AU2012232974A1 - Automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: AUTOMATED STERILIZING HAND WASHER-DRYER Abstract: An automated electric hand washer-dryer comprising a cabinet having either an elongated opening or two holes provided in the front surface thereof for receiving the user's arms and hands, a sterilizing wash/dryer chamber into which the arms and hands of the user are inserted, and into which atomized, soapy water is sprayed for washing the hands, sterilized clean water is sprayed for rinsing the hands of the user, and heated air is circulated for drying the hands of the user. An ozone generator which introduces ozone into the water for sterilizing the water. A water pump for spraying soapy water and an atomization system for providing a fine mist of soapy water. A water pump for spraying sterilized water and an atomization system for providing a fine mist of sterilized water. And an air blower for forcing air into the air bath chamber for drying the user's hands with the air. A HEPA filter is provided for filtering the air drawn into the air blower from outside the cabinet. \7 FIG. 5. FIG. 6.

Description

EDITORIAL NOTE 2012232974 There are 5 Pages of Description Description: The present invention relates to sterilizing hand washer-dryers, and in particular to an automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer including a sterilizing hand washing chamber into which ozone sterilized water is sprayed to rinse the user's hands. Conventional hand-washing systems generally comprise a source of water, a separate source of soap, and a separate means of drying the hands. The hand drying may be by means of blown air, or some sort of towel. Such systems occupy significant amounts of space, and use significant amounts of water per hand washing operation. Accordingly, the present invention provides an automated sterilizing hand washer dryer, comprising a housing including a sterilizing and washing chamber in which the user's hands are inserted through an opening or porthole in the front of the housing. A water pump and an array of nozzles provides an atomized mist of water for washing the user's hands. This water will be mixed with soap or some other detergent to aid with washing. An ozone generator is used to infuse ozone into a tank of water to produce clean, sterilized water. Another water pump and array of nozzles provides a mist of the sterilized water, this serves to rinse the hands of the user. An air pump and a third array of nozzles provides an air wiper that serves to dry the hands of the user. A foot pedal switch is provided to activate the washer-dryer when the user steps up to the housing and places his or her hands in the openings provided therein. A proximity sensor switch may be disposed in the wash chamber in lieu of the foot switch to activate the washing and drying device. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer into which a user may insert his or her hands to be washed and dried. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer in which a fine mist of water containing detergents is sprayed over the hands of the user during the washing operation. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer in which a fine mist of sterilized clean water containing is sprayed over the hands of the user during the washing operation. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer in which a series of fine jets of air are directed over the hands of the user during the washing operation to create an air wiper to remove water from the user's hands. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer which may be activated without manual action of the user. Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which disclose one of the embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purposes of illustration only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits and scope of the invention. In the drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the several views: FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side view of the sterilizing hand washer-dryer, constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the sterilizing hand washer-dryer; and FIG. 4 is a close up view of the internal side of the nozzle ring. FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the internal components of the washer-dryer. FIG. 6 is a view of the wall mounted embodiment of the washer-dryer. FIG. 7 is a view of an alternative embodiment with twin hand apertures. FIG. 8 is a view of an alternative embodiment, wall mounted with twin hand apertures Referring to the drawings, there is shown an automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer including a cabinet or housing 1 in the top portion of which is disposed a hand washing chamber 11. The cabinet includes a front sloping deck 2 in which a video screen 5, and an aperture 3 is disposed. Aperture 3 is of sufficient size to admit the hands and arms of an average person using the washing device. An array of water atomizing nozzles 6 is disposed in the rim of the aperture 4, adjacent the washing chamber and is connected to a water chamber 16 via a water pump 17 and through the connection 23 on the rim. The water in this chamber is typically mixed with a detergent agent to aid in washing. The water chamber 16 is connected to an Ozone generator 21. Ozone from the ozone generator is infused into the water in chamber 16 to sterilize the water. The water is forced through these nozzles to produce a mist which envelopes the hands of the user allowing the hands to be washed. A second array of water atomizing nozzles 7 is disposed in the rim of the aperture 4, adjacent the washing chamber and is connected to a second water chamber 18 via a second water pump 19 and through the connection 22 on the rim. The water in this chamber is typically mixed with a detergent agent to aid in washing. The second water chamber 18 is connected to an Ozone generator 21. Ozone from the ozone generator is infused into the water in chamber 18 to sterilize the water. The water from the second chamber 18 is forced through the nozzles in the second array 7 to produce a mist which envelopes the hands of the user allowing the hands to be rinsed clean of the detergent. A third array of nozzles 8 is disposed in the rim of the aperture 4, adjacent the washing chamber and is connected to a high pressure air pump 20 through the connection 24 on the rim. The air is drawn through a HEPA filter, heated to a comfortable temperature, and forced through the array of supersonic nozzles 8, to produce a high speed air wiper. It should be noted that supersonic nozzles are not required and that any suitable nozzles can be used. An exhaust fan 26 is located adjacent the washing chamber 1 1 and is connected to an exhaust vent on the exterior of the cabinet or housing 1. Operation of the first water pump 17, the second water pump 19 and the air pump 20 are all controlled by a control unit 15. Typically the control unit would consist of a microprocessor which would implement various pre-programmed sequences. However any suitable control unit may be used. The electrical coupling of the motors and sensors to the control unit may be achieved by any suitable conventional means. In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit washing sequence is activated by a proximity sensor 12. In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit washing sequence is activated by a foot switch 14. In another embodiment of the invention, the washer-dryer is mounted flush with a wall 25. To operate the sterilizing hand washer-dryer the user steps up to cabinet I and places his or her hands and forearms in aperture 3 and washing chamber 11. If the proximity sensor switch 12 is used, the washer-dryer will automatically start. If, however, the foot switch is used, the user then places his or her foot on the foot switch 14 and activate the control unit 15. Once activated, the washing apparatus would cycle through a program of alternating between the different water sources and the air blower to allow the user to wash and dry their hands. A typical program would consist of activating the detergent containing water atomizing nozzles 6 for a short period, followed by the rinsing water atomizing nozzles 7 for a second period and finishing with the high speed air nozzles 8 for a third period. However any combination of the different nozzle arrays and times could be used depending on different requirements. During the entire operation of the washer-dryer, the exhaust fan 26 is withdrawing air from the washing chamber 11. This ensures airflow from the aperture 3 towards the rear of the chamber, preventing mist and water droplets from exiting the chamber via the aperture, and wetting the user or the environment. When the user is finished drying his or her hands, he withdraws them from aperture 3, whereupon proximity switch 12 signals the control unit 15 to shut off the drying apparatus, or the user withdraws his or her hands and lifts his or her foot from the foot switch 13 to signals the control unit 15 to shut off the drying apparatus. While the washing unit is in operation, the video screen 5 would be active, and typically display hygiene information or marketing material to the user. In another embodiment of the invention, the video screen has menus to allow the user to choose different washing functions. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the video screen has proximity sensors to allow the user to select functions without touching the screen.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the proximity switch 12 that detects the hands being inserted and withdrawn from aperture 3 will allow the user to cycle through functions without touching the screen. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the video screen uses Voice Control to allow the user to select functions without touching the screen. In a further embodiment of the invention, the list of functions will be optimized depending on the installation location of the machine. Alternatively the function menu can be presented in an order determined by a weighted average of previous selections, so that more common selections are presented first. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the video screen will show the user's hands to allow the user to judge when their hands are clean. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the video screen will show the user's hands illuminated using ultraviolet light or other select spectra. The resulting fluorescence will show up various contaminants on the user's hands alerting them to the presence of foreign matter. Certain additives to the water can be used to enhance this effect. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the machine will identify the user. This can be by image analysis of the user's video image, or by requesting the user to enter a personal identification number, or any other suitable method. This user identification is recorded to produce a record of user compliance with the required hand-washing and hand-disinfection procedure. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the washing chamber has a self washing and disinfection program that is activated after the user withdraws their hands. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the machine uses an ozone generator to disinfect the washing chamber between uses. The ozone production may be controlled using an ozone sensor to control the atmospheric concentration. Alternatively, other closed or open loop control systems may be used. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the washing and rinsing water is warmed to a comfortable temperature. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the washing and rinsing water contains a controlled amount of dissolved ozone to provide a disinfection effect. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the hand entry opening into the washing chamber can be positioned at any angle between vertical, to horizontal with the hands being lowered into the chamber. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the unit can be mounted so as to fold or rotating into a wall to minimize space usage in situations where floor area is at a premium.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the washing chamber may contain a basin with liquid water in it. This basin contains one or more ultrasonic transducers so that the hands are bathed in ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrations would act through the water to clean the user's hands. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the washing chamber may contain a basin with liquid water and microbubbles in it. This basin contains one or more ultrasonic transducers so that the hands are bathed in ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrations would act to expand and contract the microbubbles thus producing a mechanical action to clean the user's hands. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the washing chamber may contain one or more ultrasonic transducers so that the hands are bathed in ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrations would act through the air to clean the user's hands. In yet another embodiment of the invention, either or both of the water nozzle arrays may provide the water in the form of pulses. This could be provided by use of a pure fluid amplification circuit to generate the pulses. However any suitable method of generating the pulses could be used. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the drying air is supplied in the form of pulses. This could be provided by use of a pure fluid amplification circuit to generate the pulses. Alternatively, a circuit consisting of a pressure accumulator combined with a pressure release valve could also be used to generate the pulses. Alternatively, any suitable method of generating the pulses could be used. Pulsed air can be used to maximize the peak pressure of the supplied air while minimizing the size and power requirements of the air flow generator. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the rinsing water could contain rosewater, or moisturizer, or sunblock or any other suitable additive to provide a desirable coating for the user's hands. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the washing chamber has a function to coat the hands with barrier cream. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the washing chamber has a function to coat the hands with a fast setting polymer or similar material that forms a glove in-situ on the user's hands. The material can use porous or non-porous material depending on the application. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the hand aperture has a closing iris or a sleeve to provide a partial seal around the user's forearms, thus preventing mist or droplets from escaping the washing chamber. While only some of the embodiments of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. An automated sterilizing, hand washer-dryer, comprising:

2. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises a hand washing compartment, and wherein there is an opening for the user to place his or her hands inside the said hand washing compartment.

3. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 2, wherein said housing further comprises an air inlet opening, disposed adjacent and coupled to said hand washing compartment, and wherein an air blower disposed adjacent said air intake opening for drawing air in through said opening and forcing the air into said hand washing compartment.

4. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 3, further comprising a water pump and atomizing nozzles, for creating a mist shower of soapy water in said hand-receiving compartment.

5. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 4, further comprising an ozone generator and sterilizing water tank, for creating a supply of sterilized water.

6. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 5, further comprising a water pump and atomizing nozzles, for creating a mist shower of sterilized water in said hand-receiving compartment.

7. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 6, further comprising switch means, coupled to said air blower and said water pumps, for activating said pumps and said blower when the user places his or her arms and hands in said hand-receiving compartment.

8. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 7, wherein said switch means is a proximity sensor switch, disposed within said hand-receiving compartment.

9. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 7, wherein said proximity sensor switch can be used to select from a menu of different washing options.

10. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 7, wherein said switch means is foot operated pedal.

11. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 7, wherein said housing further comprises a transparent window, disposed adjacent said pair of apertures, for providing visual access to the interior of said hand-receiving compartment.

12. The automated sterilizing hand washer-dryer as recited in claim 7, wherein said housing further contains a video screen for displaying marketing material and other video information to the user while the user is washing their hands.