contaminant monitoring method for dispenser

专利摘要:
CONTAMINANT DISPENSER AND SENSOR. The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser that includes a contaminant sensor and methods for using such a fluid dispenser to monitor contaminants alone or in a set of dispensers that are similar in a facility.
公开号:BR112014010694B1
申请号:R112014010694-0
申请日:2012-11-01
公开日:2020-11-10
发明作者:Heiner Ophardt
申请人:Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Scope of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates to a contaminant capture dispenser and, more particularly, a dispenser for dispensing product to a user which incorporates a contaminant sensor and provides indications of the presence of contaminant in a single dispenser and in a array of such dispensers within a facility. The invention relates more particularly to such a contaminant capture dispenser, a matrix of such dispensers and methods of using the dispenser and matrices of such dispensers. Background of the Invention
[0002] Fluid dispensers are known for dispensing cleaning and disinfecting fluids like liquids and foam for cleaning a user's hands. Such dispensers are provided in many facilities such as hospitals, health care premises, restaurants, food processing areas, commercial buildings, schools, airports and the like. Paper towel dispensers are known for dispensing paper towels as for individuals in a toilet.
[0003] The growth and presence of contaminants in many facilities has become increasingly problematic. For example, the growth and presence of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in hospitals has become a significant problem. The present methods of detecting such contaminants have advantages that they are not suitable for and notably do not provide advance warning of dangerous levels of contaminants. The detection systems present are typically so disadvantageous that the warning of dangerous contaminant situations occurs after patients have been negatively affected and exhibit symptoms of the pathogens. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In order to overcome, at least partially, these disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a dispenser that includes a contaminant sensor and methods of using such a dispenser to capture contaminants both alone and in a matrix of similar dispensers. within an installation.
[0005] An objective of the present invention is to provide an improved dispenser, preferably for dispensing product, particularly a dispenser for dispensing paper towels or hand cleaning fluid that incorporates a contaminant sensor.
[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a dispenser matrix that each includes a sensor with the dispensers in the matrix arranged in spaced locations within a facility to monitor contaminants in the facility.
[0007] Another objective is to provide a method of operating a dispensing sensor alone or in an array of similar dispensers to advantageously monitor a contaminant.
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of monitoring a contaminant and / or a physical property in a facility comprising:
[0009] provide a dispenser to dispense personal products to a user,
[00010] the dispenser carries a sensor that has the ability to detect the presence and relative level of the contaminant in the sensor or a physical property around the sensor,
[00011] generate, for the dispenser periodically over time, signals representative of the level of the contaminant in the sensor or the level of physical property around the sensor or the level of physical property around the sensor at different times,
[00012] optionally convert the signals to data representative of the level of the contaminant in the sensor or the level of physical property around the sensor at different times, and
[00013] optionally compare the level captured with one or more thresholds and determine whether the level meets the thresholds,
[00014] wherein the dispenser is preferably selected from a paper towel dispenser and a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid that includes a reservoir containing liquid and a pump for dispensing fluid from the reservoir and the sensor is preferably supplied in a outer surface of the dispenser open to the environment around the dispenser.
[00015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of monitoring a contaminant in a facility comprising:
[00016] providing a plurality of fluid dispensers at spaced locations around the facility including a plurality of fluid dispensers for dispensing fluid to clean the hands of individuals, each dispenser comprising a reservoir containing liquid and a pump for dispensing fluid the reservoir,
[00017] each dispenser carries a sensor that has the ability to detect the presence and relative level of the contaminant,
[00018] generate, for each dispenser periodically over time, signals representative of the level of the contaminant in each sensor at different times,
[00019] optionally convert the signals to data representative of the level of the contaminant in each sensor at different times, and
[00020] optionally compare the level of the contaminant captured with one or more thresholds and determine whether the level of contaminant does not satisfy the thresholds.
[00021] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a contaminant capture system for an installation comprising:
[00022] a common processor,
[00023] a plurality of fluid dispensers located at spaced locations in the installation, each of said dispensers comprising a reservoir containing replaceable liquid and a pump for dispensing fluid from the reservoir,
[00024] each reservoir includes a sensor,
[00025] the sensor captures the presence of biological contaminants, the biological contaminants selected from bacteria, viruses and other pathogens,
[00026] the sensor generates a signal when a contaminant is captured,
[00027] each dispenser includes a communications system to communicate the signal to a common processor, and
[00028] the common processor monitors the level of biological contaminants in each dispenser periodically over time.
[00029] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid to clean the individual's hands,
[00030] the dispenser comprises a reservoir containing liquid and a pump for dispensing fluid from the reservoir,
[00031] the dispenser carries a sensor on a surface that has the ability to detect the presence and relative level of the contaminant,
[00032] a signal generator to generate a signal representative of the level of the contaminant in the sensor, and
[00033] a processor to convert the signal into data representative of the level of the contaminant in the sensor at different times and to compare the level of the captured contaminant with one or more thresholds and provide a warning signal when the contaminant level exceeds the thresholds wherein the dispenser preferably includes an external surface open to the environment around the dispenser and the sensor is provided to capture contaminants from the environment. Brief Description of Drawings
[00034] The advantages and additional aspects of the present invention will become evident from the following description obtained together with the attached drawings in which:
[00035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a soap dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention shown schematically as being manually used by a user to dispense hand soap;
[00036] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the soap dispenser in Figure 1, however, with a nozzle shield in an open open position, the bottle removed and a pump mechanism being manually manipulated by a user ready for insertion or removal;
[00037] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the soap dispenser of Figure 1 in which the pump mechanism is coupled to the housing, the nozzle shield is in a closed position and a bottle is being replaced;
[00038] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the dispenser shown in Figure 1 with the nozzle shield removed;
[00039] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view partially in schematic section of the dispenser in Figure 1 with the nozzle shield in a closed position;
[00040] Figure 6 is a schematic flow diagram showing electrically connected elements of the Figure 1 dispenser;
[00041] Figure 7 is a plan view of a health care facility that has an array of dispensers, in accordance with the present invention;
[00042] Figure 8 is a schematic flow diagram showing a first arrangement for monitoring and controlling the dispenser matrix, in accordance with the present invention;
[00043] Figure 9 is a schematic flow diagram similar to Figure 1, but showing a different configuration of elements electrically propelled from the dispenser in Figure 1;
[00044] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a soap dispenser similar to the one shown in Figure 3, but with a modified bottle;
[00045] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bottle shown in Figure 10 prior to coupling to the dispenser;
[00046] Figure 12 is a partial schematic pictorial view showing a modified bottle added to the dispenser housing with complementary electrical touch points for electrical connection on the bottle coupling in the dispenser;
[00047] Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a soap dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention with a bottle attached to it;
[00048] Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 13 with the bottle removed;
[00049] Figure 15 is a front perspective view of an interior chassis of the dispenser of Figure 13;
[00050] Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of the Figure 15 chassis with its back plate and other selected elements removed to facilitate understanding;
[00051] Figure 17 is a schematic partial cross-sectional plan view through the vial sensor in Figure 15;
[00052] Figure 18 is a front perspective view of a soap dispenser according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[00053] Figure 19 is a schematic plan view of a capture mechanism for a sensor that carries a plurality of individual capture elements and shown schematically coupled to a control module;
[00054] Figure 20 is a cross-section similar to Figure 5, but showing a fan to ventilate air over a sensor provided at the bottom of the bottle; and
[00055] Figure 21 is a bottom perspective and partial schematic front view of a fourth embodiment of a dispenser, according to the present invention, showing a direct optical color sensor,
[00056] Figure 22 is a schematic collage of a plurality of elements that can be found in an installation and that can be monitored according to the methods of the present invention,
[00057] Figure 23 is a schematic flow diagram showing a second arrangement for monitoring and controlling an array of elements that carry a sensor according to the present invention,
[00058] Figure 24 is a schematic representation of the use of an RFID system for communicating signals from one or more sensors.
[00059] Figure 25 is a front perspective view of a soap dispenser according to a fifth embodiment of the invention that includes a drip tray;
[00060] Figure 26 is a side view of the dispenser of Figure 25;
[00061] Figure 27 is a side view in vertical cross section through the drip tray shown in Figures 25 and 26;
[00062] Figures 28, 29 and 30 are, each, a side view in cross-section similar to Figure 27, however, showing a different configuration for the contaminant sensor; and
[00063] Figure 31 is a front perspective view of a soap dispenser according to a sixth embodiment of the invention that includes a drip tray. Detailed Description of Drawings
[00064] Reference is first made to Figure 1 which illustrates a first embodiment of a fluid dispenser 10 similar to that described in US Patent No. 7,748,573 to Ophardt et al, issued July 6, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated as a reference. The dispenser 10 is adapted to be fixed to a wall not shown. The dispenser 10 is illustrated schematically in Figure 1 as adapted for manual activation as by a user using a hand 11 to push a lever 12 downwards to dispense fluid 40 from a nozzle 13 over the palm user's other hand 14.
[00065] The dispenser 10 of this application differs from the dispenser described in US Patent No. 7,748,573 in a remarkable way by providing on a surface 49 of the side wall 18 of the housing 16, a sensor 50. The surface 49 of the side wall 18 is a outer surface that is open to the environment around the dispenser. Sensor 50 is preferably a sensor that has the ability to pick up contaminants from the environment around the dispenser that engages sensor 50. Sensor 50 preferably has the ability to detect the presence of one or more contaminants in sensor 50. The sensor 50 is preferably an electronic sensor that requires electrical power for its operation.
[00066] Reference is made to Figure 6 which shows, schematically, the sensor 50 and a control module 52 to control the sensor 50. The control module 52 is mounted in the housing 16 inside the upper internal part of the housing as seen in Figure 4 behind a support member 22 and springs 26 within a rear space close to a back plate 17 under a top wall 20 and between the side wall 18 and an opposite side wall 19. Figure 4 shows a conduit 54 that connects sensor 50 to control module 52.
[00067] In Figure 6, the control module 52 is illustrated schematically as a circuit panel carrying a processor 55, a communication device 56 and a power supply 54. Each of the sensor 50, communication device 56 and power supply 54 are connected to processor 55. Processor 55 controls the receipt and distribution of power from the power supply to the other electronic components and preferably the operation of these other components.
[00068] In operation, sensor 50 is controlled by processor 55 to sometimes, as determined by processor 55, detect the presence of a contaminant in sensor 50 and generate a signal representative of the level of contaminant in sensor 50. Processor 55 it controls the communication device 56 in order to communicate the signal and / or other data as desired. The processor 55 in the preferred mode controls the communication device 56 in order to send the signal and / or other data to a remote electronic device. In the preferred embodiment, the communication device that includes a wireless transmitter for which an antenna 57 is shown mounted externally on top 20 of dispenser 10.
[00069] Reference is made to Figure 7 which shows a plan view of a health care facility 100 that has a plurality of different dispensers 10 located in different locations in facility 100. Facility 100 has a number of areas and rooms indicated as 101 to 108 with passage between them made possible by doors 109. Dispensers 10 are located in several different locations including those near the entrance or exit of most doors 109, and inside the rooms. The dispensers 10 can be mounted on the walls, on free supports or supported on tables, benches and the like. Multiple dispensers can be in any room, for example, in a sanitary facility with multiple toilets or sinks or washing stations, not shown.
[00070] Reference is made to Figure 8 which schematically illustrates a contaminant capture system 99. System 99 includes the dispenser matrix 10 of Figure 7, but Figure 8 shows, for ease of illustration, only three of the dispensers 10, each of which is shown, schematically, that the respective communication device 56 thereof wirelessly transmits information to a wireless router 58 that is connected to the Internet 59 which subsequently routes and transfers the information to a computer server 60.
[00071] The connection between each of the dispensers 10 and the router 58 does not need to be wireless and can be for one or more of the dispensers an embedded connection. The preferred mode of communication from each dispenser 10 to router 58 is wireless, for example, preferably using a wireless WiFi system for communication between communication device 56 and router 58 that would comprise a WiFi router . Communication between router 58 and computer server 60 is preferably via the Internet. Although Figure 8 shows three computers connected to a single router, it should be noted that many different dispensers 10 can be provided, as desired, for any installation 100 with each dispenser 10 communicating through a router and, of course, that an amount of different routers 58 can be provided to serve multiple dispensers 10. Router 58 is shown as being connected to a computer server 60, however, one or more different computer servers 60 can be provided, however, preferably, all information that can be assembled from any particular installation can be adapted to be consolidated and monitored on a single server or central processor.
[00072] Facility 100 may comprise any area including, for example, areas around or within one or more buildings, areas for accommodation of people, areas for food processing, transport ships, and transport terminals or any portion of the themselves.
[00073] Communication between each dispenser 10 and computer server 60 is not limited. Each or some of the dispensers 10 can communicate with other dispensers. One of the dispensers 10 can act as a router for other dispensers. Each or some of the dispensers 10 can communicate with message collection devices or directly to a computer such as via a LAN as well as a wireless router. Using the new IPV6 standard, a dispenser 10 can be identified by its own IP address and can communicate to find a CLOUD server and communicate information to the CLOUD server. Communication is preferably provided at least one way from the dispenser 10 to the computer server 60, however, it can also be two-way with the dispenser 10 having the ability to receive information from other devices, preferably from the server. computer 60.
[00074] The particular way that the signal from sensor 50 is processed is not limited, and the signal can be processed in whole or in part in dispenser 10 or in whole or in part in computer server 60 or other remote processing device.
[00075] For example, in a first mode of operation, the processor in the dispenser 10 can send relatively unprocessed data and signals to the computer server 60 to minimize processing inside the dispenser 10 and thereby reduce the need for storage of data. data and processing power in the dispenser 10. Computer server 60 will convert the received signals and data to data representative of the contaminant level in sensor 50. In a second mode of operation, processor 55 in the dispenser converts the signal generated by the sensor 50 for data representative of the contaminant level in sensor 50, and communicate that data to computer server 60. In a third mode of operation, processor 55 in the dispenser converts the signal generated by sensor 50 and the signal generator of the same to data representative of the level of contaminant in sensor 50. Processor 55 compares the level of contaminant captured with one or more thresholds and determines If the level of contaminant as captured at the sensor exceeds one or more of these thresholds, it can also provide a warning signal if the level of contaminant as captured at the sensor is determined to exceed one or more of these thresholds.
[00076] Referring to Figure 4, the dispenser 10 includes the housing 16 which has the rear plate 17, as spaced side walls 18 and 19 and the top wall 20 which defines an interior 21 between them. The support member 22 is fixedly secured inside the housing between the side walls 18 and 19 close to the top wall 20. A lever mechanism 23 including lever 12 and a lever bridge plate 24 is mounted so articulated to the support member 22. Lever springs 26 are arranged between the lever bridge plate 24 and the support member 22 so as to tilt lever 12 to an upper raised position.
[00077] Figure 4 shows a nozzle shield 27 separated from the housing 16 and ready for manual coupling to the support member 22. Figure 2 illustrates the dispenser 10 with the nozzle shield 27 coupled to the support member 22 and placed in a raised open position whose position the nozzle shield 27 allows a pump mechanism 28 to be coupled or uncoupled from the support member 22 by sliding forward or backward. In this regard, the support member 22 bears a support plate with a central slot 30 open at a forward end. As seen in Figure 2, the vertical side walls 31 and 32 extend upwardly from the support plate 29 on each side thereof. The pump mechanism 28 is adapted to slide back into the central slot 30 with the slot 30 arranged around a cylindrical portion of enlarged radius 33. A rectangular plate 34 is carried on the pump mechanism 28 above the cylindrical portion 33. A rectangular plate 34 must be received above the support plate and located against rotation between the side walls 31 and 32.
[00078] Reference is made to Figure 3 which illustrates the dispenser 10 after the pump mechanism 28 has been applied as shown in Figure 2 and the nozzle shield 27 moved from the raised open position of Figure 2 to the closed position seen in Figure 3. A flask 35 with an open upper end 36 can, when disposed at an angle, be placed to have a dip tube 37 of the pump mechanism 28 inside the open end of the same 36 and the flask 35 then slid ascending between the side walls 18 and 19 of the housing 16 upwardly around the immersion tube 37 to a position where a bottom 38 of the bottle is disposed above a height of a support shoulder 39 secured through the rear of the housing 16 The bottom 38 of the vial 35 can then be pushed back to rest on the support shoulder 39. The vial 35 serves as a removable and replaceable reservoir for the fluid to be dispensed. With the flask 35 inserted and in position, for example, as shown in Figure 1, pressing down on the lever 12 will dispense fluid 40 out of the nozzle 13 of the pump mechanism 28. The pump mechanism 28 preferably comprises a piston pump assembly with the nozzle 13 comprising a hollow tubular extension of advance from a piston 41 which is slidable within a piston chamber forming element 42 which has liquid fed to it from the bottle 38 through the immersion tube 37. The piston 44 is moved reciprocally and vertically by the lever mechanism 23 to pump fluid. Figures 2 and 3 show, in continuous lines, a configuration in which the bottle 35 can be replaced independently of the pump mechanism 28, Figure 2 schematically illustrates, in broken lines, a bottle 35 mechanically attached to the pump mechanism 28 together forming a replaceable unit that can, as a unit, be coupled and uncoupled from the dispenser for removal and replacement, as a unit via the advance access provided inside the housing 16 when the nozzle shield 28 in an open position raised as seen in Figure 2. The replaceable unit comprising the bottle 35 and the pump mechanism 28 is preferably disposable when empty.
[00079] The preferred mode of dispenser 10 shown in Figures 1 to 5 illustrates a single sensor 50 carried on the outer surface 49 of the side wall 18. Sensors similar to sensor 50 sensor 50 can be provided in other locations in dispenser 10, including, for example, on an internal surface of the sidewall 18; on an interior or exterior surface of the sidewall 19, on the top surface of the top 20, and on the nozzle shield 27 as, for example, on any of a top surface 64, side surface 66, front end surface 67 or lower surfaces 68; on the activation lever 12, on the pump mechanism 28 and on the bottle 35. A sensor can be provided on the lever 12 preferably in a horizontal portion further ahead 70 of the lever 12 which is most likely to come into contact by a user's hand. A sensor can be provided at the nozzle 13 preferably close to where a fluid is discharged and there may be a likelihood of either contact by a user's hand or growth of biological contaminants.
[00080] The sensor can be supplied attached to components of the dispenser 10 that are typically not replaced and such sensor will need to have a relatively long service life. The sensor can, however, be provided to be removable and replaceable from the dispenser 10 in order to allow the use of a sensor whose collection activities are only effective over a period of time or which degrades over time, for example, depending on contaminants start to occupy the sensor surface. In this regard, the sensor 50 of the preferred embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 is preferably a replaceable sensor, such as, for example, comprising a replaceable member that can be fixed to the side wall 18 and connected electrically and releasably to the module. control unit 52 by the provision and use of a manually pluggable and releasable plug 61 in conduit 53 that releasably connects sensor 50 to control module 52. In preferred mode, sensor 50 comprises a relatively horizontal flat member to be fixed in a way adhesive to wall 18 with a release adhesive that allows for subsequent removal of sensor 750. As seen in Figure 4, an opening 62 is provided through wall 18 behind sensor 50 through which conduit 53 is passed to provide sensor connection 50 shown in dashed lines in Figure 4 to control module 52. Such a removable and replaceable sensor 50 can, for example, be supplied in a kit with a replacement bottle 35 with a user replacing an empty bottle 35 at the same time, manually replacing sensor 50 with a new replacement sensor. The sensor 50 can, for example, be coupled to a replacement bottle 35 so that removing a closure on the bottle 35 to allow insertion and use in a dispenser 10 also requires removal of the new sensor 50.
[00081] Wherever sensor 50 is located in dispenser 10, it is within the scope of a person skilled in the art to provide a method for delivering electrical power to sensor 50 from control module 52 to the location of removable sensor 50 and provide a mechanism to facilitate the electrical connection. For example, in a location where any sensor must be provided, electrical contact points can be provided in the dispenser 10 to engage electrical contact points carried on the sensor. Insofar as sensor 50 is desired to be attached to crank 12, insofar as crank 12 is a hollow tube, then electrical wiring can extend internally within the crank to a location where sensor 50 is to be located. The crank 12 can be made from a half portion on the left and a half portion on the right, each as a metal rod or tube, and with a plastic spacer in the center of the front horizontal portion 70 that mechanically connects the two metal halves while electrically separating them. A sensor can be provided with a first electrical contact point to engage the left half portion and a second electrical contact point to engage the right half portion and thus the sensor will connect in parallel between the two halves of metal and complete an electrical conduit between the rear ends of each of the metal halves that must each be electrically connected to the control module 52.
[00082] Preferably, a sensor timing arrangement is provided which will determine the time that a sensor is initially activated in order to first allow contaminants to occupy the surface of the same and with the sensor timing arrangement including a timing device so that the sensor signals representative of the contamination level of the sensor are provided with a relative time indication and the time of the initial activation. Such a timing arrangement can arise, for example, in the form of Figures 1 to 5 with processor 55 including a timer and an ability to pick up when the plug of a new sensor 50 is first connected to control module 52. Although it is not necessary , it is preferred that each sensor 50 can have an identification number and the control module 52 has the ability to determine the identification number of each sensor 50 and determine the first time that any particular sensor 50 is picked up as being electrically connected and / or initially activated. Preferably, sensor 50 may have some protective mechanism to prevent contaminants from becoming engaged with sensor 50 before electrical connection of the sensor and / or activation. As shown schematically in Figure 3, a protective release sheet 80 is provided over sensor 50 whose release sheet 80 has a tab 81 to be manually engaged to remove the release sheet after the electrical connection of sensor 50 to the control module. control 52. By removing the release sheet 80, sensor 50 will initially be activated, which means that the surface of sensor 50 will first become open to be engaged by contaminants. The removal of the release sheet 80 and the initial activation of the sensor 50 can be assumed to occur substantially at the same time that the sensor 50 is electrically connected to the control module 52.
[00083] According to another provision, the release sheet 80 may include an element that blocks the electrical connection of the sensor 50 to the control module 52 or otherwise prevents the operation of the sensor 50 until such time that the release sheet is removed. With such an arrangement, removing the release sheet 80 will initially activate the sensor 50 after the sensor 50 has previously been electrically connected to module 52. This will allow the dispenser 10 to have the sensor 50 removably attached with the cover sheet. release 80 in place to be shipped and transported ready for use by installing dispenser 10 and removing release sheet 80.
[00084] The sensor 50 shown in Figure 3 is a relatively thin flat member that can be releasably attached to the side wall 18 as by a release adhesive on the rear of the sensor 50. The release member 80 is preferably a thin sheet, for example example, of plastic material that can be attached to the surface in front of the sensor 50 by an adhesive, at least with the adhesive around a periphery of the front surface of the sensor in order to avoid sensory areas on the sensor whose contaminants must engage and be picked up. The sensor 50 preferably has electrical components and printed circuit on it. The release sheet 80 may have electrical components and circuitry printed on it to be coupled with the electrical components and circuitry on sensor 50 to block the operation of sensor 50 until release sheet 80 is removed.
[00085] Various sensors are known that can be useful as a sensor 50 according to the present invention. A sensor can be used that accurately captures the presence of one or more specific contaminants. Such sensors are often expensive and have difficulties with accuracy and calibration. In the context of an arrangement according to the present invention in which a matrix comprising a plurality of dispensers is provided within a facility, the invention allows the use of sensors that may not be individually accurate in predicting the presence of a contaminant. According to the present invention, by providing a matrix of dispensers 10 in which several dispensers 10 are used in an installation 100, sensors 50 can be used that may not be considered particularly accurate or relatively precisely calibrated. Preferably, according to the present invention, the dispenser matrix 10 provided is in an installation in a relatively large number of dispensers. The number of dispensers is preferably at least 25 and, more preferably, at least 50, at least 100, at least 200, at least 300, at least 400, at least 500 and, more preferably, at least 1,000 dispensers. According to the present invention, it is preferred that a relatively large number of dispensers 10 be included in the array within the facility 100. The opportunity to have such a large number of dispenser arrays 10 in one facility is readily achievable as, for example, in health care facilities and hospitals and where large numbers of dispensers are provided in relatively small areas. As the dispensers 10 carrying the sensors 50 are manually operated dispensers, there is an easy opportunity to easily supply large numbers of such dispensers 10 in an array at the facility.
[00086] In many environments, such as hospitals where there are concerns about contaminants, particularly biological contaminants, it is desirable that vials 35 containing the fluid to be dispensed are exchanged relatively frequently, particularly where there is an opportunity or need for the dispenser to be engaged by a user in dispensing the fluid, and the dispenser can serve as a location for the deposit, and transfer to other contaminants. Preferably, each bottle 35 is replaced approximately every 14 to 30 days whether the bottle is empty of fluids or not. Such bottles 35 have preferential volumes in the range of 500 ml to 2 liters. A preferred 35 flask has a volume of 500 ml, which in many health center and hospital environments will result in the flask, when placed in areas of a medium-use facility that is typically emptied and replaced every two to three weeks. Bottles 35 are also preferably available in larger sizes such as 1 liter and larger, which are advantageous for insertion in dispensers 10, in areas of relatively high use, so that bottles 35 can be expected to be emptied within a four weeks. Preferably, a new replacement sensor 50 is provided and replaced each time the removable bottle 35 is replaced. In such an arrangement, the replaceable sensor 50 only needs to have, at most, a service life which is the service life of the average bottle that typically does not exceed two to four weeks. Providing a sensor 50 that can be active for merely two to four weeks can be useful according to the invention of the present application and, again, facilitates the selection of a sensor eliminating the need for long-term useful capture.
[00087] Furthermore, according to the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, the replaceable sensor 50 can only be useful for capturing contamination for a relatively short period of time such as, for example, selected from a period of time. several minutes, or hours, or days or weeks after activation. For example, a sensor may have a pickup life of a few minutes, for example, 5, 15, or 30 minutes, or, for example, one, two, six, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four hours, or thirty-six hours, or two days, three days, four days, five days, six days or seven days or some period of time, for example, between one day and fourteen days.
[00088] The preferred sensor 50 according to the present invention is a sensor that is capable of capturing contaminants in the sensor. In the case of biological contaminants, the presence of biological contaminants in sensor 50 can increase over time as biological contaminants can grow and remain engaged in sensor 50. Signals that indicate the level of contaminants in the sensor can be provided over the time from the activation time onwards. The rate at which the level of contaminants increases can be measured in the sensor over its lifetime as a factor to indicate the relative level of contaminants in the environment around the dispenser. As an example of a dispenser array 10 according to the present invention, 1,000 dispensers 10 can be provided in a hospital facility. Each sensor 50 with the various individual dispensers 10 will be replaced periodically and preferably at random, by replacing vials 35. Each dispenser 10 will provide data information to the central computer server 60 which includes the time when each sensor was initially activated, and contaminant levels captured at various times after initial activation. From such data, among other items, the rate at which the level of contaminant changes typically increases can be determined. Data received from 1,000 dispensers 10 can be subjected to various data manipulation techniques such as statistical analysis, and techniques including averaging to ignore, for example, sensor readings that are within a bottom percentile of level readings. contamination for all comparable dispensers such as, for example, at the bottom 10% or above a certain percentile of contamination level readings for all comparable dispensers such as above 90%. Data can be collected from dispensers 10 at facility 100 over a period of time such as over a period of three, six or twelve months to establish reference lines and establish thresholds against which future data can be compared. Thereafter, data monitored from the dispenser matrix as a whole and also from groups of individual dispensers within the matrix or individual dispensers can be compared to historical values to assist in generalized determinations as to whether or not there may be an increase in contaminants in the facility as a whole or certain areas in the facility or even in certain dispensers. Such data can serve as an early warning system to provide notification and early warning of growing contaminants. The data gathered from one facility such as a first hospital can be compared to data from another facility such as a second hospital.
[00089] Various algorithms such as statistical assessments will be evident to an individual skilled in the art as useful in assessing data received from dispensers in order to develop thresholds and assess when reasonable thresholds for contaminant levels have been exceeded or levels of contaminants acceptable levels.
[00090] The sensor 50 can be adapted to capture one or more contaminants. A preferred sensor can be a relatively simple sensor that is adapted to capture a contaminant or type of contaminant. Although there may be known contaminants that are of particular concern such as in a hospital setting such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type (strain) of staph bacteria that does not respond to some antibiotics that are commonly used to treat staph infections and Clostridium difficile bacteria (C. difficile) and although it is preferable to use a sensor that can capture the presence of any particular pathogen, this is not necessary for the invention to be carried out. A preferred embodiment of the invention is to use a sensor that captures an indicator contaminant that is reasonably expected to have a correlation to a contaminant of interest without directly capturing the contaminant of interest. For example, in a hospital setting, although it is difficult to have a sensor that captures MRSA, while other biological contaminants such as common E.coli bacteria are captured, an increase in the level of E.coli bacteria should be reasonably expected to be correlated to a rise in other dangerous contaminants such as MRSA and C. difficile. A sensor for E.coli or another indicator contaminant that is more readily available and less expensive comprises a reasonable sensor to be used to assist and indicate general levels of contamination within a hospital facility and can be demonstrated by historical data as having a correlation to other untapped contaminants. As another example, instead of capturing bacteria, microorganisms or plants directly, signaling molecules produced by bacteria, microorganisms or plants can be captured as methods of detecting bacteria, microorganisms and plants as described in the Patent n2U.S. 7,651,843 to Stubbs et al, issued on January 26, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in this document.
[00091] In Figure 6, control module 52 is shown as including a power supply 54. A preferred power supply is a removable and replaceable battery. The nature of the power supply 54 to be used is not limited and may include, for example, mechanisms for generating power and mechanisms for storing power. Mechanisms for generating power may include light-driven generators, such as solar generators, and generators that provide power to a user who manually activates the dispenser as by moving the lever 12.
[00092] In the mode illustrated in Figure 6, the sensor 50 is physically connected to the control module 52 and receives electrical power from the control module 52. Reference is made to Figure 9 which shows an alternative arrangement for the connection of the control module 52 and sensor 50. In the embodiment of Figure 9, sensor 50 is illustrated as a wireless sensor 50 having electrically connected elements comprising a sensor processor 75, a sensor communication device 76, a sensor power supply 74 as well as a contaminant trapping mechanism 73. The sensor power supply 74 is preferably a battery. The sensor communication device 76 is adapted to communicate wirelessly with the communication device 56 in the control module 52. The nature of the wireless communication between the control module 52 and the sensor control device 76 is not limited, but can preferably provide one-way communication from sensor 50 to control module 52. Wireless communication between control module 52 and sensor control device 76 is preferably over a very short distance. A preferred method of communication may be WiFi wireless communication. The communication device 56 of the control module 52 may use different wireless communication systems to communicate with the sensor communication device 76 than with other remote devices such as the wireless router 58.
[00093] The combination of the wireless sensor 50 and the control module 52 as shown in Figure 9 can be used advantageously as, for example, in the mode illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 in order, for example, to avoid the need by a physically connected communication between sensor 50 and control module 52 and, consequently, eliminating, for example, conduit 53 and its plug as shown in Figure 4. The use of a wireless sensor 50 can facilitate the location of a sensor, virtually, in any location in the dispenser 10 and its components and facilitate the installation and removal of any sensor that must be removable and replaceable. While the wireless sensor 50 is carried in the dispenser 10 in relative proximity to the control module 52, the battery serving as the power supply 77 for the wireless sensor need not have any substantial capacity to trigger the communication. Preferably, in an arrangement as shown in Figure 9, the wireless sensor can be located within a maximum of 12 inches (30.48 cm), more preferably a maximum of six inches (15.24 cm) or 7.62 inches cm (three inches) of the control module 52. The arrangement shown in Figure 9 is readily adapted for replacement by the sensor 50 and the control module 52 as in Figure 4, eliminating the need for the physically connected conduit 53.
[00094] As in another mode of dispenser 10, a wireless sensor 50 as shown in Figure 9 can be provided in dispenser 10 and can communicate, for example, wirelessly with wireless router 58 as wireless. , for example, in Figure 8. In such a case, the control module 52 can be eliminated from the dispenser, however, the sensor processor 75 in that case may need to be able to control the sensor 50 in order for it to operate and properly transmit acceptable signals and data for router 58. Consequently, control module 52 can be eliminated from dispenser 10 or at least not serve a purpose in controlling sensor 50 or communicating with it.
[00095] Reference is made to Figure 10 which is identical to Figure 3, however, it shows a second sensor 50 as applied to bottle 35 on a front surface 80 of a front wall 81 of bottle 35. Sensor 50 shown in Figure 10 in The bottle is preferably a wireless sensor of the type shown in Figure 9 that can be supplied in combination with a control module 52 of the type shown in Figure 9 transported internally within the dispenser for communication between the wireless sensor 50 in the bottle and the control 52 (not shown in Figure 10) or, alternatively, the sensor may comprise a stand-alone sensor 50 of the type illustrated in Figure 9, however, capable of transmitting directly from sensor 50 in the bottle to the wireless router 58 shown in Figure 8 Figure 9 continues to show a first sensor 50 on the side wall 18 of dispenser 10 in addition to sensor 50 in vial 35, although only one sensor is required.
[00096] Figure 11 shows vial 35 used in Figure 10, however, prior to coupling the vial to the dispenser with the vial carrying a removable plug cap 90 that seals the opening to vial 35. Sensor 50 is shown as covered by the transparent removable release sheet 80 which activates the sensor 50 on removal. The cap 90 must be removed before coupling the bottle to the dispenser. A strip 91 mechanically couples the cap 90 to the release sheet 80 so that with the removal of the cap 90 for use in the vial 35, the release sheet 80 is automatically removed.
[00097] Reference is made to Figure 12 which illustrates a dispenser 10 similar to that shown in Figure 4, but in which a wired sensor 50 is provided on the front surface of the bottle 35 and in which the connecting wires 93 and 94 extend from the sensor 50, each for a respective metal contact point 95 and 96 provided at the bottom 38 of the flask. The corresponding electrical contact points 97 and 98 are provided on a support shoulder 39 attached through the rear of the dispenser housing 16. When the bottle 35 is engaged in the housing as shown in the side view in Figure 5, the contact points 95 and 96 of the wireless sensor 50 carried in the flask 35 will make electrical contact with the contact points 96 and 97 on the support shoulder 39. The contact points 96 and 97 on the support shoulder 39 have connecting wires 87 and 88 that extend to control module 52. This arrangement of Figure 12 provides a removable bottle 35 with sensor 50 attached to bottle 35 and adapted to be physically connected to control module 52 when bottle 35 is attached to dispenser 10.
[00098] Figure 10 shows two sensors 50 in the dispenser, namely sensor 50 on the side wall 18 of dispenser 10 in addition to sensor 50 in bottle 35, although only one sensor is required. According to the present invention, one, two, three or more sensors can be provided in the same dispenser. The various sensors 50 can be physically connected in an arrangement as shown in Figure 6 or wirelessly as in an arrangement in Figure 9. Some of the sensors can be physically connected and others can be wireless.
[00099] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a replaceable unit comprising not only the bottle 35, but also the pump 28 fixedly attached to it. As shown in Figure 10 or Figure 12, a sensor 50 can be provided in bottle 35 of the replacement unit shown in Figure 2 which comprises bottle 35 together with pump 28. In another embodiment of such a replaceable unit, a sensor 50 can be applied to the nozzle 13 and removable with the replaceable unit.
[000100] Reference is made to Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16 showing a dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[000101] In discussing the second embodiment of Figures 13 to 17, the same reference numbers used in Figures 1 to 12 are used to refer to similar elements. The second mode dispenser 10 is substantially the same as the first mode dispenser 10 with the exception that several additional features are added. The dispenser has a chassis 130 inside its housing 16. Most notably, as noted in Figure 16, the dispenser includes a generator 120 to generate electrical power in a user who moves lever 12. As noted in Figure 16, the left arm 122 of lever 12 extends to the rear for pivoting connection near a rear end 123 of arm 122 to the upper end of a rigid link arm 124. A lower end 125 of link arm 124 is pivotally connected to a first gear of transmission 126 being engaged seated for rotation in an opening that extends axially through the first transmission gear 126 at a radially spaced location of the geometry around which the first transmission gear 126 rotates. The first transmission gear 126 is connected by a series of gears 127 and 128 which are connected to a gear shaft 129 in the generator 120. Although not shown in Figures 13 to 17, the crank 12 is preferably inclined to a higher position lifted by springs like the springs 26 shown in Figure 4. In the movement of the crank 12 downwards by a user to dispense the fluid against the inclination of the springs, the connecting arm 124 rotates the first gear 126 and consequently rotates the gears of the set of gears to rotate the generator to generate power. After a user has moved lever 12 to a lower position where the springs are compressed, upon release of lever 12 by the user, the lever will return to the elevated position under the slope of the springs. In a preferred gear arrangement, during the movement of lever 12 from the lower to the upper position as under the influence of springs, the first gear is preferably mechanically disconnected from the generator 120 as by a one-way clutch arrangement. In a second preferred gear arrangement, during the movement of lever 12 from the lower to the upper position under the influence of springs, a mechanical gear connection is maintained between the first gear and the generator 120 to collect electrical energy from the movement of the lever 12. Such gear arrangements are known to those skilled in the art.
[000102] In the form of Figures 13 to 16, control module 52 as seen in Figure 16 is attached to the rear of chassis 130. Electrical wires 131 deliver electrical power from generator 120 to control module 52. Referring to Figure 15 , a vial sensor 134 is provided. Vial sensor 134 is illustrated schematically in a schematic cross-sectional view in Figure 17 as tilted forward by a spring member 136 to an extended position shown in Figure 15. In a vial 35 that is coupled to dispenser 10, a rear wall of the vial 35 engages vial sensor 134 and urges vial sensor 134 to the rear against the inclination of the spring member 136. The forward and backward movement of vial sensor 136 opens and closes an electric switch 137 that it provides a signal to the control module 52 indicating whether a bottle 35 is attached to the dispenser 10 or not.
[000103] As also seen in Figure 15, in front of the chassis 130 above the support shoulder 39 on both sides, the angular surfaces 140 and 141 are provided. On a surface 140, an infrared emitter 142 is provided and on a surface 141, an infrared sensor 143 is provided. This emitter 142 and sensor 143 provide a level pickup mechanism that is adapted to pick up the fluid level in the vial 35 and to provide a signal to the control module 52 indicating whether or not the fluid level in the vial is above or below the height of sensor 143.
[000104] As seen in Figures 13 and 14, a transparent window 145 is provided through the side wall 18 of the housing 16. Arranged on the chassis 130 inside that window 145 is a series of LED lights 146, 147 and 148 as best observed in Figure 16. Each light preferably has the ability to emit light of different colors, preferably green, or yellow or red, and the ability to be illuminated continuously or to flash intermittently. The lamps are preferably controlled by the control module 52 to provide visual signals to users regarding the condition of the dispenser. One of the lights can emit, for example, green, yellow or red light, for example, to indicate that a level of contamination captured by the sensor is, respectively, acceptable, moderate or unacceptable. The lamps can also provide signals that the bottle is empty of fluid or that there is some other malfunction or that the dispenser is operational.
[000105] In the second modality of Figures 13 to 16, in addition to the lights that indicate the state of the dispenser, a speaker indicated as 170 can be supplied connected to the control module and adapted to be activated in order to provide, for example, spoken signals or direction to a dispenser user or an individual replacing the bottle and / or sensor and / or alerts at different levels depending on the condition of the dispenser and the level of contaminant captured.
[000106] Figure 13 illustrates a bottle 35 as attached to the dispenser whose bottle is substantially of the type illustrated in Figure 9, that is, with a sensor 50 carried on the front face of the bottle and coupled to the control module 52 in a manner wired as shown in Figure 4 or 12 or a wireless way as in Figure 9.
[000107] A dispenser according to the present invention in the illustrated preferred embodiments comprises a manually operated dispenser. However, dispensers for use in accordance with the present invention are not thus limited. A dispenser does not have to be activated manually. A dispenser can include an electronically activated dispenser in which, for example, fluid dispensing is automatically activated by a sensor that captures the presence of a user's hand under a dispensing outlet. Such automatic dispensers that are preferably non-contact include a control module for their operation and, according to the present invention, a sensor can be provided in the dispenser to capture contaminants. The sensor can preferably communicate in a wired or wireless way with the control module in the automatic dispenser or, as described alternatively, communicate directly with a wireless center.
[000108] Reference is made to Figure 18 which illustrates a non-contact dispenser of the type described in Patent n2U.S. 7,980,421 to Ophardt et al. issued on July 19, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and whose dispenser 10 has been modified merely to show a contaminant sensor 50 provided on a downward facing surface 200 near discharge outlet 201 for the fluid from the dispenser 10. Of course, additional contaminant sensors 50 can be provided at different locations in such a dispenser. In a known manner, hand sensors 203 capture an individual's hand below nozzle 13 and trigger a pump (not shown) to discharge fluid from a fluid reservoir 35.
[000109] A preferred sensor for use in accordance with the present invention is a sensor that has a relatively limited life span during which the sensor is effective at capturing a contaminant, such as with the operating sensor so that a once a certain amount of contaminants comes into contact with the sensor surface, the sensor is no longer operative to indicate changes in the contamination level. A preferred sensor 50 for use in the present invention can have a contaminant pickup mechanism 73 as seen in Figure 19 comprising a circuit board 159, plurality of individual pickup elements or areas 160. Each individual pickup element 160 is adapted , each one, to be connected independently and electrically to the control module 52 through wires 165 and activated. Control module 52 is shown schematically in Figure 17 in dashed lines. Each pickup element 160 has a separate release member 80 that covers it and prevents contaminants from engaging with pickup member 160 until release member 80 is removed. In Figure 17, an electrical heating element is provided under each pickup element 160 on circuit board 159 with the electrical heating element electrically connected to control module 52. For ease of illustration, such electrical heating element 162 is shown in dashed lines with the connecting wires shown as 163. Each release member 80 is a sheet of material that is volatile when heated above room temperature. The control module 52 is able to supply electrical energy to each heating element 162 to heat the release member 80 and cause it to sublime and dissipate so that the underlying capture element 160 is initially activated to receive contaminants. The control module 52 must heat the heating element 162 for each of the individual pickup elements 160 at times when desired, preferably activating differently from the individual pickup elements 160 at different desired times, for example, in sequence over a period of time.
[000110] Other systems for activating time delay and staggered time of individual pickup elements 160 include the use of volatile release members 80 which at room temperature sublimate with time and which are provided to be of different initial thickness through different of the individual pickup elements 160, or of materials that dissipate at different rates through the individual pickup elements, in order to provide for different from the individual pickup elements to become open to receive contaminants at different times. Preferably, with the control module 52 you can determine the time when each of the individual capture elements 160 is initially activated.
[000111] The individual pickup elements 160 can be relatively small, for example, of dimensions to provide a surface area of less than 1 cm square, more preferably less than 0.5 cm square, which also assists in the supply that each sensor 50 is also relatively small. Preferred individual pickup elements 160 and other portions of a sensor 50 can be printed using various techniques such as to become OLED circuits as printed on a thin film such as PET film. Such small individual catchment elements 160 and sensors 50 can be adapted, for example, for location in areas of relatively small size such as lever 12 or nozzle 13 shown in the modalities of Figures 1 and 13 which can, for example, comprise tubular members of a diameter in the range of at most approximately 0.63 cm (% inch).
[000112] A dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention has the capacity to provide information regarding the level of contaminant captured by the dispenser over a period of time. The dispenser also has the ability to provide information on the time when a bottle is replaced, the time the bottle is empty and the number of pump activations. The number of pump activations can be readily captured by capturing when power is supplied from generator 120 to control module 52. As a result of this information, the activity level of the dispenser can be known. The activity level of the dispenser correlates with the number of times that individuals activate the dispenser to dispense fluid. The number of activations of a dispenser over time can be another factor to be used in comparing the dispenser and level of contaminants in any dispenser or group of dispensers within a matrix to any other dispenser or group of dispensers within the matrix.
[000113] Information can be provided to a central server as to the specific location of any dispenser within an installation. Historical information about any dispensers in that same location or a nearby location that includes information on contaminant levels and activation levels can be useful in determining thresholds for comparing contamination levels for any particular dispenser or group of dispensers.
[000114] Of the contaminants that can be adapted to be captured by sensors 50 in dispensers 10, some contaminants can be transported by air and other contaminants can be transported by individuals as well as by their hands. The nature of the contaminant to be captured can be a factor in determining where to locate the sensor in a dispenser. The nature of the contaminant to be captured can also have a determination as to whether the number of activations is a significant factor in assessing the levels of a contaminant over time in any particular dispenser. Preferably, contaminants that are transported, for example, in a user's hand will be placed in a dispenser at a location where the sensor is likely to make contact by a user's hand. Dispensers that are adapted to capture airborne contaminants can be located at different locations in the remote dispenser for possible contact by a user.
[000115] Reference is made to Figure 20 which shows an embodiment of a soap dispenser 10 of the present invention similar to that shown in Figure 3, but in which a sensor 50 is provided at the bottom 38 of a bottle 35 in order to be located at front from the support shoulder 39. An air fan 170 is provided to be attached to the rear of the dispenser 10 under the support shoulder 39 in order to blow air at the sensor 50. The fan 170 is driven and controlled electrically by the control module. control 52 (not shown). Fan 170 can direct air to sensor 50 continuously or more preferably periodically for short intervals from time to time during the life of sensor 50. In this way, in a controlled manner, sensor 50 can engage with surrounding air dispenser 10 and more precisely capture airborne contaminants.
[000116] As for the particular nature of the contaminants that sen 50 can capture, this is not limited. A more preferred application is to use sensors such as hospitals, food facilities, restaurants and the like to capture biological contaminants such as bacteria, microorganisms, viruses, fungi, molds, spores and signaling molecules or other products or by-products of bacteria, microorganisms, fungi and molds. However, the sensors can also be adapted to capture other contaminants such as relative levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxone, oxygen, nitrogen, natural gas and other gases. The sensors can also capture smoke as well as capture carbon particles that can be debris carried by the air from a fire. The particular nature of the contaminants to be captured is not limited. The sensors can also be used to capture other variables such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and light and noise levels.
[000117] The particular nature of the sensors to be used is not limited. The sensor can be a direct sensor or an indirect sensor. A direct sensor that can provide a signal for contamination levels is preferred. Preferred direct sensors are electronic with a sensor that identifies the presence of a contaminant on its surface and that provides an electronic signal. Such sensors are well known and include biosensors as applied to biochips. The biosensor is a device that includes a biological recognition system, often called a bioreceptor, and a transducer. The interaction of a device under analysis with the biosensor is designed to produce an effect measured by the transducer, which converts the information into a measurable effect, such as an electrical signal. The biosensor typically includes associated electronics or signal processors that are primarily responsible for displaying results in an easy to use manner. Biosensors that include transducers based on integrated circuit microchips are often referred to as biochips. A biochip typically includes one or more biosensors that can be monitored individually. Biosensors and biochips can be classified by their bioreceptor or by their type of transducer. A bioreceptor is typically a sensitive biological element, a biologically derived material or a biomic material such as a biological molecular species or a living system or biological material, for example, tissue, microorganism, organelles, cell receptors, enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, etc., which use a recognition mechanism for recognition. The sampling component of a biosensor may contain a biosensitive layer. Bioreceptors are the key to specificity for biosensors as they are responsible for the device under analysis of interest to the sensor for measurement. Biosensors can take many forms, however, to include five main categories: antibody / antigen, enzymes, nucleic acids / DNa, cells / cellular and biomimetic structures. Biosensors can also be classified based on the transduction method. Transduction can be accomplished using many methods. Most forms of transduction can be categorized into one of the following classes; optical detection methods, electrochemical detection methods and mass deduction methods. Each of these three classes contains many different subclasses. An indirect sensor can also be used. An example of an indirect sensor is shown in Figure 21 which is similar to Figure 3. Figure 21 illustrates in a side view similar to Figure 3, a sensor component 50 in the form of an indicator sheet 180 removably attached to the bottom. 38 from flask 35. Indicator sheet 180 is a sheet material whose color changes as a contaminant engages with the sheet. The sheet 180 can be, for example, a starting color such as white and will successfully change from white to another color such as, for example, an intense red when the contaminant comes in contact with the sheet. The leaf 180 preferably changes gradually from white to red, passing, for example, through the colors white, red or pink before it reaches an intense red color. The extent to which the red color is displayed by sheet 180 is indicative of the level of contaminants that have accumulated in an accumulated manner on sheet 180.
[000118] Mounted on the dispenser 10, as carried by a flange 181 attached to the rear of the dispenser housing 16 below the support shoulder 39, an optical pickup element 182 is provided directed to be in opposition to the sheet 180. The optical pickup 182 is an electronic element that has the ability to pick up the color of the sheet. Optical pickup element 182 is electrically controlled and connected to control module 52, not shown. The optical pickup element 182 monitors the color of the leaf and provides suitable signals that focus on the color of the leaf and thus a representation of the level of contaminants captured. Indicator sheet 180 can have a life span until the cumulative contaminants engaged in it transform its color to a deep red. The indicator sheet can be provided at various locations in dispenser 10 or vial 35 and can be removed and replaced.
[000119] If it is desired to protect any sensor, whether direct or indirect, from damage by contact with a person using the dispenser or dispensed fluids, the sensor can be supplied in a protected location, such as in the middle of a wall back of the flask 35 and, if it is advantageous, have an air fan 170, for example, similar to that shown in Figure 19, in which the direct air flow over the sensor 50 to supply ambient air in controlled contact with the sensor.
[000120] A variety of contaminant sensors can be used in accordance with the present invention without limitation, including magnetoelastic, microelectromechanical, microfisometer, nanowire, waveguide, liquid crystal, distributed dust or DNA bridge sensors. A description of each is provided in that paragraph; however, more detailed information on each is readily available in the open literature. A magnetoelastic sensor monitors a change in the resonance of a strip of tuned magnetoelastic that has been coated with an antibody from the analyte to be detected. The antibodies on the surface of the magnetoelastic strip bind with the analyte when present, changing the mass and, consequently, the resonant frequency of the element whose mass change can be detected to emit a signal. To detect multiple toxins, multiple individual strips can be coated with the respective antibodies, grouped and monitored by a common computer chip to emit signals. A microelectromechanical sensor monitors changes in the resonance of a mass suspended with a small cantilever beam coated with an analyte antibody to be detected to capture a small mass of analyte to effect a mass change, and, consequently, the resonant frequency of the cantilever beam. A microphysiometer sensor uses living human cells that have been adapted to react quickly to biological agents in the environment. These cells are arranged on sensors that detect abnormalities in the cell structure. Nanowire or DNA bridge sensors use strands of DNA arranged in or that complete an electrical circuit that changes conductivity or resistance as receptors in the accepted DNA molecule or combines with other DNA molecules. These DNA strands can be adapted to receive or combine with DNA analyte to detect and emit a warning signal. Waveguide sensors use a coating of antibodies that are arranged on a sensor surface and selected to target specific analytes, such as bacteria cells. When antibodies come in contact with these bacteria, antibodies attack and destroy bacteria and a light source is used to illuminate the changes. As antibodies destroy bacteria, the sensor surface detects changes, which allows bacteria to be identified. Liquid crystal sensors use cell membranes arranged on stick-shaped liquid crystals to detect analytes. For example, lipids are attached to liquid crystals, which rest perpendicular to the surface and appear dark. When the sensor is exposed to a protein that binds to lipids, liquid crystal molecules quickly respond by switching to a flat orientation. As a result, the crystals transmit polarized light and appear shiny. The change in lighting can be detected to emit an alert signal. Distributed dust sensors use micrometer-sized particles that change color in the presence of contaminants. For example, each particle can display different colors, depending on its orientation so that, when fixing a particular contaminant, the particles collectively yield a characteristic optical signature. The change in the optical signature can be detected to emit a signal. Immunoassay sensors use reactive materials that change color or contrast in the presence of an analyte. A sensor can include a white absorbent cable coated with the reactive material that, upon exposure to the contaminant, performs a color change.
[000121] The contaminant sensor provides an electrical emission or switching closure, or changes in color, contrast or other physical characteristics can be converted into an electrical emission / switching closure by conventional optical or photoelectric devices.
[000122] Each dispenser, as illustrated in the modalities of Figure 1, Figure 13 and Figure 18 are adapted to distribute fluids, for example, in a user's hand. The particular nature of the fluid that can be dispensed is not limited. The fluid is typically dispensed as a liquid or foam. The invention is applicable to fluid dispensers of virtually any manner or configuration in which a user has some interaction with the dispenser and is an opportunity for interaction between the user and the dispenser or the environment around the dispenser. As for the particular nature of the fluid to be dispensed, these can include soaps, such as water-based soaps and other cleaning fluids, such as alcohol-based cleaners and disinfectants. The units can be used in several different areas in a facility, such as in common public areas in a hospital, in the wards of patients with or without restricted access, and in areas that must be kept highly hygienic, such as in operating rooms and operating rooms. preparation and cleaning before entering operating rooms.
[000123] Although Figures 1, 13 and 21 illustrate only three forms of fluid dispensers, many fluid dispensers are within the scope of the present invention, including foot washers, as they are known, to deliver fluid over a user's feet , for example, by spraying a fluid on a user's feet with user activation to distribute the fluid on the feet being sprayed.
[000124] The preferred dispenser, as shown in Figures 1 and 13, is adapted for engagement by a user's hand to activate the fluid distribution. Dispensers are known that are adapted for activation by engagement by other parts of a user, such as the user's elbow or feet. Some fluid dispensers are activated by a user who presses a button to electrically operate a pump. All such dispensers are included within the scope of the present invention.
[000125] Many paper dispensers are known for their use in bathrooms, health care institutions and the like, in which a user activates the dispenser in order to distribute paper products typically in rolls or sheets to the user. Such paper dispensers include dispensers that may have a lever handle for engagement by a user, for example, for rotating a roll of paper and providing a user accessible portion of the paper to detach. Other paper dispensers are automatic and non-touch and capture the presence of a user, who then distributes a portion of the paper to dry the user's hands. Other paper dispensers distribute toilet paper found next to or next to a toilet and typically require a user to manually engage the end of the paper and remove the paper from a paper dispenser, whether the paper is in the form of a roll or in the form of a roll. of leaves. In each of these dispensers there is an opportunity for a user to engage portions of the dispenser and there are surfaces in the dispenser where contamination can occur. In each of these paper dispensers, as is the case with fluid dispensers, paper is a replaceable personal product and needs to be replaced periodically. In the case of a paper dispenser that dispenses paper on rolls, the paper roll comprises a replaceable cartridge that must be replaced from time to time. As is the case with a fluid dispenser, when replacing a replaceable cartridge in a paper dispenser, a removable and replaceable sensor can be provided with the paper cartridge so that each time a replaceable paper cartridge is supplied , a new sensor is provided for the paper dispenser. As with fluid dispensers, the sensor provided with the cartridge is adapted to be located open in an environment in which contaminants may be desired to be captured, such as maintaining this position in the cartridge while being collected in the cartridge to attach to the dispenser or that is removable from the cartridge to attach to the dispenser.
[000126] Fluid dispensers in accordance with the present invention are more preferably fluid dispensers for dispensing cleaning and disinfecting solutions and, more particularly, those adapted for cleaning the user's hands. Similarly, a paper towel dispenser to which the invention refers most directly are those adapted to be supplied in an environment where the individual's hands are expected or expected to be cleaned, for example, notably in bathrooms and in food preparation and health care facilities.
[000127] Reference is made to Figure 22, which illustrates a collage of elements that can be found within the installation schematically illustrated as 100. These elements include the following: (a) dispensers 10 for dispensing fluid over the user's hands, (b ) a paper towel dispenser 202 for dispensing paper towels 203 from a horizontally disposed paper roll schematically illustrated in dashed lines 204 within a closed housing 205 carrying a lever arm 206 for dispensing paper 203, ( c) a toilet paper dispenser 208 having a replaceable paper roll 209 mounted for rotation at least partially covered by a housing 211; (d) a foot sprinkler dispenser 212 typically mounted close to the ground and having a housing 213 that carries a replaceable reservoir in it and from which fluid is adapted to be dispensed in a sprinkler nozzle 214 by a user who engages a lever 215 with its feet, (e) a sink 216 that has a spout 217 to distribute fluid and activated by two handles with lever 218 and 219, (f) a toilet 220 that has a handle 221 that can be manually engaged for flushing , (g) a urinal 222 that has a push button 223 for engagement by a user for flushing, (h) a hand dryer that blows wall-mounted air 224 to distribute an airflow outside an enlarged nozzle tube 225 and adapted, for example, for activation by a push button 226, (i) an access door 228 to provide access to an area in a building or a bathroom cabin and adapted to be opened and closed by manually engaging a door handle 229, (j) ab support rail 232 adapted to be attached to a wall to provide assistance to a user standing or sitting as adjacent to the toilet shown, and (k) a handrail 234 adapted to be mounted adjacent to a wall for attachment by a user to guide a user moving along a wall and to assist in supporting a user by engaging by the hand of a user, whose handrail can also be adapted to be placed along or beside one or more stairs. Each of these elements carries a sensor 50 in accordance with the present invention.
[000128] Each of the dispenser 10, the paper towel dispenser 202, the toilet paper dispenser 208 and the foot sprinkler dispenser 212 distribute a personal product whose product needs to be replaced from time to time and is typically replaceable as in in the form of a shell or cartridge. In accordance with the present invention, each of the fluid dispenser, paper towel dispenser, toilet paper dispenser and foot spray dispenser carries a contaminant sensor 50 in accordance with the present invention which is preferably supplied with and replaced by the replaceable reservoir or cartridge. In accordance with the present invention, wireless contaminant sensors 50 are provided on other such elements in installation 100 and, preferably, on any other elements that can reasonably be expected to be engaged by users, preferably when can be expected that they are engaged by users. Thus, sensors 50 schematically indicated by arrows to be provided on each of the handles 218 and 219 for the sink 216, the toilet handle 221, the urinal press button 223, the dryer press button 226, the door handle 229, the support bar 232 and the handrail 234.
[000129] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, wireless sensors 50, which are provided in many of the elements, can be provided with communication capability for limited relative distance, for example, not more than 1.22 or 2.44 or 4.88 meters (4 or 8 or 16 feet), preferably within the same room without the ability to pass through the installation walls. Wireless sensors with such limited range communication can be provided within the range of communication with another element that serves as a message collector. The message collector may be merely a wireless router, however, it may preferably comprise other elements such as, preferably, one of the fluid dispensers 10 or one of the paper dispensers. The dispenser 10, which preferably also serves as the message collector, preferably has greater communication capabilities for sending information to the Internet.
[000130] The particular way and control of any of the sensors 50 shown in the elements in the collage of Figure 22 is not limited. A preferred flowchart of a second arrangement for monitoring and controlling the sensor-carrying elements of Figure 22 is illustrated in Figure 23. Figure 23 schematically illustrates a plurality of sensor-carrying elements, as shown in Figure 22, adapted to communicate without wire via a WLAN 302 to a message collector 310 which preferably comprises a particular of the dispensers 10. This dispenser which collects message 310 is shown as adapted for communication with the Internet 304, preferably wireless. From the Internet 304, information can be passed to a data processing module 306 that would typically comprise a web layer of servers 308 that communicate with the data layer of servers 309. The web layer of servers 308 typically delivers information through web pages, receives user information to be processed, provides web services for use of multiplexer and to report to the installation manager, generates alerts and notifications and is typically expandable. The data layer server 309 provides a central data store. An installation manager 312 is shown, as schematically illustrated, as an individual person 314 on a computer 316. Installation manager 312 is able to communicate with message collector 310 and also with the data-processing web layer 308 and data layer 309 via the Internet 304. Installation manager 312 has the ability, for example, to review reports, manage all master data, and also to register each of the dispensers 10 and configure the dispensers 10 As shown in Figure 23, it is a dispenser 10 shown as connected to computer installation manager 316 for initial dispenser configuration via USB before that dispenser can be placed in its desired location in the installation. Figure 23 shows installation manager 312, which also has the ability to communicate with an installation database 318, which can include various information from a facility, for example, in the case of a hospital, data related to operations, occupation , incidents of infection and the like.
[000131] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, dispensers 10 and other elements that preferably have sensors do not incorporate batteries, which requires frequent replacement. The inventor of the present application noted that in many facilities, such as hospitals, there are thousands of such dispensers and that avoiding the need for battery replacement can significantly reduce operating costs. As such, a preferred provision is to provide dispensers 10 to have the ability to generate through use the energy required for the operation of the dispenser. In one configuration, as shown in Figure 23, individual dispensers 10 with limited communication capability may preferably comprise a dispenser 10 of the type illustrated in Figure 16, which incorporates a generator that generates energy in the manual movement of the lever to distribute fluid . The energy needed to be generated may be merely the energy needed to relay information from that dispenser 10 to message collector 310 from time to time. In dispensers 10 with a generator, as shown in Figure 16, require some energy to operate in order to perform readings in order to maintain a time clock and store data based on time in relation to the activation of the dispenser, the amount of energy created and, if a contaminant sensor is provided, the reading of the contaminant sensor. Such data can be stored inside the individual dispenser 10. Depending on the amount of energy that can be stored at any time and the storage power for the dispenser in Figure 16, the control module 52 of that dispenser 10 can then determine how often the Stored information must be relayed to the message collector. The amount of energy required for communication between the individual dispenser 10 and the message collector 310, including two-way communication, to initialize and ensure proper communication is generally a greater amount of energy than that required for mere collection. and storage of information in the collection dispenser 10. The frequency with which information can be transferred from the collection dispenser to the message collector is preferably controlled by the controller in the collection dispenser 10 is so as to be a function of the quantity of energy at any time inside the power storage device in the collection dispenser. For example, if the power storage device has energy above a first level, the transfer of information can be every five minutes or, for example, every fifteen activations. If the power level on the storage device is below a certain level, then the transfer of information may be less frequent, for example, every one, two, six or twelve hours. The transfer of information would not, for example, be allowed to occur when the power level is below any particularly low limit. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, an improved arrangement is provided to optimize the power consumption between a collection dispenser and a message collector, in which the data communication frequency from the collection dispenser to the message dispenser is varied. as a function of the power contained within a rechargeable power supply in the collection dispenser in order to reduce the frequency of information transfer as the power level decreases. This arrangement is useful whether or not a contaminant sensor 50 is provided in any dispenser.
[000132] The message collector 310 is preferably a dispenser that has, with high probability, an adequate availability of electrical power in its power storage device. Thus, in an arrangement in which a plurality of collection dispensers 10 or other devices are provided to communicate their information to a message collector 310, where the message collector 310 preferably has an increased availability and, preferably, continuous power, for example, by providing the message collector 310 to be physically connected to an A / C power system or to have suitable replaceable batteries or, more preferably, to have a constant supply of renewable power. The constant supply of renewable power can be provided by a solar panel, that is, a charging device that creates electrical energy from light and may, for example, have adequate capacity to supply necessary power to the message controller for 24 constant hours. of operation based on the light it receives. Another preferred element for use as the message collector is a fluid dispenser that incorporates an electrochemical cell to produce electrical energy by chemical conversion of the fluid to be dispensed of the type described, for example, in US Patent No. 7,530,477 to Ophardt , issued on May 12, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In Figure 23, the message collector 310 is preferably such a combination of fluid dispenser and electrochemical cell as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,530,477. With such a dispenser, such as the message collector 310, the fuel cell inside the dispenser can produce electricity with time almost continuously and, in any event, periodically in sufficient quantities to supply energy for the constant operation of the message collector to monitor data arrival of the plurality of other dispensers and devices that attempt to communicate periodically via wireless WLAN 302. That is, in the message connector dispenser 310 that incorporates an electrochemical cell to produce electrical energy, the fluid that must be dispensed for use as hand cleaning is also used as a source for electrochemical energy containing alcohol compounds which can, in a fuel cell, be converted into electrical energy for storage in a power storage device in the message collector dispenser. Thus, in a collage of elements, as illustrated in Figure 22, one of the dispensers 10 can comprise a combination of liquid dispenser and electrochemical cell that can serve as the message collector 310 and provide renewable energy for as long as your reservoir contains fluid to be excused. In accordance with the present invention, an innovative arrangement is provided which comprises a matrix of fluid dispensers and other devices that collect and collect data and that communicate wirelessly over short distances periodically with the message collector that is capable of generating power accentuated and is adapted for communication with other elements within a data distribution network, as in the internet 304 and installation manager 312, as seen in Figure 22. Such a provision is useful in case any contaminant sensors are included or not.
[000133] As seen in Figure 16, the second mode dispenser has a DBS port on its control module through which it can be connected with devices, such as a 312 installation manager computer, for configuring the dispenser, as can be desired, for example, initially or subsequently. After initial configuration, dispenser 10 may preferably have the ability to be configured wirelessly and remotely. The control module 52 of the dispenser 10, particularly when it is a collection dispenser with minimum power generation and storage capacity, preferably performs only minimal processing and its control module 52 can preferably be adapted for wireless configuration from time to time, as may be desired by installation manager 312. Similarly, message collector 310 is preferably another dispenser 10 that can also be adapted for reconfiguration, such as download by downloading software from from time to time, preferably wirelessly, as by installation manager 312.
[000134] In Figure 23, a portable wireless communication device, such as a personal digital assistant or a smart phone 320, is illustrated as wireless communication with installation manager 312, message collector 310 and the Internet 304. Such smart phone 320 or other portable device can be carried by staff for facilitation to allow timely transfer of matter over any particular of the capture elements. In a more simplified layout than that illustrated in Figure 23, message collector 312 can communicate merely with the phone 320 and provide in a relatively smaller installation that has, for example, possibly ten or twenty pickup elements, a simplified layout for a person who has the phone 320, as a smart portable communication device to have the ability to readily monitor the activity of numerous dispensers 10 or other elements. In Figure 22, each of the dispensers, including liquid dispenser 10 and paper towel dispensers 202 can be provided with means to generate power, for example, having a power generator coupled to a manually activated lever that needs be moved to distribute fluid. Others of the elements in the glue can similarly be provided to have power generators. For example, door handle 229 may have an internal generator and thus be self-powered as in the manner disclosed in Patent Publication No. US 2010/0140499 by Casale, published on June 10, 2010. With the movement of the door handle door 229 to open the door, the movement of door handle 229 is translated by a generator to create power and that power can be used to power the wireless sensor 50 at the door.
[000135] The way in which the data collected from contaminant sensors is used, monitored and manipulated by the installation manager and the data processing unit is not limited. As discussed earlier in that application, thresholds can be set for contamination levels for various contaminants that can be used to generate warnings and the like. However, there is no need to compare any data with thresholds. Data provided from the system can provide the facility manager with a time recording of different levels of contaminant at different locations in a facility. Those contaminant levels can be grouped by time or areas of the facility and the like. Contaminant levels provide the facility manager with a real-time indication of materials that are captured. It is within the ability of individuals skilled in the art to develop monitoring techniques to review trends and changes in data to identify when difficulties and problems may arise. Such changes can be used to provide early warning of problems or possible problems. As an example, if there could be an epidemic of a particular bacterial disease in an elderly home near a hospital, the hospital can track the admission and presence of individuals from that elderly home in the hospital with the aim of monitoring changes in levels of specific contaminants within specific areas of the hospital as an indication that contaminants may have been brought with individuals from the elderly people's home and countermeasure steps may be taken. In another example, influenza epidemics can be tracked in various Internet databases that monitor various factors of the population as a whole, such as drug purchases, absenteeism and the like. Such data can be combined with data collected from the sensors in a facility for greater monitoring for particular contaminants or to react more quickly by changing the levels of certain specific contaminants captured.
[000136] The present invention provides a sensor community and can use group behavior strategies to identify various signals and device malfunction. A wide array of dispensers and other elements that carry sensors provides a widely distributed sensor network.
[000137] In accordance with the present invention, a large scale biocaptation method is provided with the use of the preferred sensor that carries dispensers and other elements that carry sensor in accordance with the present invention. In accordance with the present invention, three factors are of particular use, these factors being the time of insertion of a replaceable bottle or cartridge in a dispenser, the use by people of that dispenser over time and the level of a biological contaminant in the sensor in the time dispenser, for example, which provides a bacterial count. The three factors represented over time from the insertion of a reservoir, the use of a dispenser and the bacterial levels in a dispenser with time provide a foundation for determining the hygienic status of any healthcare facility. The particular nature of the data collected from a large array of dispensers and other capture elements within a facility is provided in conjunction with a network structure to collect, filter and process large volumes of data in real time. Data is provided from a large number of data sources that provide live network data. This real-time rich data mining provides a system that can be used to understand the operation of the network and also to detect anomalies in the data and the like.
[000138] As a means of communicating a signal from a sensor 50, an RFID system can be used which comprises a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device in combination with an RFID reader to pass on a signal to facilitate operators. The RFID device can be active, passive or a hybrid of them. A passive RFID device includes an antenna to capture enough energy from a surrounding electromagnetic field to power the RFID device. The antenna is electrically connected to an electronic chip that performs the various pre-programmed RFID functions. An RFID reader used in conjunction with passive RFID devices generates an electromagnetic field of sufficient intensity or magnetic flux to power the RFID device 20 when the RFID device is close to a reader. For example, known RFID readers 30 can produce a field so that a localized RFID device can be energized and interrogated by the RFID reader over distances up to at least 3.05 meters (ten feet). An active RFID device includes a power source, such as an integrated battery for energy to transmit signals to the RFID reader. Hybrid RFID devices have characteristics of both passive and active devices in that they capture energy from a surrounding electromagnetic field, but also use a battery-enhancing communication band.
[000139] Reference is made to Figure 24, which shows a sensor arrangement comprising a wireless sensor 50 and a control unit 52 similar to that shown in Figure 9, but using RFID technology. Sensor 50 includes at least part of its processor 75 an RFID transponder 361. An RFID reader or transceiver 362 is provided as part of control unit 52. On sensor 50, processor 75 and its RFID transponder 361 are shown connected to a plurality of different contaminant capture mechanisms 73 and an antenna 259. The wireless sensor 50 is preferably manufactured by printing its various elements on a flexible substrate 363. Select the RFID transponder to be a transponder passive RFID technology without a battery assists in ease of manufacture. Preferably, each of processor 75, antenna 78 and sensor processor 75 can be printed directly on a flexible substrate, as by inkjet printing techniques, however, if this is not possible for any of the components, then, for example, one or more of the components, such as the pickup mechanism 73 and sensor processor 75, can be manufactured by another process and integrated on the flexible substrate 363. The substrate may preferably comprise a flexible substrate, such as PET, PEN and PI polymers and flexible laminates and sheets.
[000140] In the context of Figures 22 and 23, the wireless RFID 50 sensor in Figure 24 can be provided as the sensor in any of the elements in Figure 22, such as the handrail and the toilet handle, and the control unit 52 can be provided, for example, in message collector 310. For each dispenser 10, the wireless RFID sensor 50 can be supplied in a removable reservoir and the control unit 52 in the dispenser housing. The RFID transceiver or reader can be adapted to communicate with various devices, including a processor in the dispenser, another dispenser that acts as a message collector, a router, the Internet or correctly with the installation manager.
[000141] As an example of a type of biosensor that can be adapted for use as one or more of the sensors 50 in accordance with the present invention, there is the biosensor described in US Patent No. 7,651,843 to Stubbs et al, issued on January 2, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Stubbs reveals an acoustic wave biosensor adapted to identify bacteria, microorganisms or plants in a liquid or gaseous medium in which the bacteria, microorganisms or plants are of a type that produce signaling molecules in a vapor or liquid space around around the species in question within an environment. Stubbs teaches an acoustic wave biosensor positioned to capture vapor for the signaling chemical inside a gas in the environment or to capture the signaling chemical inside a liquid that forms the environment and, in each case, to perform a real-time evaluation the presence of signaling chemicals. The patent cited above by Stubbs teaches the use of an acoustic wave biosensor useful to determine the presence of bacteria in real time from gaseous or liquid medium and teaches, for example, real-time detection of Bacillus-related species, including, for example , airborne microorganisms, such as Bacillus subtilis. The acoustic wave biosensor can be an RFID-type sensor, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,053,524 to Edmonson et al, issued May 30, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[000142] The nature of the wireless sensor for use with the present invention is not limited. However, to provide low-cost sensors, the use of relatively inexpensive laminate or plastic substrates and low-cost printing methods are preferred ways of manufacturing.
[000143] Reference is made to Figures 25, 26 and 27, which illustrate a fifth embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with the present invention, in which dispenser 10 is identical to that described in the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 6, with the exceptions first of all, by including a dip tray 204 provided below the dispenser outlet nozzle 13 and with the contaminant sensor 50 carried by the drip tray 204. As shown, the dip tray 204 is removably held vertically below the nozzle 13. In use, fluid is dispensed over the user's hand below nozzle 13 and fluid may drip from the user's hand downward. Drip tray 204 is provided to capture such dripping fluid and prevent it from dripping onto the floor or a bench or other surface below the dispenser 10. Often, a user will, after dispensing fluid over a hand placed below the nozzle 13, then rub the user's hands together under the nozzle 11 above the drip tray 204, so that fluid dripping from the hands during dispensing and rubbing is captured in the drip tray 204. Such drip trays 204 are particularly useful when the fluid it is sprayed as if by a spray nozzle or wrong from the nozzle 13 and when the fluid is a low viscosity fluid, such as alcohol, which can drip readily from the user's hand.
[000144] Drip tray 204 is shown as sustained by dispenser 10 by means of a rigid support 208 formed from a rigid metal rod and which, as seen in Figure 26, has a vertically disposed rear loop 210 in a fixed manner which holds a horizontally arranged horizontal loop 212. Horizontal loop 212 provides a dimensioned opening for receiving drip tray 204 therein with an outwardly extending edge 216 of drip tray 204 extending outwardly over the stick horizontal loop 214. A spring clamp member 218 extends from the top 216 of drip tray 204 on one side under the tray to the other side to securely tilt drip tray 204 down to loop 212 The spring clamp member 218 is horizontally slidable with respect to drip tray 204 and horizontal loop 212 to allow removal of the drip tray from horizontal loop 212, po For example, for cleaning or discarding any fluid captured by the drip tray.
[000145] The vertical loop 212 has side members 220 that extend upwards on each side of the dispenser 10 and are joined by a horizontal top member 222 coupled to the dispenser 10, preferably to the upper rear of a wall plate 223 for the dispenser 10 rotating about a horizontal geometric axis through the top member 222, as can be of assistance in inserting and removing the removable bottle 35. The drip tray has a bottom 224 from which side walls 226 extend upwards to form an internal cavity 228 to capture fluid. Contaminant sensor 50 is carried on drip tray 212 so as to be in communication with fluid from cavity 228. As seen in Figures 26 and 28, sensor 50 is supplied attached to drip tray 204 in cavity 228 on the upper surface of the bottom 224 in a location that, with gravity, fluid in drip tray 204 will engage with sensor 50. Wires 53 are shown by extending from sensor 50 to couple sensor 50 to a control module (not shown) similar to control modulator 52 and similarly to that shown in the first modality of Figures 1 to 6. Sensor 50 can have other configurations, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 9 or as described and shown with other modalities.
[000146] The sensor 50 carried by the drip tray 204 can capture contaminants in the fluid in the drip tray and thus provide an indication of contaminants that may have originated in a person's hand using the drip tray or otherwise , for example, in the nozzle 13 or that will be in the fluid, such as ambient air that comes in contact with the fluid inside the drip tray. The particular nature of the sensor 50 carried by the drip tray 204 is not limited, however, it is preferably a sensor 50 that is adapted to trap contaminants within a liquid.
[000147] Reference is made to Figure 28, which shows a cross-section through the drip tray similar to that shown in Figure 27, however, with sensor 50 shown to have a contaminant capture mechanism 73 arranged at a low point in a bottom collector 229 of cavity 228 of drip tray 204 so that any fluid in drip tray 204 will necessarily be in communication with the contaminant trap 73 of sensor 50. In the embodiment of Figure 28, sensor 50 is illustrated as being sealably engaged within an opening through the bottom 224 of the drip tray 204 under the collector 229 and thus can, for example, supply other components of the sensor 50 outside the cavity 228 of the drip tray 204 and including the wires 53.
[000148] Reference is made to Figure 29 which illustrates another cross section through the drip tray similar to that shown in Figure 28 which shows, however, an alternative arrangement of a sensor 50 in which the sensor 50 is schematically illustrated as including a passage 230 in communication with the fluid in the cavity 228 by means of an inlet 231 and an outlet 232. The sensor 50 is indicated as including a pump 233 for drawing fluid out of the cavity through the inlet and discharging it through the outlet. A contaminant capture mechanism 73 is schematically illustrated as being provided at a location along passage 230 so that sensor 50 effectively captures contaminants in the fluid drawn through sensor 50. It should be noted that the pump may have a rate extremely high volumetric flow and can only be operated periodically.
[000149] Reference is made to Figure 30 which illustrates another cross-sectional view through the drip tray similar to Figure 27 which shows, however, a capture tray 336 nestled over the drip tray 204 to overlap the drip tray 204. Capture tray 336 has bottom 337 and sides 338 that extend to an edge 339 overlapping edge 216 of drip tray 204. Sensor 50 is sealed in an opening through bottom 337 of capture tray 336. The sensor 50 has a passage 230 through it with an inlet 231 open for the capture tray 336 and an outlet 232 that opens downward for the drip tray 204. Fluid inside the capture tray 336, with gravity, will pass through the pass 230 of sensor 50 and up to the catch basin. Fluid that passes through passage 230 comes into contact with the uptake mechanism 73 in order to trap contaminants in the fluid.
[000150] Reference is made to Figure 31 which illustrates a sixth embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with the present invention, comprising a touchless dispenser 10, including a drip tray 204. The dispenser 10 shown in Figure 31 is a version without touch of a dispenser of the type shown in Figure 1, in which hand sensors 235 are provided under the nozzle shield 27 and adapted to activate an electric motor (not shown) to move a piston pump (not shown) to deliver fluid to out of nozzle 13 on the user's hand. As contrasted with the modality of Figure 26, in Figure 31, the drip tray 204 is located in closer proximity to the nozzle 13 below the nozzle 13 and provides a containment cavity similar to a bowl 228 supported on a rigid support 208 of the dispenser. The drip tray 204 thus provides a cavity similar to bowl 228 of a diameter and depth to allow a user to locate the user's hand below nozzle 13 above drip tray 204, possibly at least partially within cavity 228 with enough space for both hands to receive fluid below the nozzle 13 and to be rubbed together below the nozzle 13 and above or inside the drip tray 204, so that substantially any errant spray from the nozzle 13 or dripping from the user's hands can be captured by drip tray 204. The dispenser 10 shown includes a lever 12 adapted to be manually moved by a user to distribute fluid from the nozzle if the electric motor is not powered or does not run. The drip tray 214 is supported by the rigid support member 208 which includes L-shaped side members 340, which extend from below the drip tray 204 backwards along the sides of the dispenser 10 and then upwards to a top, which extends across the top of the dispenser 10.
[000151] In Figures 28 to 30, modalities of the contaminant sensor 50 are shown that they are not merely thin sheet members and in which provision is made for the movement of a liquid beyond the contaminant capture mechanism 73 of the sensor 50. Dispensers with sensors that must capture airborne contaminants, they can similarly be provided with various mechanisms to provide air movement from the environment around a dispenser in contact with the contaminant capture mechanism.
[000152] Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, many modifications and variations will now occur to individuals skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention, reference is made to the appended claims.

权利要求:
Claims (17)
[0001]
1. A method of monitoring a contaminant in a facility (100) comprising: providing, in spaced locations within a facility, a plurality of fluid dispensers (10), said method comprising the step of providing each dispenser (10 ) a sensor (50) carried by the dispenser (10) that has the ability to detect the presence and relative level of the contaminant, generate, for each dispenser (10) periodically over time, signals representative of the level of the contaminant in each sensor ( 50) at different times, convert the signals into data representative of the level of the contaminant in each sensor (50) at different times, comparing the level of the contaminant captured to one or more thresholds and determining whether the level of contaminant does not fall within the thresholds, characterized by the fact that each fluid dispenser (10) is adapted to dispense a cleaning liquid (40) in the hands of a person (14), the method comprises the step of dispensing with each dispenser (10) fluid in a person's hand (14) to clean the person's hands (14) and the sensor (50) is opened to the environment around the dispenser (10).
[0002]
2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the contaminant is selected from the group consisting of a biological contaminant, a gas and a combustion by-product.
[0003]
3. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the contaminant is a biological contaminant.
[0004]
4. Method according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the contaminant comprising a biological pathogen or a product of the biological pathogen signaling the presence of the pathogen in the installation.
[0005]
5. Method, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the biological pathogen is selected from the group consisting of bacteria and viruses.
[0006]
6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that it comprises: providing each of the sensors (50) to be coupled to the dispenser (10) for removal and replacement, removing, from time to time , each sensor (50) and replace the removed sensor (50) with a replacement sensor (50), detect the removal or replacement of each sensor (50) as a function of time, use the time extension of said removal or replacement of each sensor (50) as a factor in calculating the level of contaminants in each dispenser (10) periodically over time.
[0007]
Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises: providing each dispenser (10) with a housing (16), providing a plurality of reservoirs with each reservoir (35) containing a finite volume of fluid (40) to be dispensed and each reservoir (35) capable of being removably coupled to the housing (16) for removal and replacement, provide a plurality of sensors (50) for each dispenser: (a) coupling one of the reservoirs to the housing, attach a first of the sensors to the dispenser open to the environment on the dispenser and capable of detecting the presence and the relative level of the contaminant, activating the first of the sensors to start detecting the presence and the relative level of the contaminant in the environment around the dispenser, and (b) repeat the steps from time to time: (i) remove the reservoir attached to the housing and the respective sensor attached to the dispenser, and (ii) replace the reservoir attached to the housing coupling another of the reservoirs to the housing and at the same time replacing the reservoir attached to the housing; (a) replace the respective sensor attached to the dispenser by attaching another respective sensor to the dispenser open to the environment around the dispenser and (b) activate the other respective sensor to start detecting the presence and the relative level of the contaminant in the environment around the dispenser .
[0008]
8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: each dispenser (IO) includes a housing (16) and a reservoir (35) containing the fluid (40), wherein each reservoir (40) 35) is removably coupled to the housing (16) for removal and replacement, supply each sensor (50) so that it is mechanically connected to one of the respective reservoirs (35) against the separation of the respective reservoir (35), remove each reservoir (35) 35) from time to time and replace each reservoir (35) with a replacement reservoir (35) to which a replacement sensor (50) is mechanically connected against separation.
[0009]
9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that it includes: communicating the signals from the dispensers (10) to a common processor (60), monitoring the level of contaminants in each dispenser (10) periodically over time.
[0010]
10. Method according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that it includes: providing the dispensers (10) to include a plurality of manually operated dispensers, wherein the step of communicating the signals from each dispenser (10) to the processor common (60) comprises communicating wireless signals from the dispenser (10).
[0011]
11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that it includes: providing each sensor (50) with a communication capability and making each sensor (50) wirelessly communicate the signals for at least one of a communication system (56) provided in the dispenser (10) and a communication system (58) provided remotely from the dispenser (10).
[0012]
12. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that it includes: periodically calculating contaminant group levels for two or more dispenser groups (10) based on a function of the contaminant level in each dispenser (10) over selected periods of time, compare the contaminant group levels for a first of said groups to the contaminant group levels for a second of said groups and where the contaminant group levels for the first of said groups vary from the contaminant group levels to the second of said groups which establishes a measurement counter in the direction of reducing contaminant group levels to one of the first of said groups and the second of said groups.
[0013]
13. Method, according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the measurement counter is selected from the group of: (a) increasing a dosage of fluid (40) dispensed in a single activation of a pump (28) for each dispenser (10) in one of the first of said groups and the second of said groups in relation to a dosage of fluid dispensed in a single pump activation (28) for each dispenser (10) in the other between the first of said groups and the second of said groups, (b) changing the fluid (40) that each dispenser (10) in one of the first of said groups and the second of said groups dispensing in relation to the fluid (40) that each dispenser (10) dispenses in the other between the first of said groups and the second of said groups to have greater or different cleaning or disinfection properties, (c) introducing different hygiene compliance policies in areas of the facility (100) containing one of the first of said groups and the second of said groups in relation to hygiene compliance policies in areas of the facility (100) containing the other between the first of said groups and the second of said groups, and (d) providing different vaccines or medication to individuals in areas of the facility (100) containing a among the first of said groups and the second of said groups in relation to vaccines and / or medication provided to individuals in areas of the facility (100) containing the other between the first of said groups and the second of said groups.
[0014]
14. Method according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the plurality of dispensers (10) comprises a number of dispensers (10) which is selected from the group consisting of at least 25, 50, 100 , 200, 300, 400, 500 and 1000.
[0015]
15. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that it includes: detecting the time of each activation of each dispenser (10) to dispense the fluid, changing the limits related to the number of activations.
[0016]
16. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by the fact that it includes: determining the location of each dispenser (10) in the installation (100), changing the limits related to the location of each dispenser (10) in the installation (100).
[0017]
17. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that each dispenser (10) includes an external surface open to the environment around the dispenser, the sensor (50) provided on the external surface.

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US20210283293A1|2021-09-16|Systems, devices and methods for disinfecting objects or surfaces in a scene

同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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EP3231339A1|2017-10-18|

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US10524621B2|2020-01-07|

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EP2773251A1|2014-09-10|

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US20200100627A1|2020-04-02|

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BR112014010694A2|2017-04-25|

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EP2773251A4|2015-11-25|

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EP3231339B1|2019-03-06|

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CN104010555A|2014-08-27|

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CN104010555B|2017-03-01|

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EP2773251B1|2017-04-19|

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WO2013063690A1|2013-05-10|

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法律状态:
2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-11-19| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

---

2020-06-23| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2020-11-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 01/11/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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CA2,757,195|2011-11-04|

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CA2757195A|CA2757195A1|2011-11-04|2011-11-04|Contaminant sensing dispenser|

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CA2762731A|CA2762731C|2011-11-04|2011-12-22|Dispenser with contaminant sensor|

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CA2,762,731|2011-12-22|

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CA2,778,470|2012-05-29|

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CA2778470A|CA2778470C|2011-11-04|2012-05-29|Dispenser and contaminant sensor|

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PCT/CA2012/001014|WO2013063690A1|2011-11-04|2012-11-01|Dispenser and contaminant sensor|

---