AU739851B2 - Apparatus for and method of disinfecting hands - Google Patents

Description

-1- Title: APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF DISINFECTING HANDS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and apparatus for disinfecting a user's hands, and more particularly is concerned with apparatus which enables disinfecting of hands, without requiring a user to manually operate or physically touch the equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many instances, in a variety of businesses and institutional situations, where it is desirable, or even essential, that a person have clean hands. For example, anyone handling food, in restaurants or other situations, should ensure their hands are well cleaned, before handling food. In a variety of medical and laboratory situations, it is necessary for personnel to clean their hands regularly, to ensure that an individual does not pick up a disease or infection and to prevent transmission of disease and infection.

In many cases, while facilities might be provided for cleaning or washing of hands, these are not completely effective. In many cases, this requires someone to seek out a washroom or the like, in order to wash or clean their hands. If washrooms and: the like are not properly maintained, there can be problems with soap or cleaning solutions being available and/or towels to dry one's hands.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a device that can be used for disinfecting a user's hands, which device should be simple, compact and readily installed at a variety of different locations. The present inventor has additionally realised that the present invention should ideally automatically provide a disinfecting solution, without requiring manual operation by the user. Additionally, the device should incorporate means for drying a user's hands after disinfecting.

Devices have been proposed on the art. U.S. Patent 5,265,628 (Sage et al) discloses an automated cleansing chamber. This 0a AJWENED.

SHE

-2discloses a relatively complex machine in which two separate cylinders are provided, for a user's two hands. The intention is that each hand would be inserted into a respective cylinder. The cylinders are rotated and provided with an array of nozzles to wash the user's hands. A program is provided comprising purge, wash, dry, rinse and self-clean cycles. Mechanically, the system is complex, and includes numerous moving parts, which would be subject to wear and deterioration.

An alternative proposal is found in the Stevenson U.S.

Patent 2,814,081. This provides a so-called rapid hand sanitizer. It provides a transparent, generally rectangular housing, which is intended for conspicuous display, so that patrons in the restaurants and the like can see that a server is sterilizing his or her hands, etc. It again provides two separate openings into the enclosure. To prevent spray and the like from being splashed, etc. out the enclosure, a flexible closure is retained by grommet mouldings for each opening. This means that the flexible closure rubs against the user's hands, possibly transferring bacteria and the like to or from the user's hands. A single spray nozzle is provided, directed at least partially towards the openings from the user's hands, which will aggravate the problem of spray accidentally passing out of the unit. Somewhat surprisingly, while a number of apertures are provided in the bottom of the casing, apparently to exhaust air from a blower; no provision is made for drainage of any excess liquid sprayed onto a user's hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for disinfecting a user's hands, the apparatus comprising: a spray chamber; an opening means in the spray chamber open to the exterior, to enable a user's hands to be inserted into the chamber; a spray means for generating a spray of a disinfecting liquid within the spray chamber and mounted on the housing for the spray AMENDED 91ER o -3chamber; a supply means for supplying a liquid to the spray means; a valve means connected between the supply means and the spray means for controlling supply of the disinfecting liquid; a sensor means mounted on the housing for the spray chamber, for sensing the presence of a user's hands within the spray chamber; and a control circuit including a first timer and connected to the sensor means and the valve means, the control circuit being adapted to open the valve means to supply the disinfecting liquid to the spray means when the sensor means detects the presence of a user's hands and adapted to maintain the valve means open for a period determined by the first timer; characterized in that the opening means comprises a transversely elongate opening sized to permit a user to insert both hands into the spray chamber without contacting the opening and to enable a user to rub the hands together, in that the opening is directed rearwardly and downwardly to promote drainage back into the spray chamber, and in that the spray means comprises a plurality of spray nozzles mounted on the drum and directed rearwardly away from the opening to reduce the tendency for spray or droplets to be directed out through the opening, whereby, in use, the configuration of the opening and the spray nozzles substantially prevent unwanted passage of liquid out through the opening, and the mounting of the opening causes liquid contacting the opening to drain back into the spray chamber.

Preferably, the supply means comprises a storage tank for a concentrated disinfecting solution and a first inlet for a water supply, and the valve means is then connected to both the first inlet and the storage tank and has an outlet connected to the spray means, the valve means, when open, mixing the concentrated solution and the water in a desired ratio, to form a dilute solution which is supplied to the spray means. The spray chamber preferably then includes an outlet for waste disinfecting AMENDED SHEET -4solution, adapted to be connected to an external drain.

Advantageously, the valve means comprises a venturi valve.

The apparatus can further include a fan means for providing a flow of drying air. The fan is conveniently connected to and controlled by the control circuit and the control circuit then preferably includes a second timer for timing operation of the fan.

More preferably, the control circuit includes a relay and the valve means includes an actuating solenoid. The first timer is then connected to the relay for actuation thereof, and the relay includes a first contact means connected to the solenoid for actuation thereof, to open the valve means, and to the second timer, to commence actuation thereof.

Preferably, the spray chamber is generally cylindrical and the opening into the spray chamber is generally rectangular and is inclined downwardly into the spray chamber.

In a more preferred aspect of the present invention, the opening is provided at the front of the spray chamber and the spray means comprises a pair of spray nozzles mounted to the spray chamber below the opening and directed upwardly and rearwardly, and optionally a further spray nozzle mounted above the opening and directed downwardly and rearwardly.

The storage tank can be mounted either above or below the spray chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the storage tank is mounted above the spray chamber, so as to provide a compact unit which can be mounted on a counter surface or the like. The supply means preferably includes a filling funnel mounted above the spray chamber and connecting to the storage tank. A vent, to vent air from the storage tank during filling, can either be connected to the exterior or to the spray chamber.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a disinfecting solution and the storage tank is preferably filled with this solution, the disinfecting solution comprising: 1.6 2% N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; AMENDED SHtEET

J

1.6- 2% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; .2 4% lauramine oxide; .2 tetrasodium salt of EDTA; 4% glycerin; and water, the amount of water forming the balance of the composition.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating a person's hands, the method comprising: providing a spray chamber which is generally cylindrical and an opening large enough to accommodate both hands without contact; having a user insert both hands into the spray chamber; spraying a desired solution onto the user's hands for a predetermined time, with the spray being directed away from the opening, while the user rubs the hands together to promote uniform coverage of the hands with the liquid; the arrangement of the opening and the spray nozzles being such as to eliminate substantially splashing of liquid to the exterior and the opening promoting drainage of liquid contacting the opening back into the spray chamber, the method including draining away any excess liquid from ,the spray chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view looking in the direction of arrows 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view looking in the direction of arrows 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a detailed, enlarged view of a single spray nozzle; Figure 5 is a perspective view, similar- to Figure 1, showing a'sauflcfl qWEr -6an outer casing removed; Figure 6 is a schematic of an electrical control circuit; Figures 7 and 8 show views similar to Figures 2 and 3 of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 9a is a sectional view in a horizontal plane of the second embodiment; and Figure 9b is a view similar to Figure 9a, showing details of a panel with electrical components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A first embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally by the reference 10. The apparatus has an external casing 12, which can be formed from sheet metal or the like in known manner. As shown in Figure 1, this casing 12 includes an opening 14 for a user's hands, as detailed below, and an outlet vent 16 for a fan.

Referring to Figure 5, with the casing 12 removed, the apparatus 10 shows a base 20, with a support framework 22 extending upwardly from the base 20. A rear wall 24 extends up from the base 20, and forms part of the casing 12.

Mounted on top of the support framework 22 is a drum 26 defining a cylindrical spray chamber 28. The opening 14 is a transversely elongate, and more particularly is rectangular and inclined downwardly into the cylindrical spray chamber 28, shown with its axis horizontal. As most clearly shown in Figure 3, the opening 14 is defined by a generally rectangular tubular member 18, effectively extending through the outer casing 12 and into the spray chamber 28. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, three spray nozzles 30 are mounted in the drum 26. Details of the nozzles 30 are shown in Figure 4. Each nozzle 30 comprises an atomizing fog nozzle producing a divergent spray. The preferred spray nozzle is a Lennox humidifier nozzle #21060 with a #54G49 holder supplied by LENNOX. This Sprovides a 900 wide hollow cone spray at a flow rate of 3.00 gallons per hour AMENDED SHEEI (13.64 litres/hour). The actual atomizing nozzle is indicated at 32 and is secured to a mounting bracket 34, which clamped, secured by adhesive or otherwise attached to the drum 26. An angled compression fitting 36 provides a connection to flexible P.V.C. tubing 38, the tubing 38, together with other standard fittings connecting the nozzles 30 together.

Below the drum 26, there is a storage tank 40 for a concentrated disinfecting solution, details of which are given below. The storage tank 40 is provided with a screened, generally conical refilling funnel 42 connected by tubing 44 to the top of the tank 40. A back pressure vent tube 46 (see Figure 3) is provided.

A filtered suction pickup 48 extends from near the bottom of the tank 40 out through the top surface of the tank 40, and as shown in Figure 2, to a venturi valve 50. This connection is made by further tubing 52 and a non-return valve 54. A valve 56 is provided to enable the flow rate through the venturi valve 50 to be adjusted. The outlet of the venturi valve 50 is connected to a union 58, providing a connection to the spray nozzles The inlet of the venturi valve 50 is connected by a solenoid valve 60, including an actuating solenoid, to an inlet 62 providing a connection to a conventional freshwater source, i.e. to a water supply within a building.

The venturi valve 50 is preferably a single stage injector, supplied by DEMA Engineering Company of St. Louis, MO., U.S.A. It serves to dilute the concentrated disinfecting solution to a desired ratio with the water, to form a dilute solution.

For waste water disinfecting solution, an outlet 70 is provided in the bottom of the drum 26. This outlet 70 is connected by tubing 72 to an outlet 74, which can be connected to conventional drains within a building. At the front of the apparatus 10, various electrical control elements are arranged on a panel 76. The electrical interconnection of these various elements is shown in Figure 6. A junction box 78 is provided with an input lead 79 (Figure for connection with a -8conventional electricity supply, for example, 120 volts AC in North America. The junction box 78 is connected to a transformer 80 which converts the input supply to a 24 volt AC supply for powering the other components, as indicated in Figure 6. The junction box 78 and transformer 80 are weather proof and designed to withstand water spillage.

Mounted on the right hand side of the transformer 80, as shown in Figure 2, is a housing 82 for various low level electronics, and beside this is a fan 84. 2"x4" (50 mm x 100 mm) louvered vents 83 are provided for the incoming air to the fan 84.

Along the bottom of the panel 76, there is a first, multifunctional timer 86 for the spray nozzles and a second timer 87 for the fan, as detailed below. Beside the timers 86, 87, there is a relay 88. Also forming part of the electronic circuitry is a photoelectric proximity sensor 90, shown in Figure 3. Preferably, this is Model No. 13106R6513 supplied by Cutler- Hammer Eaton of Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

Turning to Figure 6, as shown, the transformer effectively included in the enclosure 78 of the junction box is provided with the input 79 for connection to a conventional 120 VAC supply. This is transformed down to 24 volts AC and connected to a pair of supply lines 92.

As shown, the proximity sensor 90 is connected between the lines 92 and has an output 91, connected to the first timer 86. A contact pair 86a is an internal contact pair of the timer and serves to initiate operation of the timer 86. The timer 86 controls a pair of contacts 86b, which when closed actuate the relay 88. The relay 88 in turn closes a pair of contacts 88a, so as to actuate the solenoid valve 60. Simultaneously, the closure of the contacts 88a activates the second timer 87.

The second timer 87 closes a pair of contacts 87a, to provide power to the fan 84. As shown, for the fan 84, a bridge rectifier 85 is provided between the supply lines 92, to provide a DC supply for the fan 84.

Additionally, to monitor the level of liquid in the storage tank 40, a probe 94 is provided. The probe 94 is connected to a level sensor which is also connected to a lower level warning light 96 which is AMENDED SHEE1 t -9provided through the front of the casing 12.

Accordingly, in use, the apparatus is installed and connected up to conventional electrical and freshwater supplies. The storage tank 40 is filled with a suitable concentrated disinfecting solution through the funnel 42. In accordance with the present invention, a preferred disinfecting formulation comprises: 1.6 2% N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; 1.6 2% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; .2 4% lauramine oxide; .2 tetrasodium salt of EDTA; 4% glycerin; and water, the amount of water forming the balance of the composition.

When a user wishes to disinfect their hands, he or she simply inserts the hands through the opening 14. The presence of the hands is detected by the proximity sensor 90. This activates the first timer 86, which in turn actuates the relay 88. The relay 88 opens the solenoid valve permitting fresh water to flow through to the venturi valve 50. In the venturi valve 50, the low pressure entrains disinfecting concentrate from the tank 40 into the freshwater flow, to provide a desired dilution of the disinfecting solution in a desired range, for example 18:1 to 20:1. The disinfecting solution is then sprayed from the nozzles 30 and, in known manner, the user can rub his or her hands together and ensure they are adequately coated. The spraying operation is timed for a period set by the timer 86. The sloping of the opening 14 ensures that any drops of solution falling on it are directed back in the chamber 28.

When the solenoid 60 is actuated, as shown in Figure 6, the second timer 87 is also actuated. This timer 87 can then immediately, or after a set delay, actuate the fan 84. In any event, the timer 87 sets the fan 84 to run for a period of time after the timer 86 is turned off and the dispensing of the disinfecting solution ended.

The fan 84 produces a flow of air, for drying purposes, discharging out from the outlet vent 16. Thus, after a user has disinfected AMENDED

SHEET

his or her hands, their hands can be placed in front of a vent for drying purposes. If desired, a heater can be provided in addition to the fan 84.

At the end of the drying cycle, the timer 87 shuts off the fan 84, and the apparatus can then remain dormant and ready for another user.

The casing 12 can be formed in any known manner. Here, the casing 12 has generally rectangular top and bottom surfaces and includes the rectangular rear wall 24. At the front, the casing 12 has a front wall 32, with lower and upper portions 34, 36 (Figure The lower portion 34 is generally vertical and the upper portion 36 is inclined backwards slightly, with the opening 14 perpendicular to the upper portion 36. The sides of the casing 12 are then correspondingly shaped.

In Figures 7-9, a second embodiment is shown and denoted by the reference 100. Elements common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numeral as in the first embodiment, but with the suffix a. For brevity, a detailed description of similar or common components is not repeated, and it is to be understood that the individual components function as in the first embodiment.

The second embodiment of the apparatus 100 provides a more compact unit intended for mounting on a counter, table, wall or the like. As such, in many institutional, business and other settings, it should be easy to find a suitable surface for mounting the unit, and it then occupies little space.

The principal difference in the second embodiment is that the drum is now located below the storage tank. This is because the unit is intended for mounting on an elevated surface. For this purpose, the drum 26a has an external diameter of 10 inches (267 mm). The drum is centred at 6 1 inches (159 mm) above the base 20a of the device. Here, rubber bumper pads 21a are provided. Consequently, the opening 14a is much closer to the base 20a than in the first embodiment.

The arrangement of the spray nozzles is modified as compared to the first embodiment. A single pair of nozzles 30a are AMEND

SHEET

-11provided. In Figure 7, these are inclined at an angle of 600 towards the centre of the chamber, as viewed from the front. Similarly, as shown in Figure 8, the nozzles 30a are also inclined at 600 to the horizontal, so as to be directed rearwardly.

The opening 14a is now tapered, and is provided above the centre line of the drum 26a, as best shown in Figure 8.

At the bottom of the drum 26a, there is a drain screen 31 provided above the outlet connected to the outlet tube 72a.

The back pressure vent 46a, instead of being connected to atmosphere, is now connected to the spray chamber, as shown.

The arrangement of the fan has now been altered. The fan 84a has the actual fan or drive motor provided on one side, as shown in Figure 7. An elongate grill or outlet vent 16a is provided.

Turning to the arrangement of the control circuitry, similar components are provided as for the first embodiment and these operate similarly. However, the physical layout of their components has been varied.

Thus, the panel 76a is now horizontal. The arrangement of the solenoid valve 60a and the venturi valve 50a are shown in Figure 9b.

The non-return valve 54 and the valve 56 setting the flow rate would be retained, and the outlet of the venturi valve 50a is connected to tubing 38a and then through to the nozzles The overall profile of the front panel 32a is varied. It has a planar lower portion 34a and a rounded upper portion 36a. At its upper edge, as indicated at 33a, there is a hinge or the like permitting the front cover to be detached. A cam lock 37a at the bottom enables the front cover to be released at the bottom and then pivoted upwards. The hinge arrangement 33a can comprise a tongue and groove arrangement formed between folded ends of the panel sheets, permitting the front panel 32a to be removed, for servicing, maintenance etc. On the right hand side as indicated at 98, a NEMA 4 fuse holder can be provided and 99 indicates a grommet for an input power supply cable.

IWO'

-12- The tubing for the different connections can be sized for the intended use. In this preferred embodiment, the connection tube 44a for filing the storage tank and the drain tube 72a are both (12.7 mm) inch vinyl tubing. The other tubing, the connection tubing 38a to the nozzles, the back pressure vent tubing 46a, the filtered suction pick-up tubing 48a and the water inlet connection tubing 62a are all inch (6.55 mm) P.V.C.

tube.

It will be appreciated that while preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, numerous variations are 10 possible within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as defined in the following claims. Thus, while it is convenient for both the drum 26a I and storage tank 40a to be generally cylindrical, other shapes and profiles could be adopted. In particular, other shapes for the spray chamber 28a may prove desirable for certain applications. The size of the storage tank 40a can 15 be chosen depending upon an intended application, levels of usage and desired times between refilling.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

S* 20 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference numerals in the following claims do not in any way limit the scope of the respective claims.

Claims (29)

1. An apparatus for disinfecting a user's hands, the apparatus comprising: a spray chamber (28); an opening means (14) in the spray chamber (28) open to the exterior, to enable a user's hands to be inserted into the chamber (28); a spray means (30) for generating a spray of a disinfecting liquid within the spray chamber and mounted on the chamber (28); a supply means (40) for supplying a liquid to the spray means; a valve means (50, 60) connected between the supply means and the spray means (30) for controlling supply of the disinfecting liquid; a sensor means (90) mounted on the housing (26) for the spray chamber for sensing the presence of a user's hands within the spray chamber and a control circuit (76, 82) including a first timer (86) and connected to the sensor means (90) and the valve means (50, 60), the control circuit (76, 82) being adapted to open the valve means (50, 60) to supply the disinfecting liquid to the spray means (30) when the sensor (90) means detects the presence of a user's hands and adapted to maintain the valve means (50, 60) open for a period determined by the first timer (86); characterized in that the opening means (14) comprises a transversely elongate opening (14) sized to permit a user to insert both hands into the spray chamber in that the opening (14) is directed rearwardly and downwardly to promote drainage back into the spray chamber (28) without contacting the opening (14) and to enable a user to rub the hands together, and in that the spray means (30) comprises a plurality of spray nozzles (30) mounted on the chamber (28) and directed rearwardly away from the opening (14) to reduce the tendency for spray or droplets to be directed out through the opening whereby, in use, the configuration ST of the opening (14) and the spray nozzles (30) substantially prevent OF -14- unwanted passage of liquid out through the opening and the mounting of the opening (14) causes liquid contacting the opening (14) to drain back into the spray chamber (28).

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the supply means (40) comprises a storage tank for a concentrated disinfecting solution and a first inlet (62) for a water supply, and the valve means is connected to both the first inlet (62) and the storage tank (40) and has an outlet connected to the spray means the valve means (50, 60), when open, mixing the concentrated solution and the water in a desired ratio, to form a dilute solution which is supplied to the spray means

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spray chamber includes an outlet (70) at the bottom thereof for waste disinfecting solution, adapted to be connected to an external drain.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the valve means (50, 60) comprises a venturi valve.

An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, which includes a fan means (84) externally of the spray chamber (28) for providing a flow of drying air.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fan (84) is connected to and controlled by the control circuit (76, 82) and the control circuit includes a second timer (87) for timing operation of the fan (84).

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control circuit includes a relay (88) and the valve means (50, 60) includes an actuating solenoid, wherein the first timer (86) is connected to the first relay (88) for ST 25 actuation thereof, and the first relay (88) includes a first contact means connected to the solenoid for actuation thereof, to open the valve means '7 O V 60), and to the second timer to commence actuation thereof.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, which includes a level sensor (95) on the storage tank, wherein the level sensor (95) is connected to the control circuit (76, 82) and the control circuit (76, 82) includes an indication means for providing an indication when the level in the storage tank (40) falls below a predetermined level.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that the spray means (30) comprises a pair of spray nozzles (30) mounted to the spray chamber (28) below the opening (14) and directed upwardly and rearwardly.

An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the spray means includes an additional spray nozzle (30) mounted above the opening (14) and directed downwardly and rearwardly.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the spray nozzles (30) are fog nozzles adapted from a divergent spray.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the storage tank (40) is mounted below the spray chamber (28) and the supply means includes a filling funnel (42) mounted above the spray chamber (28) and connecting to the storage tank (40) and a vent (46) to vent air from the storage tank (40) during filling.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the valve means 60) includes a venturi valve (50) and wherein the storage tank includes a filtered suction pickup (48) extending from a position adjacent the bottom of the storage tank to the venturi valve

14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, which AMENDED SHEET P -16- includes a framework (22) for supporting the spray chamber (26, 28) and the storage tank (40) and an external casing surrounding the framework (22), the storage tank (40) and the spray chamber with the opening (14) for the spray chamber (28) extending through the casing into the spray chamber and wherein the control circuit (82) is provided on a panel (76) below the spray chamber (28) and the opening (14) and wherein the control circuit (82) includes a supply line for a connection to a conventional alternating current supply, a junction box (78) to which the supply line is connected and a transformer (80) connected to a junction box, wherein the transformer and the junction box (78) are provided with a weatherproof enclosure and the transformer transforms the supply voltage to a lower voltage.

An apparatus as any one of claims 1 to 13, which includes a framework for supporting the spray chamber (28a) and the storage tank and an external casing surrounding the storage tank (40a) and the spray chamber (28a), with the opening (14a) for the spray chamber (28a) extending through the casing into the spray chamber (28a), wherein the apparatus is adapted for mounting on an elevated surface and the storage tank (40a) is provided above the spray chamber (28a), and wherein the control circuit is provided on a panel (76a) mounted above the spray chamber (28a) and wherein the control circuit includes a supply line for a connection to a conventional alternating current supply, a junction box (78a) to which the supply line is connected and a transformer (80a) connected to the junction box (78a), wherein the transformer (80a) and the junction box (78a) are provided with a weatherproof enclosure and the transformers transform supply voltage to a lower voltage.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the opening (14a) into the spray chamber (28a) opens above a centre line of the spray chamber (28a) is of rectangular section, and tapers inwardly.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the spray AMENDED SHEE -17- nozzles (30a) are mounted adjacent ends of the spray chamber (28a) and are directed rearwardly and inwardly towards the centre of the spray chamber (28a).

18. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the spray chamber (28) is defined by a generally cylindrical drum that is mounted with the axis of the cylinder generally horizontal.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the storage tank (40) is provided with a disinfecting solution comprising: 1.6 2% N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; 1.6 2% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; .2 lauramine oxide; .2 tetrasodium salt of EDTA; 4% glycerin; and water, the amount of water forming the balance of the composition.

20. A disinfecting solution comprising: 1.6 2% N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; 1.6 2% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; .2 lauramine oxide; .2 tetrasodium salt of EDTA; 4% glycerin; and water, the amount of water forming the balance of the composition.

21. A method of treating a person's hands, the method comprising: providing a spray chamber (28) which has an opening (14) large enough to accommodate both hands without contacting the opening (14); having a user insert both hands into the spray chamber S (28); AMENDED SHEET -18- spraying a desired solution onto the user's hands for a predetermined time, with the spray being directed away from the opening while the user rubs the hands together to promote uniform coverage of the hands with the liquid; the arrangement of the opening (14) and the spray nozzles being such as to eliminate substantially splashing of liquid to the exterior and the opening (14) promoting drainage of liquid contacting the opening (14) back into the spray chamber, the method including draining away any excess liquid from the spray chamber.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21, which includes providing the solution of a concentrate, and diluting the solution with water to a desired concentration, and supplying the diluted solution for spraying into the spray chamber (28).

23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or 22, which includes providing a fan, externally of the spray chamber for drying a user's hands, and actuating the fan for a predetermined period of time, after termination of spraying the liquid within the spray chamber (28) on the user's hands.

24. A method as claimed in claim 21, 22 or 23, which includes providing a disinfecting solution comprising 1.6 2% N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; 1.6 2% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; .2 4% lauramine oxide; .2 tetrasodium salt of EDTA; 4% glycerin; and water, the amount of water forming the balance of the composition.

A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, which includes providing two spray nozzles (30) directing the spray solution AMENDED SHEET Q:\OPER\GCP\75157c doc-288/1/01 -19- upwardly and rearwardly away from the opening (14) onto a user's hands. go 1 o*

26. A method as claimed in claim 25, which includes additionally providing a spray nozzle (30) above the opening and directing a spray downwardly and rearwardly away from the opening (14) onto the user's hands.

27. An apparatus for disinfecting a user's hands substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

28. A disinfecting solution substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. A method of treating a person's hands substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 28th day of August, 2001 700303 ALBERTA LTD. By its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE