Abstract: A system and method for waking up a vehicle controller during a hydrogen gas refueling process for a high pressure hydrogen storage tank on a fuel cell vehicle. The system includes a first temperature switch mounted to the high pressure tank and enclosed within an insulation housing for monitoring the temperature within the tank and a second temperature switch for monitoring the temperature of the hydrogen gas at the refuel receptacle, where the second temperature switch is also enclosed within an insulation housing. If the temperature within the tank increases above a predetermined temperature, the first switch will close, and if the temperature at the refueling receptacle falls below a predetermined temperature, then the second switch will close, which causes a wake up signal to be provided to the controller to allow the controller to monitor the temperature of the tank.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprising a dispensing port for dispensing a beverage, a drip tray located below the dispensing port for collecting the beverage dispensed and an antenna located between the dispensing port and the drip tray is provided. The beverage dispensing system is RFID-enabled by configuring the antenna to receive signals from radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

Abstract: A process for dispensing a beverage into a cup comprising the steps of : providing a dispensing structure; providing a transportation mechanism linked with the dispensing structure; providing a staging structure linked with the transportation structure; providing a control system linked with the dispensing structure, staging structure and the transportation mechanism; providing a sensor mechanism linked with the control system, the sensor mechanism providing signals indicating the position of a cup; providing a cup identification system having an interactive display connected to the control system; picking a cup from a storage device and positioning it within a dispensing structure; dispensing ice and a beverage at separate locations within the dispensing structure; transporting the filled beverage to a staging structure; positioning the filled cup in the staging structure; removing the filled cup from the staging structure for sale to a customer wherein the cup identification system and the display outputs v

Abstract: Blister packs each having a plurality of pockets with individualized assortments of small objects are filled by fitting to each of a plurality of shuttles a respective such blister pack and circulating the shuttles around an annular track through a plurality of filling machines. Each machine has a plurality of supplies each holding a bulk quantity of small objects of a respective type, respective feeders each receiving the objects of a respective supply and advancing same one at a time to a respective picking location, and respective pickers. A memory of each shuttle is programmed with data regarding the intended contents of the pockets of the respective blister pack, and in each of the machines, the memories of the shuttles are read as they pass through the respective filling machine. The respective pickers are operated to move small objects from the feeders to the pockets in accordance with the data for the respective blister pack.

Abstract: A removable brace wedges between a fuel nozzle activating lever and the nozzle handle finger guard. A static electricity sensing circuit has antennas on both protruding sides of the brace. Visual and audible warning signals activate when a user approaches the nozzle with an electrostatic charge in the user's body. Light emitting diodes in upwardly extending protruding side portions are highly visible. A piezo-electric sounding device gives a loud warning. A magnet enables the brace to be attached to a metal part of the vehicle, such as inside the fuel cover door, when not in use.

Abstract: A multi axis robot is mounted in a fuel transfer housing. A programmable controller is connected to the robot. A control console receives instructions, from a vehicle operator who remains in an operator's station, and transmits instructions to the controller. Cameras locate the vehicle fueling port. A tube is extended from the transfer housing toward the fueling port. The port is opened by robot arm and tools extending through the tube. The cap is stored. A fuel discharge is connected to the port. A fuel pump is activated and then deactivated. The fuel discharge is removed from the port. The robot retrieves the fuel cap, closes the port and closes other port covers. The tube is retracted into the transfer housing. During fueling air and fuel vapors are sucked into the housing. Filters separate air. Captured fuel is returned to storage. The operator and vehicle separate from the fuel housing.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly refueling an aircraft includes an aircraft having a fuel tank, a control valve, a fuel sensor outputting a fuel signal indicative of the amount of fuel in the at least one fuel tank, and a controller controlling the control valve in response to the fuel signal, a refueling apparatus having a fuel supply, a pump and a controller in which is stored a fuel profile including fuel data indicative of the amount of fuel to be supplied to the at least one fuel tank, and wireless communication systems operably coupled to the controllers within the aircraft and refueling apparatus to control the operation of the control valve and the pump to fill the at least one fuel tank in accordance with the fuel profile and in response to the fuel signal.

Abstract: A puncturing device for pressurized containers comprises an elongated housing member defining an elongated cavity with openings at first and second ends thereof for receiving an inverted pressurized container at the first end, the housing member including a selective attachment member for securing the second end of the housing member to a collection receptacle. A non-sparking puncturing apparatus, with a lever having a built-in stop, is movably mounted on the housing member with a pivot-link-driven puncture pin extending through an intermediate aperture into the cavity for piercing a nozzle-end of the pressurized container below an internal shoulder thereof with a seal. A counter records each action of the puncture pin. Gases and residual contents are released into the receptacle through the opening in the second end. An auxiliary support member is rotatably mounted on the housing member for stabilizing relative movement between the housing member and the receptacle.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for filling a vessel with compressed gas is disclosed. Gas is compressed into the vessel at a predetermined flow rate using a variable speed pump or compressor. The flow rate is adjusted to increase the gas pressure at a predetermined rate of change. The flow rate is adjusted based upon the instantaneous value of a measured parameter such as gas temperature or pressure or ambient temperature. The parameter is measured by a transducer and the value is fed back to a controller which adjusts the speed of the compressor or pump to produce the flow rate needed to achieve the predetermined pressure rate of change.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are directed to monitoring a ground connection at a fueling facility. The system being configured to perform the method that includes measuring a vehicle ground quality. The method also includes determining a dispenser ground quality, evaluating the vehicle ground quality based on the dispenser ground quality and a threshold value, and controlling the dispensing of fuel based on the evaluation.

Abstract: A fuel system is disclosed for a floating unit, including a fuel passage extending from a filler neck to a motor, a measuring unit disposed in the fuel passage through which at least part of the fuel flowing along the fuel passage flows, for measuring a sulfur content of the fuel through the measuring unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are antenna assemblies suitable for establishing wireless communication with entities that have variable or indeterminate antenna orientation, especially entities having a limited power supply, the antenna assemblies comprising two linearly polarized reception antennae (18, 20) positioned so that the orientation of the antennae define a plane. Disclosed are also service station provided with such an antenna assembly. Disclosed are also methods of establishing wireless communication in a service station between a service station controller and entities that have variable or indeterminate antenna orientation, especially entities having a limited power supply.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a fuel gas station, a fuel gas filling system, and a fuel gas filling method which can check whether information on temperature of the inside of a fuel tank is correct, so that a fuel tank is properly filled. The fuel gas station calculates a difference of temperature between a temperature of the inside of the fuel tank and a temperature of fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel tank after supplying of fuel gas for a predetermined length of time. When the calculated difference of temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the fuel gas station determines that the information on temperature of the inside of the fuel tank is abnormal, and reduces at least one of supply flow and supply quantity of fuel gas as compared to when such information is normal.

Abstract: A system and method for short-range ultrasonic detecting of a target is proposed herein to be used for example in a liquid-dispensing system such as those provided in home refrigerators. The system comprises a sensor assembly including a transmitter and a receiver positioned side by side so as to yield respective transmitting and receiving beams which overlap to define an asymmetrical shaped detection area, a controller coupled to both the transmitter and receiver to activate the transmitter and for receiving echoes indicative of the target from the receiver and to the dispensing system for opening a valve of the dispensing system when a target is detected. Noises and false alarm rate minimization methods are implemented, including variable relevance zones and requiring a void of signal before excitation.

Abstract: Device for dispensing a liquid under pressure where said device comprises connection means for connecting said device to the source of liquid, and where the device in the opposite end of the connection means has an outlet body which outlet body may be brought into a closed position where no liquid is dispensed, and an open position where liquid is dispensed, which outlet body incorporates a separate valve body cooperating with a valve seat, where said valve body has a head portion and a stem portion, where said stem portion in the closed position extends out of an opening in said outlet body, and where a lower surface of said head portion in the closed position is in contact with said valve seat and in said open position is out of contact with said valve seat.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a multifunction transfer device, which can have: an open-ended conical portion having a larger diameter at a top open-end than at a bottom open-end; a release coupled to the bottom open-end of the conical portion and configured to move from a closed position to an open position; a rest integrated to a bottom of the release and configured to hold the device above a liquid container; and an open-ended chute coupled to the release below the rest and configured for fluid communication with the conical portion. In one embodiment, the multifunction transfer device can include at least one graduation configured to indicate a measurement of the material contained in a volume within the conical portion.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a digital image capture device focused on a dispenser well for capturing images of containers in the dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images of containers captured by the digital image capture device to determine physical parameters of each container placed in the dispensing well. An actual dispensing operation is automatically regulated based on characteristics of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.

Abstract: A method and structure are described for preventing the accidental introduction of gasoline into the fuel system of a diesel-powered vehicle. In a first preferred embodiment, a gasoline fuel nozzle is configured with a magnet, such as magnetic strips, and the entrance to a fill tube of a diesel-powered is configured with a magnetic field sensor ring. When an incorrect fueling operation, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel tank of the diesel-powered vehicle, is attempted the sensor ring alerts the operator visually and/or audibly before fueling starts, thereby preventing incorrect fueling. In alternative embodiments, sensing of an attempted incorrect fueling operation may require only the sensor ring.

Abstract: A select-fill dispensing system and method for a dispenser assembly utilizes a camera to sense a desired fill level based on the location of a user's finger with respect to a container. In use, a consumer places his or her finger along a container to indicate the desired fill level of the container. Image data from the camera is transmitted to a controller and processed for distortion correction, edge based image segmentation and morphological operations are carried out to remove background noise. The processed image data is utilized to detect the presence of the container, as well as the shape of the container, the position of the container opening, and the top and bottom points of the container. The controller provides a means for controlling the dispensing operation, including a fill rate, based on the desired fill level and the shape of the container.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a fuel tank into which gas is filled from a gas station that has a receiver; a transmitter; and a control device connected to the transmitter. The control device changes a transmission cycle of a signal transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver during the gas filling from the gas station into the fuel tank, according to a state quantity regarding an interior of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A system for managing liquid supply suitable for a process equipment with a liquid tank is disclosed. The system includes a host, a data-reading tool, a system controller and a tank-locking device. The host stores a built-in liquid database. The data-reading tool used for reading data related to the liquid tank is electrically connected to the host. The host receives the data related to the liquid tank from the data-reading tool, and the received data mapped with the liquid database. The system controller drives the tank-locking device according to the signal from the host to whether or not allow replacement of the liquid tank.

Abstract: Method for dispensing a gas comprising (a) providing a gas storage system containing pressurized gas and having at least first and second gas storage volumes, first and second flow control valves in flow communication with the first and second gas storage volumes, respectively, wherein each flow control valve is initially closed, and wherein the first gas storage volume has a smaller volumetric capacity than the second gas storage volume; (b) selecting a reference temperature; (c) measuring the ambient temperature; (d) providing a gas receiving vessel and placing it in flow communication with each flow control valve and with the gas storage system; and (e) initiating delivery of the gas by (i) opening the first flow control valve when the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature or (ii) opening the second flow control valve when the ambient temperature is less than the reference temperature.

Abstract: A method for automatically inspecting a beverage processing plant including determining at least one measured quantity of a liquid medium by at least one sensor, where the liquid medium is produced, used and/or treated in at least one treatment device of the beverage processing plant, and where the determination is carried out after the production, use and/or treatment of the liquid medium, comparing the determined measured quantity with a predetermined set value for the measured quantity, and, if a deviation of the determined measured quantity from the predetermined set value is detected, determining a cause for the deviation and/or a source of the deviation on the basis of the value of the deviation and/or on the basis of the determined measured quantity.

Abstract: A collapsible container is made with a pair of upper and lower bellows sections connected by a rigid section with inwardly tapering ends, such that the container can be collapsed with the rigid section and the bellows sections overlapping. The collapsible container may be provided with an identifier such as an RFID tag which cooperates with a vending machine with a detector such as an RFID reader so as to dispense liquid into the container.

Abstract: A method and system for dispensing fuel to a vehicle includes a sensor generating a fuel identifier signal associated with the vehicle and a fuel dispenser having a fuel type a fuel type selector generating a fuel type selector signal. The system also includes a control module in communication with the sensor and the fuel dispenser. The control module compares the fuel identifier with fuel type. When the fuel type corresponds to the fuel identifier, the control module enables a dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser. When the fuel type does not correspond to the fuel identifier, the control module prevents the dispensing of fuel.

Abstract: A chemical dispenser reads RFID tags on both chemical source and diluted chemical mixture containers. A dispensing button shifts and electric controller from low to high power state for such reading and initiation of dispensing when data read from such tags is determined compatible. A battery powers the controllers in both power states. A selector valve for selecting a chemical concentrate at one of several source stations also provides selected station information to the controller. A controller learn mode stores data from RFID tags on the concentrated chemical containers, with the controllers initiated in a high power state in response to entering the learn mode. An alternate embodiment substitutes an alternative receiving container such as a mop bucket, and a dispensing nozzle is provided with an RFID reader for reading an RFID tag on the alternative container. Methods are provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gas charging apparatus including a gas supply source 10; a fuel gas charging line L connected to the gas supply source 10, to charge a fuel gas into gas tanks, respectively; a temperature information acquiring section 48 which acquires temperature information in the gas tanks; a pressure information acquiring section 49 which acquires pressure information in the gas tanks; a relation data acquiring section 47 which acquires correspondence relation data indicating a correspondence relation between a temperature and a pressure in the corresponding gas tank, in a case where a beforehand acquired state of charge of the gas tank becomes a target state of charge; a temperature difference calculating section 52 which calculates, in accordance with the temperature information, a temperature difference between the gas tank having the highest internal temperature and the gas tank having the lowest internal temperature among the plurality of gas tanks; and a control section 55 which performs control

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprising a dispensing port for dispensing a beverage, a drip tray located below the dispensing port for collecting the beverage dispensed and an antenna located between the dispensing port and the drip tray is provided. The beverage dispensing system is RFID-enabled by configuring the antenna to receive signals from radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

Abstract: Near field communications devices provide wireless connectivity between vehicles and fueling stations by which vehicle fuel-related information can be exchanged. The exchanged information can include the type of fuel required by the vehicle and thus reduce the likelihood of an improper fuel being introduced to the vehicle. Vehicle fuel related information also includes an amount of fuel required to fill the vehicle's fuel reservoir, an amount of fuel required for the vehicle to travel to a particular location or distance, an amount of fuel received during previous refueling sessions, the identity of the vehicle, and vehicle operator fueling preferences. It can also include the location of the vehicle relative to a fueling station or fuel pump.

Abstract: A fueling nozzle for dispensing a gaseous fuel to a vehicle includes a main body having a conduit formed therein and configured to permit the gaseous fuel to flow therethrough. The conduit terminates at a dispensing end of the main body. The dispensing end of the main body forms an interface with a fuel inlet of the vehicle during a fueling operation. The fueling nozzle further includes a sensor disposed at the dispensing end of the main body adjacent the conduit. The sensor is configured to detect a leakage of the gaseous fuel during the fueling operation.

Abstract: Automated system and techniques for controlling fluid transfers among medical containers such as syringes, vials and IV bag are disclosed. In one aspect, an automated method for substantially balancing a pressure within a medical container such as a vial with ambient pressure using a fluid transfer device such as a needled syringe is disclosed. In another aspect, an automated method for substantially removing a volume of air from a medical container such as an IV bag using a fast pull technique is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for dispensing beverages. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises: at least one cup, the cup having a first indicia for denoting a first volume and a second indicia for denoting a second volume; a dispenser, the dispenser having a first fountain and a second fountain; an instruction, the instruction providing a first drink recipe for mixing a first beverage with a second beverage; wherein the first fountain dispenses the first beverage; wherein the second fountain dispenses the second beverage; and wherein a user fills the at least one cup with a first beverage to about the first indicia and a second beverage to about the second indicia.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a structure for a portable tire inflator that includes a triangular housing comprising a triangular face, a triangular back, two sides extending between the triangular face and the triangular back on first and second sides of the triangular face and back, and a support base on a third side of the triangular face and back extending between the triangular face and the triangular back, a pump motor within the housing. The inflator may be configured such that a majority of the total weight of the portable tire inflator is positioned between the middle of the triangular face and the base. The tire inflator may also include a reflective border on at least two of three edges of the triangular face and an air pressure indicator responsive to air pressure within the air hose, the air pressure indicator visible on an external surface of the housing.

Abstract: A system for disabling a vehicle carrying a storage tank includes a coupler component supported by the vehicle for receiving a connection from a delivery line. A cap is attachable to an end of the coupler component for preventing connection of the delivery line when the cap is attached. A proximity sensor is disposed outside of the coupler component and senses whether the cap is attached without making contact with the cap. A switch is in electrically connected to the sensor and disables at least one drive element of the vehicle, e.g., the transmission, when the cap is not attached to the coupler component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a failure in a Stage II fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. An exemplary failure is a restriction in the vapor recovery system. In one detection system dispensing points may be flagged if it is determined that there has been a series of detected A/L ratios at the respective dispensing point below a first threshold. Further, an estimated ORVR penetration percentage may be determined for each dispensing point. In a second detection system an average A/L ratio for each dispensing point may be determined. The average A/L ratio may be an approximation of the average A/L ratio for non-ORVR transactions.

Abstract: Method for filling containers with liquids, wherein the containers are filled using a plurality of controllable filling elements and the liquid is fed to these filling elements starting from a reservoir, common to the filling elements, for storing the liquid, wherein during the filling the containers are transported at least in sections along a circular track and wherein the filling of the containers by at least one filling element is controlled as a function of at least one first parameter characteristic of the liquid in the reservoir and this parameter is determined repeatedly at given intervals of time during the filling operation.

Abstract: A method for filling a container (16) with a preparation consisting of a number of components, stored in a number of sub containers (1, 23), placed inside a housing (29). A robot, accommodated inside the housing (29), composes the preparation based upon a supplied prescription and places the sub containers (1,23) containing the components mentioned in the prescription one by one above the container (16) and makes flow out an amount of the respective component as specified by the prescription.

Abstract: Device for avoiding fluid delivery errors, comprising a primary coil (6), placed in a container (1) in the vicinity of a fluid delivery orifice (2) of the container, a control and measurement electric circuit (7) supplying power to the primary coil (6) to generate electromagnetic waves in the fluid delivery orifice (2), detector means (7, 8) sensitive to the waveform of the currents or voltages that appear in the primary coil (6) and that distinguish the presence and the type of fluid delivery nozzle (4) as a function of said waveform of the currents or voltages in the primary coil (6). Comparator means (11) determine if the measured oscillation frequency (fm) is different from a reference oscillation frequency (fr). If necessary, the user is warned, by alarm means (12), that he is about to fill his container (1) with the wrong type of fluid.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing system includes a frame, a stage coupled to the frame; at least one liquid crystal dispenser moveably coupled the frame over the stage, and at least one measurement member operatively coupled to the liquid crystal dispenser, wherein the at least measurement member detecting an amount of liquid crystal material dispensed from the at least one liquid crystal dispenser.

Abstract: A pharmacy workflow platform and prescription checking and medicament dispensing station and method comprising (a) script display means; (b) scanning means for providing script data and stock bottle label data in electronic format from the prescription and a stock bottle label; (c) CPU means comprising i) means for receiving and storing the script data and stock bottle data in electronic format; ii) means for transferring the script data to the script display means to effect display of the script; iii) means cooperable with medicament dispensing weighing and counting means; (d) medicament-dispensing weighing means in communication with the CPU means;; and (e) control means for controlling the CPU means. Medication is dispensed in a more safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: Method for dispensing a gas comprising (a) providing a gas storage system containing pressurized gas and having at least first and second gas storage volumes, first and second flow control valves in flow communication with the first and second gas storage volumes, respectively, wherein each flow control valve is initially closed, and wherein the first gas storage volume has a smaller volumetric capacity than the second gas storage volume; (b) selecting a reference temperature; (c) measuring the ambient temperature; (d) providing a gas receiving vessel and placing it in flow communication with each flow control valve and with the gas storage system; and (e) initiating delivery of the gas by (i) opening the first flow control valve when the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature or (ii) opening the second flow control valve when the ambient temperature is less than the reference temperature.

Abstract: Containers for packaging liquid or powder products are directed onto a carousel (1) presenting a support element (9) equipped with a number of peripheral stations (10), each accommodating a relative container (2), and set in rotation about a vertical axis (X) by a drive system (6) housed internally of floor-standing frame (5) on which the carousel (1) is mounted. The support element (9) presents substantially disc-like appearance and is hollow, composed of a top panel (11) and a bottom panel (12) distanced one from another in such a way as to create an annular chamber (13) between the two panels.

Abstract: An inspection machine for inspecting the volume of liquid contained by a bottle filed to its defined fill height. A head is lowered and has a sealing plate which seals the open finish of a bottle. A fill tube assembly is part of the head and continues to be lowered until a level sensor is located to sense liquid at a pre-fill level. High and low pressure water lines which are a part of the fill tube assembly are operated to fill the bottle to the pre-fill level. The sealing plate is released and then the process is repeated lowering the sensor to the post-fill level and operating only the low-pressure line to fill the bottle to the post-fill level. The total liquid filling the bottle is then computed.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprising a dispensing device including a dispensing valve for dispensing a beverage, an actuator for initiating the dispensing of said beverage through said valve, a display screen having a user interface being coupled to said dispensing device, wireless communication electronics coupled to said beverage dispensing system and adapted to communicate with a wireless transponder and a controller functionally connected to said at least one dispensing valve, said display screen and said wireless communication electronics.

Abstract: A system for managing liquid supply suitable for a process equipment with a liquid tank is disclosed. The system includes a host, a data-reading tool, a system controller and a tank-locking device. The host stores a built-in liquid database. The data-reading tool used for reading data related to the liquid tank is electrically connected to the host. The host receives the data related to the liquid tank from the data-reading tool, and the received data mapped with the liquid database. The system controller drives the tank-locking device according to the signal from the host to whether or not allow replacement of the liquid tank.

Abstract: A method for filling containers with multi-component flowable media may include filling a first component into the container to be filled by means of a first filling assembly, transporting the container filled with the first component of the liquid to a second filling assembly, and filling a second component of the liquid into the container to be filled with the first component by means of the second filling assembly. After filling the first component into the container, a filling quantity of the first component is determined.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for sensing a fuel level in a fuel tank for sensing an amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank mounted in a vehicle. The apparatus for sensing a fuel level according to the present invention senses a residual amount of fuel in a fuel tank by contacting a resistance substrate with a wiper, the apparatus including: a case that forms a sealable filling solution filling space and has a filling solution inlet formed on a top thereof; a stopper that blocks the filling solution inlet formed in the case to seal the filling solution filling space; and a filling solution that is filled in the filling solution filling space to perform an anti-rusting and lubricating function, wherein the resistance substrate and the wiper are disposed in the filling solution filling space.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system has a container with an upper lip, a bottom and a cylindrical sidewall. A read/write radio frequency identification tag is on a container. A beverage dispenser has a plurality of dispensing valves associated with a plurality of different beverages. Each valve has an actuator. A reader is operatively coupled with respect to the tag for communicating with the tag and for communicating with the actuator. An electronic system is operatively coupled to the tag and the actuators and the reader.

Abstract: The present invention includes wireless communication systems, interfacing devices, communication methods, methods of interfacing with an interrogator, and methods of operating an interrogator. According to one embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a remote communication device; an interrogator configured to output a forward link wireless communication and receive a reply link wireless communication from the remote communication device responsive to the forward link wireless communication; and an interface device configured to interface with the interrogator using a wireless medium, the interrogator being configured to be controlled by the interface device.