U.S. patent application number 15/229938 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-16 for continuous flow fluid dispensing system and method, and batch diluting system therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Willow Design, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is William Michael Louis. Invention is credited to William Michael Louis.
Application Number | 20170044747 15/229938 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57995360 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170044747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Louis; William Michael |
February 16, 2017 |
CONTINUOUS FLOW FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD, AND BATCH
DILUTING SYSTEM THEREFOR
Abstract
The system may provide for storage of liquid cleaning
concentrate and connection with a water supply. The system may
include a mixing container in which both fluids are accurately
mixed, and that can empty into a cleaning solution storage
container which may be connected to a faucet for dispensing the
solution, and/or water. The system may include a control system to
operate suitable valves, pumps to control the flow of fluids
through connecting lines, and which is adaptable to numerous
configurations and uses with the capability of dispensing cleaning
solution at a wide range of flow rates, including low rates that
may be desired for hand and produce washing. Dispensing is either
programmed, activated by the user, or controlled by the user
without system interruption until there is no more concentrate. The
system eliminates the possibility of contamination of the water
supply due to backflow of cleaner.
Inventors: |
Louis; William Michael;
(Alpena, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Louis; William Michael |
Alpena |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Willow Design, Inc.
Alpena
MI
|
Family ID: |
57995360 |
Appl. No.: |
15/229938 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62282763 |
Aug 10, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/12 20130101; Y02A
20/202 20180101; E03C 1/046 20130101; Y02A 20/20 20180101 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/046 20060101
E03C001/046 |
Claims
1. A cleaning solution container, comprising an upper or mixing
container including a cleaning concentrate inlet, and a water
inlet, both inlets located at the top of the container, and a
cleaning solution outlet at the bottom of the container; and a
lower or storage container including a cleaning solution inlet, and
a cleaning solution outlet at the bottom of the container wherein
the fluid that flows out of the mixing container flows into the
storage container, and the fluid that flows out of the lower
container is dispensed through a spout.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent
Application of William M. Louis and Constance M. Louis for
CONTINUOUS FLOW FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD, AND BATCH
DILUTING SYSTEM THEREFOR, filed 10 Aug. 2015. Application No.
62/282/763, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to dispensing
devices. It more particularly relates to a dispensing device which
may be utilized to mix a concentrate with another fluid to form a
solution, and to dispense the solution as desired by a user without
system interruption until the concentrate supply is consumed.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] There is no admission that the background art disclosed in
this section legally constitutes prior art.
[0006] There have been a variety of concerns or problems associated
with the mixing or dispensing of two fluids, such as a liquid soap
and water. For example, where there is a conventional hand cleaning
basin, including those in rest rooms and kitchens, whether at home,
restaurant, retail store, hotel, hospital rooms, and others, there
are common problems in dispensing, handling, storing and cleaning
up liquid soap.
[0007] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the correct way to wash hands is to first wet them, and then
to apply soap. Next, the hands are rubbed together to mix soap and
water, scrubbing all surfaces to dislodge germs. Finally, the hands
are rinsed well to remove soap and germs, and then dry the
hands.
[0008] But many people wash "incorrectly." They first apply soap
onto the hands, and then turn on the water, which immediately
rinses much of the soap off before washing can even begin.
[0009] In either case, the water and soap come from separate
sources, are applied sequentially, and are mixed by rubbing the
hands.
[0010] Much of the volume of most or many hand washing solutions is
filler added to make it easier for users to control the amount of
soap dispensed and as an aid in spreading or distributing it about
their hands. There also may be a psychological aspect in that
concentrated soaps may not give users the feeling that they are
applying sufficient solution to properly perform the cleaning
function. Filler, which adds to the bulk, weight and viscosity,
also adds to the cost of manufacture, transportation, and storage.
Filler also may make mixing the solution on the hands more
difficult and takes longer. Because some of the solution may never
really become well mixed, rinsing also may take longer, resulting
in wasting of water. The excess soap and water may then flow into
our waste water systems and is not ecologically desirable. The
longer it takes to complete the whole hand washing process, the
more likely the washing of one's hands may be performed
inadequately and quickly, or may be skipped entirely. Even
healthcare workers in hospitals may skip hand washing due to the
time consuming nature of the process. Hence the CDC promotes the
supplemental use of antiseptic gels because they may be more
convenient than washbasin washing. However, regular hand washing is
still necessary to remove dirt and viruses. Actually, most of the
time in conventional handwashing is wasted: First, to spread the
soap around, and to displace water under nails and in cracks before
effective washing can begin. Then, to break down patches of gooey
soap so it can be rinsed away.
[0011] Today many people don't take produce washing seriously. Why?
Actually, there are a number of reasons . . . Unfortunately, one of
the sound reasons is that all too often, there simply isn't enough
time; that washing the conventional way takes way too long. One of
the bad reasons is not knowing better. That certainly applies to
produce washing. Much of our produce is imported, having been
contaminated with pesticides and polluted soil and fertilizer. Oil
and wax often protect the surfaces. Another bad reason for not
washing: We're being told by those who should know better, that all
we need to do is rinse with water. They even call it "washing!"
Conclusion: We do even worse at washing produce than hand
washing!
[0012] There is cleaning concentrate available today, commonly
called "fruit & veggie wash" which is extremely effective
cleaner for all kinds of items from hands to produce, even
including garage floors (just to illustrate how well it works),
that is low viscosity, lab proven, and made with natural
ingredients that are less contaminating to the environment.
Examples of sources for such concentrate are eatcleaner.com and
mercola.com.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,258, titled Wash Station and Method of
Operation, disclosed a system for automating substantially the
entire water/soap discharge operation in an effort to streamline
hand washing. It too discharges soap and water selectively from
separate orifices at the end of a faucet. Hence it has the same
limited advantage over current practice of entirely separate water
and soap dispensers as the previously cited patent.
[0014] Numerous systems that inject one fluid into the moving
stream of a second fluid, such as garden sprayers, rely solely upon
a pressure drop in the injector to draw or suck, fluid into the
mainstream. This pressure drop may be so reduced at the flow rates,
that it may not be a reliable injection mechanism for some
applications.
[0015] In part to reduce problems with operation at low flow rates,
and thoroughly mix cleaning concentrate with water, as well as to
eliminate problems of backflow into public water supplies in water
delivery failure when negative pressure can draw fluids from
attached plumbing systems, the inventors of this present
application filed U.S. Patent Application, Pub. No.: 20098/0000024
A1, titled Dispensing System and Method, and Injector Therefor. But
a testbed revealed there were still problems with low flow rates,
hence further development of better technology leading to this
current invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention describes a system that facilitates
handy, quick and efficient hand and produce washing. Upon user
demand, it dispenses a cleaning solution that is ideal for washing,
eliminating the necessity of the user mixing cleaner with water, so
that cleaning can begin immediately, and that all surfaces to be
washed will be wetted with cleaner. Because of the ideal wetting
with the cleaning solution, washing can begin immediately and with
maximum efficiency, saving considerable time in handwashing,
including rinsing, because the cleaning solution is of low
viscosity and there are no patches of gooey soap that need be
manually broken up and rinsed away, also saving water in addition
to time.
[0017] The system is capable of dispensing cleaning solution even
at very low flow rates if so desired, and at the same time
maintaining correct dilution. The basic configuration is
appropriate for faucets that can dispense water only such as
kitchen or bathroom faucets in addition to cleaning solution
only--or both water and cleaning solution together for produce, for
which it is well suited. It is also suited to cleaning solution
only dispensers, such as for bathroom "soap" dispensers.
[0018] The invention facilitates the use of a highly concentrated
cleaner from a container that can be refilled, in some
configurations being handy to the user. The batch mixing system has
two interconnected containers, the first container for mixing
concentrate and water, the second container for storing and
dispensing the mixed solution. When the volume of stored solution
in the storage container gets low enough, but before it is empty,
solution is released from the mixing container to fill the storage
container, so that dispensing of solution through the faucet is not
interrupted. After refilling of the storage container,
automatically, a new batch is quickly prepared in the mixing
container so that the process can be repeated as necessary. Thus
the system can dispense a continuous flow of cleaning solution even
at low rates of flow out of the faucet.
[0019] Another major advantage of the present invention is that it
avoids problems associated with backflow into public water systems
occasioned by water system failure. It accomplishes this by
maintaining an air gap between the end of the water line above the
maximum water level in the mixing container, and having the end of
the cleaning solution dispensing line up above the spout orifice so
that any water drawn back into the system will bring air with it,
not any cleaning solution.
[0020] Appropriate mechanical and electronic systems are used to
activate and control the conventional water handling components,
such as valves and pumps, as utilized in various embodiments of the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The features of this invention and the manner of attaining
them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best
understood by reference to the following description of certain
embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a semi-diagrammatic side view of one embodiment of
my invention, a manually operated dispensing system for cleaning
solution. The dispenser itself could be mounted on the top of a
counter (location shown), or on the edge of a sink. Underneath the
counter or sink is a container for cleaning concentrate and a
container for cleaning solution. The three units are connected by
lines for water, cleaning concentrate, and cleaning solution.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a semi-diagrammatic side view of another
embodiment of my invention, an automatic faucet for dispensing
cleaning solution, diluted cleaning solution, and just water (like
a standard faucet). The faucet itself could be mounted on the top
of a counter (location shown), or on the edge of a sink. Underneath
the counter or sink is a container for cleaning concentrate and a
container for cleaning solution. The three units are connected by
lines for water, cleaning concentrate, and cleaning solution.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a semi-diagrammatic side view of another
embodiment of my invention, an automatic dispensing system for
cleaning solution. The dispenser itself could be mounted on the top
of a counter (location shown), or on the edge of a sink. The
container for cleaning concentrate is integrated into the dispenser
for easy access. Underneath the counter or sink is a container for
cleaning solution. The two units are connected by lines for water,
cleaning concentrate, and cleaning solution.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a semi-diagrammatic side view of another
embodiment of my invention, a manually operated faucet for
dispensing cleaning solution, diluted cleaning solution, and just
water (like a standard faucet). The faucet itself could be mounted
on the top of a counter (location shown), or on the edge of a sink.
The container for cleaning concentrate is integrated into the
faucet for easy access. Underneath the counter or sink is a
container for cleaning solution. The two units are connected by
lines for water, cleaning concentrate, and cleaning solution.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a enlarged semi-diagrammatic sectional view of the
cleaning solution container with cleaning solution container top
shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The mixing and storage containers are
shown with a maximum fill solution level. (Note that the cleaning
solution container associated with the system shown in FIG. 1 would
not have a solution pump, the cleaning solution being pumped
manually by the user pressing on the push button for the mechanical
pump. Note also that the cleaning concentrate line associated with
the systems shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 enter the cleaning solution
top from the right side, along with the other two lines.
[0027] FIG. 6 is the same as FIG. 4, but with the receptacle for
cleaning concentrate bottle, cleaning concentrate bottle aligned
for insertion by the user, and the lid for receptacle for cleaning
concentrate bottle ready for attachment on the receptacle for the
cleaning concentrate bottle, all shown in exploded view.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0028] It will be readily understood that the components of the
embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the drawings
herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of the system, components and method
of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is
merely representative of the embodiments of the invention. For
example, a non-illustrated embodiment could have the two containers
shown in FIG. 5 arranged differently--side-by-side, instead of
nesting with one above the other. The side-by-side arrangement may
have a pump to move fluid through a line between the containers,
instead of a valve with the fluid drawn down by gravity.
[0029] The present invention lends itself to applications in
addition those illustrated here, but easily understood in light of
the flexibility and power of the system. Much of this adaptability
and usefulness derives from the use of electronics and imbedded
microprocessors that facilitate sophisticated behavior to
accommodate a wide range of anticipated and unanticipated uses.
[0030] NOTE: For clarity, in the illustrations conventional fluid
handling mechanisms are not shown. Only enough such detail is
included to make the basic operating mechanism understandable. The
illustrations illustrate how the system works, and do not represent
a production design. The faucet illustrations do not show how the
water flow is controlled by the user, including regulation of cold
and hot water. Only one water line is indicated, representative of
water. However, because of the low percentage of cleaning solution
mixed with water, and the usual experience of cleaning solution
being room temperature, the water used in the present invention
will normally be from the cold line only.
[0031] A method and system are disclosed for the mixing and
dispensing of a cleaning concentrate that is suited to use in
several applications, including sink top cleaner dispensing, as
well as integration into more-or-less conventional water faucets of
different types, including washroom sink and kitchen sink,
residential as well as commercial configurations.
[0032] The system facilitates the use of a cleaning concentrate
that can be diluted into a cleaning solution with a manifold
increase of volume, so that much washing can be accomplished with a
small volume of cleaning concentrate being consumed in the process.
The system is connected to a water supply that can either be a
closed portable system with relatively large container, or a
utility line. The cleaning concentrate container in some
configurations of the present invention is handy to the user, being
above the counter, and integrated with the dispenser or faucet for
immediate replacement with a new bottle of cleaning concentrate.
Because of being integrated with the faucet or dispenser, the size
of such a container is necessarily limited in size or volume.
Separate, non-integrated containers may be much larger in capacity,
and stored under the counter, perhaps intentionally hidden and
inaccessible by the user, but still accessible for servicing by
appropriate persons. Such containers can range widely in size or
capacity, depending upon requirements. Some configurations, either
above (most likely wall mounted) or under counter, could share a
cleaning concentrate container, with a manifold distributing
concentrate to several dispensers or faucets. This would typically
be where there are several sinks sharing the system.
[0033] The present invention is a batch mixing system, that can
dispense a continuous flow of cleaning solution. This is
accomplished by having a cleaning solution container that consists
of two interconnected containers that work together to mix and
store the cleaning solution. The first container is for mixing
concentrate and water; the second container is for storing and
dispensing the mixed solution. To create a new batch of cleaning
solution, the system operates the concentrate pump in the cleaning
solution container top, and opens the water valve. As a result,
cleaning concentrate and water flow into the mixing container,
becoming a homogeneous solution. Below the mixing container, in the
storage container, when by user consumption of cleaning solution,
the cleaning solution volume decreases and the level of that fluid
lowers to a pre-determined level, the valve at the bottom of the
mixing container is opened by the system to allow the solution to
rapidly drain into the storage container. The opening of the valve
between the containers only occurs when there is sufficient space
in the storage container to contain all of the cleaning solution in
the mixing container in addition to the solution still remaining in
the storage container. In some configurations of the present
invention, the mixing container may not need sensing systems to
measure fluid level. Since the container mixes in batches and each
cycle empties fully, having pumping systems that deliver a
pre-determined amount of fluid for a batch can result in a cleaning
solution of consistent volume and concentration. If there is a way
to control or change the amounts the pumps deliver, the system can
also alter the concentration as desired to accommodate to different
user demands and different kinds of cleaning concentrate.
[0034] One of the major systematic advantages of the present
invention is that it avoids problems with continuous mixing of low
flow situations, such as in normal hand and produce washing. The
precision of control and associated cost of components required to
achieve such precision is typically more expensive than the cost of
components required for the present invention. When mixing a
relatively large batch of fluid, the flow rate into the cleaning
solution container can be sufficiently high, or in discreet batches
or pulses of fluid, that the mechanisms can be relatively simple
and inexpensive, as well as usually more reliable in operation over
an extended time.
[0035] In most common situations, dispensers and faucets will be
used to dispense cleaning solution at relatively low rates of flow,
but there may be times when a user requires a much higher rate of
flow, such as when filling a large container or sink with cleaning
solution for carrying to another location or use to clean a really
large batch of produce. At such times, when a high flow rate of
cleaning solution is desired, the system may switch into a steady
mode of operation; the cleaning concentrate and water flowing
continuously into the mixing container at a rate appropriate to the
chosen cleaning solution discharge rate as effected by the solution
pump. The mixing process is continuous and effective because of the
active mixing currents generated by the strong inflow of water and
further mixing as the fluid flows from one container into the
other.
[0036] The present invention is equally suited to dispensers that
dispensing cleaning solution only, with two examples shown, as well
as faucets that can also dispense water only (like a normal faucet)
in addition to cleaning solution, with two examples shown.
[0037] Another major advantage of the present invention is that it
avoids problems associated with backflow when a public water system
to which a faucet or dispenser is connected to fails, sucking water
back into the system, and often along with it, any fluids
introduced into the dispensing system, such as a cleaning solution
or concentrate. The illustrated examples all feature a mixing
system in which the incoming water line discharge orifice is above
and at a distance from the maximum fill level of the cleaning
solution. Thus a suction on the line will not be able to draw any
solution into the water line.
[0038] A second mechanism the present invention utilizes to
eliminate backflow problems is to have a significant distance
between the end of the cleaning solution line and the spout
orifice, and the delivery end of the spout is oriented in a severe
downward direction, so that whenever the delivery of fluid(s) is
terminated, any residual fluid immediately drains from the spout,
leaving no fluid to be sucked back up the water line with any fluid
that could contaminate a water system.
[0039] For the present invention to be most effective, the cleaning
concentrate should be of low viscosity. Low viscosity facilitates
essentially all of the fluid dynamics, most especially the mixing
process in the cleaning solution container. NOTE: Most liquid soap
is, by volume, largely composed of non-cleaning efficacious
materials, like perfumes, suds creators, lotion to sooth the skin,
even substances to increase the viscosity. Most of these substances
actually tend to inhibit the effective cleaning action of the
"soap."
[0040] In order to actuate the cleaning solution dispensing
function of a faucet using the present invention, the user may push
a button, touch a sensor, turn a dial, or other user activating
mechanism. Such mechanisms can be in a user convenient location on
the faucet, but not in a location that will tend to accidentally
cause cleaner solution to be dispensed. Of course, the cleaner
dispensers that do not dispense water only do not have this problem
with having the user choose what product to dispense. Such user
control mechanisms for dispensing cleaning solution are not
illustrated, and are relatively logical in design and application,
but as applied to specific designs.
[0041] With the faucets, the capability may also be included to
simultaneously dispense water in addition to the cleaning solution
to further increase the dilution of the solution, such as for
cleaning produce, instead of cleaning hands. In such a case, there
may be additional controls for the user to select modes of
operation. Some systems may allow the user to chose different
dilutions of cleaning solution, or even in some cases, between two
or more different types of cleaning solution, which would be
facilitated by a system with two or more cleaning concentrate
containers. The water only and cleaning solution controls should
not be confusing to users, and capable of being controlled
separately.
[0042] To indicate to the user that a faucet is dispensing cleaning
solution, not water, there are several options available, perhaps
the most effective is the use of light. This could be with a light,
such as a colored light emitting LED located within the end of the
faucet, so that it is in direct contact with the fluid being
dispensed The water acts as a light guide, carrying the light down
to whatever it comes into contact with, such as a hand,
dramatically showing the dispensing of cleaning solution in an
entertaining way. Just having a colored light attached on the
faucet outside surface in a clearly visible location would also
work, but in quite so dramatic fashion.
[0043] For washing hands, a user first wets their hands with
cleaning solution, rubs up, then rinses.
[0044] For washing produce, the faucet dispenses water and cleaning
solution together .cndot. Then a quick rinse. You can easily wash
produce like you wash hands. The sequences merge easily, hands
first, then produce .cndot. No need to get a bowl and mix water and
cleaner .cndot. Handy for single item or big batch .cndot. No
bottle hassles, especially with irritating spraying.
[0045] Pumps of various types are suited to the present invention
for moving cleaning concentrate from the cleaning concentrate
bottle to the cleaning solution container, as well as moving the
cleaning solution from the cleaning solution container up and out
of the spout. Two example pump types: (1) Diaphragm Pump for
pumping concentrate to mix (one or two deliveries/batch). (2)
Peristaltic Pump for pumping solution to faucet (to deliver steady
or interrupted flow to user with modest flow rate.)
[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention,
a manually actuated cleaning solution (soap) dispenser. It would
normally be located on the top side of a sink or basin, or adjacent
countertop. Note demarcation: above countertop components 110,
below countertop components 112. Pressing down on the push button
for mechanical pump 122 draws cleaning solution through the
cleaning solution line 144 from the cleaning solution container
130, which is below the countertop or sink, to exit the dispenser
from the delivery end of the spout 124. Water is fed into the
cleaning solution container 130 through the water line 140, to be
mixed with cleaning concentrate fed into the cleaning solution
container through the cleaning concentrate line 142 that carries
the cleaning concentrate from the receptacle for cleaning
concentrate bottle 126.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, another embodiment of the present
invention, a "no touch" faucet with an automatic sensor 222 for
controlling water flow, or in some cases when so chosen by the
user, such as when washing produce or hands, the sensor can also be
used to control the flow of cleaning solution. When so desired by
the user, both cleaning solution and water only can be dispensed by
the faucet. Other user operated controls for the faucet are not
illustrated, but are necessary for the functioning the present
invention. It is highly desirable in most situations that the
control to activate cleaning solution discharge be handy to the
user, but not subject to accidental activation. The faucet can
operate as a conventional water only faucet, and will do so unless
the user takes specific action to have it dispense cleaning
solution. A faucet system can be so configured to have a programmed
washing sequence for handwashing with the sequence being triggered
by some specific action by the user, such as waving a hand over the
top end of the faucet, which is detected by a sensor. The first
step in the sequence is, after a short delay to allow the user to
position both hands under the faucet, a specific amount of cleaning
solution is delivered at a convenient rate of flow for the user to
throughly wet their hands. Then there is a period of time, such as
15 seconds, with no fluid flow at all, during which the user should
throughly scrub up, working the solution into the hands. Then there
is a timed delivery of rinse water, and the sequence terminates.
For water only dispensing, water is delivered to the faucet by the
water line 260 to the faucet. Note demarcation: above countertop
components 210, below countertop components 212. When dispensing
cleaning solution, it is pumped from the cleaning solution
container 240, which is under the counter, through the cleaning
solution line 254 to the faucet to exit the faucet from inside the
delivery end of the spout 224, stopping short of the orifice of the
spout. The part of the cleaning solution line 254 that is inside
the faucet 224 is illustrated as hidden. Water is fed into the
cleaning solution container 240 through the water line 250, to be
mixed with cleaning solution concentrate fed into the cleaning
solution container through the cleaning concentrate line 252 that
carries the cleaning concentrate from the receptacle for cleaning
concentrate bottle 230, the receptacle 230 being under the counter.
There is a clearance between end of cleaning solution line and
spout orifice 226, and the delivery end of the spout is oriented in
a severe downward direction, so that whenever the delivery of
fluid(s) is terminated, any residual fluid immediately drains from
the spout, leaving no fluid to be sucked back up the water line
with any fluid that could contaminate a water system.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the present
invention, a "no touch" cleaning solution (soap) dispenser with an
automatic sensor 322 for controlling cleaning solution flow. The
dispenser would normally be located on the top side of a sink or
basin, or adjacent countertop. Note demarcation: above countertop
components 310, below countertop components 312. Moving a hand
within operating range of the sensor 322 activates the solution
pump in the cleaning solution container top 332, which is below the
countertop or sink, pumping cleaning solution through the cleaning
solution line 344, to exit the dispenser from the delivery end of
the spout 324. Water is fed into the cleaning solution container
230 through the water line 240, to be mixed with cleaning
concentrate fed into the container 330 through the cleaning
concentrate line 342 that carries the cleaning concentrate from the
receptacle for cleaning concentrate bottle 326. which is integrated
into the dispenser body. The receptacle is thus easily accessed by
a user, so that when necessary, they can remove the lid for
receptacle for cleaning concentrate bottle 328 to replace an empty
cleaning concentrate bottle with a full bottle.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present
invention, a manually operated faucet, such as a kitchen faucet.
The faucet can operate as a conventional water only faucet, and
will do so unless the user takes specific action to have it
dispense cleaning solution using control mechanisms (not
illustrated). For water only dispensing, water is delivered to the
faucet by the water line to faucet 460. When dispensing cleaning
solution, it is pumped from the cleaning solution container 440,
which is under the counter, through the cleaning solution line 454
to the faucet to exit the faucet from inside the delivery end of
the spout 424, stopping short of the orifice of the spout. The part
of the cleaning solution line 454 that is inside the faucet 424 is
illustrated as hidden. Note demarcation: above countertop
components 410, below countertop components 412. Water is fed into
the cleaning solution container 440 through the water line 450, to
be mixed with cleaning solution concentrate fed into the cleaning
solution container through the cleaning concentrate line 452 that
carries the cleaning concentrate from the receptacle for cleaning
concentrate bottle 430. The receptacle is integrated with the
faucet to be easily accessible to a user, so that when necessary,
they can remove the lid for receptacle for cleaning concentrate
bottle 432 to replace an empty cleaning concentrate bottle with a
full bottle. The system may be designed so that indication is given
to the user so that they can determine the amount of cleaning
concentrate remaining. There is a clearance between end of cleaning
solution line and spout orifice 426, and the delivery end of the
spout is oriented in a severe downward direction, so that whenever
the delivery of fluid(s) is terminated, any residual fluid
immediately drains from the spout, leaving no fluid to be sucked
back up the water line with any fluid that could contaminate a
water system. The manual water handle 422 normally controls flow of
water (hot and cold by respective handles), when so desired by a
user.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 5, the basic internal design of a
cleaning solution container assembly common to dispensing systems
typical of the present invention and usually mounted under the
counter. There are two interconnected containers that work together
controlled by the system to mix and store the cleaning solution.
The upper, or mixing container 522 is for mixing cleaning
concentrate that comes to the cleaning solution container top 520
through the cleaning concentrate line 542 and is injected by the
concentrate pump 532 through the cleaning concentrate line (fill)
552 into the container 522. The dominant fluid by volume is water
that comes to the cleaning solution container top 520 through the
water line 540 which brings in water and is injected into the
container through the water line (fill) 550 after flowing through
the water pump/water valve 530 Whether it is a pump or valve
depends upon the specific embodiment of the invention. Examples: It
will be a pump if the system is not connected to a public water
supply, but uses water contained within a self contained unit such
as a portable handwash station or sink; it will be a valve if the
system is connected to a public water supply. The entry of the
cleaning concentrate line 542 may be on the other side from that
illustrated, as may be the cleaning concentrate line (fill) 552.
The cleaning solution container top 520 may be removably attached
to the underside of a countertop, with the two containers 522, 524,
for maintenance servicing removably attached to the top 520. To
create a new batch of cleaning solution 560, the system operates
the concentrate pump 532, and the water pump/water valve 530. As a
result, cleaning concentrate and water flow into the mixing
container 522 the water directed downwards with vigor, so the two
fluids quickly mix into a homogeneous solution. For optimal mixing
and accurate control of the mixture, the appropriate amount of
cleaning concentrate should be metered first, then the water should
be added. When the cleaning solution 560 volume in the mixing
container 522 increases and the level of that fluid rises to a
pre-determined level as measured by a sensing mechanism, the inflow
of the two fluids is terminated. (The sensing mechanism is not
illustrated, but necessary to control the system. A sensor that
determines fluid level by detecting the presence or absence of
conduction, using the conductive property of the contained fluid,
would be one kind of appropriate sensor.) The cleaning solution 560
may fill the container 522 up to a maximum fill hight that leaves a
minimum clearance between the ends of the fill lines and maximum
fill solution level 570. Below the mixing solution container 522,
in the storage container 524, when by user consumption of cleaning
solution, the cleaning solution 562 volume decreases and the level
of that fluid lowers to a pre-determined level as measured by a
sensing mechanism (not illustrated), the container valve 536 at the
bottom of the mixing container 522 is opened by the system to allow
the solution 560 to rapidly drain, drawn by gravity, into the
storage container 524. The opening of the container valve 536
between the containers only occurs when there is sufficient space
in the storage container 524 to contain all of the cleaning
solution 560 in the mixing container 522 in addition to the
solution 562 still remaining in the storage container 524. This way
there is no overflowing, always leaving clearance between the end
of the discharge line and maximum fill solution level 580, but the
storage container 524 is always as full as possible to facilitate a
continuous flow. As soon as the mixing container 522 is empty, the
system begins the process of mixing a new batch of cleaning
solution to be ready to fill the storage container 524 as needed to
allow for the continuous dispensing of cleaning solution. This
cycle of mixing with uninterrupted dispensing may rapidly repeat
itself in various situations, such as if a user has turned on the
cleaner flow for some time in an extended washing of very dirty
hands, or with a kitchen faucet, to fill a large container to wash
produce in. In this way, the present invention has the advantages
of both a batch mixing or diluting system (systematic advantages)
as well as a continuous flow system (user advantages). The cleaning
solution container top 520 may or may not (depending upon the
specific embodiment of the invention) contain a solution pump 534
to draw up cleaning solution by the cleaning solution line (intake)
554 and eject out into the cleaning solution line (out) 544.
Example: The cleaning solution container top 520 will not have a
solution pump 534 if the dispenser is manually operated, such as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 6, which is the same as FIG. 4, but
with the receptacle for cleaning concentrate bottle 630, cleaning
concentrate bottle 620 aligned for insertion by the user, and the
lid for receptacle for cleaning concentrate bottle 632, all shown
in exploded view. Note demarcation: above countertop components
610, below countertop components 612. The system may be designed so
that indication is given to the user so that they can determine the
amount of cleaning concentrate remaining. When a bottle is empty,
the user can remove it and replace it with a full bottle.
Proprietary designs for the bottle and receptacle may be used to
assure that only bottles of the particular proprietary design are
compatible with the dispenser--Nonproprietary bottles being
difficult or impossible to connect. This may be important to avoid
contamination of the dispensing system with pathogens or non-low
viscosity cleaning concentrates. When a bottle first becomes empty,
the design of the dispensing system provides that a significant
amount of cleaning solution is still available in the cleaning
solution container, so that service may not necessarily be
interrupted at an inconvenient time.
[0052] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different
embodiments are possible and are contemplated within the true
spirit and scope of the appended claims, there is no intention,
therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract or disclosure
herein presented.
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