U.S. patent application number 13/803039 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for apparatus, method and system for standardizing hand care.
This patent application is currently assigned to ECOLAB USA INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is ECOLAB USA INC.. Invention is credited to Brian Philip Carlson, Denise Chandler, Kenneth Thomas Dobizl, Sarah Gilbertson, Anthony Lee Kramer.
Application Number | 20130291947 13/803039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49511626 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130291947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chandler; Denise ; et
al. |
November 7, 2013 |
APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STANDARDIZING HAND CARE
Abstract
An apparatus, method and system for providing and dispensing
various hand care alternatives from a common point of dispension,
such as a faucet, for standardizing the hand care, washing,
sanitizing, and drying process is disclosed. Included is a liquid
flow path having an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid
source and an outlet in fluid communication with a user reception
point. A secondary flow path has an inlet in communication with one
or more hand care alternatives and an outlet in communication with
the user reception point. A user-perceivable output provides
notification of the hand care operation being provided at the user
reception point.
Inventors: |
Chandler; Denise; (Mendota
Heights, MN) ; Kramer; Anthony Lee; (Woodbury,
MN) ; Carlson; Brian Philip; (Lakeville, MN) ;
Gilbertson; Sarah; (St. Paul, MN) ; Dobizl; Kenneth
Thomas; (Mounds View, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ECOLAB USA INC. |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ECOLAB USA INC.
St. Paul
MN
|
Family ID: |
49511626 |
Appl. No.: |
13/803039 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61642859 |
May 4, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/1 ;
4/678 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/0318 20150401;
Y10T 137/9464 20150401; E03C 1/057 20130101; E03C 1/046 20130101;
E03C 1/0404 20130101; A47K 2210/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/1 ;
4/678 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/04 20060101
E03C001/04 |
Claims
1. A faucet adapted to provide a plurality of hand care
alternatives, comprising: a. a liquid flow path having: i. an inlet
in fluid communication with a liquid source; and ii. an outlet in
fluid communication with a user reception point; b. a secondary
flow path having: i. an inlet in communication with one or more
hand care alternatives; ii. an outlet in communication with the
user reception point; c. a user-perceivable output providing
notification of a hand care operation provided at the user
reception point.
2. The faucet of claim 1 wherein the liquid flow path is connected
in communication with the secondary flow path to dispense liquid
and the hand care alternative as a mixture.
3. The faucet of claim 1 wherein the hand care alternative is drawn
through the secondary flow path by venturi affect provided by
liquid flow through the liquid flow path.
4. The faucet of claim 1 wherein the hand care alternative is
pumped from a source by a pump.
5. The faucet of claim 1 wherein the user-perceivable output
comprises at least one of: a. a visible output; b. an audible
output; c. a tactile output.
6. The faucet of claim 1 further comprising a tertiary flow path
having an inlet in communication with a supplementary source and an
outlet in communication with the liquid flow path, secondary flow
path, and/or user reception point.
7. The faucet of claim 6 wherein the supplementary source controls
a tactile attribute of the hand care operation provided at the user
reception point.
8. A system adapted for dispensing a plurality of hand care
alternatives from a common point of dispension for standardizing
the hand washing process, comprising: a. a liquid flow path having:
i. an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid source; and ii. an
outlet in fluid communication with a user reception point; b. a
product flow path having: i. an inlet in communication with one or
more hand care products; ii. an outlet in communication with the
user reception point; c. a user-perceivable output providing
notification of a hand care operation provided at the user
reception point.
9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a pump in communication
with the product flow path for pumping the hand care products from
a hand care product source.
10. The system of claim 8 wherein the liquid flow path is in
communication with the product flow path for displacing a dose of
the hand care product to the user reception point.
11. The system of claim 8 further comprising a sensor to identify
when the user reception point is occupied by a user's hands.
12. The system of claim 8 wherein the liquid flow path is connected
in communication with the secondary flow path to dispense a mixture
of liquid and hand care product at the user reception point.
13. The system of claim 8 wherein the user-perceivable output
comprises at least one of: a. a visible output; b. an audible
output; c. a tactile output.
14. The system of claim 8 further comprising a supplementary flow
path having an inlet in communication with a supplementary source
and an outlet in communication with the liquid flow path, product
flow path, and/or user reception point.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the supplementary source
controls a tactile attribute of the hand care operation provided at
the user reception point.
16. The system of claim 8 further comprising a mixing flow path
having an inlet in communication with the liquid flow path and an
outlet in communication with the product flow path for controlling
a tactile attribute of the hand care operation at the user
reception point.
17. A method for dispensing a plurality of hand care alternatives
from a common point of dispension for standardizing the hand
washing process, comprising: providing a liquid flow path having an
inlet in fluid communication with a liquid source and an outlet in
fluid communication with a user reception point; communicating a
hand care product through a product flow path having an inlet in
communication with a hand care product source and an outlet in
communication with the user reception point; and notifying a user
by a user-perceivable output of a hand care operation provided at
the user reception point.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising pumping the hand care
product from the hand care product source.
19. The method of claim 17 further comprising drawing the hand care
product into the liquid flow path by venturi effect.
20. The method of claim 17 further comprising displacing hand care
product from the hand care product source with liquid from the
liquid flow path.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of displacing hand care
product through the flow path comprises use a of a secondary flow
path comprised of pressurized air induced by an additional pumping
mechanism.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the product flow path is
connected in communication with the secondary air flow path to
dispense the mixture of hand care product and air at the user
reception point.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present applications claims benefit under 25 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/642,859,
filed May 4, 2012, and which is hereby incorporated in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to an apparatus, method and
system for standardizing hand care, and more particularly to an
apparatus, method and system for dispensing hand care alternatives
from a common point of dispension, such as a faucet, for
standardizing the hand care, washing, and sanitizing process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Devices such as faucets, spigots and other liquid dispensing
components used for hand washing provide a stream of liquid, often
times alterable to a comfortable temperature, for prior wetting and
subsequent rinsing of one's hands during a hand washing operation.
Other systems, separate from the faucet, often provide the soap
needed to complete the hand washing operation. In the process,
water is wasted, soap is wasted, and both dispensing components
(i.e., the faucet and soap dispenser) are handled extensively at
different points in the hand washing operation by multiple users,
which often contributes to the unwanted and unintended spread of
germs, even in instances where washed hands make contact with or
retouch/handle features associated with the faucet or soap
dispenser.
[0004] These issues are compounded throughout a period of use as
each new user touches many of the same surfaces, handles, levers
and touch points as the previous users. Even after the washing
process is complete, subsequent handling of paper, cloth and air
dispensers used for drying ones hands continue the spread and
propagation of germs. This is witnessed, for example, when washed
hands touch handles or levers of the faucet where germs may reside
and subsequently handle the dispenser providing a means for drying
the hands. The distance in separation between these systems can
also drive inefficiencies, compound the spread of germs, and create
dangerous environments, such as where hands drip on the floor while
moving from the faucet to a towel dispenser or air dryer. Depending
upon the amount of use of the faucet, the soap dispenser, and even
the dispenser for drying ones hands, it may be virtually impossible
to handle these devices without coming into contact with germs or
other unwanted substances that reside at locations where one must
contact the dispensers to initiate the process.
[0005] The present invention addresses these problems and provides
for an apparatus, method and system for standardizing a hand
washing and sanitizing process.
[0006] In addition, the present invention addresses these problems
and provides for an apparatus, method and system for touch-free
dispensing of a plurality of hand care alternatives from a common
point of dispension for standardizing the hand washing and
sanitizing process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, a faucet adapted to
provide a plurality of hand care alternatives. The faucet includes
a liquid flow path having an inlet in fluid communication with a
liquid source and an outlet in fluid communication with a user
reception point. The faucet also includes a secondary flow path
having an inlet in communication with one or more hand care
alternatives and an outlet in communication with the user reception
point. A user-perceivable output provides notification of the hand
care operation being provided at the user reception point. In a
preferred form, the faucet also includes a supplementary source
that controls a tactile attribute of the hand care operation
provided at the user reception point that may include volumetric
expansion of the hand care alternative and/or liquid, dispensing
pressure reductions for the hand care alternative and/or liquid,
and controlling dispension temperatures of the hand care
alternative and/or liquid.
[0008] According to another aspect, the invention is a system
adapted for dispensing a plurality of hand care alternatives from a
common point of dispension for standardizing the hand washing
process. The system includes a liquid flow path and a product flow
path. The liquid flow path includes an inlet in fluid communication
with a liquid source and an outlet in fluid communication with a
user reception point. The product flow path includes an inlet in
communication with one or more hand care products and an outlet in
communication with the user reception point. A user-perceivable
output provides notification of the hand care operation being
provided at the user reception point. In a preferred form, the
system also includes a mixing flow path having an inlet in
communication with the liquid flow path and an outlet in
communication with the product flow path for controlling a tactile
attribute of the hand care operation at the user reception
point.
[0009] According to yet another aspect, the invention is a method
for dispensing a plurality of hand care alternatives from a common
point of dispension for standardizing the hand washing process. The
method includes providing a liquid flow path having an inlet in
fluid communication with the liquid source and an outlet in fluid
communication with the user reception point. A hand care product is
communicated through a product flow path having an inlet in
communication with the hand care product source and an outlet in
communication with the user reception point. The user is notified
of the hand care operation being provided at the user reception
point by a user-perceivable output. In a preferred form, the method
also includes triggering the hand care operation by detection of
occupation of the user reception point by a user's hands and
sequencing the hand care operation based on a standard operation or
upon an input at a user interface resulting from a user selection.
In addition to providing the hand care products of a soap, a
lotion, a sanitizer and/or a freshener, the method may also include
communicating a forced stream of air to the user reception point
for drying the user's hands as part of a drying sequence.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that
the present invention will be better understood from the following
description taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing system
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram for an exemplary embodiment of the
dispensing system shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 3A-C are diagrams of exemplary dispensing sequences
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exemplary plumbing diagram for an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is another exemplary plumbing diagram for an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is another exemplary plumbing diagram for an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary user
interface;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic of another plumbing diagram for use
with the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic of another plumbing diagram for use
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate exemplary aspects and concepts for
standardizing hand care by dispensing hand care alternatives from a
common point of dispension, such as a faucet. By way of example,
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a dispensing system 10
configured to perform one or more hand care operations for
fulfilling one or more of the above identified objectives of the
present invention. The dispensing system 10 includes a faucet 12.
The faucet may be in the form of a spigot, kitchen or bathroom
faucet, laboratory faucet, or any like liquid dispensing component.
The faucet 12 includes a body 14 having a plurality of exterior
surfaces interconnected and forming a base by which it may be
mounted proximate a basin, such as a sink. On the body 14 of the
faucet 12 is a dispension point 16. The dispension point 16 is
configured to direct liquid dispensions from the body 14 to a user
reception point 22. The user reception point 22 is generally
between the dispension point 16 on the body 14 of the faucet and
the basin or sink used to collect dispensions from the faucet
12.
[0021] The faucet 12 also includes a sensor 20 positioned on a
surface of the body 14 for monitoring activity at the user
reception point 22. The invention also contemplates that the sensor
20 may be positioned at other locations for monitoring activity at
the user reception point 22 such as in a sidewall of the basin or
sink to which the faucet 12 is mounted. A user interface 18 is also
provided, and is located preferably on the body 14 of the faucet 12
for indicating operation or step sequences being performed by the
faucet 12. The user interface 18 may be configured to receive input
from the user and preferably includes an output for providing
information to the user during operation of the dispensing system
10, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The present invention contemplates
that the user interface 18 may be positioned at other visible
locations within the view of a user while at the dispensing system
10. For example, the user interface 18 may be located adjacent the
faucet 12 such as on a countertop or on a surface of the basin or
sink to which the faucet 12 is mounted.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation perspective of the
dispensing system 10 shown in FIG. 1. One or more of the exemplary
inputs into the dispensing system 10 are illustrated in FIG. 2. For
example, the dispensing system 10 includes a liquid flow path 24
connected in communication with the faucet 12 and a liquid source
26 for use in the dispensing system 10 and for dispensing from
faucet 14 at dispension point 16. Also included in the system 10 is
a product flow path 28 connected in communication with the faucet
14 and a product source 30. As will become apparent from further
discussion below, the dispensing system 10 may include one or more
product flow paths connected in communication with separate product
sources. The product flow path 28 provides product at the faucet 12
for dispensing at one or more dispension points, such as dispension
point 16. Dispensing system 10 also preferably includes a
controller 32 for controlling and operating one or more dispensing
sequences associated with the dispensing system 10. A power input
34, such as from an electrochemical source or wall outlet, may be
used to power operation of the electrical components used in the
dispensing system 10. In a preferred form, the dispensing system 10
includes an independent power source such as a battery supply for
powering operation of the electrical operating components.
[0023] FIGS. 4-6 and 8-9 illustrate exemplary plumbing diagrams for
showing possible configurations for various flow paths used in the
dispensing system 10. The dispensing system 10 includes a liquid
flow path 24 connected in fluid communication with a liquid source
26 such as a municipal, principality, or well-provided liquid
source. The present invention also contemplates that the liquid
source 26 may be a source that requires replenishment or one that
only offers a metered amount of liquid dispension, followed by
subsequent replenishment of a storage point from which the liquid
is drawn. In a preferred form, the liquid flow path 24 is connected
in fluid communication with a water source providing a continuous
and constant flow and pressure of liquid. The liquid flow path 24
may also include one or more valves, such as valve 38 for
controlling the flow of liquid through the flow path 24. The valve
38 may be a check valve to prevent backflow of liquid within the
system. In one aspect of the invention, the liquid flow path 24
includes an inlet connected in fluid communication with the liquid
source 26 and an outlet connected in fluid communication with the
dispension point 16 of the faucet 12.
[0024] The dispensing system 10 also includes a product flow path
28. Liquid or foam product is supplied to the product flow path 28
from a product source 30. The liquid or foam product may include
any number of hand care alternatives, such as those used in the
washing, sanitizing, and/or care of a user's hands. The product
source 30 may include liquid or foam soaps, sanitizers, fresheners,
conditioners (e.g., lotion), prewash, pre-rinse, rinse aids, drying
aids, or any like solution that may be used in the care and/or
washing of one's hands. These solutions are preferably in liquid or
foam form, but may be in a dry form, which is subsequently
dissolved into a liquid form for dispensing at the dispension point
16. In one configuration of the dispensing system 10, a pump 36 is
connected in operable communication with the product source 30 for
pumping liquid or foam product through the product flow path 28 to
the dispension point 16. The present invention contemplates that
the pump may be a peristaltic pump (i.e., P-pump), diaphragm pump,
piston pump, gear pump, centrifugal pump, etc. The product flow
path 28 may include one or more valves 40, such as a check valve,
to prevent backflow within the dispensing system 10.
[0025] A mixer 52, such as a mixing valve or mixing flow path, may
be used to ratio the parts of water relative to the parts of liquid
or foam product dispensed at the dispension point 16. The mixer 52
may also be used to control tactile attributes of the resulting
flow of liquid dispensed at the dispension point 16. For example,
the mixer 52 may be used to volumetrically expand product received
from the product flow path 28, which may be combined with liquid
from the liquid flow path 24 before or after expansion. The mixer
52 may also be used to control the pressure at which dispension
occurs at the dispension point 16. This may include controlling the
pressure of one or more of the products being dispensed at the
dispension point 16. For example, the mixer 52 may be used to
control the pressure of product received from the product flow path
28 and liquid received from liquid flow path 24. The pressure of
these respective flows may be dependently controlled based upon the
product being received. For example, the pressure of a soap product
received through the product flow path 28 may be adjusted to a
different pressure at the mixer 52 than other products, such as a
sanitizer or hand conditioner received through a product flow path
28 at the dispension point 16.
[0026] The liquid flow path 24, product flow path 28, and/or mixer
52 may be configured to provide liquid and product dispensions from
the dispension point 16 as separate streams, combined streams,
sequential streams, or one stream surrounding another stream. The
streams may be combined within the system 10, at the point of
dispension 16, or in midair between the dispension point 16 and the
user reception point 22. Other flow paths may also be connected in
communication at the dispension point 16. For example, another flow
path, such as an air flow path, may be connected in communication
with the dispension point 16. The optional air flow path 42 may be
connected in communication with a pump or fan 46 for directing
forced air at a desired temperature through the flow path 42 to a
dispension point at the faucet. A valve 44, such as a check valve,
may also be used to prevent backflow through the air flow path 42
from the dispension point. Additional flow paths may be included to
move additional products to the dispension point 16, to allow the
system to provide multiple products at the dispension point 16.
[0027] In operation and upon detection of a user's hands at the
user reception point 22, the valve 38, such as a solenoid valve
operated by controller 32, opens to allow liquid to pass through
the liquid flow path 24 from the liquid source 26 and towards the
mixer 52. The liquid may be dispensed as a prewash sequence and at
a pressure lower than the pressure of the source 26 to optimize the
hand wetting (i.e., prewash) process. The cycle time of this
sequence (i.e., the time the valve 38 remains open) may also be
optimized to provide an optimal prewash, hand wetting sequence.
[0028] As is discussed below and shown by way of example in FIG. 7,
the user interface 18 may include a display indicating to the user
the sequence in the hand washing operation that is currently being
run by the dispensing system 10. This may include, for example, an
LED display or indicators that provide one or more user-perceivable
notifications 56 to the user informing him or her of the dispensing
sequence(s) 58. The feedback to the user, or the user-perceivable
notification 56, may be provided audibly, visually, or through
tactile interaction with the user. The user interface 18 may also
include sequence information 60 (e.g., dispensing temperature,
pressure, product description, product brand, product attributes,
etc.) and sequence runtime information 62 (e.g., elapsed sequence
time, total sequence time, time to next sequence, etc.). Upon
completion of the prewash sequence, the pump 36 is cycled to move a
charge of product from the product source 30 to the mixer 52. For
example, in a wash sequence soap is pumped from the product source
30 through the product flow path 28 to the mixer 52. The soap may
be dispensed alone or in combination with liquid from the liquid
flow path 24 at the dispension point 16. In a preferred aspect of
the invention, liquid or foam soap is volumetrically expanded and
mixed with liquid from the liquid flow path 24, or mixed with
liquid then expanded, by mixer 52 and dispensed at the dispension
point 16.
[0029] The flow stream of liquid and liquid or foam soap mixed
together and dispensed at the dispension point 16 has a sufficient
lather and tactile feel, which provides feedback to the user of the
type of dispensing cycle or sequence that the dispensing system 10
is currently running The user is likely able to also visually
perceive by viewing the user interface 18 or viewing the liquid
dispension from the dispension point 16 that the dispension
includes soap or some other type of hand care product. This will
also be apparent to the user tactilely as the user is able to feel
the difference between the prewash dispension and the wash
dispension as a result of the soap lather in the dispension in the
wash sequence.
[0030] The wash sequence cycles for an optimal amount of time,
which allows the user to receive an adequate quantity of soap for
lathering (e.g., a few seconds). Both the pump 36 and valve 38 may
be cycled to off/closed to provide a delay or a pause in the
dispensing sequence to allow the user to work the soap into a
lather. After an optimal period of time lapses, the dispensing
system 10 may be activated to initiate a rinse sequence, where
valve 38 opens to allow liquid to flow from the source 26 to the
dispension point 16 for rinsing the soap composition from the
user's hands. The rinse cycle may be operated at the pressure of
the source 26 or at a lower pressure adjusted by the mixer 52.
Alternatively, a pump may be connected in communication with the
liquid flow path 24 for increasing the pressure above that pressure
of the source 26 for providing a high pressured rinse at the
dispension point 16.
[0031] The present invention also contemplates that the liquid flow
path 24 may be connected in fluid communication from the
thermostatic mixing valve for controlling the temperature used in
any one of the dispensing sequences of the liquid from the source
26. After the rinse sequences its cycle for an optimal period of
time, the dispensing system closes the valve 38 to stop dispension
of the liquid at the dispension point 16. Optionally, the
dispensing system 10 may include an air flow path 42 connected in
communication with a source for providing a heated stream of air at
the point of dispension 16. This may include a pump or fan 46 that
includes a heating element for adjusting the air temperature of the
air communicated through the air flow path 42 to the dispension
point 16. The air flow path 42 may also be connected in
communication with the liquid flow path 24 or product flow path 28
to aerate either or both flows separately or after being combined
and to aid in moving the liquid and/or product through the system
10.
[0032] The user interface 18 indicates to the user the next step in
the dispensing sequence, such as, for example, a drying step
following a rinse sequence. The warm air for drying may be
communicated through the mixer 52, the dispension point 16, or
another dispension point on the body 14 of the faucet 12. The fan
46 is cycled for an optimal period of time to allow the user to dry
his or her hands using air dispensed at the dispension point 16 or
another dispension point on the body 14 of the faucet 12. The
sequence time 62, sequence description 58, and sequence information
60 for each sequence may be shown on the user interface 18. Upon
completion of the drying sequence, the fan 46 is turned off and the
hand washing operation is complete.
[0033] The present invention also contemplates that the air flow
path 42 may be connected in fluid communication with the mixer 52
to purge liquid from the mixer 52 just prior to the beginning of a
drying sequence. As is addressed below, any one of the dispensing
sequences may be repeated during the hand washing operation, such
as where the user keeps his or her hands at the user reception
point 22 during a rinse sequence or a drying sequence to provide
further rinsing or further drying longer than the initial rinse or
drying sequence time allotment.
[0034] The present invention also contemplates that multiple
products may be dispensed through a product flow path 28 to the
point of dispension 16. These products may be mixed using the mixer
52 with liquid from the liquid flow path 24, as necessary. For
example, the product flow path 28 may be connected in fluid
communication with a product source 30 containing a hand sanitizer
or a hand conditioner. The present invention also contemplates that
the mixer 52 and dispension point 16 may be configured to dispense
any one of these products in a desired fashion. For example, a hand
sanitizer may be dispensed onto the hands of the user as a mist or
spritz, as opposed to being dispensed in a single, continuous flow
stream. The hand conditioner may also be mixed with liquid from the
liquid flow path 24 and dispensed as a spritz or a mist onto the
hands of the user as one example of dispensing product onto the
hands of the user for performing a sequence or sequences of a hand
washing operation.
[0035] A hand sanitizing or hand conditioning sequence may be part
of the hand washing operation or conducted separately, for example,
upon completion of a hand washing operation, and upon detection of
the user's hands at the user reception point 22. The dispensing
system 10 may be configured to spritz or mist a hand conditioner at
the dispension point 16 after, for example, the drying sequence is
completed. This step, like the others, may be repeated if the
sensing system 10 detects the user's hands at the user reception
point 22 upon completion of the first cycling of the step. The
dispensing system 10 may also be configured to dispense only
certain products associated with a hand washing operation. For
example, the dispensing system 10 may be configured to dispense a
hand sanitizer upon detection of a user's hands at the user
reception point 22. The dispensing sequence may be included or be
separate from the overall hand washing operation. Further details
are provided below regarding operation of the system for detecting
a user's preference for engaging or disengaging (i.e., turning off
and on) certain desired or undesired dispensing sequences of a hand
washing operation.
[0036] The present invention also contemplates that the product
flow path 28 may be connected in fluid communication with a
pre-rinse product, such as a chemistry configured specifically for
tough stains, grit, dirt, or other substances that require more
than the normal soap sequence to remove from the user's hands. In
this instance, the user may receive a charge of a prewash solution
at the dispension point 16. The system 10 may be configured to
pause to allow the user to work the prewash solution prior to
engaging the wash or rinse sequence of the operation. The user
interface 18 provides user perceivable notifications to the user of
the dispensing sequence currently being run by the dispensing
system 10. In this instance, the user, whether by visual, audible,
or tactile feedback, receives notification that the dispensing
system 10 is dispensing a prewash solution. Once the user's hands
are detected at the user reception point 22, the dispensing system
10 dispenses the prewash solution at the dispension point 16 and
resumes the hand washing operation.
[0037] FIG. 5 is another exemplary plumbing diagram for an
embodiment of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1. The dispensing
system 10 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5
includes a liquid source 26 connected in fluid communication with
the dispension point 16. A valve 48, such as a solenoid valve
operated by controller 32, operates the liquid flow path 24 between
open and closed positions. A product flow path 28 is connected in
fluid communication with a product source 30 and the dispension
point 16. Preferably, one or more valves 40, such as a check valve,
are included in-line to the product flow path 28.
[0038] A secondary liquid flow path 25 is connected in fluid
communication with the liquid source 26 and product source 30. One
or more valves may be included in-line to the secondary liquid flow
path 25. For example, a solenoid valve 38 and a check valve 41 may
be included to control the flow from the liquid source 26 to the
product source 30 and to prevent backflow. Upon activation of the
valve 38, liquid from the source 26 is used to move product from
the product source 30 through the product flow path 28 and towards
the dispension point 16. In one aspect of the invention, product is
moved from the product source 30 to the point of dispension 16 by
venturi affect or from pressure applied on the product source 30 or
product in the product source 30 by liquid from the secondary
liquid flow path 25. In this embodiment, product is communicated
from the product source 30 to the dispension point 16 without using
a pump. Additionally, the venturi affect and the pressure applied
by liquid passing through the secondary liquid flow path 25 may be
used to control the ratio of liquid-to-product. Furthermore, the
secondary flow path 25 may incorporate gravity to deliver the
product.
[0039] Like other embodiments of the dispensing system 10, the
system 10 shown in FIG. 5 may include additional flow paths, such
as an air flow path, or additional product flow paths. The air flow
path may be used to provide a hand drying sequence, to mix with the
product, or to create a desired (e.g., tactile) attribute in the
dispension received at the user reception point 22. This may
include, amongst other things, volumetrically expanding, heating,
cooling, and regulating pressure of the liquid and/or product
before or during dispension. A mixing valve may also be included at
junctions between paths to regulate downstream ratios between
liquid (e.g., diluent) and product. In operation, valve 48 opens to
allow liquid from the liquid source 26 to be communicated to the
dispension point 16 during a prewash sequence. During a product
application sequence, valve 38 opens and liquid is communicated
from the liquid source 26 to the product source 30 to move product
alone or as a mixture with liquid to the dispension point 16. The
valve 48 may be controlled to add liquid to the flow of product in
the product flow path 28 during dispension. A pressure regulator
may be used in one or more of the flow paths to control the
pressure of liquid and/or product during one or more of the
sequences of the hand washing or hand care operation.
[0040] The dispensing system may also include a mixing valve or
mixing flow path (not shown) for controlling the ratio of liquid to
product being dispensed at the dispension point 16. A mixing valve
or mixing flow path (not shown) may also be included to control the
temperature of liquid from the liquid source 26 during various
sequences of the hand washing process.
[0041] During a rinse sequence, the valve 38 is closed and valve 48
is opened to allow liquid from the liquid source 26 to pass through
the liquid flow path 24, which is dispensed, from the dispension
point 16 to the user reception point 20 for the user to rinse his
or her hands. Subsequent dispensing sequences may also be provided
similar to those described above. For example, a hand freshener, a
hand sanitizer, or a hand conditioner may be communicated from a
source through a product line to a point of dispension. The
dispensing system shown in FIG. 5 may also include an air flow path
(not shown) to provide a stream of temperature controlled air at
the point of dispension 16 for drying a user's hands or imparting a
tactile attribute to the liquid being dispensed. The air flow path
may also be mixed with the product to create foam and/or to aid in
moving the product.
[0042] These and/or other hand washing sequences may be provided as
part of the hand washing or hand care operation. A nozzle may also
be configured at the point of dispension 16 for controlling the
manner in which liquid and/or product is dispensed to the user
reception point 22. Some product dispensing sequences may entail
dispensing product as a mist or a spritz, whereas other dispensing
sequences entail dispensing product as a stream. A dispensing
system 10 may also include multiple dispension points. For example,
the dispensing system 10 may include a dispension point for
dispensing one sequence of the hand washing operation and another
dispensing point for dispensing another sequence of the hand
operation. By way of an example, the dispensing system may include
a dispension point for liquids and another separate dispension
point for an air flow stream providing a hand drying sequence. In
another example, a separate dispension point may be included for
dispensing a sanitizer or hand conditioner from a point separate
from dispension point 16. These different points of dispension may
be configured into the body 14 of the faucet 12 so as to be
directed toward the user reception point 22.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary dispensing system of
the present invention. The dispensing system illustrated in FIG. 6
includes a liquid source 26 connected in fluid communication with a
dispension point 16. A valve 48, such as a solenoid valve, is
included in line with the liquid flow path 24 between these two
points. A product flow path 28 is also connected in fluid
communication with dispension point 16 and product source 30. A
pump 36, such as those previously described, is connected in
operable communication with the product source 30 for pumping
product through the product flow path 28 to the dispension point
16. In addition, air may be used instead of the pump to move the
product through the product flow path. A valve, such a check valve
40, is included in-line to prevent backflow and contamination of
the product source 30.
[0044] A mixing flow path 54 is connected in fluid communication
with the liquid flow path 24 and the product flow path 28. The
mixing flow path 54 may include a valve, such as a solenoid valve
38, and a regulator 50 for controlling the pressure of liquid from
the liquid source 26. An air flow path 42 may also be included. The
air flow path 42 is connected in communication with the point of
dispension 16, and is a means for providing a flow of air, such as
a heated air stream. A valve 44 (e.g., a check valve) may be
included in-line with the air flow path 42 to prevent backflow.
[0045] In operation, such as during a pre-wash or rinse sequence,
liquid is communicated from the liquid source 26 to the dispension
point 16 by opening and closing valve 48. During a product
dispensing sequence, product is dispensed from product source 30 to
dispension point 16 by operation of pump 36. Depending upon the
type of product being dispensed, liquid from the liquid source 26
may be combined with product from the product source 30 by closing
valve 48 and opening valve 38. The liquid may be used to control
one or more attributes of the product being dispensed. For example,
flow through the mixing flow path 54 may be used to control
dilution and/or volumetric expansion of product communicated to the
point of dispension 16 from the product source 30. The regulator 50
may be used to control the pressure of the product and liquid being
dispensed during certain dispensing sequences. For example, during
a soaping sequence, the pressure of the liquid may be decreased
from the pressure of the source 26 to provide a low pressure
dispension of soap product with liquid to achieve optimal wetting
and lathering during the soaping and lathering sequences. A
thermostatic mixing valve (not shown) may be used to control the
temperature of liquid from the source 26 during one or more of the
dispensing sequences. Following a rinse or post-washing sequence,
the air source 46 may be used to pass a flow of air through the air
flow path 42 to the point of dispension for drying the user's
hands. As previously indicated, the flow of air may be dispensed at
the point of dispension or another separate point of dispension on
the body of the faucet. The dispensing system 10 may also be
configured so that an air flow dispensing sequence follows
dispensing of a hand freshener, a hand sanitizer or a hand
conditioner. A mixing valve (not shown) may also be included at the
dispension point to further control the ratio of liquid to product
being dispensed. The mixing valve may also be used to control
attributes of the dispension, such as for example the volumetric
expansion of product alone or in combination with liquid being
dispensed.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary dispensing system of
the present invention. The dispensing system illustrated in FIG. 8
includes a liquid source 26 connected in fluid communication with a
dispension point 16. A valve 48, such as a solenoid valve, is
included in line with the liquid flow path 24 between these two
points. A foam flow path 29 is also connected in fluid
communication with the dispension point 16 and can include a
product line 28 and an air line 42 meeting at a mixing chamber 52,
which may be a foaming chamber. The product line 28 extends between
a product source 30 and the mixing chamber 52. The air line 42
extends from an air pump 46 to the mixing chamber 52. The product
and air are mixed together to either create foam, or to have the
air move the product through the line and towards the dispension
point. The mixing chamber or valve 52 may be located in the faucet
at the dispension point, or can be positioned away from the
dispension point 16. In addition, the liquid source 26, product
source 30, and air pump 46 may be contained in a dispenser module
27, which is located remote of the dispension point 16.
[0047] In operation, such as during a pre-wash or rinse sequence,
liquid is communicated from the liquid source 26 to the dispension
point 16 by opening and closing valve 48. During a product
dispensing sequence, product is dispensed from product source 30 to
the mixing valve 52, while air is pumped from the air pump 46 to
the mixing valve 52. The air and product can be mixed to create
foam. In other embodiments, the air can be used to dispense an
amount of product at the dissension point 16. The rinse or
post-washing sequence, as previously discussed, can then be
operated.
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary dispensing system of
the present invention. The dispensing system illustrated in FIG. 9
includes a liquid source 26 connected in fluid communication with a
dispension point 16. A valve 48, such as a solenoid valve, is
included in line with the liquid flow path 24 between these two
points. A product flow path 28 is also connected in fluid
communication with a mixing valve 52 and product source 30. A pump
36, such as those previously described, is connected in operable
communication with the product source 30 for pumping product
through the product flow path 28 to the mixing valve. An air flow
path 42 may also be included. The air flow path 42 is connected in
communication with the mixing valve 52, and can include an air pump
46. In addition, a foamer 31 may be fluidly connected between the
mixing valve 52 and the dispension point 16 via the foam flow path
29. The liquid source 26, product source 30, air pump 46, and
mixing valve 52 may be contained in a dispenser module 27, which is
located remote of the dispension point 16. The foamer 31 can be
positioned either within the dispenser module 27, or it can be
positioned at the dispension point 16.
[0049] In operation, such as during a pre-wash or rinse sequence,
liquid is communicated from the liquid source 26 to the dispension
point 16 by opening and closing valve 48. During a product
dispensing sequence, product is dispensed from product source 30 to
the mixing valve 52, while air is pumped from the air pump 46 to
the mixing valve 52. The air and product can be continued to the
foamer 31, where the air and product are mixed to create a foam
product. The foam product is then moved towards the dispension
point 16. The rinse or post-washing sequence, as previously
discussed, can then be operated.
[0050] FIGS. 3A-3C provide illustrations for exemplary dispensing
sequences for the dispensing system 10. For example, FIG. 3A
illustrates the dispensing sequences involved in a hand washing or
hand care operation according to an exemplary aspect of the present
invention. Once the system 10 is powered on, the sensor 20 is
detected and the dispensing sequence is enabled. A user interface
18 (see FIG. 7) may be used to indicate to the user the type of
sequence that is enabled. For example, the user interface 18 may be
used to provide visual, audible, and/or tactile notifications for
the various sequences involved in a hand care or washing process.
This could include indicating to the user via visual notification,
audible notification, and/or tactile notification that the
dispenser is ready to dispense a pre-wash, a soap, a pre-rinse, a
rinse, air, a sanitizer, a conditioner, a freshener, or any like
hand care or washing sequence.
[0051] Once the system 10 detects a user's hands at the user
reception point 22 for a defined duration (e.g., 1-2 seconds), the
system 10 begins dispensing liquid at the point of dispension 16
for performing the various dispensing sequences. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 3A, the user interface 18 may be configured to
indicate to the user when each of the dispensing sequences is
occurring as shown in FIG. 7. This may include an indication when
hand wetting is occurring, when soap dispensing is occurring, when
lathering time is provided, and when the rinse sequence is
occurring. In one embodiment of the invention, after the rinse
sequence, the system checks for hand detection. If hand detection
is positive, the system cycles the rinse sequence one more time.
This could be repeated by the user as long as his or her hands are
at the reception point and detected by the sensor 20. As previously
indicated, optional steps may be included in the hand wash or hand
care operation. FIGS. 3B-3C illustrate various hand washing and
hand care operations that may be included as one or more sequences
to the process. These sequences may be included in the hand washing
or hand care operation according to the sequences shown in FIG. 3A
or in other sequences as are contemplated by the present invention.
For example, after the rinse sequence other sequences, such as a
freshener dispensing sequence, a hand conditioning dispensing
sequence and/or a sanitizing dispensing sequence may be run as part
of a hand washing or hand care operation.
[0052] FIG. 3B illustrates several examples of various dispensing
sequences contemplated by the present invention. Similar to the
dispensing sequences illustrated in FIG. 3A, and upon powering on
of the dispensing system 10, the sensor is detected and the system
10 awaits instruction and/or input from a user. Next, a user
selects the hand care operation desired. This may include one or
more hand care or hand washing sequences available in a menu
provided on the user interface 18. These may be selected by tactile
input commands and/or audible voice commands. Upon selection of the
hand care operation, the sensor waits to begin the first dispensing
sequence upon hand detection at the user reception point 22. The
system may be configured to require hand detection for a certain
period of time (e.g., 1-2 seconds) before initiating the hand care
operation selection. For example, the system may be configured to
wait before initiating the hand care operation to prevent
accidental or unintended initiation of a hand care dispensing
operation or sequence. Additionally, after each step, the
dispensing system 10 may be configured to detect hands of a user at
the user reception point 22 before proceeding to the next step to
prevent waste and unintended or unwanted operation of the
system.
[0053] According to one exemplary hand care operation shown in FIG.
3B, and upon selection from a user and detection of a user's hands
at the user reception point 22, the selection is initiated. This
may include misting a hand sanitizer from the dispension point 16
onto the user's hands. The sanitizer may also be dispensed as a
stream. The attributes of the dispension of sanitizer may be
controlled to create the best possible experience for the user.
This may include volumetric expansion of the dispension, heating or
cooling of the dispension, reducing or increasing the pressure of
the dispension, or controlling other attributes. The user interface
18 may also be used to notify the user of these preferential
attributes of the dispension (see FIG. 7). For example, the user
interface may inform the user of the product being dispensed and
the attributes of dispension.
[0054] Following misting of the sanitizer, the next sequence may be
a drying sequence to aid in the drying of the user's hands. The
drying sequence may be reinitiated after completion of the first
drying sequence upon detection of the user's hands. Other hand care
or hand washing operations are also shown in FIG. 3B. These are
exemplary hand washing sequences and are only shown to provide an
understanding of the breadth and scope of the various types of hand
washing and hand care dispensing sequences that could make up a
hand washing or hand care operation. For example, the operation
illustrated in FIG. 3A could include a drying sequence as shown in
FIG. 3B. It could also include a lotion dispensing sequence or a
pre-wash dispensing sequence provided prior to the hand washing
operation shown in FIG. 3A.
[0055] The timing of the dispensing sequences may be controlled so
as to be optimal for allowing the user to receive and work the
product into his or her hands, to allow adequate rinsing, or to
allow the product to dry sufficiently. The sequences may also be
controlled so as to allow a sufficient pause time between
dispensing sequences such as for example to allow the user to work
the soap or a pre-rinse into a lather before rinsing. Certain
sequences may be reinitiated after completion of the first cycle of
the sequence by detection of the hands at the user reception point
22. For example, upon completing a drying sequence and still
detecting the hands of the user at the user reception point 22, the
system 10 may be configured to reinitiate the drying sequence to
provide further drying of the user's hands. This could also be
applied to dispension of product where the user desires more than
the quantity dispensed in the first initial dispension. For
example, in a hand conditioner or sanitizer dispensing sequence the
user may desire more. In this case, the user leaves his or her
hands in the user reception point 22, which is detected by the
sensor 20 for reinitiating the sequence to provide a second
dispension of the product.
[0056] FIG. 3C illustrates other hand washing or hand care
operations according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. In the exemplary dispensing sequences illustrates in
FIG. 3C, the user is notified of the dispensing sequence
beforehand, and upon placement of his or her hands into the user
reception point 22, receives the product or the dispension for that
particular dispensing sequence in a hands-free manner. Similar to
previous versions, the dispensing system is powered on and the
sensor 20 is detected. The system detects for a user's hands at the
user reception point 22 and then indicates to the user via the user
interface 18 the dispensing sequence that is to occur (see FIG. 7).
The notification provided to the user may be an audible and/or
tactile notification to or separate from a visual notification
provided at the user interface 18.
[0057] As indicated, once hands of the user are detected, the
system performs the indicated step. Steps within a hand washing or
hand care operation may be skipped to move to a next step provided
by the user interface 18. For example, if the system does not
detect the user's hands, the system indicates the next step. If the
step is the dispensing sequence that the user desires, the user
places his hands into the user reception point 22, at which point
the step being displayed is performed. In this manner, the user is
notified of each subsequent step and may skip to the next step by
allowing a certain period of time to pass (e.g., 2-3 seconds)
before the dispensing system 10 iterates to the next dispensing
sequence. If a dispensing sequence is desired, the user places his
or her hands at the user reception point 22 at which point the step
is performed. Thus, there may be steps in a hand washing or hand
care operation that are offered but a user does not want. The
unwanted dispensing or hand care sequence may be skipped by keeping
the hands out of the user reception point 22 for a specific period
of time until the user interface indicates to the user that the
dispensing system has iterated to the next dispensing or hand care
sequence.
[0058] Once the dispensing system has iterated through each one of
the sequences, it resets the hand care or hand washing operation
back to the beginning. In this manner, the user is not required to
touch or handle the dispensing system other than place his or her
hands at the user reception point 22 to indicate to the dispensing
system 10 that the dispensing sequence being indicated is desired.
The desired sequence is subsequently received by placement of his
or her hands into the user reception point 22.
[0059] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, the
dispensing system 10 is configured to facilitate compliance with
hand washing standards by dispensing appropriate amounts of product
(e.g., soap, sanitizer), providing adequate time for scrubbing and
lathering, and performing compliant prewash and/or rinse sequences.
Since the various operating sequences are preferably timed, the
dispensing system also provides metrics for use of the system,
determining compliance with hand washing standards, and monitoring
the various dispensing sequences and product. This data could be
acquired and stored using the controller 32 in combination with a
data store (not shown). The stored information could be acquired
and processed to determine, for example, what sequences are being
used the most, what sequences are being repeated, what sequences in
a hand washing or hand care operation are not being performed to
determine compliance, etc.
[0060] The above specification, examples, and information provide a
description of the manufacture and use of the various embodiments
of the present invention. Since many embodiments of the invention
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter
appended.
* * * * *