U.S. patent application number 11/280577 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for dispensing system and method, and injector therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Willow Design, Inc.. Invention is credited to William M. Louis.
Application Number | 20060101575 11/280577 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36384562 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060101575 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Louis; William M. |
May 18, 2006 |
Dispensing system and method, and injector therefor
Abstract
A dispensing system and method, and injector therefor are
disclosed. The disclosed dispensing system, when used for washing
hands, may include a faucet in communication with a water or other
supply line and a soap or other substance dispensing device adapted
to create, for example, a soap and water mixture in the supply
line. The system may provide an injector which may include at least
one vortex generator to create strong vortices that effectively
commingle the two fluids into a thoroughly dispersed mixture, for
discharging from the faucet outlet or other outlet.
Inventors: |
Louis; William M.;
(Encinitas, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUCKOR SPRADLING METZGER
401 WEST A STREET, SUITE 2400
SAN DIEGO
CA
92101-7915
US
|
Assignee: |
Willow Design, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36384562 |
Appl. No.: |
11/280577 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60629065 |
Nov 18, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/676 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/676 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/04 20060101
E03C001/04 |
Claims
1. An injector for mixing first and second fluids, comprising a
constrictor that accelerates the flow of the first fluid and
includes a first aperture for the introduction of the second fluid;
a first vortex generator located upstream of the constrictor; and a
second vortex generator located downstream of the constrictor.
2. The injector of claim 1 further including an injector body
having at least three external interfaces.
3. The injector of claim 2, wherein the injector body includes a
cap and both the injector body and the cap include an interior
locating ridge.
4. The injector of claim 3, wherein the constrictor, the first
vortex generator, and the second vortex generator each have an
external locating groove.
5. The injector of claim 1, wherein the first vortex generator is
adapted to create fluid flow rotating in a first direction and the
second vortex generator is adapted to create turbulence rotating in
a second direction, wherein the second direction is the opposite of
the first direction.
6. The injector of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second vortex generators includes fins.
7. The injector of claim 1, wherein the first vortex generator and
the second vortex generator each have a plurality of approximately
wing-shaped fins.
8. The injector of claim 1, wherein the first vortex generator
includes a stator and the second vortex generator includes a
plurality of strakes.
9. The injector of claim 1, wherein the constrictor includes a
second aperture for the introduction of a third fluid into the flow
of the first fluid.
10. A soap dispensing system for a faucet, comprising: a container
for holding a supply of soap; an injector for allowing the
introduction of soap into a water line of the faucet; a soap pump
in communication with the container and the injector to provide
soap to the injector; and an activator adapted to control the soap
pump.
11. The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the injector
includes a constrictor, and at least one vortex generator.
12. The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the soap pump
includes an electric motor.
13. The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the soap pump
includes a hydraulic motor.
14. The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the activator
is a push button.
15. The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the activator
is an electronic sensor.
16. The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the activator
is a push handle.
17. The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the activator
utilizes a fiber optic cable to control the soap pump.
18. The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the activator
is located on the faucet.
19. A hand washing system, comprising: a faucet in communication
with a water supply via a water line; and a soap dispensing device
adapted to create a soap and water mixture in the water line, the
soap dispensing device including an injector, a first soap pump,
and a first soap container.
20. The hand washing system of claim 19, wherein the injector
includes a constrictor and at least one vortex generator.
21. The hand washing system of claim 19, wherein the faucet
includes at least one sensor to control water flow.
22. The hand washing system of claim 19, wherein the soap
dispensing device includes an activator adapted to control the soap
pump.
23. The hand washing system of claim 19, wherein the water supply
includes a hot water supply and a cold water supply.
24. The hand washing system of claim 19, wherein-the soap
dispensing device further includes a second soap pump and a second
soap container.
25. A method of mixing first and second fluids, comprising:
accelerating the flow of the first fluid by using a constrictor
having a first aperture; admitting the second fluid into the second
aperture; and creating at least one vortex to cause the mixing of
the first and second fluids by using at least one vortex
generator.
26. A soap dispensing system for a water faucet, comprising: an
injector for allowing introduction of soap into a water line of the
faucet; a soap pump for providing soap to the injector; an
activator adapted to control the soap pump; and control means for
causing a soap/rinse sequence, wherein the sequence includes
flowing a soap solution, turning off the flow of soap solution for
a sufficient time, and establishing a water flow.
27. A method of dispensing soap, comprising: admitting soap into a
water line of a faucet; and causing a soap/rinse sequence using
control means, wherein the sequence includes flowing a soap
solution in response to activation by a user, turning off the flow
of soap solution for a sufficient time, and establishing a water
flow.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application, filed Nov. 18, 2004, Serial No. 60/629,065, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates in general to dispensing
devices. It more particularly relates to a dispensing device which
may be utilized to mix two fluids.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] There is no admission that the background art disclosed in
this section legally constitutes prior art.
[0006] There have been a variety of concerns or problems associated
with the mixing or dispensing of two fluids, such as a liquid soap
and water. For example, where there is a conventional hand cleaning
basin, including those in rest rooms and kitchens, whether at home,
restaurant, retail store, hotel, hospital rooms, and others, there
are common problems in dispensing, handling, storing and cleaning
up liquid hand soap.
[0007] Today many commercial establishments have installed infrared
detector activated no-touch water faucets and no-touch liquid soap
dispensing systems as well. This helps alleviate many aesthetic and
sanitary problems for both customers and rest room cleanup crews.
But there are still major drawbacks for some applications.
[0008] In washing their hands, users oftentimes reach to operate a
liquid soap dispenser for soap. There are many different and
inconsistent ways of pressing, pulling up or down to eject liquid
soap. If the dispenser is wall mounted to the side of the sink,
excess soap may dribble down to the floor or into a wastebasket.
There are often problems, especially with the manual systems, of
obtaining a sufficient amount but not too much, liquid soap.
[0009] If the dispenser is on the wall, opposite to or adjacent to
the sink, the excess liquid soap may spill onto the sink or the
counter and create an unwanted unsightly mess. The dispenser may be
positioned on the counter and the excess soap may pool thereon in
an undesirable way. In any case, in many applications the
inadvertent spilling or accumulation of excess soap can be
unsightly and a source of constant clean-up and irritation.
[0010] Concentrated liquid soaps, like Basic H (Shaklee Corp.,
Pleasanton, Calif.), are much more efficient to use and less
contaminating to the environment. The overall cost is less
expensive because of the greatly reduced volume and weight
affecting manufacturing, shipping, and storage. Use of concentrated
liquid soap results in a great savings of water and time, because
they mix quicker with water, lather up more easily, and rinse off
much more quickly.
[0011] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the correct way to wash hands is to first wet them, and then
to apply soap. Next, the hands are rubbed together to mix soap and
water, scrubbing all surfaces to dislodge germs. Finally, the hands
are rinsed well to remove soap and germs, and then dry the
hands.
[0012] But many people wash "incorrectly." They first apply soap
onto the hands, and then turn on the water, which immediately
rinses much of the soap off before washing can even begin.
[0013] In either case, the water and soap come from separate
sources, are applied sequentially, and are mixed by rubbing the
hands.
[0014] At best, the prevailing correct procedure has a number of
problems in certain circumstances associated with it. Water, being
applied first, may wet most of the hand surfaces, including under
the fingernails, making it difficult for the soap to penetrate
these hard-to-reach crevices, because surface tension of the water
can prevent or at least greatly inhibit the liquid soap from
entering the cracks and crevices, as did the water. Standardized
testing methods used in the United States to determine the efficacy
of surgical hand scrubs focus on the survival of bacteria on
exposed skin surfaces. Fingernail crevices are excluded from
testing by careful nail clipping and cleaning. Studies seem to
suggest that subungual areas of the hand harbor high concentrations
of bacteria. The water passage in the faucet can become
contaminated under certain circumstances by pathogens, which can
persist there undetected, to be spread to users during rinsing.
Microbes harbored inside the faucet often may survive rigorous
external cleanings.
[0015] Much of the volume of most or many hand washing solutions
may be filler added to make it easier for users to control the
amount of soap dispensed and as an aid in spreading or distributing
it about their hands. There also may be a psychological aspect in
that concentrated soaps may not give users the feeling that they
are applying sufficient solution to properly perform the cleaning
function. Filler, which adds to the bulk, weight and viscosity,
also adds to the cost of manufacture, transportation, and storage.
Filler also may make mixing the solution on the hands more
difficult and takes longer. Because some of the solution may never
really become well mixed, rinsing also may take longer, resulting
in wasting of water. The excess soap and water may then flow into
our waste water systems and is not ecologically desirable. The
longer it takes to complete the whole hand washing process, the
more likely the washing of one's hands may be performed
inadequately and quickly, or may be skipped entirely. Even
healthcare workers in hospitals may skip hand washing due to the
time consuming nature of the process. Hence the CDC promotes the
supplemental use of antiseptic gels because they may be more
convenient than washbasin washing. However, regular hand washing is
still necessary to remove dirt and viruses.
[0016] Several systems to dispense soap and liquids into the water
stream have been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,847 B2, titled
Household Liquid Dispensing System, describes a system for
dispensing a household liquid through an outlet of a household
water system. It can be utilized for showers, bathtubs, laundry
tubs and sinks. It has an exterior storage unit of considerable
size and complexity with controls to affect both the rate and time
fluid or soap is added to the water flow.
[0017] The focus of the system is on the dispensing of soap and
requires conscious monitoring of the procedure. The system utilizes
either a venturi or gravity feed system to add the liquid to the
water. In either case, the water pressure and flow rate have a
strong effect on the mixture ratio of fluid to water, and are
dependent upon a fairly high speed of water through the system. The
soap is not mixed with the water before exiting the outlet, such as
a spray head. So both the quantity of soap introduced and degree of
mixing with water may be variable for at least some
applications.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,049, titled Shower Spray with Admixture
of Ingredients and Air, accomplishes much the same function as the
above cited patent, but is limited by describing the venturi method
only. The system has very small liquid storage chambers; however,
it can also add air to the mix.
[0019] A more common approach, in which the soap and water are not
mixed together, but discharged in proximity is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,114,048, titled Faucet Assembly Having Integral Liquid
Product Dispenser. As stated in the patent, the dispenser block
discharges the liquid products adjacent to the flow of water from
the faucet assembly. An advantage to this system appears to be that
the discharge is over the washbasin.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,258, titled Wash Station and Method of
Operation, discloses a system for automating the entire water/soap
discharge operation in an effort to streamline hand washing. It too
discharges soap and water selectively from separate outlets at the
end of a faucet. Hence it has the same limited advantage over
current practice of entirely separate water and soap dispensers as
the previously cited patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The features of this invention and the manner of attaining
them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best
understood by reference to the following description of certain
embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an embodiment of the present
invention having a soap actuating button on the countertop and a
water actuating sensor on the faucet;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of the
present invention having the soap actuating button on a faucet and
a water actuating sensor on the faucet;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention having a soap actuating sensor on the faucet and
a water actuating sensor on the faucet;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of still another embodiment of
the present invention having a soap actuating push handle on the
faucet and a water actuating push handle on the faucet;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a side view of a conventional no-touch faucet;
[0027] FIG. 6A is a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention including a soap injector under the counter;
[0028] FIG. 6B is a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention including a second soap line.
[0029] FIG. 7A is a left pictorial sectional view of the soap
injector of FIG. 6A;
[0030] FIG. 7B is a right pictorial exploded view of the soap
injector of FIG. 6A;
[0031] FIG. 7C is a left pictorial exploded sectional view of the
soap injector of FIG. 6A;
[0032] FIGS. 7D-7F are views of different embodiments of the vortex
generators for the soap injector of FIG. 6A;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a system diagram of an embodiment of the present
invention having an electric motor driving a soap pump;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a system diagram of another embodiment of the
present invention having a hydraulic motor driving the soap pump
actuated by a sensor or button;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a system diagram of yet another embodiment of the
present invention having a hydraulic motor driving the soap pump
actuated by the soap actuating push handle;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a system diagram of another embodiment of the
present invention having both a hot and a cold water handle;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a system diagram of still another embodiment of
the present invention using two kinds of soap; and
[0038] FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of the
present invention having a faucet with both a hot and a cold water
handle and incorporating a soap actuating push handle into the cold
water handle; and
[0039] FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention having a pair of soap actuating press handles on
the faucet for providing two kinds of soap.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0040] It will be readily understood that the components of the
embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the drawings
herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of the system, components and method
of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is
merely representative of the embodiments of the invention.
[0041] A method and system are disclosed. According to an
embodiment, as well as an injector therefore, of the invention, the
disclosed dispensing system, when used for washing hands, may
include a faucet in communication with a water or other supply line
and a soap or other substance dispensing device adapted to create,
for example, a soap and water mixture in the supply line.
[0042] The disclosed method and system may include an injector,
which may have at least one vortex generator to create strong
vortices that effectively commingle two fluids into a thoroughly
dispersal mixture, for discharging from a faucet outlet or other
outlet.
[0043] In accordance with another disclosed embodiment of the
invention, there is provided a soap dispensing system having a
container for holding a supply of soap, an injector for allowing
the introduction of soap into the a water line of the faucet, a
soap pump in communication with the container and the injector to
provide soap to the injector, and an activator adapted to control
the soap pump.
[0044] According to another aspect of a disclosed embodiment of the
invention, there is provided an injector for mixing a first and a
second fluid having a constrictor that accelerates the flow of the
first fluid and includes a hole or aperture for the introduction of
the second fluid, a first vortex generator located upstream of the
constrictor, and a second vortex generator located downstream of
the constrictor.
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the soapy
mess common to washbasins may be eliminated. Hand washing may be
quick and easy: Press a button and soapy water comes out of the
faucet. To rinse, hold your hands under the same faucet for an
automatic flow of water. It may also improve sanitation and hygiene
(public health) by making washing quicker, easier, more effective,
and therefore more often actually done.
[0046] In use according to the disclosed embodiments, a naive user
approaching a faucet for the first time may hesitate for a moment,
contemplating the absence of any conventional soap dispenser (not
shown). When the user notices a prominent "soap" label on the
faucet or counter top associated with a button or obvious sensor,
the user may be inclined to press the button or move his or her
hand over the sensor, curious to see what will happen. When the
soap solution comes out of the faucet, the user may dither a brief
moment before testing it by putting a hand in the flow, but when
the user easily determines that it looks and feels like soap, the
user may be inclined to quickly soap up in the normal way. Should
the user inadvertently move or keep his or her hands too close to
the water activating sensor on the faucet, water could flow before
he or she is finished soaping up and ready to rinse. However, a
delay may be employed in the system of a sufficient time such as
about 15 seconds during which no water is dispensed, only more soap
if the user so desires. When the water does come on when the user
continues to hold his or her hands close under the faucet, the user
will be ready for it, and quickly rinses off, satisfied that he or
she knows how the system works and may not hesitate or think much
about using it the next time.
[0047] The user may spend the 15 seconds or other such delay time
actually soaping up, because there is nothing the user can do to
expedite or skip that sequence according to an embodiment of the
invention. In an application where the system is used in a service
organization such as a restaurant, this delay time can facilitate
the employee user to take the time to properly soap the hands
before the rinse cycle occurs.
[0048] In actual use, the 15 second pause may be longer than would
be desirable, for home or public toilet installations. In such
applications, the delay time may be 7 or 8 seconds. However, for
hospitals, even longer than 15 seconds might be desirable.
[0049] According to certain embodiments of the invention, the
soap/rinse operation may be controllably sequenced. The sequencing
may be: [0050] 1) water off; [0051] 2) adjusting water flow rate
and temperature; [0052] 3) initiating an automatic soap/rinse
sequence; [0053] 4) turning water flow off briefly; [0054] 5)
flowing soap solution at throttled water flow rate for
predetermined time interval; [0055] 6) turning off the flow of soap
solution for a timed pause to permit soaping up (no water or soap
flow); and [0056] 7) reestablish adjusted water flow rate and
temperature (set prior to soap press). There are four steps in the
above automated sequence, which may only be interrupted by
initiating another soap/rinse automatic sequence. According to
certain embodiments, the soap dispensing may be timed and the flow
rate (water component) may be less than the water only rate. Soap
dilution (water/soap ratio) may remain the same, despite variation
in water flow rates.
[0057] The disclosed embodiments of the present invention may
effectively deal with many of the problems associated with current
hand washing practice. The water/soap mixture may be applied to dry
hands, easily and quickly wetting substantially all surfaces and
may be drawn by surface tension into cracks in the skin and under
the nails. It may flow very easily, being of low viscosity and in
abundant supply. Disinfectant action may be much more complete and
effective. Little or no time may be wasted, because mixing and
spreading of the solution takes but moments. Antiseptic hand wash
solutions, if used, may tend to disinfect the water passage in the
faucet. Concentrated soap may be used without need for any fillers.
The generous volume of water/soap mixture may be psychologically
satisfying by itself. Reduced bulk of soaps used in commercial,
public and home situations may lead to significant economies in
manufacture, transportation and storage. Because of more the
efficient application, less soap may be used. Reduced hand rubbing
time necessary to mix, clean and rinse may results in water
savings, too. The whole hand washing process may be shortened and
made much more convenient and pleasant, so it may be done more
effectively and skipped much less often. This may improve our
sanitation and hygiene with consequent health benefits.
[0058] It is desirable for some applications to eliminate separate
and often messy soap dispensers. Also, it may be desirable to
replace soap dispensers with a system that dispenses a soap/water
mixture out of the water faucet itself. After soaping up, the
faucet discharges water in the usual manner for rinsing.
[0059] Such a system may eliminate liquid soap mess, and thus there
would not be messy counters and floors to clean up. Clean counters
are more appealing to users, and more inviting and more likely to
be used.
[0060] In short, the experience may be more pleasant, more
attractive and improve sanitation. It may be a more effective
application with a better cleaning action and more ecologically
sound. The disclosed embodiment may use less cleaner, with little
or no bulk additives. Such a system and method may well, for
certain applications, conserve water.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention
as normally seen by a user looking down onto a countertop and
washbasin is shown. The integrated soap and water dispensing system
includes a faucet 20, a water actuating sensor 22, and a soap
actuating button 24. The faucet 20 may be located on a countertop
26 and adjacent to a washbasin 28. The water actuating sensor 22
may be located on the faucet to turn on a stream of water when the
user places their hands under the faucet spout for washing or
rinsing. The soap actuating button 24 may be located on the
countertop 26.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6A, a typical system and an
embodiment of the present invention are shown for comparison. The
typical system of FIG. 5 includes a faucet 20 mounted in countertop
26. The faucet 20, a standard no-touch or automatic water faucet,
includes a water line 38 and a fiber optic cable 40. Water line 44
providing water to faucet 20 is connected to water line 38 via
water line connector 42. In contrast, this embodiment shown in FIG.
6A may include a soap injector 46 in place of the water line
connector 42. The soap injector 46 may connect the water line 44 to
the water line 38 of faucet 20 and may be connected to soap line
48.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 7A, internal details of the soap
injector 46 are shown. At the bottom of the soap injector may be an
inlet 78 leading from the water line 44 (FIG. 6A). The soap line 48
may attach on the side at an inlet 80. Immediately adjacent to and
lining up with the inlet 80 may be a soap injection hole 82.
Towards the top of the soap injector 46 may be a mixing chamber 83
that leads towards the faucet water line 38.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 7B, an exploded view illustrates
additional details of the soap injector 46. At the top, there may
be a cap with a connector 52, which may be permanently attached to
a case 50. These two parts may capture and hold internally a
counterclockwise vortex generator 60, a constrictor 58, and a
clockwise vortex generator 54. Each of these internal parts may
have a position or locating groove so that the parts must be
installed in the correct position, remain in alignment and cannot
rotate after installation. This may be accomplished by placing a
locating groove 72 on the counterclockwise vortex generator 60, a
locating groove 74 on the constrictor 58, and a locating groove 76
on the clockwise vortex generator 54.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 7C, an exploded sectional view further
illustrates details of the soap injector 46. The counterclockwise
vortex generator 60 may have a set of identical counterclockwise
vortex generator vanes 66. The vanes 66 may be arrayed around the
internal circumference of the mixing chamber 83 at equally spaced
intervals. This vortex generator 60 includes four vanes separated
by 90.degree.. The vanes 66 may be set at an angle to the vertical
axis through the center of the chamber. A typical angle may be
about 20.degree.. The clockwise vortex generator 54 may have a set
of clockwise vortex generator vanes 62. The vanes 62 may be
identical to the vanes 66 in the counterclockwise vortex generator
60, except that the vanes may be set at an opposite angle to the
vertical axis of the vortex generator. For the vanes 62 this angle
may be -20.degree..
[0066] The vanes 62 and 66 may protrude about half-way to the
center axis of the vortex generators 54 and 60, respectively, and
may have an aspect ratio of approximately 1:1 (length to width)
when viewed perpendicular to the side of a vane. The vanes 62 and
66 may have a streamlined cross section, with a thickness of
between about 10% and about 30%. The constrictor 58 may have a
venturi 64, which may be a smoothly shaped internal bore that may
be smaller at the center than at either end. Locating ridge 68 in
the cap 52 and locating ridge 70 in the case 50 may be shaped to
nest into the locating grooves in the vortex generators and the
constrictor as the parts are assembled.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 7D-7F, different embodiments of the vanes
of the vortex generators are shown. FIG. 7D shows the four vane
vortex generators described above. FIG. 7E shows alternative three
vane generators 61 and 63. Each vortex generator 61 and 63 may
include three vanes 65 and 67, respectively, which may be slightly
larger than the vanes 62 and 66 in the four vane vortex generators
62 and 66, respectively.
[0068] FIG. 7F shows a stator and strake vortex generator. Vortex
generator 71 may include a stator 75 with angled blades 77 for
setting up a rotating current. Vortex generator 73 may include four
strakes 79 along the inside wall of the vortex generator 73. These
strakes 79 may interrupt or inhibit the swirling current into
vortices of various sizes, converting rotational energy into
turbulence, while slowing over-all rotation of flow.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 8, none of the components except the
faucet 20, the water actuating sensor on faucet 22, and the soap
actuating sensor or button 98 are above the countertop and visible
to and accessible by the user.
[0070] A water supply 102 may bring in water under pressure from
outside this immediate system. A solenoid valve 96 may be connected
to the water supply by a water line 103, and may receive signals
from the water actuating sensor 22, signals from which may be
relayed over a fiber optic cable 40. The solenoid valve 96 may also
receive signals from the electric motor 92, as relayed from the
soap actuating sensor or button 98 by fiber optic cable 94.
[0071] A transformer 104 may provide low voltage electric current
to power the solenoid valve and electric motor. An electric power
cable 108 may run from the transformer to the solenoid valve and a
power cable 106 may run from the transformer to the electric motor.
A water line 44 may run from the solenoid valve 96 to the soap
injector 46, which in turn may be connected to the faucet water
line 38, as well as the soap line 48. The faucet water line 38 may
terminate at the faucet 20. A soap container 86 may be connected by
a soap line 88 to a soap pump 90, which may be driven by the
electric motor 92. The soap line 48 may connect the pump and
injector. The soap actuating sensor or button 98 may send signals
to the electric motor through a fiber optic cable 100. The electric
motor may be connected mechanically to the soap pump.
[0072] In operation the integrated water and soap dispensing system
may be as straightforward as possible with the soap dispensing
function adding as little as possible to conventional water only
dispensing functionality. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the only
evidence to a user of added functionality to the faucet 20 may be
the soap actuating button 24 on the countertop 26. All the user may
have to do that is different or in addition to using a water only
faucet, may be to press the soap actuating button once. The user
holds their hands under the faucet stream of soapy water, and
begins rubbing them together over the washbasin 28, moving them
somewhat away from the faucet 20. To rinse, the user may activate
the water flow in the usual manner by moving their hands near the
water actuating sensor 22.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 6A underneath the countertop 26, the faucet
20 may be fed water through the water line 44, which first may
carry water to the soap injector 46. Feeding soap into the soap
injector 46 may be the soap line 48. The water and the mixture of
soap and water may be carried from the soap injector 46 to the
faucet by the water line 38. Signals may be communicated from the
faucet 20 over the fiber optic cable 40. From above the counter,
the only difference the user observes may be the soap actuating
button and the fact that when the button is pressed, a soap mixture
comes out of the faucet for several seconds.
[0074] The soap injector 46 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C may provide
minimal resistance to normal water flow passing through from the
inlet 78, but may thoroughly mix concentrated soap into the water
when soap is injected into it from the inlet 80. Water entering the
soap injector 46 may encounter a set of clockwise vortex generator
vanes 62. The vanes 62 may both initiate a general clockwise
swirling action of the water and turbulence or vortices which may
be shed from the downstream side of the vanes (flow separation),
and from the vane tips towards the center of the injector 46.
[0075] The resulting turbulence with both large- and small-scale
vortices may break up laminar flow and may be carried downstream
into the venturi 64, where the flow may be accelerated as it passes
the soap injection hole 82. If a stream of soap is being injected
into the flow, it may be broken apart by the turbulence and
swirling of the water, to be further mixed as it is carried through
the counterclockwise vortex generator vanes 66. These vanes 66 may
abruptly impart a reverse direction to the swirling water, further
breaking up the small patches of soap with turbulence that may be
even more severe than set up by the first set of vanes, because the
water flow may be already turbulent, not laminar, as it may be when
encountering the first set of vanes.
[0076] The vanes may convert a portion of the energy contained in
the water entering the soap injector under pressure into rotational
motion of various types and scale, effecting mixing of the soap and
water.
[0077] The mixing may continue downstream in the mixing chamber 83,
and to a certain extent, even along the entire path of travel to
the exit nozzle on the faucet. The speed or flow rate of the water
through the injector may have considerable affect on the flow
patterns, which may be more violent at higher speeds, and less
severe at lower speeds. At lower speed the less severe turbulence
may be compensated for by more sustained eddies that may facilitate
mixing, so the resultant stream exiting the faucet may always be
thoroughly mixed.
[0078] If the vortex generators were not present, it would be
possible in some flow conditions for the soap stream to maintain
integrity and exit the faucet in a laminar manner, with little or
no mixing with the water at all. Therefore, just introducing the
soap into the water does not guarantee thorough mixing.
[0079] The venturi may facilitate scouring of the soap from the
soap injection hole or aperture, so that water only flow may have a
minimal or small amount of soap residue, even at the beginning of
flow, after a soap/water flow.
[0080] The system diagram of FIG. 8 shows how all the elements of
the system function together. Water may come into the system at
line pressure from the water supply 102. On the way to the faucet,
it may be throttled by the solenoid valve 96 that is normally off,
unless the system is actuated by a user. This may happen either
when the user interacts with the water actuating sensor 22, or
activates the soap actuating button or sensor 98 on the countertop.
Whether the soap actuating button or sensor 98 is a button or senor
does not affect the internal operation of the system, it may only
affect how the user interacts with the system from outside.
[0081] When the user interacts with the system by pressing or
actuating the soap button, a signal may be relayed through the
fiber optic cable 100 to the electric motor 94, which in turn may
drive the soap pump 90. Soap may be pumped through the soap line to
the injector 46 where it may be introduced into the general water
flow to the faucet. The soap pump may receive concentrated liquid
soap, disinfectant, or cleaning solution from the soap container 86
by means of the soap line 88. The electric motor may have
associated with it control circuits, such as a microprocessor or a
timing device that may determine how long and how fast the motor
runs upon receiving a signal from the soap actuating button.
[0082] The electric motor may also send a "run" signal to the
solenoid valve, opening it for about the same time the electric
motor may be running so that water may be released to flow through
the water line to the injector, where the two fluids may be
commingled or mixed. After the run time is up, the system may shut
down. The run time and flow rates for both the solenoid valve and
soap pump may be programmable to meet various specifications
resulting from using different soaps, different use requirements,
or other. The soap/water mixture may be normally proportioned to
create an ideal mix to facilitate instant soaping up of the hands
and subsequent rinsing. The flow rates through the solenoid valve
and soap pump may be programmed to result in a consistent ratio of
soap to water, independent upon water pressure.
[0083] The soap container may be refillable or replaceable,
depending upon system requirements. Another way the system may be
actuated is the conventional one, in which the system delivers
water only in response to the user triggering the water actuating
sensor on the faucet 22, which actuating may send a signal to the
solenoid valve to open and allow water to flow through the injector
and out the faucet. It may be that the water flow rates for water
only and the water/soap mixture may differ, with that for the
mixture potentially being a considerably lower flow rate.
[0084] The soap actuating button or sensor may be located so that
in activating the system, at least one hand may be out of the way
from the water flow from the faucet. The first several moments of
water flow may be water only with no soap included, because of the
water standing in the faucet between the soap injector and the
faucet outlet. If maximum washing efficiency is necessary, such as
in hospital environments, the user should not put either hand under
the faucet after activating the soap/water flow during those first
moments of flow. That way all fluid contacting the hands will have
the soap/water mixture and all wetting of surfaces and cracks may
be with the soap solution.
[0085] Normally the soap pump may stop moments before the water
flow as controlled by the solenoid valve 96, so as to flush or
scour soap from the water line between the soap injector and the
end of the faucet. This may be necessary so that the next time the
system is actuated to deliver water only, essentially no soap
solution may be discharged from the faucet. It cannot be assumed
that the same user who uses an individual faucet installation to
soap up will be the next user to use it for water only. The first
user may leave one faucet and go to another for any number of
reasons.
[0086] The soap mixture may start flowing whenever actuated by the
user, even if water is already flowing, having been started by a
signal from the water actuating sensor 22. The signal relayed from
the electric motor to the solenoid valve may act as a blocking
signal to override the signal from the water actuating sensor. Thus
both the water/soap mixture may start flowing and the water flow
rate may be throttled by the solenoid valve to the lower soap/water
flow rate.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, two additional embodiments
of the present invention are shown. The embodiments in FIGS. 2 and
3 differ from the embodiment in FIG. 1 due to the location of the
soap actuating button or sensor. Therefore the system diagram of
FIG. 8 may also be applied to the embodiments in both FIGS. 2 and
3. In FIG. 2 a soap actuating button 30 may be on the faucet 20,
not on the countertop as in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3 the soap actuating
button 30 of FIG. 2 may be replaced with a soap actuating sensor
32. The location and type of actuator as called out in the system
diagram of FIG. 8 as the soap actuating sensor or button 98
differentiates the three embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3. As the
diagram stresses, the 3 embodiments are functionally identical.
[0088] In a similar manner, FIG. 9 may also represent the three
embodiments of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The
above the counter components may remain the same for each
embodiment, but several of the other components may be different.
For example, the system shown in FIG. 8 may feature an electric
motor 92 driving a soap pump 90, whereas the system shown in FIG. 9
may feature a hydraulic motor 110 driving the soap pump 90. The
system shown in FIG. 9 may also differ from the system shown in
FIG. 8 by the addition of a second solenoid valve 114.
[0089] In FIG. 9 the water supply 102 may be connected by a water
line 116 to the solenoid valve 114, which in turn may be connected
by a water line 118 to the hydraulic motor 110, which may be
mechanically connected to the soap pump 90. The hydraulic motor 110
may be connected by water line 120 to water line 101 leading into
the soap injector 46. The solenoid valve 114 may be connected by a
fiber optic cable 112 to the soap actuating sensor or button 98.
The solenoid valve 114 may also be connected by a power cable 122
to the transformer 104. The solenoid valve 96 may be connected by a
fiber optic cable 115 to the solenoid valve 114.
[0090] To operate the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the user may
press the soap actuating button 30, which may be located on the
faucet 20 instead of the soap actuating button 24 on the countertop
26 as shown in FIG. 1. To operate the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
the user may move a hand over the sensor 32 on the faucet 20.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 9, the embodiment may work in a manner
similar to that shown in FIG. 8, but with several differences. When
the user interacts with the system by pressing or actuating the
sensor or soap button, a signal may be relayed through the fiber
optic cable 112 to a solenoid valve 114. The valve 114 opens,
allowing water from the water supply 102 to flow through the water
line 116, through the valve 114, and through water line 118 to the
hydraulic motor 110.
[0092] The hydraulic motor 110, which may be mechanically connected
to the soap pump 90 may be driven by the water flow in proportion
to the rate of water flow, thus the soap pump may pump soap through
the soap line 48 to the soap injector at a rate proportional to the
rate of water flow through water line 120. The ratio of soap to
water as mixed in the soap injector may be constant, independent of
the rate of water flow through this part of the system. However,
the system may be programmed to do otherwise.
[0093] The "smarts" of the system may reside in association with
the solenoid valves, solenoid valve 114 for the soap portion of the
system and solenoid valve 96 for the water only portion of the
system. The two systems may normally operate independently except
for the time that the solenoid valve 114 is open and for several
seconds afterwards. This may allow the user to their place hands
under the faucet to soap up without being interrupted by unwanted
water only coming out of the faucet. When soap is being dispensed
through the faucet and for a brief time (several seconds) after,
the solenoid valve 114 may send a blocking signal to the solenoid
valve 96 so it does not open and send water only. The two systems
may communicate through the fiber optic cable 115.
[0094] As discussed in regards to FIG. 8, the soap mixture may
start flowing whenever actuated by the user, even if water is
already flowing, having been started by a signal from the water
actuating sensor 22. But in this case, the signal may be relayed
from the solenoid valve 114 to the solenoid valve 96 to act as a
blocking signal overriding the signal from the water actuating
sensor. Thus both the water/soap mixture may start flowing and the
water flow rate may be throttled by the solenoid valve to the lower
soap/water flow rate.
[0095] Referring now to FIG. 4, the above the counter components
for a mechanical system with no electrical components is shown. In
this embodiment, a faucet 20 includes a water actuating push handle
34 and a soap actuating push handle 36. The water actuating push
handle 34 may meter the water and may replace the water actuating
sensor 22 shown in FIGS. 1-3. The soap actuating push handle 36 may
meter the soap and may replace the soap actuating button or sensor
20, 30, and 32 shown in FIGS. 1-3, respectively.
[0096] Referring now to FIG. 10, a system diagram relating to the
embodiment of FIG. 4 is shown. The water supply 102 may be
connected by a water line 126 to the water actuating push handle
34. The push handle 34 may be connected by a water line 128 to the
soap injector 46. The sub-system comprising the soap injector and
faucet may be similar to that shown in FIG. 9. The water supply 102
may also be connected by a water line 132 to the soap actuating
push handle 36. The push handle 36 may be connected by a water line
136 to the hydraulic motor 110. The sub-system comprising the
hydraulic motor, the soap pump, and the soap container may be
similar to that shown in FIG. 9.
[0097] In operation, the user presses the soap actuating push
handle 36 and the handle 36 may meter water from the water supply
102 for several seconds. Water may be sent to the hydraulic motor
110. The subsystem comprised of the hydraulic motor, soap pump,
soap container, and soap injector operate as described for the
system of FIG. 9. The water actuating push handle 34 may meter
water from the water supply 102 in the conventional way for water
only faucets. The water and soap sides of the system may operate
independently and may be dependent upon interaction of the system
by the user.
[0098] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 13, a soap dispensing system
with a faucet having two handles is shown. This soap dispensing
system may present the user with what appears to be a standard
two-handled faucet. The hot water handle 227 and cold water handle
229 may be manipulated by the user in conventional fashion to
select the desired water temperature and flow rate, combining the
two water streams from the hot water supply 220 and the cold water
supply 222, which streams flow through their respective water lines
224 and 226. Leaving the water handles, hot and cold water flow
through respective water lines 231 and 233 to converge at the water
switch 239. The press handle 235 may be concealed in the base of
the cold water handle 229 and actuated by pressing down on the cold
water handle itself. The control functions may reside in the water
switch 239, which controls water flow to the hydraulic motor 110
and the injector 46 through water lines 242 and 244, respectively.
When the faucet is acting strictly to dispense water only, the
water switch 239 may remain in "default position" allowing water to
flow freely to the injector 46. The subsystem comprised by the
hydraulic motor 110, soap pump 90, soap container 86, soap injector
46, and faucet 20 may operate as described for the system
illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0099] When the user initiates dispensing of soap by activating the
press handle 235, the mechanical link 237 may move an internal
control mechanism in the water switch 239 compressing a spring (not
shown) that drives an internal mechanism (not shown) that controls
water flow through water line 242 to the hydraulic motor 110,
through water line 120 to the soap injector 46. The water switch
239 stays in the latter position, metering soap solution for
several seconds before switching off all water flow, creating a
pause in flow from the faucet of a sufficient delay time such as
about 15 seconds for soaping, before the water switch 239 returns
to the default position, once more allowing water to flow freely to
the injector 46.
[0100] Referring now to FIGS. 6B, 12, and 14, a soap dispensing
system for dispensing two soaps is shown. The soap dispensing
system may includes a second press handle 334, soap container 322,
water switch 338, soap pump 326, and hydraulic motor 328 for
introducing the second soap into the injector 46 via line 320. The
hot water handle 228 and cold water handle 230 may be manipulated
by the user in conventional fashion to select the desired water
temperature and flow rate, combining the two water streams from the
hot water supply 220 and the cold water supply 222, which flow
through their respective water lines 224 and 226. Leaving the water
handles, hot and cold water may flow through respective water lines
232 and 234 to the hot water switch 338 and the cold water switch
240. The water switches may control, or sequence, dispensing of the
water and soap mixture. When the faucet is acting strictly to
dispense water only, the water switches 240 and 338 may remain in
"default positions" allowing hot and cold water to flow freely to
the injector 46. The routing may be indirect. In this "default
position" cold water may flow from the cold water handle through
water switch 240, then by means of water line 344 to water switch
338, where it may be mixed with hot water flowing through water
line 232 before flowing through water line 342 to injector 46.
Similarly, hot water may flow from the hot water handle through
water switch 338, then by means of water line 346 to water switch
240, where it may be mixed with cold water flowing through water
line 234 before flowing through water line 244 to injector 46. This
indirect routing of both hot and cold water-to the injector may
pass both streams in turn through both water switches, facilitating
the control of all water coming out of the faucet when either of
the two soaps may be dispensed.
[0101] When the user initiates the dispensing of a first soap
stored in soap container 86 by activating the press handle 236, the
mechanical link 238 may move an internal control mechanism in the
water switch 240 compressing a spring that drives an internal
mechanism (not shown) that controls water flow through water line
242 to the hydraulic motor 110, through water line 244 to the soap
injector 46, through water line 344 to water switch 338 and through
water line 346 from water switch 338. Rotation of the press handle
236 to a position indicated on the dial visible to the user may set
the timing function that determines the time that all flow out of
the faucet may be stopped to allow for soaping. The mechanical link
238 may convey the user's time setting for washing to the water
switch. The soap dispensing sequence may be as follows, starting
with a steady stream of water with hot and cold flow rates set by
the user: After the user presses the press handle, the water flow
may be interrupted for several seconds, then a several second long
flow of the first soap water mixture may be initiated at a factory
set rate of flow. (Soap mixture flow may be considerably less than
most users set for water flow only.) Next, there may be a pause
with no flow of about 0 to about 30 seconds for soaping, before the
water flow recommences at the rate settings chosen before soap
dispensing was initiated. The timing of this pause may be
determined by the position of a press handle pointer 335 on the
press handle 236 as set by the user in relation to dial 337. The
subsystem comprised by the hydraulic motor 110, soap pump 90, soap
container 86, soap injector 46, and faucet 20 may operate as
described for the system illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0102] The same sequence and control function may be mirrored on
the other side of the system when the user presses the press handle
334 to dispense a second soap solution.
[0103] Other embodiments or modifications are contemplated. A
spring loaded valve (not shown) may be included at the soap
injection hole or aperture to check soap leakage into the flow. The
shape of the mixing chamber portion of the soap injector may be
varied considerably; the length and diameter may be greater or less
than shown. Similarly, the shape, arrangement, number of the vortex
generator vanes may also be varied; there may be a greater or fewer
number of vortex generators. The venturi may be more or less
pronounced, or even eliminated for some applications.
[0104] Color or dye may be added to the soap concentrate. This
could make it obvious to users that they are getting a soap
mixture, not just water. Fragrance may also be added to the soap
concentrate to enhance the user experience.
[0105] To avoid contamination of highly sensitive hospital
installations, soap may be enclosed- in sealed cartridges. A soap
container may hold two cartridges, one of which may normally be a
spare. When the in-service cartridge becomes empty, the spare may
automatically come on line, assuring continuous service. Most other
types of installations may be filled with soap poured from
economical bulk containers.
[0106] The basic system design may be applicable to other uses and
installations other than washing hands in washbasins. The soap
injector mechanism may be used to mix one fluid--not necessarily a
liquid, the system may work with gasses--with another fluid in
other environments which may include commercial, industrial or
research installations for purposes other than hand washing, in
which effective and complete mixing is desired, without adding a
separate mixing machine or device to effect stirring action. In the
disclosed embodiments of the present invention, the mixing
mechanism may be integral to the fluid flow route, and the internal
shape itself effects the mixing.
[0107] If the motor/pump module has the system's controls, for
example, with an imbedded programmable microcontroller, the same
unit may be programmed or adapted to work in installations with
different kinds of water valves, injectors, faucets and soaps. It
may also be programmed to have different duty cycles, dependent
upon the kind of users or environment it is to work in. For maximum
flexibility, the system may be designed to allow easy reprogramming
after installation. For a consistent soap/water mixture ratio
despite variations in water pressure, the soap flow rate may be
directly related to the water flow rate.
[0108] To work with upgrades of existing automatic sensor operated
water faucets, the motor/pump module may recognize the signal from
the existing installed faucet sensor assembly. Likewise, the signal
sent from the motor/pump module may be recognized by the
pre-existing solenoid valve module assembly. In this case, it may
rely on some of the controls in the existing solenoid valve module
if it has a self-calibration procedure to automatically set the
range setting to the faucet sensor's environment.
[0109] Plumbing codes generally require positive means to keep soap
from getting into the water supply when the supply has negative
pressure. Except for upgrades, the anti-siphon function may be
integrated into the solenoid valve module. For upgrades, it may be
between the valve and water supply. The transformer may be used to
reduce the operating voltage to a safe level and make the system
compatible with interchangeable DC battery pack operation in
installations where AC line power is not available. The water
supply may be a single line from either a cold water line or an
automatic temperature regulating mixing valve with connections to
both hot and cold lines.
[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 10, water need not go directly from
the handles to the faucet as in conventional faucet designs, but
may be routed indirectly back down under the countertop, through
the soap dispensing system. This may allow a greater flexibility in
the choice and application of various soap and water actuating
sensors and mechanisms. The intervening mechanisms between the
handles and the faucet need not be packed into the constraining
volume of the above the countertop faucet.
[0111] Thus such faucet control mechanisms as a single control
faucet, may be readily adapted to the integrated soap dispensing
system. Such faucets may be commonly rotated clockwise and
counterclockwise to control water temperature and moved towards and
away from the user to control the volume or rate of water flow. The
soap dispensing feature may be added by having the single control
faucet actuate soap dispensing when pressed downwards, as the soap
actuating push handle.
[0112] From the description above, a number of advantages of the
integrated soap dispensing system may be realized in connection
with the disclosed embodiments of the invention for at least some
applications. The operation of the systems by users may be simple,
quick and effective to use. This may be important for certain
applications because many users do not consider hand washing a
pleasant experience to be indulged in for pleasure, like showering.
The disclosed system may only minimally obtrude on the appearance
of the wash station which also may make it more attractive to use
and those who maintain it as well. The disclosed systems may be
unique in their precision in metering and thoroughly mixing soap
and water, something that may become more important when sanitation
and hygiene are considered. The mixing of soap and water in prior
known systems in haphazard and may be very poorly accomplished.
[0113] The disclosed systems include a soap dispensing side of the
system that interacts with and may override the water only side of
the system,. so that the soap dispensing mode may be initiated at
any time by the user, even when water is already flowing from the
faucet. Thus, there may be an interval after soap dispensing is
completed, during which time the water only flow cannot be
initiated by the user.
[0114] The disclosed embodiment of a faucet, or the discharge tube
or nozzle of the disclosed faucet may be repeatedly washed by the
water/soap solution, and if the soap is a disinfectant, providing
disinfectant action internally in the faucet, tending to keep the
faucet free of contaminants.
[0115] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different
embodiments are possible and are contemplated within the true
spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, while the
soap specified herein is a liquid soap in the preferred embodiment
of the invention, it is contemplated that solid soap particles or
the like may be employed. Also, other fluid products may also be
employed, and fluid vehicles other than water are also
contemplated. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the present
invention may also be employed for applications other than washing
hands. Such other application may include washing clothes or other
articles, mixing chemicals in chemical processes, and others. There
is no intention, therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract or
disclosure herein presented.
* * * * *