level, a chlorine level, a bromine level, a total alkalinity level, a pH level, a water hardness level, and cyanuric acid level.

The electronic circuit 50 also includes an ambient light sensor that functions to detect a change from a first ambient light condition to a second ambient light condition. For example, the ambient light sensor detects a change from light to dark. The electronic circuit may then convert the detection in a signal that is sent as a Bluetooth signal by transceiver 54 to a computing device. Note the transceiver 54 may be implemented by a receiver and transmitter that do not share common circuitry. As a specific example, a light receiving diode is positioned on indicator. When the position of the light receiving diode on the indicator is still within the container, it will produce a first electronic signal indicating the first ambient light condition (e.g., dark since it is still within the container). When the position of the light receiving diode on the indicator is outside of the container, it will produce a second electronic signal indicating the second ambient light condition (e.g., light since it is outside of the container).

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 80 for use in a pool of water 84 (e.g., pool, spa, etc.) that includes the section 12 for containing chemical tablets 82 (e.g., chlorine, bromine, etc.) and a fill level indicator 86. The buoyant chemical dispenser 80 also includes the dispensing mechanism 24, which allows the pool of water 84 to interact with the chemical tablets 82. The interaction between the chemical tablets 82 and the pool of water 84 causes a reduction of the chemical tablets 82 within the buoyant chemical dispenser 80. The reduction of the chemical tablets 82 causes (e.g., due to a buoyant material 28, a spring loaded mechanism 30, a reduction of pressure, etc.) the fill level indicator 86 to change a physical position with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser 80. The change in position of the fill level indicator 86 with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser 80 indicates a change in the amount of the chemical tablets within the buoyant chemical dispenser 80.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross sectional views of embodiments of a buoyant chemical dispenser 80 for use in a pool of water 84 (e.g., pool, spa, etc.) that includes the section 12 for containing chemical tablets 82 (e.g., chlorine, bromine, etc.), an electronic circuit 50, a fill level indicator 86, a container top 90, and one or more sensors 95. A sensor of the one or more sensors 95 may be one or more of, but not limited to, a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag, and may include a metal with conductive or magnetic properties. The electronic circuit determines an amount of chemical tablets by interacting with a sensor of the one or more sensors 95 to determine a physical position of the fill level indicator 86. The electronic circuit 50 may be placed in any location throughout a container 10 (e.g., the buoyant chemical dispenser 80). For example, the electronic circuit 50 is placed in an area of the container 10 such that an environment sensor 55 of the electronic circuit 50 is able to sense information (e.g., chlorine levels, temperature, etc.) of the environment 20. As another example, a plurality of electronic circuits 50 are placed in a plurality of areas (e.g., the bottom, the top) of the container 10 such that a sensor 56 of the electronic circuit 50 is able to sense respective forces to calculate a buoyancy of the container 10.

FIG. 10 is a side view a chemical dispensing system that includes a chemical dispenser 100, a scoop 102 which functions as an indicator and a lid, and chemical distribution ports 104. The scoop 102 may be chemical resistant and is positioned as a lid to keep the chemicals contained within the dispenser. The chemical distribution ports 104 all for an interaction between consumable resources located within the chemical dispenser 100 and the environment of chemical dispenser 100.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser 100 that includes an internal chamber 112 and a scoop 102. The scoop 102 functions as an indicator and a lid. The internal chamber 112 stores chemical tablets 110.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser that is full of chemical tables 110. The chemical dispenser includes an internal chamber 112, and a removable scoop 102 for obtaining a chemical tablet 110 without direct contact to a user's skin.

FIG. 13 is a cross section view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser that is empty or nearly empty. The chemical dispensing system includes a removable scoop 102 that is used to place a chemical tablet 110, granulated and/or any other forms of chemicals into the inner chamber of the chemical dispenser while protecting the user's skin from direct contact.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross sectional views of a chemical dispenser 100 that includes a scoop 102 that also functions as an indicator 102 and a lid 102, and a buoyant platform 140. The buoyant platform 140 causes the indicator 102 to rise in height due to a reduction in mass of chemicals occurring from an interaction of the chemicals within the chemical dispenser 100 with a surrounding environment. As an example, chemical dispenser 100 is used in a pool of water and is full of chemicals (e.g., chlorine tablets). At a first time, a first amount of the chemicals within chemical dispenser 100 displace a first amount of water, causing the buoyant platform 140 to have a first buoyancy. At a second time, a second amount of the chemicals (e.g., when chemical dispenser 100 is in a near empty condition) within chemical dispenser 100 displace a second amount of water, causing the buoyant platform 140 to have a second buoyancy. Note a first buoyant platform 140 may be used with chemicals of a first mass and a second buoyant platform 140 may be used for chemicals of a second mass.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are vertical cross sections of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes buoyant platform 140 coupled to fill level indicators 162. Chemical tablets 110 inside of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 are atop of the buoyant platform 140 of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160. The fill level indicators 162 may function as a housing for the chemical tablets 110. In an example, at a first time, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a first amount of the chemical tablets 110 are present within buoyant chemical dispenser 160. The first amount of the chemical tablets 110 displace a first amount of water, causing the buoyant platform 140 to have a first buoyancy. At a second time, as illustrated in FIG. 17, a second amount of the chemical tablets 110 are present within buoyant chemical dispenser 160. The second amount of the chemical tablets 110 displace a second amount of water, causing the buoyant platform 140 to have a second buoyancy. For example, from the first time to the second time, the buoyant platform 140 increases in height with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser 160. The increase in height of the buoyant platform 140 causes an increase in height of fill level indicators 162, which indicate an amount of the presence, or lack thereof, of chemical tablets 110 within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160. Note a first buoyant platform 140 may be used with chemicals of a first mass and a second buoyant platform 140 may be used for chemicals of a second mass.

FIGS. 18-20 are side views of an embodiment of buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes fill level indicators 162. In this example, consumable resources within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 deplete over time. As a result of the consumable resources depleting, the fill level indicators increase in height with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser 160. The change in height of the fill level indicators 162 indicate an amount of the consumable resources present within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 is full of the consumable resources which causes the fill level indicators 162 to be at a first height above the top of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160. As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 is around half full of the consumable resources which causes the fill level indicators 162 to be at a second height above the top of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160. As yet another example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 is full of the consumable resources which causes the fill level indicators 162 to be at a third height above the top of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are cross sectional views of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes a storage chamber 222. The storage chamber 222 houses forceps 220. The forceps 220 may also function as an indicator 220 that indicates an amount of a consumable resource present within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes a storage chamber 222 for housing forceps 220 and a lid 230. The forceps 220 allow for grasping chemical tablet 110 and placing chemical tablet 110 within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 without direct skin contact with the chemical tablet 110.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are cross sectional views of an embodiment of chemical dispensing system that includes forceps 220, and a buoyant platform 140. The buoyant platform 140 is positioned below both of chemical tablets 110 and forceps 220. As the chemical tablets deplete (e.g., due to an interaction of the chemical tablets 110 with water in a pool), a buoyancy force acting on the buoyant platform changes (e.g., decreases), causing the buoyant platform to rise. The rise in the buoyant platform causes a corresponding rise in the indicator (e.g., forceps 220) which indicates the amount of the chemical tablets present within the chemical dispensing system.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are cross sectional views of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes buoyant platform 140. The buoyant platform 140 is coupled to the fill level indicators 162 and a housing inside an internal chamber. The housing holds chemical tablets 110. In one embodiment, the fill level indicators 162 function as the housing. The fill level indicators 162 include pivot points 260. Chemical tablets 110 sit atop the buoyant platform 140. The buoyancy of the buoyant platform 260 is related to the amount of chemical tablets 110 present atop of the buoyant platform. As a mass of the chemical tablets decrease, a corresponding buoyancy of the buoyant platform increases cause the fill level indicators to increase in height above a top portion of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160.

FIGS. 28, 29 and 30 are side views of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes fill level indicators 162 that include pivot points 260. When the fill level indicators 162 rise above a threshold point (e.g., the top of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160), the pivot points 260 allow at least a portion of the fill level indicators 162 to rotate at pivot points 260. The rotated portions of the fill level indicators indicate that chemical tablets within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 have been or soon will be fully depleted.

It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream, stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been used interchangeably to describe digital information whose content corresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video, speech, audio, etc. any of which may generally be referred to as ‘data’).

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processing circuit”, “processor”, and/or “processing unit” may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be, or further include, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network). Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memory element may store, and the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memory device or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, the term “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupled to” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As may be used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to provide the desired relationship.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or more aspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or more examples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of the one or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, other combinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. The present disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosed herein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprises:

a container that includes a section for containing a consumable resource, wherein the consumable resource includes one or more of a dissolvable solid, and a miscible liquid; and

an indicator that physically changes position with respect to the container to indicate consumption of the consumable resource when the container is in an environment that causes the consumable resource to be consumed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the section comprises:

a separate housing for containing the consumable resource, wherein the separate housing is mechanically coupled to the indicator, and wherein the separate housing changes position with respect to the container as the consumable resource is consumed.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container comprises:

a dispensing mechanism that allows the environment to interact with the consumable resource, wherein the interaction of the consumable resource and the environment causes consumption of the consumable resource.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container comprises:

a dispensing mechanism that allows the environment to interact with the consumable resource, wherein the interaction of the consumable resource and the environment causes consumption of the consumable resource, wherein the consumption of the consumable resource creates a desired mixture level between the consumable resource and a liquid to be within a desired mixture range, and wherein the liquid is the environment.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a distance of at least a portion of the indicator with respect to the container is decreased as the consumable resource is consumed.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a distance of at least a portion of the indicator with respect to the container is increased as the consumable resource is consumed.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises:

a buoyant chemical dispenser that includes the section for containing the consumable resource, wherein the consumable resource is chemical tablets for use in a pool of water; and

a fill level indicator that physically changes position with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser to indicate consumption of the chemical tablets when the buoyant chemical dispenser is in the pool, wherein an interaction between the water and the chemical tablets causes the chemical tablets to be consumed.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the section comprises one or more of:

a buoyant platform and a spring loaded mechanism.

9. An apparatus comprises:

a container that includes a section for containing a consumable resource, wherein the consumable resource includes one or more of a dissolvable solid, and a miscible liquid; and

an indicator that physically changes position with respect to the container to indicate consumption of the consumable resource when the container is in an environment that causes the consumable resource to be consumed; and

an electronic circuit operable to generate a signal when the physically changed position of the indicator with respect to the container exceeds a threshold.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic circuit includes an ambient light sensor, wherein the ambient light sensor detects a change from a first ambient light condition to a second ambient light condition, and wherein the electronic circuit further includes circuitry that converts the detection of the change into the signal.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the circuitry further comprises:

a wireless transceiver to transmit the signal to an external computing device.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the ambient light sensor comprises a light emitting diode (LED).

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the section comprises:

a separate housing for containing the consumable resource, wherein the separate housing is mechanically coupled to the indicator, and wherein the separate housing changes position with respect to the container as the consumable resource is consumed.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprises:

a dispensing mechanism that allows the environment to interact with the consumable resource, wherein the interaction of the consumable resource and the environment causes consumption of the consumable resource, and wherein a level of the interaction is changed by changing a position of the dispensing mechanism.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the container comprises:

a dispensing mechanism that allows the environment to interact with the consumable resource, wherein the interaction of the consumable resource and the environment causes consumption of the consumable resource, wherein the consumption of the consumable resource causes certain properties of a liquid to be maintained, and wherein the liquid is the environment.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the container comprises:

a dispensing mechanism that allows the environment to interact with the consumable resource, wherein the interaction of the consumable resource and the environment causes consumption of the consumable resource, wherein the consumption of the consumable resource creates a desired mixture level between the consumable resource and a liquid to be within a desired mixture range, and wherein the liquid is the environment.

17. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a distance of at least a portion of the indicator with respect to the container is decreased as the consumable resource is consumed.

18. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a distance of at least a portion of the indicator with respect to the container is increased as the consumable resource is consumed.

19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus comprises:

a buoyant chemical dispenser that includes the section for containing the consumable resource, wherein the consumable resource is chemical tablets for use in a pool of water; and

a fill level indicator that physically changes position with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser to indicate consumption of the chemical tablets when the buoyant chemical dispenser is in the pool, wherein an interaction between the water and the chemical tablets causes the chemical tablets to be consumed.

20. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the section comprises one or more of:

a buoyant platform; and

a spring loaded mechanism.