U.S. patent application number 10/634660 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for automatic sanitizer and deodorizer.
Invention is credited to Whiting, William Scott.
Application Number | 20050028254 10/634660 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34116081 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050028254 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Whiting, William Scott |
February 10, 2005 |
Automatic sanitizer and deodorizer
Abstract
An automated sanitizer is disclosed. The automated sanitizer
includes a case having an exterior portion, an inner chamber, and
at least one aperture, a sanitizer within the inner chamber of the
case for release into the air through the at least one aperture, a
generator disposed within the inner chamber of the case, for
generating the sanitizer, and a fan, disposed within the case
proximate to the at least one aperture, for dispersing the
sanitizer through the at least one aperture.
Inventors: |
Whiting, William Scott; (The
Woodlands, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel, LLP
One Penn Center
19th Floor
1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia
PA
19103-1895
US
|
Family ID: |
34116081 |
Appl. No.: |
10/634660 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/015 20130101;
E03D 9/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/213 |
International
Class: |
E03D 009/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An automated sanitizer, comprising: a generator for generating a
sanitizer; and a sensor, operatively connected to the generator to
activate and deactivate the generator.
2. The automated sanitizer of claim 1 further comprising a housing
having an interior and exterior portion and in which the generator
is disposed within the interior of the housing;
3. The automated sanitizer of claim 2, further comprising a fan
disposed within the interior portion of the housing for dispersing
the sanitizer.
4. The automated sanitizer of claim 3, wherein the sensor is
operatively connected to the fan to activate and deactivate the
fan.
5. The automated sanitizer of claim 4, wherein the sensor is a
motion sensor.
6. The automated sanitizer of claim 5, wherein the motion sensor is
capable of being rotated about an axis.
7. The automated sanitizer of claim 5, wherein the motion sensor is
mounted such that the motion sensor is capable of being aimed in a
variety of directions.
8. The automated sanitizer of claim 7, further comprising a
flexible tube, mounted on the exterior of the case, said motion
sensor mounted on the flexible tube such that the flexible tube can
be flexed in a variety of directions to allow the motion sensor to
be directed in a variety of directions.
9. The automated sanitizer of claim 5, wherein the motion sensor is
set to activate the generator and the fan after a predetermined
period of time after detecting motion.
10. The automated sanitizer of claim 4, wherein the sanitizer is
Ozone.
11. The automated sanitizer of claim 4, further comprising a
rheostat in electrical communication with the generator for
adjusting the output or concentration of the sanitizer.
12. The automated sanitizer of claim 11, wherein the rheostat is in
electrical communication with the fan to regulate the fan.
13. The automated sanitizer of claim 4, further comprising a timer,
operatively connected to the generator and the fan for activating
the generator and the fan for a predetermined period of time.
14. The automated sanitizer of claim 13, further comprising a
button disposed on the exterior portion of the case for operating
the timer.
15. The automated sanitizer of claim 2, further comprising a
pressurized supplementary source of sanitizer which may be internal
or external.
16. The automated sanitizer of claim 2, further comprising a light,
disposed on the exterior portion of the case.
17. The automated sanitizer of claim 16, wherein the light is
activated and deactivated by the sensor.
18. The automated sanitizer of claim 16, wherein the light further
comprises an ambient light sensor to activate or deactivate the
light.
19. The automated sanitizer of claim 2, further comprising a
detector for detecting the level of sanitizer in the air.
20. The automated sanitizer of claim 19, wherein the detector is
operatively connected to the generator to activate or deactivate
the generator when a predetermined amount of sanitizer is detected
by the detector.
21. An automated sanitizer comprising: a case having an exterior
portion, an inner chamber, and at least one aperture; a generator
disposed within the inner chamber of the case, for generating a
sanitizer; a fan, disposed within the case proximate to the at
least one aperture, for dispersing the sanitizer through the at
least one aperture; and a sensor, disposed upon the exterior
portion of the case, and operatively connected to the generator and
the fan to activate and deactivate the generator and the fan during
a sanitizing cycle.
22. The automated sanitizer of claim 21, wherein the sensor is a
motion sensor.
23. The automated sanitizer of claim 22, wherein the motion sensor
is capable of being rotated about an axis.
24. The automated sanitizer of claim 22, wherein the motion sensor
is mounted such that the motion sensor is capable of being aimed in
a variety of directions.
25. The automated sanitizer of claim 24, further comprising a
flexible tube, mounted on the exterior of the case, said motion
sensor mounted on the flexible tube such that the flexible tube
flexes in a variety of directions to allow the motion sensor to be
directed in a variety of directions.
26. The automated sanitizer of claim 22, wherein the motion sensor
is set to activate the generator and fan after a predetermined
period of time after detecting motion.
27. The automated sanitizer of claim 21, wherein the sanitizer is
Ozone.
28. The automated sanitizer of claim 21, further comprising a
rheostat in electrical communication with the generator for
adjusting the output or concentration of the sanitizer.
29. The automated sanitizer of claim 28, wherein the rheostat is in
electrical communication with the fan to regulate the fan.
30. The automated sanitizer of claim 21, further comprising a
timer, operatively connected to the generator and the fan for
activating the generator and the fan for a predetermined period of
time.
31. The automated sanitizer of claim 30, further comprising a
button disposed on the exterior portion of the case for operating
the timer.
32. The automated sanitizer of claim 21, further comprising a
pressurized supplementary source of sanitizer which may be internal
or external.
33. The automated sanitizer of claim 21, further comprising a
light, disposed on the exterior portion of the case.
34. The automated sanitizer of claim 33, wherein the light is
activated and deactivated by the sensor.
35. The automated sanitizer of claim 33, wherein the light further
comprises an ambient light sensor to activate or deactivate the
light.
36. The automated sanitizer of claim 21, further comprising a
detector for detecting the level of sanitizer in the air.
37. The automated sanitizer of claim 36, wherein the detector is
operatively connected to the generator to activate or deactivate
the generator when a predetermined amount of sanitizer is detected
by the detector.
38. The automated sanitizer of claim 37, wherein the detector is
operatively connected to the fan to activate or deactivate the
fan.
39. An automated sanitizer comprising: a case, having an exterior
portion and an inner chamber; a generator disposed within the inner
chamber of the case, for generating a sanitizer; a timer, mounted
within the inner chamber of the hollow case, operatively connected
to the generator to activate and deactivate the generation of
sanitizer; a rheostat in electrical communication with the
generator for adjusting the output or concentration of the
sanitizer; a button disposed on the exterior portion of the hollow
case for manually activating the timer; and a motion sensor for
activating the timer.
40. An automated sanitizer comprising: a case, having an exterior
portion and an inner chamber; a generator disposed within the inner
chamber of the case, for generating the sanitizer/deodorizer: a
programmable timer/processor, operatively connected to the
generator to activate and deactivate the generation of
sanitizer/deodorizer; a fan disposed within the inner chamber of
the hollow case proximate to the aperture; a motion sensor,
operatively connected to the timer, the generator, and the fan; a
rheostat in electrical communication with the programmable
timer/processor and the generator for adjusting the output or
concentration of the sanitizer/deodorizer; and a button disposed on
the exterior portion of the hollow case for operating the
programmable timer/processor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed toward an automatic
sanitizer, and in particular to a sanitizer deodorizer that
sanitizes and deodorizes the air around a toilet, cat litter box,
or a laundry hamper.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Bathroom and cat litter odor are some of the most unwelcome
odors that can permeate a house, with perhaps dirty laundry odor
following closely behind. To combat these odors, there are a number
of deodorizers on the market that purport to get rid of the odors.
However, these deodorizers are only temporarily masking odors. To
remove these odors, their sources need to be destroyed. A
sanitizing agent such as ozone is capable of oxidizing these
sources and acts as a sanitizer/deodorizer. Ozone is the second
most potent sanitizer known. Ozone does not cover up odors with
perfumes. Instead, it actually destroys the odors, viruses, mold,
and bacteria at the molecular level. Existing methods of sanitizing
include spraying sanitizer from a canister into the air, or onto
the problem area.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,591 discloses a toilet air freshener.
The air treatment device for conditioning air within a conventional
toilet bowl includes an air treatment assembly and an automatic
flush mechanism. The air treatment assembly includes a cylindrical
housing mounted to the rear of the toilet bowl rim with the toilet
seat and lid swingably mounted thereto and an air duct having a
free end extending into the toilet bowl proper. A seal underlying
the toilet seat contacts the toilet bowl rim when the seat is in a
horizontal position. Included within the housing are fans which
draw air through the duct and a carbon filter to treat the air
drawn therethrough. A flush assembly includes a motorized arm
having a free end attached to the conventional flapper found in the
water tank of the toilet bowl. Upon powering the motor, the arm
moves the linked flapper valve from its normal closure position
which allows the water to escape from the tank and flush the toilet
bowl. A pressure sensitive switch embedded in the toilet seat
activates the fans of the air treatment assembly and arm of the
flush assembly upon user pressure being exerted on or released from
the seat. The switch may be designed so as to alternatively or
sequentially activate the air treatment and flush assemblies. The
air treatment and flush assemblies effectively treat the foul air
associated with a conventional toilet.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,122 discloses a toilet ventilation
system. The toilet ventilation system which ventilates the air
within the bowl of a water closet, deodorizes it, adds air
freshener and returns it to the toilet bowl. The system may also
serves as a room air freshener and/or a comfort heater for warming
the air within the toilet bowl. The system may be equipped to run
on AC, DC, or both. The system has four interconnecting modules: a)
a ventilator module located beneath the toilet seat, b) a central
module which contains the ductwork to connect all of the other
modules and the control panel for operating all of the functions of
the system, c) a main blower module which contains the centrifugal
fan which recirculates the air and filters which deodorize and add
fragrance to the air, and d) a heater module which contains an air
heater and a centrifugal fan for warming the air beneath the toilet
seat.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,975 discloses a litter box deodorizer.
The deodorizing device has a container body having an open end, a
closed end and a cylindrical side wall defining a cavity therein.
Chunks of zeolite are disposed within the cavity and retained
within the container body by a sealing mechanism. The cylindrical
side wall of the container body has a plurality of substantially
uniform-sized apertures disposed thereon to permit exposure of the
retained zeolite to the odors. A sealing mechanism may be
permanently or releasably attached to the container body. A
securing mechanism secures the deodorizing device to a structure
within the malodorous environment. The zeolite after use can be
recharged by exposing to fresh air, sunlight and heat and then
reused. In addition to being used in a pet's litter box, the device
can be used in many environments, including animal containment
areas, living areas, production areas, food storage areas, work
areas and automobiles.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,841 discloses a bathroom air sanitizer
and deodorizer designed to be used with a conventional toilet bowl.
A housing means is used, and is so constructed as to have an air
intake port at the top and an air exhaust port on the side. A
toilet bowl rim clip is attached to the bottom of the air intake
port, and an on and off pressure switch is attached to the top of
the air intake port. A filtering device consisting of a
disinfectant fluid container, a filter frame, and two filters, is
placed within the housing means directly behind the air intake
port. A filter rotation motor is mounted next to the filter device
and is coupled by means of a belt to a pully that is attached to
the filter frame. An exhaust fan is mounted within the housing
means at the air exhaust port. A combination battery holder and
leveler is attached to the bottom exterior of the housing means,
and a filler tube is attached to the exterior of the housing means
passing thru the lower end of the housing means and attached to the
disinfectant fluid container. Air seals are used within the housing
means to insure maximum air flow and to direct the contaminated air
directly into the filter device.
[0007] There is a need, however, for an automated, sanitizer and
deodorizer wherein the odors of a cat litter box, bathroom area,
and laundry hamper will be easily destroyed, and that can operate
automatically without intervention from a person.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
automated, sanitizer that may be placed in an area to be
sanitized.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
automated sanitizer deodorizer wherein sanitizing and deodorizing
agents such as ozone may be used in a desired quantity in order to
sanitize and deodorize them.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
means for producing ozone (an ozone generator) for use in an
automatic sanitizer and deodorizer.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
system having a rheostat electrically connected to the ozone
generator for adjusting the output or concentration of ozone.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
programmable timer processor that coordinates programmed functions
and monitors input from users and or sensors for the purpose of
controlling output and concentration of ozone and nightlight
operation.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
automated, sanitizer having a fan, pressurized source or other
means to circulate ozone.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
mechanical switch and/or a combination of sensors that detect a
person or animal entering an area to be deodorized. For example a
motion sensor, infrared light sensor, pressure sensor, ambient
light sensor, moisture sensor, temperature sensor, mechanical
switch or any combination of sensors or switches could be
incorporated into the automated sanitizer. The sensor and/or switch
then signals the programmable timer/processor to initiate or cease
the flow of ozone.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
automated sanitizer in which an ozone sensor or detector may be
incorporated as a safety measure. It would measure ambient air
outside surrounding the automated sanitizer and signal the
processor to adjust or cease production of ozone if ambient levels
became too high.
[0016] Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the present
invention, a novel automated sanitizer system is provided. This
novel automated sanitizer includes a case having an exterior
portion, an inner chamber, and at least one aperture, a sanitizer
within the inner chamber of the case for release into the air
through the at least one aperture, a generator disposed within the
inner chamber of the case, for generating the sanitizer, and a fan,
disposed within the case proximate to the at least one aperture,
for dispersing the sanitizer through the at least one aperture.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a novel automated sanitizer is provided for sanitizing and
deodorizing a toilet area, litter box, laundry hamper, and their
surrounding areas. The novel automated sanitizer includes a hollow
case, having an exterior portion and an inner chamber. The
automated, sanitizer includes a supplementary pressurized source of
sanitizer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be better understood when read with reference to the appended
drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side elevation in cross section of an automated
sanitizer in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the automated
sanitizer of FIG. 1 shown disposed upon a toilet.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the automated
sanitizer of FIG. 1 shown disposed upon a bathroom vanity proximate
to the toilet.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the automated
sanitizer of FIG. 1 shown disposed upon a cat litter box.
[0023] FIGS. 5A-5C are representational views of a motion sensor in
accordance with the present invention, shown in separate
configurations.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the automated
sanitizer of FIG. 1 shown disposed upon a laundry bin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] The invention comprises an automatic sanitizer and
deodorizer that can be utilized for a number of applications within
a home such as an association with a bathroom, bedroom, laundry
room, trash can or litter box area. In one embodiment, the
invention comprises a housing having an exterior and interior
portion. A fan is situated within the case that would disperse
ozone as a sanitizer/deodorizer through the housing. The system
further incorporates an ozone generator. The unit also includes a
quick start button used to manually start the unit for a
predetermined period of time. A sensor may be included. A
nightlight comes on for a predetermined period of time when motion
is detected. In a broader embodiment, the housing is omitted and
the invention comprises only the generator and sensor.
[0026] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to the same components across the several views, and
in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown an automated sanitizer 10.
The automated sanitizer 10 includes a case 11, which has an
exterior portion 14 and an inner chamber 12. The case 11 also
includes apertures 13 disposed about the exterior portion 14 of the
case, and a fan 16, disposed within the inner chamber 12 of the
case 11 proximate to the apertures 13. The fan 16 disperses a
sanitizer within the inner chamber 12 of the case 11 to the outside
air when activated.
[0027] A sanitizer generator 17 is disposed within the inner
chamber 12 of the case 11 for generating ozone for introduction
into the outside air through the apertures 13. Ozone is the second
most potent sanitizer known to man and is a preferred sanitizer in
the present invention. Ozone does not cover up odors with perfumes.
It actually destroys the odors, viruses, bacteria, and mold at the
molecular level. The ozone kills existing bacteria, viruses, mold
and helps prevent odors and other problem growths. Additional
sanitizing and deodorizing agents may be introduced into the air by
means of an optional pressurized source. In the broadest
embodiment, the invention can omit the case or housing.
[0028] A rheostat 18 is electrically connected to the generator 17
so as to allow for the adjustment of ozone output or concentration.
A programmable timer/processor 19 could be incorporated to
automatically operate the generator 17. A button 20 is disposed on
the exterior portion 14 of the case 11, to allow for a
sanitizing/deodorizing cycle to be started when the button 20 is
depressed.
[0029] A motion sensor 21 is disposed on the exterior portion 14 of
the case 11 in order to sense motion at or near the automated
sanitizer 10. When the motion sensor 21 senses motion, it can be
set to wait a predetermined period of time before activating the
fan 16 and generator 17 in order to commence a sanitizing cycle.
The motion sensor 21 is pivotally mounted on the exterior portion
14 of the case 11, so as to allow the motion sensor 21 to pick up
motion from a variety of directions. Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B,
and 5C, various configurations of the motion sensor 21 can be seen.
For example, in FIG. 5A, the motion sensor is shown in a generally
downward relation to the case 11. In this fashion, the motion
sensor 21 will pick up motion, for example, when a toilet lid is
lifted or placed down, or when someone sits down on the toilet. In
FIG. 5B, the motion sensor 21 is shown rotated about an axis `A`
such that the motion sensor 21 detects motion in a generally
sideways orientation relative to the case 11. In this
configuration, the motion sensor 21 would detect motion of a person
or animal walking past the automated sanitizer 10. FIG. 5C shows
the motion sensor 21 rotated further about the axis `A` such that
the motion sensor 21 would detect motion generally in front of the
automated sanitizer 10. Additionally, the motion sensor 21 could be
mounted alternately such that the motion sensor can be pivoted to
point in a variety of positions. For example, the motion sensor 21
could be mounted on a flexible tube, which is capable of being
manipulated to point the motion sensor 21 in virtually any
direction.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the unit of the present invention can be
utilized in conjunction with a toilet 30, having a bowl 31, seat
32, and tank 33. The automated sanitizer 10 is shown mounted on the
top of the tank 33. As shown, for example, when the toilet seat 32
is raised or when one sits on the toilet 30 creating motion, the
system will come on for a predetermined period.
[0031] Alternately, referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a bathroom
vanity 40, which includes a base 41, and a top 42. In this
configuration, the automated sanitizer 10 is placed on the top 42
of the vanity 40, such that when a person either walks past the
case 11, or sits on the toilet 30, the motion sensor 21 will detect
the motion and commence a sanitizing cycle.
[0032] The automated automatic air freshener and sanitizer can
further be used as a litter box system. FIG. 4 shows the automated
sanitizer 10 disposed upon a top 52 of a litter box 50, which also
has a bottom portion 51. The motion detector 21 detects when a cat
enters the bottom portion 51 of the litter box 50, and activates
the automated sanitizer 10.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, illustrate alternative
embodiments of the invention show the adjustability of the motion
sensor. As shown, the motion sensor can be adjusted to various
directions depending upon the needs of more specific
applications.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows the disposition of the automated sanitizer 10
in relation to a laundry bin 60. The laundry bin 60 includes a
basin 61 and a lid 62 that is hingeably attached to the basin 61 by
virtue of hinge 63. As shown in FIG. 6, the automated sanitizer 10
rests on the lid 62 of the laundry bin 60. The automated sanitizer
10 may be affixed to the lid 62 of the laundry bin 60 by any means
known to one of ordinary skill in the art. However, in a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the automated sanitizer 10 is
affixed to the lid 62 of the laundry bin 60 by means of a `hook and
loop` type fastener. One such fastener is known under the trade
name of VELCRO.RTM.. The motion sensor 21 will detect motion from a
user when he or she utilizes the laundry bin 60, and activate the
automated sanitizer 10.
[0035] With reference now to FIG. 1, a typical
sanitizing/deodorizing cycle will now be described. The button 20
may be depressed in order to start the sanitizing/deodorizing
cycle. For example, the button 20, when depressed, may activate the
timer 19. Once activated, the timer 19 will begin the sanitizing
cycle by causing the generator 17 to begin producing ozone. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generator 17
will produce ozone as the sanitizer/deodorizer, however, it can be
readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art that any
sanitizing or deodorizing agents may be employed. Before, or
during, the cycle, the rheostat 18 may be adjusted in order to
increase or decrease the amount or concentration of the
sanitizer/deodorizer that is produced by the generator.
Alternatively, the programmable timer/processor 19 may be
programmed to turn the generator 17 on and off at various times
without the interaction of a person aside from setting the program.
In fact, the timer/processor 19 may be activated and deactivated by
the motion sensor 21.
[0036] This ozone unit will automatically sanitize/deodorize a cats
litter box 50 or toilet 30 and their surrounding areas after they
have been used. The automated sanitizer unit uses ozone to sanitize
and deodorize a cat litter box, toilet, laundry hamper, trash can,
and their surrounding areas. This ozone unit may be incorporated
into a cat litter box, laundry hamper, or trash can, or be used
separately in their surrounding areas. This ozone unit may also be
placed on or near a toilet, sensing when it is being used. The
ozone generator unit may consists of any combination of: a means
for producing ozone, an internal fan, a motion detector or other
means of detecting the presence of a cat or a person, a processor,
a programmable timer, an ozone sensor, a rheostat, a solenoid
valve, ambient light sensor, a nightlight, and a quick start
button. The ozone generator unit can be powered by a battery or 110
volt source. Since ozone is not capable of existing for a long
period of time, it must be generated as needed. There are several
manufacturers that market ozone generators, such as JENESCO and
E-TECHNOLOGIES.
[0037] The motion detector 21 senses a cat entering or leaving the
litter box 50. After it senses the cat entering or leaving the
litter box 50, it waits a predetermined period of time (possibly 30
seconds) and starts the ozone generator 17 circulating ozone in and
or around the litter box 50. The ozone generator 17 runs for a
predetermined period of time unless motion is sensed again
interrupting this run period. After the motion stops, the unit will
wait for another predetermined period and then run the ozone
generator 17 for its predetermined period.
[0038] The ozone unit can be placed on or near a toilet 30. Its
motion detector 30 will detect the toilet being used and run the
ozone generator 17 for a predetermined period of time.
[0039] A quick start button 20 may be incorporated into the ozone
unit. If the consumer wants to start the ozone generator manually
they can push the quick start button 20 on the unit and it will run
for a predetermined period of time. The quick start button 20 can
be pushed again to manually terminate the flow of ozone. A
programmable timer 19 may be incorporated into the ozone unit and
be programmed to run during scheduled periods of time during the
day. A rheostat 18 may be incorporated into the unit for consumer
to adjust output and or concentration of ozone.
[0040] An ozone detector may be incorporated as a safety measure.
It would measure ambient air surrounding the ozone unit and adjust
or cease production of ozone if ambient levels became too high.
[0041] Other sanitizing or deodorizing agents can be used in
addition to ozone. These agents may come in the form of a solid,
liquid saturated material, gel, or from a pressurized supplementary
source (a pressure vessel or spray-can). A pressure vessel or
spray-can may be incorporated into the ozone unit. The spray-can
may be sprayed manually or automatically at timed intervals in and
around the litter box, toilet area, trash can, and laundry hamper.
A spray-can or pressure vessel may be connected to a special nozzle
with an internal solenoid valve. This solenoid valve would be
activated by the motion sensor 21 and/or programmed timer 19 to
initiate or cease flow for predetermined periods of time. The
sanitizing or deodorizing agents and the ozone may alternately flow
at separate times so as not to mix with each other. The other forms
of sanitizing or deodorizing agents may be placed in the flow path
of the ozone and circulate with the ozone. The motion detector 21
and or an ambient light sensor may also turn on a night-light 22
for a predetermined period of time. This would illuminate inside
and around the cat litter box 50, toilet 30, or hamper while they
were in use.
[0042] In view of the foregoing disclosure, some of the advantages
of the present invention can be seen. For instance, a novel
automated sanitizer has been disclosed. The automated sanitizer can
be used in a variety of locations, such as a bathroom, laundry
room, trash can area, or litter box area, among many others.
Additionally, the automated sanitizer is capable of automatic
operation to sanitize/deodorize an area so that the area gets
sanitized or deodorized without needing the intervention of a
person.
[0043] It is to be noted that the present invention has been
described in the context of a system contained within a case or
housing. The present invention can be practiced without a housing
or casing and need comprise only a sanitizer generator and
sensor.
[0044] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described and illustrated, modifications may be made by
one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope
and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *