U.S. patent application number 13/623030 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for spray dispenser.
The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas P. Gasper, William F. Gordon, Christopher S. Hoppe. Invention is credited to Thomas P. Gasper, William F. Gordon, Christopher S. Hoppe.
Application Number | 20130068788 13/623030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46970437 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130068788 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gasper; Thomas P. ; et
al. |
March 21, 2013 |
Spray Dispenser
Abstract
A dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive first and
second containers therein and an actuator drive system for
selectively releasing product from the first and second containers.
The actuator drive system includes first and second armatures for
activation of the first and second containers, respectively.
Inventors: |
Gasper; Thomas P.;
(Germantown, WI) ; Gordon; William F.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Hoppe; Christopher S.; (Milwaukee, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gasper; Thomas P.
Gordon; William F.
Hoppe; Christopher S. |
Germantown
Chicago
Milwaukee |
WI
IL
WI |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46970437 |
Appl. No.: |
13/623030 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61536453 |
Sep 19, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/63 ; 222/135;
222/144.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2209/111 20130101;
B65D 83/386 20130101; A61L 9/14 20130101; A61L 9/125 20130101; A01M
1/2038 20130101; B65D 83/68 20130101; B65D 83/262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/63 ;
222/144.5; 222/135 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/16 20060101
B65D083/16; B65D 83/68 20060101 B65D083/68 |
Claims
1. A dispenser, comprising: a housing adapted to receive first and
second containers therein; and an actuator drive system for
selectively releasing product from the first and second containers,
wherein the actuator drive system includes first and second
armatures for activation of the first and second containers,
respectively.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuator drive system
initiates a spraying sequence in response to at least one of a
sensory input and manual actuation.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuator drive system
includes a motor, wherein activation of the motor in a first
direction causes the first armature to activate the first container
and activation of the motor in a second direction causes the second
armature to activate the second container.
4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the first armature is driven
upwardly to raise the first container when the motor is activated
in the first direction and the second armature is driven upwardly
to raise the second container when the motor is activated in the
second direction.
5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the second armature is driven
downwardly when the motor is activated in the first direction and
the first armature is driven downwardly when the motor is activated
in the second direction.
6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the first and second
containers are one of aerosol containers or pump-type sprayers.
7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser further includes
at least one sensor.
8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the detection of sensory input
by the at least one sensor causes activation of the actuator drive
system to release product from the first container during a first
timing sequence and the release of product from the second
container during a second timing sequence.
9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the first and second timing
sequences include a duration of between 1 hour and 1 month, or more
preferably between 12 hours and 2 weeks, or most preferably 24
hours.
10. A dispenser, comprising: a housing adapted to receive at least
one container therein; and a button disposed on the housing,
wherein the button comprises a top plate provided on a top end of
the housing and includes at least one opening extending
therethrough.
11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the top plate extends across
the entire top end of the housing.
12. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the top plate includes a
generally planar peripheral edge.
13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the peripheral edge of the
top plate is depressible to tilt or downwardly depress same.
14. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the entirety of the top
plate is depressible.
15. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the housing is adapted to
receive two containers and the top plate includes two openings.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein product is released from a
first container during a first timing sequence and product is
released from a second container during a second timing sequence in
response to the depression of the top plate.
17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein depression of the top plate
twice during a specified time interval causes the dispenser to
alternate between the first and second timing sequences.
18. A dispenser, comprising: a housing adapted to receive a
container therein; and a pushbutton disposed on the housing,
wherein the pushbutton comprises about 25% to about 100% of the
total viewable surface area of the housing when viewed from
above.
19. The spray dispenser of claim 18, wherein a peripheral portion
of the pushbutton is depressible to tilt or downwardly depress the
pushbutton.
20. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein depression of the pushbutton
activates the dispenser to emit a product within a container.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/536,453, filed Sep. 19, 2011.
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
SEQUENTIAL LISTING
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates generally to a dispensing
system for dispensing a fluid or product from a spray device, and
more particularly, to a method and apparatus for discharging a
product through a nozzle of an aerosol container from a dispensing
system.
[0006] 2. Description of the Background of the Invention
[0007] Aerosol containers are commonly used to store and dispense a
product such as air freshening agents, deodorants, insecticides,
germicides, decongestants, perfumes, or any other known products
suitable for dispersal in the form of particles or droplets
suspended within a gas. The product is forced from the aerosol
container through an aerosol valve by a hydrocarbon or
non-hydrocarbon propellant, or another compressed gas. Typical
aerosol containers comprise a body with an opening at a top end
thereof. A mounting cup is crimped to the opening of the container
to seal the top end of the body to prevent leakage of the product
or the propellant. The mounting cup is generally circular in
geometry and may include an outer wall that extends upwardly from a
base of the mounting cup to connect to the area of crimping. A
pedestal also extends upwardly from a central portion of the base
of the mounting cup. A valve assembly connected to the aerosol
container includes a valve stem, a valve body, and a valve spring.
The valve stem extends through the pedestal, wherein a distal end
extends upwardly away from the pedestal and a proximal end is
disposed within the valve body. The valve body is secured within an
inner side of the mounting cup and a dip tube may be attached to
the valve body. The dip tube extends downwardly into an interior of
the body of the container. The distal end of the valve stem is
axially depressed along a longitudinal axis thereof to open the
valve assembly and thereby discharge the product through the valve
assembly. In other aerosol containers, the valve stem is tilted or
displaced in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the
container to radially actuate the valve stem. When the valve
assembly is opened, a pressure differential between the container
interior and the atmosphere forces the contents of the container
out through an orifice of the valve stem.
[0008] To facilitate their use in various circumstances, the
aerosol containers are often provided with one or more actuators.
The actuators are configured to depress the valve stem of the
aerosol container to release product, in some cases, through the
actuator. Depending upon the application, the actuators can be
manual or automated. Manual actuators include overcaps, buttons,
levers, or triggers that, when depressed or otherwise activated,
cause product to be dispensed from the aerosol container.
Alternatively, the actuators can be operated by machinery residing
within a housing that contains the aerosol container or that is
otherwise attached thereto. In an automated dispensing system, for
example, a motor may be coupled to an actuator that is configured
to dispense product from an aerosol container. In that case, a
timer may be connected to a motor that, in accordance with a
predefined schedule, causes the motor to operate the actuator to
dispense product. These mechanisms can be configured to dispense
product into a particular volume, for example, to ensure that a
certain quantity of freshening agents, deodorants, or insecticides
are dispensed into a room containing the dispensing system.
[0009] Many conventional dispensing systems are only configured to
contain a single product or fluid container and are, therefore,
only capable of dispensing a single product. In the case of
fragrance-dispensing systems, the constant dispensing of a single
fragrance can quickly become tiresome for a user, particularly as
the desire for a specific fragrance may vary throughout the day, or
from day-to-day. Additionally, the constant dispensing of a single
fragrance can lead to fragrance fatigue or habituation causing the
user to realize a reduced benefit from the dispensed fragrance. In
other applications, where the dispensers are used for the
distribution of insecticides or germicides, the constant
distribution of the same product or chemical may actually defeat
the purpose of the system by promoting the development of resistant
insects or germs. Additionally, a dispenser having only a single
product container will require more regular refilling and is more
likely to run out of product, resulting in regular periods of time
during which the dispenser cannot operate and requiring regular
user maintenance and attention. Accordingly, in many dispensing
systems it is advantageous to provide the capability of dispensing
more than one product.
[0010] A different problem associated with prior art automated
dispensing systems is that they often dispense products when it is
of little benefit to a user. If the system is configured to
dispense product at regular intervals, and has no capability to
detect the presence of an individual, for example, the system will
continue to dispense product even when individuals are not present
and cannot benefit from the product. This can be extremely
wasteful.
[0011] Some conventional systems include a single motion sensor,
and are configured to dispense product only when they detect
movement (implying the presence of an individual or other suitable
target) using that single motion detector. The accuracy of those
systems, though, can be limited by the configuration of their
motion detection systems. Because the motion detection systems of
these dispensers have a specific field of vision, if a target does
not happen to pass through that field of vision, or if the field of
vision of the single motion detector is blocked by an obscuring
structure, the individual will not be detected and the product will
not be dispensed. For example, if a conventional dispenser having a
single motion detector is positioned in a corner of a room, the
motion sensor could become oriented toward one of the walls. In
that case, at least a portion of the sensor's field of vision could
become blocked by one of the room's walls, thereby diminishing the
effectiveness of the motion sensor. As such, a single motion sensor
arrangement forces the user to adjust the orientation and placement
of the dispenser to optimize the sensing area, which may result in
the dispenser being positioned in a location that does not conform
with the overall design aesthetics of the room.
[0012] Another common drawback associated with prior art devices is
the difficulty with which an aerosol container or batteries are
loaded into or removed from the housing. To ensure that the
actuating system incorporated into the housing is able to operate
the valve assembly connected to the aerosol container, after the
housing is closed, the container must be accurately positioned
within the housing. If the actuator is not positioned correctly,
the actuator may be incapable of operating the valve assembly to
cause product to be dispensed, or may even damage the container.
Conversely, and equally important, if the actuator is not
accurately positioned, the actuator may be incapable of releasing
the valve assembly to stop the dispensing of product, or the
product may be partially released from the container because the
container is not seated properly and the valve may be partially
blocked. Similarly, if the batteries are not correctly positioned
within the housing, the batteries may be incapable of enabling
power to the device.
[0013] In conventional housings, the aerosol containers are often
secured by a clamping system wherein a door or hinged portion of
the housing is closed over the aerosol container to lock the
container into position within the housing. These securing systems
often allow a user to close the housing even if the container is
not positioned accurately within the housing. Sometimes, when
attempting to close the housing, a user may simply force the
housing closed, possibly damaging the aerosol container and other
components of the dispensing system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a dispensing
system includes a housing adapted to retain at least two product or
fluid-dispensing containers. The housing further includes a motion
or other detecting system having a field of vision that extends
about a perimeter of the dispensing system. The housing is adapted
to dispense a product from at least one of the at least two aerosol
containers in response to the detection of a parameter by at least
one sensor.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method of
operating a dispensing system includes the step of alternating
between active and lockout modes within a first timing sequence,
wherein during the active mode at least one sensor is active to
detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input
results in product being released from a first container, and
wherein during a lockout mode product is not released from the
first container. The method further includes the step of
alternating between active and lockout modes within a second timing
sequence, wherein during the active mode at least one sensor is
active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the
sensory input results in product being released from a second
container, and wherein during a lockout mode product is not
released from the second container. The expiration of the first
timing sequence, and the initiation of the second timing sequence,
occurs from at least one of the lapsing of a time interval, sensory
input, and manual input from a user.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
operating a dispensing system includes the step of activating at
least one sensor during a first timing sequences to detect sensory
input, whereupon detection of the sensory input results in the
release of product from a first container. The method further
includes the step of activating a button, wherein actuation of the
button for a duration of <a time period "T" results in no
release of product, and wherein the depression of the button for a
duration .gtoreq.T results in the release of product.
[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, a dispenser
includes a housing adapted to receive a first and second container
therein and at least one sensor is associated with the housing. The
dispenser provides for alternating between active and lockout modes
within first and second timing sequences. The dispenser provides
for alternating between active and lockout modes within first and
second timing sequences. During the active mode sensory input from
the at least one sensor results in product being released from the
first or second container, respectively, and during a lockout mode
product is not released from the first or second container,
respectively.
[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, a dispenser
includes a housing adapted to receive first and second containers
therein and an actuator drive system for selectively releasing
product from the first and second containers. The actuator drive
system includes first and second armatures for activation of the
first and second containers, respectively.
[0019] According to a still further aspect of the invention, a
dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive at least one
container therein and a button disposed on the housing. The button
comprises a top plate provided on a top end of the housing and
includes at least one opening extending therethrough.
[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, a dispenser
includes a housing having an aperture adapted to receive a
container therein; and a pushbutton disposed on the housing. The
button is a top plate of the housing and comprises about 25% to
about 100% of the total viewable surface area of the housing when
viewed from above.
[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a spray
dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive first and second
containers and an actuator drive system for selectively releasing
product from the two containers. The actuator drive system includes
a motor, a drive train, and first and second actuator arms.
Activation of the motor in a first direction causes the first
actuator arm to activate the first container and activation of the
motor in a second direction causes the second actuator arm to
activate the second container.
[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a dispenser
includes a housing for placement in a space, wherein the housing is
adapted to receive at least one container having a material therein
for emission into the space in response to at least one of a manual
actuation and sensory input. At least three sensors are distributed
around a perimeter of the housing for the detection of sensory
input. In one embodiment, the at least 3 sensors are distributed
around the perimeter such that if the housing is placed near an
obstruction that blocks two of the at least three sensors, at least
one of the remaining sensors is capable of detecting sensory input.
In another embodiment, the space is a room having at least one
corner of a wall that defines a right angle obstruction. In this
embodiment, at least one of the at least three sensors is capable
of dispensing sensory input if the housing is disposed adjacent the
corner.
[0023] According to a still further aspect of the invention, a
dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive at least one
container therein and a plurality of sensors provided about a
perimeter of the housing, wherein each sensor has a field of view
in which the sensor may detect sensory input. A total viewing field
of 360 degrees is provided about the housing. The sum of a field of
view of the sensors about the total viewing field is at least
between 20%-100% thereof. In one embodiment, the plurality of
sensors are radially spaced from a longitudinal axis of the housing
on the same plane. In a different embodiment, the housing has a
geometric shape about the plane the plurality of sensors are
provided on that is one of a square, rectangle, polygon, circle,
and oval.
[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, a dispenser
includes a housing adapted to receive at least one container
therein and a plurality of sensors provided about a perimeter of
the housing, wherein each of the sensors has a field of view to
detect sensory input. At least one sensory gap exists between at
least two of the plurality of sensors in which sensory input is not
detected. In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes 3
sensors positioned about the perimeter of the housing, wherein if
an additional sensor were provided about the perimeter of the
housing the percentage reduction in the sensory gaps would be less
than 25%. In a different embodiment, the plurality of sensors
includes 4 sensors positioned about the perimeter of the housing,
wherein if an additional sensor were provided about the perimeter
of the housing the percentage reduction in the sensory gaps would
be less than 20%.
[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
operating a dispensing system includes the steps of providing a
power source to a dispenser adapted to receive first and second
containers therein and entering an active mode, wherein a sensor is
activated to detect the presence of motion within a sensory path
thereof. The method further includes the step of inquiring about
the presence of the first and second containers upon the detection
of motion by the sensor. If no container is present a dispensing
operation is not undertaken, if one of the first or second
containers is present a dispensing operation is undertaken with the
present container, and if both the first and second containers are
present the dispenser inquires about the current time period.
[0026] According to a still further aspect of the invention, a
spray dispenser includes a housing having an aperture adapted to
receive a container therein and a container detection arm, wherein
the container detection arm includes a lever that extends into the
aperture. Insertion of a container within the aperture causes
flexure of the lever to contact a switch, thereby providing a
signal to a controller of the presence of a container within the
aperture. The housing further includes a second aperture adapted to
receive a second container and a second container detection arm
that includes a lever extending into the second aperture, wherein
insertion of a container within the second aperture causes flexure
of the lever to contact a second switch, thereby providing a signal
to the controller of the presence of the second container within
the second aperture.
[0027] According to another aspect of the invention a spray
dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a container
therein, wherein the housing includes a plurality of apertures and
a plurality of sensors disposed within the apertures, wherein the
sensors detect a signal in a space around the housing. The
apertures are not viewable by a user having a line of sight within
X feet from one of the apertures and Y feet above one of the
apertures.
[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, a spray
dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a container
therein, wherein the housing includes a sidewall and a fin disposed
on the sidewall. A plurality of apertures are disposed in a lower
face of the fin and the lower face of the fin defines a plane
located at not less than 66 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the
housing.
[0029] According to a still further aspect of the invention, a
spray dispenser includes a housing having a plurality of apertures
disposed therein and a plurality of sensors disposed within the
apertures. The housing further includes an overhang portion
disposed above the apertures having a length and a height above the
bottom of the aperture, and a ration of the height to the length
exceeds 2.17.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a housing
for a dispenser;
[0031] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a bottom section of the
housing of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bottom section of FIG. 2,
further including two aerosol containers and two batteries;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric view of a top section of the
housing of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the top section of FIG. 4,
further including two aerosol containers and two batteries;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a partial section view of the top section of the
housing of FIG. 5 with portions behind the plane of section removed
for purposes of clarity;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a partial, isometric sectional view of the bottom
section of the housing shown in FIG. 2;
[0037] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an actuator drive system and
a housing;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the actuator drive
system and housing taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;
[0039] FIG. 10A is an isometric view of the actuator drive system
and housing of FIG. 8, further including a gear plate;
[0040] FIG. 10B depicts an exploded isometric view of the device of
FIG. 10A being placed into a lower sidewall of the bottom
section;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a dispenser with an
actuator drive system in a neutral position;
[0042] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the components of the
actuator drive system in a neutral position;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a dispenser with an
actuator drive system and accompanying containers in a neutral
position;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of a dispenser with an
actuator drive system in a first active position;
[0045] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a dispenser with an
actuator drive system and a container in a first active
position;
[0046] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of a dispenser with an
actuator drive system in a second active position;
[0047] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a dispenser with an
actuator drive system and a container in a second active
position;
[0048] FIG. 18 is an exploded isometric view of a top and bottom
section of the housing of FIG. 1;
[0049] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a cap assembly;
[0050] FIG. 20 depicts a portion of an upper sidewall of the top
section of the housing of FIG. 1;
[0051] FIG. 21A is a partial sectional, isometric view of a top
section of the housing of FIG. 1 including a locking member;
[0052] FIG. 21B is a different partial sectional, isometric view of
the top section of FIG. 21A;
[0053] FIG. 22 is an exploded, partial sectional, isometric view of
a first step in a sequence to combine a top section of a housing
with a bottom section thereof;
[0054] FIG. 23 is a partial sectional, isometric view of a second
step in a sequence to combine a top section of a housing with a
bottom section thereof;
[0055] FIG. 24 is a partial sectional, isometric view of a third
step in a sequence to combine a top section of a housing with a
bottom section thereof;
[0056] FIGS. 25A-25L are illustrations of various housing
structures incorporating different numbers of installed objects
such as the containers and/or batteries and demonstrating a guiding
capability of the installed objects;
[0057] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a dispenser with portions
thereof removed to show a PCB;
[0058] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a bottom surface of the PCB
of FIG. 26;
[0059] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a dispenser further
depicting a sensory path of the dispenser;
[0060] FIGS. 29A-29F illustrate various sensing parameters based on
the use of varying numbers of sensors;
[0061] FIGS. 30A-30F are overhead illustrations of a conventional
12 ft.times.12 ft (3.66 m.times.3.66 m) room illustrating the
coverage area of dispensers 100 having different numbers of motion
sensors;
[0062] FIGS. 31A-31F are overhead illustrations of a conventional
16 ft.times.16 ft (4.88 m.times.4.88 m) room illustrating the
coverage area of dispensers 100 having different numbers of motion
sensors with the room being in a first arrangement;
[0063] FIGS. 32A-32F are overhead illustrations of a conventional
16 ft.times.16 ft (4.88 m.times.4.88 m) room illustrating the
coverage area of dispensers 100 having different numbers of motion
sensors with the room being in a second arrangement;
[0064] FIGS. 33A-33F are overhead illustrations of a conventional
16 ft.times.16 ft (4.88 m.times.4.88 m) room illustrating the
coverage area of dispensers 100 having different numbers of motion
sensors with the room being in a third arrangement;
[0065] FIGS. 34A-34F are overhead illustrations of a conventional
18 ft.times.13 ft (5.49 m.times.5.49 m) room illustrating the
coverage area of dispensers 100 having different numbers of motion
sensors;
[0066] FIGS. 35A-35E are schematic illustrations showing fields of
view for dispenser 100 having 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 sensors,
respectively;
[0067] FIG. 36 is a bar chart illustrating the reduction in gap
resulting from the addition of sensors to the dispenser 100;
[0068] FIG. 37A is a sectional view taken through the aperture 112a
of the top section 104 of the housing 102;
[0069] FIG. 37B is an illustration showing a representation of the
aperture 112a of the dispenser 100 positioned nearby an
observer;
[0070] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
line 38-38 of FIG. 1 of a top section of a housing further
including a top plate for actuating a switch;
[0071] FIG. 39 is a bottom isometric view of a dispenser showing a
mode selector switch;
[0072] FIG. 40 depicts a timing diagram of one embodiment
illustrating operation of the dispenser and interaction between
components of the dispenser;
[0073] FIG. 41 depicts a timing diagram of one embodiment
illustrating the interaction between each of the four motion
detectors of the dispenser;
[0074] FIG. 42 depicts a timing diagram of one embodiment
illustrating manual user input to the dispenser and container
selection;
[0075] FIG. 43 depicts a timing diagram of one embodiment
illustrating an operational methodology of the dispenser over
multiple timing sequences;
[0076] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
line 44-44 of FIG. 19 showing a container detection arm of the
dispenser;
[0077] FIGS. 45A-45C illustrate various electrical interconnection
arrangements between a motor, actuator drive system, selector
switch, and power source of the dispenser;
[0078] FIG. 46A is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of a power supply of the dispenser;
[0079] FIG. 46B is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of a mode selector switch of the dispenser;
[0080] FIG. 46C is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of a container detection circuit of the dispenser;
[0081] FIG. 46D is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of a circuit for implementing the motion detectors and a motor
control circuit of the dispenser;
[0082] FIG. 46E is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of a circuit for controlling the operation of the dispenser;
[0083] FIG. 47 is a state diagram illustrating a state flow of the
dispenser in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0084] FIGS. 48A-48D are illustrations of the top section of the
housing incorporating a mechanism for disconnecting power when the
top section of the dispenser is unlocked from the bottom
section;
[0085] FIG. 49 is a schematic representation of an alternative
embodiment of a diffuser utilizing a plurality of sensors;
[0086] FIG. 50 is a schematic representation of an alternative
embodiment of an electronic dispensing system utilizing a plurality
of sensors;
[0087] FIG. 51 is a schematic representation of another alternative
embodiment of a diffuser utilizing a plurality of sensors; and
[0088] FIG. 52 is a schematic representation of an alternative
embodiment of a candle system utilizing a plurality of sensors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0089] FIGS. 1-5 depict one embodiment of a dispenser 100. The
dispenser 100 generally comprises a housing 102. The dispenser 100
is configured to discharge product from one or more containers
disposed within the housing 102 upon the occurrence of a particular
condition. The condition could be the manual activation of the
dispenser 100 or the automatic activation of the device in response
to an elapsed time interval or signal from a sensor, such as a
motion sensor or other types of sensors as later discussed. The
product dispensed may include a fragrance, insecticide, or other
product disposed within a carrier liquid, a deodorizing liquid, or
the like. For example, the fluid may comprise OUST.TM., an air and
carpet sanitizer for household, commercial, and institutional use,
or GLADE.RTM., a household deodorant, both sold by S. C. Johnson
and Son, Inc., of Racine, Wis. The fluid may also comprise other
actives, such as sanitizers, air and/or fabric fresheners,
cleaners, odor eliminators, mold or mildew inhibitors, insect
repellents, and the like, or that have aromatherapeutic properties.
The fluid alternatively comprises any fluid known to those skilled
in the art that can be dispensed from a container, such as those
suitable for dispersal in the form of particles or droplets
suspended within a gas. The dispenser 100 is therefore adapted to
dispense any number of different fluid or product formulations. In
embodiments that utilize more than one container, the fluid or
product within the containers may be the same, similar, or
different.
[0090] Turning to FIG. 1, the housing 102 generally has the shape
of a prolate spheroid truncated at upper and lower portions
thereof. In other implementations, though, the outward geometry of
dispenser 100 may have any appropriate shape for housing the
contents of dispenser 100, while being relatively stable when
placed upon a flat, horizontal surface. Possible shapes include
cubes or boxes, pyramids (or other polyhedrons), or other
three-dimensional shapes being configured to stand upon a flat
surface.
[0091] In the present embodiment the housing is separated into a
top section 104 and a bottom section 106, which are joinable to
form the housing 102. The top section includes a circular top plate
108 that functions as a button for activation of the dispenser 100,
which will be described with greater particularity hereinbelow. The
top plate 108 includes a generally planar peripheral edge and a
central concave depression. In one embodiment, the top plate 108
has a total surface area of approximately 5.9 square inches (38.06
square cm). In that case, when viewed from above, the viewable
surface of the top plate 108 comprises approximately 34% of the
total viewable surface area of the housing 102. In other
embodiments, the top plate 108 comprises about 25% to about 100% of
the total viewable surface area. In another embodiment, the top
plate 108 comprises about 50% to about 100% of the total viewable
surface area. In yet another embodiment, the top plate 108
comprises about 75% to about 100% of the total viewable surface
area. Openings 110a, 110b are provided within the central
depression. The top section 104 also includes four apertures 112
equidistantly spaced within a sidewall 113 of the housing 102,
which act as ports for four sensors disposed within the housing
102. The bottom section 106 includes a generally planar bottom
portion for supporting the dispenser 100 on a support surface.
[0092] The housing 102 may be constructed from any suitable
material, such as plastic, metal, glass, or combinations thereof.
Additionally, the materials may include combinations of
manufactured, natural, and recycled or reclaimed materials. In some
cases, the materials are selected from, or include manufactured
materials configured to approximate, naturally occurring
substances, such as wood, stone, paper, or rock, or combinations
thereof. Any such materials can be selected based upon their having
a natural looking appearance and/or a natural feeling to the touch.
By incorporating natural materials, or analogs of natural
materials, the dispenser 100 can be made to look more appropriate
for placement in an outdoors location, such as in a sun room or on
a balcony, or can complement the look and feel of existing natural
objects within the home.
[0093] In the present embodiment, the sidewall of the housing 102
includes a plurality of fins 114 extending radially therefrom. Each
fin 114 has an upper face 116 with a slightly convex configuration
(see, for example, FIG. 6), which projects horizontally away from
the sidewall 113 of the dispenser 100. A lower face 118 of each fin
114 is generally planar and also extends outwardly from the
sidewall 113 of the housing 102 at an angle of approximately 45
degrees with respect to the upper face 116. In other embodiments
one or more of the fins 114 may have upper and lower faces 116, 118
with curved or planar surfaces that may be provided at any angle
with respect to one another. For example, the fins 114 may be
rounded and curvilinear or may comprise relatively planar
structures having a low surface profile. In some embodiments, the
fins 114 provide a user with an improved gripping surface when
lifting, moving, or opening the dispenser 100. In other
embodiments, the housing 102 may be provided with other radially or
non-radially extending projections or may comprise no
projections.
[0094] FIG. 2 depicts the bottom section 106 of the housing 102.
The bottom section 106 includes a number of apertures for receiving
containers and batteries. In the present embodiment, the bottom
section 106 includes two apertures 120a, 120b that are each sized
to receive at least a portion of a container. Apertures 120a, 120b
have a generally circular configuration to match the outer geometry
of a conventional aerosol container or other conventional fluid or
product container. The apertures 120a, 120b are preferably sized to
allow containers to be easily placed therein and subsequently
removed by a user who may replace the container with a refill.
[0095] The bottom section 106, as depicted in FIG. 2, also includes
apertures 122a, 122b, which are sized to receive batteries or other
power units for providing electrical energy to one or more of the
components of the dispenser 100. As such, the size of the apertures
122a, 122b can be adjusted depending upon the dimensions of the
batteries used to power the dispenser 100. Where a different number
of batteries are necessary for powering the system, the number and
size of the apertures 122 may be adjusted to hold an appropriate
number of batteries. In one embodiment, the apertures 122a, 122b
are sized to receive at least a portion of an AA-sized battery.
Electrical contacts are provided at the bottom of each aperture
122a, 122b for placement in contact with corresponding contacts of
a battery when a battery is disposed therein. In some cases, when
the dispenser 100 is powered via an external power source, such as
an external power adapter, the apertures 122a, 122b may be omitted
or supplemented by such external power source.
[0096] FIG. 2 further depicts the bottom section 106 as having
locking tabs 124a, 124b. The locking tabs 124a, 124b are adapted to
couple the bottom section 106 to the top section 104, which will be
described in greater detail hereinbelow. As shown in the embodiment
of FIG. 2, the locking tabs 124 may comprise a generally
rectangular structure with a rectangular aperture 125 or window
extending therethrough. In other embodiments, the locking tabs 124
may comprise structures having different shapes defining
differently shaped apertures. The apertures 125 are sized to
receive and couple with corresponding locking mechanisms on the top
section 104.
[0097] The top surface of the bottom section 106 of the dispenser
100 is relatively clear of other obstructions and mechanical
elements so as to not confuse the user during the refilling of the
containers 150 and the batteries 152. Additionally, the design of
the bottom section 106 makes the dispenser 100 look less like a
mechanical device and more like a decor item. Having the device be
considered more of a decor item makes the user more likely to
position the device in a prominent position within a living space,
which consequently improves the performance of the dispenser 100
within that living space.
[0098] Electrical connectors 126a, 126b, 126c are disposed on the
bottom section 106 and are placed in electrical connection with one
or more components disposed within the bottom section 106, such as
an actuator drive system and a mode selector switch, which are each
described in more detail below.
[0099] FIG. 3 depicts the bottom section 106 of the housing 102 as
further including several containers and batteries inserted
therein. Specifically, containers 150a, 150b, which may be
conventional aerosol containers, are inserted into the apertures
120a, 120b (shown in FIG. 2), respectively. The containers 150a,
150b are inserted so as to orient the valve assemblies thereof
upwards and away from the bottom section 106 of the housing 102.
After insertion of the containers 150a, 150b, a portion of each
container is exposed to allow for a user to grasp each container
and remove same from the bottom section 106. In one embodiment, the
containers 150a and 150b extend outwardly from the bottom section
106 by at least 1.27 cm, in light of the fact that the average
finger width is 1.27 cm, which allows the user to more easily grip
the containers.
[0100] Similarly, batteries 152a, 152b are inserted into the
apertures 122a, 122b, respectively. Upon insertion, the batteries
152 are oriented so as to establish the appropriate electrical
interconnections with terminals disposed at the bottom of the
apertures 122a, 122b. This arrangement simplifies the installation
or replacement of the batteries 152 as the batteries 152 are not
locked into place and can be easily gripped and removed by the
user. In one implementation, after insertion into the apertures
122a and 122b of the bottom section 106, the batteries 152 are
exposed by more than 50% and can be easily gripped by the user and
removed. The user can then easily drop new batteries in the
apertures 122a and 122b to replace the batteries 152 as the
batteries do not need to be snapped or otherwise affixed into
place.
[0101] In the present embodiment, the containers 150a, 150b are
containers configured to dispense product using a propellant such
as a hydrocarbon or non-hydrocarbon propellant. Non-hydrocarbon
propellants may include, but are not limited to, compressed gasses,
including, for example, compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide,
inert gases, carbon dioxide, etc., and mixtures thereof. In other
embodiments, the containers 150a, 150b may include-type sprayer
containers or any other product dispensing containers. The
containers 150a, 150b may include any appropriate activation
mechanism, such as valves, delivery tubes and/or nozzles, or
combinations thereof. The valves may have various different
configurations such as tilt valves, axial valves, or metered valve
systems.
[0102] The containers 150a, 150b may also comprise any size and
volume known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, one or
more of the containers 150a, 150b may comprise a small container,
such as a mini-aerosol container sold by S. C. Johnson and Son,
Inc., of Racine, Wis., which has a capacity of 12.2 g of product.
Other example capacities for one or more of the containers 150a and
150b include 22.7 g and 175 g, though other capacities may be
utilized. For example, it is contemplated that an aerosol or
non-aerosolized container may have a capacity between about 5 g to
about 300 g. Embodiments using smaller containers allow for a more
compact implementation of the dispenser 100. Additionally, the
smaller containers are easier to manage and drop into their
respective apertures within the bottom section 106 of the dispenser
100. Accordingly, the smaller contains may be easier for a user to
manage during replacement and/or installation.
[0103] In one embodiment, the containers 150a, 150b are aerosol
containers comprising bodies 154a, 154b with mounting cups 156a,
156b crimped to a top end thereof (see FIG. 6). The mounting cups
156a, 156b are generally cylindrical in shape and include an outer
wall that extends circumferentially therearound. In the present
embodiment a plastic sheath or hat surrounds portions of the
mounting cups 156a, 156b. Necks 157a, 157b of the containers 150a,
150b are disposed below the mounting cups 156a, 156b, wherein the
necks 157a, 157b are angled inwardly with respect to the mounting
cups 156a, 156b and the remaining area of the bodies 154a, 154b.
Pedestals 151a, 151b extend upwardly from a central portion of the
mounting cups 156a, 156b. Valve assemblies 153 are provided within
the containers 150a, 150b and include a valve stem 155a, 155b,
wherein a distal end of the valve stem 155a, 155b extends through
the pedestal 151a, 151b. When the distal end of the valve stem
155a, 155b is depressed, the valve assembly 153a, 153b is opened
and the contents of the container 150a, 150b are discharged through
the valve stem 155a, 155b. The contents of the containers 150a,
150b may be discharged in a continuous or metered dose. Further,
the discharging of the contents of the container 150a, 150b may be
effected in any number of ways, e.g., a discharge comprising a
partial metered dose, a discharge through a partial opening of the
valve assembly 153a, 153b, multiple consecutive discharges,
etc.
[0104] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the top section 104 of the housing 102.
With respect to FIG. 5, the containers 150a, 150b and the batteries
152a, 152b are shown in their operational state as if the top
section 104 were connected to the bottom section 106, as further
described below. The top section 104 includes an upper sidewall 158
configured to house the components of the top section 104,
including the PCB or substrate housing the device's controller, the
optical sensors of the motion-detecting system and the components
of the top plate 108, which may function as a manual control button
for the dispenser 100. A cap assembly 159 is also mounted within
and retained by the top section 104 and is configured to rotate
within the upper sidewall 158.
[0105] With respect to FIG. 4, the cap assembly 159 is shown to
include two apertures 160a, 160b, which are sized to receive at
least a portion of one of the containers 150a, 150b, respectively.
The apertures 160a, 160b are preferably sized to allow the
containers to slide into and out of the apertures 160a, 160b. When
the top section 104 is connected to the bottom section 106 of the
housing 102, the apertures 160a, 160b are positioned over the
apertures 120a, 120b (shown in FIG. 2). The apertures 160a, 160b
are sized to receive a portion of each container 150a, 150b that
projects from the apertures 120a, 120b within the bottom section
106. For example, FIG. 3 depicts portions of the containers 150a,
150b extending upwardly from the bottom section 106 and FIG. 5
depicts the placement of the containers 150a, 150b within the top
section 104 as if the top and bottom sections were combined.
[0106] The cap assembly 159 also includes apertures 162a, 162b,
which are sized to receive a top portion of the batteries 152a,
152b, respectively. When the top section 104 is connected to the
bottom section 106, the apertures 122a, 122b (shown in FIG. 2) are
aligned with the apertures 162a, 162b, respectively.
[0107] Turning again to FIG. 4, the apertures 160a, 160b and 162a,
162b are circumscribed by a raised wall that extends from a bottom
surface 163 of the cap assembly 159. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the
various apertures 160a, 160b and 162a, 162b may be formed within
the cap assembly 159 so as to be coextensive with one another. In
the example implementation shown in FIG. 4, the apertures 160a,
160b and 162a, 162b do not define independent and separate recesses
within the cap assembly 159. Instead, the apertures 160a, 160b and
162a, 162b are formed so as to define a single, combined aperture
including different regions that are each configured to receive
either an aerosol container or a battery. In other implementations,
though, the apertures 160a, 160b, 162a, and 162b may each define
independent and separate recesses within the cap assembly 159. In
still other implementations, different combinations of the
apertures 160a, 160b, 162a, and 162b may be combined with one
another, for example, to facilitate manufacturing processes or use
by a user (for example, insertion of containers or batteries
therein). Each region of the combined apertures 160a, 160b and
162a, 162b comprises an outer wall having a curvature configured to
approximately match a portion of an outer surface of either the
container 150a, 150b or the battery 152a, 152b to be disposed
therein.
[0108] Three spring contacts 164a, 164b, 164c are provided on the
bottom surface 163 of the cap assembly 159 to allow for an
electrical connection to be formed between the top section 104 and
the bottom section 106 of the housing 102. Each one of spring
contacts 164a, 164b, 164c comprises a conductive spring that is
configured to contact one of the electrical connectors 126a, 126b,
126c mounted on a top surface of the bottom section 106 (shown in
FIG. 2) when the top section 104 is connected to the bottom section
106. Electrical interconnects (not shown) are formed between the
spring portion of spring contacts 164a-c and a controller disposed
within the top section 104 to place the controller in communication
with the components of the bottom section 106. This arrangement
allows for the separation of electrical functionality between the
top section 104 and the bottom section 106 of the dispenser 100. As
such, the motion sensing system may be disposed within the top
section 104 to allow for higher visibility of the surroundings of
the dispenser 100, while the actuator drive system may reside in
the bottom section 106 to provide for more stability of the
dispenser 100.
[0109] Locking members 166a, 166b are provided adjacent the bottom
surface 163 of the top section 104. Each of the locking members
166a, 166b is sized to couple with one of the locking tabs 124a,
124b on the bottom section 106 when the top section 104 is
connected thereto. The interaction between the locking members
166a, 166b and the locking tabs 124a, 124b is discussed in detail
below.
[0110] With reference now to FIG. 6, the cap assembly 159 is shown
to incorporate nozzles 180a, 180b positioned in fluid communication
with the valve stems 155a, 155b of the containers 150a, 150b to
facilitate product dispersal therefrom. Because the nozzles 180a,
180b are integrated into the cap assembly 159, it is not necessary
to incorporate a secondary nozzle into each of the containers 150a,
150b to ensure appropriate product dispersal from each
container.
[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the containers 150a, 150b are
provided with a sheath 182a, 182b or hat that extends over portions
of the containers. In the present embodiment, the sheathes 182a,
182b generally conform to and extend around the mounting cups 156a,
156b, the pedestals 151a, 151b, and portions of the valve stems
155a, 155b. Inner walls 184 defining the apertures 160a, 160b of
the cap assembly 159 are configured to conform to the outer surface
of the containers 150a, 150b, including the sheaths 182a, 182b of
the present embodiment. Accordingly, as the containers 150a, 150b
are inserted into the apertures 160a, 160b, the inner walls 184
constrain the movement of the containers 150a, 150b to ensure that
the containers 150a, 150b are positioned in a manner that their
corresponding valve stems 155a, 155b are in fluid communication
with the nozzles 180a, 180b of the cap assembly 159.
[0112] In the present arrangement, as the containers 150a, 150b are
pressed farther into the apertures 160a, 160b of the cap assembly
159 the surfaces defining the nozzles 180a, 180b depress the valve
stems 155a, 155b to cause a valve assembly of the container 150a,
150b to open, thereby allowing the contents of the container 150a,
150b to be discharged through the valve stems 155a, 155b of the
containers 150a, 150b and through the nozzles 180a, 180b of the cap
assembly 159. Accordingly, to discharge the contents of either
container 150a, 150b, the container is pressed upwardly into the
container's respective aperture 160a, 160b of the cap assembly 159.
Depending upon the method of discharging product from the container
150a, 150b, the valve stem 155a, 155b of the container may become
seated within surfaces defining the opening of the nozzle 180a,
180b during actuation. Alternatively, the valve stem 155a, 155b may
be seated within a shallow peripheral recess surrounding the
opening of nozzles 180a, 180b. Depending upon the implementation,
the valve stems 155a, 155b may always be slightly seated within the
opening or recess of the nozzle 180a, 180b in an actuated or
non-actuated state to provide proper alignment. In some
embodiments, the valve stems 155a, 155b may already be slightly
pre-loaded to assist in the actuation process.
[0113] An actuator drive system is used to selectively discharge
product from either of the containers 150a, 150b. FIGS. 7-9
illustrate one embodiment of an actuator drive system 200 of the
dispenser 100. The actuator system 200 is mounted within the bottom
section 106 of the housing 102 and is controlled by electronic
control signals received by a controller disposed within the top
section 104 of the housing 102. With specific reference to FIG. 7,
a view similar to that of FIG. 2 is shown, except that a portion of
the sidewall covering the bottom section 106, a gear plate 252
(shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B), and the locking tabs 124a, 124b have
been removed to better show the actuator drive system 200 contained
therein. FIG. 8 shows the actuator drive system 200 and a housing
201 for the apertures 120a, 120b and 122a, 122b with the remaining
portions of the sidewall removed for purposes of clarity.
[0114] The actuator drive system 200 includes a number of gears
that are coupled to an electric motor 202 for manipulating the
actuator drive system 200. The motor 202 is, in turn, controlled by
a controller located in the top section 104 of the housing 102 that
controls the motor 202 based upon a current mode of operation of
the dispenser 100 and the status of one or more sensors and user
interfaces such as buttons or toggle switches. Depending upon the
system implementation, the drive system may incorporate any
suitable number of gears having appropriate numbers of teeth. As
such, the gear ratios of the drive system may be adjusted, for
example, based upon a strength of the connected motor, or power
consumption considerations. Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the drive motor
202 (not shown in FIG. 7) is coupled to a drive gear 204. Teeth of
the drive gear 204 engage with teeth of a gear 206, which is
configured to rotate about an axle 208. The gear 206 is fixed to a
smaller gear 210 that is also configured to rotate about axle 208.
The teeth of the gear 210 engage with the teeth of a gear 212,
which is configured to rotate about axle 214. The gear 212 is fixed
to a gear 215 (shown on FIG. 12) that is configured to rotate about
the axle 214. Teeth of the gear 215 engage with the teeth of a gear
216, which is configured to rotate about an axle 218. The gear 216
is fixed to a gear 220 that is configured to rotate about an axle
218. Teeth of the gear 220 engage with teeth of a gear 222 that is
configured to rotate about an axle 224. As shown in FIG. 7, the
geometry of the gear 222 may comprise a sector of a larger circular
gear. In that case, the size of the gear 222 and the number of
teeth thereon are selected to allow the actuator drive system 200
to operate while ensuring that the teeth of gear 222 are
consistently engaged with the teeth of the gear 220. The gear 222
is fixed to a smaller gear 226 (see FIGS. 11-14 and 16), which is
configured to rotate about the axle 224. The gear 226 engages with
teeth formed along inner walls of armatures 228 and 230 (see
elements 234 and 236, respectively, in FIGS. 11-17) in a rack and
pinion arrangement. Accordingly, as the gear 226 rotates in a first
direction, the armature 228 is raised while the armature 230 is
lowered. Conversely, as the gear 226 rotates in the opposite
direction, the armature 228 is lowered while the armature 230 is
raised. As illustrated in FIG. 9, both of the armatures 228 and 230
penetrate into the volume defined by the apertures 120a, 120b
through windows 229 and 231, respectively.
[0115] For purposes of better understanding the present actuator
drive system 200 an example of the operation of same will be given.
In the present example, the motor 202 rotates the drive gear 204 in
a clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of the drive gear 204
causes the gears 206 and 210 to rotate in a counter-clockwise
direction about the axle 208. The counter-clockwise rotation of the
gear 210 causes the gear 212 and the small gear 215 fixed to the
gear 212 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the axle 214. The
clockwise rotation of the gear 215 fixed to the gear 212 causes the
gears 216 and 220 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction about
the axle 218. The counter-clockwise rotation of the gear 220 causes
the gears 222 and 226 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the
axle 224. The clockwise rotation of the gear 226 causes the
armature 228 to be lowered within its aperture 120b of the bottom
section 106, while the armature 230 is raised within its aperture
120a. Conversely, if the motor 202 rotates the drive gear 204 in a
counter-clockwise direction, the armature 228 will be raised, while
the armature 230 is lowered by an equal distance. By raising or
lowering each of the armatures 228 and 230, as described below, the
motor 202 (and the connected controller) can control a position of
the containers 150a, 150b within the apertures 120a, 120b (and,
consequently, the apertures 160a, 160b) and can cause product to be
dispensed from either of the containers 150a, 150b by raising the
desired container until the container's valve stem 155a, 155b
contacts the nozzle 180a, 180b of the cap assembly 159 (see FIG.
6).
[0116] Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9, connection apertures 250a, 250b,
250c, 250d are provided for mounting the actuator drive system 200
to the housing 201 containing the apertures 120a, 120b. In other
implementations, the connection apertures 250 may be replaced by
snap-fit or quick-release connections allowing the actuator drive
system 200 to be quickly connected to the housing 201. The
installation of the actuator drive system 200 within the bottom
section 106 of the housing 102 provides significant advantages over
prior art systems. Namely, such a dispenser is provided with a
lower center of gravity because a significant portion of the weight
of the dispenser 100 is within the bottom section 106. Further,
placement of a portion of the containers 150a, 150b and the
batteries 152a, 152b into the bottom section 106 also assists in
moving the center of gravity of the dispenser 100 downwardly within
the housing 102. An increased center of gravity within the bottom
section 106 as compared to the top section 104 provides for greater
stability and reduces the chance of inadvertent tipping of the
dispenser 100. In addition to providing greater stability, by
locating the center of gravity of the dispenser 100 within the
lower section 106, the user is provided with a tactile feature by
which to identify the correct up/down orientation of the dispenser
100 as the weighting distribution provides ready cues as to how to
orient (and thereby open) the device. The weighting of the bottom
section 106 provides a similar and recognizable feeling to the
dispenser 100 as that of objects commonly found in consumers'
homes, such as jars, bottles, or other products that have a lid
removed via a twisting action. The distribution of weight within
the dispenser 100 also provides additional value to the user by
allowing the user to recognize that the dispenser 100 is not
hollow, thereby giving the dispenser 100 a high-quality feel.
[0117] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the installation of the
actuator drive system 200 and the housing 201 into the bottom
section 106 of the housing 102. Referring to FIG. 10A, a gear plate
252 is mounted over the gears of the actuator drive system 200.
Axles for each of the gears of the drive train of the actuator
drive system 200 are connected to the gear plate 252, thereby
allowing for each gear to be mounted to its respective axle. As
shown in FIG. 10A, the gear plate 252 includes mounting apertures
that, when the gear plate is in position, overlap with the
connection apertures 250a (not shown), 250b, 250c (not shown), and
250d. The gear plate 252 also includes a motor mount 254 to which
the motor 202 is connected using an appropriate securing mechanism
such as screws, clips, adhesives, or other mechanical structures or
devices configured to fix the motor 202 to the gear plate 252. The
motor mount 254 includes a circular aperture 255 through which a
drive shaft of the motor 202 can be positioned and connected to the
drive gear 204 for operating the actuator drive system 200, as
described above.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 10B, the combination of the gear plate 252
(with attached gear train and motor) and the housing 201 are
installed into a lower sidewall 256 of the bottom section 106. As
illustrated in FIG. 10B, during installation, the motor 202 of the
drive system 200 is oriented toward the interior volume of the
bottom section 106, while the housing 201 containing the apertures
120a, 120b and 122a, 122b is oriented outward. The bottom section
106 includes attachment points 251a, 251b, 251c, 251d. Connection
apertures 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d (not shown) are positioned over
attachment points 251a, 251b, 251c, 251d (not shown) and a
connector, such as a screw, bolt, or clip (though other connection
systems such as adhesives may be used) is passed through connection
apertures 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d and fixed to the attachment points
251a, 251b, 251c, 251d of the bottom section 106.
[0119] In one embodiment, the bottom section 106 is constructed
from two half sections, i.e., two lower sidewalls 256. After the
installation of the actuator drive system 200 and the housing 201
into the first half of the bottom section 106, a second half of the
bottom section 106 is connected to the first half and positioned
around the actuator drive system 200 and the housing 201 to enclose
the aforementioned structure within the bottom section 106.
[0120] During operation of the dispenser 100, a power source is
connected to the motor 202 and is activated by a controller (see,
for example, controller 600 of FIG. 46E), which in turn implements
an operational methodology responsive to one of a timer, one or
more sensors, manual input by way of an instant action button, or
any combination thereof. Depending upon the current mode of
operation, a determination is made by the controller of the
dispenser 100 to initiate a dispensing operation depending upon the
input values from the sensor, timer, or manual input systems. The
dispensing operation calls for one of the armatures 228, 230 of the
actuator drive system 200 to be raised, thereby causing product to
be dispensed from the corresponding container 150a, 150b.
[0121] When product is not being dispensed from either of the
containers 150a, 150b, the actuator drive system 200 generally
resides in a neutral position. In the neutral position, both
armatures 228 and 230 are held in the same position with the
containers 150a, 150b being withdrawn from the nozzles 180a, 180b
of the cap assembly 159 or otherwise positioned to prevent
dispersal of product from either of the containers 150a, 150b.
FIGS. 11-13 illustrate the actuator drive system 200 in a neutral
position. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser 100
taken generally along the vertical plane that passes through the
center of each of the apertures 120a, 120b and 160a, 160b (see, for
example, plane 9-9 of FIG. 8) showing the actuator drive system 200
in a neutral position. Further, in FIG. 11 portions defining the
apertures 120a, 120b have been removed to expose the working
components of the actuator drive system 200. FIG. 12 is an
isometric view of the components of the actuator drive system 200
positioned in a neutral position. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view
of the dispenser 100 taken generally along the vertical plane that
passes through the center of each of the apertures 120a, 120b and
160a, 160b (see, for example, plane 9-9 of FIG. 8) showing the
actuator drive system 200 in a neutral position as well as the
respective positions of the containers 150a, 150b in their neutral
positions.
[0122] As shown in FIGS. 11-13, in the neutral position, both of
the armatures 228 and 230 are positioned at the same level or
height within their respective apertures 120a, 120b. In one
embodiment, when the armatures 228, 230 are in the neutral
position, both of the armatures 228, 230 are in-line with a seat
232 (shown in FIG. 9) of each aperture 120a, 120b although other
neutral positions may be established for the armatures 228 and
230.
[0123] Upon a determination by the controller of the motor 202 that
product is to be dispensed from the container 150a, for example,
the container 150a is raised by the armature 228 toward the cap
assembly 159 and into a first active position, thereby causing
product to be dispensed from the container 150a. As a further
example, FIGS. 14 and 15 are illustrations of the actuator drive
system 200 positioned in a manner to cause product to be dispersed
from the container 150a. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the
dispenser 100, with portions defining the apertures 120a, 120b
removed for purposes of clarity, taken generally along the vertical
plane that passes through the center of each of the apertures 120a,
120b and 160a, 160b showing the actuator drive system 200 (see, for
example, plane 9-9 of FIG. 8) in a position to cause product to be
dispensed from container 150a. Further, FIG. 15 is a similar
cross-sectional view of the dispenser 100, which shows the drive
system 200 in a position to cause product to be dispensed from the
container 150a and the respective positions of the containers 150a,
150b.
[0124] To dispense product from the container 150a, the controller
causes the motor 202 to rotate the drive gear 204 in a
counter-clockwise direction (from the point of view of the motor
202). This rotation of the drive gear 204 causes the gear 226,
which is connected to the gear 222, to also rotate in a
counter-clockwise direction. Because the teeth of the gear 226 are
engaged with the rack 234 (of armature 228) and the rack 236 (of
armature 230), the counter-clockwise rotation of the gear 226
causes the armature 228 to move upwards, while the armature 230
moves downwards. As depicted in FIG. 15, the upward movement of the
armature 228 raises the container 150a to dispense product
therefrom by bringing the valve stem 155a of the container 150a
into contact with the nozzle 180a of the cap assembly 159 (see FIG.
6). Conversely, as the armature 228 moves upwards, the armature 230
is lowered. As the armature 230 is lowered below the height of the
seat 232, the container 150b rests upon the seat 232 within the
aperture 120b. In other embodiments, the seats may be removed so
that no lower boundary for container movement is provided.
Consequently, in this embodiment each container will ride upon the
top surface of the container's respective armature throughout the
armature's entire stroke. After sufficient product is dispensed
from the container 150a, the motor 202 causes the gear 226 to
rotate in a clockwise direction to lower the armature 228. Lowering
the container 150a may cause same to be unseated from within the
nozzle 180a or for the sufficient removal of pressure to cause the
valve stem 155a to remain fully or partially seated within the
nozzle 180a but not in an actuated position. The motor 202
continues to rotate the gear 226 in a clockwise direction until
both armatures 228 and 230 are returned to their respective neutral
positions (as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13).
[0125] Alternatively, product can be dispensed from the container
150b. To dispense product from the container 150b, the container
150b is raised by the armature 230 toward the cap assembly 168,
thereby causing product to be dispensed. FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate
the actuator drive system 200 positioned in a manner to cause
product to be dispersed from container 150b. FIG. 16 is a
cross-sectional view of the dispenser 100, with portions defining
the apertures 120a, 120b removed for purposes of clarity, taken
generally along the vertical plane that passes through the center
of each of the apertures 120a, 120b and 160a, 160b (see, for
example, plane 9-9 of FIG. 8), which shows the actuator drive
system 200 in a position to cause product to be dispensed from the
container 150b. Further, FIG. 17 is a similar cross-sectional view
of the dispenser 100, which shows the actuator drive system 200 in
a position causing product to be dispensed from container 150b and
the respective positions of the containers 150a and 150b.
[0126] To dispense product from the container 150b the controller
causes the motor 202 to rotate the drive gear 204 in a clockwise
direction (from the point of view of the motor 202). This rotation
of the drive gear 204 causes the gear 226, which is connected to
the gear 222 to also rotate in a clockwise direction. As the teeth
of the gear 226 are engaged with the racks 234 and 236, the
clockwise rotation of the gear 226 causes the armature 228 to move
downwards, while the armature 230 moves upwards. As depicted in
FIG. 17, the upward movement of the armature 230 raises the
container 150b to dispense product therefrom by bringing the valve
stem 155b of the container 150b into contact with the nozzle 180b
of the cap assembly 159 (see FIG. 6). Conversely, as the armature
230 moves upwards, the armature 228 is lowered. As the armature 228
is lowered, the container 150a rests upon the seat 232 within the
aperture 120a. In other embodiments, the seats may be removed so
that no lower boundary for container movement is provided.
Consequently, in this embodiment each container will ride upon the
top surface of its respective armature throughout the armature's
entire stroke. After sufficient product is dispensed from the
container 150b, the motor 202 causes the gear 226 to rotate in a
counter-clockwise direction to lower the armature 230. Lowering the
container 150b may cause same to be unseated from within the nozzle
180b or for the sufficient removal of pressure to cause the valve
stem 155b to remain fully or partially seated within the nozzle
180b but not in an actuated position. The motor 202 continues to
rotate the gear 226 in a counter-clockwise direction until both the
armatures 228 and 230 are returned to their respective neutral
positions (as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13).
[0127] Movement of the armatures 228, 230 may occur in several
different manners. For example, in one embodiment the motor 202
drives the armatures 228, 230 for a predetermined distance. Once
driven for the predetermined distance, the motor 202 is disabled.
In that mode of operation, a container may be raised toward the cap
assembly 159 in order to dispense product therefrom. After
sufficient product is dispensed and/or a metered dose is expelled,
the motor 202 is disabled, and a spring assembly positioned within
the cap assembly 159 and/or the spring within the valve assembly of
the container itself, provides a sufficient force to push the
container downwardly to close the valve assembly of the container
and stop any dispensing of product from a non-metered container
and/or to reposition the armatures 228, 230 and the gears of
actuator drive system 200 to their respective neutral
positions.
[0128] In some embodiments, a spring assembly (not shown) is
positioned within cap assembly 159 above each container 150a, 150b
to assist in moving the containers downwardly to stop a spraying
sequence and/or after completion of a spraying sequence. In that
case, the spring assembly is configured to contact a top surface of
the containers 150a, 150b as the container is moved upwardly toward
cap assembly 159. As the container 150a, 150b moves upwardly, the
spring assembly is compressed and presses against the container
150a, 150b. After sufficient product has been discharged, the
spring assembly can provide downward force to assist in moving the
container 150a, 150b away from the nozzle 180a, 180b to stop the
dispensing of product and/or to cause the valve stem 155a, 155b to
be fully or partially unseated in a manner that prevents continued
spraying or allows the valve assembly to close. In such an
embodiment, the actuator drive system 200 is configured to drive
each container 150a, 150b upwardly with sufficient force to
overcome the resistance added by the downward force of the spring
assembly.
[0129] Alternatively, after sufficient product has been dispensed
from an active container 150a, 150b, the armature 228, 230 that
raised the container is actively driven downwardly by the motor
202. This downward movement of the container 150a, 150b and the
armature 228, 230 may be achieved solely by forces contributed by
the motor 202, or may be achieved by a combination of force
provided by the motor 202 as well as a force contributed by a
spring assembly mounted within the cap assembly 159 and/or a spring
within the valve assembly of the container 150a, 150b.
[0130] Additionally, it is contemplated that the armatures 228, 230
may be driven for a predetermined period of time, whereby one of
the armatures 228, 230 is raised to cause the valve stem 155a, 155b
for a particular container 150a, 150b to be depressed for an
extended period of time. Thereafter, the container is placed into a
non-actuated position by one or more of the motor 202, a spring
assembly disposed within the cap assembly 159, or a spring within
the valve assembly of the container 150a, 150b, as described above.
In this embodiment, the armature 228, 230 may be prevented from
upward travel for a period of time as the valve stem 155a, 155b may
be in a fully depressed condition, which prevents further upward
movement of the container 150a, 150b but allows for an extended
period of dispensing.
[0131] In other embodiments of the dispenser 100, different
actuator drive systems may be utilized to cause product to be
dispensed from at least one of the containers 150a and 150b. For
example, if the containers 150 include either tilt-activated or
vertically-activated valve stems, the actuator system may comprise
an electro-mechanical unit, such as a solenoid assembly configured
to drive a plunger that engages a flange formed around a discharge
end of the tilt-activated valve stem. When the solenoid is
energized, the plunger presses against the flange causing product
to be dispensed through the valve stem. A representative solenoid
assembly, for example, is a Ledex.RTM. Low Profile Battery Operated
Linear Solenoid, size number 1ECM, model number 282342-025, which
is available from Johnson Electric, Industry Products Group,
Vandalia, Ohio. The 1ECM-282342-025 solenoid weighs 42.5 grams, is
25.4 mm in diameter and 13.5 mm tall. When operating on a 50%
maximum duty cycle, the 1 ECM-282342-025 solenoid nominally
requires 2.9 volts DC, generates 2.2 Newtons (0.49 pounds) of force
through a nominal stroke of 2 mm, and can remain energized for a
maximum of 162 seconds. Alternatively, other electro-mechanical
units or devices can be used to depress or tilt the valve stems of
containers. Such units include bi-metallic actuators, piezo-linear
motors, or an electro-responsive wire that is adapted to actuate a
vertical or tilt-activated valve stem.
[0132] As previously described above, the top section 104 and the
bottom section 106 of the housing 102 are connected to one another
to place the dispenser 100 into an operable state. Turning to FIG.
18, an exploded isometric view of the dispenser 100 depicts the top
section 104 of the housing 102 positioned over the bottom section
106. The bottom section 106 includes installed aerosol containers
150a, 150b and batteries 152a, 152b disposed within the apertures
120a, 120b and 122a, 122b, respectively. In a typical scenario, a
user may have recently replaced one or both of the aerosol
containers 150a, 150b to replace one or more empty containers
and/or to substitute one or more containers containing one product
for another container containing a different product. After the
containers 150a, 150b and batteries 152a, 152b are seated within
their respective apertures, the top section 104 is placed on the
bottom section 106 and the two sections locked together. After the
sections are locked together, the dispenser 100 can operate as
described herein. Not only does this secure both the containers
150a, 150b and the batteries 152a, 152b within the housing 102, it
places the various components contained within each section of the
housing 102 in electrical communication with one another.
Accordingly, after the top section 104 and the bottom section 106
are secured to one another, electrical energy from the batteries
152a, 152b can be supplied to various electronic components of the
dispenser 100, and the controller contained within the top section
104 can be placed into communication with the actuator drive system
200 and selector switch disposed within, or mounted to, the bottom
section 106.
[0133] To unite the top section 104 with the bottom section 106, a
user first holds the top section 104 above the bottom section 106.
As previously noted, the top section 104 includes the cap assembly
159, which must be appropriately aligned with the containers 150a,
150b and the batteries 152a, 152b prior to uniting the two
sections. Turning to FIG. 19, the cap assembly 159 includes
apertures 162a, 162b and comprises housing structures 304a and 304b
that generally define the volumes comprising the apertures 160a,
160b. The cap assembly 159 may also incorporate container detection
arms 306a and 306b to assist in detecting the presence of a
container within cap assembly 159, which will be described in
greater detail below.
[0134] The cap assembly 159 also includes sliding members 300a and
300b. Sliding members 300a and 300b are fixed structures that
project radially away from the cap assembly 159. As shown in FIG.
19, the sliding members 300a and 300b comprise horizontal members
301a and 301b. Vertical walls 303a and 303b are coupled to
horizontal members 301a and 301b and run along a perimeter thereof.
The sliding members 300a and 300b are formed along separate lengths
of the perimeter of the cap assembly 159 on opposing sides
thereof.
[0135] The sliding members 300a and 300b are each configured to
engage with one of two grooves formed within an interior portion of
the upper sidewall 158 of the top section 104. FIG. 20 is a
cross-sectional view of an interior surface of the upper sidewall
158 depicting a groove 302. The groove 302 is defined by walls 310
and 312. The walls 310 and 312 project horizontally away from an
interior surface of the sidewall 158 and are spaced so that groove
302 can receive either of sliding members 300a, 300b. When disposed
within the groove 302, either sliding member 300a or 300b can
rotatably slide therein. A second groove 302 is formed along the
interior surface of the opposite side of the upper sidewall 158
from that depicted in FIG. 20 and is configured with a
corresponding geometry to similarly receive the other of the
sliding member 300a, 300b (see FIG. 21). When the cap assembly 159
is positioned within the joined portions of the top section 104,
the sliding members 300a and 300b are provided within the grooves
302 and allow the cap assembly 159 and the sidewall 158 to
rotatably slide with respect to one another.
[0136] With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, placement of the top
section 104 on the bottom section 106 causes stop structures 314a,
314b on the cap assembly 159 to be positioned over and around the
locking tabs 124a, 124b located on the bottom section 106, thereby
preventing rotation of the cap assembly 159 with respect to the
bottom section 106. The stop structures 314a, 314b include
apertures formed in the bottom surface of the stop structures (the
apertures are visible in FIG. 4 as elements 316a, 316b) sized to
receive the locking tabs 124a, 124b. Accordingly, when the top
section 104 is connected to the bottom section 106, the locking
tabs 124a, 124b of the bottom section 106 reside within the stop
structures 314a, 314b of the cap assembly 159. The stop structures
314a, 314b also include horizontal apertures 318a, 318b formed
therethrough. The apertures 318a, 318b define a rectangular opening
that has approximately the same dimensions as those of the
rectangular apertures 125 defined by the locking tabs 124a, 124b.
In other implementations, though, the geometry of the apertures
318a, 318b, 124a, and 124b may be modified to adopt shapes
different than that of the rectangular openings of the present
implementation.
[0137] Turning to FIGS. 21A and 21B, the interior surface of the
upper sidewall 158 of the top section 104 is shown, which includes
the locking members 166a and 166b connected thereto. FIG. 21A shows
the interior portion of the upper sidewall 158 that includes the
locking member 166a and FIG. 21B similarly shows the locking member
166b. Either of the locking members 166a, 166b may be integrally
formed with the sidewall. Alternatively, the locking members 166a,
166b may comprise separate structures that are affixed to the
sidewall, for example, by an adhesive, an interference fit, a
fixture such as a screw or bolt, or any combination thereof.
[0138] As shown in FIG. 21A, the locking member 166a comprises two
locking prongs 320 and 322. The locking prongs 320 and 322 each
have bulbous tips that project laterally away from an axis "A"
defined by the length of the locking member 166a. The tips of both
prongs 320 and 322 include curved outer surfaces 321 and 323. The
locking member 166a is configured to couple with the locking tab
124a on the bottom section 106 as well as the stop structure 314a
of the cap assembly 159. As such, the prongs 320 and 322 of the
locking member 166a are sized so that as the locking member 166a is
introduced to the apertures 318 and 125 within the stop structure
314a and the locking tab 124a, the curved surfaces 321 and 323 of
the locking member 166a contact inner surfaces defining walls of
the apertures 318, 125. As the locking member 166a is pushed
through the apertures 318, 125, both of the prongs 320 and 322
deform inwardly as surfaces 321 and 323 slide along the inner
surfaces of the walls defining the apertures 318, 125. Eventually,
the bulbous tip of each of the prongs 320 and 322 passes through
the apertures 318, 125 of the stop structure 314a and the locking
tab 124a. At that point, each of the prongs 320 and 322 can move
away from each other so that the outer surfaces of the arms of the
prongs 320 and 322 contact surfaces of the stop structure 314 and
the locking tab 124. The locking member 166a is therefore lockingly
engaged with the locking tab 124a as well as the stop structure
314a and the bulbous tips of each of the prongs 320 and 322 operate
as barbs to prevent the locking member 166a from being easily
withdrawn from the stop structure 314a and the locking tab 124a. In
this arrangement the length of the arms of both the prongs 320 and
322 (that is, not including the tips of prongs 320 and 322) is
greater than the width of the stop structure 314a (indicated by
element 330 shown on FIG. 19) to ensure that both of the prongs 320
and 322 can extend all the way through the stop structure 314a.
[0139] To separate the locking member 166a from the locking tab
124a and the stop structure 314a, the process is reversed and the
locking member 166a is pulled away from the locking tab 124a and
stop structure 314a. As the locking member 166a is withdrawn from
the locking tab 124a and the stop structure 314a, the bulbous ends
of the prongs 320 and 322 contact the vertical walls defining the
rectangular apertures 318, 125. As pressure is applied, the prongs
320 and 322 deform and move toward one another, thereby providing
room for the bulbous tips of the prongs 320 and 322 to pass though
the rectangular apertures 318, 125 and to release the locking
member 166a from the locking tab 124a and the stop structure 314a.
After the locking member 166a is withdrawn from the locking tab
124a and the stop structure 314a, the prongs 320 and 322 return to
the original configuration as illustrated in FIG. 21A.
[0140] As shown in FIG. 21B, the locking member 166b operates in a
similar manner as described in connection with the locking member
166a. The locking member 166b includes two locking prongs 324 and
326 that include bulbous tips having curved outer surfaces 325 and
327. The locking member 166b is configured to couple with the
locking tab 124b on the bottom section 106 as well as the stop
structure 314b of the cap assembly 159.
[0141] As illustrated in both FIGS. 21A and 21B, the locking
members 166a, 166b are both oriented in a clockwise direction when
viewed from the top of the upper sidewall. As such, by rotating the
sidewall 158 of the top section 104 in the same clockwise
direction, the locking members 166a, 166b can be rotationally moved
so as to engage the respective locking structure. In an embodiment
where the sidewall 158 of the top section 104 is rotated in a
counter-clockwise direction to lock the top section 104 and the
bottom section 106, the orientation of both the locking members
166a, 166b would be reversed within the sidewall 158 of the top
section 104.
[0142] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate a typical sequence of steps for the
connection of the top section 104 to the bottom section 106 of the
housing 102. In each of the FIGS. 22-24, a portion of the sidewall
of the top section has been removed to expose the cap assembly 168
and the locking members therein.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 22, the top section 104 is first
positioned over the bottom section 106. The cap assembly 159, which
is contained within the sidewall 158 of the top section 104, is
aligned with the bottom section 106. The containers 150a, 150b and
the batteries 152a, 152b are positioned within the apertures 120a,
120b and 122a, 122b, respectively, of the bottom section 106.
Additionally, the stop structures 314a, 314b of the cap assembly
168 are positioned over the locking tabs 124a, 124b of the bottom
section 106.
[0144] After the cap assembly 159 is aligned correctly, the top
section 104 is lowered onto the bottom section 106. While the top
section 104 is lowered, the containers 150a, 150b and/or the
batteries 152a, 152b disposed within the bottom section 106 may act
as guides to assist a user in correctly positioning the cap
assembly 168 as it is lowered. Generally, the positioning of the
top section 104 over the bottom section 106 is a blind assembly. As
such, the containers 150 and the batteries 152 prevent the top
section 104 from being positioned over the bottom section 106
incorrectly. The containers 150 and the batteries 152 act as guides
to funnel and orient the top section 104 without the user having to
pay attention to the exact orientation of the top section 104.
Because the containers 150 and the batteries 152 are offset within
the bottom section 106, there is only a single correct orientation
of the top section 104 that allows the top section 104 to be placed
over the bottom section 106 correctly. Similarly, the stop
structures 314a, 314b can operate as guides to facilitate the
correct positioning of the cap assembly 159. For example, a user
may concentrate upon proper alignment of the containers 150a, 150b
with the corresponding apertures in the cap assembly 159, thereby
implicitly providing a proper alignment of the batteries with their
corresponding contacts within the apertures in the cap assembly
159. In some embodiments of the dispenser 100, the dimensions and
spacing of the various components will allow one or more of the
batteries and tabs to provide a guiding or supplemental guiding
function. For example, FIGS. 25A-25L are illustrations of housing
structures with varying numbers of installed objects such as the
containers 150 and/or batteries 152. The figures illustrate the
guiding capabilities of installed objects such as the containers
150 and the batteries 152 as described in the present disclosure,
where the installed objects can assist in correct placement of a
top section of the housing over a bottom section of the
housing.
[0145] In FIGS. 25A and 25B, a housing 350 is illustrated. The
housing 350 comprises top section 352 and bottom section 354 and is
configured to contain the contents of the dispenser 100. In one
implementation, the housing 350 is configured in accordance with
the housing 102 of the present disclosure. The housing 350 includes
apertures formed in both the top section 352 and the bottom section
354 for receiving a number of objects, such as the containers 150
or the batteries 152. For example, the apertures may be configured
similarly to the apertures 120, 122, 150, or 152 of the present
disclosure.
[0146] As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, only a single object 356 has
been installed into the bottom section 354 of the housing 350. With
only the single object 356 installed into the bottom section 354,
when the top section 352 is mounted to the bottom section 354, the
only constraint on the positioning of the top section 352 over the
bottom section 354 is that aperture 358 be positioned directly over
the object 356. Other than that constraint, there is no limitation
on the orientation of the top section 352 with respect to the
bottom section 354. In fact, during placement on the bottom section
354, and even when the aperture 358 is positioned about the object
356, the top section 352 can be rotated through 360 degrees. This
degree of freedom renders it difficult for a user to correctly
position the top section 352 over the bottom section 354. Indeed,
the orientation of the top and bottom sections 352, 354 is
exacerbated when the combined housing 350 defines a completely
symmetrical object, such as a cylinder or sphere, or a partially
symmetrical object, such as a square, rectangle, triangle, etc. In
fact, the single cylindrical object 356 of the present embodiment
provides no guidance to a user to assist in correctly connecting
the top section 352 and the bottom section 354 as the exterior
surfaces of the sections form a completely symmetrical structure.
This is particularly problematic when the object 356 and the
aperture 358 are each positioned in a central region of a
symmetrical top section 352 and bottom section 354.
[0147] In some cases, it is possible to mitigate the problems
associated with positioning the top section 352 over the bottom
section 354 by offsetting the object 356 and the aperture 358
laterally within the housing 350. In that case, even if the top
section 352 is positioned over the bottom section 354 in an
incorrect position, the outer surfaces of the top section 352 and
the bottom section 354 will be offset from one another. This offset
of the top section 352 and the bottom section 356 provides feedback
to the user that the two sections are not correctly positioned with
respect to one another. At that time the user may make adjustments
to correctly position the top section 352 and the bottom section
354.
[0148] FIGS. 25C and 25D illustrate housing 350 having two objects
356 and 360 installed into the bottom section 354 of the housing
350. The objects 356 and 360 may include, for example, containers
150a and 150b, batteries 152a and 152b or a container 150 and a
battery 152. The top section 352 includes two apertures 358 and 362
configured to receive objects 356 and 360. In this arrangement,
when positioning the top section 352 of housing 350 over the bottom
section 354, the top section 350 can adopt only one of two
orientations that would allow each one of apertures 358 and 362 to
be positioned over one of objects 356 and 360. In a first
orientation, the top section 352 is positioned with the aperture
358 over object 356 and the aperture 362 over the object 360. In
the second orientation, aperture 362 is positioned over object 356
and aperture 358 positioned over object 360. Accordingly, the user
has a 50/50 chance of correctly positioning the top section 352
over the bottom section 354. This is particularly problematic when
both of the apertures 358 and 362 and the objects 356 and 560 are
positioned to fall along a central plane of housing 350.
[0149] In some cases, it is possible to mitigate the problems
associated with positioning the top section 352 over the bottom
section 354 by offsetting each of the objects 356 and 360 and the
apertures 358 and 362 laterally away from the center plane of
housing 350. In that case, even if the top section 352 is
positioned over the bottom section 354 in an incorrect orientation,
the outer surfaces of the top section 352 and the bottom section
354 will be offset from one another. This offset of the top section
352 and the bottom section 356 provides feedback to the user that
the two sections are not correctly positioned with respect to one
another. At that time the user may make adjustments to correctly
position the top section 352 and bottom section 354 by rotating the
top section 352 by 180 degrees. The offset position of objects 356
and 360 and apertures 358 and 362 are shown in FIGS. 25E and
25F.
[0150] FIGS. 25G and 25H illustrate housing 350 having three
objects 356, 360, and 364 installed into the bottom section 354 of
the housing 350. The objects 356, 360, and 364 may include a
combination of containers 150 and batteries 152. The top section
352 includes three apertures 358, 362, and 366 configured to
receive objects 356, 360, and 364. In this arrangement, when
positioning the top section 352 of housing 350 over the bottom
section 354, the top section 350 can adopt only a single
orientation that would allow each one of apertures 358, 362, and
366 to be positioned over one of objects 356, 360, and 364. This is
particularly true given that the dimensions of objects that
comprise containers 150 are different from the dimensions of
objects that comprise batteries 152. Accordingly, with three
installed objects 356, 360, and 364 it is possible to correctly
position top section 352 over bottom section 254 by using objects
356, 360, and 364 as guides. As such, no external markings or cues
are required on the surface of housing 350 to assist a user in the
correct positioning. It is also contemplated that the use of
varying sized apertures and/or objects may be used in any of the
embodiments described herein to supplement the guiding
function.
[0151] FIGS. 25I and 25J illustrate housing 350 having four objects
356, 360, 364, and 368 installed into the bottom section 354 of the
housing 350. The objects 356, 360, 364, and 368 may include a
combination of containers 150 and batteries 152. The top section
352 includes three apertures 358, 362, 366, and 370 configured to
receive objects 356, 360, 364, and 368. In this arrangement, when
positioning the top section 352 of housing 350 over the bottom
section 354, the top section 350 can adopt only a single
orientation that would allow each one of the apertures 358, 362,
366, and 370 to be positioned over one of objects 356, 360, 364,
and 368.
[0152] FIGS. 25K and 25L illustrate alternative housing
arrangements and geometries incorporating at least four objects
positioned within a bottom section 354 of the housing 350, which
are each configured to mate to a corresponding aperture formed in
the top section 352 of the housing 350. As illustrated, because
each of the four installed object provide a user with guidance
regarding the correct orientation of the top section 352 with
respect to the bottom section 354, irrespective of an outward
geometrical shape of housing 350, the user will be able to easily
orient the top section 352 correctly over the bottom section 354.
With specific reference to FIG. 25K, a partially symmetrical
housing 350 is provided in the shape of a square, which provides a
further alignment function by limiting a user's potential
orientation options to 4 positions. Similarly, the housing 350
shown in FIG. 25L is asymmetric, which provides the user with only
a single potential alignment option. It is contemplated that the
housing 350 may be constructed with one or more of an asymmetric,
partially symmetric, or completely symmetric housing, which may
provide a guiding function in lieu of, or in combination with, one
or more apertures holding one or more objects in opposing sections
of the housing as previously described.
[0153] Referring back to FIG. 23, the top section 104 has been
seated upon the bottom section 106. The stop structures 314a, 314b
have also been positioned over and around the locking tabs 124a,
124b, with the locking tabs 124a, 124b entering the vertical
apertures formed in the bottom surface of stop structures 314a,
314b. As shown in FIG. 23, however, although the cap assembly 159
has been properly mated to the bottom section 106 (so that any
present containers 150 and batteries 152 have been correctly
positioned through their respective apertures in the cap assembly
159), the locking members 166a, 166b are not coupled to either of
the stop structures 314a, 314b or the locking tabs 124a, 124b.
[0154] In this position, the rectangular apertures 318, 125 in the
locking tabs 124a, 124b and the stop structures 314a, 314b are in
alignment with the locking members 166a, 166b. Additionally, with
the cap assembly 159 correctly positioned over the bottom section
106, the conical-shaped spring contacts 164a, 164b, 164c (see FIG.
4) extending from the cap assembly 159 make positive contact with
the electrical contacts 126a, 126b, 126c of the bottom section 106
(see FIG. 2). This allows for an electrical connection between the
PCB and controller disposed within the top section 104 and the
actuator drive system 200 and selector switch 470 disposed within
or otherwise connected to the bottom section 106. Conversely, when
the top section 104 is lifted from the bottom section 106, the
power is disconnected to the electronics by separating the
batteries from their respective contacts in the top section 104 of
the cap assembly 159. By only providing electrical energy to the
dispenser 100 when the top section 104 is mounted to the bottom
section 106, a user may refill the dispenser 100 without risk of
being sprayed by the dispenser 100 during the refill process as the
actuator drive system 200 cannot operate following disconnection of
the top section 104 from the bottom section 106. As such, the
dispenser 100 can only be active when the dispenser 100 is fully
assembled. Therefore, the separation of the top section 104 and the
bottom section 106 effectively operates as on-off switch for
dispenser 100 without the user having to take out the battery.
[0155] After seating the top section 104 upon the bottom section
106, the two sections are locked to one another as shown in FIG.
24. The sidewall of the top section 104 is rotated so as to move
the locking members 166a, 166b toward the stop structures 314a,
314b. The configuration of the prongs of the locking members 166a,
166b provide tactile feedback to a user allowing the user to know
that the locking process is complete. Because the cap assembly 159
is configured to rotate within the sidewall 158 of the top section
104, the sidewall (and the attached locks 166a, 166b) can be
rotated without modifying the position of the cap assembly 159. As
discussed above, the stop structures 314a, 314b assist in
preventing rotation of the cap assembly 159 during rotation of the
upper sidewall 158 of the top section 104. In the present
embodiment, the sidewall is rotated in a clockwise direction (when
viewed from the top of dispenser 100). However, in other
embodiments the sidewall and locking members 166a, 166b may be
modified to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction.
[0156] Upon rotation of the sidewall 158, the locking members 166a,
166b are inserted into the aligned rectangular apertures 125, 318
of the locking tabs 124a, 124b and the stop structures 314a, 314b.
As described above, the locking members 166a, 166b incorporate
retention members or prongs that engage the stop structures 314a,
314b and lock the top section 104 to the bottom section 106. After
rotation of the sidewall to insert the locking members 166a, 166b
into the stop structures 314a, 314b, openings 110a, 100b formed in
the top plate 108 of the top section 104 (see FIG. 1) are
positioned over nozzles 180a, 180b of the cap assembly 159. As
such, products can be dispensed from the containers 150a, 150b
disposed within the dispenser 100 through nozzles 180a, 180b and
out of the openings 110a, 100b.
[0157] Removal of the top section 104 is accomplished by a user
rotating the sidewall 158 of the top section 104 in a
counter-clockwise direction (in this embodiment) with sufficient
force to disengage the locking members 166a, 166b from the stop
structures 314a, 314b and the locking tabs 124a, 124b, thereby
placing the sidewall 158 of the top section 104 into the
pre-rotation position illustrated in FIG. 23 and allowing for the
upward removal of the top section 104 from the bottom section 106.
Again, the prongs of the locking members 166a, 166b provide tactile
feedback informing the user when the top section 104 and the bottom
section 106 are disengaged from one another. In one implementation,
power is not disconnected from the main PCB in the top section 104
until the top section 104 is lifted away from the bottom section
106 because the lifting of top section 104 disengages electrical
contacts in the cap assembly 159 from the batteries 152a, 152b
disposed within the bottom section 106. Additionally, this action
disengages spring contacts 164a, 164b, 164c of the cap assembly 159
from the contact pads 126a, 126b, 126c of the bottom section
106.
[0158] In other embodiments of dispenser 100, power is not provided
to the components of the dispenser 100 until the sidewall 158 of
the top section 104 is locked into place, which provides for the
removal of power from the dispenser 100 upon rotation of the top
section 104 away from the locked position. For example, FIG. 48A is
a view of the interior surface of the upper sidewall 158 of the top
section 104. A wedge 728 is mounted to the interior surface of the
upper sidewall above the groove 302. The wedge 728 may be
integrally formed with the sidewall 158. Alternatively, the wedge
728 may comprise a separate structure that is affixed to the
sidewall 158, for example, by an adhesive, an interference fit, a
fixture such as a screw or bolt, or any combination thereof.
[0159] The wedge 728 is configured to rotate with the sidewall 158
of the top section 104 as the top section 104 transitions between a
locked and unlocked position with respect to the bottom section 106
of housing 102. When the top section 104 is rotated into an
unlocked position, wedge 728 is configured to push between one of
the batteries 152 and its respective electric contact 410 mounted
to the top of one of apertures 162, thereby disconnecting that
battery 152 from its electric contact and disconnecting the
electrical power circuit of dispenser 100. A front face 730 of the
wedge 728 may be sloped to facilitate the insertion of the wedge
728 between the battery 152 and its respective electrical
contact.
[0160] To further illustrate this implementation, reference is had
to FIG. 48B, which is a sectional view of the top section 104 taken
through apertures 162. The top section 104 is shown in its locked
position, whereby power is supplied to the components of the
dispenser 100. As shown in FIG. 48B, an aperture 732 is formed in
wall 734b that defines the aperture 162b. The aperture 732 is sized
to receive the wedge 728 when the top section 104 is rotated into
an unlocked position with respect to the bottom section 106. In
FIG. 48B, however, the top section 104 is shown in its locked
position. As such, the wedge 728 is withdrawn from the aperture
732, thereby allowing for normal operation of the dispenser
100.
[0161] In contrast, FIG. 48C is a sectional view of the top section
104 taken through apertures 162 showing the top section 104
unlocked from the bottom section 106. Because the top section 104
has been rotated into the unlocked position, the wedge 728 has
moved through the aperture 732 to occupy a space within apertures
162a. In that position, the wedge 728 is forced between the battery
152b disposed within aperture 162b and the battery's respective
electrical contact 410b, thereby disconnecting electrical power to
the dispenser 100. For further illustration, FIG. 48D is a bottom
view of the top section 104 showing the top section 104
transitioning into an unlocked configuration with wedge 728
penetrating through aperture 732 into aperture 162b.
[0162] In other implementations, different locking structures (and
different numbers of locking structures), such as buckles, locking
pins, clasps, hooks, or snaps can be used to connect the top
section 104 and the bottom section 104 of the dispenser 100.
Alternatively, each of the locking members 166a and 166b could
include ferromagnetic structures configured to couple to
complementary magnetic structures positioned on the bottom section
106 of the housing 100. Alternatively, other separate mechanical
locking structures could be used to couple the top section 104 to
the bottom section 106. For example, a separate locking structure,
such as a locking pin or key, could be inserted into the housing
100 after the top section 104 is connected to the bottom section
106 to lock the two sections of the housing 102 together. In some
cases, the locking members 166 lock the top section 104 to the
bottom section 106 such that a release control or button must be
activated in order to separate the two sections of the housing 102.
Generally, the locking structures and, therefore, the locking
members 166a and 166b may comprise a variety of shapes as to
properly fit in their adjoining locking apertures. Slip fit dowels
or similar structures, for example, may be incorporated into the
locking structures to attach the top section 104 of the dispenser
100 to the bottom section 106.
[0163] As described above, the top section 104 of the housing 102
includes a PCB to which dispenser 100's controller is mounted. FIG.
26 is an isometric view of the dispenser 100 with portions of the
device removed to expose a PCB 402 or other substrate over which
the components on the controller are mounted. As described below,
the controller mounted thereon receives input from a number of
systems of the dispenser 100 in order to control the operation of
the dispenser 100 and to determine when product should be dispensed
from one of the containers 150a, 150b and from which of the
containers 150a, 150b the product should be dispensed. The device
includes a motion detection system that can be used to dispense
product upon detecting movement (that is, the presence of an
individual). Alternatively, the dispenser 100 may be configured to
avoid dispensing product when movement is detected. For example, if
the dispenser 100 is configured to dispense an insecticide product,
it may be preferable that the product be dispensed when people are
not present. Additionally a mode selector switch connected to the
bottom section 106 can select from a number of operational modes
that control how the controller uses data received from the motion
detector system. Additionally, a manual user input can communicate
a signal to the controller to allow a user to manually control when
product is dispensed.
[0164] As shown in FIG. 26, the PCB 402 is mounted over the cap
assembly 159. In one implementation, the PCB 402 incorporates
additional PCB structures 404 that project downwardly away from the
PCB 402 to contact a surface of the cap assembly 168 and to provide
support to the PCB 402. The vertical walls 404 can be supported by
clip structures 406 that are fixed to the cap assembly 159. In the
present embodiment, the vertical walls 404 also provide support for
the structures that allow for electrical interconnections between
the components of the PCB 402 and other components of the dispenser
100, such as the actuator system 200 and the batteries 152a, 152b.
The PCB 402 may also be fixed to the cap assembly 159 using a
number of fasteners such as screws or bolts, an adhesive, or
combinations thereof.
[0165] The PCB 402 incorporates apertures through which the housing
structures 304a and 304b of the cap assembly 159 can project. The
housing structures 304a and 304b incorporate nozzles 180a, 180b of
the cap assembly 159 through which product is dispensed.
[0166] LED 416 is connected to the PCB 402 and is electrically
connected to the controller of the dispenser 100. The LED 416 may
be illuminated, for example, when the controller detects movement
near the dispenser 100. The illumination may also be useful for
testing the dispenser 100 to ensure that the motion detecting
system is operating correctly. The illumination of the LED 416 can
also be useful to an end user that may use the illumination to
verify that the dispenser 100 is correctly positioned in order to
detect movement and is otherwise functioning correctly. In various
implementations, the speed and intensity with which the LED 416 is
illuminated can be controlled. For example, if the optical sensors
of the dispenser 100 detect a high ambient light level, the LED 416
may be illuminated with a greater intensity to ensure that the LED
416 can be viewed (for example, in a bright room). Alternatively,
when the optical sensors of the dispenser 100 detect a relatively
low ambient light level, the LED 416 may be illuminated with a
lesser intensity in accordance with the surroundings. As such, the
illumination of the LED 416 can be adjusted based upon various
functional considerations. In some cases, for example, the LED 416
may be illuminated so as to provide a gradual glow, for example,
rather than be illuminated in an abrupt on/off configuration. The
LED 416 may be utilized to communicate any appropriate information
to a user, such as when a container 150 is empty and requires
replacing, when batteries are low, or when the dispenser 100 is not
operating correctly.
[0167] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the bottom surface of the
PCB 402. As shown in FIG. 26, to install the PCB 402 into the top
section 104, the PCB 402 is inverted (from the view shown in FIG.
27) and positioned over the cap assembly 159. The PCB 402 includes
apertures 412a and 412b for receiving a portion of the housing
structures 304a and 304b. Additionally, the spring contacts 164a,
164b, 164c are connected to the PCB 402 for forming an electrical
connection between a controller mounted to the PCB 402 and the
actuator drive system 200 and a selector switch 470 of bottom
section 106 when the top and bottom sections of dispenser 100 are
connected to one another. Additionally, the PCB 402 incorporates
battery terminals 410a and 410b for forming an electrical
connection with the batteries 152a, 152b of the dispenser 100. When
the PCB 402 is installed over the cap assembly 168, battery
terminals 410a and 410b project downwardly into the upper portion
of apertures 162a, 162b for contacting a terminal of the batteries
152a, 152b disposed therein.
[0168] The PCB 402 also incorporates a number of sensors 408a,
408b, 408c, 408d. In one implementation, each sensor 408 comprises
a light-sensing element, such as a photodetector or photodiode
light detector, photoresistor, photodiode, or phototransistor. Each
of the sensors 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d may incorporate a lens cover
that may be configured to protrude from the front of the sensors
408a, 408b, 408c, 408d. The lenses may be configured to ensure a
wide field of view for each of the sensors 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d
while also providing protection. The incorporation of such a lens
may be advantageous where one or more of the sensors 408a, 408b,
408c, 408d incorporates a passive infra-red sensor, such as a
Panasonic PIR MP motion sensor AMN1 (as manufactured by Panasonic),
since the motion would not need to occur directly in front of the
sensor to be detected. Similarly, where one or more of the sensors
408a, 408b, 408c, 408d are additionally or alternatively provided
as a laser sensor or a flickering light sensor, the incorporation
of such a lens may afford the sensor a wider field of view.
[0169] Each sensor 408 incorporates one of cylindrical tubes 414a,
414b, 414c, 414d. The tubes 414a-d operate as sensory shields to
reduce and/or prevent interference with the sensory path of each
sensor positioned at the end of each tube 414a-d. Further, the
tubes 414a-d may operate as sensory shields that restrict the field
of view of the sensor to provide improved sensing characteristics
for each of the sensors 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d. While the present
embodiment contemplates utilizing the detection of varying light
levels to trigger various operations of the dispenser 100, it is
contemplated that detecting varying levels of light can also
indicate the presence or absence of an object, e.g., a person, and
that such a sensor may also be considered a motion sensor as well
as a photodetector, a photodiode light detector, or a light sensor.
In other implementations, though, the sensors may detect other
signals in order to control an operation of the dispenser 100. For
example, in addition to or in place of optical or light sensors,
other sensors such as accelerometers or acoustic, humidity,
temperature, pressure, vibration, or chemical (e.g., scent) sensors
may be incorporated into the dispenser 100. In that case, the other
types of sensors may optionally be intermingled with light or
optical sensors so that the various sensors can operate in
cooperation with one another. For example, the dispenser 100 could
be configured to dispense product upon detecting movement, or if a
humidity level within a particular room is too low or too high.
Additionally, by using scent-sensing sensors, the dispenser 100
could be configured to dispense product upon sensing a particular
type of scent, odor, or component and/or a lack of the scent, odor,
or component.
[0170] When the PCB 402 is installed into the top section 104, the
apertures of the tubes 414a-d align with the apertures 112 formed
around within the sidewall of the top section 104. Note, however,
that the tubes 414a-d may only align with the apertures 112 after
the top section 104 is locked to the bottom section 106, as
described above, therefore requiring that the sidewall 158 of the
top section 104 be rotated about the cap assembly 159 to a
particular position.
[0171] In one embodiment, the field of view of each sensor 408a-d
is characterized as a right circular cone with a viewing angle of
approximately 10 degrees off the center axis, i.e., a total field
of view of 20 degrees. Therefore, the present embodiment, which
utilizes four sensors, provides an 80 degree field of view. In
other embodiments, it is contemplated that the field of view of
each sensor is within a range of about 10 degrees to about 170
degrees, and in a different embodiment within a range of about 15
degrees to about 90 degrees, and in another embodiment within a
range of about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees. FIG. 28 is an
isometric view of the dispenser 100 illustrating exemplary fields
of vision of the detectors 408a-d in a four-detector implementation
where the fields of vision are distributed about the dispenser 100.
In other implementations, though, different numbers of sensors
and/or detectors 408 and corresponding apertures 112 may be
utilized to provide the dispenser 100 with different light and/or
motion sensing capabilities and a modified field of vision.
[0172] For example, FIGS. 29A-29F are images illustrating various
positioning scenarios for the dispenser 100 units having 3, 4 or 5
motion detectors. FIGS. 29A-29F illustrate common use cases for the
dispenser 100, wherein the dispenser 100 is positioned adjacent a
right corner wall. In FIGS. 29A and 29B a three-detector dispenser
100 is illustrated. Because the detectors are evenly distributed
about the perimeter of the dispenser 100, in a first scenario (FIG.
29A) a single detector has a clear view of the space. In a second
scenario (FIG. 29B), there are at least two sensors that, even
though they have partially obstructed views, are capable of
observing the space. Accordingly, even in the second scenario, the
detectors of the three-detector dispenser 100 are capable of
observing some movement within the space.
[0173] In FIGS. 29C and 29D a four-detector dispenser 100 is
illustrated. Because the detectors are evenly distributed about the
perimeter of dispenser 100, in a first scenario (FIG. 29C) a single
detector has a clear view of the space, while two detectors have
obstructed views of a relatively small portion of the space. In a
second scenario (FIG. 29B), there are at least two sensors that,
even though they have somewhat obstructed views, are capable of
observing the space. Accordingly, even in the second scenario, the
detectors of the four-detector dispenser 100 are capable of
observing some movement within the space.
[0174] In FIGS. 29E and 29F a five-detector dispenser 100 is
illustrated. Because the detectors are evenly distributed about the
perimeter of the dispenser 100, in a first scenario (FIG. 29E) a
single detector has a clear view of the space, while two detectors
have partially obstructed views of the space. In a second scenario
(FIG. 29B), there are at least two sensors that have a relatively
unobstructed view of the space. Accordingly, even in the second
scenario, the detectors of the five-detector dispenser 100 are
capable of observing movement within the space.
[0175] As an additional example, FIGS. 30A-30F show overhead views
of a 12 ft.times.12 ft (3.66 m.times.3.66 m) room containing
dispenser 100's having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 motion sensors,
respectively. As shown in each figure, the dispenser 100 is
positioned in a central region of each room 420, with the room
containing various pieces of furniture 422a, 422b, 422c, and 422d.
The figures illustrate the respective fields of vision of the
different motion detection sensors incorporated into each dispenser
100. Each field of vision is shown in the figures in three segments
representing the field of vision at 5 feet (1.52 m) (element 424a),
7 feet (2.13 m) (element 424b), and 10 feet (3.05 m) (element
424c). It is contemplated that various types of sensors will be
used that have varying effective sensory ranges. However, the
present embodiments illustrate how a relatively simple sensor with
at least a sensory range of 5 feet (1.52 m) affords significant
room coverage in a standard 12 ft.times.12 ft (3.66 m.times.3.66 m)
room. Use of multiple sensors in such a device allows for an
effective 10 foot sensory range if two sensors are disposed
opposite one another. Further, it has been found that the effective
use area of a room by consumers is not typically bounded by the
outer wall of a room, rather, the placement of furniture and
standard movement paths through rooms are identifiable. In the
present embodiments, it may be seen that a user path is defined
between the furniture 422d and the furniture 422a-c, which is
positioned closer to the dispenser. This user path defines a high
volume pathway for user's to walk through, which is within the
closest sensory range of the dispenser. Once again, while any type
of sensor with any range may be used, it may be possible to utilize
a less expensive sensor with a shorter range in a standard room by
using a multi-directional sensing dispenser that is placed in a
center of a room. Further, the advantages of such a
multi-directional sensing dispenser may be improved in some
embodiments by utilizing sensors with longer or shorter detection
ranges.
[0176] As illustrated, as the number of sensors increases, the
percentage of the room 420 that may be observed by the dispenser
100 increases correspondingly. In the dispenser 100 containing only
a single motion sensor, a portion of the room cannot be observed by
the dispenser 100. As such, an individual may pass through the room
420 without triggering the motion sensor. As the number of sensors
increases, however, and the coverage of the room 420 increases, the
likelihood that movement within the room 420 is detected increases
significantly.
[0177] FIGS. 31A-31F show overhead views of a 16 ft.times.16 ft
(4.88 m.times.4.88 m) room containing dispenser 100's having 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, and 6 motion sensors, respectively. As shown in each
figure, the dispenser 100 is positioned towards a central region of
each room 420, with the room containing various pieces of furniture
422a, 422b, 422c, 422d, and 422e. As illustrated, as the number of
sensors increases, the percentage of the room 420 that may be
observed by dispenser 100 increases correspondingly. In the present
embodiment, a user path may be defined by an area around the
furniture 422d and 422c and between the furniture 422a, c, and e
and the furniture 422b. Indeed, such pathways are best
characterized as areas that users may walk, which are adjacent
furniture and not adjacent walls, i.e., that are within 2 feet
(0.61 m) of a piece of furniture and not within 2 feet (0.61 m) of
a wall.
[0178] FIGS. 32A-32F show overhead views of a 16 ft.times.16 ft
(4.88 m.times.4.88 m) room containing dispenser 100's having 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, and 6 motion sensors, respectively. As shown in each
figure, the dispenser 100 is positioned towards a side of each room
420, with the room containing various pieces of furniture 422a,
422b, 422c, 422d, 422e, and 422f. As illustrated, as the number of
sensors increases, even though a number of the motion sensors are
blocked by the perimeter of the room 420, the percentage of the
room 420 that may be observed by the dispenser 100 increases
correspondingly. This embodiment illustrates the advantages of the
presently described dispensers in that placement of the device
against a wall may effectively block traditional dispensers that
only utilize a single sensor. In the present embodiment,
inadvertent placement of the dispenser 100 still affords the user
significant sensory coverage, particularly when a greater number of
sensors are used. It is also readily seen that the probability that
a user pathway is within a sensory path increases with a greater
number of sensors, which is important in scenarios where users do
not specifically orient a dispenser or it's one or more sensors
when placing it in a room. While the advantages of having sensors
with greater sensory ranges is apparent in larger sized rooms, the
advantages of sensors with a more limited sensory path may still be
realized if such a sensory path falls within a user pathway,
thereby allowing detection of a user in a high volume pathway
regardless of the fact that the sensor pathway may not extend the
entire length of the room.
[0179] However, it is also contemplated that sensors with detection
ranges extending greater than 10 feet (3.05 m) may be used in any
of the embodiments described herein. For example, in one
embodiment, the dispenser could utilize one or more IR detectors,
such as a common Passive Infra-Red (PIR) Sensor which may be
categorized as a pyroelectric device.
[0180] FIGS. 33A-33F show overhead views of a 16 ft.times.16 ft
(4.88 m.times.4.88 m) room containing dispenser 100's having 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, and 6 motion sensors, respectively. As shown in each
figure, the dispenser 100 is positioned towards a side of each room
420, with the room containing various pieces of furniture 422a,
422b, 422c, 422d, 422e, 422f, 422g, 422h, and 422i. As illustrated,
as the number of sensors increases, even though a number of the
motion sensors are blocked by the perimeter of the room 420, the
percentage of the room 420 that may be observed by the dispenser
100 increases correspondingly.
[0181] FIGS. 34A-34F show overhead views of an 18 ft.times.13 ft
(5.49 m.times.5.49 m) room containing dispenser 100's having 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, and 6 motion sensors, respectively. As shown in each
figure, the dispenser 100 is positioned towards the center of each
room 420, with the room containing various pieces of furniture
422a, 422b, 422c, and 422d. As illustrated, as the number of
sensors increases, the percentage of the room 420 that may be
observed by the dispenser 100 increases correspondingly.
[0182] FIGS. 35A-35E are schematic illustrations showing fields of
vision for dispenser 100's having 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 sensors,
respectively. In each figure, the field of vision of a single
sensor is 20 degrees. As illustrated, as the number of sensors is
increased, the total field of vision of the dispenser 100 increases
accordingly. However, as the number of sensors increases, each
additional sensor increases the percentage of total coverage by a
smaller amount.
[0183] FIG. 36 is a bar chart illustrating the effect of
introducing additional sensors to the dispenser 100. The chart
illustrates the gap between the fields of vision for sensors at a
distance of 5 feet (1.52 m) away from the dispenser 100.
Accordingly, at 5 feet (1.52 m) away from a dispenser 100 having
two sensors with fields of vision of 20 degrees, the distance
between the edges of the fields of visions for the two sensors is
approximately 120 inches (304.8 cm). Similarly, for a three-sensor
dispenser 100 the gap is approximately 92 inches (233.68 cm). The
chart also shows the percentage reduction in the gap between
sensors that results from the inclusion of an additional sensor in
the system. As seen, the percentage reduction in gap values
decrease as the number of sensors is increased. The percentage
reduction in gap may be useful in selecting the number of sensors
to utilize in a dispenser. In one embodiment, an additional sensor
may not be used if the percentage reduction in gap is less than
about 20%, in another embodiment an additional sensor may not be
used if the percentage reduction in gap is less than about 15%, and
in yet another embodiment an additional sensor may not be used if
the percentage reduction in gap is less than about 10%. In one
implementation of the present dispenser 100 system, therefore, four
sensors are used because the marginal improvement in the dispenser
100's field of vision by the addition of a fifth sensor does not
outweigh the additional cost of incorporating the fifth sensor into
the system. Depending on the use of the dispenser, In other
embodiments, the field of view of each sensor may vary, e.g., a
sensor may have a field of view within a range of about 10 degrees
to about 170 degrees, and in a different embodiment within a range
of about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees, and in another embodiment
within a range of about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees. In these
embodiments, the number of sensors utilized may provide for
increased or decreased reductions in the gap as more sensors are
utilized.
[0184] The capability of the dispenser 100 to observe movement
within a particular room or space given any orientation of the
dispenser 100 is important for use of the dispenser 100. As seen in
FIG. 1, the housing 102 of the dispenser 100 may have a generally
spherical design. Additionally, the apertures 112 through which
dispenser 100 detects movement are generally hidden from view by
the fins 114 of the housing 102. As such, the user is likely to
place the dispenser 100 without consideration of the device's
orientation or the positioning of the various apertures 112. In
fact, the true orientation of the dispenser 100 is purposefully
hidden from the user due to the outward appearance of the dispenser
100. As a consequence, the user will not consider the orientation
of the dispenser 100 and, consequently, the position of the
apertures 112, when placing the dispenser 100 in a room. However,
because the dispenser 100 can detect motion throughout a room by
way of its multiple sensors, the dispenser 100 will still operate
as intended. Indeed, the present dispenser provides a heretofore
unknown advantage of removing any concern by a user in the proper
placement of the dispenser my optimizing the number of sensors for
the anticipated use of the dispenser so that a user need not be
concerned with the orientation of the dispenser. In contrast, in a
single sensor system, the user would have to be cognizant of the
location of the optical sensor and be sure to position the
single-sensor device with an appropriate orientation for observing
an interior of the room.
[0185] Because the motion detection system allows the dispenser 100
to make observations about the entire perimeter of the dispenser
100, the housing 102 of the dispenser 100 is not required to
include obvious or noticeable markings or other notations to assist
a user in the correct orientation of the housing 102. Additionally,
to maintain a relatively featureless, minimalist exterior of the
housing 102, the housing 102 may be configured so as to hide the
apertures 112 of the motion detector system from view by an
individual standing nearby the dispenser 100.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the apertures 112 of the
motion detection system are formed within the lower face 118 of the
fins 114 of the housing 102. By forming the apertures 112 on the
lower face 118, the motion detection system can still observe
movement through the apertures 112 of the housing 102, but the
apertures 112 themselves are shielded from view by the upper face
116 of the fins 114. To illustrate this principle, FIG. 37A is a
cross-sectional view taken through the aperture 112a of the top
section 104 of the housing 102. The cylindrical tube 414a of the
motion sensor 408a is positioned inwardly from the apertures 112a
for observing movement through the aperture 112a. As illustrated,
the aperture 112a is formed on the lower face 118 of the fin 114 of
the housing 102. As such, the fin 114 provides an overhang that is
positioned over the location of the aperture 112a. The overhang
shields the aperture 112a from an observer's view, while also
allowing the motion sensor system to observe the movement of
objects. Such an arrangement adds to the aesthetic appeal of the
dispenser 100 and also contributes to the clean look and feel of
the device. As such, the geometrical arrangement of the fins 114,
and the corresponding overhang defined by the lengths of the upper
face 116 and the lower face 116 of the fin 114 can be selected to
hide the apertures 112 from view.
[0187] As shown in FIG. 37A, the lower face 118 of the fin 114
defines a plane A extending away from the dispenser 100 at an angle
A'. If an observer's line-of-sight is positioned below plane A, the
observer may be able to view the aperture 112. If, however, the
observer's line-of-sight is positioned above plane A, the observer
will be unable to view the aperture 112, even though the motion
detection system's view of the observer would be relatively
unaffected (only the user's face would be obscured) and still
capable of viewing the observer and detecting motion. Accordingly,
the geometry of the fin 114 can be selected so that the apertures
112 will only be observable by a user that is sufficiently far away
from the dispenser 100 so that the overall appearance of the
dispenser 100 is not negatively affected.
[0188] FIG. 37B is an illustration showing a representation of the
aperture 112a of the dispenser 100 positioned nearby an observer.
In the arrangement, a bottom of the apertures 112 of the dispenser
100 are positioned a height above the ground surface of Y.sub.a.
Similarly, the eye 430 of an observer is positioned above the
ground surface at a height Y.sub.e. Accordingly, the observer's eye
430 is positioned above the bottom of the aperture 112 by a height
Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a=Y.sub.d. Additionally, the observer's eye 430 is a
horizontal distance X, away from the aperture 112 of the dispenser
100. Accordingly, the observer's eye 430 will be able to observe
the aperture 112 of dispenser 100 when the observer's eye falls
below plane A defined by the fin 114 structure of dispenser 100. As
shown in the figure, the angle A' of plane A is defined by the
ratio of the length of the overhang of fin 114 (X.sub.H) and the
height of the overhang relative to a horizontal plane projecting
from the bottom of the aperture 112a (Y.sub.H).
[0189] Given a particular ratio of X.sub.H and Y.sub.H (and,
consequently, angle A), the observer's eye 430 is able to view the
aperture 112a when X.sub.v has a value greater than Y.sub.d*TAN(A).
If the observer 430 is closer, the observer 430 will be unable to
view the aperture 112 as the observer's eye 430 will be positioned
above plane A and the view of the aperture 112a will be blocked by
the fin 114 of the dispenser 100. Using this mathematical
relationship between the relative height of the observer and the
distance of the observer away from the dispenser 100 it is possible
to design the fin 114 of the housing 102 of the dispenser 100 so
that in an average setting an observer will be unable to view the
apertures 112 from a nearby distance.
[0190] In different settings, the value of Y.sub.e may vary
greatly. A user could, for example, lay on the floor, in which case
the user's eye's would be close to ground level. The value of
Y.sub.e may also be relatively large if, for example, the user is
positioned on a balcony or elevated floor overlooking the dispenser
100. Similarly, the user could be positioned on a stepladder so
that the user is overlooking the dispenser 100, resulting in a
relatively large value of Y.sub.e.
[0191] Even though Y.sub.e may have many different values depending
upon the details of a particular setting, it is possible to
identify an average value of Y.sub.e that identifies a relatively
accurate estimate of the actual height of a user's eye in a
majority of settings. In one example, Y.sub.e is based upon the
average height of an adult human that may observe dispenser 100.
For example, Y.sub.e may be defined as encompassing the height
range from the 1st percentile height for adult humans to the 99th
percentile height for adult humans. Alternatively, Y.sub.e may be
allocated a single distinct value, such as the average height of
all adult humans.
[0192] Similarly, the height of the apertures 112 above the ground
can vary based upon the particular setting. In some cases, the
dispenser 100 will be positioned on a relatively low surface such
as a low table, side table, or even the ground surface. Similarly,
in other settings the dispenser 100 may be positioned on a
relatively high surface such as a counter top, bar counter, or
bookshelf. Even though Y.sub.a may have many different values, it
is possible to identify an average value of Y.sub.a that identifies
an estimate of the actual height of the apertures 112 above the
ground. In one example, Y.sub.a is based upon the size of dispenser
100 and the average height of table and furniture surfaces within
the home. In that case, the value of Y.sub.a may vary from 18
inches (45.72 cm) to 46 inches (116.84 cm). Alternatively, Y.sub.a
may be allocated a single distinct value based upon the average
height of surfaces within the home and the position of the
apertures 112 within the dispenser 100 (e.g., 32 inches (81.28
cm)).
[0193] The value of X.sub.v may also vary greatly depending upon
the setting. Again, though, it is possible to generate an average
value of X.sub.v that will be relatively accurate for the majority
of settings for the dispenser 100. In most homes, for example, the
typical pathway for occupants of a room require that the occupants
navigate through the room at a distance of approximately 5 feet
(1.52 m) from the central furniture within the room, as well as the
furniture positioned at the perimeter of the room. As a result, an
observer of the dispenser 100 is likely to be positioned
approximately 5 feet (1.52 m) from the dispenser 100. As such, in
designing the dispenser 100, a viewing distance of approximately 5
feet (1.52 m) may be assumed.
[0194] Using the analysis described above, therefore, it is
possible to deterministically design the housing 102 and,
specifically, the geometrical configuration of the fin 114 defining
the aperture 112 of the housing 102 to purposefully obscure an
observer's view of the an aperture 112. To obscure the view of the
aperture 112, the angle A' defined by the lower face 118 of the fin
114 is selected so that an observer's view of the aperture 112 is
obscured at a predetermined threshold viewing distance. To
determine the desired angle A' for a given viewing distance, the
height of the average observer is assumed to be 5' 8'', which is
identified as the average height of a human by The Measure of Man
and Woman, Revised Edition--Human Factors in Design (Henry Dreyfuss
Associates, 2002). Given the height of the average observer, the
average height Y.sub.e of an observer's eye is 59.6 inches (151.38
cm). Y.sub.a is defined as the combination of the distance between
a bottom end of the dispenser 100 and a lower end of the aperture
112 in addition to an average height of the dispenser off the
floor, which, combined, totals 32 inches (81.28 cm). The minimum
distance from which the observer can observe the aperture 112
(X.sub.v) is selected to be 5 ft (1.52 m). With these conditions,
the minimum angle A' of the face 118 of the fin 114 can be
determined by solving the equation
A=TAN.sup.-1((X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a)) or, in this example,
A'=TAN-1((60 inches)/(59.6 inches-32 inches)). As such, to meet the
requirements of the 5 foot threshold distance, the geometrical
structure of the fin 114 defining the aperture 112 is selected so
that the angle of the lower face 118 of the fin 114 exceeds a
minimum threshold angle of 65.3 degrees away from vertical (see
angle A' illustrated on FIG. 37A).
[0195] Alternatively, the geometrical structure of the fin 114
defining the aperture 112 can be selected to comply with a desired
view disruption index (VDI). The VDI for a particular dispenser 100
is defined as the ratio of X.sub.H to Y.sub.H. To design the
dispenser, therefore, a goal VDI is first calculated based upon the
desired optical performance characteristics of the dispenser 100.
Then, given that desired VDI, the geometrical configuration of the
housing 102 of the dispenser 102 can be designed to either meet or
exceed the desired VDI. For example, when considering a dispenser
100 positioned at an average height, it may be desired that the
aperture 112 not be viewable by an average-height observer from
distances less than 5 feet (1.52 m). To provide such a dispenser, a
goal VDI is first calculated. The goal VDI for a given example
installation of the dispenser 100 is defined as the ratio of the
minimum distance from the dispenser 100 at which the observer will
be capable of viewing a portion of the aperture 112 (X.sub.v) to
the height of the observer's eye above the bottom of the aperture
112 minus the height of the bottom of the aperture 112 above the
ground surface (that is, Y.sub.d). Accordingly, in this example,
the goal VDI is equal to (X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a), or (60
inches)/(59.6 inches-32 inches)=2.17. Given a goal VDI of 2.17, the
geometrical arrangement of the fin 114 that defines the aperture
112 is configured so that the ratio X.sub.H to Y.sub.H for that fin
114 meets or exceeds the goal VDI.
[0196] Therefore, using either of the design methodologies
described above, the outward appearance of the housing 102 of the
dispenser 102 can be optimized for different anticipated
installations of the dispenser 102. Using the first methodology,
the angle A' of the lower face 118 of the fin 114 defining the
aperture 112 is selected to exceed a particular threshold angle.
Alternatively, rather than control the angle of the lower face 118,
the second methodology can be utilized to determine the necessary
overhang (i.e., the ratio of X.sub.H to Y.sub.H) of the fin 114 for
a particular installation.
[0197] For example, a dispenser 100 may be designed primarily for
use by teenagers. In that case, the average observer of the
dispenser 100 will be somewhat shorter than the average observer
described in the example above. Consequently, the height of the
average teenager's eye will be somewhat lower than that of the
average adult's eye. Accordingly, using the first design
methodology, for a dispenser directed toward use by a
sixteen-year-old, the angle A' may be selected to exceed
TAN.sup.-1((X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a)), where X, is 5 feet (1.52
m), Y.sub.e is 62 inches (157.48 cm), and Y.sub.a is 32 inches
(81.28 cm). As such, the angle of the lower face of the fin 112
encompassing the aperture 112 in a dispenser 100 designed for use
by teenagers should exceed 63.37 degrees away from vertical (see
angle A' on FIG. 37A). Alternatively, using the second design
methodology, the VDI for such a dispenser should exceed
(X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a), or 1.99.
[0198] Alternatively, a dispenser 100 may be designed for use
primarily in larger rooms. In that case, being in a larger room,
the average distance of an observer from the dispenser 100 will be
somewhat increased over the 5 feet (1.52 m) distance described
above. Accordingly, using the first design methodology, for a
dispenser directed towards use in a larger room, the angle A' may
be selected to exceed TAN.sup.-1((X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a)),
where X, is 10 feet (3.05 m), Y.sub.e is 59.6 inches (151.38 cm),
and Y.sub.a is 32 inches (81.28 cm). As such, the angle of the
lower face of the fin 112 encompassing the aperture 112 in a
dispenser 100 designed for use in larger rooms should exceed 77.05
degrees away from vertical (see angle A' on FIG. 37A).
Alternatively, using the second design methodology, the VDI for
such a dispenser should exceed (X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a), or
4.35.
[0199] Alternatively, a dispenser 100 may be designed for use when
positioned on coffee tables, or other low structures. In that case,
the height of the bottom of the aperture 112 of the dispenser 100
above a ground surface could be reduced from the 32 inches (81.28
cm) described above. In that case, using the first design
methodology, for a dispenser positioned on lower structures, the
angle A' may be selected to exceed
TAN.sup.-1((X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a)), where X.sub.v is 5 feet
(1.52 m), Y.sub.e is 59.6 inches (151.38 cm), and Y.sub.a is 25
inches (63.5 cm). As such, the angle of the lower face of the fin
112 encompassing the aperture 112 in a dispenser 100 designed for
use on lower surfaces should exceed 60.03 degrees away from
vertical (see angle A' on FIG. 37A). Alternatively, using the
second design methodology, the VDI for such a dispenser should
exceed (X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a), or 1.73.
[0200] Alternatively, a dispenser 100 may be designed for use in
bathrooms, where the dispenser is likely to be positioned on
relatively high counter surfaces. In such an installation, though,
the dispenser is likely to be viewed by an observer from a closer
range than the 5 feet (1.52 m) described above. As such, the height
of the bottom of the aperture 112 of the dispenser 100 above a
ground surface may be increased from the 32 inches (81.28 cm)
described above. In that case, using the first design methodology,
for a dispenser positioned on higher structures, such as bathroom
counters, where the dispenser is likely to be viewed from a
relatively close position, the angle A' may be selected to exceed
TAN.sup.-1((X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a)), where X, is 3 feet (0.91
m), Y.sub.e is 59.6 inches (151.38 cm), and Y.sub.a is 46 inches
(116.84 cm). As such, the angle of the lower face of the fin 112
encompassing the aperture 112 in a dispenser 100 designed for use
on lower surfaces should exceed 69.3 degrees away from vertical
(see angle A' on FIG. 37A). Alternatively, using the second design
methodology, the VDI for such a dispenser should exceed
(X.sub.v)/(Y.sub.e-Y.sub.a), or 2.65.
[0201] It is apparent, therefore, that the geometrical
configuration of the housing 102 of the dispenser 100 and,
specifically, the fin 114 defining the aperture 112 can be
optimized for a number of different installations of the dispenser
100. Using either the first or second design methodology described
above, the dispenser 100 can be designed so that the aperture 112
is obscured from view by a typical observer in that particular
installation. As discussed above, the obscuring of the aperture 112
allows the dispenser 100 to have a more aesthetically pleasing
outward appearance than in a dispenser where the aperture 112 would
be readily observable. The different installation conditions may
include placement of the dispenser 100 on a number of surfaces
having differing heights. Example surfaces include tables, coffee
tables, counter tops, side tables, and bathroom surfaces.
Additionally, depending upon the installation, the typical
observers may have different characteristics. Typical observers for
a given installation may include standing adults, sitting adults,
teenagers, or children. A particular installation may also dictate
a typical distance at which the dispenser 100 is normally observed
and, thereby, a minimum distance at which the aperture 112 of the
dispenser 100 should be viewable. For normal rooms, the minimum
distance may be set to approximately 5 feet (1.52 m). In larger
rooms, the threshold distance may be as large as 10 feet (3.05 m),
or even larger. In installations of the dispenser 100 in smaller
rooms, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms, the distance
may be smaller, for example 3 feet (0.91 m).
[0202] It is readily apparent, therefore, that given a particular
target installation for the dispenser 100, a person of ordinary
skill can use either of the two design methodologies provided above
to optimize the design of the dispenser 100. For example, for a
given installation, it is possible to calculate a target VDI for
the dispenser 100 and then design the dispenser 100 to either meet
or exceed that target VDI.
[0203] In the present implementation, detectors 408 include photo
transistors. The photo transistors collect ambient light and allow
a controller of the dispenser 100 to detect any changes in the
intensity thereof. Filtering of the photo transistor output is
undertaken by the controller (see, for example, controller 600 of
FIG. 46E). If the controller determines that a threshold light
condition has been reached, i.e., a predetermined level of change
in light intensity has been received by the photo transistor over a
short interval, the controller then determines whether to activate
actuator drive system 200 to cause product to be dispensed from one
of the containers 150 of the dispenser 100 based on whether certain
conditions are met in light of an operational methodology.
[0204] The predetermined level of change in light intensity may
comprise a high-to-low transition of light intensity and/or a
low-to-high transition in light intensity. For example, if the
dispenser 100 is positioned in a lit bathroom, a person walking
past a sensor and who stands still within the sensory path may
block a sufficient amount of ambient light from reaching the sensor
over a first time interval to cause a signal to be developed
indicating a high-to-low transition in light intensity. In the
present scenario, however, the controller may not activate the
dispensing device because a low-to-high transition in light
intensity has not been received by the photo transistor during a
second time interval, i.e., the person has not walked through the
sensory path. As such, if the person were to continue walking
through the sensory path within the second time interval, a
low-to-high transition in light intensity would occur and cause the
controller to activate the dispensing device. Depending upon the
implementation, the controller may be triggered irrespective of
whether a high-to-low transition occurs before or after a
low-to-high transition in light intensity. Additionally, the
detected first and second time intervals of the light intensity
transitions may be within any time range. However, the first and
second time intervals are generally selected to be of a
sufficiently short duration so that light transitions over long
periods of time, such as transitions that occur during the daytime
and at dusk or dawn, will not cause the controller to activate the
dispensing device.
[0205] The controller is also in communication with the top plate
108 of the top section 104 (shown in FIG. 1) that operates a button
allowing a user to manually control the operation of the dispenser
100. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 29-29 of
FIG. 1 showing top plate 108. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 38, the top
plate 108 comprises a generally planar structure having a centrally
concave region in which apertures 110a, 110b are formed. The top
plate 108 is mounted over the sidewall 158 of the top section 104.
The top plate 108 includes an annular wall 452 that projects
downwardly from a bottom surface of top plate 108. The diameter of
the annular wall defining an inner surface of the wall 452 is
selected so that an inner surface of the wall 452 fits about an
outer surface of a wall 454 formed at an upper portion of the
sidewall 170. Both walls 452 and 454 have a circular geometry, with
wall 452 fitting around wall 454. With this geometry, as shown in
FIG. 38, the top plate 108 can be positioned over the sidewall 158
so that the wall 452 fits around the wall 454. Additionally, in
this arrangement, the top plate 108 can be moved upwards and
downwards, with the inner surface of the wall 452 moving past the
outer surface of the wall 454.
[0206] The top plate 108 generally sits upon an upper surface of a
switch 450, which is, in turn, mounted to the top surface of the
PCB 402 and the controller of the dispenser 100. Specifically, a
projection 456 extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the
top plate 108 to contact pressure contact 458 of the switch 450. In
FIG. 38, the pressure contact 458 is shown in its default
non-triggered state. However, when sufficient force is applied to
the pressure contact 458, it deforms downwardly to close a contact
(or, in some implementations, opening a contact) within the switch
450 in a manner that is detectable by the controller. In one
implementation, switch 450 includes a series TL1150 tact switch
manufactured by E-Switch.RTM..
[0207] In the present implementation, the user can approach the
dispenser 100 from any direction around the dispenser 100 to
activate the top plate 108, or any other user interface on the
dispenser 100. The user can position the dispenser 100 in the home
in any orientation to a wall or object that might block a lower
button and still access and activate the top plate 108, or any
other user interface device. In the present implementation, the
positioning of the top plate 108 on the housing 102 proximate the
apertures 110 is configured to provide a relatively high likelihood
that the top plate 108 will not be blocked by objects in the
environment of the dispenser 100. For example, a user is unlikely
to block access to the apertures 110 and, thus, the top plate 108
as well. Additionally, the significant area of the top plate 108
allows the user to activate the dispenser 100 without having to
brace the dispenser 100 or otherwise pick-up or manipulate the
dispenser 100. Pushing down upon the top plate 108 of the dispenser
100 is unlikely to unseat the dispenser 100 from a flat, stable
surface. The active surface of the top plate 108 varies between a
0.5'' wide annular point of contact around a periphery of the top
plate 108 to the entire surface area of the top plate, which has a
2.75'' diameter. An average hand is 3'' wide from pinky to index
finger and 2'' wide for three fingers. The size of the activation
zone of top plate 108, therefore, affords a user the ability to use
a single finger or an entire hand to activate the dispenser. This
arrangement is configured to provide relatively easy and quick
activation while passing by the dispenser 100, i.e., the user does
not have to stop and orient their hand and/or finger to effectively
activate the dispenser 100. This is particularly true in cases
where small buttons may be provided on the side of a conventional
dispenser housing.
[0208] Many prior art dispensers are also provided with manual
activation buttons, which are located on a side surface of the
dispenser. When a user presses such side mounted buttons, they must
also typically secure the device with their other hand when
pressing the button. Failure to do so may result in non-activation
of the dispenser or undesired movement of the dispenser.
Accordingly, for side-mounted button dispensers, two hands must
generally be used to activate the dispenser. The present design of
the top plate 108 allows a user walking by the dispenser 100 to
easily activate the dispenser 100 via a manual operation. Given the
size, shape, and position of the top plate 108 with respect to the
remainder of the dispenser 100, the top plate 108 can be located
quickly by a user. Additionally, because the top plate 108 is
configured to activate the dispenser 100 by a downward force on the
top plate 108, the top plate 108 can be easily activated by an
entire hand, or by one or two fingers. The downward force exerted
by a user's hand or fingers assists in preventing movement of the
dispenser 100 during activation. As such, during manual activation,
the present dispenser 100 does not require additional support from
a user's hand to prevent movement of the dispenser 100. This
characteristic is also aided by the placement of the center of
gravity of the dispenser 100 into the bottom section 106 of the
housing 102, e.g., by positioning a number of components of the
dispenser 100 into the bottom section 106 as discussed above.
Lowering the center of gravity of the dispenser allows for the
bottom section 106 of the dispenser 100 to interact with a support
surface to prevent movement. Therefore, when a downward force is
applied to the top plate 108, e.g., a force parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the dispenser 100 or a force angled with
respect to such an axis, one or more of the configuration of the
top plate 108 and the center of gravity of the dispenser 100
assists in preventing movement of the dispenser 100. These
characteristics allow for use of the dispenser 100 without change
to a user's regular routine as the dispenser 100 can be quickly and
easily activated as the user walks by the dispenser 100.
[0209] In the configuration shown in FIG. 38, with the pressure
contact 458 in its default position, the top plate 108 is raised
away from sidewall 170 to allow for downward movement of the top
plate 108. Accordingly, a user can apply a downward force to the
top plate 108, thereby causing top plate 108 to move downwardly
until a top surface 460 of the wall 454 contacts a bottom surface
462 of the top plate 108. The geometry of the walls 452 and 454 are
selected, however, so that before the top surface 460 of the wall
454 contacts the bottom surface 462 of the top plate 108, the
pressure contact 458 deforms to cause the switch 450 to
trigger.
[0210] A user may generally displace the top plate 108 by applying
a downward force anywhere on a surface thereof to activate the
dispenser 100 to dispense product. Alternatively, the user may only
displace or apply force to a peripheral portion of the top plate
108 to activate the dispenser 100. Further, it is contemplated that
displacement of the top plate 108 about a peripheral portion or an
interior portion may cause the top plate 108 to tilt and/or be
downwardly depressed relative to the sidewall 158 to activate the
switch 450. Depression and/or tilting of the top plate 108 causes
the triggering of the switch 450 to activate the dispenser 100. It
should also be contemplated that the presently described pushbutton
system could be provided for activation or deactivation of the
device or the changing of a mode or other operational
characteristic of the device. In general, the top plate 108, in
combination with the controller of the dispenser 100, may be
utilized to allow a user to control or modify any operational
methodology of the dispenser 100 suitable for control by the user.
For example, the top plate 108 can be used to control the lockout
period, the manual dispensing of product, which of the containers
150a, 150b are to be the primary containers from which product is
dispensed, the amount of product to be dispensed upon each
activation, whether one or more of the LEDs are to be illuminated
during operation of the dispenser 100, and the like. In some cases,
the top plate 108 incorporates an LED or other display device that
is used to provide information to the user. For example, the
information may comprise a current mode of operation of the device
or that the device has detected an error condition, such as when
the batteries 152 or the containers 150 need replacing.
Alternatively, the top plate 108 may incorporate an LED or other
display device to provide illumination for solely aesthetic
purposes.
[0211] In other implementations, the push-button operation of the
top plate 108 may be avoided by implementing top plate 108 as a
capacitive sensing surface. In that case, to trigger the device,
rather than displace or tilt the top plate 108 to trigger the
switch 450, a capacitive sensing system may be incorporated into
the top plate 108 in order to detect when a user has touched the
top plate 108. Upon detecting a user's touch, the controller of the
dispenser 100 can take appropriate action. In other
implementations, touch capacitive sensing may be incorporated into
any portion of the outer surface of the housing 100. As such, a
user may be able to contact the housing 100 anywhere in order to
provide a manual input to the dispenser 100.
[0212] Alternatively, the dispenser 100 may include a pressure
switch positioned at the bottom of the housing 102 of the dispenser
100. In that case, to trigger the pressure switch, a user presses
down anywhere upon the housing 102. As the housing 102 moves
downward, the pressure switch is pressed upon by the surface upon
which the dispenser 100 is positioned. When the downward pressure
exceeds a predetermined threshold, the pressure switch is triggered
and the dispenser 100 can respond appropriately to the user input.
In such an implementation, the pressure threshold for the pressure
switch exceeds the pressure generated by the weight of the
dispenser 100 when sitting upon a surface without any additional
downwards force being supplied by a user against the housing
102.
[0213] Upon the triggering of the switch 450, the controller can
detect that a user has compressed the top plate 108 and can take
appropriate action based upon the current operational mode of the
dispenser 100. The appropriate action may involve causing the
actuator drive system 200 to immediately, or accordingly to a
delay, dispense product from one of the containers 150a, 150b,
change a mode of operation of the dispenser 100, or to do nothing,
if, for example, the dispenser 100 is in a stop state.
[0214] The controller of the dispenser 100 is also in communication
with a mode selector switch 470. FIG. 39 shows the mode selector
switch 470 mounted to a bottom surface of the bottom section 106 of
the housing 102. The mode selector switch 470 can be used to select
a lock-out period that defines a minimum frequency with which
dispenser 100 can dispense product. This lock-out period can be
used, for example, to minimize an amount of fragrance product that
can be dispensed into a particular area over a given period of
time. In one implementation, the selector switch 470 is a toggle
switch movable to one of three stable positions.
[0215] Accordingly, the controller of dispenser 100 can use a
combination of input signals from detectors 408, top plate 108, and
selector switch 470 to control the operation of the dispenser 100.
Various modes of operation of dispenser 100 are illustrated in
detail by the timing diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 40-43.
[0216] Generally, upon activating the dispenser 100, the device
undergoes a short delay prior to activating the motion sensors and
checking the lock-out period duration designated by the switch 470.
The delay allows the user to complete the process of attaching the
top section 104 and the bottom section 106 and allows the dispenser
100 to ignore errant presses of the top plate 108 while the top
section 104 is being connected to the bottom section 106.
Additionally, the delay period allows the electrical systems of the
dispenser 100 to stabilize after power is initialized. The lock-out
period may be modified or eliminated entirely in other embodiments.
Thereafter, the motion sensors are active for detecting motion in a
manner as described above. Additionally, the dispenser 100 may
enter a lock out mode lasting a time duration equal to that of the
selected time interval of the switch 470.
[0217] During the lockout mode, motion detected by one or more of
the sensors may be registered by the dispenser 100, but no product
dispensing operation is undertaken. Instead, an LED may be
illuminated for a duration of the motion detected. In other
embodiments, though, a single flash of one or more LED's may be
undertaken, various flashing sequences of one or more LED's may be
undertaken, or there may be no LED. For example, in one
implementation the LED or LEDs are illuminated using a 2 second
fading on and off sequence in which the LED or LEDs fade up to full
intensity in 1 second and then fade down to off in one second. In
that case, any motion activity detected during the fading-down time
will be registered by the controller of dispenser 100 but is not
displayed by the LED or LEDs. During the lockout mode a product
dispensing operation may be initiated at any time by manual
displacement of the top plate 108.
[0218] In one embodiment, upon initial activation of the dispenser
100, and completion of a 0.1 ms delay, the dispenser 100 may also
undergo a 0.4 ms delay in which any displacement of the top plate
108 is not registered to cause a spraying operation. This time
period may also be modified or eliminated in other embodiments.
Thereafter, displacement of the top plate 108 may be registered to
cause a product dispersal operation from one or more of the
containers 150a and 150b.
[0219] If both containers 150a and 150b are present within the
device, the device will select the appropriate container to
dispense fluid from based on a timing sequence. In the present
embodiment, the dispenser 100 operates in alternating 24 hour
sequences in which product from a first container 150a is dispensed
within the first 24 hour sequence in response to the detection of
motion or displacement of the manual pushbutton and fluid from the
second container 150b is dispensed within the second 24 hour
sequence in response to detection of motion or the displacement of
the manual pushbutton. These sequences thereafter alternate in 24
hour increments between containers 150a and 150b. Upon determining
which sequence dispenser 100 is in, a product dispensing operation
is undertaken using the appropriate container.
[0220] In other implementations, the timing sequences may occur
according to any schedule. For example, the sequences may occur
hourly, in which every hour a different container 150 is selected
for the dispensing of product. Alternatively, the timing sequences
may be adjusted throughout the day. For example, from 8 am to 6 pm
the sequence switches in an hourly routine. But from 6 pm to 8 am
the sequence switches every 4 hours. Additionally, the sequences
may be modified based upon information received from the dispenser
100's sensor systems. For example, during time periods where
optical sensors detect light levels exceeding a particular
threshold (indicating daylight), the sequence may switch every
hour. During time periods where optical sensors detect light levels
that fall below a particular threshold (indicating nighttime), the
sequence may be switched every 5 hours. In one preferred
implementation, the sequence switches every 24 hours, allowing each
container 150 to be the primary container 150 for a continuous
24-hour period, unless switched earlier by the user via a manual
user input. At the conclusion of a 24 hour period, the non-primary
container 150 becomes the primary container 150 and product
dispersal events occurring during that 24 hour time period cause
product to be dispensed from the primary container 150 for that 24
hour time period. In one implementation, the sequence alternates
every time dispenser 100 dispenses product from one of containers
150 to ensure that the fragrance being dispensed remains novel to
the user.
[0221] In another preferred embodiment, the timing sequences are
preferably between 1 hour and 1 month, or alternatively between 12
hours and 2 weeks, or alternatively 24 hours. Indeed, the timing
sequences may be 24 hours, one week, two weeks, one month, or any
time period greater than 24 hours. In other embodiments, the timing
sequences are measured in one or more days, alternatively one or
more weeks, or alternatively one or more months. The timing
sequences may be the same or may be different. In a first example,
each of the timing sequences is 24 hours. In another example, the
first container is the primary container for 2 days that correspond
to the days of the weekend and the second container is the primary
container for 5 days that correspond to the days of the work week.
In some embodiments, the length of the timing sequences may be
equal to the length of the lockout period as discussed in more
detail below. For example the length of the timing sequences may
range from 1 to 180 minutes.
[0222] The same timing sequences may be utilized for dispensers
including more than two containers. Alternatively, dispensers
having more than two containers may incorporate additional timing
sequences. For example dispensers including three containers may
incorporate first, second, and third timing sequences, dispensers
including four containers may incorporate first, second, third, and
fourth timing sequences, and so on. Further, dispensers including
any number of containers may incorporate any number of timing
sequences.
[0223] In some embodiments, different containers are selected for
dispensing product based upon a current time of day. For example,
if one of the containers 150 contains a product providing a "fresh"
smell, that container is dispensed during the day, while another
container 150 containing a relaxing scent (e.g., lavender) is
dispensed in the evening. Furthermore, during different times of
day, differing amounts of product may be dispensed. In the morning,
for example, larger amounts of product may be dispensed, while in
the evening, smaller and more subtle amounts of product are
dispensed. In some cases, if the dispenser 100 detects a
significant amount of traffic, e.g., a stream of users enters a
room within a 2 hour period, which causes the motion-detection
algorithm to recognize a heavy user flow, the dispenser 100 is
configured to dispense a larger amount of product either by
dispensing more product on each dispensing occasion, or by reducing
the lockout period, described below. Further, the dispenser may
also be programmed to dispense a more active or "fresh" small
during such time periods. Alternatively, if the dispenser 100
detects an extended period of time over which no or limited user
traffic is detected, the dispenser 100 may initiate a dispensing
sequence based upon diminished use, e.g., by dispensing a lavender
or calming scent, regardless of the time of day, or by dispensing
less product.
[0224] During product dispensing operations in response to the
displacement of the top plate 108, the user's interaction with the
pushbutton may affect the type of product dispensing operation
undertaken. If a user depresses the top plate 108 for a duration
less than a certain period of time "T", no spraying operation is
undertaken. If a user depresses the pushbutton for a duration equal
or greater than the time period "T" then one spraying operation is
undertaken for a period "P". However, if a user displaces the
pushbutton two times within a specified interval "SI", the 24 hour
timing sequence is re-set to zero, the sequence is alternated to
the alternative sequence having a different container, and the
spray operation for the period "P" is undertaken with the new
container.
[0225] If the lockout period for the dispenser 100 has expired, the
dispenser 100 is responsive to both sensory input and the manual
activation of the top plate 108. During this active mode of
operation, the detection of motion will cause the dispenser 100 to
undergo the same inquiry as previously described to determine which
container to immediately spray from. More specifically, if no
container is present within dispenser 100 a product dispensing
operation is not undertaken. If only one container 150 is present
in the device, then a dispensing operation is undertaken with the
available container. If both containers 150a and 150b are present,
the device will select the appropriate container to dispense
product from based on a timing sequence.
[0226] The operational steps to activate and dispense product from
either container may be the same regardless of whether a product
dispensing operation is initiated in response to sensory input or
the displacement of the manual pushbutton. Upon determining which
container to spray from, the dispenser 100 drives the actuator
drive system 200 to lift the appropriate armature to lift the
container for a time period "A." Thereafter, the actuator drive
system 200 is stopped for a time period "B" while product is
dispensed from the appropriate container. Finally, actuator drive
system 200 is driven in reverse for a time period "C" to lower the
container back to a pre-actuation position. The same sequence
occurs regardless of which container is activated. The time periods
A, B, and C may comprise any appropriate periods of time. Further,
in alternative embodiments one or more of the periods may be
eliminated. Still further, in other embodiments the time periods
are different depending on the container undergoing the spraying
operation or the contents thereof.
[0227] Every time the pushbutton is depressed by a user to dispense
product or any sensory input causes the activation of the device,
the lockout period timer is re-set to zero and the dispenser 100 is
placed into the lockout mode for the duration of the lockout
period, which is dependent on the position of the user control
adjustment switch 470, as described above. The user may displace
top plate 108 to initiate a spraying operation as often as desired,
whereupon the lockout period timer is re-set to zero and the device
enters a new lockout period after each successful use of the top
plate 108. Further, if a user adjusts the switch 470 during any
stage of the operational use of the device, the lockout period can
be immediately modified to reflect the new period without
re-setting the period. In a different embodiment, adjusting the
switch during use of the device both modifies the lockout period
duration and also re-sets the lockout period timer to zero.
[0228] The dispenser 100 is configured to terminate power for
initiating spraying operations via the actuator drive system 200
and the activation of the LED 416 if the battery life has depleted
to a predetermined level.
[0229] In general, any time setting, range, period, or interval for
any switch or operational step of the present dispensing device may
comprise any value. It should also be assumed that the values may
differ between the first and second sequences, between lockout and
active modes, between sensor-activated sprays and pushbutton
sprays, etc. It should also be assumed that in other embodiments
any of these values could be altered by a user or
preprogrammed.
[0230] FIGS. 40-43 provide various timing diagrams to better
describe the operation of particular embodiments of the dispenser
100.
[0231] FIG. 40 depicts a timing diagram of the present embodiment
that illustrates operation of the dispenser 100 during use and
interaction between the motion detectors, LED output, top plate,
and product dispersal system. At time t=0 the dispenser 100 is
powered up. This may occur, for example, when the top section 104
and the bottom section 106 of the housing 102 are locked together
causing battery contacts 410a and 410b of cap assembly 168 to
contact batteries 152a, 152b disposed within the bottom section
106. Immediately upon activating the dispenser 100, the dispenser
100 may undergo a 0.1 ms delay prior to activating motion detectors
408 and determining the lockout time indicated by the selector
switch 470. This time period may be modified or eliminated entirely
in other embodiments. Thereafter, the motion sensors are active for
detecting motion. After powering up, the dispenser 100 is
configured to immediately enter a lock-out period. During the
lock-out period the dispenser 100 does not dispense product when
the dispenser 100 detects movement. Accordingly, even though motion
is detected by one or more motion detectors at times t=+1 and t=+2,
the output `dispense product` stays low, and no product is
dispensed by the dispenser 100. Notably, even though the dispenser
100 is not in active mode at times t=+1 and t=+2, the LED 416 is
illuminated upon the input from the motion detectors being high. In
some cases, a single flash of one or more LED's may be undertaken,
or various flashing sequences of one or more LED's may be
undertaken when motion is detected. Alternatively, the dispenser
100 may not include an LED. During a lockout mode the only way to
initiate a spraying operation is by manual displacement of the
pushbutton.
[0232] At time t=+3, the lockout period expires. The duration of
the lockout period is selected by a user via the selector switch
470. It is preferable that the lockout period has a duration of
between about 1 to about 180 minutes, and more preferably between
about 10 to about 60 minutes, and most preferably between about 15
to about 40 minutes. In one embodiment, the three position switch
is used to select between 20, 30 and 40 minute lockout periods. In
another embodiment, the switch is used to select between 15, 20,
and 30 minute lockout periods, though other time periods may be
used. After the lockout period expires, the dispenser 100 enters an
active mode. Accordingly, if the controller of the dispenser 100
detects movement, product will be dispensed. Alternatively, rather
than being selected by a switch having a limited number of
positions, a user may use an alternative user input device, such as
a touch surface, keypad, or other user input device to select a
particular lockout period. In that case, the lockout period may
have any value that a user chooses to select. Additionally, the
lockout period may be adjusted throughout the day. For example,
during a first time period (for example, 8 am through 6 pm), the
lockout period could have a first value selected by a user, or a
value that is a multiple of a user-selected value. For another time
period (for example, 6 pm through 8 am), the lockout period could
have a second value selected by a user, or a value that is a second
multiple of a user-selected value. Alternatively, the lockout
period could be consistently modified and updated based upon a
history usage of the dispenser 100. If, for example, a user is
consistently using the manual input to cause the dispenser 100 to
dispense product (indicating that the dispenser 100 is not
dispensing often enough for the user), dispenser 100 could
autonomously shorten the length of the lockout period in order to
dispense additional product, minimizing the need of the user to
regularly rely on the manual input to cause product to be
dispensed. The lockout period could also be adjusted based upon
sensor input to dispenser 100. For example, during time periods
where optical sensors detect light levels exceeding a particular
threshold (indicating daylight), the lockout period could have a
first value. During time periods where optical sensors detect light
levels that fall below a particular threshold (indicating
nighttime), the lockout period could have a second value. Further,
the lockout period could be adjusted based on a sensed level of
room usage, e.g., if a pattern is recognized that there is a heavy
flow of traffic through a room the lockout period could be reduced
and if a pattern is recognized that there is a light flow of
traffic through the room the lockout period could be increased. In
one preferred implementation, though, the user selects a particular
lockout period using the switch 470, as described above.
[0233] For the various implementations of the lockout period,
numerals may be displayed on the housing 102 to indicate the length
of a lockout period associated with each position of the switch 470
(as shown in FIG. 39). Alternatively, the indications may be
graphical, for example, by displaying a short line besides a first
switch 470 position, a longer line besides a second switch 470
position, and a longest line besides a third switch 470 position,
indicating short, medium, and long lockout periods,
respectively).
[0234] At time t=+4, the motion detectors of the dispenser 100
detect movement, the LED 416 is illuminated and product is
dispensed. After the product is dispensed, the dispenser 100 again
enters a new lockout period and enters a non-active mode.
[0235] During this lockout period, at time t=+5, the user operates
the top plate 108 to manually cause the dispenser 100 to dispense
product. After dispensing product in response to the user's
activation of the top plate 108, the dispenser 100 enters a new
lockout period.
[0236] At time t=+6, the lockout period expires, and the dispenser
100 again enters active mode. At time t=+7 the dispenser 100
detects that the user has operated the top plate 108 to manually
cause the dispenser 100 to dispense product. After dispensing
product in response to the user's activation of the top plate 108,
the dispenser 100 enters a new lockout period.
[0237] FIG. 41 depicts a timing diagram of the present embodiment
that illustrates the interaction between each of the four motion
detectors of dispenser 100 (designated PD0-PD3 in FIG. 41) and the
output state of LED 416. As shown by FIG. 41, the output of LED 416
matches that of the input of motion detectors PD0-PD3. Accordingly,
when any of the motion detector inputs goes high, the output to LED
416 will go high (that is, LED 416 will be illuminated).
Additionally, should the input of multiple combinations of multiple
motion detectors go high at the same time, the output of LED 416
will go high for the duration of the time period during which at
least one motion detector input is high. With reference to FIG. 41,
therefore, at any of times t=+1, +2, +3, or +4, when the input from
motion detectors PD0, PD1, PD2 and PD3 go high, respectively, the
output to LED 416 goes high. Similarly, when multiple motion
detector inputs go high at the same time (such as at times t=+7 and
+11), the output to LED 416 goes high. In other situations, where
the input of different ones of motion detectors PD0-PD3 go high at
different times, the output of LED 416 is similarly held high. This
situation occurs at time t=+5 though t=+9, where input PD0
initially goes high and as input PD0 goes low, input PD1 goes high.
Similarly, at the transition from t=+8 to t=+9, input PD1 goes low
while input PD0 goes high. Accordingly, from time t=+5 though t=+9
the output of LED 416 is held high.
[0238] A similar situation occurs from time t=+10 to t=+12. At time
t=+10 input PD2 is high. At time t=+11 input PD3 goes high so that
both inputs PD2 and PD3 are high. At time t=+12, input PD2 goes
low, but input PD3 remains high. Accordingly, from times t=+10 to
t=+12 the output to LED 416 remains high.
[0239] In some cases, the top plate 108 is configured to detect a
particular user input for controlling whether product is dispensed
from the first container 150a or the second container 150b of the
dispenser 100. For example, depending upon a number of presses, a
duration of the press, or a time of day that the user uses the top
plate 108, the controller of the dispenser 108 may select a
different one of the containers 150a, 150b from which to dispense
product. FIG. 42 depicts an example timing diagram of the present
embodiment that illustrates one possible interrelationship between
the user's manipulation of the top plate 108 and the controller's
selection of which container 150a, 150b to use.
[0240] As shown in FIG. 42, at time t=+1 the user presses and
releases the top plate 108. However, the duration of the press does
not exceed a predetermined minimum time duration threshold and
dispenser 100, consequently, ignores the press and takes no action.
At time t=+2, the user users presses and holds the top plate until
time=+3. The controller of the dispenser 100 determines that the
duration of this top plate 108 press exceeds the minimum threshold
and dispenses product from the first container 150a. Later, the
user initiates another press for the duration of times t=+4 through
t=+7. During this press, the controller of dispenser 100 determines
that the user has pressed the top plate 108 for a sufficient
duration as of time t=+5 and dispenses product from the first
container 150a at that time. Here, the controller takes no further
action even though the user holds the top plate 108 for an extended
duration of times t=+6 and +7.
[0241] Later, at time t=+8 the user presses the top plate 108 for a
short time duration that satisfies the time threshold for
dispensing product. However, within a specified time interval `SI`,
the user again presses top plate 108, this time for the time
periods t=+9 and +10, which also exceeds the minimum threshold for
a successful press of the top plate 108. In this case, because
there was a prior press that occurred within the specified interval
prior to the press occurring during time periods t=+9 and +10, the
controller dispenses product from the second container 150b rather
than the first container 150a. At this time, the dispenser 100 may
cause the second container 150b to become the primary container
from which to dispense product at future product-dispensing events.
This operation allows the user to manually dispense product from
either container 150 using a straight-forward interaction with the
dispenser 100. If, for example, one container 150a contains
fragrance, while the second container 150b contains an odor
eliminator, the user can easily control which product is to be
dispensed.
[0242] Accordingly, by performing a single press of the top plate
108 for a duration that exceeds a minimum threshold, the user can
cause the dispenser 100 to dispense product from a first container
150 stored therein. Alternatively, by performing two presses that
occur within a maximum time threshold (the specified interval
(SI)), the user can cause dispenser 100 to dispense product from a
second container 150 stored therein.
[0243] FIG. 43 depicts an example timing diagram of the present
embodiment that illustrates the operational methodology of the
dispenser 100 over multiple 24 hour time periods. During a first 24
hour time period, a first container 150a is selected as the primary
container from which to dispense product, while a second container
150b is selected as a secondary container. In the following 24 hour
time period, though, the primacy of containers 150a and 150b is
reversed and container 150b becomes the primary container from
which to dispense product. In the following 24 hour time period,
the primacy of the containers is again reversed, and so on. In a
different embodiment, the dispenser may switch between the first
timing sequence, in which the first container is activated, and the
second timing sequence, in which the second container is activated,
immediately following the activation of the first container.
Subsequent activations of the containers may alternate between the
first and second containers in a similar manner.
[0244] As shown in FIG. 43, at time t=+0 dispenser 100 enter an
initial lockout period and enters an inactive state. At time t+=1,
during the lockout period, motion is detected. Because the
dispenser 100 is in lockout mode, the dispenser 100 takes no
action.
[0245] Later, at time t=+2 the lockout mode expires and the
dispenser 100 enters an active mode. At time t=+3 motion is
detected and the dispenser 100 causes product to be dispensed from
the primary container for that time period. As time t=+3 resides
within the first 24 hour period, product is dispensed from the
first container 150a. Upon dispensing product, the dispenser 100
again enters a lockout period.
[0246] At time t=+4 a second 24 hour period is entered. For the
second 24-hour period the second container 150b is selected as the
primary container from which to dispense product.
[0247] Later, at time t=+5 the lockout period expires and dispenser
100 enters an active mode. At time t=+6 motion is detected and
dispenser 100 causes product to be dispensed from the primary
container for that time period. As time t=+6 resides within the
second 24 hour period, product is dispensed from the second
container 150b. Upon dispensing product, the dispenser 100 again
enters a lockout period.
[0248] At time t=+7 motion is again detected. However, the lockout
period is still active and, as dispenser 100 is not operating in
active mode, dispenser 100 takes no action.
[0249] At times t=+8 and +9 the user issues two presses to top
plate 108. The two presses occur within the specified interval (SI)
for double presses. As such, at time t=+9 the dispenser 100
dispenses product from the secondary container for that 24 hour
time period. Accordingly, product is dispensed from the first
container 150a. In some implementations, though, the double press
of top plate 108 causes the dispenser 100 to toggle the primacy of
containers 150a and 150b to mimic the change that occurs at the
completion of each 24 hour period. Or, alternatively, the double
press causes the dispenser 100 to reset the 24-hour counter and
immediately enter the next 24-hour cycle (effectively forcing the
primacy of container 150 to switch just before dispenser 100
dispenses product). Accordingly, the double press of the top plate
108 can force the dispenser 100 to prematurely complete the current
24-hour period.
[0250] In some implementations, the dispenser 100 includes
detection mechanisms to determine whether one or more containers
150 are present within housing 102. If a particular container is
not present, during a product dispensing operation the dispenser
100 may instead attempt to dispense product from the other
container. If neither container 150 is present, the dispenser 100
may enter an error state until at least one container has been
disposed within the dispenser 100. The error state may involve
displaying a message for a user to insert at least one container
150 into the dispenser 100.
[0251] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 44-44 of FIG. 19 showing cap assembly 168, container 150a and
container detection arm 306a. Container detection arms 306a and
306b (see FIG. 19) comprise arms or levers that penetrate through
cap assembly 168 into the volume defined by apertures 160a, 160b to
detect the presence of containers 150a, 150b. Top portions of the
container detection arms 306 are visible in the top view of cap
assembly 168 shown in FIG. 19.
[0252] Upon a user inserting a container into the top section 104
of the dispenser 100 (usually by locking the top section 104 to the
bottom section 106, as described above), a user aligns the top
section 104 of the housing 102 with the bottom section 106, as
described above and illustrated in FIGS. 22-24. During and/or upon
completion of the seating of the top section 104 onto the bottom
section 106, the upper end of each container 150 contacts its
respective container detection arm 306 and displaces same when a
portion of the container and/or the container's sheath interacts
with the detection arm 306.
[0253] Container detection arms 306 comprise arms or levers,
whereupon upward movement of the containers allow the detection
arms to undergo flexure or displacement to press a corresponding
switch located on the PCB 402 to indicate the presence of a
container 150a, 150b in the respective aperture 160a, 160b. In
other embodiments, the detection members may comprise a lever
and/or a switch. Further, other embodiments may utilize
non-flexible levers or members to depress the switches. Still
further, container 150a, 150b may directly impact a switch or block
an optical sensor during or upon completion of the seating of the
top section 104 to the bottom section 106. In other embodiments,
the detection arms do not register the presence of a container
until the top section 104 has been rotatably secured to the bottom
section 106. Other container-detection mechanisms include magnetic
field sensors (for example, hall-effect sensors), capacitive or
inductive field sensors, or more advanced systems using a radio
frequency (RF) or magnetic communication between the dispenser 100
and the containers 150 using, for example, radio frequency
identification (RFID) or Bluetooth technologies.
[0254] During operation of the dispenser 100, input from the
switches coupled to the container detection arms 306 may be used to
determine whether one or more containers are installed and affect
an operating methodology to prevent attempted dispensing of product
from a container that is not present. Accordingly, the dispenser
100 is self-configuring between a dual-container dispensing
operation and a single-container dispensing operation. If the user
elects to only install a single container 150 into the dispenser
100, the dispenser 100 detects that condition and operates using
the single container 150 only. The dispenser 100 will similarly
detect when no containers 150 are installed and will not run the
motor to spray, thus saving battery life. Even when no containers
150 are present, however, the dispenser 100 may continue to detect
motion and register that motion via the LED. This behavior notifies
the user that the dispenser 100 is operating correctly, but that no
product is being dispensed due to the lack of containers 150.
[0255] As described above, the electronic components of the
dispenser 100 are placed in electrical communication with one
another when the top section 104 is connected to the bottom section
106. When the two sections are connected, electrical energy from
the batteries 152a, 152b is communicated from terminals disposed
within the top of apertures 162 and the bottom of apertures 122 to
the appropriate components of the dispenser 100. The electrical
energy can be used to power various systems such as the controller
of dispenser 100, motor 202 of actuator drive system 200, LED 416,
or motion detectors 408. Additionally, the electrical energy can be
supplied to a number of switches or sensors to detect a state of
various components of the dispenser 100 such as contact switch 450,
selector switch 470, contact switches proximate to container
detection arms 306, or (when constructed as passive elements)
motion detectors 408.
[0256] Each element of the dispenser 100 may be connected to the
controller and power supply of the batteries 152a, 152b using a
varying number of electrical interconnections.
[0257] FIG. 45A, for example, illustrates a conventional electrical
interconnection arrangement with the motor 202 of the actuator
drive system 200, the selector switch 470, and the batteries 152.
In the depicted conventional arrangement, this requires 6
electrical contacts between the various contacts--2 connections for
the motor 202 and 4 connections for the switch 470. The 4
connections for the switch 470 comprise a single input connection
to the switch 470 with three output connections reflective of each
of the three possible values of the switch 470. In that
arrangement, a reference voltage value can be inputted to the input
of the switch 470 and each of the output terminals can be monitored
for that reference voltage value. By determining the output
terminal upon which the reference voltage is detected, the
controller can identify a position of the selector switch 470.
[0258] The arrangements shown in FIGS. 45B and 45C provide several
advantages over the conventional arrangement shown in FIG. 45A as
they require significantly fewer electrical interconnections to be
formed between the various components, thereby minimizing the
possibility of failure and increasing the reliability of the
dispenser 100.
[0259] FIG. 45B illustrates a first alternative electrical
interconnection arrangement with the motor 202 of the actuator
drive system 200, the selector switch 470, and the batteries 152
where the controller reads a value from the selector switch 470 via
a single connection, rather than the 4 connections illustrated in
FIG. 45A. In this arrangement, signals delivered to the motor 202
at terminal 476 are used to detect different signals at the switch
contacts 472 and 474.
[0260] To detect the position of the switch 470, the controller
drives the motor 202 with a particular signal delivered to
terminals 476 of the motor 202. If the same signal is detected by
the controller at terminal 478, the switch 470 is positioned at
terminal 472. If however, the signal detected at terminal 478 is
inverse to the signal delivered to terminal 476, the switch 470 is
positioned at terminal 474. If, however, no signal is detected, the
switch 470 is positioned at terminal 480. In some implementations,
the signal delivered to the motor 202 by the controller will
comprise an alternating signal configured to move the motor 202
back and forth. In that case, the same algorithm can be used to
detect a position of the switch 470 as the signal detected if the
switch is positioned at terminal 474 will be the inverse of the
alternating signal.
[0261] FIG. 45C illustrates a second alternative electrical
interconnection arrangement with the motor 202 of the actuator
drive system 200, the selector switch 470, and the batteries 152
where the controller reads a value from the selector switch 470 via
a single connection, rather than the 4 connections illustrated in
FIG. 45A. In this arrangement, terminal 472 of the switch 470 is
open. Terminal 474 is connected to a first reference voltage equal
to half of the voltage supplied by the batteries 152 reduced by
resistor Rt. Terminal 480 is connected to a second reference
voltage equal to half of the voltage supplied by the batteries 152
without any reduction. Accordingly, the voltage across each of the
three terminals is allocated to a pre-determined reference voltage
that can be measured by the controller at terminal 478 via an
analog-to-digital converter and used to identify a selected
terminal of the selector switch 470. In this arrangement, the
controller of the dispenser 100 includes an analog-to-digital
converter that is connected to terminal 482 and, thereby, a first
terminal of resistor R2. A second terminal of resistor R2 is
connected to the full battery system supply voltage. In this
implementation, the resistance values of resistors R1 and R2 are
approximately equal. In that case, when the selector switch is in
position 480, the voltage at the controller's analog-to-digital
converter will be half of the full system battery voltage. When the
switch is in position 474, the voltage at the analog-to-digital
converter will be three-quarters of the full battery voltage,
because of the one-half resistor divider of the one-half battery
voltage. Finally, when the switch is in position 472, the value at
the analog-to-digital converter will be the full battery voltage
because that terminal point is unconnected.
[0262] FIGS. 46A-46E are electrical schematics showing example
implementations of various electronic components of the dispenser
100 including the power supply 500, the selector switch 470, the
bottle detection system 530, the motion detectors 408 and the motor
202 control unit, and the controller 600.
[0263] FIG. 46A is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of the power supply 500 for the dispenser 100. The power supply 500
comprises a D/C power supply powered by the batteries 152a and 152b
connected in series. Capacitor 502 is connected between Vcc and
ground to filter high-frequency noise from the output of the power
supply 500. In one implementation, capacitor 502 has a capacitance
value of approximately 0.1 micro farads. Capacitor 504 is also
connected between Vcc and ground to provide smoothing for the
output of the power supply 500. In one implementation capacitor 504
is polarized with the positive terminal being connected to Vcc and
the negative terminal to ground, and has a capacitance value of
approximately 220 micro farads. Output diode 508 provides reverse
polarity protection to power supply 500 and is connected between
Vcc and output node 510 of power supply 500. An additional
capacitor 506 is connected between output node 510 of the power
supply 500 and ground to provide additional smoothing of the power
supply 500's output. In one implementation, capacitor 506 is
polarized with the positive terminal being connected to output node
510 and the negative terminal to ground, and has a capacitance
value of approximately 470 micro farads. The output node 510 of the
power supply 500 can then be connected to the controller of the
dispenser 100 for controlling the operation of the dispenser
100.
[0264] In the present embodiment, because the dispenser 100 is
battery powered the system has limited energy available. As such,
in one arrangement the motor of the actuator drive system 200 is
driven so as to create a "rotary solenoid" by forcing the motor to
a lock rotor position and holding the motor there while the
fragrance is dispensed. This operation, though, causes the battery
supply voltage to dip substantially. This dip is temporary, though,
and will be recovered when the motor is released from the motor's
locked position. However, when the batteries 152 start to weaken,
the voltage dip can be so great that the level will fall below the
reset level of the controller and could result in a system reset.
To assist in avoiding this condition, FIG. 46A shows the creation
of two power supplies separated by the diode 508. The first supply
(shown as VCC) is used to power the motor, photo detectors, and
other non-critical peripherals of the dispenser 100. The second
supply (shown as VCC_1) is used to power the controller of the
dispenser 100. When the battery voltage dips, the value of VCC may
fall but the value of VCC_1 will remain higher because the power
supplied by capacitor 506 cannot feed back through the diode 508
and is only used to supply energy to the controller. Accordingly,
the capacitor 506 needs to be sufficiently large to supply power to
the controller during the motor drive period, so that even if the
battery supply and motor voltage dip, the controller voltage
(VCC_1) will remain sufficiently high to keep the controller out of
a reset condition.
[0265] FIG. 46B is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of the mode selector switch 470. The switch 470 receives as input
three reference voltage values 520, 522, and 544 which may
represent high (for example, Vcc), medium (for example, Vcc/2), and
low (for example, ground) reference values. Depending upon the
position of the selector switch 470 the selected reference value is
outputted to output 526 (COM) for transmission to the controller
600 shown in FIG. 46E. The reference value at output 526 can then
be converted to a digital value and used to determine a position of
the switch 470. In other implementations, the switch 470 may be
arranged differently as described in reference to FIGS.
45A-45C.
[0266] FIG. 46C is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of a container detection circuit 530. Container detection circuit
530 includes pressure-sensitive switches 532 and 534. Each
pressure-sensitive switch is positioned proximate one of the
container detection arms 306 described above. If a container 150
presses against one of the container detection arms 306 (indicating
the presence of a container 150), that container detection arm 306
deforms accordingly and presses against its respective
pressure-sensitive switch 532 or 534. With sufficient pressure, the
pressure-sensitive switch closes, causing the output of container
detection circuit 530 to be pulled to ground for that particular
container. Accordingly, with respect to FIG. 46C, if container 150a
is present, switch 532 is closed and the relevant output 538 goes
to ground. If container 150a is not present, the output 536 adopts
a different value. Similarly, if container 150b is present, output
538 goes to ground. Accordingly, the outputs 536 and 538 can be
passed to the controller of the dispenser 100 and utilized to
determine a number of containers 150 that are present within the
dispenser 100. The controller can then adopt a particular operating
mode based upon the number of present containers, as described
above. In another implementation, the switches 532 or 534 may
instead be connected to Vcc rather than ground.
[0267] FIG. 46D is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of a circuit for implementing the motion detectors 408 as well as a
control circuit for the motor 202. As shown in FIG. 46D the circuit
includes 4 motion detectors 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d. In different
implementations, though, different number of motions detectors 408
may be implemented. The construction of each motion detector
circuit is generally the same, although motion detector 408d
incorporates a number of additional components that make-up the
control circuit for the motor 202.
[0268] Each motion detector includes a light sensor 552 that may
comprise any suitable component for detecting variations in light
energy entering the light sensor. Although in FIG. 46D each light
sensor 552 is depicted as comprising the same component, different
light sensing elements may be incorporated into each of motion
detectors 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d.
[0269] Output from each light sensor 552 is inputted into pin1 (PH)
of integrated circuits (IC) or application-specific integrated
circuits (ASICs) 554. As the light energy entering each light
sensor 552 varies (either due to movement or other changes in
ambient light), an analog voltage value delivered to pin 1 of IC
554 varies.
[0270] Each IC 554 analyzes the input received from its respective
light sensor 552 to determine whether changes in light energy
(indicative of movement) are detected. The ICs may be programmed to
implement any suitable data analysis algorithm for detecting
movement. For example, the ICs may analyze data received from light
sensors 552 to identify changes in light levels that occur within
pre-determined time frames that are consistent with the movement of
an individual walking past the dispenser 100. Alternatively, where
sensor 552 is sensitive to a particular frequency spectrum of
infrared light emitted by humans and/or other animals, ICs 554 may
simply analyze the signal received from light sensors 552 to
identify a sufficiently-long period of time during which that
particular frequency of light is detected.
[0271] If one or more of ICs 554 determines that movement is
detected, the output of pin 4 (LED) of those ICs 554 is set to a
particular voltage level indicative that movement has been
detected. That output is then communicated through output nodes 556
of motion detectors 408a, 408b, 408c, or 408d for use by the
controller of dispenser 100.
[0272] In each IC 554 motion detector 408, pins 18-20 (GND1, GND2,
GND3) are tied to ground, while pins 11-13 (VCC1, VCC2, VCC3) are
tied to Vcc. Additionally, pin 3 (PC) of each IC 554 is tied to
ground through resistor 558. In one implementation, resistor 558
has a resistance value of approximately 80K ohms.
[0273] As shown in FIG. 46D, the fourth motion detector 408d
includes additional components for operating the motor 202. Inputs
560 (motor_bw) and 562 (motor fw) are received from the controller
and are used to control the backward and forward rotation of the
motor 202, respectively. Input 560 is connected to pin 2 (PD) of IC
554d and input 562 is connected to pin 6 (SW) of ICC 554d.
Additionally, input 560 is connected to ground via pull-down
resistor 564. In one implementation, pull-down resistor 564 has a
resistance value of approximately 1 mega ohm. Input 562 is
connected to ground via pull-down resistor 566. In one
implementation, pull-down resistor 566 has a resistance value of
approximately 1 mega ohm.
[0274] As the output of the motor control, pin 15 (MN1) of IC 554d
is connected to input 568 (medium) as well as a first terminal of
motor 202. Pin 14 (MP1) of IC 554d is connected to input 570 (low)
as well as a second terminal of the motor 202. These low and medium
connection points 570, 568, respectively, correspond to the
positions 472, 474, respectively, of the selector switch
arrangement illustrated in FIG. 45B. The first and second terminals
of the motor 202 are also connected across high-frequency filter
capacitor 580 to remove high-frequency noise signals delivered to
the motor 202. In one implementation, capacitor 580 has a
capacitance of approximately 0.1 micro farads.
[0275] In the implementation shown in FIG. 46D, the motor 202 is
driven using an H-Bridge arrangement. To stop the motor 202, both
MOTOR_FW 562 and MOTOR_BW 560 are set to low values. To drive the
motor 202 backward, MOTOR_FW 562 is set to a low value, while
MOTOR_BW 560 is set to a high value. To drive the motor 202
forward, MOTOR_FW 562 is set to a high value, while MOTOR_BW 560 is
set to a low value. MOTOR_FW 562 and MOTOR_BW 560 both having high
values would represent an error condition that could cause damage
to the motor 202 and dispenser 100.
[0276] FIG. 46E is a schematic illustrating an example construction
of a circuit for controller 600 of the dispenser 100 showing
controller 600 in communication with the LED 416 and the switch 450
of the top plate 108. The functionality of controller 600 is
implemented by IC 602 that is programmed to implement an
operational methodology of the dispenser 100 as described above.
Pins 1-4 of IC 602 receive inputs 556a-d from motion detectors
408a-d. Pin 5 (Vss) of IC 602 is connected to ground and pins 6
(PB0) and 7 (PB1) receive as inputs container detection signals 536
and 538, respectively, received from container detection circuit
530. Pin 8 (PB2) of IC 602 is connected to a first terminal of
switch 450 to receive input 540 via the top plate 108, as described
above. The second terminal of the switch 450 is connected to
ground. As such, when the top plate 108 is depressed by a user, the
input to pin 8 of IC 602 goes to ground.
[0277] Pin 16 (PA4/PWM0) of IC 602 receives input 526 indicative of
a current position of the selector switch 470. Pin 16 is also tied
to pin 13 (PA7/!RES) via resistor 604. In one implementation
resistor 604 has a resistance value of approximately 100K ohm.
[0278] Pins 15 (PA5/OSC2) and 14 (PA6/OSC1) of IC 602 are connected
to clock network 606. Clock network 606 provides a clock signal to
IC 602 allowing IC 602 to execute a program stored therein for
implementing the operational methodology of the dispenser 100. Pin
15 of IC 602 is connected to a first terminal of resistor 608, a
first terminal of capacitor 610, and a first terminal of oscillator
614. The second terminal of capacitor 610 is connected to ground.
Pin 14 is connected to a second terminal of resistor 608 and a
first terminal of capacitor 612. The second terminal of capacitor
612 is connected to ground. Pin 14 is also connected to a second
terminal of oscillator 614. In one implementation, resistor 608 has
a resistance of approximately 5 mega ohms and each of capacitors
610 and 612 have capacitances of approximately 10 pico farads. In
one implementation, oscillator 614 comprises a crystal oscillator
configured to operate at approximately 32.768 kHz.
[0279] IC 602 is also in communication with LED 416. Pin 9 (PB3) of
IC 602 is connected to a first terminal of LED 616. The second
terminal of LED 616 is connected to a first terminal of
current-limiting resistor 618. A second terminal resistor 618 is
connected to ground. In one implementation resistor 618 has a
resistance of approximately 1.2 k ohm. To illuminate LED 416,
therefore, IC 602 is programmed to set pin 9 of IC 602 a high level
(for example, Vcc) causing diode 616 to be illuminated.
[0280] During operation, IC 602 of controller 600 analyzes inputs
556a-d, 536, 538, 540 and 526 to determine whether an action needs
to be taken. The analysis is determined by dispenser 100's current
operational methodology, for example in accordance with the timing
diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 40-43, the state flow diagram shown
in FIG. 47, or other operational algorithms described above.
[0281] In one example, IC 602 may determine that motion has been
detected via one of inputs 556a-d. If so, IC 602 may first verify
that there is no currently active lockout period. If not, IC 602
verifies that a container 150 is present by analyzing at least one
of inputs 536 and 538. If an appropriate container 150 is present,
IC 602 uses outputs 562 or 560 to control an operation of the motor
202 to cause product to be dispensed from the dispenser 100. If the
primary container 150 is not available, IC 602 can use the other of
inputs 536 and 538 to determine whether the secondary container 150
is available for use. IC 602 may also, upon determining that motion
has been detected via at least one of inputs 556a-d, cause LED 416
to illuminate according to a particular algorithm. Additionally, IC
602 can monitor a status of the switch 450 via input 540 to
determine whether a user has manually requested that product be
dispensed. When implementing a lockout timer, IC 602 uses input 526
to determine the lockout period currently selected by a user via
selector switch 470.
[0282] FIG. 47 is a state diagram illustrating state flow 700 of
the dispenser 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. In
initial state 702 the dispenser 100 enters a standby mode. The
dispenser 100 may enter this state after the top section 104 of the
housing 102 is connected to the bottom section 106 causing power
supplied by batteries 152 to be delivered to the controller of the
dispenser 100. Alternatively, the dispenser 100 may enter state 702
after, for example, experiencing an error condition that causes the
device to reset.
[0283] After entering standby state 702, the dispenser 100 may
enter a test mode or system check 704, wherein the dispenser 100
determines whether the device has been placed into a test mode--for
example to assist in testing the device to verify that it is
operating correctly. At this time the dispenser 100 may also
perform a low battery check. If the voltage measured across
batteries 152 (Vref) is less than a particular threshold (Vlowbat),
the dispenser 100 sets a state value indicating that the battery
level is low. This may cause the dispenser 100 to illuminate an LED
indicating to a user that the batteries of the dispenser 100 should
be replaced. After performing the battery level check, the
dispenser 100 may be configured to implement a start-up delay (for
example, a delay of 0.1 ms) in state 706.
[0284] After implementing the delay, the dispenser 100 enters into
three separate control loops that are executed by the controller
(e.g., controller 600). The first control loop (states 708-714)
involves the dispenser 100 monitoring the manual user interface of
the dispenser 100. The second control loop (states 716-724/726)
involves the dispenser managing lock-out periods and monitoring
input received from the motion detectors 408. The third control
loop is not illustrated in FIG. 47 but involves the dispenser 100
implementing a 24-hour counter in order to implement the algorithm
illustrated in FIG. 43.
[0285] In the first control loop, the dispenser 100 first
implements a 0.4 second delay in state 708. Depending upon the
implementation, though, the delay of state 708 may only be
implemented the first time that the dispenser 100 is powered up.
After implementing the delay of state 708, the dispenser 100
determines whether the top plate 108 of the dispenser has been
pressed in state 710. The dispenser 100 remains in state 710 until
it detects a successful press of the top plate 108. In one
implementation, a successful press of the top plate 108 is one that
persists for a longer duration and a predetermined minimum press
threshold.
[0286] After detecting an initial press in state 710, the dispenser
100 starts a button press timer a monitors the top plate 108 for a
second press in state 712. If a second button press is detected
before a button press timer expires, the dispenser moves to state
714 in order to reset or toggle the 24-hour timer and to toggle the
primacy of the first and second containers. See, for example, the
timing diagram shown in FIG. 43 that illustrates this operation.
After resetting the 24-hour timer and toggling the primacy of
containers 150, dispenser 100 moves onto state 720, which is
discussed further, below. Alternatively, if no second press of the
top plate 108 is detected, the dispenser moves directly to state
712 without modifying the 24-hour timer.
[0287] In the second control loop, the dispenser 100 first sets a
lockout timer in state 716. The lockout timer is set to a value
dictated by the user's positioning of the selector switch 470, as
described above. After setting the lockout timer, the dispenser
implements a lockout timer to count down the duration of the
lockout period. During the lockout period, the dispenser 100 may
monitor motion detectors 408 in order to illuminate an LED, as
described above, but will not trigger the dispersal of product.
[0288] After the lockout timer expires, the dispenser 100
transition into an active mode state 718. In the active mode the
dispenser 100 monitors motion detectors 408 for movement. If
movement is detected the dispenser 100 will dispense product.
[0289] After detecting movement, the dispenser moves to state 720
in order to identify which containers 150 are present within the
dispenser 100. As discussed above, in each 24 hour period, a
different one of containers 150 is selected as the primary
container to be used when dispenser 100 is to dispense product.
Accordingly, before dispersing product after detecting movement (or
receiving detecting a button press (from the first control loop)
the dispenser 100 must identify which containers are available.
[0290] If no containers 150 are available (containers 150a and 150b
are both absent), the dispenser 100 indicates to the user that a
container must be installed into the device and moves to a halt
state (not shown). If only a single container 150 is available
(that is, either container 150a or container 150b is present, but
not both) dispenser 100 dispenses product from the available
container 150 in either state 724 or 726. If, however, both
containers 150a and 150b are available, dispenser 100 identifies
the current 24-hour state in state 722 to determine which of
containers 150a and 150b are allocated the role of primary
container. Depending upon which container 150 is primary, the
dispenser 100 moves to either state 724 or 726 to dispense product
therefrom.
[0291] After dispensing product in either of states 724 or 726, the
dispenser 100 may be configured to check a spray count for the
container 150 from which product was just dispensed. If the spray
count exceeds a particular threshold, the dispenser may indicate to
a user of dispenser 100 that the container 150 for which the spray
count threshold was exceeded requires replacement. After verifying
the spray count, the dispenser returns to the beginning of both the
first and second control loops by entering states 716 and 708.
[0292] Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to
include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in
connection with different embodiments. Further, the present
disclosure is not limited to the use of aerosol containers of the
type specifically shown. Still further, a dispenser configured in
accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be
modified to work with any type of aerosol or non-aerosol container
of product.
[0293] More specifically, any of the advantages previously noted
with respect to the utilization of a plurality of sensors could be
incorporated into other known prior art dispensers to provide users
similar benefits. Previously known dispensers were typically
provided as standalone devices that automatically sprayed a fluid
in response to a timed interval, e.g., spraying an air freshener
within a room or a pest control device within a barn. These
dispensers are kept "out of sight" of users by placing them in
areas of a room or space that are utilized less frequently by users
or that provide the ability to "hide" or otherwise diminish the
impact of the dispenser on the aesthetics of the room or space. In
these circumstances, the dispensers are often less effectual and
often cause users to place such devices in sub-optimal areas of a
room or space in terms of their ability to effectively disperse an
active, volatile, or any other manner of material or product.
[0294] Further, some prior art dispensers utilize sensors to
initiate various pre-programmed or user initiated operational
sequences, as well as to provide instant dispensing upon the
detection of sensory input. In these prior art dispensers,
designers utilized single sensor systems in light of users
predisposition to "hide" or otherwise place such devices in
unobtrusive areas of a room or space. Indeed, a limited scope of
sensory detection was preferable in these prior art systems in view
of the manner in which such systems were utilized.
[0295] Presently, the disclosure of the various embodiments herein
identifies a dispensing system that is intended to be left in
"plain view" of a user and otherwise positioned prominently within
a room or space, i.e., not hidden or otherwise intentionally
obstructed. Therefore, the various disclosed embodiments utilize a
plurality of sensors to enhance the field of view of the dispensing
system to be more responsive to external sensory input, thereby
providing a truly responsive dispensing system to the activity in a
particular room or space. Further, in situations where an
obstruction is placed in a portion of a dispensers field of view,
the remaining field of view of the other sensor(s) still affords
the ability to respond to sensory input. Such advantages are
contemplated to be made in connection with other types of devices,
of which several non-exhaustive examples are provided below.
[0296] In one embodiment, a conventional oil or product diffuser
800 may be modified to include a plurality of sensors 802 to detect
sensory input within a room or space. Such diffusers may be wall
mounted, could include plugs for insertion into conventional
electrical outlets, could include corded plugs, or may have an
internal power source, such as batteries. As illustrated in FIG.
49, a diffuser 800 may be provided with a plurality of sensors 802
about a perimeter of a housing 804 thereof to provide a sensory
field of view or an enhanced sensory field of view. In one
embodiment, two sensors are provided, in a different embodiment 3
sensors are provided, in yet a different embodiment 4 sensors are
provided, in still a further embodiment 5 sensors are provided.
While any number of sensors may be utilized, the depicted
embodiment shows a sensor 802 on four sides of a diffuser housing
804. It is anticipated that utilization of a plurality of sensors
will allow for the detection of sensory input, which may be
utilized to provide one or more of the powering on or off of the
diffuser, the initiation of a pre-programmed timed sequence of
diffusion, the initiation of a sequence that comprises one or more
diffusion periods between one or more non-diffusion periods, the
initiation of a sequence that includes a continual diffusion
sequence, the initiation of an immediate diffusion of a product,
the initiation of the diffusion of a product after a specified or
non-specified delay, the initiation of a diffusion sequence
characterized by diffusing a product in response to one or more of
a time interval, sensory input, or manual actuation after the
initial detection of sensory input, and the initiation of one or
more previously noted actions in connection with a diffuser having
a single container, two containers, three containers, or any other
number of additional containers 806. Further, it is contemplated
that diffusion may be realized by one or more activation means 808
that include heating a container, heating a wick extending from or
into a container, heating an area adjacent a wick and/or container,
running a fan adjacent an aperture of a container or a wick
extending from a container, running a fan within a housing to
assist in dispersal of a product, activating a piezo-electric plate
adjacent a wick to volatize a fluid thereon, opening a window or
otherwise removing an obstruction from an aperture or opening to
assist in the dispersal of product from the housing, or any other
known means for diffusing.
[0297] In a different embodiment, other conventional electronic
dispensing systems 810 that utilize actuation mechanisms 812 to
spray fluid from an aerosol container, whether metered or
non-metered, and pump-type sprayers, whether pre-compression or non
pre-compression pump-type sprayers, may be modified to include a
plurality of sensors to detect sensory input within a room or
space. Conventional actuation mechanisms may include, but are not
limited to, mechanically driven means, such as armatures, levers,
linkages, cams, etc., that depress, tilt, or otherwise activate a
valve stem or pump of a container by direct interaction with the
valve stem or pump, through indirect communication with the valve
stem or pump, and/or through physical interaction with the
container, i.e., lifting, pushing, tilting, lowering, or otherwise
deflecting the container to effect the depression or tilting of the
valve stem or pump. It is also contemplated that solenoid
actuators, bi-metallic actuators, muscle wire actuators, piezo
actuators, or any other means may be utilized to effect spraying of
an aerosol or pump type container. Further, it is also contemplated
that other dispensing and actuation mechanisms 812 may be utilized,
such as those used in connection with nebulizers or venturi
sprayers. Still further, any of these systems 810 may utilize a
product or fluid provided within a container or reservoir 814 that
is pressurized or non-pressurized. Such dispensing systems 810 may
be wall mounted, could include plugs for insertion into
conventional electrical outlets, could include corded plugs, or may
have an internal power source, such as batteries. As illustrated in
FIG. 50, a dispensing system 810 may be provided with a plurality
of sensors 816 about a perimeter of a housing 818 thereof to
provide a sensory field of view or an enhanced sensory field of
view. In one embodiment, two sensors are provided, in a different
embodiment 3 sensors are provided, in yet a different embodiment 4
sensors are provided, in still a further embodiment 5 sensors are
provided. While any number of sensors may be utilized, the depicted
embodiment shows a sensor on five sides of a housing 818. It is
anticipated that utilization of a plurality of sensors 816 will
allow for the detection of sensory input, which may be utilized to
provide one or more of the powering on or off of the system, the
initiation of a pre-programmed timed sequence of spraying, the
initiation of a sequence that comprises one or more spraying
periods between one or more non-spraying periods, the initiation of
a sequence that includes a continual spraying sequence, the
initiation of an immediate spraying of a product, the initiation of
the spraying of a product after a specified or non-specified delay,
the initiation of a spraying sequence characterized by spraying a
product in response to one or more of a time interval, sensory
input, or manual actuation after the initial detection of sensory
input, and the initiation of one or more previously noted actions
in connection with a system having a single container, two
containers, three containers, or any other number of additional
containers 814. It is also contemplated that such modifications
could be utilized with existing dispensing systems 810 that utilize
aerosol containers or pump-type sprayers in conjunction with
solenoids that provide for the release of product into the
environment.
[0298] In yet another embodiment, a conventional diffuser 820 that
utilizes a cartridge or reservoir 822 that holds one or more of a
product, volatile or active laden gel or liquid may be modified to
include a plurality of sensors 824 to detect sensory input within a
room or space. Such diffusers 820 may be wall mounted, could
include plugs for insertion into conventional electrical outlets,
could include corded plugs, or may have an internal power source,
such as batteries. As illustrated in FIG. 51, a diffuser 820 may be
provided with a plurality of sensors 824 about a perimeter of a
housing 826 thereof to provide a sensory field of view or an
enhanced sensory field of view. In one embodiment, two sensors are
provided, in a different embodiment 3 sensors are provided, in yet
a different embodiment 4 sensors are provided, in still a further
embodiment 5 sensors are provided. While any number of sensors may
be utilized, the depicted embodiment shows a sensor 824 on four
sides of the diffuser housing 826. It is anticipated that
utilization of a plurality of sensors 824 will allow for the
detection of sensory input, which may be utilized to provide one or
more of the powering on or off of the diffuser, the initiation of a
pre-programmed timed sequence of diffusion, the initiation of a
sequence that comprises one or more diffusion periods between one
or more non-diffusion periods, the initiation of a sequence that
includes a continual diffusion sequence, the initiation of an
immediate diffusion of a product, the initiation of the diffusion
of a product after a specified or non-specified delay, the
initiation of a diffusion sequence characterized by diffusing a
product in response to one or more of a time interval, sensory
input, or manual actuation after the initial detection of sensory
input, and the initiation of one or more previously noted actions
in connection with a diffuser having a single cartridge or
reservoir, two cartridges or reservoirs, three cartridges or
reservoirs, or any other number of additional cartridges or
reservoirs 822. Further, it is contemplated that diffusion may be
realized by one or more activation means 828 that may include one
or more of heating a cartridge or reservoir, heating an area
adjacent a cartridge or reservoir, running a fan adjacent an
aperture or vapor permeable membrane of a cartridge or reservoir,
running a fan within a housing to assist in dispersal of a product,
rotating or otherwise moving a cartridge or reservoir, opening a
window or otherwise removing an obstruction from an aperture or
opening to assist in the dispersal of product from the housing, or
any other known means for diffusing.
[0299] In still another embodiment, a system 830 including one or
more candles, fragrance blocks, wax melts, or products 832, whether
solid or gel, that allow for the diffusion of an active or volatile
through the melting thereof (hereinafter referred to collectively
as "candles"), are provided within a housing or on a base 834 that
may be modified to include a plurality of sensors 836 on the
housing or base to detect sensory input within a room or space. The
housing or base 834 includes one or more heaters and or heating
means 838 powered by a wall mounted plug, a corded plug, or an
internal power source, such as batteries. As illustrated in FIG.
52, the candle system 830 may be provided with a plurality of
sensors 836 about a perimeter of the base 834 and the base may
include one or more candles, e.g., 2 candles, 3 candles, 4 candles,
5 candles, or any additional number of candles. Further, the
candles could instead be provided in a housing 834. Still further,
one or more of the aforementioned candles could be provided on one
or more housings or bases 834, wherein the plurality of sensors are
distributed among the plurality of housings and/or bases. In one
embodiment, two sensors are provided, in a different embodiment 3
sensors are provided, in yet a different embodiment 4 sensors are
provided, in still a further embodiment 5 sensors are provided.
While any number of sensors 836 may be utilized, the depicted
embodiment shows three equidistantly spaced sensors 836 about a
circular base 834. It is anticipated that utilization of a
plurality of sensors 836 will allow for the detection of sensory
input, which may be utilized to provide one or more of the powering
on or off of the heater(s), the initiation of a pre-programmed
timed sequence of heating, the initiation of a sequence that
comprises one or more heating periods between one or more
non-heating periods, the initiation of a sequence that includes a
continual heating sequence, the initiation of an immediate heating
of a candle, the initiation of the heating of a candle after a
specified or non-specified delay, and the initiation of a heating
sequence characterized by heating a candle in response to one or
more of a time interval, sensory input, or manual actuation after
the initial detection of sensory input.
[0300] Indeed, any prior art dispenser may be modified in a similar
manner as discussed in connection with the above-noted embodiments.
As has been previously described, any known prior art dispenser may
be adapted to include 3, 4, 5, . . . , n sensors around a perimeter
thereof, such that the dispenser can be placed anywhere within a
space and still be able to detect sensory input.
Example Use Case of Dispenser
[0301] In one example use of the dispenser 100, a user first
installs the containers 150a, and 150b and batteries 152a, and 152b
into dispenser 100. To perform the installation, the user orients
the dispenser 100 correctly before separating the top section 104
from the bottom section 106. As described above, the weight-bias of
the dispenser 100 due to the position of the actuator drive system
200 in the bottom section 106 provides tactile feedback to the user
allowing the user to orient the dispenser 100 with the top section
104 being positioned above the bottom section 106.
[0302] After orienting the dispenser 100 correctly, the user
separates the top section 104 from the bottom section 106 by
rotating the top section 104 counter-clockwise (when viewed from
above) with respect to the bottom section 106. The rotation causes
the locking members 166 of the top section 104 to be withdrawn from
the locking tabs 124 of the bottom section, thereby unlocking the
two sections of the housing 102 of dispenser 100. After unlocking
the two sections, the top section 104 of the housing 102 can be
separated from the bottom section 106.
[0303] After separating the top section 104 from the bottom section
106, the apertures 120 and 122 of the bottom section 106 are
exposed, thereby allowing the user to insert the containers 150 and
batteries 152 into their respective apertures. Because the
containers 150 and the batteries 152 are sized differently, the
user cannot incorrectly position the containers 150 by accidently
inserting them into the apertures 122. Similarly, the size of
batteries 152 provides clear feedback to the user allowing the user
to correctly select the apertures 122 for the batteries 152.
[0304] After inserting the containers 150 and the batteries 152
into the bottom section 106 of the housing 102, the top section 104
is positioned over the bottom section 106 so that the two sections
can be locked to one another. As described above, the containers
150 and the batteries 152, when disposed within bottom section 106,
act as guides to facilitate the correct positioning of the top
section 104 over the bottom section 106. After positioning, the top
section 104 can be locked to the bottom section 106 by twisting the
top section 104 with respect to the bottom section 106 in a
clock-wise direction to cause the locking members 166 of the top
section 104 to engage with the locking tabs 124 of the bottom
section 106.
[0305] With the top section 104 mounted to the bottom section 106,
electrical interconnects are formed with batteries 152 allowing
electrical energy to be supplied to the various electronic
components of the dispenser 100.
[0306] The user can then manipulate the switch 470 to select a
lockout period of the dispenser 100. The lockout period controls
the maximum frequency at which the dispenser 100 will dispense
product upon detecting movement in proximity to the dispenser
100.
[0307] After connecting the top section 104 and the bottom section
106 of the housing 102, the user selects an appropriate location
for the dispenser 100. Because the housing 102 of the dispenser 100
is relatively featureless, dispenser 100 has a clean, appealing
appearance. As such, the user is likely to position the dispenser
100 in the middle of a living space or in another prominent
position within the living space. Because the dispenser 100 is
likely to be placed prominently within a living space, the
dispenser 100 will have a relatively effective view of the living
space, thereby ensuring that the product contained within the
containers 150 is dispensed effectively within that living space.
Often, for example, the user positions the dispenser 100 on a
coffee table or other surface near the middle of the room.
[0308] Because the appearance of the housing 102 is clean and
featureless, the user is generally not cognizant of the orientation
of the dispenser 100 when it is positioned in the living space.
Accordingly, unlike other dispensers that require particular and
careful positioning and orientation in order for their motion
detection systems to operate correctly, the present dispenser 100
can be positioned by a user in a location for solely aesthetic
reasons, rather than functional ones. As discussed above, because
the motion sensing system of the dispenser 100 is configured to
detect movement around the dispenser 100, irrespective of the
user's positioning of the dispenser 100, the dispenser 100 will be
able to observe movement within the living space and dispenser
product accordingly.
[0309] After placing the dispenser 100 into the living space, the
dispenser 100 may be left to operate automatically by dispensing
product from one of the containers 150 upon detecting movement. In
that case, the dispenser 100 selects the appropriate container 150
from which to dispense product based upon a predetermined container
150-selection algorithm, as described above. Alternatively, the
user can interact with the dispenser 100 to manually cause the
dispenser 100 to dispense product, for example, by depressing the
top plate 108. Additionally, the user can manually select the
primary container 150 for the dispensing of product by the
dispenser 100 by manipulating an appropriate user interface, such
as the top plate 108.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0310] Numerous modifications to the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing
description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as
illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling
those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach
the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all
modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims
are reserved.
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