Apparatus and method for recognizing couplings between two system components
Inventors
Vischer, Peter • Koch, Urs • Wäckerlin, Daniela
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9138516-B2
Publication Date
2015-09-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
In an apparatus for recognizing couplings between a first and a second component of a system, one of the two components is provided with an identification unit. A checking unit is operatively connected to the second component. The identification unit contains an item of information relating to the first component. The checking unit is designed for recognizing and processing this item of information. The checking unit moreover is designed such that, as a function of a result of the processing of the item of information, it allows or prevents coupling between the first and the second component. This apparatus enables a combined use of system components only in the case of an admissible coupling thereof.
Core Innovation
The invention recognizes whether couplings between a first component and a second component of a system can be interconnected. One of the components is provided with an identification unit that contains an item of information relating to the first component, and a checking unit operatively connected to the second component recognizes and processes the item of information.
As a function of a result of the processing of the item of information, the checking unit is operatively connected to a barrier. The barrier is controlled to allow or prevent an interconnection between the first and the second component. In addition, the checking unit can be connected to components of the second component for enabling or preventing operation depending on the processing result.
Example implementations described include contactless recognition using RFID and contactless data transmission. In one example, RFID-identified tubing is used together with an RFID-controlled switch to permit or disable a suction pump, and in other examples a mechanical barrier such as a protective or sealing plate or an eccentric wheel blocks insertion of a coupling connector unless an admissible coupling is recognized.
Claims Coverage
The document contains two independent claims. Across the independent claims, the inventive concept centers on identifying an item of information associated with a first component, processing it in a checking unit, and using the processing result to control a barrier that allows or prevents interconnection, with further claim refinements controlling operation of a suction pump.
Identification unit and checking unit for item of information processing
One of the two components is provided with an identification unit containing an item of information relating to the first component, and a checking unit operatively connected to the second component recognizes and processes the item of information.
Barrier-controlled allow or prevent of interconnection
As a function of a result of the processing of the item of information, the checking unit is operatively connected to a barrier that allows or prevents an interconnection between the first and the second component.
Checking unit effect on second component coupling via barrier
A checking unit recognizes and processes the item of information and exerts an effect on the second component, wherein as a function of a result of the processing, the checking unit is operatively connected to a barrier that allows or prevents an interconnection between the first and the second component.
The claim coverage focuses on a recognition-and-control arrangement where an item of information stored in an identification unit for the first component is processed by a checking unit connected to the second component, and a barrier controlled based on the processing result allows or prevents interconnection between coupling parts.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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