WO2020037348A1

WO2020037348A1 - Apparatus for washing, sterilizing and drying hands

Info

Publication number: WO2020037348A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/000144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abraham David GREYLING
Original assignee: Greyling Abraham David
Priority date: 2018-08-21
Filing date: 2018-08-21
Publication date: 2020-02-27

Abstract

An apparatus for washing, sterilizing and drying hands comprising an ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 185 - 254 nano-meters, for killing bacteria, viruses, mold and other pathogens. A chamber for drying hands is provided with an air outflow chamber located at the open side of the chamber to increase lateral air flow and minimize air escape from the open end of the chamber. The apparatus may also include a programmable display for advertising or other media.

Description

APPARATUS FOR WASHING, STERILIZING AND DRYING HANDS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front cross sectional view of apparatus for washing and drying hands of one embodiment of the invention;

5. Figure 2 is a side cross sectional view of the apparatus;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, apparatus for washing and drying hands of one embodiment of the invention includes a generally horizontal chamber 3 defined by a wall. The chamber 3 has a rounded rectangular shape in vertical cross section with a longitudinal central axis. The central 10. axis is, for example, slightly vertically inclined. The chamber 3 may have other equivalent shapes in vertical cross section, for example, oval or circular. The chamber 3 has a closed end 22 and an open end 13 sized and dimensioned to receive a pair of hands.

A top micro-spray nozzle 7 is arranged in the wall above the central axis. An air inlet 2 is arranged in the wall above the central axis, and an air outlet 4 is arranged in the wall surrounding the open 15. end 13.

A drain 6 is provided at the bottom of the chamber against the closed end 22.

Washing liquid, for example water and/or liquid soap, is supplied under pressure to the micro spray nozzle(s) 7 via a manifold 9 which is fed from three reservoirs 10, 11 and 12.

The washing liquid 10/ Moisturizer 11 / Sterilization agent 12 is dispensed in the form of micro- 20. sprays, i.e. fine jets of relatively high pressure liquid. The liquid is pressurized by mains pressure or a pump (not shown), and is optionally heated by a water heater (not shown). Drying air is delivered from an air blower 1 to the air inlet 2. The drying air is optionally heated by an air heater (not shown). A controller 16, for example a programmable logic controller, selectively controls the ancillary components of the chamber 3 in response to a sensor 23, for example an 25. optical sensor, sensing insertion of the hands through the open end 13 of the chamber 3. The controller 16 is programmed to provide washing moisturizing, drying and sterilization cycles for the hands , A number of light blue LED lights at a frequency 185 - 254 nano meters 5 at a are also arranged in the wall above the central axis to illuminate the interior of the chamber 3 as well as to sterilize the chamber 3. The chamber 3 and its ancillary components are provided in a common 30. housing. Soap, moisturizer and sterilizer is added to the washing liquid by either pouring it in from an external container, or inserting a liquid soap capsule, into chamber 10, 11 or 12 respectively in liquid communication with the washing liquid.

In use, sensor 23 detects insertion of hands inside the chamber 3. The controller 16 initiates the release of a quantity of soap, together with a supply of water, to the manifold 8 and 9. The mixture is sprayed out micro-spray nozzles 7 onto, around and over the hands.

After a predetermined period, the controller 16 stops the supply of soap and releases moisturizer. After a predetermined period, the controller 16 stops the supply of soap and activates the heater to supply drying air 1 to the chamber 3. A digital display screen 15 is attached to the front of the unit and utilized to display adverts to users while in use or not. Updates can be uploaded either remotely or at the unit.

A sensor (not shown), measuring soap 10, moisturizer 11 and disinfectant 12 will inform operators of low levels and can be accessed locally at the unit or remotely.

The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims which follows.

A Stand/ Reservoir container 17 with similar dimensions and design as the main unit can be supplied with machine as a optional extra. Stand/reservoir container contains two separate storage tanks 19 and 20 for storage of fresh and used water. Fresh water container 19to be fitted with a standard fitting (not shown)to attach to the standard fitting (not shown) on the main machine water ducting via a pump 18. Discard container 20 to be fitted with a standard fitting 21 for draining water.

Claims

APPARATUS FOR WASHING, STERILIZING AND DRYING HANDS

Claim 1

Existing APPARATUS FOR WASHING, STERILIZING AND DRYING HANDS does not incorporate blue light at a frequency 185 - 254 nano meters. This light frequency is ideal for killing bacteria, viruses, mold and other pathogens.

Claim 2

Existing APPARATUS FOR WASHING, STERILIZING AND DRYING HANDS does not have a air outflow chamber located at the open side 13 of the chamber. This invention locate the air outlet chamber in this position to increase lateral air flow and minimize air escape from the open end 13 of the chamber 3.

Claim 3

Existing APPARATUS FOR WASHING, STERILIZING AND DRYING HANDS does not include a display screen for visual displaying advertisements or any media chosen by the operator. This invention include a screen that can be programmed locally or remotely.

Claim 4

Existing APPARATUS FOR WASHING, STERILIZING AND DRYING HANDS has to be hard connected to the location power and plumbing network. This invention include a stand/ reservoir container that can be connected to the main machine enabling usage without hard connections.