U.S. patent application number 13/338828 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for touchless optically controlled dispenser.
Invention is credited to Andrew Jones, Heiner Ophardt.
Application Number | 20130001241 13/338828 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47389533 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130001241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ophardt; Heiner ; et
al. |
January 3, 2013 |
TOUCHLESS OPTICALLY CONTROLLED DISPENSER
Abstract
An automatically controlled apparatus whose operation is
controlled at least in part by the input of a signal that an object
is sensed in a selected positioned relative the apparatus, the
apparatus having an emitter to emit electromagnetic radiation and a
sensor to sense electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter
which is reflected off an object suitably positioned relative the
apparatus, the improvement comprising a carriage member mounted to
the apparatus for relative pivoting about a pivot axis, the emitter
and sensor carried by carriage member, the emitter being generally
directional emitting radiation to emanate outwardly from the
emitter generally along a longitudinal emission axis, the sensor
being generally directional and sensing radiation which emanates
generally along a longitudinal sensing axis terminating in the
sensor, the emission axis and the sensing axis generally disposed
in a common plane which includes the horizontal axis.
Inventors: |
Ophardt; Heiner; (Arisdorf,
CH) ; Jones; Andrew; (Smithville, CA) |
Family ID: |
47389533 |
Appl. No.: |
13/338828 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11983065 |
Nov 8, 2007 |
|
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13338828 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/1 ;
222/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/1217
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/1 ;
222/52 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 13, 2007 |
CA |
2,597,190 |
Claims
1. An automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing material onto a
hand of a user when the hand is suitable positioned under a
dispensing outlet for the material to be dispensed, the improvement
comprising: the dispensing apparatus having a backplate for
mounting to a vertical wall, the dispensing apparatus protruding
forwardly from the backplate, the dispensing outlet spaced in a
forward direction from the backplate, the dispensing outlet
dispensing material vertically downwardly from the dispensing
outlet along a dispensing axis which is fixed relative the
backplate, the dispensing apparatus having an emitter to emit
electromagnetic radiation and a sensor to sense electromagnetic
radiation emitted by the emitter which is reflected off a user hand
suitably positioned under the outlet, a carriage member mounted to
the dispensing apparatus fixed against movement relative the
dispensing apparatus other than for relative pivoting about a pivot
axis which is horizontal and extends normal to the forward
direction side to side of the dispensing apparatus, the emitter and
sensor carried by carriage member, the emitter being generally
directional emitting radiation to emanate outwardly from the
emitter generally along a longitudinal emission axis, the sensor
being generally directional and sensing radiation which emanates
generally along a longitudinal sensing axis terminating in the
sensor, the emission axis and the sensing axis generally disposed
in a common plane which includes the pivot axis, the carriage
member mounted to the dispensing apparatus for pivoting about the
pivot axis between a plurality of different positions relative the
backplate, wherein pivoting the carriage member between different
of said positions places the common plane at different angular
orientations relative to the dispensing axis.
2. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
dispenser has the carriage mounted at an under side of the
dispenser to direct the plane downwardly and forwardly with the
common plane to intersect with a user's hand when positioned at a
selected position.
3. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the
emission axis and the sensing axis converge to intersect at a
convergence point in the plane below the dispenser.
4. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the emitter
and sensor are spaced from each other in a direction measured
parallel to the pivot axis.
5. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the
emission axis is at a fixed emitter angle relative to the pivot
axis and the sensing axis is at a fixed sensing angle relative to
the pivot axis, the sensing angle is equal to the emitter
angle.
6. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein pivoting
the carriage member locates an intersection of the dispensing axis
with the common plane at different relative heights below the
dispensing outlet.
7. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the emitter
and sensor are spaced from each other in a direction measured
parallel to the pivot axis.
8. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 including an
angular positioning mechanism to releasably lock the carriage
member at a different angular positions relative the pivot
axis.
9. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 8 including a
positioning member rearwardly coupled to the carriage and manually
engageable by a user to pivot the carriage member to different
angular positions relative the pivot axis.
10. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the
positioning member comprises a lever member when coupled to the
carriage projects from the carriage member radially relative the
pivot axis for manual engagement under the dispensing
apparatus.
11. A dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein further
comprising: a reservoir assembly including a reservoir containing
material to be dispensed, an activation unit, and a pump mechanism
activatable by the activation unit to dispense material from the
reservoir out of the outlet opening, a control mechanism to permit
operation of the dispensing apparatus when the sensor senses
radiation from the emitter.
12. In combination, a dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1
together with a countertop having an upwardly directed countertop
surface reflective of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the
emitter, the dispensing apparatus securely fixedly mounted relative
the countertop above the countertop with the common axis spaced
vertically above the upwardly directed surface of the countertop
sufficiently to permit a user's hand to be positioned under the
dispensing outlet and above the upwardly directed countertop
surface.
13. In combination, a dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 2
together with a countertop having an upwardly directed countertop
surface reflective of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the
emitter, the dispensing apparatus securely fixedly mounted relative
the countertop above the countertop with the common axis spaced
vertically above the upwardly directed surface of the countertop
sufficiently to permit a user's hand to be positioned under the
dispensing outlet and above the upwardly directed countertop
surface.
14. In combination, a dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 3
together with a countertop having an upwardly directed countertop
surface reflective of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the
emitter, the dispensing apparatus securely fixedly mounted relative
the countertop above the countertop with the common axis spaced
vertically above the upwardly directed surface of the countertop
sufficiently to permit a user's hand to be positioned under the
dispensing outlet and above the upwardly directed countertop
surface.
15. In combination, a dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 4
together with a countertop having an upwardly directed countertop
surface reflective of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the
emitter, the dispensing apparatus securely fixedly mounted relative
the countertop above the countertop with the common axis spaced
vertically above the upwardly directed surface of the countertop
sufficiently to permit a user's hand to be positioned under the
dispensing outlet and above the upwardly directed countertop
surface.
16. In combination, a dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 5
together with a countertop having an upwardly directed countertop
surface reflective of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the
emitter, the dispensing apparatus securely fixedly mounted relative
the countertop above the countertop with the common axis spaced
vertically above the upwardly directed surface of the countertop
sufficiently to permit a user's hand to be positioned under the
dispensing outlet and above the upwardly directed countertop
surface.
17. In combination, a dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 6
together with a countertop having an upwardly directed countertop
surface reflective of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the
emitter, the dispensing apparatus securely fixedly mounted relative
the countertop above the countertop with the common axis spaced
vertically above the upwardly directed surface of the countertop
sufficiently to permit a user's hand to be positioned under the
dispensing outlet and above the upwardly directed countertop
surface.
18. In combination, a dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 7
together with a countertop having an upwardly directed countertop
surface reflective of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the
emitter, the dispensing apparatus securely fixedly mounted relative
the countertop above the countertop with the common axis spaced
vertically above the upwardly directed surface of the countertop
sufficiently to permit a user's hand to be positioned under the
dispensing outlet and above the upwardly directed countertop
surface.
19. In combination, a dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 8
together with a countertop having an upwardly directed countertop
surface reflective of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the
emitter, the dispensing apparatus securely fixedly mounted relative
the countertop above the countertop with the common axis spaced
vertically above the upwardly directed surface of the countertop
sufficiently to permit a user's hand to be positioned under the
dispensing outlet and above the upwardly directed countertop
surface.
20. A method of operating a dispenser in combination as claimed in
claim 12 comprising: pivoting the carriage member about the pivot
axis to one of the plurality of different positions relative the
backplate selected such that electromagnetic radiation emitted by
the emitter reflects off the upwardly directed surface of the
countertop is not directed to the sensor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/983,065 filed Nov. 8, 2007.
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an optically controlled dispensing
mechanism and, more particularly, to a dispenser whose operation is
controlled by optical sensors which can be moved to assume
different sensing positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Touchless dispensers are known in which a dispenser operates
by sensing the presence of a user's hand below a discharge outlet.
As one such touchless system, it is known to provide an emitter
which emits electromagnetic radiation and a sensor adapted to sense
electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sensor which has been
reflected off the hand of a user disposed below the discharge
outlet. Dispensing occurs when light reflected from the hand of a
user under the discharge outlet is received by the sensor. In the
absence of a hand disposed under the discharge outlet dispensing is
not desired to occur.
[0004] Typical known soap dispensers have their hand sensing
systems including the sensor and emitter disposed to be fixed
relative to the dispenser to dispense when the hand is located at a
desired position underneath the dispenser.
[0005] The present inventors have appreciated that disadvantages
arise when sensors are placed, for example, above reflective
tabletops or sinks in that reflection of electromagnetic radiation
from the sensor off the countertop or sink can reach the sensor
causing false activations. The present inventors have appreciated
that with many soap dispensers in which the hand sensing systems
direct the electromagnetic radiation virtually vertically
downwardly, it can be difficult to locate a dispenser at a
sufficient height above a countertop or sink to avoid false
activations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] To at least partially overcome these disadvantages and
difficulties of the previously known devices, the present invention
provides a touchless dispenser in which a hand sensing system,
preferably including a sensor and an emitter to receive radiation
from the emitter reflected off a hand of a user, is adjustable to
permit the sensor and emitter to be disposed at different
orientations relative to the dispenser.
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a touchless
dispenser which permits easy adjustment of the direction that the
sensor and emitter of a hand sensing system are directed relative
to the remainder of the dispenser.
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides an
automatically controlled apparatus whose operation is controlled at
least in part by the input of a signal that an object is sensed in
a selected positioned relative the apparatus, the apparatus having
an emitter to emit electromagnetic radiation and a sensor to sense
electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter which is reflected
off an object suitably positioned relative the apparatus, the
improvement comprising a carriage member mounted to the apparatus
for relative pivoting about a pivot axis,
[0009] the emitter and sensor carried by carriage member,
[0010] the emitter being generally directional emitting radiation
to emanate outwardly from the emitter generally along a
longitudinal emission axis,
[0011] the sensor being generally directional and sensing radiation
which emanates generally along a longitudinal sensing axis
terminating in the sensor,
[0012] the emission axis and the sensing axis generally disposed in
a common plane which includes the horizontal axis. Preferably, the
apparatus is an automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing
material onto the hand of a user when positioned under a dispensing
outlet for the material to be dispensed.
[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides an
automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing material onto a hand
of a user when the hand is suitable positioned under a dispensing
outlet for the material to be dispensed, the improvement
comprising:
[0014] the dispensing apparatus having a backplate for mounting to
a vertical wall,
[0015] the dispensing apparatus protruding forwardly from the
backplate,
[0016] the dispensing outlet spaced in a forward direction from the
backplate,
[0017] the dispensing outlet dispensing material vertically
downwardly from the dispensing outlet along a dispensing axis which
is fixed relative the backplate,
[0018] the dispensing apparatus having an emitter to emit
electromagnetic radiation and a sensor to sense electromagnetic
radiation emitted by the emitter which is reflected off a user hand
suitably positioned under the outlet,
[0019] a carriage member mounted to the dispensing apparatus fixed
against movement relative the dispensing apparatus other than for
relative pivoting about a pivot axis which is horizontal and
extends normal to the forward direction side to side of the
dispensing apparatus,
[0020] the emitter and sensor carried by carriage member,
[0021] the emitter being generally directional emitting radiation
to emanate outwardly from the emitter generally along a
longitudinal emission axis,
[0022] the sensor being generally directional and sensing radiation
which emanates generally along a longitudinal sensing axis
terminating in the sensor,
[0023] the emission axis and the sensing axis generally disposed in
a common plane which includes the pivot axis,
[0024] the carriage member mounted to the dispensing apparatus for
pivoting about the pivot axis between a plurality of different
positions relative the backplate,
[0025] wherein pivoting the carriage member between different of
said positions places the common plane at different angular
orientations relative to the dispensing axis,
[0026] preferably, the apparatus is in combination with a
countertop having an upwardly directed countertop surface
reflective of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter
and the dispensing apparatus is securely fixedly mounted relative
the countertop above the countertop with the common axis spaced
vertically above the upwardly directed surface of the countertop
sufficiently to permit a user's hand to be positioned under the
dispensing outlet and above the upwardly directed countertop
surface.
[0027] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
of operating a dispenser of the above combination comprising:
[0028] pivoting the carriage member about the pivot axis to one of
the plurality of different positions relative the backplate
selected such that electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter
reflects off the upwardly directed surface of the countertop is not
directed to the sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
be come apparent from the following description taken together with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a dispenser assembly in
accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a pictorial exploded view of the dispenser
assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view showing assembly of the reservoir
assembly and backplate assembly shown in FIG. 2;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic pictorial side view showing the
relative positioning of a user's hand relative the reservoir
assembly and an activation unit of the dispenser of FIGS. 1 and
3;
[0034] FIG. 5 is an exploded pictorial view of the reservoir
assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a pictorial view showing the assembled bottle,
valve member, piston chamber forming member and piston shown in
FIG. 5;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a pictorial top rear view of the collar shown in
FIG. 5;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
dispenser assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 9 is an exploded pictorial front view of the backplate
assembly shown in FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a rear pictorial view of the activation unit
shown in FIG. 9;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded pictorial front view of the
activation unit shown in FIG. 9;
[0041] FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded pictorial bottom view of
selected components of the activation unit shown in FIG. 10;
[0042] FIG. 13 is an exploded pictorial rear view of the top and
bottom elements of the carriage member shown in FIG. 12;
[0043] FIG. 14 is a schematic pictorial assembled view of the
circuit board and carriage member shown in FIG. 11; and
[0044] FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of FIG. 4 also showing a
wall to which the dispenser is mounted and a countertop below the
dispenser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] Reference is made to FIG. 1 which illustrates a dispenser
assembly 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The dispenser assembly 10, as best seen in FIG.
2, includes a removable reservoir assembly 12 adapted to be secured
to a housing formed by a combination of a backplate assembly 14, a
presser member 15 and a shroud 16. As seen in FIG. 9, the backplate
assembly 14 includes a reservoir support bridge 200, a backplate
front housing 202, a backplate rear housing plate 204, a battery
pack 206 and an activation unit 48. The battery pack 206 and the
activation unit 48 are received inside an enclosed compartment
formed between the assembled backplate front housing 202 and
backplate rear housing plate 204. An electrical wire 208
electrically connects batteries in the battery pack 206 with
electronic/electric components in the activation unit 48.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the reservoir support bridge 200 is
supported on a generally forwardly directed face plate 17 of the
backplate front housing 202 from which a horizontally disposed
support plate 18 of the support bridge 200 extends forwardly
supported by two side plates 19. The presser member 15 is pivotally
mounted to the support bridge 200 between the two side plates 19
with stub axles 20 received in journaling bores 21 in each of the
side plates 19. The housing is completed by the shroud 16 being
coupled to the backplate assembly 14 to substantially enclose the
support bridge 200 and the presser member 15. The reservoir
assembly 12 is adapted to removably couple to the assembled housing
with a piston 32 of a pump assembly 25 of the reservoir assembly 12
becoming coupled to the presser member 15.
[0047] Activation Unit
[0048] The backplate assembly 14 includes and carries the
activation unit 48 best seen in FIGS. 4, 9 to 12 and 15. The
activation unit 48 includes as schematically shown in FIG. 11, an
internal drive assembly including an electric motor 49 which
rotates via a series of gears 50, a drive wheel 51 carrying an
eccentrically mounted axially extending externally mounted cam post
52. The cam post 52 couples to an inner end of the presser member
15 such that in rotation of the drive wheel 51 in one full
revolution, the presser member 15 is pivoted about its stub axles
20 downwardly and then upwardly, returning to the same position.
The presser member 15 is coupled to piston 32 of the pump assembly
25 of the reservoir assembly 12.
[0049] In one cycle of operation, the motor 49 is operated so as to
rotate the drive wheel 51 360 degrees and thus move the presser
member 15 and hence the piston 32 in a single stroke inwardly and
outwardly to dispense an allotment of fluid from the bottle 22 of
the reservoir assembly out a discharge outlet 34 of the piston 32.
The motor 49 is an electric motor and its operation may be
controlled by a control mechanism receiving various inputs.
[0050] The activation unit 48 shown is adapted provide touchless
operation of the dispenser in a manner in which, as seen in FIG. 4,
the presence of a user's hand 210 underneath the discharge outlet
34 is sensed by a hand sensing system. The hand sensing system
includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter 53 located at the
bottom front of the activator unit 48 to direct radiation
downwardly and forwardly towards the position the user's hand 210
is to be placed and an electromagnetic radiation sensor 54 also
located at the bottom front of the activator unit 48 to sense
radiation reflected off the user's hand 210. The hand sensing
system, on suitable receipt of reflected radiation from the hand,
provides a suitable signal to the control mechanism indicating the
presence of the hand, for example, satisfying at least one
condition for operation of the motor.
[0051] The activation unit 48 is schematically shown in a pictorial
exploded view in FIG. 11 as having a lid 212 which mates with a
base 214 to provide a substantially enclosed internal compartment
therebetween for mounting of a circuit board 216 and the internal
drive assembly 218 as well as a carriage member 220. The motor 49
is adapted to be mounted to the circuit board 216 electrically
coupled thereto. The various gears 50 are journalled at each of
their ends to the lid 212 and the base 214 with suitable openings
provided through the circuit board and permitting, for example,
coupling of one of the gears 50 through the lid 212 to carry and
rotate the drive wheel 51. The circuit board 216 carries the
emitter 53 and sensor 54 of the hand sensing system electrically
coupled thereto by flexible wiring 223 and 224. The carriage member
220 carries two generally cylindrical sockets 225 and 226 to
securely receive, respectively, the emitter 53 and the sensor 54
secured therein coaxially within one of the sockets 225 and 226 of
the carriage member 220.
[0052] As best seen in FIG. 12, the assembled carriage member 220
has a pair of stub axles 228, one at each end, coaxially disposed
and providing cylindrical outwardly directed journaling surfaces.
The lid 212 has side walls 230 which carry inwardly directed
sockets 232 within which the stub axles 228 of the carriage member
are to be received such that the carriage member becomes journalled
to the lid 212 for pivoting about a general axis indicated as 234.
The stub axles 228 are held in the sockets 232 against removal by
portions of a front wall 236 of the base 214 closing the open ends
of the sockets 232 when the lid 212 and base 214 are secured
together.
[0053] By reason of the stub axles 228 being received in the
sockets 232, the carriage member 220 is mounted to the dispensing
assembly 10 fixed against movement relative the dispensing assembly
10 other than for relative pivoting about the axis 441.
[0054] The carriage member 220 has a support bar 238 extending
parallel to the stub axles 228 and coupling the sockets 225 and 226
fixedly together. A removable handle member 240 is shown coupled to
the carriage member 220 extending forwardly from the support bar
238 centered between the two sockets and extending radially
relative to an axis 441 through the stub axles 228. A pair of catch
arms 242 extend radially from the support bar 238 spaced from each
other on either side of the handle member 240, however, at a
different angle relative to the axis 441 of the stub axles 228 than
the handle member 240. Each of the catch arms 242 extends from an
inner end where it is coupled to the support bar 238 to a distal
end 244. Each catch arm 242 carries an inwardly extending
semi-spherical boss 245 proximate its end 244. The front wall 236
of the base 214 carries a locating bridge 246 with a pair of side
surfaces 248 each of which has an array of semi-circular recesses
250 disposed at different locations in an arc about the pivot axis
234 when the lid 212 is coupled to the base 214. In an assembled
actuation unit 48 as shown in FIG. 10, with the carriage member 220
journalled in the sockets 232 for pivoting about the pivot axis
234, the catch arms 242 are disposed outwardly of each of the side
surfaces 248 of the locating bridge 246 with the bosses 245 adapted
to be received in any one of the recesses 250 so as to locate the
carriage member 220 at one of a number of different rotational
positions about the axis 234. In FIGS. 10 and 15, the array of
recesses 250 is shown to include three recesses and the carriage
member 220 is shown as being located in an intermediate of the
recesses 250.
[0055] As seen in FIG. 1, the removable handle 240 when coupled to
the carriage member 22 extends forwardly and is adapted to manually
be grasped by an installer's hand and forcibly urged to move the
bosses 245 out of one pair of the recesses 250 into another
pair.
[0056] The emitter 53 comprises a lamp which is generally
configured so as to be generally directional, that is, to direct
electromagnetic radiation to emanate outwardly from the emitter
generally along a longitudinal emitter axis 253 and, similarly, the
sensor is generally directional so as to sense radiation which
emanates generally along a longitudinal sensor axis 254 terminating
in the sensor as seen in FIG. 14. Each of the sockets 255 and 256
effectively act as a shroud which assists in substantially
preventing any transmission of electromagnetic radiation
therethrough and effectively serves to assist in directionalizing
the emitter 53 and the sensor 54 so as to restrict emissions or
reception of either to radiation passing through the outer ends of
the sockets 225 and 226. The emitter axis 253 and the sensor axis
254 are disposed in a common plane which includes the pivot axis
234 about which the carriage member 220 is journalled to the
activation unit 48. Similarly, the handle 240 is shown as extending
substantially in the same plane. The emitter axis 253 and sensor
axis 254 are angled relative to each other so as to converge in the
plane including the pivot axis 234 a convergent point at a fixed
distance from the pivot axis 234. With these emitter axis 253 and
sensor axis 254 each disposed at the same relative angle to the
pivot axis 234, the convergent point is located centered between
the sockets 225 and 226 as preferred for symmetrical location and
arrangement on the dispenser although this is not necessary.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 15, there is illustrated by an arrow 262
in side view, the common plane containing each of the emitter axis
253 and the sensor axis 254 when the catch arms 242 are secured
with their bosses in the intermediate recess 250. Arrows 261 and
263 show the position of this common plane if the carriage member
220 is rotated to have the catch arms 242 engaged in the lowermost
and uppermost recesses 250, respectively.
[0058] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates components of the
dispenser assembly as mounted on a vertical wall 302 above a
countertop 300 located below the dispenser. The countertop 300
carries an upper surface 301 which is reflective of the
electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter 53.
[0059] Reference is made to FIG. 13 which shows the carriage member
220 as being formed from a top element 270 and a bottom element 271
which are adapted to snap-fit together as with catches 272 on the
top element 270 to pass through and snap-fit into openings 273 in
the bottom element 271. The top element 270 carries half of the
stub axle 222 while the bottom 271 carries the other half.
Similarly, the top element 270 carries a top half of the socket 225
and the top half of the socket 226 and the bottom element 271
carries a bottom half of the socket 225 and a bottom half of the
socket 226. On snap-fitting the top 270 to the bottom 271, the
emitter 53 is received coaxially within the socket 225 against
removal and the sensor 54 is received coaxially within the socket
226 against removal.
[0060] By positioning the carriage member 220 to assume any one of
the upper, intermediate, or lower positions indicated by the arrows
261, 262 and 263 in FIG. 15, the ability of hand sensing system to
avoid undesired reflection off a permanent object such as the
countertop 300 shown in FIG. 15 located underneath the discharge
outlet 34 will vary. As well, there may be a preferred location and
distance below the dispensing outlet 34 for a hand to be placed and
sensed, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 as with the carriage
member in the intermediate position represented by arrow 262.
However, in certain environments, for example, due to the presence
of the countertop 300 below the dispenser which restricts the
ability of a hand to be located in positions above the countertop
300, may render it advantageous for the carriage member to be moved
to assume, for example, a position corresponding to that
represented by the arrow 261 which will more readily sense a hand
at a higher position. Similarly, in certain environments, it may be
difficult to mount the dispenser other than at relatively high
heights on the wall 302 shown in FIG. 15 in which case a person
using the dispenser may well be inclined to place their hand at a
position farther below the discharge nozzle 34. In this case,
placing the carriage member 220 into a position corresponding to
that indicated by arrow 263 would facilitate a hand being sensed at
a lower position underneath the discharge outlet.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 5, it is generally preferred if the
carriage member 220 is capable of being disposed such that the
sensors 53 and 54 point virtually vertically downward or,
preferably, no more than about ten degrees from the vertical. This
is believed preferred to allow good sensing to ensure there is no
dispensing before the hand is underneath the discharge outlet 34.
However, insofar as there may be provided, for example, some
surface such as the reflective countertop surface 301 of the
countertop 300 below the dispenser as seen in FIG. 15, then the
difficulty arises that radiation from the emitter can bounce off
the surface 301 being reflected to the emitter and, thus, provide
an false activation when there is no hand of a user under the
discharge outlet 34. By adjusting the angle of the carriage member
220 to be increased, for example, to different angles such as 15
degrees or 20 degrees, or 25 degrees or 30 degrees or 35 degrees to
the vertical or any angle in ranges therebetween, the difficulty
with reflection as from a flat countertop surface 301 can be
reduced and typically eliminated. The present invention provides a
convenient arrangement in which when a dispenser is installed on
the wall, if there are problems with false readings as due to
reflection, then the relative angle of the sensors altered to a
vertical can be suitably directed.
[0062] It is believed that preferred angles for directing the
sensors is in the range of 5 degrees to about 35 degrees, more
preferably, in the range of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.
In the preferred embodiment, the carriage member 220 is intended to
be able to be located at angles of 10 degrees, 20 degrees and 30
degrees from the vertical. It is appreciated that a plurality of
recesses may accommodate a plurality of different angles as may be
desired.
[0063] It is not necessary that the point of coincidence be
disposed at the hand or necessarily above or below the hand. For
proper operation of the hand sensing device, it is merely necessary
that radiation from the sensor 53 is adequately reflected from the
hand so as to be received by the emitter 54. The pivotable carriage
member 220 provides a simple mechanism for easy adjusting of the
hand sensing system to optimally sense hands at different positions
and locations relative to the dispenser, and/or to avoid problems
with reflected radiation from permanent elements of the environment
about the dispenser.
[0064] In the preferred embodiment as best shown in FIGS. 13 and
14, the handle member 240 a separate removable element from the
carriage member 220 and not integrally formed as part of the
carriage member 220. In this regard, the handle member 240 has an
elongate portion 300 from which an elongate plug like key member
302 extends longitudinally at one end. The key member 302 has a
rectangular cross sectional shape shaped and sized to fit inside a
complementary rectangular key hole 304 in the carriage member 220
seen in FIG. 14. With the key member 302 engaged in the keyhole
304, the handle member 240 extends about a notional longitudinal
276 shown in FIG. 14 lying centered between the axis 253 and 254
all in the common plane. For ease of explanation of the invention
the removable handle member 240 is shown coupled to the carriage
member in each of FIGS. 1 to 4, 8 to 12 and 15 although in use in
dispensing the handle member 240 should preferably be removed. The
handle member 24 is not necessary and the handle member 240 could
be eliminated and some other positioning mechanism may be provided
for manual movement of the carriage member 220 or permitting access
to the carriage member 220 as, for example, by use of a tool such
as a screwdriver or the end of a cylindrical pencil. For example,
with the handle member 240 could be removed and a flat head
screwdriver could be inserted into the keyhole 304 in the support
bar 238 as seen in FIG. 14.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 9, the backplate front housing
202 has three openings 281, 282 and 283 located in its lower wall
284 complementary to the locations of the sockets 225, handle 220
and socket 226, respectively. The openings 281 and 283 are disposed
below the sockets 225 and 226 and are of a size to permit radiation
from the emitter 53 to pass outwardly and radiation for the sensor
54 to pass inwardly in all desired rotational positions of the
carriage member 220. Similarly, the opening 282 provides an opening
through which the handle member 240 may extend for manual
engagement and manipulation and permits the handle member 240 to
assume any corresponding desired rotational positions of the
carriage member 220. Insofar as the handle member 240 may be
eliminated, then the central opening 282 may provide an access
point for a tool to engage the carriage member 220.
[0066] The face plate 17 of the backplate housing 202 has an
opening 285 through which the drive wheel 51 may extend for
engagement with the gears 50 within the activation unit 48.
[0067] The face plate 17 also includes two openings 286 and 287 to
receive two key shrouds 57 and 58 carried on the activation unit
lid 212 and which are to receive a key emitter 55 and key sensor 56
of an optional key system as discussed hereafter.
[0068] In the preferred embodiment, engagement between the bosses
on the catch arms and the recesses in the bridging member provide
for discrete pre-set adjustment of the carriage member 220 to have
the sensors at a plurality of different angles. It is to be
appreciated that the device could be arranged to provide for the
dispensing angle to be any desired angle within a range as, for
example, by having the catch arms merely frictionally engage the
sides of the retaining bridge.
[0069] In the preferred embodiments, the socket members 225 and 226
are shown as being fixed to the carriage member 220 against
movement. This is preferred, however, it is to be appreciated that
a carriage member could be further modified so as to provide an
arrangement for changing the angle at which the socket members 225
and 226 converge towards each other, preferably, with the movement
of the sockets being constrained to remain symmetrical relative to
the pivot axis although this is not necessary.
[0070] Reservoir Assembly
[0071] As best seen in FIG. 5, the reservoir assembly 12 comprises
a reservoir bottle 22, a pump assembly 25 and a key collar 26. The
bottle 22 has a threaded neck 27 about an outlet 28. A locking tab
29 extends forwardly and axially relative to the threaded neck 27
and is of generally rectangular shape in horizontal, axial
cross-section having flat parallel side faces and an end face
normal thereto. The pump assembly 25 includes a piston chamber
forming member 30 having an outer flange 31 which is internally
threaded such that the outer flange 31 may be threadably engaged
onto the threaded neck 27. The pump assembly 25 further includes a
piston 32 and a valve member 33. The piston 32 is reciprocally
movable coaxially within a cylindrical chamber formed within the
piston chamber forming member 30 so as to dispense fluid from
inside the bottle 22 out of the outlet 28 internally through the
piston 32 and out a discharge opening 34 of the outer end of the
piston 32.
[0072] The bottle 22 and pump assembly 25 is shown assembled in
FIG. 6. To the assembly as shown in FIG. 6, the key collar 26 is
applied by sliding the collar 26 axially upwardly such that the
collar 26 comes to be engaged in a snap-fit upon the outer flange
31 against removal from the outer flange 31 and with the locking
tab 29 engaging in a slotway 46 on the collar 26 so as to prevent
rotation of the collar 26 relative to the bottle 22. As seen in
FIG. 7, the collar 26 has an axial upper end 35 and an axial lower
end 36 with a central, generally cylindrical opening 37 extending
therethrough. A generally cylindrical side wall 38 about the
opening 37 carries approximate the lower end 36 three radially
inwardly extending lower shoulder members 39 presenting stop
shoulders 80 directed axially toward the upper end 35. Approximate
the upper end 35, the side wall 38 includes three radially inwardly
directed upper shoulder members 40. The upper shoulder members 40
have a catch surface 81 directed towards the lower end 36 and a
bevelled camming surface 82 directed towards the upper end 35. On
sliding of the collar 26 coaxially upwardly onto the outer flange
31, the camming surface 82 of the upper shoulder members 40 engage
with an outer lower surface 83 of the outer flange 31 biasing the
upper shoulder members 40 radially outwardly to permit the outer
flange 31 to move relative the collar 26 axially toward the lower
end 36 into the opening 37 of the collar 26. Once an upper end 84
of the outer flange 31 becomes located below the upper shoulder
member 40, the upper shoulder member 40 returns to its inherent
unbiased position with the catch surface 81 disposed above the
upper end 84 of the outer flange 31 radially inwardly therefrom
thus locking the outer flange 31 between the stop shoulders 80 of
the lower shoulder member 39 and the catch surface 81 of the upper
shoulder member 40.
[0073] The collar 26 carries on its upper end 35 a pair of upwardly
extending lock tabs 45 providing a slotway 46 therebetween. The
slotway 46 is sized to closely receive the locking tab 29 of the
bottle 22 therebetween. When coupling the collar 26 onto the
assembled bottle 22 and pump assembly 25, the slotway 46 is
circumferentially aligned with the locking tab 29 on the bottle 22
such that the reservoir assembly 12 when fully assembled as shown
in FIG. 2 has the locking tab 29 on the bottle 22 received within
the slotway 46 preventing relative rotation of the collar 26 and
bottle 12. In the reservoir assembly 12 as shown in FIG. 2, the
piston chamber forming member 30 and the collar 26 are secured to
the bottle 22 against removal. That is, the key collar 26 and
piston chamber forming member 30 are preferably secured on the
bottle 22 substantially against removal other than by significant
breaking or deformation of the bottle 22 or key collar 26.
[0074] The extent to which removal or attempted removal of the
collar 26 and/or pump assembly 25 is possible or is not possible,
or may require destruction of one or more of the bottle 22, key
collar 26 or piston chamber forming member 30 can be selected as
desired. For example, at the time of assembly, the bottle 22,
piston chamber forming member 30 and collar 26 can be permanently
secured together as with glue or by sonic welding.
[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the interior side wall 38 of the
collar 26 may be knurled with axially extending alternating ribs
and slotways only partially shown at 170 in FIG. 7 such that a
complementarily knurled outer surface of the outer flange 31 having
axially extending alternating ribs and slotways may couple with
ribs on the side wall 38 preventing relative rotation of the piston
chamber forming member 30 relative to the collar 26 once the collar
is applied.
[0076] With the backplate assembly 14, presser member 15 and shroud
16 assembled and, for example, secured to a wall, the assembled
reservoir assembly 12 may be coupled thereto by the reservoir
assembly 12 moving vertically downwardly relative the backplate
assembly 14 with the collar member 26 and pump assembly 25 to pass
vertically downwardly through an opening 190 in the plate 18, and
the entire reservoir assembly 12 then being urged rearwardly to
engage a rear support portion 191 of the plate 18 above the collar
26 and below a lower shoulder 192 on the bottle placing the piston
32 into a position for coupling with or in which it is coupled with
the presser member 15. Removal of the reservoir assembly 12 is
accomplished by reversed movement forwardly then upwardly.
[0077] The presser member 15 is coupled to the piston 32 by
engagement between catch members (not shown) carried by the presser
member 15 with an engagement flange 54 on the piston 32. Such catch
members and engagement may be similar to that described in U.S.
Pat. 5,373,970 to Ophardt dated Dec. 20, 1994, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, which engagement
necessarily results on coupling of the reservoir assembly 12 with
the backplate assembly 14.
[0078] Optical Key System
[0079] The activation unit 48 is shown to also includes portions of
an optional optical key system for determining if the reservoir
assembly 12 is compatible with the activation unit 48, that is,
whether the reservoir assembly 12 meets pre-selected criteria to
permit use with the activation unit 48. The circuit board 216 of
the activation unit 48 includes an electromagnetic radiation key
emitter 55 and an electromagnetic radiation key sensor 56. The lid
21 of the activation unit 48 includes on an upper portion of its
front face a pair of hollow shrouds 57 and 58 which are directed
forwardly. The key emitter 55 is received in the generally
cylindrical shroud 57 about a lamp of the key emitter 55 and the
key sensor 56 is received in the generally cylindrical shroud 57
about a lamp of the key emitter. The shrouds 57 and 58
substantially prevent any transmission of electromagnetic radiation
therethrough and effectively serve to directionalize the key
emitter 55 and key sensor 56 so as to restrict emissions or
receptions of either to light passing through the outer end of the
shrouds 57 and 58. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, the collar 26 has
two arms 60 and 61 which extend rearwardly from the collar 26
toward each of the key emitter 55 and key sensor 57. The collar 26
provides an electromagnetic radiation wave guide from an end face
62 at the end of arm 60 through the collar 26 to the face 63 at the
end of the arm 61 providing an outlet to the wave guide. The wave
guide is schematically illustrated in dashed lines as 64 in FIG. 7
as extending in a generally U-shape within a U-shaped rim 65 of
material disposed proximate the upper end 35 of the collar 26 about
its outer periphery.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, electromagnetic radiation emitted by
the key emitter 55 enters the wave guide 64 via the inlet end face
62 and is conducted via the wave guide 64 through the collar 26
with electromagnetic radiation to exit the wave guide 64 via the
outlet end face 63 with the radiation exiting the wave guide via
the outlet end face 63 to be sensed by the key sensor 56. The
activation unit 48 includes a key control system under which as a
prerequisite to dispensing, having regard to the electromagnetic
radiation emitted by the key emitter 55, the electromagnetic
radiation sensed by the key sensor 56 is to comply with one or more
pre-selected parameters. As by way of a non-limiting example, the
key emitter 55 may emit electromagnetic radiation within a selected
range of wave lengths and, in the absence of the key sensor 56
sensing electromagnetic radiation within the range of emitted
radiation, the motor 49 may not be permitted to operate. Thus, in
the simplest case, should a non-compliant reservoir assembly 12
which has the bottle 22, pump assembly 25 but not the collar 26, be
coupled to the backplate assembly 14 and would not have a wave
guide, the radiation of a selected wavelength emitted by key
emitter 55 would not be directed to or sensed by the key sensor 56
and the control mechanism of the activation unit would not permit
dispensing.
[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the collar 26 may preferably be
formed as by injection molding from a plastic material which
permits transmission of electromagnetic radiation therethrough. As
is known to a person skilled in the art, various plastic materials
such as polycarbonate plastics can be used which provide a
resultant product having electromagnetic radiation transmitting
properties. Radiation which may enter the light transmitting collar
26 as by being directed normal to the inlet end face 62 will, to
some extent, be reflected internally by reason of such light
impinging at relatively low angles on the external surfaces of the
collar forming effectively the sides of the wave guide. A portion
of the radiation directed into the collar 26 is passed through the
collar 26 as around the U-shaped external rim 65 with some
proportion of the radiation to be directed substantially
perpendicular to the exit end face 63 to exit the wave guide and be
sensed by the key sensor 56.
[0082] The collar 26 may be formed as unitary element all from the
same radiation transmitting properties or may be formed from a
number of different materials. For example, to increase internal
reflection, exterior surfaces of the collar 26 especially about the
rim 65 could be coated with a reflective material other than on the
inlet end face 62 and the outlet end face 63. The collar 26 may be
formed such that merely a U-shaped portion of the collar, for
example, substantially corresponding to the U-shaped rim 65 may
comprise light transmitting materials and the remainder of the
collar may be formed of other plastic materials.
[0083] The collar 26 may be formed to incorporate therein one or
more pre-existing optical fibres, for example, disposed to extend
internally within the U-shaped rim as with an inlet end of an
optical fibre to be presented at the inlet end face 62 and an
outlet end of the optical fibre to be presented at an outlet end
face 63.
[0084] In accordance with the present invention, the
electromagnetic radiation for the key emitter may be selected
having regard to pre-selected parameters. These parameters may
include radiation within one or more ranges of wavelengths,
electromagnetic radiation within one or more ranges of intensity,
polarized electromagnetic radiation, and electromagnetic radiation
within one or more ranges of duration and at one or more different
points in time.
[0085] The wave guide which is provided may have electromagnetic
radiation transmitted properties selected from a plurality of
properties and including the ability to transmit one or more ranges
of wavelengths and or the ability to block one or more ranges of
wavelengths, the ability to restrict the intensity of
electromagnetic radiation which can be transmitted through the wave
guide, preferably, as a function of most of the wave guide. The
transmission properties may restrict the transmission of radiation
having a first range of wavelengths yet permit transmission of
radiation having a range of second wavelengths.
[0086] As to the nature of electromagnetic radiation to be used,
many conventionally available sensors and/or emitters are available
for use in emitting and sensing electromagnetic radiation in the
visible light spectrum. This is not necessary, however, and
electromagnetic radiation outside the visible spectrum may be used.
This could be advantageous as, for example, to mask the nature of
any modular components which may comprise a portion of a wave
guide. For example, whether or not any modular waveguide element
may appear to have a visible colour such as blue, red or yellow,
insofar as it is adapted for transmission of non-visible
electromagnetic radiation, then the presence or absence of colour
in the modular unit could assist in fooling an imitator.
[0087] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a circuit board
216 is provided plus simplified carrying of electronics and ease of
electrical coupling of the motor 49, the hand sensing system
components including the sensor 53 and the emitter 54 and the
optional key system including the key emitter 55 and the key sensor
57. In accordance with the present invention, it is not necessary
that a key system be provided and thus would be appreciated that in
this case the dispenser could be provided without the key emitter
55 or key sensor 56 or their shrouds and without the collar 26. The
embodiment disclosed would function with the elimination of these
elements and, for example, with the reservoir assembly to be
inserted comprising that merely shown in FIG. 6.
[0088] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, many modifications and variations will now
occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the
invention, reference is made to the following claims.
* * * * *