Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090000023 | Fluid dispenser having infrared user sensor - A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes a controller in conjunction with a photodetector in order to provide automatic dispensing to a user when an object enters a target area. A controller is programmed to pulse a light source that is mounted proximate the photodetector. The controller constantly monitors the voltage at the receiving signal of the photodetector, and evaluates the difference in voltage from the light pulsed on and off. The controller sums the differences, and constantly updates the differences over a designated period to create an average difference value. The average difference value is summed with a target offset value and compared to a momentary voltage difference. When the momentary difference exceeds the sum of the target offset value and average difference, the controller sends a signal to a dispense mechanism which dispenses a fluid or other product on the object. | 01-01-2009 |
20090125424 | Method and device for indicating future need for product replacement of random use dispensing - A method is presented for indicating whether a dispensable product will require refilling prior to the next scheduled service interval. The inventive method includes tracking the amount of use over a first interval, calculating a frequency based from the use over the first interval; comparing the quantity remaining with the required amount, which is the product of the number of weeks in the service interval and the calculated frequency. Based on the usage, when the quantity remaining is less that the required amount, a warning will be provided to indicate that the dispensing product should be replaced, as it will be empty before the next service interval. A dispenser incorporating such method is also described. | 05-14-2009 |
20090145925 | Dispensing system with magnet and coil for power generation - A dispensing system is presented for providing power generation from the actuation that occurs to provide product. The dispensing mechanism includes a plunger and magnet. The magnet is secured to the dispensing mechanism so that it moves with the plunger. Surrounding the dispensing mechanism is a housing that includes a coil. The coil is positioned such that as the pump is actuated, the magnet moves relative to the coil, generating power to the coil. The generated power that is produced can be applied to electronic devices that include, but are not limited to, light-emitting diodes and controllers. | 06-11-2009 |
20090204256 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INDICATING FUTURE NEED FOR PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OF RANDOM-USE DISPENSING - A method and device for indicating whether a dispensable product will require refilling prior to the next scheduled service interval includes tracking the amount of use over a first interval, and calculating a frequency based from the use over the first interval. The quantity remaining is compared with the required amount, which is the product of the number of weeks in the service interval and the calculated frequency. Thus, when the quantity remaining is less that the required amount, a warning will be provided to indicate that the dispensing product should be replaced, as it will be empty before the next service interval. | 08-13-2009 |
20100064558 | SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVELY REVEALING INDICIA - A system for selectively revealing indicia includes a transitioning assembly that is configured to be retrofit with an existing dispenser. The transitioning assembly includes a transitioning window that is coupled to a switch that is configured to be mounted in operative contact with an actuator provided by the dispenser. Upon the engagement of the actuator, the switch is triggered, resulting in the transitioning window transitioning from an at least partially opaque state to an at least partially transparent state, so as to reveal indicia therebehind to an observer. | 03-18-2010 |
20100078331 | ELECTROLYTIC DEVICE FOR GENERATION OF pH-CONTROLLED HYPOHALOUS ACID AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS FOR DISINFECTANT APPLICATIONS - An electrolytic device for the generation of hypohalous acid in aqueous solutions includes at least a single liquid chamber for receiving an aqueous solution containing halide ions therein, the single liquid chamber having an exterior wall and a solid anode contained within to provide for the oxidation of the halide ions, which, in turn, provides for the formation of hypohalous acid in aqueous solution, and a gas permeable cathode forming a portion of the exterior wall of the single liquid chamber, the cathode providing for the reduction of oxygen to provide hydroxyl ions in solution within the single liquid chamber to mix with the products generated at the anode. An embodiment of the electrolytic device including an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber separated by an ionomeric membrane is also described, whereby the anolyte chamber further includes an outlet including a pH control for determining and regulating the pH of the exiting anolyte effluent to between about 4 and 9. The product is suitable for disinfectant applications including as a hand sanitizer. | 04-01-2010 |
20100163573 | Low cost radio frequency identification (RFID) dispensing systems - A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof. Additionally, a dispenser of variable size is presented that is adaptable, through adjustable partitions or a telescoping cup, to receive and maintain cartridges of various sizes. | 07-01-2010 |
20100230435 | Touch-Free Biometric-Enabled Dispenser - A touch-free dispenser includes a dispenser controller coupled to a memory unit, which includes a database of previously-stored vein patterns. A vein-pattern sensor maintained by the dispenser images the unique vein pattern of a user's hand without contact. The imaged vein pattern is subsequently compared with stored vein patterns, such that if there is a match, the dispenser proceeds to dispense material, such as soap, from a refill container. Alternatively, if there is no match between the imaged vein pattern and the stored vein patterns, the dispenser enters a learn mode to allow the imaged vein pattern to be added to the database. Data associated with the use of the dispenser is also collected during its operation, which is stored and associated with the imaged vein patterns for subsequent analysis. | 09-16-2010 |
20100237096 | WIRELESSLY-POWERED DISPENSER SYSTEM - A wirelessly-powered dispenser system includes a power receiver that is configured to receive a wireless power signal sent from a remotely-located power transmission module. The received wireless power signal is used by the dispenser to power a controller and pump to enable the automatic output of material, such as soap, provided by a replaceable refill container. As such, the dispenser can be installed in a wide range of locations where wired power is unavailable and without the need of battery replacement. | 09-23-2010 |
20100332022 | HYGIENE COMPLIANCE MONITORING SYSTEM - A hygiene compliance monitoring system provides a dispenser that is associated with a data collection unit that collects dispensing events, such as the dispensement of material from the dispenser, which occurs during time segments of a predetermined duration. The hygiene event monitoring system also includes a portable data acquisition unit that is in wireless communication with the data collection unit of the dispenser. As such, when the data acquisition unit is brought within the range of reception of the data collection unit, the hygiene compliance data and time segment information are transmitted to the data acquisition unit and stored at a portable memory unit, which is removable. As such, the hygiene compliance data stored on the portable memory unit can be readily transferred to any desired computing device for analysis and report generation. | 12-30-2010 |
20110108578 | METHODS FOR RESETTING STALLED PUMPS IN ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED DISPENSING SYSTEMS - Various methods are disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, it is determined whether a refill container is received in the dispensing system and then a pump actuator is moved to a loading position when the refill container is removed. Another method sets a run timer, starts a pump actuator, determines whether the pump actuator is still dispensing fluid from the fluid dispensing system upon lapsing of the run timer and then moves the pump actuator if the pump actuator is still dispensing upon the expiration of the run timer. And another method detects opening of a cover, energizes a motor to move an actuator to a loading position, determines when the actuator is at the loading position and then turns the motor off. | 05-12-2011 |
20110169645 | HYGIENE COMPLIANCE MONITORING SYSTEM - An electronic hand hygiene compliance system and award indicator that provides realtime reporting of the percent number of hand hygiene events against a programmed target number of hand hygiene events for a given functional area over a given period of time, yielding hand hygiene compliance. The system keeps up to date compliance for an established group interval until the data is written over by compliance data for the same group interval the following day. In addition, a random hand hygiene event can be identified for a given functional area during a given period of time to trigger an alarm for encouraging hand hygiene activity for a given dispenser or group of dispensers. | 07-14-2011 |
20110278322 | METHODS FOR RESETTING STALLED PUMPS IN ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED DISPENSING SYSTEMS - A system and related method is disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, the presence of a user's hand is detected to start a pump actuator associated with a refill container. A controller associated with a motor actuates the pump actuator by rotating a motor shaft in a first direction. The current sensor is monitored and when the current sensor detects a predetermined level of current the motor shaft is reversed to a starting position. | 11-17-2011 |
20120112914 | HYGIENE COMPLIANCE MODULE - A hygiene compliance module is configured to be retrofit with a compatible dispenser to enable hygiene compliance monitoring functions. The hygiene compliance module is configured to be coupled to the dispenser via a communication interface to receive power, ground, and dispenser actuation signals therefrom. In addition, the hygiene compliance module is enabled to communicate with a wireless data tag that is worn by a user of the dispenser and with a remote hygiene compliance monitoring station. | 05-10-2012 |
20120245729 | NETWORK ENABLED DISPENSER - A network enabled dispenser is configured to bidirectionally communicate with a remote computer system via a wireless network. The dispenser transmits operation data to the remote computer system upon the dispensing of material, such as soap. The remote computer system is configured to generate hygiene compliance reports, deliver informational content to the dispenser for presentation thereon, as well as to provide an interface where an administrator can adjust one or more of the dispenser's functions. | 09-27-2012 |
20120249331 | DISPENSER WITH USE-BASED CONTENT DELIVERY - A dispenser with use-based content delivery includes an indicator to present audio and/or video content that is delivered from a remote computer via a wired or wireless network. In addition, the dispenser is configured to monitor various operation parameters associated with the dispenser, as well as the physical attributes of its users. The dispenser uses such data to select informational content that targets the needs of each specific user, so as to communicate informational content in a highly-effective manner. | 10-04-2012 |
20120274468 | PORTABLE COMPLIANCE DISPENSER - A portable compliance dispenser provides a compliance module that is removably attached to a replaceable refill container, which carries any suitable liquid material, such as sanitizer. The compliance module is configured to be worn or carried by an individual and communicates hygiene compliance data to a remote monitoring station when material from the refill container is dispensed. | 11-01-2012 |
20130001244 | LOW COST RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) DISPENSING SYSTEMS - A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser is configured to communicate with an RFID tag provided by a refill cartridge utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal. The digital signal read by the dispenser is processed by a controller to enable a dispensing function that is representative of the code associated with the RFID tag. In addition, the dispenser includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag provided by the refill cartridge. The dispenser may also be configured to communicate with the RFID tags that are disposed upon cartridges utilized by the dispenser. In addition, the dispenser may be configured to utilize cartridges that include adjustable or telescoping partitions that allow the size of the cartridge to vary. | 01-03-2013 |
20130001250 | TOUCH-FREE DISPENSER WITH SINGLE CELL OPERATION AND BATTERY BANKING - An electrically powered device includes at least one electrically powered component and a power source having at least two cells. One cell powers the electrically powered component and the remaining cells are held in reserve. A control circuit is connected to the electrically powered component and the power source. The control circuit includes a controller which generates a charge signal, a boost regulator circuit connected to the controller which receives power from the power source and generates a boost signal for conversion into a charge signal. A capacitor is connected to the controller and receives the charge signal and provides a predetermined voltage to the electrically powered component. A boost regulator circuit and the controller monitor the power source and draw power from one of the remaining cells held in reserve when the cell is fully depleted. | 01-03-2013 |
20130001254 | SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVELY REVEALING INDICIA - A system for selectively revealing indicia to an observer comprises a transitioning window having a receiving surface and a viewing surface. The receiving surface is positioned in optical communication with an indicia holder that is configured to removably retain indicia, such as information content. During operation, the transitioning window transitions from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state so as to reveal or otherwise display the indicia to an observer via the viewing surface. | 01-03-2013 |
20130015956 | DISPENSER USE MONITOR - A dispenser use monitor provides a housing configured to be removably attached to a portable dispenser, such as a soap dispenser. The housing includes a controller that stores one or more reference ID codes that match the tag ID codes associated with each of one or more data tags. The data tags are used to identify predetermined areas in which the portable dispenser is to be used. Thus, as the use monitor is brought into proximity with each data tag, indicating that the portable dispenser has been used in the associated area, the use monitor validates the reference ID codes if it matches the tag ID code of the particular data tag. In addition, an indicator displays the remaining number of reference ID codes that have not been validated, thereby providing a reminder to the user of the portable dispenser of the progress of their job completion. | 01-17-2013 |
20130043284 | DISPENSER WITH MULTI-DIRECTIONAL PUSHBAR - A product dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a refill unit having a product reservoir. A multidirectional pushbar is carried by the housing and movable in a plurality of directions to actuate the pump. The multidirectional pushbar may be carried by a collar pivotally secured around a pushbar support member in the shape of a spherical zone. Pivoting movement of the multidirectional pushbar is converted into an actuating force by a transfer mechanism, which may include a vertically movable carriage. In other embodiments, the multidirectional pushbar may include ramped surfaces and may support a carriage having rolling elements. Lateral movement of the multidirectional pushbar causes the carriage to roll up the ramped surfaces and actuate a pump to dispense a product. | 02-21-2013 |
20130076514 | HYGIENE COMPLIANCE MONITOR FOR A DISPENSING CONTAINER - A hygiene compliance monitor for a dispensing container that dispenses material when a dispensing nozzle is actuated, includes a flexible main section having a receiving aperture through which the dispensing nozzle extends, so as to enable the main section to be removably attached to the dispensing container. Extending from the main section is a secondary section that is terminated by an attachment sleeve that is configured to removably retain the dispensing nozzle therein. A token, such as a magnet, is carried by the attachment sleeve and is detected by a sensor carried by the main section. Thus, when the dispensing nozzle is actuated to dispense material, the sensor detects the presence and non-presence of the token and accordingly updates a count value that is presented on a display that represents the number of actuations of the dispensing nozzle. | 03-28-2013 |
20130096729 | METHODS FOR MANAGING POWER CONSUMPTION FOR A HANDS-FREE DISPENSER - Methods for managing power consumption of a battery-powered device such as a fluid dispenser are disclosed. One method includes setting a duty cycle of a sensor used by the device to a first range and setting a timer upon detection of a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a second range. The method continues by checking for another triggering event during the second range. The checking step is repeated if the timer has not lapsed, but if the timer has lapsed the process returns to the setting step. Related methods may be used to adjust the duty cycle based upon a detected characteristic such as light, sound, motion or time. | 04-18-2013 |
20130098941 | PROPRIETARY DISPENSING CONTAINER SYSTEM - A proprietary dispensing container system provides a base configured for use with compatible dispensing containers having a dispensing nozzle that when actuated dispenses liquid material, such as soap, therefrom. The dispensing containers include concentric alignment ribs configured to be received within corresponding concentric base channels disposed in a support platform to prevent unauthorized dispensers from being inserted therein. The dispensing containers also include indicators that are placed in an arrangement to identify attribute data relating to the dispensing containers and their contents, which is read by sensors in the support platform for presentation on a display. The support platform is suspended from the base by springs and moves as the dispensing nozzle is actuated to dispense material therefrom. A switch monitors the movement of the support platform and updates a count value that identifies the number of uses of the dispensing containers, which is presented on the display. | 04-25-2013 |
20130140380 | VORTEX ATOMIZING FOAM PUMP AND REFILL UNIT UTILIZING SAME - Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers, and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an inverted foam pump includes a compression chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The compression chamber is in fluid communication with a flow restrictor, an atomizer, a mixing chamber, a foaming chip and an outlet. The inlet valve, outlet valve, flow restrictor, atomizer, mixing chamber, foaming chip and outlet extend along a common axis. An air inlet is included that extends into the mixing chamber; the air inlet is an opening to atmospheric pressure. During operation, the liquid pump is located below the liquid container and liquid flowing from the compression chamber is accelerated and atomized. The atomized liquid enters the mixing chamber at a velocity sufficient to draw in air from the air inlet to mix with the liquid to form a foam. | 06-06-2013 |
20130272929 | SANITIZATION STATION USING PLASMA ACTIVATED FLUID - A sanitization station including a fluid source and one or more plasma generators for generating non-thermal plasma is disclosed. One or more nozzles spray a mist or stream of fluid through plasma generated by the one or more plasma generators to activate the fluid. The fluid is then used to sterilize an object. Another sanitization station includes a chamber for holding a fluid and a plasma generator in fluid communication with the chamber for generating plasma. A circulating source moves the fluid in the chamber past plasma generated by the plasma generator to activate the fluid and one or more spray nozzles coat the surface of an object with fluid that is activated by plasma. | 10-17-2013 |
20140015670 | HYGIENE COMPLIANCE MODULE - A hygiene compliance module is configured to be retrofit with a compatible dispenser to enable hygiene compliance monitoring functions. The hygiene compliance module is configured to be coupled to the dispenser via a communication interface to receive power, ground, and dispenser actuation signals therefrom. In addition, the hygiene compliance module is enabled to communicate with a wireless data tag that is worn by a user of the dispenser and with a remote hygiene compliance monitoring station. | 01-16-2014 |
20140074285 | DISPENSER APPARATUS WITH NETWORK CAPABILITIES AND METHODS FOR INSTALLING THE SAME - A network for a plurality of dispensers includes at least one dispenser device and a device controller carried by each dispenser device which monitors the operational activity of the dispenser device. A network transceiver is connected to each device controller and links to a gateway controller adapted to wirelessly communicate with each network transceiver. An installation button is associated with each network transceiver, wherein actuation of the installation button increases an operational duty cycle to enable linking of all of the dispenser devices to the gateway controller. Other embodiments are provided which facilitate learning of dispensers and related network devices to a network of dispensers. | 03-13-2014 |
20140151394 | ADAPTABLE SENSORLESS END OF STROKE DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of methods of controlling a motor for driving a load are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods include providing energy to a motor, sensing a parameter indicative of current. Determining the end of an inrush current and a start point that is after the inrush current and that is at about the beginning of a main current draw. Determining an end point at about the end of the main current draw. Continuing to provide energy to the motor for a time period that is a function of the time from the start point to the end point and de-energizing the motor. | 06-05-2014 |
20140197194 | POINT-OF-CARE COMPLIANCE MODULE - A point-of-care hygiene compliance module includes a housing that is adapted to be attached to a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated. The housing includes a pivoting actuation arm that is configured so as to be placed in operative contact with the dispensing nozzle. Thus, when the actuation arm is actuated, material is dispensed from the dispensing container, and a switch in operative contact with the actuation arm is actuated. The triggering of the switch updates a count value that is maintained by a controller, which may then be displayed or acquired by a remote computer to assess the amount of usage of the dispensing container. | 07-17-2014 |
20140197924 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATING A PUBLIC FACILITY - In an exemplary method of locating a public facility, a public facility is provided at a fixed location and includes a facility locating module. A wireless signal is generated from the facility locating module. Software code accessible to the portable electronic device is provided. The software code causes the portable electronic device to detect the wireless signal and to generate a location indicating output from the portable electronic device to identify at least one of a location of the public facility, a distance to the public facility from the portable electronic device, and a direction from the portable electronic device to the public facility. | 07-17-2014 |
20140230960 | Personal Dispenser Refilling Station - A refilling station for personal dispensers includes a housing having one or more docks that are configured to receive and retain compatible personal dispensers therein. The refilling station also includes a manifold system that fluidly couples a refill container to one or more personal dispensers. Thus, when a personal dispenser is placed in the dock, it is automatically refilled with material, such as sanitizer, from the refill container. The refilling station may also include a sanitizing light to disinfect the personal dispensers as they are being refilled to reduce the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. | 08-21-2014 |
20140234140 | POWER SYSTEMS FOR TOUCH FREE DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS CONTAINING A POWER SOURCE - Electronic dispensers and refill units for electronic dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary electronic dispenser includes a housing, a processor and a first battery secured to the dispenser. The first battery provides power to the processor. The dispenser further includes actuator drive circuitry for causing the dispenser to move an actuator to dispense fluid from a refill unit. In addition, the dispenser includes a rechargeable energy storage device for providing power to the actuator drive circuitry. Circuitry for charging the rechargeable energy storage device is also provided. The dispenser includes a holder for holding a refill unit and a connector for releasably connecting to a second battery that is provided with the refill unit. The second battery is installed in the connector when a refill unit is installed in the dispenser and removed from the connector when the refill unit is removed from the dispenser. | 08-21-2014 |
20140322096 | SANITIZATION STATION USING PLASMA ACTIVATED FLUID - A sanitization station including a fluid source and one or more plasma generators for generating non-thermal plasma is disclosed. One or more nozzles spray a mist or stream of fluid through plasma generated by the one or more plasma generators to activate the fluid. The fluid is then used to sterilize an object. Another sanitization station includes a chamber for holding a fluid and a plasma generator in fluid communication with the chamber for generating plasma. A circulating source moves the fluid in the chamber past plasma generated by the plasma generator to activate the fluid and one or more spray nozzles coat the surface of an object with fluid that is activated by plasma. | 10-30-2014 |
20140353332 | LOW COST RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) DISPENSING SYSTEMS - A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof. Additionally, a dispenser of variable size is presented that is adaptable, through adjustable partitions or a telescoping cup, to receive and maintain cartridges of various sizes. | 12-04-2014 |
20140361898 | HYGIENE COMPLIANCE MODULE - A hygiene compliance module is configured to be retrofit with a compatible dispenser to enable hygiene compliance monitoring functions. The hygiene compliance module is configured to be coupled to the dispenser via a communication interface to receive power, ground, and dispenser actuation signals therefrom. In addition, the hygiene compliance module is enabled to communicate with a wireless data tag that is worn by a user of the dispenser and with a remote hygiene compliance monitoring station. | 12-11-2014 |
20140366264 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A PLURALITY OF TOUCH-FREE DEVICES IN A COORDINATED MANNER - Exemplary embodiments of touch-free devices and systems comprising touch-free devices operating in a concerted effort are disclosed below. An exemplary touch-free device includes a spout, a processor, memory, an object sensor, a communication interface and logic stored on the memory. The logic contains processor readable instructions for causing the touch-free device to communicate with a second touch-free device. Wherein the processor readable instructions coordinate the operation of the touch-free device with respect to the second touch-free device. | 12-18-2014 |