GB2436793A

GB2436793A - Water hygiene system

Info

Publication number: GB2436793A
Application number: GB0706758A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pasquale Didonato; Maria Howells; Francesco Didonato
Original assignee: HYGIENIC HANDS Ltd
Current assignee: HYGIENIC HANDS LTD
Priority date: 2006-04-05
Filing date: 2007-04-05
Publication date: 2007-10-10
Also published as: GB0606840D0; GB0706758D0

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus 30 for a hand-washing water supply comprising a first conduit 20 connected to an outlet 16, a pump 44 configured to introduce cleaning fluid 62 into the first conduit, wherein the pump has a dormant condition and an active condition such that substantially all of the hand washing water supply to the outlet passes through the first fluid conduit. The outlet is preferably a hot or cold tap 16 and 18, the pump a diaphragm pump and the cleaning fluid preferably a soap or a detergent. The apparatus preferably comprises a feedback circuit 36 comprising a relay 50, flow switch 52 and power supply 54 so that when a user opens the tap and water flows through the first conduit, the flow switch closes, activating the relay and starting the pump which feeds the cleaning fluid into the first conduit. Once the tap is closed the flow switch operates the relay and stops the pump. Later embodiments relate to a water hygiene apparatus for hand washing comprising first and second conduits, a pump and a valve assembly, as well as a water hygiene apparatus for hand washing and a method comprising a flow detection means.

Description

2436793

Water Hygiene System

The present invention relates to a water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply, and is particularly concerned with water hygiene apparatus used in the hand washing water supplies of sink and tap arrangements in domestic or commercial environments, for example school toilets.

Generally the washing of hands involves diluting a soap or detergent in hot water and applying to the skin before rinsing the mixture off. Many hand washing apparatuses employ a sink or basin accompanied by a hot and a cold tap with a hot and a cold water supply attached thereto. The soap or detergent is often provided in either a solid or liquid form.

Therefore either bars of soap or liquid soap dispensers (with hand actuated pumps) are provided at sinks of this type. During the hand washing process it is up to the user to determine how much soap and/or how much water is required in order to wash his or her hands.

Soaps and detergents require such dilution to become effective, and that dilution is often specified by the manufacturer. One approach to achieving the correct dosage of liquid detergent is to use hand pumps which dispense a fixed amount of detergent upon actuation. Although such hand pumps dispense an amount of detergent necessary to perform the hand washing, the concentration of the dilution with water is still essentially the choice of the user and consequently it is still possible to achieve either a too concentrated or too diluted solution of soap or detergent rendering the hand washing operation less effective.

A problem with the methods of delivering soap or detergent in a hand washing apparatus described above is that the control is exclusively in the hands of the user. This is a problem in situations such as schools whereby the tendency of the user is often to vandalise the apparatus by, for example, destroying the bars of soap, moving them away from the sinks or alternatively vandalising and "over pumping" the liquid dispensers. Furthermore as the liquid dispensers are exposed they are open to vandalism and, often being made of plastic and containing moving parts are particularly susceptible to such vandalism.

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A further problem with the delivery method as described above is that the concentration of soap or detergent to water is entirely in the hands of the user. Therefore it is very easy for too little detergent to be used in relation to the amount of water applied, resulting in ineffective washing or alternatively an overabundance of soap or detergent resulting in the requirements for a large amount of rinsing which wastes both soap and water.

A further disadvantage of the known delivery methods described above is that the use of soap or detergent is entirely optional, and in situations where the user may be ignorant of the benefits of using soap or detergent (such as schools), soap or detergent may not be used at all resulting in an unsanitary situation whereby substances on the hands which would normally be removed by such soap and detergents remain.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply comprising an outlet, a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, a pump and a valve assembly, in which the outlet is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, in which the pump is located in the first fluid conduit and is configured to introduce cleaning fluid into a flow through the first fluid conduit, and the valve assembly has a first condition, in which fluid is permitted to flow through the first fluid conduit to the outlet, and fluid is not permitted to flow through the second fluid conduit, and a second condition, in which fluid is permitted to flow through the second fluid conduit to the outlet, and fluid is not permitted to flow through the first fluid conduit.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply comprising a pump and an outlet, wherein the pump is configured to provide a pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet, and the outlet is configured to be in fluid connection with a water supply conduit.

The present invention seeks to overcome the problems with the prior art by supplying a pressurised cleaning fluid to the water supply, i.e. to introduce the soap or detergent before it reaches the tap. In this manner the detergent can be moved away from the user and placed,

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for example, in a locked room or cabinet away from any sources of potential vandalism or interference. Furthermore, the use of soap or detergent become mandatory as it is supplied with the water coming from the tap.

According to an embodiment of the invention the water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply is configured to provide the pressurised cleaning fluid between the outlet at a pre-configured rate.

In this manner, the precise amount of cleaning fluid can be entered into the stream of water and consequently the possibility for using too much cleaning fluid or "over-pumping" of any manual dispensers is eliminated.

Advantageously, a flow detection means is connected to the pump wherein the flow detection means is configured to detect the flow through the water supply conduit and activate the pump upon such detection. Furthermore, the flow detection means may be configured to detect the flow rate through the water supply conduit and consequently vary the flow rate of pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet.

In this manner the exact dilution (i.e. the ratio of cleaning fluid to water) can be controlled reducing the waste produces by overuse or alternatively eliminating the problem of not using enough soap or detergent.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a hand washing apparatus comprising a water supply in fluid connection with a first hand washing tap and a water hygiene apparatus as described above. Advantageously, the system comprises a further tap, and the first tap is a hot water tap and the further tap is a cold water tap.

Most soaps and detergents are designed to be used with hot water, either because they provide a better cleaning function when diluted in water of a higher temperature or simply because hot water is more effective than cold water at destroying bacteria. An advantage of this system is that as the hot soapy water may be used to wash the hands, the cold water from the further tap may be used to rinse the hot soapy water after washing. Furthermore this aspect of the invention eliminates the possibility of the soapy water being used as drinking water as it is normal to extract drinking water from the cold tap.

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According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for providing a fluid for hand washing comprising the steps of:

providing a cleaning fluid,

providing a pump,

using the pump to pressurise the cleaning fluid, and introducing the pressurised cleaning fluid to a water supply upstream of a tap in order to supply a mixed flow of pressurised cleaning fluid and water to said tap.

A water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply will now be described in detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Fig.l is a plan view of a typical hand washing apparatus;

Fig.2 is a schematic view of a water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply in accordance with the present invention, and

Fig.3 is a circuit diagram relating to the feedback circuit in accordance with the present invention,

Fig.4 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply in accordance with the present invention

Fig.5 is a schematic view of a control system for a water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply in accordance with the present invention,

Fig.6a is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a control system for a water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply in accordance with the present invention, Fig.6b is a schematic view of a still further embodiment of a control system for a water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply in accordance with the present invention, Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply in accordance with the present invention,

Fig.l shows a typical hand washing apparatus 10 comprising a sink 12 attached to a wall 14, a hot water tap 16 and a cold water tap 18 with a hot water conduit 20 and a cold water conduit 22 attached respectively thereto.

The taps 16, 18 are substantially identical and further comprise levers 24, 26 which may be actuated by a user in order to release the water held (under pressure) in conduits 20, 22.

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This known system is often provided with either a solid bar of soap (not shown) or a liquid detergent dispenser (not shown) in the surrounding area, from which soap or detergent may be obtained and mixed with water from either tap 24, 26 in order to wash the user's hands.

A water hygiene apparatus 30 is shown at Fig.2. The water hygiene apparatus 30 comprises a reservoir 32, a pumping assembly 34 and a feedback circuit 36.

Fig.2 also shows the hot water tap 16 with hot water lever 24 connected to hot water conduit 20 separated into three sections; and upstream section 37, a middle section 38 and a downstream section 40.

Hot water is supplied to the hot water conduit from a hot water source of a known type (e.g. a hot water tank or boiler).

The pumping assembly 34 comprises a water pump 44 of known type, a feed tube 46 and a T-section 48. The water pump 44 is situated proximate the base of the reservoir 32 and is capable of pumping any fluid contained within the reservoir 32 through the feed tube 46 to the T-section 48. The T-section 48 is installed between the middle section and the downstream section of the hot water conduit 20 such that any fluid in the feed tube 46 may be introduced into the flow through the hot water conduit 20. Furthermore, the T-section 48 further comprises a one-way valve 49 which only allows flow of liquid from the feed tube 46 into the hot water conduit 20.

The feedback circuit 36 comprises a relay 50, a flow switch 52 and a power supply 54.

A circuit diagram of the feedback circuit is shown in Fig.3. The flow switch 52 is in a low voltage DC circuit 56 configured to actuate the relay 50. Consequently, a low voltage power supply 58 is also required (not shown in Fig.2).

The water pump 44 is connected in a high voltage circuit 60 with the power supply 64 and can be activated by the relay 50.

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The flow switch 52 is of known type and generally comprises the low voltage circuit 56 when the flow of water is detected from the upstream section 37 to the middle section 38 of the hot water conduit.

In operation the water hygiene apparatus is charged with a fluid detergent of known type 62. The fluid detergent 62 may be a liquid or alternatively a liquid with solid particles deposited therein (for example as use as an abrasive). The fluid detergent 62 is deposited within reservoir 32 such that the inlets of the water pump 44 are submerged.

When the user wishes to extract the hot soapy water from the hot water tap 16 he or she operates the hot water lever 24 such that hot water from the hot water source 42 flows through the hot water conduit 20. As the hot water passes between the upstream section 37 and the middle section 38 via the flow switch 52, the flow switch 52 closes, completing the low voltage circuit 56 and activating relay 50. As this occurs the high voltage circuit is made by the relay 50 such that the water pump 44 is activated.

Upon activation of the water pump 44, the fluid detergent 62 is fed into the feed tube 46 under pressure, through the one-way valve 49 and into the T-section 48. As this occurs the fluid detergent is carried by the stream of hot water from the middle section 38 into the down stream section 40 and emerges at the hot water tap 16 as a mixed water and detergent flow.

When the supply of hot soapy water is no longer required the user turns the hot water lever to an off position at which point the flow of hot water from the hot water source ceases, the flow switch 52 breaks the low voltage circuit 56 and consequently the relay breaks the high voltage circuit 60 such that the water pump 44 is deactivated. Consequently, no further fluid detergent 62 is passed into the feed tube 46 and consequently into the hot water flow.

As the hot water source 42 is generally under pressure in order to create the flow of hot water at the tap 16 when activated, it may be possible for a back pressure to be created between the hot water conduit 20 and the feed tube 46. In this case water would be able to pass into the feed tube 46 and subsequently into the reservoir 32 diluting the soap and possibly causing an overflow. This is prevented by a use of the one-way valve 49 which does not allow any flow from the hot water conduit 20 to the feed tube 46.

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It should be recognised that the nature of the invention allows the fluid detergent 62 to be placed away from the hand washing apparatus 10; out of the reach of any potential misusers or vandals. The exact dosage can be controlled via the settings on the water pump 44 such that excessive detergent is not used.

Numerous changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example the feedback circuit 36 may be configured to vary the pumping power of the water pump 44 with the flow rate through the flow switch 52, which would need to provide a signal via the low voltage circuit 56 indicating the flow rate from the downstream section 37 to the middle section 38 of the hot water conduit 20. In this manner the exact concentration of the soapy water emerging from the tap 16 may be controlled regardless of the flow rate instigated by the user upon activation of hot water lever 24.

A further variation which falls within the scope of the present invention is to use multiple systems in parallel. Many washrooms comprise more than one hand washing apparatus 10 and consequently the system could be scaled up to suit the particular application. For example, a single large reservoir 32 could be employed with multiple water pumps 44 and feed tubes 46 feeding a number of hand washing apparatuses 10. This is advantageous as only a single refilling operation is required of the reservoir 32 as opposed to known systems in which liquid detergent must be refilled in each dispenser.

Another variation which falls within the scope of the present invention is that the container 32 may be an existing container of known type used for the storage of liquid detergents. In this situation the water pump 44 would be placed midway up the feed tube 46 and the bottom of the feed tube 46 would be inserted into the container. This variation removes the requirement for the transfer of liquid detergent from the containers in which it is provided into a reservoir 32.

A further embodiment of a water hygiene apparatus 70 is shown in Fig.4. Water hygiene apparatus 70 comprises a reservoir 72, a pumping assembly 74 and a feedback circuit 76.

Fig.4 also shows a hot water tap 78 (substantially similar to hot water tap 16) with hot water lever 80 connected to hot water conduit 82 separated into three sections; and upstream section 84, a middle section 86 and a downstream section 88.

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The pumping assembly 34 comprises a diaphragm pump 90 of known type, a feed tube 92, a supply tube 94 and a T-section 96. The use of a diaphragm pump in this application is advantageous as diaphragm pumps are particularly suited to providing accurate, measured doses of liquid. As such the concentration of the detergent or soap being supplied to the hot water conduit 82 may be accurately controlled.

The supply tube 94 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 72, and located at its base. The supply tube is also in fluid communication with the feed tube 92 with the diaphragm pump 90 inbetween. The T-section 96 is installed between the middle section 86 and the downstream section 88 of the hot water conduit 82 such that any fluid in the feed tube 92 may be introduced into the flow through the hot water conduit 82. Furthermore, the T-section 96 further comprises a one-way valve 98 which only allows flow of liquid from the feed tube 92 into the hot water conduit 82.

The feedback circuit 76 comprises a relay 100, a flow switch 102 and a power supply 104.

The diaphragm pump 90 is connected in an similar manner to water pump 44 as shown in Fig.3, such that flow through the hot water conduit 82 activates the relay 100 and provides power to the diaphragm pump 90. However, diaphragm pump 90 is configured such that the flow of liquid from the reservoir 72 into the feed tube 92 is controlled in a specific manner. Specifically, the diaphragm pump 90 will remain dormant for a first set period of time, activate (thus pumping liquid into the hot water conduit 82) for a second set period of time, and subsequently deactivate.

The flow switch 102 is of known type and generally comprises a low voltage circuit substantially similar to low voltage circuit 56 and activates when the flow of water is detected from the upstream section 84 to the middle section 86 of the hot water conduit 82.

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The water hygiene apparatus 70 operates in a substantially similar way to water hygiene apparatus 30, with the exception of the use of the diaphragm pump 90. By use of diaphragm pump 90, upon activation of the hot water lever 80, the user will be provided with an initial stream of pure hot water in the first set period of time (for example, five seconds) as the flow switch 102 activates the relay 100 thus providing power to the diaphragm pump 90, thus wetting their hands. They will then be provided with hot, soapy water for the second set period of time (for example, five seconds), and finally with a stream of pure hot water until the flow in the hot water conduit 82 is stopped with operation of the hot water lever 80, and the flow switch deactivates the relay 100 and diaphragm pump 90.

The diaphragm pump 90 contains the necessary functionality and versatility to provide the timed flow as described above. However, a more basic pump (a basic diaphragm pump, conventional water pump or such like) may be used instead. In this instance the feedback circuit 76 could be replaced with the control system 110 of Fig.5.

A circuit diagram of the control system 110 is shown in Fig.5. The flow switch 102 is in a low voltage DC circuit 112 configured to actuate a relay 114. Consequently, a low voltage power supply 116 is also required (not shown in Fig.4).

A pump 117 is connected in a high voltage circuit 118 with the power supply 104 and can be activated by the relay 114.

The low voltage DC circuit further comprises a control circuit 120. The control circuit 120 is of known type and is configured to complete the circuit 112 after the first time interval and break the circuit 112 after the second time interval, thus providing the functionality provided by diaphragm pump 90 above.

Figs. 6a and 6b show alternative arrangements for control system 100; control system 120 and control system 130 respectively. Control system 120 is a simple circuit comprising the flow switch 102 and the control circuit 120 as described above. A DC pump 122 is provided in the circuit, and a DC power supply 124 is also provided and configured to drive the DC pump 122. A 12V DC supply is shown as an example, but any suitable power supply could be used. Advantageously, this system eliminates the requirement for the high power, potentially dangerous mains power supply.

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Control system 130 is substantially identical to control system 120 with the exception that a variable flow switch 132 is provided in place of flow switch 102. The variable flow switch 132 employs a flow detection means that is configured to provide a variable resistance dependent on the flow rate m the hot water conduit 82. As such, the power delivered to the pump 122 is dependent upon the flow rate in the hot water conduit and as such the concentration of the detergent or soap is maintained regardless of the hot water flow rate.

A still further embodiment of a hygiene apparatus 150 is shown in figure 5. Hygeine apparatus 150 comprises an inlet 152 from a hot water supply, an outlet 154 at a hand washing tap 156 and a dosing assembly 158.

Dosing assembly 158 comprises a first fluid conduit 160 and a second fluid conduit 162, both in fluid communication with the inlet 152 and the outlet 154. A diaphragm pump 164 is situated in the first fluid conduit 160 and configured to draw cleaning fluid 166 from cleaning fluid reservoir 168 into the first fluid conduit 160, thus mixing it with the water in said first fluid conduit 160.

At the junction where the inlet 152 meets the first fluid conduit 160 and the second fluid conduit 162 there is located a valve assembly 170. Valve assembly 170 is configured to selectively permit the flow of water from the inlet 152 to either the first fluid conduit 160 or the second fluid conduit 162, but not both. As such, the valve assembly 170 controls whether the user experiences "clean" water (i.e. with no cleaning fluid) or soapy water at the tap 156.

The valve assembly 170 is controlled by a valve controller 172 and powered by power supply 174. Valve controller 172 is an electronic device of known type capable of actuating the valve assembly 170. The valve assembly comprises a flow switch 176 which is capable of detecting the flow in the inlet 152. The flow switch 176 is connected to the valve controller 172 such that the state of the flow switch is communicated to the valve controller 172.

The valve controller 172 is configured such that in a dormant state, with no flow in inlet 152, the valve assembly is configured to permit water to pass through inlet 152, through

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second conduit 162 and to outlet 154. As such, when the tap 156 is activated by the user, "clean" water emerges.

The initiation of flow past flow switch 176 starts a timer on valve controller 172. After a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the valve controller 172 switches the valve assembly such that flow is directed through the first fluid conduit 160 (rather than the second 162) to the outlet 154. As such, the diaphragm pump 164 is activated and cleaning fluid 166 can pass into the water stream, and the tap 156 emits soapy water.

Finally, after a further predetermined interval (for example, 15 seconds), the valve controller 172 switches the valve assembly back to the original position in which flow is passed through the second fluid conduit 162 again. The valve will controller resets when the flow switch 176 detects a no flow condition.

Therefore, in use, the user, upon activating tap 156, experiences a first time period (a wetting time interval) of "clean" water, a second time period (a washing interval) of soapy water and a third time period (a rinsing interval) until the tap is deactivated, of "clean" water again.

Optionally, the cleaning fluid reservoir 168 comprises an inlet 180, into which a standard liquid soap container 182, may be emptied.

Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of a hygiene apparatus 200.

The invention is not limited to providing liquid detergent or soap to hot water supplies, and could be applied to mixed water supplies or even cold water supplies as appropriate. In the embodiments shown in the figures and described above, the hot water supply is selected such that the detergent is not likely to be drunk and furthermore the accompanying cold water tap 18 may be used to rinse the hot soapy water form the users hands following washing.

The present invention is not limited to the use of soaps or detergents but may be extended to any treatment requiring application onto human hands. For example, antibacterial washes or abrasives.

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The above system may be used in any number of locations for example schools, nurseries, colleges, universities, places of work, hotels, public houses, clubs, sports centres, public toilets and hospitals.

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Claims

1. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply comprising an outlet, a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, a pump and a valve assembly,

in which the outlet is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit,

in which the pump is located in the first fluid conduit and is configured to introduce cleaning fluid into a flow through the first fluid conduit, and the valve assembly has a first condition, in which fluid is permitted to flow through the first fluid conduit to the outlet, and fluid is not permitted to flow through the second fluid conduit, and a second condition, in which fluid is permitted to flow through the second fluid conduit to the outlet, and fluid is not permitted to flow through the first fluid conduit.

2. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 1 in which the valve assembly is a single valve.

3. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a control system, the control system being configured to move the valve assembly between the first position and the second position.

4. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 3 in which the control system is configured to to move the valve assembly between the first position and the second position after preconfigured time intervals.

5. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 4 in which the control system is configured to move the valve assembly from the first position to the second position after a wash time interval, and from the second position to the first position after a rinse time interval.

6. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 5 in which the control system is configured to move the valve assembly from the second position to the first position after a wetting time interval, from the first position to the second position

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after a wash time interval, and from the second position to the first position after a rinse time interval.

7. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the pump is a diaphragm pump.

8. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply comprising a pump, an outlet, and a flow detection means operatively connected to the pump wherein the pump is configured to provide a pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet, the outlet is configured to be in fluid connection with a water supply conduit, and the flow detection means is configured to detect the flow through the water supply conduit, and activate the pump upon such detection.

9. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 8 further comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir.

10. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 8 or 9 in which the pump is configured to provide a pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet at a preconfigured rate.

11. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to of claims 8 to 10 in which the flow detection means is configured to detect the flow rate through the water supply conduit vary the flow rate of pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet in response to the flow rate through the water supply conduit.

12. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 11 in which the flow detection means is configured to vary the flow rate of pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet in response to the flow rate through the water supply conduit such that the ratio of the flow rate of pressurised cleaning fluid relative to the flow rate through the water supply remains constant.

13. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any of claims 8 to 12 in which the flow detection means is upstream of the outlet.

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14. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any of claims 8 to 13 in which the pump is an electric pump.

15. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 14 in which the flow detection means controls an electrical input to the pump.

16. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 15 in which the flow detection means comprises a flow switch.

17. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any of claims 8 to 16 in which the pump is a diaphragm pump.

18. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any of claims 8 to 17 further comprising a non-return valve positioned between the pump and the outlet.

19. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 9, in which the cleaning fluid reservoir is a standard container for the storage of cleaning fluid.

20. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the cleaning fluid is a soap.

21. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the cleaning fluid is a detergent.

22. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any of claims 8 to 21 further comprising a pressurised cleaning fluid dosing controller, said controller configured to provide pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet after a wetting time interval following detection of a flow through the water supply conduit.

23. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 22 in which the controller is configured to provide a predetermined amount of pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet after the wetting time interval.

24 A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 23 in which the controller is configured to provide pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet for a wash time interval after the wetting time interval.

25. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any of claims 8 to 21 further comprising a pressurised cleaning fluid dosing controller, said controller configured to provide a predetermined amount of pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet.

26. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 25 in which the controller is configured to provide pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet for a predetermined time interval.

27. A hand-washing apparatus comprising a water supply in fluid connection with a first hand-washing tap, and a water hygiene apparatus according to any preceding claim connected thereto.

28. A hand-washing system according to claim 27 further comprising a further tap.

29. A method for providing a fluid for hand washing according to claim 28 in which the pressurised cleaning fluid is introduced at a mass flow rate proportional to the mass flow rate of the water supply such that a constant concentration is maintained.

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29. A hand-washing system according to claim 28 in which the first tap is a hot water tap and the further tap is a cold water tap.

30. A method for providing a fluid for hand washing comprising the steps of:

• providing a cleaning fluid,

• providing a pump,

• using the pump to pressurise the cleaning fluid, and

• providing a flow detection means in the water supply,

• introducing the pressurised cleaning fluid to a water supply upstream of a tap in order to supply a mixed flow of pressurised cleaning fluid and water to said tap upon detection of flow of water in the water supply.

31. A method for providing a fluid for hand washing according to claim 30 further comprising the steps of:

• detecting the mass flow rate of water in the water supply,

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• introducing the pressurised cleaning fluid at a rate dependant on the mass flow rate of the water in the water supply.

32. A method for providing a fluid for hand washing according to claim 31 in which the pressurised cleaning fluid is introduced at a mass flow rate proportional to the mass flow rate of the water supply such that a constant concentration is maintained.

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Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

Claims

1 A water hygiene apparatus for a hand washing water supply comprising an outlet, a first fluid conduit connected to the outlet, a pump and a flow detection means,

the outlet being in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit,

the pump being configured to introduce cleaning fluid into a flow through the first fluid conduit,

the pump being configured to have a dormant condition in which no cleaning fluid is introduced into the flow, and an active condition in which cleaning fluid is introduced into the flow and being configured to alternate between the dormant condition and the active condition,

the flow detection means being configured to detect the flow through the water supply conduit, and activate the pump upon such detection, and substantially all of the hand washing water supply to the outlet passes through the first fluid conduit.

2. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 1 in which the pump is configured to move.between the active condition and the dormant condition after preconfigured time intervals.

3 A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 2 in which the pump is configured to move from the active condition to the dormant position after a wash time interval, and from the dormant condition to the active condition after a rinse time interval.

4 A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 3 in which the pump is configured to move from the dormant condition to the active condition after a wetting time interval, from the active condition to the dormant position after a wash time interval, and from the dormant condition to the active condition after a rinse time interval.

5. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the pump is a diaphragm pump.

IS

6. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim further comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir.

7. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the pump is configured to provide a pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet at a preconfigured rate.

8. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the flow detection means is configured to detect the flow rate through the water supply conduit and to vary the flow rate of pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet in response to the flow rate through the water supply conduit.

9. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 8 in which the flow detection means is configured to vary the flow rate of pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet in response to the flow rate through the water supply conduit such that the ratio of the flow rate of pressurised cleaning fluid relative to the flow rate through the water supply remains constant.

10. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the flow detection means is upstream of the outlet.

11. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the pump is an electric pump.

12. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the flow detection means controls an electrical input to the pump.

13. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the flow detection means comprises a flow switch.

14. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the pump is a diaphragm pump.

15. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim further comprising a non-retum valve positioned between the pump and the outlet.

16. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 6, in which the cleaning fluid reservoir is a standard container for the storage of cleaning fluid.

17. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the cleaning fluid is a soap.

18 A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim in which the cleaning fluid is a detergent.

19. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any preceding claim further comprising a pressurised cleaning fluid dosing controller, said controller configured to provide pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet after a wetting time interval following detection of a flow through the water supply conduit.

20. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 19 in which the controller is configured to provide a predetermined amount of pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet after the wetting time interval.

21 A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 20 in which the controller is configured to provide pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet for a wash time interval after the wetting time interval.

22. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to any of claims 1 to 18 further comprising a pressurised cleaning fluid dosing controller, said controller configured to provide a predetermined amount of pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet.

23. A water hygiene apparatus for a hand-washing water supply according to claim 22 in which the controller is configured to provide pressurised cleaning fluid to the outlet for a predetermined time interval.

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24. A hand-washing apparatus comprising a water supply in fluid connection with a first hand-washing tap, and a water hygiene apparatus according to any preceding claim connected thereto.

25. A hand-washing system according to claim 24 further comprising a further tap.

26. A hand-washing system according to claim 25 in which the first tap is a hot water tap and the further tap is a cold water tap.

27. A method for providing a fluid for hand washing comprising the steps of:

• providing a cleaning fluid,

• providing a pump,

• using the pump to pressurise the cleaning fluid, and

• providing a flow detection means in the water supply,

28. A method for providing a fluid for hand washing according to claim 27 further comprising the steps of:

• detecting the mass flow rate of water in the water supply,

• introducing the pressurised cleaning fluid at a rate dependent on the mass flow rate of the water in the water supply.