ES2359082B1 - DEVICE FOR HAND WASHING AND HAND WASHING CONTROL PROCEDURE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for handwashing and handwashing control procedure. # The device is applicable for handwashing of healthcare personnel using hydroalcoholic solution and has an identification card reader (1) that determines the start-up of a dispenser (2), which provides the necessary amount of hydroalcoholic solution, a chamber (3) for engraving handwashing, a microprocessor (4) for storing information of the washing act and a reservoir (5) of said washing solution. The microprocessor (4) is preferably adapted to store the number of times a toilet is washing hands, the date and time of washing, as well as the place where said washing has been carried out. This information can be extracted by means of data output means (6), preferably being a USB port.

Description

misused.

Hand washing device and hand washing control procedure. Object of the invention

The present invention pertains to the field of sanitary hygiene and more specifically to the washing of health personnel in health centers or the like.

The main object of the present invention is a device for the correct washing of hands by the healthcare professional by means of a hydroalcoholic solution. Background of the invention

The importance of disinfecting the hands in order to avoid nosocomial infections in hospitals and in medical practices is an unquestionable fact. In the pharmaceutical industry and in the food products industry, disinfection and decontamination of hands have, above all, the task of avoiding possible contamination by unwanted germs of processed products. Preparations that clean and disinfect at the same time are often used in the treatment of hands. Preparations of this class are known today with the designation of disinfectants and decontaminants for hand washing.

To date, some strategies have been proposed to try to meet the objective of, first, that the professional wash their hands during the care work, and secondly, that this washing is correct and effective. Currently, hand washing with hydroalcoholic solutions in health centers is carried out with the help of different devices: a) dispensers such as soap or hand gel; b) manual dispensers of hydroalcoholic solution.

Among the strategies that have been put in place to implement as safe practice hand hygiene in the different health centers, we have to highlight the training-informative activities as well as the increase in the number of basic hand hygiene points, among others. But none of these strategies have diminished the main problem involved in improper handwashing: preventing infections associated with healthcare. Description of the invention

The device for handwashing, object of the present invention, solves the aforementioned drawbacks, by controlling, monitoring and evaluating the handwashing of the healthcare professional.

Said device comprises an identification card reader that determines the commissioning of a dispenser that provides the necessary amount of hydroalcoholic solution, a camera for engraving handwashing, a microprocessor for storing information of the washing act and a reservoir. of said washing solution.

The device of the present invention works only with the presentation of the identification card of the healthcare professional, which after its validation proceeds to automatically dispense and only once in a while the hydroalcoholic solution. Preferably said solution is only dispensed for the same user every 20 minutes. Of is-

The camera records only the exercise of the hands during the act of washing, which is preferably located at the height of the same. In addition, to prevent the toilet from withdrawing early, the solution is dispensed slowly, so that it is not possible for the user to remove their hands without being recorded.

The microprocessor saves the recordings made by the camera, and can also store all kinds of information regarding hand washing. Preferably said microprocessor additionally saves the number of times a toilet is washing hands, the date and time of washing, as well as the service where said washing has been carried out.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information stored in the microprocessor is extracted by means of data output, which is preferably a USB port.

Regarding the method of use, the device object of the invention comprises the following steps:

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presentation of the health professional identification card for the reader to recognize,

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validation or rejection of said identification card,

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dispensing of the hydroalcoholic solution automatically by the dispenser once the identification card is validated, this dispensing occurring slowly,

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Simultaneously to the dispensing, recording of the act of handwashing by a camera housed inside the device once the dispenser is activated.

Optionally, the extraction of the information stored in the microprocessor is contemplated, through a means of data output.

By means of the present invention it is possible to have a safe and intelligent control of the act of handwashing directly, which is an advantage over indirect systems such as by an observer (fully biased measure) or by infection control. associated with health care (this is the result that must be prevented through this safe practice). Description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a side elevation view of the hand washing device object of the invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a sequence of steps of the method of use of the device object of the invention. Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

As can be seen in Figure 1, the handwashing device object of the invention comprises an identification card reader (1) that determines the operation of a dispenser (2) that provides the necessary amount of hydroalcoholic solution, a camera (3) for engraving handwashing, a microprocessor (4) to

3 EN 2359082A1 4

the information storage of the washing act and a reservoir (5) of said hydroalcoholic solution.

The device of the present invention works only with the presentation of the identification card of the healthcare professional, which after its validation by the reader (1) proceeds to automatically dispense and only once in a while the hydroalcoholic solution. Preferably said solution is only dispensed for the same user after a minimum of 20 minutes. This prevents alcoholic solutions from being misused.

The chamber (3) records only the exercise of the hands during the act of washing, which is preferably located at the height of the same. In addition, to prevent the toilet from being removed early, the dispenser (2) supplies the hydroalcoholic solution slowly, so that it is not possible to obtain wash solution without being etched.

The microprocessor (4) saves the recordings made by the camera (3), and can also store all kinds of information regarding hand washing. Preferably said microprocessor (4) additionally contains the number of times a sanitary wash their hands, the date and time of washing, as well as the place where said washing has been carried out.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information stored in the microprocessor (4) is extracted by means of data output (6), which is preferably a USB port.

Figure 2 shows a sequence of stages of the use procedure comprising the following stages:

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presentation of the health professional identification card for the reader (1) to recognize it, stage I,

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validation or rejection of said identification card, stage II,

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dispensing of the hydroalcoholic solution automatically by the dispenser (2) once the identification card is validated, this dispensing occurring slowly, stage III,

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simultaneously with the dispensing, engraving of the act of handwashing by a chamber (3) housed inside the device once the dispenser (2) is activated, stage IV.

Optionally, a final step, step V, is contemplated, consisting of the extraction of the information stored in the microprocessor (4), through a means of data output (6).

5 EN 2359082A1 6

Claims (8)

one.

Device for the handwashing of sanitary personnel by means of a hydroalcoholic solution characterized in that it comprises an identifier card reader (1) that determines the operation of a dispenser (2) that provides the necessary amount of hydroalcoholic solution, a chamber (3) for the engraving of the hand wash, a microprocessor (4) for storing information of the washing act and a reservoir (5) of said washing solution.

2.

Device for handwashing, according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor (4) is adapted to store the number of times a toilet is washing hands, the date and time of washing, as well as the place where it has been carried out said washing.

3.

Device for hand washing, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises a data output means (6) for extracting the information stored in the microprocessor (4).

Four.

Device for washing hands, according to claim 3, characterized in that the data output means (6) is a USB port.

5. Hand washing control procedure performed with the hand washing device described in any one of claims 1-4 characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

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presentation of the health professional identification card for the reader (1) to recognize it,

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validation or rejection of said identification card,

-

dispensing of the hydroalcoholic solution automatically by the dispenser (2) once the identification card is validated, this dispensing occurring slowly,

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Simultaneously to the dispensing, engraving of the act of hand washing by a camera (3) housed inside the device once the dispenser (2) is activated.

6.

Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the information stored in the microprocessor (4) is then extracted through a data output means (6).

7.

Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the dispenser (2) supplies the washing solution for the same user after the passage of at least 20 minutes.

 ES 2 359 082 A1    ES 2 359 082 A1   SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 200900893 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 01.04.2009 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: See Additional Sheet RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

Documents cited Claims Affected

X

WO 03079278 A1 (JOHNSON RAYMOND C.) 25.09.2003, page 4, paragraph [2] - page 6, 1-7

paragraph [5]; figure.

X

US 6038331 A (JOHNSON RAYMOND C.) 14.03.2000, column 2, line 55 - column 3, 1-7

line 25; column 5, line 19 - column 6, line 6; figures.

X

US 2007064986 A1 (JOHNSON RAYMOND C.) 22.03.2007, paragraphs [30-48]; figures 1.4. 1-7

TO

WO 2008088424 A1 (INFECTION PREVENTION SYSTEMS et al.) 24.07.2008, page 6, 1-7

line 20 - page 20, line 20; figures.

TO

US 2009 051545 A1 (KOBLASZ ARTHUR) 26.02.2009, paragraphs [57-70]; Figures 7-8. 1-7

TO

US 2002000449 A1 (ARMSTORNG) 03.01.2002, paragraphs [24-32]; figures. 1-7

TO

WO 2007129289 A1 (TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN) 15.11.2007, page 7, lines 15-18; page 23, 1-7

lines 4-16; Figures 1,2,10.

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 25.04.2011

Examiner J. Square Prados Page 1/5

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE CLASSIFICATION OBJECT OF THE APPLICATION G08B21 / 24 (2006.01) A61B19 / 00 (2006.01) A47K5 / 12 (2006.01) Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) G08B, A61B, A47K, G06F Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC, WPI, PAJ, ECLA.  WRITTEN OPINION Date of Completion of Written Opinion: 04.25.2011 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 4, 7 1-3, 5-6 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-7 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base. This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published.  WRITTEN OPINION 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

WO 03079278 A1 (JOHNSON RAYMOND C.) 09.25.2003

D02

US 6038331 A (JOHNSON RAYMOND C.) 14.03.2000

D03

US 2007 064986 A1 (JOHNSON RAYMOND C.) 03/22/2007

D04

WO 2008088424 A1 (INFECTION PREVENTION SYSTEMS) 24.07.2008

D05

US 2009 051545 A1 (KOBLASZ ARTHUR) 02.22.2009

D06

US 2002000449 A1 (ARMSTORNG) 03.01.2002

D07

WO 2007129289 A1 (TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN) 11.15.2007

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement The invention as defined in the main claim relating to the device (first claim) is considered to be novel because it is comprised in the prior art, since any of documents D01 or D02 identically discloses the object of the invention set forth in that claim. Choosing, for example, document D01 as the closest state of the art and basis for the analysis, in it (see page 4, second paragraph - page 6, fifth paragraph and figure) a (the references in brackets apply) to D01):

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Device for handwashing of health personnel (page 1, line 10) by means of hydroalcoholic solution (page 6, last paragraph) comprising an identification card reader (12, page 4, lines 12-14) that determines the commissioning of a dispenser (16, page 4, third paragraph) that provides the necessary amount of hydroalcoholic solution, a camera for engraving handwashing (18, page 5, lines 1-8), a microprocessor (20, page 5, paragraphs 2 and 3) for the storage of the washing act information and a deposit (16) of said washing solution.

As the device of D01 is prepared to apply soap, detergent or disinfectant, it is capable of being used for the particular case of a hydroalcoholic solution. In any case the product dispensed is not the object of the invention and it is well known in the state of the art the use of hydroalcoholic solutions in handwashing devices and control procedures such as that of the application, as can be seen in documents D04 (page 13, lines 910), or D06 (paragraph 24). Although in D01 the existence of a deposit is not expressly cited, it is implicit to any device for dispensing soap, detergent, disinfectant or similar, the need to incorporate a deposit or container where to store the product until the moment of its dispensing through the dispenser. However, there are also numerous examples in the state of the art where if the tank is expressly cited as an integral part of the device, as can be verified, for example, in D05 (paragraph 58, figure 8). Therefore, document D01 contains all the technical characteristics of the first claim, so it is not new. Dependent claims 2-4 relating to the device, in combination with the features of the claim on which they depend, do not contain additional features of novelty or inventive activity with respect to the state of the art represented by documents D01 or D02 for the following reasons : Document D02, which also affects the novelty of the first claim as it contains all its features, also anticipates the features included in the second claim, since in D02 (see column 5, line 61 column 6, line 6, figure 2) The "microprocessor is adapted to store the number of times a toilet washes its hands, the date and time of the wash and the place where it was produced." Thus, the second claim is not new. Regardless of whether D02 is expressly included, these characteristics are well known and of common inclusion in any device or procedure such as that of the application, as can be seen for example in D04 (summary), or D05 (paragraph 65). The characteristics of claim three are implicitly contained in documents D01 or D02 (see second paragraph on page 5 in D01). Thus, the third claim is not new. However, the inclusion of a data output means for extracting the stored information is absolutely obvious and common in any prior art device.  WRITTEN OPINION The characteristic of claim four is a minor implementation detail that is a mere choice within the reach of any person skilled in the art, so that inventive activity is not appreciated therein. The use of a USB port as a means of data output is well known in the prior art as can be seen in D04 (page 18, line 7). On the other hand, the invention as defined in the main claim relating to the handwashing control procedure, claim five, is considered to be novel as it is comprised in the prior art, since document D01 discloses identically the object of the invention set forth in that claim. Indeed, in document D01, it is anticipated (references in brackets apply to D01) a:

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Hand washing control procedure (page 3, line 1) performed by the washing device comprising the steps of:

�

presentation of the health professional identification card for the reader to recognize (claim 7, page 4, lines 12-14),

�

validation or rejection of said identification card (page 4, lines 21-23),

�

dispensing of the hydroalcoholic solution automatically by the dispenser once the identification card is validated, this dispensing occurring slowly (claim 6, page 4, paragraph 3),

�

simultaneously with the dispensing, engraving of the act of handwashing by a camera housed inside the device once the dispenser is activated (claim 6, page 5, paragraph 1).

The fact that the dispensation occurs slowly is not considered a technical characteristic but a result to be obtained, and does not allow the person skilled in the art to determine what technical characteristics are necessary to achieve the desired result or function. However, it seems implicit in such a procedure as anticipated in D01, that the dispensing occurs slowly to achieve the expected results. Therefore, document D01 contains all the technical characteristics of claim five, so it is not new. The sixth claim related to the procedure, which adds a feature to the object of the fifth, is also anticipated by D01 (claim 6, page 5, second paragraph) and is therefore not new. Finally, the characteristic of claim 7 is considered a minor non-inventive detail, an option available to any person skilled in the art and well known in the state of the art. Therefore, it is considered that the seventh claim has no inventive activity.