Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
  • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
  • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
  • E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
• • 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
  • A47K5/1217—Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
  • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
  • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
  • E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
  • E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
  • E03C1/057—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like touchless, i.e. using sensors
• • 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
• • 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
  • A47K2210/00—Combinations of water taps, soap dispensers and hand dryers

Definitions

• the wash station has a valve, possibly foot or leg operated, for controlling water flow from a faucet to a sink.
• a source of cleansing agent such as a liquid soap
• Hot air dryers are normally not provided in a hospital environment, because the flow of air has a tendency to spread the contagia. Wash stations suffer from numerous drawbacks, such as improper quantity of soap, a need to touch a valve or other potentially contaminated site, and the excessive use of water while the washing operation takes place.
• the disclosed invention is a wash station, suitable for both hospital and food- handling establishments.
• the wash station has infrared sensors for detecting the presence of a user, and a desire for that user to initiate a hand washing operation.
• a control system causes a sufficient quantity of water to be dispensed in order to permit the hands to be wet.
• a predetermined amount of soap sufficient to cleanse the hands is then dispensed, and a further quantity of water is dispensed in order to permit the hands to be rinsed. Finally, a selected length of roll toweling is dispensed.
• the control system has means to permit these to occur, thereby by-passing the hand washing mode. Operation of the wash station may be monitored by a central computer, which also has the capability of notifying appropriate maintenance personnel if the wash station is not operating properly, or requires servicing.
• the primary object of the disclosed invention is to provide a wash station suitable for hospitals and food-handling establishments as a means for minimizing the spread of infectious disease.
• a further object of the disclosed invention is to provide a method of operating a wash station which minimizes the risk of infectious disease being spread.
• a wash station comprises a sink and a water dispensing faucet operably associated with the sink for selectively dispensing water thereto.
• a first sensor is operably associated with the sink for determining the presence of a user.
• An electrically operated valve is in flow communication with the faucet for causing water to be selectively supplied thereto and operably associated with the first sensor for being actuated thereby.
• a soap dispensing faucet is operably associated with the sink for selecting dispensing soap.
• a second sensor is operably associated with the soap dispensing faucet for determining the presence of a user in operable association with the soap dispensing faucet.
• a pump is in operable association with a soap supply, in fluid communication with the soap dispensing faucet, and in operable connection with the second sensor for causing soap to be selectively supplied to the soap dispensing faucet upon detection of a user by the second sensor.
• the method of operating a wash station comprises the steps of detecting the presence of a user with a first sensor, and causing water to be dispensed from a faucet upon the user being detected; determining with a second sensor that the user desires soap to be dispensed; and causing soap to be dispensed from a soap dispenser upon the second sensor being actuated and simultaneously prohibiting water from being dispensed through the faucet.
• the method of operating a wash station comprises the steps of providing a wash station including a sink, a water dispensing faucet operably associated with the sink, an electrically operated valve in flow communication with the water dispensing faucet for controlling water flow thereto, a first sensor operably associated with the water dispensing faucet for determining the presence of a user, a soap dispensing faucet operably associated with the sink and adjacent the water dispensing faucet, a pump in fluid communication with a source of soap and with the soap dispensing faucet, a second sensor operably associated with the second sensor and the pump for controlling operation of the pump for supplying soap to the soap dispensing faucet, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors, the valve, and the pump for controlling operation of the valve and the pump.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the wash station of the invention
• Figure 2 is a front elevational view thereof, with portions shown in section and broken away;
• Figure 3 is a side elevational view thereof, with portions broken away and in section;
• Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the soap weigh mechanism of the invention
• Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the soap dispensing system of the invention, with portions shown in section;
• Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of yet a further means for dispensing soap
• Figure 7 is a fragmentary elevational view of a faucet of the invention
• Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevational view, with portions shown in section, of a further pump system
• Figure 9 is an elevational view with portions broken away of yet a further embodiment of the wash station of the invention.
• Figures 10 and 11 are schematic wiring diagrams of the embodiment of Figure
• Figure 12 is schematic diagram illustrating the wash station control system
• Figure 13 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the wash station of the invention.
• Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the invention.
• Wash station WI has a cabinet 10 and a vertical support 12.
• the cabinet 10 and support 12 may, as shown, be separate structural elements, or they may be integral or the support 12 might be part of a wall or the like.
• cabinet 10 and vertical support 12 be manufactured from stainless steel, those skilled in the art will understand that other compositions might be appropriate, such as when wash station WI is in a restaurant environment.
• Sink 14 is mounted to top 16 of cabinet 10. Also mounted to top 16 is an infrared sensor 18, a faucet 20, and a selector switch 22. Cabinet 10 may have handles
• Roll towel dispenser 32 is mounted to vertical support 12.
• Roll towel dispenser is, preferably, manufactured pursuant to U.S. Patent No. 4,960,248, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and the assignee of which is also the assignee of the present application.
• Dispensing means 32 has an infrared sensor 34, which may be a passive infrared detector, as compared with the active infrared detector of the sensor 18.
• a length of toweling 36 extending from dispenser 32, as well as display 38 which indicates the number of uses of wash station WI . While we prefer the use of paper towels, it is merely necessary that a continuous length of tearable drying material be dispensed from dispenser 32. Sheet towels should not be used, because they run the risk of contact with the possibly contaminated dispenser.
• cabinet 10 has an open interior in which appropriate operating elements of wash station WI are located.
• Hot and cold water lines 40 and 42 are fed from the customary sources provided in most buildings.
• Manual shut-off valves 44 and 46 are disposed at the upper ends of water lines 40 and 42.
• a T- connector or fitting 48 extends from the water line above valve 44 and has line 50 extending therefrom, for reasons to be explained, electrically operated solenoid valves 52 and 54 are interposed between valves 44 and 46, respectively, and T-connector 56 to faucet 20 in order to supply water thereto when the normally closed valves 52 and/or 54 are in the open or flow permitting position.
• the T-connector 56 permits the hot and cold water to be mixed, in order to achieve a desired temperature.
• Faucet 20, as best shown in Figure 7, has a water flow channel 60 and an interior soap flow channel 62, and terminates in nozzle 64 for directing water into sink 14 and ultimately from the drain to a sewer or treatment system.
• Horizontal support 66 is mounted within cabinet 10, and supports soap container or bottle 68 disposed on weigh apparatus 70.
• Line 72 leads from soap container 68 to pinch valve pump 74.
• Line 76 leads from pump 74 to check valve 78, while line 80 leads from check valve 78 to soap channel 62 of faucet 20.
• Check valve 79 is positioned in line 72 intermediate container 68 and pump 74.
• Soap channel 62 as best shown in Figure 7, has a short length of tubing 82 extending from faucet 20 for directing soap into sink 14.
• Solenoid operated control valve 84 is upstream in line 50 and leads to T- connector 86 to the inlet of pinch valve pump 74 in order to provide pressurizing water thereto.
• the other outlet of T-connector 86 leads to a control valve or simply a restrictive orifice.
• Line 92 extends from control valve 90 to T-connector 94 of line 58, as best shown in Figure 3.
• Weigh apparatus 70 comprises a first support plate 96 resting on support 66, and a second plate 98 overlying plate 96 and hingedly connected thereto by hinge assembly 100.
• Soap container 68 which, preferably, is a relatively lightweight disposable bottle, rests upon second plate 98.
• Second plate 98 has a plurality of recesses 102, 104 and 106 formed in surface 108 thereof in spaced relation relative to hinge assembly 100.
• Pressure switch 110 has a piston 112 selectively positionable in any one of recesses 102, 104 and 106.
• the weight of soap container 68, including the soap contents thereof, is thereby applied to the pressure switch 110 through piston 112 as a means for monitoring the degree of fullness of the container 68.
• Electric leads 114 extend from pressure switch 110 as a means for communicating with a central computer, such as shown in Figure 12, the quantity of soap contained in the container 68.
• Figures 4 and 5 also disclose the continuous resilient fill tube 116 extending through pump 74 into soap container 68.
• a sealing disk 118 at the top of container 68, in order to prevent spillage of soap, as well as to provide a frangible opening into which the tube 116 may be inserted.
• the tube 116 extends through the pump 74.
• the fill tube 116 must be changed when the container 68 is replaced. This minimizes the possibility of contamination occurring at joints or fittings. This is particularly appropriate in a hospital environment, where the possibility of infection should be avoided as much as possible. In a food-handling environment, however, this may not be as necessary.
• Roll towel dispenser 32 as best shown in Figures 2 and 3, has an infrared sensor 34.
• the sensor 34 causes electric motor 120 to operate whenever a user requires toweling. This is particularly appropriate in a hospital environment, where a sudden emergency may preclude the user's completion of the normal wash cycle. Electric motor 120 causes roll 122 of paper towel to rotate by means of one-way transmission 124. This assures that toweling is dispensed through the opening in dispenser 32, and prevents the roll 122 from being wound up.
• pinch valve pump 74 has an outer substantially non-deformable cylindrical casing 128 which is closed at the ends thereof, except for openings 130 and 132 which provide, respectively, an inlet and an outlet for tubing 116, as best shown in Figure 5.
• a further opening 134 is formed in the side of casing 128 to permit a connection for water line 80.
• Resilient bladder 136 is positioned within casing 128, and has a central opening
• the tubing 116 can be relatively thin, and the thickness thereof may be selected based upon the quantity of soap 126 which is to be pumped. The thicker the wall of tubing 116, then the smaller the volume of soap contained in the pumping chamber thereof.
• the bladder 136 will remain in the expanded condition for so long as the valve 84 is opened. Once the valve is closed, thereby removing the source of water pressure from line 88, then it is merely necessary to open the valve 90 to allow the water to bleed through to faucet 20 so that the central opening 138 will be expanded again. We prefer that the water released through valve 90 feed into the water flow channel 60. Also, soap will be pulled from container 68 into pump 74.
• Pinch valve pump 142 is similar to pump 74, with the exception that bayonet connections 144 and 146 are provided at the inlet and outlet thereof, respectively. Also, unlike the pump 74, the tube 148 which leads to the soap container 68 does not extend through the pump 142. Likewise, the tube 150 affixed to connector 146 leads to faucet 20. In this way, the central opening 138 of the bladder 136 itself forms the soap conduit. Naturally, check valves are provided before and after pump 142 in order to assure that soap flows to the pump 142 and then to faucet 20.
• Figure 8 disclosed check valve 152, which is, preferably, a ball check valve, which feeds line 92 leading to faucet 20.
• solenoid 154 operates control valve 156 at the discharge end of line 50.
• Electrical cable 158 supplies the operating power and control signal which causes the solenoid valve 154 to operate.
• the check valve 152 prevents water from flowing through line 92 into the valve 156, and is sized such that the sudden flow of water from line 50 is substantially diverted into pump 142.
• the check valve 152 thereby acts as an orifice, allowing the water to bleed once the valve 156 is closed by the solenoid 154.
• Figure 6 discloses an electrically operated rotary peristaltic pump which is also useable for causing the cleansing material 126 to be pumped to the faucet 20.
• the pump 160 has a removable cover 162 overlying supports 164 and 166.
• Shaft 168 is rotated by an electric motor (not shown).
• Shaft 168 carries fingers 170 along the periphery thereof, for engagement with resilient soap supply conduit 172.
• Conduit 172 feeds soap line 174 leading to faucet 20.
• Rotation of shaft 168 causes the fingers 170 to selectively engage the conduit 172, thereby causing same to be compressed against the cover 162. This is a rolling type of motion, having the tendency of forcing the soap toward soap line 174 as rotation continues. Rotation of shaft 168 in the opposite direction causes the soap to be pulled into conduit 172 from line 174, thereby minimizing the possibility of soap dripping from line 174 into sink 14.
• the cover 162 is removable from its overlying relation to the shaft 168 and supports 164 and 166, thereby facilitating replacement of the soap conduit 172, after the soap in the container 68 has been consumed. This is an effective means of minimizing contamination which might find its situs at a fitting. It should be appreciated that the soap container and conduit may be an integral unit, thereby facilitating replacement.
• push button selector switch 22 is mounted to upper surface 16 of cabinet 10 adjacent faucet 20.
• the selector switch 22 is a two position switch.
• the selector switch 22 is an effective means for permitting only water to be dispensed from the faucet 20.
• roll toweling is available from the dispenser 32 at all times because of the second sensor 34.
• Display 38 will not be operated when the push button switch 22 is in the water only position, because the display 38 is operated by controller 176, and is only advanced when soap is pumped.
• the controller 176 may be hardwired, or may be a programmable controller.
• the controller 176 has the functions of receiving all required electrical signals for the display 38, and the solenoid-operated valves 52,
• the central controller 176 will, preferably, communicate with a host computer.
• Figure 9 discloses wash station W2.
• Wash station W2 may be adapted for use with a sink 178 which is of conventional design.
• a first infrared sensor 180 which is, preferably, of the active type, is mounted to surface 182 of sink 178 and is used for determining the presence of the hands of a user beneath faucet 20.
• the faucet 20 of wash station W2 is substantially the same as faucet 20 of wash station WI, and no further discussion thereof is seen to be necessary.
• second sensor 184 which is also of the active type.
• the sensor 184 looks upwardly, however, as opposed to the sensor 180 which looks horizontally. In this way, the eye of the sensor 180 may be thought of as operating on a horizontal plane, while the eye of the sensor 184 operates on a vertical plane extending substantially transverse to the plane of the sensor 180. This relationship avoids possible confusion to the controller 176 on account of inaccurate positioning of the hands of a user.
• Wash station W2 has manual water supply valves 186 and 188 providing a source of pressurized water to the wash station W2.
• Normally closed solenoid 190 operates control valve 192 for causing water to selectively flow to T-connector 194 through line 196.
• normally closed solenoid 198 operates control valve 200 for permitting water to flow through line 202 to T-connector 194.
• Line 204 leads from manually operated valve 188 to control valve 206.
• Valve 206 is operated by normally closed solenoid 208.
• Check valve 210 feeds line 212 which communicates with line 202 through T-connector 214.
• Pump 213, which is substantially the same as the pump 142 of Figure 8, has soap supply line 215 leading from soap container 216. Soap line 218 extends from the outlet of pump 142 to conduit 80.
• check valves 217 and 219 which may be ball check valves, are interposed between container 216 and faucet 20 in order to control pumping of the soap.
• Control box 220 is mounted to a vertical support behind drain 222. Electric lines extend from the control box 220 to each of the pieces of equipment, and preferably the lines have strain relieving plug assemblies 224 to minimize deterioration of the electrical cable.
• the sensor 184 is preferable to the push button 22, particularly in hospital environments. The sensor 184, by looking upwardly, need not be contacted by the user, and thereby minimizes the risk of infection due to prior contact. In order to have the control box 220 switch the wash station W2 between the hand washing and water only modes, it is merely necessary for the user to place his or her hand over the sensor 184 for a sufficient period of time.
• Figure 12 discloses a schematic diagram by which the wash stations WI and W2 are connected to a host or central computer.
• the control unit which corresponds to the controller 176 of the wash station WI, operates both the display 38 and the soap weighing mechanism 70. Also, the control unit feeds relevant operating information to the central computer which, if necessary, notifies maintenance of the need to take action with regard to the relevant wash station.
• the display 38 and the soap weighing mechanism 70 communicate with a central computer, through the controller 176, as may be desired. This permits the central computer to periodically query the display and the soap weigher in order to monitor usage of the wash station.
• Figures 10 and 11 disclose the wiring diagram by which the wash stations WI and W2 are constructed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wiring diagram of Figures 10 and 11 may be assembled by hard wiring, or may be achieved through software control, such as with a programmable controller.
• the box "Normal" indicates the condition which the wash stations WI and W2 are normally in, and water only is dispensed when in this mode. In the normal mode, relay or output XI is energized.
• timer T6 Normally open contacts 226 of timer T6 must be closed for current to feed through the normally closed contacts 228 of relay R4 to timer TI .
• This provides a reset feature, so that if a potential user puts the system into automatic, then the user must make some motion in the view field of sensor 18 within a selected time as set by timer TI. Should nothing occur during the 40 second period, then timer TI runs out, thereby resetting the control system to the normal mode. The reset is only necessary when in the automatic mode.
• Normally open contacts 230 of relay Rl are closed during the time that timer TI is running, thereby providing a holding circuit because the contacts 232 of the timer TI are normally closed, as are the contacts 234 of relay R4.
• the contacts 230 are internal to the relay Rl, and cause a constant control signal to be applied, since the timer TI will only supply a control signal upon the expiration of the allotted time.
• Timer T6 is the timer which determines when the user has placed his or her hand over the sensor 184 for a sufficiently long period. We have found that approximately three seconds are sufficient to make certain that the user wishes to switch the wash station W2 to the automode.
• Timer TO provides a one second pause, which is desired in order to give the user sufficient time to place his or her hands under the faucet 20.
• timer T2 causes a 0.1 second spurt of water to flow to the faucet 20 by operation of the valves 52 and 54 or 192 and 198, depending upon the wash station being used. This spurt of water is sufficient to wet the hands.
• Normally open contacts 244 are internal to relay T2.
• the contacts 244 lead to normally open contacts 246 which are internal to relay XI .
• the contacts 246 feed normally closed contacts 248 which are internal to timer T3.
• the contacts 248 feed normally closed contacts 250 which are internal to relay Y2 to operate.
• the relay Y2 energizes the pump 160, or causes operation of pump solenoids 84 or 206.
• Normally open contacts 254 are internal to relay Y2, and feed timer T3.
• the timer T3 is, preferably, set for approximately four seconds in order to provide adequate soap from the pump. Should pinch valve pumps 74 or 142 be utilized, then the time need not be as long as four seconds.
• Normally open contacts 256 are internal to relay Y2.
• normally open contacts 258 are internal to relay R2.
• the contacts 256 and 258 feed normally closed contacts 260 which are internal to timer T4.
• the contacts 260 feed relay R2 and provide a holding circuit for that period of time between initiation of timer T3 and its termination.
• Normally open contacts 262 are internal to relay R2 and feed normally closed contacts 264 which are internal to relay Y2.
• the contacts 264 feed timer T4 and the hold-in relay R3.
• the time T4 should be set for approximately 15 seconds, and this provides sufficient time for the user to lather his or her hands after the soap has been pumped. During this waiting period, water is not permitted to flow to the faucet 20.
• Normally open contacts 266 are internal to relay T4, and feed timer T5.
• normally closed contacts 270 which are internal to timer T5.
• Activation of timer T5, along with the hold-in circuit provided by the relay R4, cause the water to be dispensed from the faucet 20 for a period of five seconds.
• operation of the solenoid valves 52 and 54, or 192 and 198, for a period of five seconds is sufficient to wash the lathered soap from the hands of the user.
• Normally open contacts 272 are internal to relay R4, and feed relay Yl which controls the water solenoid 52 and 54, or 192 and 198.
• normally closed contacts 274 are internal to relay Rl, and feed normally open contacts 276 of relay XI .
• Contacts 276 feed the normally closed contacts 278 of relay R3.
• the normally closed contacts 280 of timer T2 feed the normally open contacts 282 of the timer TO.
• the contacts 282 feed the normally open contacts 284 of the relay Rl.
• timer TO in order to assure sufficient time for the user to place his or her hands under the faucet 20.
• the timer TO is controlled by the normally open contacts 286 of relay Rl, as well as the contacts 288 and 290 of respectively, relay XI and timer TO.
• relay Y0 Normally open contacts 292 of relay R62 cause operation of relay Y0.
• the relay Y0 controls operation of the motor 120 of roll towel dispenser 32. This assures that toweling is always available, regardless of what other function the wash station may the be performing.
• the normally open contacts 294 of relay XI operate relay R60, and assure that toweling is dispensed, when in the normal mode, only when the user has taken his or her hand away from the sensor 34. We have found that there may be occasions when some article or the like may mistakenly actuate sensor 34. This can be prevented if the motor is permitted to operate after the detected "person" has moved his or her hand away from the sensor 34. Otherwise, if the hand is not moved, then toweling will not be dispensed.
• the normally open contacts 296 of the relay R60 feed the normally closed contacts 298 of the relay R62.
• the normally open contacts 300 of the relay R61 feed the contacts 298.
• the normally open contacts 302 of the relay R61 feed the normally closed contacts 304 of the relay R60.
• the contacts 304 feed the normally closed contacts 306 of the relay R4.
• the contacts 306 feed relay R62 and timer T7.
• the normally open contacts 308 of relay R62 feed the normally closed contacts 310 of the timer T7.
• the contacts 310 feed the contacts 306. This assures that a predetermined length of toweling is dispensed from the dispenser 32, because the motor 120 is cause to operate for a predetermined time.
• the wash stations WI and W2 are normally in the "water dispensing" mode, meaning that a user will cause water only to be dispensed from the faucet 20 when his or her hands are placed under the faucet 20, and thereby in the detection zone of the sensors 18 or 180. In that event, then the contacts 274, 276 and 278 assure that the water continues to flow for so long as the hands or object, such as a pitcher, are under the spout. Should the user take his or her hands away, then the contacts 280, 282 and 284 and timer to cause the water to continue to flow for one second after the hands have been removed. We have found this delay desirable, because it is not unusual for a user to unintendedly remove his or her hands from the detection zone of the sensors 18 or 180. The delay period, therefore, prohibits rapid cycling of the control valves 52 and 54 or 192 and 198. This minimizes wear on the system, without wasting much water.
• the wash station for washing of the hands, then this may be accomplished easily. It is merely necessary that the push button 22 be pressed, or that the user place his or her hand over the sensor 184 for the required period. Once a hand has been placed over the sensor 184 for the desired time, then the controller 176 places the wash station into the automatic or hand washing mode.
• timer TI timer
• the solenoid operated valves 52 and 54, or 192 and 198 are caused to operate for supplying sufficient water to permit the hands to be wet.
• Most cleansing agents are water soluble, and that it is desired, as with normal hand washing, that the hands be wet prior to application of the liquid soap. This does not require much water, and only enough to wet the hands is necessary.
• the controller 176 causes soap to be pumped by operation of any of the pumps 74, 142 or 160.
• Those skilled in the art understand that insufficient soap is undesirable, but equally as undesirable is too much soap. Regulation of the pumping volume is therefore an appropriate means for assuring an adequate amount of soap, based upon the particular soap being used.
• timer T4 the timer T5 causes five seconds of water to be dispensed. This is a sufficient quantity to rinse the soap from the hands.
• FIG 13 illustrates wash station W3 which is similar to the wash station WI of Figure 1. Because of the similarities, then like numbers indicate like components.
• the wash station W3 principally differs from the wash station WI because there is a separate soap spout triggered by a separate sensor, and there is a push button to provide for water to be dispensed for an extended period.
• an alphanumeric display is provided to provide information to the user.
• soap spout 312 is adjacent water dispensing faucet 20, and is secured to top 16.
• Spout 312 has a nozzle 314 which lies above sink 14, and through which soap, bactericide, or a suitable anti-microbial agent is dispensed.
• the soap supplied to nozzle 314 is supplied from any of the pumps herein disclosed, or any other suitable pump.
• the pump is a peristaltic pump of the type illustrated in Figure 6.
• spout 312 Incorporated into spout 312 is an active infrared sensor system for actuating the pump in order to cause soap to be dispensed. Lenses 316 and 318 are provided for transmitting the infrared signal, and for receiving the reflected signal, respectively.
• Soap will not be dispensed until the user has triggered the sensor system of spout 312 by placing his or her hand in operative relationship for indicating by reflection of the light that soap is desired.
• a user placing his or her hands under faucet 20 will cause water to be dispensed for so long as those hands are so positioned, and the wash station W3 will not be placed into the "hand washing" mode until the sensor of spout
• Push button 320 is therefore provided, optionally at towel dispenser 32, for this purpose.
• the push button 320 may be a suitable button which stays locked until pushed again, or time controlled or otherwise, so that water will flow to faucet 20 for so long as the push button 320 is actuated. Wash stations such as those disclosed herein will typically be located in places in which they will be confronted by potential users of varied backgrounds and training.
• an alphanumeric display 322 is provided in order to provide information for the user, such as instructions for use.
• the display 322 may be incorporated into the towel dispenser 32, or may be otherwise located.
• the alphanumeric display thus is readily observed by the user, and may not only provide instructional information but other information, such as time elapsed, time to next step, etc., which will help to keep the user at the wash station W3 for the duration of the hand wash cycle.
• FIG. 14 illustrates the control system of the wash station W3.
• a controller which may be a microprocessor or programmable controller, has inputs from the water sensor 18, the soap sensor 316, 318, and the towel dispenser sensor 34.
• Towel dispenser sensor 34 in this embodiment, preferably is an active infrared sensor. The outputs from the controller are to the valve, such as either or both valves 52 and 54, the pump, such as peristaltic pump 160, and towel dispenser 32.
• controller will cause the valve to the faucet 20 to be operated, with the result that water will flow thereto. Water will continue to be dispensed for so long as the sensor 18 detects a user. Alternatively, water will continue to be dispensed for so long as push button 320 is operated.
• the control of water and soap is based upon the preprogrammed sequence earlier explained.
• the pump is actuated to dispense soap through nozzle 314, while the flow of water to faucet 20 is stopped.
• water is again dispensed through faucet 20.
• the water valve closes, and towel 36 is dispensed from dispenser 36 by virtue of its electric motor.
• the alphanumeric display 322 which may be a CRT screen, liquid crystal display, or the like, is also actuated by the controller to provide information to the user.
• display 322 may initially be set to display to the user that wash station W3 is in the water only mode. Once soap is dispensed by the controller being switched to the hand washing mode, then the display may inform the user the step then underway, how much time remains until initiation of the next step, and similar information.
• alphanumeric display 322 may also provide other sorts of information having the intent of keeping the user at the wash station W3 for the duration of the hand washing cycle. An individual may be reluctant to appear to be taking instructions from wash station W3 or may become impatient during the hand washing sequence. Thus, display 322 may provide information such as hand washing frequency, general pu ⁇ ose information such as about the importance of hand washing, or even more general information about current events. The pu ⁇ ose is to keep the user at the wash station W3 so that the hand washing sequence will be satisfactorily completed.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
• Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
• Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
• Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
• Saccharide Compounds (AREA)
• Addition Polymer Or Copolymer, Post-Treatments, Or Chemical Modifications (AREA)
• Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
• Glass Compositions (AREA)

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• 1996
  • 1996-06-07 CN CN96195930A patent/CN1076773C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1996-06-07 AT AT96921507T patent/ATE250172T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
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  • 1996-06-07 WO PCT/US1996/010001 patent/WO1996041058A1/en active IP Right Grant
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  • 1996-06-07 EP EP96921507A patent/EP0830482B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
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