Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
  • B05B12/02—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
  • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
  • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
  • B05B11/1042—Components or details
  • B05B11/1052—Actuation means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
  • A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
  • A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
  • A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
  • A47K2005/1218—Table mounted; Dispensers integrated with the mixing tap

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to automatically operated devices for repeatedly dispensing fluid material from a replaceable reservoir, and more particularly to a fluid dispensing apparatus and method which dispenses fluid material automatically in response to sensing the presence of a user.
• soap reservoir that is readily replaceable when empty, and is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. Therefore, the soap reservoir must comprise a container that is easy to install in association with the permanent elements of the soap dispensing fixture such that the reservoir container is held fast to the fixture, and can easily be removed from the fixture when empty.
• the soap reservoir must also have a fluid soap delivery system which ensures the delivery of a uniform measured dose of fluid soap to a user upon each automatic actuation of the fixture.
• the reservoir, pump and container must function as a unitary device to deliver consistent measures of fluid soap from the reservoir to the user.
• Several automatically operated washroom fluid soap dispensers have been developed, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,967,935 (Celest), 4,938,384 (Pilolla), 4,921,150 (Lagargren), 4,722,372 (Hoffman), and 4,645,094 (Acklin), by way of example.
• these devices do not incorporate structural elements which provide the consistent operation, ease of installation and replaceability and low cost of manufacture as the present invention.
• the present invention overcomes these problems in prior countertop fluid soap dispenser fixtures.
• the disclosed invention provides a fluid soap dispenser assembly which provides a consistent measured amount of fluid soap into the hands of a user through an elongated delivery tube directly connected to a reservoir container and pump assembly, which delivery tube moves axially within a rigid dispensing spout each time the fluid soap dispenser is actuated.
• the soap delivery tube and pump assembly are centrally mounted on the top of a fluid soap reservoir container, such that a new delivery tube, pump assembly and fluid soap container are provided upon replacement of an empty soap reservoir assembly with a full soap reservoir assembly.
• the delivery tube can be readily extended axially through a curved, rigid dispensing spout mounted to the countertop, and the delivery tube can be readily rotated for ease of movement in the dispensing spout when the unitary reservoir container, pump assembly and delivery tube assembly are rotated during installation of a new, full reservoir container.
• the pump assembly mounted on the fluid soap reservoir of the present invention also provides a pump actuator mechanism which comprises a laterally extending actuator portion of the pump assembly, which permits the pump assembly and delivery tube to be mounted centrally with respect to the axis of the reservoir container and the soap dispenser fixture elements.
• the pump activator is controlled by a battery operated drive mechanism, which is activated upon the sensing of the presence of the user's hands adjacent the dispensing spout by a reflective proximity sensor forming part of the soap dispensing fixture mounted above the countertop.
• the fluid soap reservoir container of the present invention also provides advantages over fluid soap dispensing systems of the prior art.
• a standard manufactured pump assembly can be used in the fabrication of the present reservoir module due to the central location of the pump and of the dispensing tube.
• the central location of the pump assembly and delivery spout on the present reservoir module also permits rapid installation of the reservoir module on the motor housing by a simple rotation of the dispenser module to complete a bayonet-type connection
• the novel construction of the reservoir module enables the mass production of a reliable refill unit
• the combination of the present rigid dispensing spout and fluid soap delivery tube moveable inside the spout permits economy of construction not found in prior automatic soap dispensers
• the spring in the pump assembly mounted on the container provides the force to return the delivery tube to its start position after a dose of fluid soap has been dispensed
• the spout configuration and construction is adapted to provide ease of movement of the delivery tube in the spout, with a minimum of friction produced
• the elongated delivery tube of the present invention is rigid enough to withstand hydraulic pressure developed during the dispensing operation, and flexible enough to move substantially f ⁇ ctionless relative to the interior of the dispensing spout
• the motor housing of the present invention mounts to a shank extending through a countertop, such that the housing can be readily rotated away from the underside of the sink bowl, and away from plumbing fixtures This is a result of the central mounting of the operative components extending from the reservoir module, through the motor housing, to the entrance to the dispensing spout
• the present invention also includes indicators to advise a maintenance operator when the reservoir module is empty of fluid soap after a pre-determined number of electronically metered doses of soap have been dispensed A separate indicator advises when the system's batteries are low
• FIG 1 is an elevation perspective view of the automatic soap dispenser of the present invention, shown mounted in a washroom countertop
• FIG 2 is a sectional elevation view of the automatic soap dispenser of Fig 1, taken along line 2-2,
• FIG 3 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the rigid spout and threaded shank portion of the automatic soap dispenser of FIG 1 and 2
• FIG 4 is a cross-sectional view of the threaded shank portion of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 in FIG 2,
• FIG 5 is a front elevation view of the rigid spout and support shaft of the automatic soap dispenser of the present invention
• FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the support shaft and the motor housing and support assembly, taken along line 6-6 in FIG 2,
• FIG 7 is a detail section view of the sp lined connection between the support shaft and motor housing and support assembly of the present invention
• FIG 8 is a top plan detail view of the clip adapted to removably connect the motor housing and support assembly to the support shaft of the present invention
• FIG 9 is a cross-sectional view of the clip of FIG 8, taken along line 9-9,
• FIG 10 is a bottom plan detail view of the clip of FIG 8,
• FIG 11 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG 8,
• FIG 12 is a detail section view of the support shaft connected to the motor housing and support assembly of the present invention, showing the mounting clip in an unlocked position, and showing the pump hammer actuator of the present invention
• FIG 13 is a detail perspective view of the pump hammer of the present invention.
• FIG 13A is a sectional view of the support shaft and motor housing and support assembly taken along line 13-13 of FIG 12, showing the locking clip in its unlocked position,
• FIG 13B is a sectional view of the support shaft and motor housing and support assembly taken along line 13-13 of FIG 12, showing the locking clip in its locked position,
• FIG 14 is a detail elevation section view of the pump actuator of the present invention, shown positioned in the pump housing,
• FIGS 15 A, 15B and 15C are detail schematic views showing these phases of operation of the pump hammer against the pump actuator flange upon actuation of the pump hammer of the present invention
• FIG 16 is a cross-sectional view of the pump actuator of the present invention, taken along line 16-16 in Fig 17,
• FIG 17 is an elevation, partial section view taken along line 17-17 of Fig 16,
• FIG 18 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the actuator of the present invention, taken along line 18-18 in Fig 16
• FIG 19 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the actuator of the present invention, taken along line 19-19 in Fig 16
• FIG 20 is a cross-sectional schematic elevation view of the pump mechanism of the present invention
• FIG 21 is a bottom plan detail view of the mounting clip to removably attach the reservoir module and pump assembly to the motor housing and support assembly of the present invention
• FIG 22 is a top plan detail view of the mounting clip of Fig 21,
• FIG 23 is a perspective detail view of the mounting clip of Fig 23
• FIG 24 is an assembly elevation of view of the reservoir module and pump assembly of the present invention
• FIG 25 is a section view of the reservoir module and pump assembly of FIG 24, taken along line 25-25 of Fig 24, with the pump mechanism shown only in outline,
• FIG 26 is a section view of the connection between the motor housing and support assembly, and the reservoir module and pump assembly of the present invention, taken along line 26-26 in Fig 24,
• FIG 27 is a front and top perspective view of the reservoir module and pump assembly of the present invention.
• FIG 28 is a partial section view of the pump actuator mechanism and container neck of the present invention.
• FIG 29 is a partial section view of the electric eye sensor installation of the present invention.
• FIG 30 is a detail front elevation view of the outlet portion of the rigid spout of the present invention
• FIG 31 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the circuit controlling the operation of the automatic soap dispenser of the present invention
• FIG 32 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the method of dispensing soap of the present invention.
• FIG 33 is an embodiment of a logic diagram that may be used to implement the soap dispenser circuit shown in Fig 31 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
• an automatic soap dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10, comprising three major assemblies a spout and mounting shaft assembly 12, a motor housing and support assembly 14, and a reservoir module and pump assembly 16
• the soap dispenser 10 is shown mounted on a sink countertop 18, with hollow threaded support shaft 20 extending through an aperture 22 extending through countertop 18
• Support shaft 20 is fixed to, or may form a part of, rigid spout 24, which includes a base portion 25 abutting countertop 18, an upwardly extending electronic eye housing portion 26, and a curved dispensing portion 28
• a resilient pad 27 is disposed between base 25 of the spout, and the upper surface 29 of countertop 18
• the outer end of dispensing portion 28 includes an indented outlet 30 having an opening 31 therein (Fig 2) through which soap is dispensed, as will be explained
• Housing portion 26 includes an opening 32 covered by a transparent lens 34 behind which an electric eye sensor assembly 36 (Fig 2) is mounted in the housing portion 26, as will be explained Indicator lights (Fig 2) are also disposed behind transparent lens 34 to signal a "battery low" and/or soap reservoir “empty” condition
• a manually rotatable, internally threaded nut 38 engages the outer threads of shaft 20 When rotated upwardly, nut 38 forces base 25 of rigid spout 24 and pad 27 into tight fitting engagement with countertop 18, to firmly mount
• Motor housing and support assembly 14 When automatic soap dispenser 10 is fully assembled, motor housing and support assembly 14 is removably attached to the lower end of support shaft 20 by a shank clip 42, as will be explained with reference to Fig 8-13
• Motor housing and support assembly 14 comprises inter a a, pump housing 44 and motor and actuator mechanism housing 46
• Pump housing 44 includes a cylind ⁇ cally hollow interior 47 (Fig 2) through which fluid soap is conveyed from reservoir and pump assembly 16 to outlet 30 of spout 24, as will be explained
• a reservoir assembly mounting clip 48 is located at the bottom of pump housing 44 to removably mount reservoir and pump assembly 16 to pump housing 44, as will be explained
• Motor and actuator mechanism housing 46 includes a motor 49, gear reduction train 51 and pump hammer 53, which is described in detail with reference to Figs 2 and 15 A, B, C
• a connector wire 50 electrically connects the electric eye in housing portion 26 (Fig 1) to a switch (not shown) controlling the operation of motor 49 also, in the illustrated embodiment, a detached battery pack
• the lower portion of pump housing 44 is adapted to releasably hold fluid soap reservoir container 60 to motor housing and support assembly 14
• Container 60 includes a top closure 62 having an opening 63 therein through which pump mechanism extends 65 (Fig 2)
• container 60 is cylindrically shaped around a central axis 64 Opening 63 in container 60 also centered around axis 64
• mounting clip 48 is adapted to releasably and securely hold container 60 to pump housing 44
• rigid spout 24 has a curved internal passageway 66 extending from base 25 through the spout and connecting with opening 30
• reservoir module and pump assembly 16 is attached to motor housing and support assembly 14, as shown in Fig 2, one end 70 of elongated dispensing tube 68 will move reciprocally in passageway 66 upon actuation of pump mechanism 65
• the portion 72 of spout 24 adjacent opening 30 is set back from the tip 74 of spout 24 to provide a shield around the outer end 70 of dispensing tube 68, and to prevent the outer end 70 from being viewed by a user when the end 70 of the dispensing tube extends beyond opening 30
• Electronic eye housing portion 26 of spout 24 is located above base portion 25, and opening 32 in front of housing portion 26 extends in a direction facing opening 30 of spout 24
• the individual sensors 501, 502 (Fig 31) forming electric eye sensor 36 are adapted to detect the presence of a user's hands beneath opening 30, and to activate a switch to initiate operation of automatic dispenser 10, as will be explained Opening 32 is covered by transparent lens 34
• the surface of internal passageway 66 is composed of a smooth material to provide a substantial fnctionless path for movement of elongated dispensing tube 68 in passageway 66, during installation and removal of reservoir module and pump assembly 14, and during each actuation of the automatic soap dispenser 10
• the radius of curvature of internal passage 66 is configured to allow elongated dispensing tube 68 to shdably and smoothly move inside passage 66
• the radius of curvature of passageway 66 is approximately two inches
• Dispensing tube 68 is made of LDPE (low density polyethylene
• Passageway 66 is centrally disposed in spout 24 throughout the length of the passageway As seen in Fig 2, the axis 67 of the lower end of passageway 66 is aligned with central axis 64 of container 60
• tube 68 rotates in passageway 66 about central axis 67 throughout the length of passageway 66
• tube 68 is centrally located about axis 64, and is centrally located in passageway 66
• container 60 is able to rotate to be properly positioned relative to housing 44 during installation and removal of container 60
• support shaft 20 has external threads 76, and an internal passageway 78 through which elongated dispensing tube 68 extends
• Nut 38 includes mating internal threads 77 which engage external threads 76, permitting nut 38 to be rotated and moved upward to engage the underside of countertop 18 and secure support shaft 20 and spout 24 against against movement relative to the
• passageway 78 includes a walls 82 and 83 formed inside the hollow portion 84 of support shaft 20 Walls 82 and 83 are held in place at a distance from outer wall 86 of shaft 20 by means of separators 88 External threads 76 are formed in outer wall 86 substantially along the length of support shaft 20 Hollow portion 84 of shaft 20 also includes a channel 90 (Fig 4) extending the length of shaft 20, and connector wire 50, which extends from electric eye sensor 36 to a clip (not shown) on the end of wire 50, is placed in channel 90 The lower end of wire 50 extends from an opening 92 (Fig 1) in a lower portion 94 of shaft 20 beneath threads 76
• Passageway 78 is also formed by the end 96 of rib 98 which extends the length of shaft 20 between walls 82 and 83 End 96 of rib 98 is adapted to engage the outer surface of dispensing tube 68 when tube 68 is inserted into or removed from passageway 78, when dispensing tube 68 rotates in passage
• a cylindrical attachment shaft 100 plurality of circumferentially disposed splines 102
• splines 102 are disposed at thirty degree intervals, for reasons to be explained
• Splines 102 are adapted to mate with a plurality of grooves 104 circumferentially disposed in the interior portion 106 of motor housing and support assembly 14 to provide for the attachment of motor housing and support assembly 14 to support shaft 20, whereby the internal passageway 78 of shaft 20 aligns with the central interior portion 106 of motor housing and support assembly 14
• a unique assembly structure including clip 42 provides easy attachment and detachment of motor housing and support assembly 14 to support shaft 20
• the lower portion 94 of shaft 20 includes a circumferentially indented groove 108 Clip 42 (Figs 1, 2, 8-1 1) is adapted to secure motor housing and support assembly 14 to shaft 20
• Clip 42 is generally U-shaped having an opening 110 and a curved closed end 112 As seen in Fig
• Each inwardly facing portion of sidewall 116 includes a curved first entry radius 121, a generally flat first portion 122 and a generally flat second portion 124 having a first end intersecting first portion 122 at an angle
• a second end of second portion 124 is connected to a substantially circular portion 126 which extends beyond 180 degrees, to approximately 240 degrees in the illustrated embodiment along the closed end 112 and to the opposite side of clip 42
• circular portion 126 is connected to a generally flat third portion 128, which intersects a generally flat fourth portion 130
• At the end of fourth flat portion 130 is a curved second entry radius 132
• Each inwardly facing portion of sidewall 1 18 of clip 42 includes an entry radius 134, to which is connected a curved first portion 136 terminating in a first nub 138
• the nub 138 is connected to a substantially circular portion 140 which extends beyond 180 degrees, to approximately 240 degrees in the illustrated embodiment along the closed end 1 12 and to the opposite side of clip 42
• Circular portion 140 is connected to a second nu
• the dimensions and configuration of the inwardly facing surfaces forming the tops of sidewalls 1 16 and 1 18 are different
• the radius Ri, of circular portion 126 of sidewall 1 16 is approximately 0 327 inches
• the radius R of the circular portion 140 of sidewall 1 18 is approximately 0 502 inches
• the clip 42 is composed of rigid but flexible material, such that clip 42 is strong enough to hold motor housing and support assembly 14 together with support shaft 20, and yet have sufficient flex in the lateral direction to allow two snap action positions to function properly, as explained below
• a groove 148 circumscribes the outer, upper surface of pump housing 44 referring to Figs 12, 13 A and 13B, prior to moving motor housing and support assembly 14 into contact with attachment shaft 100, clip 42 is manually and partially mounted on assembly 14 by inserting sidewall 118 into engagement with groove 148 In this first position, entry radius portions 134, 146 are urged initially over the bottom of groove 148, causing clip 42 flex and curved portions 136, 144 to engage the bottom of groove 148 when clip 42 flexes back The inherent flexibility of clip 42 causes the clip 42 to be somewhat firmly mounted in this first position on the outer upper surface of pump housing 14 Upon moving motor housing and support assembly 14 into engagement with attachment shaft 100, the circumferential distance between adjacent splines 102 and grooves 104 allows the motor housing and support assembly 14 to be rotated in thirty degree increments, allowing placement of the motor housing and support assembly 14 to avoid interfering with the underside of the sink bowl, and other plumbing or structural elements located under countertop 18, and allowing the assembly 14 to be positioned for ease of access
• clip 42 When motor housing and support assembly 14 is properly installed on attachment shaft 100, clip 42 is manually moved laterally inward from its first position to a second position in which the sidewalls 1 16 1 18 flex slightly outward, and then inward when circular portion 140 of clip 42 engages the bottom of groove 148 over the full extent of circular portion 140 In the illustrated embodiment of Figs 8-1 1, circular portion 140 extends 240 degrees around the bottom of groove 148, which holds the clip removably in place in its second position
• groove 148 in motor housing and support assembly 14 is partially formed by a flange 150, having an upward facing surface 152
• the surfaces 154, 156 of clip 42 slide across a portion of upper surface 152 of flange 150, and the underside of flange 150, respectively to shdably engage flange 150 in channel 114 of clip 42 (Fig 9)
• sidewall 1 18 moves into groove 148 as described above, and sidewall 1 16 moves adjacent groove 108 in support shaft 10 (Fig 12), until flat portions 124, 128 (Fig 11) contact the bottom of groove 108
• Clip 42 then flexes outward and then inward to allow circular portion 126 of sidewall 116 of clip 42 to engage the top of groove 108 over a distance greater than 180 degrees around groove 108 (Fig 13B)
• circular portion 126 of sidewall 116 extends approximately 240 degrees around groove 108, although this dimension may vary With clip 42 in its position shown in its position shown in
• Pump hammer 53 which rotate as pump hammer 53 rotates through a small arc Pump hammer 53 also includes a flat face 168 adapted to engage hammer kick back stop 170, which is rigidly but adjustably, mounted on the interior of housing 46, as seen in Figs 1, 12 and 15A-C
• the space between actuator arms 164, 166 defines an open space 172 (Fig 14) for purposes to be explained
• a generally cylindrical pump actuator 174 (Fig 14) having an actuator flange 176 extending outward from and circumscribing the body of actuator 174
• pump actuator 174 engages hollow pump intake tub 178 connected to pump mechanism 65 (fig 2), and mover downward when pump mechanism 65 is actuated, as will be explained in further detail
• the upper movement of actuator 174 is limited by the abutment of top surface 180 of the actuator against inwardly directed limiting surface 182 of pump housing 44, as seen in Fig 14
• Elongated dispensing tube 68 is firmly lodged in cylindrical opening 184 of actuator 174, whereby dispensing tube 68 moves in reciprocal directions along with the movement of actuator 174
• Actuator 174 also includes a downwardly extending member 186 adapted to allow passage of fluid soap from the reservoir container 60 through the actuator and into dispensing tube 68, as will be explained in further detail
• pump housing 44 is provided with an opening 188 in one sidewall to
• gear reduction train 51 drives pump hammer 53 clockwise, as viewed in Fig 15B, until the outer ends of actuator arms 164, 166 initially engage opposing upper surface locations on actuator flange 176 At this point, motor 49 continues to operate, rotating pump hammer 53 further clockwise, and advancing pump actuator downward into pump mechanism 65, as shown in Fig 15C
• the amount of downward movement of pump actuator 174 determines the amount of fluid soap that is dispensed from elongated tube 68 upon each actuation of automatic soap dispenser 10
• the distance of downward movement of pump actuator is controlled by the position of hammer kick back stop 170, since flat face 168 of pump hammer 53 abuts kick back stop 170 when a desired dosage of fluid soap is dispensed from tube 68, thus halting further clockwise rotation of pump hammer 53 Referring to Figs 15 A, B and C, when flat face 168 of pump hammer 53 abuts hammer kick back stop 170, the motor 49 stalls,
• Figs 16 and 17 are detail views of the pump actuator 174, showing a beveled form of actuator flange 176, which operates the same as the previously described embodiment
• the external body of actuator 174 includes a single circumscribing thread 192, which is adapted to mate with corresponding threads 193 (Fig 20) in the neck of container 60 to hold actuator 174 and pump mechanism 65 in an inoperative position during shipment of reservoir module and pump assembly 16, as will be explained
• a hollow chamber 194 is provided internally of actuator 174, and a timing shaft
• Tuning shaft 198 comprises four downwardly extending blades 200, which upper portions are attached to portion 198, with openings 202 between blades 200 to provide for passage of fluid soap material upward along timing shaft 196, through openings 202 and into dispensing tube 68 when pump mechanism 65 is actuated
• the bottom of timing shaft 196 comprises a landing 204 adapted to engage sealing upstroke ball cock 206 (Fig 20) upon actuation of pump mechanism 65
• pump mechanism 65 is a standard self priming pump as is known in the art
• Pump actuator 174 sits on top of cylindrical walls 208 of pump mechanism 65 and the actuator 174 is secured to pump mechanism at press fit points 210
• the interior of pump mechanism 65 includes a substantially V-shaped restriction 212 having an aperture 214 extending therethrough
• Ball cock 206 is adapted to rest in the V-shaped trough 216 and block aperture 214 when in the rest position
• Beneath restriction 212 in pump mechanism 65 is a cylindrical open outlet chamber 218 having a ridge 220 at the bottom thereof, and an outwardly extending circular wall 222 having outer ends 224 which shdably engage a stationary pump housing 226 form part of pump mechanism 65
• the bottom of having 226 is defined by a circular plate 228 having an aperture 230 centrally disposed therein, and a pump ball cock 232 resting in a trough 234 forming the
• the parent invention also includes a removable fastening assembly including mounting clip 48 (Fig 1) to enable fluid soap containers 60 to be sequentially installed on and removed from the lower end 260 of motor housing and support assembly 14
• mounting clip 48 is securely attached to the lower end 260 of assembly 14
• clip 48 includes a centrally disposed opening 262 which aligns with opening 264 (Fig 15A) at the lower end of assembly 14
• a screw, or other suitable fastener is inserted through operative 266 (Fig 21-230 to secure clip 48 onto assembly 14
• clip 48 comprises a lower plate 268 which includes opening 264, a wall 270 extending downward from plate 268, and an inwardly extending flange 272
• clip 48 includes a flat rear wall 274, however the configuration of rear wall 274 may be any other suitable shape
• flange 272 includes flat portions 276 on either side of opening 264, nubs 278, and circular portion 280 extending over a distance of approximately 180 degrees
• the space between flange 272 and lower plate 268 defines a channel 282, which channel also extends 180 degrees around opening 264, with two flat channel portions extending to rear wall 274
• a stop member 284 is disposed in channel 282 for purposes to be explained
• plate 268 of clip 48 comprises a plurality of inwardly facing protuberances 286 along the ⁇ m of opening 262, with spa 288 formed between the protuberances 286
• Friction surfaces 290 are provided on one or more of the upwardly facing protuberances 286 to cause a friction fit between clip 48 and tabs 292 on container 60 when reservoir module and pump assembly 16 is installed in soap dispenser 10, as will be explained
• clip 48 is illustrated unattached to the lower end 260 of motor housing and support assembly 14, but it is to be understood that clip 48 is attached to assembly 14 as shown in Fig 2
• container 60 includes a neck 246, and tabs 292 external outwardly from neck 246
• Each tab 292 has a substantially flat upper and lower surface, dimensional to fit in channel 282 of clip 48, as seen in Fig 25
• the illustrated embodiment of Figs 24-27 show four equally spaced tabs 292 located around the neck 294 of container 60
• container 60 may contain a different tab configuration, such as three or two tabs by way of examples, if desired, with corresponding changes in number of protuberances 286 and spaces 288 in
• Fig 29 is a view of the location of electric eye sensor unit 36 in spout 24, and Fig 31 is a block diagram view of an embodiment of the soap dispenser circuit of the automatic soap dispenser assembly 10 of the present invention
• the soap dispenser circuitry 500 includes an infrared (IR) emitter 501, an IR detector 502, an assembly control circuit 503, voltage regulators 504, a voltage source 505, control diodes 506 and speaker 507
• the IR emitter 501 is located in electric eye sensor unit 36 (Fig 29), and includes a second voltage source 508 to provide a potential to IR emitter 501 in order to emit pulsed IR signals from the soap dispenser assembly 10
• the second voltage source 508 may be a potential creating voltage source, such as a battery or other device that creates a voltage potential to initiate a flow of electrons from the second voltage source 508 While the illustrated embodiment provides a potential of 6V being applied to the IR emitter 501, other embodiments may vary the second voltage source 508 so long
• the IR detector 502 is a low current consumption device, also controlled by the TX and RX control circuit 510, that detects when an object, such as a hand upon which soap will be dispensed, is placed in the sensing field (l e path) of the IR signals being emitted from the IR emitter 501 It is noted that LR signal emission is well known in the art using standard IR data transmission techniques
• the IR detector 502 has, in this embodiment, a standard diode, 511 to control the direction of the flow of charge and an IR detector amplifier 512
• the IR detector amplifier 512 amplifies the pulsed signal and transmits that signal to the receiver circuit 513 Only when three continuously received pulse signals are received by the receiver circuit 513 from the IR detector 502 will the receiver circuit 513 transmit a signal to the motor driver
• the TX and RX control circuit 510 that controls transmission of IR signals from the IR emitter 501 and reception of the reflected IR signals from the IR detector 502 that are sent to the receiver circuit 513 and controlled by the TX and RX control circuit 510
• IR detector 502 is electrically connected to a ground
• the motor 49 is turned on (and thus soap dispenses) when the receiver circuit 513 receives three (which may be more or less in other embodiments) continuous pulse signals from the IR detector 502 Three pulses allows the sensors to distinguish between an actual user, and other elements accidentally passing in front of emitter 501
• a signal is transmitted from the motor driver 514 to the memory counter 520 which is a conventional counter well known in the industry
• the memory counter is electrically connected to a switch control circuit 521 that controls three switches, in this embodiment, including a test switch 521, a reset switch 522 and a counter switch 523
• These switches are conventional switches that are opened and closed to provide discharge of electrical current to ground depending on which operation (e g testing, resetting or counting) is needed
• the switch control circuit 521 and in conjunction with the motor driver 514 and TX and RX control circuit 510, the memory counter 520 keeps track of the number of cycles (I e
• FIG 32 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the method of dispensing soap of the present invention
• Flow chart A depicts an embodiment for a method of replacing the soap after the soap has been used by the continuous cycles depicted in flow chart B
• Flow chart A begins at step 540 by replacing the bottle 60 containing the soap to be dispensed using the soap dispensing assembly of the present invention
• a reset button is then pushed at step 541 to reset the memory counter 520 of FIG 31 to zero which is done at step 542 Recall that the memory counter 520 keeps track of the number of cycles (l e number of times soap is dispensed) and sends a signal to the tone driver 525
• a number of priming pump actuations are performed in order to raise the soap from the container or bottle up through the soap dispensing tube 68
• the self-priming pump mechanism 65 previously described may be run four times to raise the soap from the container to the dispensing tube 68
• the dispensing tube 68 may be manually pumped by a user to raise the soap to the tube 68
• additional pumps may be added in other embodiments to achieve the number of pumps needed to raise the soap from the container or bottle to the soap dispensing nozzle.
• Flow chart B of FIG 32 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the steps of each cycle (I e each time soap is dispensed) that occurs when soap is being dispensed
• the IR detector 502 (FIG 31) which begins the soap dispensing at step 546 senses the hand of a user
• a counter for example, the memory counter 520 of FIG 31, is incremented in order to keep track of the amount of soap left in the container 68 or bottle Recall that each bottle or container 68 has approximately 960 or 1200 cycles that are counted and stored so that the indicator lights or alarm may alert a user or owner when the soap is running low or the container 60 is empty
• Steps 545-547 are repeated as long as the counter 520 has counted less than 900 cycles, in this embodiment which is depicted by step 548 It is noted that more or less cycles may be counted in alternative embodiments which only require larger or smaller amount of soap to be stored in the reservoir soap dispensing assembly 16
• Figs 24, 25, 27 and 28 illustrate an embodiment of the reservoir module and pump assembly 16 described previously and adapted for use in automatic soap dispenser 10
• the soap inlet tube 42, pump mechanism 65 actuator 174 and dispensing tube 68 all form a unitary assembly that is discarded when the container 60 has been emptied of fluid soap Therefore, a new pump mechanism 65 and tubes 68 and 242 are furnished with each replacement module 16 installed in dispenser 10
• dispensing tube 68, actuator 174, pump mechanism 65 and intake tube 242 are all aligned on a common centerhne, show by the numeral 64 in Figs 2 and 24
• modules 16 is rotated during installation and removal from motor housing and support assembly 14
• all of the elements comprising reservoir module 16 rotate smoothly and substantially fnctionless in their respective housings and passageways This is of particular importance with regard to the integrity of elongated dispensing tube 68, which follows an actuator path in passageway 66 of spout 24 (Fig 2)
• actuator 174 can be used with a commonly available pump mechanism 65, without the need for any specially constructed or located pump assemblies This obviously reduces the cost of reservoir module 16
• Pump mechanism 65 is a self priming pump which delivers a predetermined dosage of fluid soap from end 70 of dispensing tube 68 (Fig 3) upon each actuation of the motor 49
• dispensing tube 68 moves reciprocally in spout passageway 66 with each operation of actuator 174, to provide advantages described below in conjunction with the operation of automatic soap dispenser 10
• the installation of the automatic soap dispenser 10 of the present invention is initiated by providing an appropriately sized aperture 22 in countertop 18 at a point adjacent the rim of a sink bowl (not shown) in the countertop Support shaft 20, which is attached to spout and mounting shaft assembly 12 is inserted downward through aperture 32 until resilient pad 27 beneath base portion 25 of spout 24 abuts the upper surface 29 of countertop 18 Nut 38 and lock washer 40 are then installed over lower portion 94 of support shaft 20, with connecting wire 50 extending through the central opening of nut 38 and lock washer 40 Nut 38 and lock washer 40 tightly abut the underside 33 of countertop 18, with spout 24 being previously rotated such that outlet 30 of the spout is directed to the sink bowl
• Motor housing and support assembly 14 is then attached to support shaft 20 by placing interior portion 106 (Figs 2, 7) of assembly 14 over attachment shaft 100 such that splines 102 and grooves 104 mate along their respective lengths Prior to this step, sidewall 118 of shank clip 42 is partially inserted into groove 148 on assembly 14, and is held in the position shown in Fig 12A
• motor and actuator mechanism housing 46 may initially abut against the underside of the sink bowl, or interfere with undersink plumbing or other hardware, fixtures or wires This problem, if it occurs, can be relieved by removing assembly 14 from attachment shaft 100, rotating assembly 14 whereby motor housing 46 does not interfere with any other elements and re-insert interior portion 106 of assembly 14 over attachment shaft 100 until the splines 102 and grooves 104 mate again
• assembly 14 can be rotated in increments of thirty degrees When assembly 14 is in its appropriate position relative to attachment shaft 20, shank clip 42 is manually pushed inward such that wall 1 16 is fully inserted into groove 108 on attachment
• wire 50 (Fig 1) is attached to a socket (not shown) in motor housing 46 which connects wire 50 to motor 49 and the circuitry shown in Figs 31 and 33 for operation of electric eye sensor unit 36 and motor 49
• battery pack 52 (Fig 2) including an appropriate number of electric batteries, is attached to a cabinet wall, facility wall, or other fixture element (not shown), and wire 54 is connected to wire 56 by means of releasable attachment element 58
• the installation of the fluid soap reservoir and pump assembly into dispenser 10 is initiated by aligning the outer end 70 of dispensing tube 68 with the centrally disposed aperture 296 (Fig 14) formed where assembly 14 necks inward
• the beveled sides 298 of aperture 296 assist in guiding dispensing tube 68 upward through aperture 296 Container 60, with dispensing tube 68, actuator 174 and pump mechanism 65 attached, is moved upward, feeding dispensing tube 68 into passageway 66 of spout 24 Container 60 continues to be moved upward until top surface 180 (Fig 14) of actuator 174 abuts limiting surface 182 of assembly 14, preventing further upward movement of container 60
• dispensing tube 68 is fully inserted in passageway 66 of spout 24, and the tip 70 of the dispensing tube extends out of opening 30 (fig 2) a short distance, such that tip 70 of dispensing is hidden by tube 68 is not visible to a user by indented portion 72 of dispensing portion 28 of spout 20 (Fig 30)
• pump mechanism 65 in the illustrated embodiment, is a self-priming pump in which the pump mechanism and dispensing tube 48 are filled with fluid soap prior to actuation of the pump mechanism
• pump mechanism 65 forces upward the fluid soap in the pump mechanism, and compresses spring 236 Ball cocks 206 and 232 move upward, causing additional fluid soap to be advanced through inlet tube 242, past ball cock 232, and into chamber 218 Ball cock 206 rises up, but its upward movement is limited when ball cock 206 abuts landing 204 of timing shaft 196
• the motor 49 stalls, and spring 236 (Fig 20) forces pump mechanism 65, actuator 174 and dispensing tube 68 in an upward direction, causing fluid soap

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• Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
• Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
• Supply Of Fluid Materials To The Packaging Location (AREA)
• Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)

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• 2000
  • 2000-09-29 AU AU14943/01A patent/AU783461B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2000-09-29 WO PCT/US2000/041032 patent/WO2001025730A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 2000-09-29 EP EP00977287A patent/EP1240480A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2000-09-29 CN CN200810161070XA patent/CN101390719B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2000-09-29 MX MXPA02004061A patent/MXPA02004061A/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2000-09-29 CN CNB008165408A patent/CN100464165C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2000-09-29 CA CA2390219A patent/CA2390219C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2000-09-29 NZ NZ518476A patent/NZ518476A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2000-12-22 TW TW089120457A patent/TW534804B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2003
  • 2003-08-22 HK HK03106011.9A patent/HK1053695A1/xx not_active IP Right Cessation

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