KR100397440B1 - Wash basin and operation - Google Patents

Abstract

A wash station comprises a sink and a water dispensing faucet operably associated with the sink for selectively dispensing water thereto. A first sensor is operably associated with the sink for determining the presence of a user. An electrically operated valve is in flow communication with the faucet for causing water to be selectively supplied thereto and operably associated with the first sensor for being actuated thereby. A soap dispensing faucet is operably associated with the sink for selecting dispensing soap. A second sensor is operably associated with the soap dispensing faucet for determining the presence of a user in operable association with the soap dispensing faucet. A pump is in operable association with a soap supply, in fluid communication with the soap dispensing faucet, and in operable connection with the second sensor for causing soap to be selectively supplied to the soap dispensing faucet upon detection of a user by the second sensor. <IMAGE>

Description

Wash basin and operation

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many diseases spread from person to person, either directly or indirectly through contact. Direct contact causes the contagium to be delivered from the infectious agent carrier to another person who is infected and / or delivers the infectious poison to another person.

Nosocomial infections occur frequently among healthcare providers, especially those who come into intimate contact with infectious diseases. Indirect contact occurs when an infectious agent agent contacts a product and thereby deposits the infectious poison and the contagious poison is contacted by another person in contact with the item.

Many infectious poisons are spread by direct or indirect contact through the hands.

Some infectious poisons are destroyed through the use of water and cleansing agents such as soaps and preservatives. Hospital staff will be trained in appropriate hand washing methods as a means to minimize the spread of nosocomical infections. Many groups also require that food handlers wash their hands before handling food.

Many hospitals have wash stations that are used for hand washing. The wash basin, perhaps with a foot or leg, has a valve that controls the flow of water from the faucet to the sink. Supplies of cleansing agents such as water soap are also provided, as well as folded paper towels to dry your hands. Airflow tends to spread epidemic inducers, so hot air dryers are usually not available in hospital settings. Wash bases have a number of drawbacks such as the need to contact an improperly sized soap, valve or other potentially contaminated location, and excessive water use during the wash operation.

The disclosed invention is a cleaning strip suitable for both hospitals and food handling facilities. The wash basin has infrared sensors that detect whether the user is present and whether the user wants to initiate a hand washing operation. Once a potential user is detected, then the control system causes a sufficient amount of water to be dispensed to make the hand wet. Thereafter, a predetermined amount of soap is dispensed sufficient to clean the hands, and an additional amount of water is dispensed to allow the hands to rinse. Finally, a roll towel of a selected length is dispensed.

If the user only wishes to flow water to obtain a beverage, for example, or to get a little towel cloth, then the control system must have a means of causing this and pass the hand wash mode. The operation of the wash stand must be monitored by the central computer, and the central computer should also have the ability to notify the appropriate personnel if the wash stand does not operate properly or if service is requested.

Objects and Summary of the Invention

The main object of the disclosed invention is to provide a cleaning pad suitable for hospitals and food service centers as a means of minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.

It is a further object of the disclosed invention to provide a method of operation of a wash basin that minimizes the risk of infectious disease spreading.

The rinse stand includes a sink, and a water dispensing nip operatively coupled to the sink to selectively distribute water to the sink. A first sensor is operably coupled to the sink to determine the presence of the user. The electrically actuated valve is actuated by the first sensor so that the water is flowed to the water dispensing nip so that water is selectively delivered to the water dispensing nip and is operably coupled to the first sensor. The soap dispensing nip is operably coupled to the sink to selectively dispense the soap. A second sensor is operably coupled to the soap dispensing nip to determine the presence of a user operably associated with the soap dispensing nip. A pump is operably associated with the soap supply and fluidly communicates with the soap dispensing cap and is operably associated with the second sensor such that the soap is selectively supplied to the soap dispensing nip under user detection by the second sensor.

The method comprising: detecting the presence of a user with a first sensor, causing the water to be dispensed from the faucet upon user detection; Determining that the user wishes the soap to be dispensed as a second sensor; And allowing the soap to be dispensed from the soap dispenser on the basis of the second sensor being actuated and at the same time inhibiting the water from being dispensed from the faucet.

The wash-to-operate method comprises: a water dispensing faucet operatively associated with a sink, a sink, an electrically actuated valve controlling the flow of water to the water dispensing faucet by flow delivery of the water dispensing faucet, A first sensor for determining the presence of the user, a soap dispenser cap operably associated with the sink and adjacent to the water dispensing cap, a pump for fluid communication with the soap dispenser and the soap dispensing cap, a second sensor and a pump operatively coupled A second sensor for controlling the operation of the pump to supply the soap to the soap dispensing cap, and a controller for communicating with the first and second sensors, valve and pump to control the operation of the valve and the pump . Detecting the presence of a user with a first sensor and communicating it to a controller, causing the valve to be actuated thereby causing water to be supplied to the water distribution faucet, and causing the first sensor to detect the user and the second sensor And continuing the water supply to the water dispensing nip unless the user is detected.

Various objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description and drawings of the invention described above.

Description of Drawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention,

1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cleaning strip of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the first embodiment with portions shown cut away; Fig.

Figure 3 is a side view of a first embodiment having separated and cut portions;

4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a soap metering mechanism of the invention;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of an inventive soap dispensing system with portions shown cut away;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of an additional means for dispensing soap;

7 is a fragmentary elevational view of the nipple of the invention;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevational view of the additional pump system with portions shown cut away;

Figure 9 is an elevational view with separate portions of a further embodiment of the cleaning strip of the invention;

Figures 10 and 11 are schematic wiring diagrams of the embodiment of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a cleaning vest control system;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the cleaning strip of the invention; And

14 is a block diagram showing a control system of the invention;

1, the cleaning table W1 has a cabinet 10 and a vertical support 12. The cabinet 10 and the support 12 may be of separate structural elements as shown, integral or the vertical support 12 may be part of a wall or the like. In addition, we have chosen cabinet 10 and vertical support 12 to be made from stainless steel, but one skilled in the art will appreciate that, as in the case where the washer W1 is in a restaurant environment, I will understand.

A sink 14 is mounted on the top surface 16 of the cabinet 10. The infrared sensor 18, the faucet 20, and the selector switch 22 are also mounted on the top surface 16. The cabinet 10 will have handles 24 and 26 that open the doors 20 and 30.

An electrically actuated roll towel dispenser (32) is installed in the vertical support (12). The roll towel dispenser 32 is preferably manufactured according to U.S. Patent No. 4,960,248, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and the assignee is also the assignee of the present application. The dispensing means 32 has an infrared sensor 34 which is a passive infrared detector, as opposed to a sensor 18, which is an active infrared detector. 1 also shows a towel 36 of a certain length extending from the dispenser 32, as well as a display 38 indicating the number of times of use of the washing base W1. We chose to use paper towels, but all that is needed is a tearable, dry material of continuous length that is dispensed from the dispenser 32. Sheet towels are not used because they have to risk the contact with contaminated dispensers.

The cabinet 10, best seen in FIG. 2, has an empty interior, in which the appropriate operating elements of the wash basin W1 are located. The hot water line 40 and the cold water line 42 are supplied from common sources provided in most buildings. The manual lock valves 44 and 46 are disposed above the water lines 40 and 42. The T-connector or accessory 48 has a line 50 extending from the water line above the valve 44, for reasons that should be explained. Electrically actuated solenoid valves 52 and 54 are connected to valves (not shown) to supply water to nip 20 when normally closed valves 52 and / or 54 are open or in flow- 44 and 46 and the T-connector 56, respectively. The T-connector 56 allows hot and cold water to mix to achieve the desired temperature. The faucet 20 has a water flow channel 60 and an inner soap flow conduit 62 as best seen in Figure 7 and allows the water to flow from the drain to the sink 14, And terminates in a nozzle 64 that directs it to the system.

The horizontal support 66 is installed inside the cabinet 10 and supports a soap container or bottle 68 disposed on the weighing device 70. The horizontal support 66 may be provided in the cabinet 10, Line 72 extends from the soap container 68 to the pinch valve pump 74. Line 76 leads from the pump 74 to the check valve 78 while the line 80 leads from the check valve 78 to the soap conduit 62 of the nipple 20. The check valve 79 is located in the line 72 between the vessel 68 and the pump 74. The soap conduit 62 has a short length of tubing 82 extending from the nipple 20 to direct the soap into the sink 14, as best seen in FIG.

The solenoid actuated control valve 84 is upstream in line 50 and allows the T-connector 86 to communicate with the inlet of the pinch valve pump 74 to provide pressurized water. The other outlet of the T-connector 86 communicates with a control valve or simply a defined orifice. The line 92 extends from the control valve 90 to the T-connector 94 of the line 58, as best seen in FIG.

The metering device 70 includes a first support plate 96 seated on the support 66 and a second support plate 96 resting on the plate 96 and being hinged by the hinge assembly 100, And a second plate 98 hingedly connected to the second plate 96. The soap container 68 is preferably placed on the second plate 98 as a relatively light, disposable bottle. The second plate 98 has a plurality of recesses 102, 104 and 106 formed in spaced relation to the hinge assembly 100 at its surface 108. The pressure switch 110 has a piston 112 that can be selectively positioned in either of the recesses 102, 104, and 106. The weight of the soap container 68 containing the soap contents therein is applied to the pressure switch 110 which is a means for monitoring the degree of fullness of the container 68 through the piston 112. The electrical leads 114 extend from the pressure switch 110 as a means of communicating the amount of soap contained in the container 68 with the central computer as shown in Fig.

We have found that it is desirable to provide flexibility to inform the central computer when the replacement of the soap container 68 is required. The weight of the container 68 operating through the hinged assembly 70 exerts a force on the piston 112 that is proportional to the distance between the piston 112 and the hinge assembly 100. In this way we can selectively position the pressure switch 110 and its piston 112 so that the pressure switch 110 trips when a selected amount of soap remains in the container 68. [ Maintenance in this way should be notified dependent on the response time. We used it because the use of a pressure switch that only sends a proper signal when it is tripped minimizes the load on the central computer. Otherwise, the central computer is required to periodically inquire of the switch 110, which is a means of determining the remaining capacity in the vessel 68. Since the cleaning agent in the container will probably be consumed slowly, a pressure-actuated switch is most suitable.

Figures 4 and 5 also disclose a continuous resilient fill tube 116 extending into the soap container 68 via a pump 74. We provide a sealing disc 118 on the top surface of the container 68 to prevent spillage of the soap as well as to provide a frangible opening into which the tube 116 is inserted. It should be noted that in Figure 5 the tube 116 has been extended through the pump 74. The fill tube 116 must be replaced when the container 68 is replaced. This minimizes the likelihood of contamination occurring during bonding or immobilization. This is particularly appropriate in hospital settings where the possibility of transmission is to be avoided as much as possible. In a food handling environment, however, this is not necessary.

The roll towel dispenser 32 has an infrared sensor 34, as best seen in Figures 2 and 3. The sensor 34 allows the electric motor 120 to operate whenever the user requests toweling. This is particularly appropriate in a hospital environment where sudden emergencies interfere with the completion of a user's normal wash cycle. The electric motor 120 causes the roll 122 of the paper towel to be rotated by the one- This ensures that it is dispensed through the opening of the towel transfer dispenser 32 and prevents it from being rolled onto the rolls 122.

We have found that several different types of pumps can be used to cause the cleansing material 126 to be pumped into the nipple 20. [ For example, the pinch valve pump 74 may be configured such that, except for the perforations 130 and 132 providing the inlet and outlet for the tubing 116, as best seen in FIG. 5, And has a substantially non-deformable cylindrical casing (128). Additional openings 134 are formed in the sides of the casing 128 to permit connection for the water line 80.

The resilient bladder 136 is located within the casing 128 and has a continuous diameter center opening 138 corresponding to the diameter of the tubing 116 to align with the tubing 116. Such an optimum would maximize the pumping power. In addition, the tubing 116 can be relatively thin, and its thickness will be selected based on the amount of soap 126 being pumped. The thicker the wall of the tubing 116, the less the volume of soap contained in the pumping chamber.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inflow of water through line 80 into annular chamber 140 defined by pocket 136 and casing 128 has the effect of squeezing the central aperture 138, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 116 &lt; / RTI &gt; This sudden collapse has the effect of causing the material contained within the tubing 116 to be externally biased. The check valve 78 allows the pumped soap to flow into the vessel 68. This is a rapid pumping action, causing the soap 126 to spill out of the tubing 82.

The pouch 136 will remain in the expanded state as long as the valve 84 is open. Once the valve is closed, it is only necessary to open the valve 90 so that the pressure source is removed from the line 88, and then the water flows out to the nip 20 so that the central opening 138 is again enlarged. We chose to supply the water discharged through the valve 90 into the water flow tube 60. In addition, the soap will be drawn into the pump 74 from the vessel 68.

The pinch valve pump 142 is similar to the pump 74 except that the bayonet coupling portions 144 and 146 are provided at each of its inlet and outlet, as best seen in FIG. In addition, unlike the pump 74, the tube 148 that leads to the soap container 68 does not extend through the pump 142. [ Likewise, the tube 150 attached to the connector 146 passes through the nipple 20. In this way, the central aperture 138 of the pouch 136 itself forms a soap conduit. Naturally, the check valves are provided in front of and behind the pump 142 to ensure that the soap flows into the pump 142 and then flows into the faucet 20.

Figure 8 discloses a check valve 152 that supplies a line 92 to the faucet 20, preferably as a ball check valve. The normally closed solenoid 154 actuates the control valve 156 on the discharge side of the line 50. The electrical cable 158 provides the operating power and control signals that cause the solenoid valve 154 to operate. The check valve 152 prevents water from flowing into the valve 156 through the line 92 and is sized to cause a sudden flow of water from the line 50 to substantially change into the pump 142. The check valve 152 thereby acts as an orifice so that once the valve 156 is closed by the solenoid 154, water is allowed to flow out.

Figure 6 discloses an electrically actuated rotary peristaltic pump that may be used to pump the cleansing material 126 toward the nipple 20. The pump 160 has a removable cover 162 that rests on the supports 164 and 166. The center shaft 168 is rotated by an electric motor (not shown). Shaft 168 carries fingers 170 along its perimeter to engage a resilient soap supply conduit 172. A conduit 172 feeds a soap line 174 through the nipple 20.

The rotation of the shaft 168 causes the protrusions 170 to selectively engage the conduits 172 such that the conduits 172 are pressed against the covers 162. This is a rolling type of movement with a tendency to force the soap toward the soap line 174 when rotation continues. Rotation of the shaft 168 in the opposite direction causes the soap to be drawn from the line 174 into the conduit 172 to minimize the possibility of soap dripping from the line 174 into the sink 14.

The cover 162 is removable from the relationship abutting the shaft 168 and the supports 164 and 166 and thus facilitates replacement of the soap conduit 172 after exhausting the soap of the container 68 . This is an effective means of minimizing pollutants that need to find a suitable place. It will be appreciated that the soap container and conduit are integrated to facilitate replacement.

As previously noted, the pushbutton selector switch 22 is mounted on the top surface 16 of the cabinet 10 adjacent the nipple 20. The selector switch 22 is a two position switch. We have found that there are cases where users want only water, as in the case of drinking water. In this case, the selector switch 22 is an effective means of causing only water to be dispensed from the nipple 20. [ As is known, the roll towel cloth is always available from the dispenser 32 due to the second sensor 34. The display 38 does not operate because the display 38 is operated by the controller 176 when the push button switch 22 is in the water only position and the soap is pumped .

All of the electrical controls for the cleaning table W1 are attributed to the electronic controller 176 located inside the cabinet 10. [ Controller 176 is a hardwired or programmable controller. The controller 176 has the function of receiving all the required electrical signals for the display 38 and for the solenoid actuated valves 52, 54, 84, 90 and 78. The central controller 176 will preferably communicate with the host computer.

Fig. 9 discloses a cleaning table W2. The wash stand W2 is adapted for use with the sink 178 of the existing design. The first infrared sensor 180 is preferably actively mounted on the surface 182 of the sink 178 and is used to determine if the user's hand is below the nipple 20. The nipple 20 of the wash basin W2 is substantially the same as the nipple 20 of the wash basin W1 and no further discussion thereof is necessary.

The surface 182 is also provided with a second sensor 184 which is active. The sensor 184, however, looks upwards as opposed to the horizontally facing sensor 180. In this way, the eye of the sensor 180 is considered to operate relative to the horizontal plane, while the eye of the sensor 184 operates on a vertical plane extending substantially transversely to the plane of the sensor 180. This relationship causes the controller 176 to avoid confusion, which is made possible by the incorrect attitude of the user's hand.

Wash basin W2 has passive water supply valves 186 and 188 that provide a source of pressurized water to wash basin W2. The normally closed solenoid 190 actuates the control valve 192 to selectively flow water through the line 196 to the T-connector 194. Similarly, a normally closed solenoid 198 actuates a control valve 200 that allows water to flow through the line 202 to the T-connector 194. The line 204 leads from the manually actuated valve 188 to the control valve 206. Valve 206 is actuated by normally closed solenoid 208. The check valve 210 provides a line 212 in communication with the line 202 via a T-connector 214. The pump 213 is substantially the same as the pump 142 of FIG. 8 and has a soap supply line 215 guided from the soap container 216. The soap line 218 extends from the outlet of the pump 142 to the conduit 80. Naturally, the check valves 217 and 219 will be ball check valves and interposed between the container 216 and the nipple 20 to control the pumping of the soap.

The control box 220 is installed in the vertical support rear drainage passage 222. The electrical lines extend from the control box 220 to each of the components of the installation and preferably have strain relief plug assemblies 224 that minimize the deterioration of the electrical cable.

We have found that the sensor 184 is a push button 22, which is particularly desirable in a hospital environment. The sensor 184, by looking upwards, does not need to be contacted by the user, thereby minimizing the risk of infection due to previous contact. It is only necessary for the user to place his or her hand over the sensor 184 for a sufficient time interval in order for the control box 220 to switch between the hand wash mode and the water only mode of wash basin W2 need. We have found that a sensing time of almost 3 seconds is sufficient and that unintentional tripping can be avoided if the hand moves rapidly across the scan area of the sensor 184. In addition, we have chosen that the tripping of the sensor be required within a selected time of the wash bench W2 set to the cleaning mode by the sensor 184. This is an additional measure to ensure that no undesired operation occurs. In other words, first place the washer in the hand wash mode and place the hand under the faucet.

Figure 12 discloses a schematic diagram in which the cleaning bands W1 and W2 are connected to a host or central computer. The control unit corresponds to the controller 176 of the cleaning table W1 and operates both the display 38 and the soap metering mechanism 70. [ In addition, the control unit supplies the relevant operating information to the central computer and informs the maintenance means of the need to take action on the associated wash stand, if necessary. The display 38 and the soap metering mechanism 70 communicate with the central computer via the controller 176 whenever desired. This allows the central computer to periodically query the display and the soap gauge to monitor the use of the wash stand.

10 and 11 disclose a wiring diagram in which the cleaning bands W1 and W2 are constructed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wiring diagrams of FIGS. 10 and 11 may be achieved by hardwiring, or by software control such as by a programmable controller.

The box " NORMAL " indicates that the washing bins W1 and W2 are in a normal state, and is distributed in a water-only mode. In normal mode, the relay or output (X1) goes through the current.

Normally open contacts 226 of timer T6 will be closed when current is supplied to timer T1 via normally closed contacts 228 of relay R4. This provides a reset feature so that when the potential user makes the system automatic, the user must make some movement in the viewing area of the sensor 18 within the selected time set by the timer T1. If nothing happens during the 40 second period, then the timer (T1) will run out of time and the control system will be reset to the normal mode. This reset is necessary only in the automatic mode.

Normally open contacts 230 of relay R1 are closed during the time the timer T1 is operating and the contacts 232 of timer T1 are normally closed as contacts 234 of relay R4 , And a holding circuit. The contacts 230 are in the interior of the relay R1 and will provide a control signal as soon as the time for which the timer T1 has expired will provide a control signal.

Normally open contacts 236 of relay X2 cause timer T6 to operate. Timer T6 is a timer that determines whether the user has placed his or her hands under the sensor 184 for a sufficiently long period of time. We found that almost 3 seconds was enough to ensure that the user wanted to switch the wash stand (W2) to automatic mode.

The normally open contacts 238 of the relays R1, 240 of the relays X1 and 242 of the timer T0 control the operation of the timer T2. The timer T0 provides a desired one second pause for the user to provide his or her hand under the nipple 20 for a sufficient amount of time. Once the timer T0 has elapsed, the timer T2 causes a 0.1 second water spout in the nipple 20 to occur by actuation of the valves 52 and 54, or 192 and 198, do. This water spout is enough to wet your hands.

Normally open contacts 244 are inside the relay T2. The contacts 244 supply current to the normally open contacts 246 inside the relay X1. Contactors 246 supply current to normally closed contacts 248 inside timer T3. Contacts 248 cause normally closed contacts 250 within relay Y2 to operate. The relay Y2 supplies current to the pump 160 or causes the pump solenoids 84 or 206 to operate.

Normally open contacts 254 are inside relay Y2 and supply current to timer T3. Timer T3 is preferably set to approximately 4 seconds to provide sufficient soap from the pump. If pinch valve pumps 74 or 142 are used, no time is required for 4 seconds.

Normally open contacts 256 are inside the relay Y2. Likewise, the normally open contacts 258 are inside the relay R2. Contacts 256 and 258 supply current to normally closed contacts 260 inside timer T4. Contacts 260 provide current to relay R2 and provide a holding circuit for the duration of that period between the beginning and end of timer T3.

Normally open contacts 262 are in the interior of relay R2 and supply current to normally closed contacts 264 inside relay Y2. Contactors 264 supply current to timer T4 and hold-in relay R3. We have to set the timer T4 to almost 15 seconds, which gives the user enough time to soap into his or her hands after the soap has been pumped. During this waiting period, water does not flow to the nipple 20. Normally open contacts 266 are inside relay T4 and supply current to timer T5. Likewise, normally closed contacts 270 are within timer T5. Activation of the timer T5 along the hold-in circuit provided by the relay R4 causes the water to be dispensed from the nipple 20 for a period of 5 seconds. We have found that the operation of the solenoid valves 52 and 54, or 192 and 198 for a period of 5 seconds, is sufficient to rinse the foamed soap from the user's hand.

Normally open contacts 272 are inside the relay R4 and supply current to the relay Y1 which controls the water solenoids 52 and 54, or 192 and 198. [ Likewise, the normally closed contacts 274 are inside the relay R1 and supply current to the normally open contacts 276 of the relay X1. Contactors 276 supply current to normally closed contacts 278 of relay R3. The normally closed contacts 280 of the timer T2 supply current to the normally open contacts 282 of the timer T0. Contactors 282 supply current to normally open contacts 284 of relay Rl.

As is well known, we provide a timer T0 to ensure that the user has enough time to put his or her hand under the nipple 20. The timer T0 is controlled by the normally open contacts 286 of the relay R1 as well as the contacts 288 and 290 of the respective relays X1 and T0.

The normally open contacts 292 of the relay R62 cause the relay Y0 to operate. The relay Y0 controls the operation of the motor 120 of the roll towel dispenser 32. This ensures that the towel transfer is always available, regardless of what other functions the cleaning towel is intended to perform.

The normally open contacts 294 of the relay X1 actuate the relay R60 and ensure that the towel cloth is dispensed only if the user moves his or her hands away from the sensor 34 in the normal mode do. We have found that there may be cases where some goods or the like may cause the sensor 34 to be mis-driven. This would be prevented if the detected " person " allowed the motor to operate after leaving his or her hands away from the sensor 34. Otherwise, if the hand does not move, then the towel cloth should not be dispensed.

Normally open contacts 296 of relay R60 supply current to normally closed contacts 298 of relay R62. Likewise, normally open contacts 300 of relay R61 supply current to contacts 298.

Normally open contacts 302 of relay R61 supply current to normally closed contacts 304 of relay R60. Contactors 304 supply current to normally closed contacts 306 of relay R4. Contactors 306 supply current to relay R62 and timer T7. Likewise, normally open contacts 308 of relay R62 supply current to normally closed contacts 310 of timer T7. The contacts 310 provide current to the contacts 306. This ensures that the motor 120 is dispensed from a predetermined length of the towel cloth dispenser 32 because it operates for a predetermined period of time.

The operation of the embodiments W1 and W2

The operation of washbeds W1 and W2 is necessarily automatic due to sensors 18 and 180, as well as selector switches 22 and 184. What is only needed is that the user approaches the wash stand and then takes the desired action, whether hand washing or water demand, or dispensing of the towel cloth.

The wash bands W1 and W2 are normally dispensed only from the faucet 20 when the user places his or her hand under the nipple 20 and is located in the detection area of the sensors 18 or 180 Water distribution " mode, which means &lt; / RTI &gt; In this situation, the contacts 274, 276, and 278 will then ensure that objects such as a hand or a water pitcher will continuously flow water as long as the water is in shipment. When the user removes his or her hand, then the contacts 280, 282, and 284 and the timer will continue to flow for one second after the hand is removed. We have found that this delay is desirable since it is not uncommon for a user to unintentionally remove his or her hand from the detection area of the sensors 18 or 180. The delay period, therefore, delays the rapid cycling of the control valves 52 and 54 or 192 and 198. This minimizes wear of the system without wasting a lot of water.

If the user desires to be dispensed from the towel transfer dispenser 32, then simply what is needed is to place the hand in front of his or her sensor 34 and then remove the hand again. This causes the motor 120 to be initialized for a period set by the timer T7. Any reduction in length due to changes in roll diameter 122 is quite minor.

If the user wishes to use the washbasin to wash their hands, this will be accomplished easily. All that is needed is that the pushbutton 22 is depressed or the user places his or her hands under the sensor 184 for the desired time. Once the hand is positioned under the sensor 184 for the desired time, the controller 176 causes the wash stand to enter the automatic or hand wash mode.

Once in automatic mode, it is necessary for the user to place his or her hand under the nipple 20 within the detections in the senses 18 or 180 for a period of time specified by the timer T1. This ensures that the user walks away without putting the washbasin in automatic mode. If this happens, the time lapse of the timer (T1) causes the system to be reset to the normal mode.

When the user places his or her hand within the target area of the sensors 18 or 180, the solenoid actuated valves 52 and 54, or 192 and 198, are operated to supply sufficient water to soak the hands Loses. Most of the cleansing agents are water soluble and, like regular hand washing, it is desirable that the hands get wet before applying liquid soap. It does not require a lot of water, and only needs enough to soak your hands.

Once the hand is wet, the controller 176 causes the soap to be pumped by actuation of either of the pumps 74, 142 or 160. We can control the amount of soap pumped by adjusting the thickness of the tubing in the central aperture of the pumps 74 or 142 or by adjusting the pump time of the peristaltic pump 160. [ Those skilled in the art understand that insufficient soap is undesirable, but too much soap is equally undesirable.

Adjusting the volume to be pumped is therefore a suitable means of ensuring an appropriate amount of soap based on the particular soap being used.

Once the soap is pumped, the water does not flow to the nipple 20 for a period of time specified by the timer T4. We found that a typical user had 15 seconds to fully soap in his or her hands. Once soap bubbling is done, as perceived by the timer T4, the timer T5 causes the water to be dispensed for 5 seconds. This is enough to rinse the soap from the hand.

Operation of the solenoid valves 52 and 54 or 192 or 198 to distribute the rinse water causes current to flow through the relay R62, causing the timer T7 to be driven to distribute the towel cloth for the selected period of time. The user can tear the towel cloth from the dispenser 32 to dry his or her hands. In this way, the user is not required to contact any part of the cleaning table W1 or W2 after the hands have been thoroughly cleaned. Therefore, the washbeds W1 and W2 ensure proper hand cleansing, thereby minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.

Fig. 13 shows a cleaning table W3 similar to the cleaning table W1 of Fig. Because of their similarity, the same numbers represent the same components. Wash basin W3 is fundamentally different from wash basin w1 because there is a separate soap jetting section triggered by a separate sensor and a push button for the provision of water distributed over an extended period of time. In addition, an alphanumeric display is provided to provide information to the user.

The soap spout 312, best seen in FIG. 13, is adjacent to the water dispensing nipple 20 and is secured to the top surface 16. The spout 312 is placed over the sink 14 and has a nozzle 314 through which a disinfectant or a suitable antimicrobial agent is dispensed. The soap supplied to the nozzle 314 is supplied from any of the pumps disclosed herein, or from other suitable pumps. Preferably the pump is a peristaltic pump of the type shown in Fig.

An active infrared sensor system for driving the pump for dispensing soap is incorporated into the spout 312. The lenses 316 and 318 are each provided to project an infrared signal and receive a reflected signal. The soap will not be dispensed until the user triggers the sensor system of the spout 312 by placing his or her hand in an operative relationship in which the soap is desired to be displayed through the reflection of light. Thus, the user placing his or her hand under the nipple 20 will cause the water to be dispensed as long as the hand is so positioned, and the wash basin W3 will " Hand wash " mode.

There are cases where it is necessary for water to be dispensed from the nipple 20 for an extended period of time, such as to fill a water jug or sink 14. In this case, however, the user may or may not wish to maintain his or her hand relative to the sensor 18 to maintain water flow. Therefore, the push button 320 is optionally provided to the towel dispenser 32 for this purpose. The push button 320 may remain unchanged until it is pressed again, or it may be an appropriate button such as time controlled, and the water may flow to the nipple 20 as long as the push button 320 is actuated.

Wash basins, such as those disclosed herein, will typically be located in locations where potential users of the various preliminary knowledge and training are encountered. The wash stand must be properly usable by all of these individuals to allow for the maximization of their benefits. For this reason, the numeric character display 322 is provided to provide information for the user, such as an instruction for the user. The display 322 may be incorporated into the towel dispenser 32 or otherwise positioned. The numerical character display is therefore immediately observed by the user and provides other information to assist the user in maintaining the wash zone (W3) for the duration of the hand wash cycle, such as elapsed time, time to next step, do. In addition, the display 322 may provide information to the hospital, such as the total number of times of use, the total number of times it has been used, and other information that the hospital uses to determine how well the wash stand W3 is used and how often it is used Will be used for.

Fig. 14 shows a control system of the cleaning table W3. As shown, the controller will be a microprocessor or programmable controller and has inputs from the water sensor 18, the soap sensors 316, 318, and the towel dispenser sensor 34. The towel dispenser sensor 34 is preferably an active infrared sensor in this embodiment. The outputs from the controller are directed to a valve, such as one or both of valves 52 and 54, a pump, such as peristaltic pump 160, and a towel dispenser 32.

Typically, the user will approach the wash stand W3 and place his or her hand under the nipple 20 to allow the sensor 18 to detect the presence of the user. As a result, the controller will cause the valves for the nipple 20 to operate, thus causing water to flow into the nipple. The water will be continuously distributed as long as the sensor 18 detects the user. Alternatively, the water will continue to be dispensed as long as push button 320 is actuated.

If the user wishes to wash his or her hands, first wet the hands with water. This is accomplished by placing the hand under the nipple 20 within the operating range of the sensor 18. The user must then place at least one hand under the spout 314 within the operating range of the sensor operating through the lenses 316 and 318. [ The driving of the soap sensor sends a signal to the controller in this manner and the controller switches from the normally placed water distribution mode to the secondary or hand wash mode. This sequence is thus different from the sequence in which the previously described sequence, the wash stand W1, is first placed in the hand wash mode and thereafter the controlled amount of water is dispensed. Therefore, the cleaning table W3 is more user friendly. Thus, switching the controller to the hand wash mode is the dispensing of the soap.

Once in the hand wash mode, the control of the water and soap is under the preprogrammed sequence described above. Thus, the pump is driven to distribute the soap through the nozzle 314, while the flow of water to the faucet 20 is stopped. Once there is enough time to soap the hands, the water is again dispensed through the nipple 20. Once sufficient water has been dispensed, the water valve is closed and the towel 36 is dispensed from the dispenser 36 thanks to the electric motor.

The numeric character display 322 is a CRT screen, a liquid crystal display, or the like, and is driven by the controller to provide information to the user. Accordingly, the display 322 will be initially set to display to the user that the cleaning zone W3 is in the water only mode. Once the soap has been dispensed by the controller that has been switched to the hand wash mode, the display will inform the user of the ongoing step, how much time remains until the start of the next step, and the like.

In addition, the numeric character display 322 will also provide other kinds of information that will tend to keep the wash stand W3 for the duration of the hand washing cycle. Individuals will not be welcome to be seen as instructed by the wash zone (W3) and will not be able to tolerate the handwashing sequence. Thus, the display 322 will provide more general information such as information such as frequency of hand washing, general purpose information such as the importance of hand washing, or current issues. The purpose is to allow the user to maintain the wash stand W3 so that the hand washing sequence is satisfactorily completed.

Although the present invention has been described as having a preferred design, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such central features that have been or will come to be known in the art to which the invention pertains and within the scope of the appended claims, It will be understood that modifications and / or adaptations are possible.

Claims (6)

A handwashing base comprising means for positioning the wash stand in one of (i) an automatic user friendly hand wash mode and (ii) a separate water dispensing mode, Sink; A water faucet operably coupled to the sink to selectively dispense water; Dispensing pre-soap water for operation only when the hand washer is in the water dispensing mode, and (i) a first sensor having an operating range for detecting a user presence; (ii) means for dispensing pre-soap water from the water faucet in a water dispensing mode only if a user's presence is detected within the operating range of the first sensor; And (iii) a first electromag- netic valve operable to cause the water faucet to selectively dispense water in response to a user being detected within the operating range of the first sensor; When the user moves beyond the operating range of the first sensor and enters the operating range of the second sensor, which is close to the soap dispensing nip, when the user changes the hand wash stand from the water dispensing mode to the user- And a second sensor integrated with the soap dispensing nip so as to cause the hand wash mode to be switched from the water dispensing mode to the automatic hand wash mode, wherein the hand washing basin can not be changed from the hand wash mode to the water dispensing mode; And Wherein said handwash head is operative in said user-friendly handwash mode following a water dispensing mode, and is operable, in accordance with a pre-programmed sequence, to: (a) operably couple to a soap supply and to said second sensor, So as to dispense a pre-programmed amount of water through the soap dispensing nip; (b) after the pre-programmed amount of water is dispensed, automatically dispensing water for a period of time during which the water faucet is preprogrammed; And (c) hand wash mode means for automatically dispensing the towel from the towel dispenser after a time period of the preprogrammed period has elapsed, If the user wishes to wash his or her hands with soap, the user first actuates the water dispensing mode through the first sensor to soak his or her hands, and then the water tap Using a soap tap in a hand washing mode to distribute the soap, to close the soap tap with his or her hands to operate the hand washing mode through the second sensor to obtain a soap and towel cloth, The hand wash stand, which makes the price more user friendly. The hand wash station according to claim 1, further comprising means for causing the display to notify a user of how much time remains in the water dispenser when the washer is in the hand washer mode. 3. The hand wash basin of claim 2, wherein the water faucet is adjacent to the soap dispensing nip, and wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are infrared sensors. 4. The hand wash station of claim 3, wherein the first sensor is remote from the soap faucet, the display is a water character display and is proximate to the water faucet and one of the soap dispensing faucets. 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising: a second sensor located below the vertical of the sink, in electrical communication with the first and second sensors to cause the first valve to operate when the first sensor detects the user within its operating range And a controller to cause the pump to operate if the second sensor detects the user within its respective operating range. [6] The hand wash basin of claim 5, further comprising a third sensor installed on the towel dispenser to allow the third sensor to distribute the towel cloth when the user is detected.