Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02437426 2003-08-18
W~S~IN~ APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to washing systems and, more specifically, to
washing
systems suitable for use in commercial, public or residential spaces and both
in
populated and remote areas,
BACKGROUND TO THE INV1ENTION
Wash systems are required in a large variety of situations. These include
public areas
such as shopping centres, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and tourist areas.
It further
includes remote areas such as parks, campsites, special event areas,
battlegrounds,
and playgrounds. Wash stations are further needed on buses, planes, boats, and
trains.
In a wash system, it is desirable to have a number of features.
With individuals such as food handling employees and young children, it is
desirable to
mix soap or other disinfection agents with water to get a washing fluid before
applying
it and to then apply the washing fluid to the hand. This makes the application
of such
an agent more even and easier to wash away with water afterwairds. This is
important
in situations where people may forget to use soap. Further, soap and water are
saved
and a better sanitary effect is achieved.
It is further desirable to apply soap or other disinfectant agents, a water
rinse, and a
drying process as one automated continuous process without stops in between.
It is further desirable to have a control, especially in a public environment,
which is
based on sensors or voice commands and thus prevents the touching of switches
or
knobs in order to avoid cross-contamination.
In situations where a wash system is located in more remote areas, such as
campgrounds or parks, it is desirable to have a self-contained water supply.
Further,
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CA 02437426 2003-08-18
it is desirable to have a water treatment system in which the water is treated
and
reused. This eliminates the need to refill water tanks in remote areas which
may be
difficult or impossible to do. In general, power is much more available than
water supply
pipelines, and thus it is important to have a water treatment system in some
cases to
recycle water and eliminate the need for a water supply.
In certain situations, power may also not be available in remote areas. In
this case, it
is desirable to have a wash system that also includes a power generating
capability.
In remote areas, it may also be impractical to load disinfection agents. In
such a
system, it would be desirable to produce a disinfectant agent an site and thus
eliminate
the need to refill a disinfection agent supply. Such a disinfectant could be
an ozone
generator to produce ozone water.
Alternatively, disinfectant agents may be able to be refilled on a daily,
weekly or monthly
basis as required.
In order to make it economically desirable to place wash stations in areas, it
may be
desirable to include a wash system which is a pay per use system.
Other desirable features in wash systems include a means to prevent vandalism
or to
monitor the system.
It is also desirable to have a user be able to input various operating
parameters, but
without causing cross-contamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes all of the desired features identified above in
the
background section. Specifically, the present invention provides a self-
contained wash
system that can be used in a iarge variety of situations, including in
shopping centres,
schools, hospitals, restaurants and tourist areas. The wash station can be
further
located in remote areas such as parks, campsites, special event areas,
battlegrounds,
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CA 02437426 2003-08-18
and playgrounds. The wash station can be further used on buses, planes, boats,
trains,
or other vehicles.
The wash system is self contained and recognizes when a user needs to activate
the
system. This system uses sensors or voice recognition technology along with a
microphone in order to recognize that the system needs to be activated. This
lack of
touching of any controls prevents cross-contamination between users in public
areas.
The present system further accommodates payment for use of this system. The
system
can include credit card scanners, coin or bill reception areas, and coin
return areas to
provide for payment within this system.
When the system realizes that it should start, a mixer provides thorough
mixing of one
or more disinfectant agents with water and supplies this to the user's hands
through a
faucet. The thorough mixing provides even application of the cleaning fluid to
the user's
hands, making it easier to wash away afterwards and saving water. !t further
eliminates
situations in which an individual may forget to use soap.
The system further rinses the user's hands with clean water after the washing
cycle is
complete and may or may not add a lotion to the user's hands.
The present invention further provides for a dryer located within the tap.
This dryer
eliminates the need for the user to move his or her hands to a different
location for
drying.
The system further includes components which allow it to be located in remote
areas.
The power supply may be a solar panel in order to be locatable to areas in
which a
power supply is not readily available. The system may further include a self-
contained
water unit. In this case, water that is used and captured in a basin is then
sent through
a water treatment system in which particles, oils, bacteria, viruses and other
contaminants are removed from the water and then the water is replaced in the
water
storage tank. The use of a water recycling system removes the need to have a
water
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CA 02437426 2003-08-18
supply, and thus makes the system viable on transportation systems such as
buses or
planes, or within remote areas such as campsites or special event areas that
do not
have a water supply. The water treatment system can be such that the quality
of the
water produced may be drinkable.
The system may further contain its own disinfectant agent generator. This is
suitable
in remote areas where it may be difficult to top up disinfectant agent
supplies. Such a
disinfectant agent generator may include a ozone generator which will produce
ozone
water which can then be used for treating the hands. This facilitates the
placement of
the wash system in a remote location.
The system may further include a camera which can be used to provide security
for the
wash system and thus reduce incidences of vandalism. hurther, the camera may
be
used in certain situations such as in food processing environments in which
food
handlers are required to wash their hands. In such situations, the camera may
record
when a worker enters a washroom area and whether or not the 'worker washed his
or
her hands. In such a situation, the system can send a message to a central
controller
raising alarm if the user leaves the area without washing his or her hands.
Further,
such a system can also ensure that a "legal wash time" has been met by the
food
handling employees.
The present system can be used for washing other than for hands, including
forwashing
food, animals, other body parts such as feet or even a complete shower for a
user and,
based on its versatility, may be used in various settings.
The present invention therefore provides a wash system comprising: a water
source;
a disinfection agent source; a mixer with an input and an output, said input
of said mixer
connected to said water source and said disinfection agent source, said mixer
being
capable of receiving water alone or both water and disinfection agent; a water
conveying means to convey water from said water source to said mixer; a
disinfection
agent conveying means to convey disinfection agent from said disinfection
agent source
to said mixer; a faucet connected to said output of said mixer, said faucet
providing
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CA 02437426 2003-08-18
output from said mixer to a user; a basin to receive water from said faucet; a
sensor to
detect predetermined activation conditions for the system; a controller to
receive input
from said sensor for controlling said water conveying means and said
disinfection agent
conveying means; and a power source to provide power to said wash system.
The present invention further provides a wash system for a remote location
comprising:
a self contained water storage; a disinfection agent source; a mixer with an
input and
an output, said input of said mixer connected to said water storage and said
disinfection
agent source, said mixer being capable of receiving water alone or both water
and
disinfection agent; a water pump to convey water from said water storage to
said mixer;
a water valve located between said mixer and said water storage; a
disinfection agent
conveying means to convey disinfection agent from said disinfection agent
source to
said mixer; a faucet connected to said output of said mixer, said faucet
providing output
from said mixer to a user; a basin to receive water from said faucet; a water
treatment
system to treat water from said basin and return clean water to said water
storage; a
sensor to detect predetermined activation conditions for the system; a
controller to
receive input from said sensor for controlling said water pump, said water
valve and said
disinfection agent conveying means; and a power source to provide power to
said wash
system.
The present invention still further provides a wash system for monitoring
whether a
predetermined individual washes his hands before leaving an area, said was
system
comprising: a detection means to detect whether an individual has washed his
hands;
a camera; and a communications system; whereby said camera is used to
determined
whether said individual who leaves said area without washing his hands is a
predetermined individual and if so, sending a signal using said communications
system
to raise an alarm.
The present invention yet further provides a manual wash system comprising: a
switch
to activate said system; a water inlet; a venturi tube; a valve connected to
and opened
by said switch, said valve permitting water to flow from said water inlet into
said venturi
tube; a disinfectant chamber connected to said venturi tube, said disinfectant
chamber
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emptying its contents into said venturi tube when said switch is activated;
and a nozzle
to dispense the contents of said venturi tube; whereby activating said switch
causes
water and disinfectant to mix in said venturi tube, and whereby continued
activation of
said switch causes water to flush said disinfectant from said venturi tube to
create a
water rinse.
ERIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention wilt be more clearly understood with reference to the
drawings in
which:
FBGURE ~ is a schematic of the control and monitoring signals of the wash
system of
the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is an electrical and power distribution diagram for the system of the
present
invention;
FIGURE 3 is a schematic. of the water and disinfection agent cycling system of
the
present system;
FIGURE 4 is a flow diagram of a preferred water treatment process of the
present
invents~n9
FIGURE 5 is a flow diagram of a preferred control algorithm for the wash
system;
FIGURE 6 is a flow diagram of a monitoring algorithm for the wash system;
FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram for the processes for a wash system that can
be
used in a remote area;
FIGURE 8 is a front perspective view of a wash system that can be used in
remote
areas;
FIGURE 9 is a front elevational partially cutaway view of a wash system that
can be
used in remote areas;
FIGURE 10 is a schematic of a process for a system that can be used in a food
handling environment;
FIGURE 11 is a flow diagram of an algorithm for camera detection of an
employee in
a food handling environment;
FIGURE 12 is a schematic of a process for a wash system in which power is
available
but water supply is not easy to access;
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FIGURE 13 is a schematic of a process of a wash system that can be used where
water
supply and power are readily available for use in schools or daycares;
FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional partially schematical of a water and
disinfectant mixing
portion of the present invention in which a manual switch is used; and
FIGURE 15 is a schematic view of a network of washers that can be controlled
using
one central controller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 'THE DRAWINGS
The present invention includes a wash system which has a central controller in
which
t6~e controller controls various pumps to provide water, disinfectant agent,
and
moisturizing lotion to user's hands, along with hot air to dry the user's
hands. The
controller further includes monitoring means to ensure levels of liquids are
at a sufficient
level and that all systems within the wash apparatus are functioning properly.
The
controller further includes input and output means for interacting with a user
and with
a network.
Reference is now made to Figure 1. Figure 1 illustrates control unit 1 with
various
inputs and outputs to devices. Control unit 1 controls various pumps including
water
cycling unit 15 which provides water to a mixing unit 30. Control unit 1
further controls
a disinfectant agent dispenser 25 and disinfectant agent dispenser 100 which
provide
disinfectant agents to a mixing unit 30. Control unit 1 further controls
moisture agent
dispenser 90 which also may provide moisture agent to a mixing unit 30.
Control unit 1 has inputs from a disinfectant agent storage 10, a water
reservoir 60, a
disinfectant agent storage 95, and a moisture agent storage 35 in order to
ensure that
the liquid levels of these storage areas are sufficient.
Control unit 1 further has inputs from faucet 40, from basin 45, from power
unit 5, and
from hot air unit 50 to ensure these devices are functioning properly.
Control unit 1 provides control to hot air unit 50 to activate it when it is
required to dry
a user's hands.
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Control unit 1 also includes inputs from a fee charger 65 to ensure that a
sufficient fee
has been paid for the services, from a camera 70 to provide protection from
vandalism
and to provide monitoring of employees in situations that require it, as
described below.
The control unit 1 may communicate with a user using a monitorlgraphics
display 75 or
through speakers 80. An input for voice control exists in microphone 80a.
Control unit
1 may communicate through a network using communication unit 85, thus
providing a
central monitoring service with information regarding the wash station,
including when
fluid levels are low, if vandalism has occurred, if alarms have been caused by
individuals not washing their hands in food handling situations, or for other
situations as
may be recognized by one skilled in the art.
Reference is now made to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a power unit which may be a
fuel
cell, solar power, battery, gas, light to electricity, regular power from a
power grid, or a
variety of other power sources which are known to those skilled in the art.
Power unit
5 provides power to all of the elements within the system including fee
charger 65,
camera 70, monitorlgraphics display 75, microphonelspeakers 80, communications
unit
85, and to all the pumps and sensors described above with regards to Figure 1.
Reference is now made to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a process description for the
water and
disinfection agent cycling system. A disinfectant agent can be loaded in
disinfectant
agent inlet 95a and can be admitted into the system using a valve 95b. 'The
disinfectant
agent is then stored in disinfectant agent storage 95c until it is required.
As will be
described below, valve 95b can be opened or closed by a controller 1 to
automatically
refill disinfectant agent storage 95c if inlet 95a is connected to a source of
a disinfectant
agent.
When disinfectant agent is needed, controller unit 1 as described in Figure 1
activates
a pump 100a which pumps disinfectant agent from disinfectant storage 95c,
through a
valve 100b and a flow control unit 100c into mixing unit 30. Valve 100b can be
used to
isolate disinfectant agent storage 95c and flow control unit 100c, to control
the rate of
flow.
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Water can be input to the system using water inlet 90d and valve 60c. Valve
60c allows
water inlet to be isolated from water reservoir 60a into which water inlet
flows. Valve
60c further allows water in the system to be topped up.
Water reservoir 60a stores water until it is needed. A heater 60b is used to
heat water
in water reservoir 60a to the temperature suitable for washing. When water is
required,
control unit 1 sends a signal to pump 15a allowing water to flow through valve
15b and
flow control 15c into mixing unit 30.
Further possible agents which may be mixed in mixing unit 13 include a second
or
alternate disinfectant agent. MateriaB inlet 1 Oc allows material to flow
through valve 10d
into material storage 10a. A disinfectant agent generator 10e takes material
stored in
storage area 1 Oa and converts it into a disinfectant agent. Disinfectant
agent dispenser
10f then dispenses the disinfectant agent into mixing unit 30.
A further input into mixing unit 30 can include a lotion. Lotion is introduced
into the
system through lotion inlet 35c. 1-he lotion flows through a valve 35b which
isolates the
lotion inlet from lotion storage area 35a. Lotion storage area 35a stores
lotion until it is
required. When lotion is required, control unit 1 signals pump 90a that lotion
is required.
The lotion then flows through an isolation valve 90b, a flow control unit 90c,
and into
mixing unit 30.
A further input into mixing unit 30 includes ozone. ~zone is. created in ozone
generator
10a and is output through ozone output 25. Air inlet 1 Ob provides air to
ozone generator
1 Oa.
The output to mixing unit 30 is supplied to faucet 40. Faucet 40 provides an
output
based on the requirements of a user as detailed below. Briefly, a user places
his or her
hands below faucet 40 and a cycle including applying a disinfectant,
potentially a
moisturizer, and a rinse occurs white the user rubs his or her hands.
CA 02437426 2003-08-18
Waste water is collected in basin 45 and is drained through a water treatment
system
55a which filters, cleans and disinfects the water as described below. The
clean water
resulting from water treatment 55a flows into water reservoir 60a while waste
is
removed using waste removal 55b.
Faucet 40a further has the capability of providing a drying cycle without the
user having
to move to a separate station. After a wash cycle and a rinse cycle is
completed,
controller 1 starts a blower 50a. Blower 50a includes an air inlet 50d which
provides air
to blower 50a. Air is sent through a heater 50b in wheich the air is heated to
an
appropriate temperature for drying and then flows through valve 50c into
faucet 40.
Reference is now made to Figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates the water treatment
unit 55a
along with faucet 40, basin 45, and reservoir 60. Water, with and without
disinfectant
agent or moisturizing agent, is dispensed from faucet 40. Waste water is
collected in
basin 45 and is sent to water treatment unit 55a. Water treatment unit 55a
includes a
screen 105 to remove dense particles 130. These dense particles 130 are
removed
from the water system.
The waste water next moves to a filtration unit 110 which removes more
discrete
particles 125. These more discrete particles 125 are also removed from the
system.
The waste water then moves to an oiUwater separation and oil trapper unit 130
which
separates oil from the water. Oil 135 is removed from the water.
Water moving through the system is next sent to a high performance filtration
unit 140
which further removes particles and materials. These removed materials 145 are
separated and stored. The water next moves to a neutralization unit 150 which
brings
the pH of the water close to neutral. Alkali or acid 155 is removed from the
water and
disposed of.
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Organic compounds and surfactants are next removed through an adsorption unit
160.
Adsorption unit 160 uses a carbon filter to remove these compounds and spent
carbon
165 is removed from the system.
The water next moves through an ultrafiltration unit 170 to remove fine
particles and a
reverse osmosis unit 175 used to remove metals or other inorganic materials.
The water next moves through an ion exchange unit 180 and a gas stripping unit
185
t~ remove ammonia, odorous gases and volatile organic compounds.
The water next flows through an advanced oxidation unit 190 and a disinfection
unit
195. Disinfection unit 195 uses ultraviolet radiation andlor ozone to kill
viruses and
bacteria.
The results of water treatment unit 55 include clean water which is produced
at the end
of disinfection unit 195 which flows back into reservoir 60. Waste is removed
using
waste removal line 55b.
Reference is now made to Figure 5. Figure 5 illustrates a sample control
algorithm for
the wash system. One skilled in the art will realize that the algorithm may be
modified
for different applications and different circumstances.
The wash system of the present invention is idle until it receives an input
indicating that
the wash cycle should start. In step 200, the system checks whether a voice
command
has been received. If no voice command has been received, the system continues
checking and waiting for a voice command. In step 230, the system checks to
see
whether a sensor has detected a user's hands. If no user hands have been
detected,
sensor 30 continues to wait for a sensor detection of the hands.
If in either step 200 a voice comimand is received or in step 23U a sensor
detects a
user's hands, the system moves to step 205.
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In step 205, if the wash station requires a fee to be paid, the system checks
whether the
fee has been paid. If no fee has been paid and a fee is required to be paid,
the system
displays an error message 235 on graphics display 75.
Conversely, if no fee is required to be paid or if a fee has been paid and is
detected in
step 205, the system moves to step 207. In step 207, the user is required to
select a
wash program. This wash program can be determined based on the amount of time
a
user requires washing to occur, and options with regards to disinfectants and
lotions.
The system next moves to step 210.
In step 210, pump 15a, valve 15b, flow control 15c, mixer 30 and faucet 40 are
activated
by control unit 1. A message 240 is displayed on graphics display 75
indicating that a
pre-rinse cycle has started. Alternatively, other promotional messages may be
displayed on the graphics display 75 and through speakers 80. The system in
step 215
checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed for step 210 to be completed.
If this
predetermined time has not been completed, the system continues with step 210.
~nce the predetermined time has elapsed, the system moves to step 220. In step
220,
pump 100x, valve 100b, and flow control 100c are turned on. Conversely,
disinfectant
agent generator 10e and disinfectant agent dispenser 10f rnay be turned on and
ozone
output 25 may be activated. This differentiation occurs based on the type of
disinfectant
agent that may be used. Conversely, both disinfectant agents may be used
simultaneously.
While the disinfectant agent is being mixed with water in mixer 30, message
243 may
be displayed on graphics display 75. The message can indicate that soap is
being
applied. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, other messages or graphics
may be
displayed on graphics display 75 or may be played through speakers 80. The
system
in step 225 determines whether a predetermined time for the application of
soap has
elapsed. if this time for the application of soap has not elapsed, the system
stays within
step 220 and soap continues to be dispensed.
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If the predetermined time determined in step 225 has elapsed, the system moves
to
step 245. In step 245, pump 100x, valve 1 OOb, flow control 104c, pump 15a,
valve 15b,
and flow control 15c are turned off. Alternatively, if above disinfectant
agent generator
10e and disinfectant agent dispenser 10f are being used, then these are turned
off as
welt as ozone output 25. During step 245 a message 2.75 can be displayed on
the
graphics display indicating that washing is occurring.
In step 250, the system determines whether a predetermined interval for
washing has
elapsed. If the predetermined interval for washing has not elapsed, the system
stays
within step 245.
Once step 250 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed, the system
moves
to step 255. In step 255, pump 15a, valve 15b, and flow control 15c are turned
on to
a high water speed to allow rinsing. A message 280 is displayed indicating
that the
rinse is occurring. Conversely, other graphics messages can be used.
In step 260, the system determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed
for
rinsing. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the system stays within
step 255.
Otherwise, the system moves to step 265.
In step 265, the full control 15c reduces the flow of water to slow. Pump 90a,
valve 90b,
and flow control 90c are turned on to allow a lotion to flow onto the user's
hands. A
message 285 may be displayed during this time which indicates that lotion is
being
applied. Step 270 determines whether or not the predetermined interval for
applying the
lotion has elapsed. If the predetermined time for applying the lotion has not
elapsed,
the system stays within step 265. Otherwise, the system rnoves to step 290.
In step 290, pump 15a, valve 15b, and flow control 15c are turned off, as are
pump 90a,
valve 90b, and flow control 90c. Mixer 30 is further turned off. This ceases
any output
from faucet 40. The system next moves to step 295. 1n step 295, blower 50a,
heater
50b, and valve 50c are turned on.. A message 310 is displayed indicating that
drying
is occurring. Step 300 determines whether a predetermined interval has elapsed
for
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CA 02437426 2003-08-18
drying. If the predetermined interval has not elapsed, the system stays within
step 295.
Otherwise, the system moves to step 305.
In step 305, blower 50a, heater 50b, and valve 50c are turned off and faucet
40 is also
turned off, preventing any more output from faucet 40. A message 315 can be
displayed on the graphics display 75 indicating that washing has finished, and
thanking
the user for using the system. Other messages may also be displayed.
The system next moves to step 320 in which a monitor module is activated to
check the
system levels and the system moves back to step 200 in which it waits for
input either
through voice commands or step 230 in which a sensor detects a user's hands.
As described above, the system, before resuming monitoring for the next user,
checks
the monitor module in step 320.
Reference is now made to Figure 6. The system checks in step 330 whether the
water
level is low. If the water level is low, then a signal is sent to control unit
1 to add water
to the water system. An error message is displayed in step 340 and valve 30c
is turned
on in step 345, allowing water to be refilled in step 350. Once the water is
refilled, valve
30c is turned off in step 355 and a signal is sent to control unit 1 in step
360 to indicate
that the water level is now at a sufficient level. 'the monitor is allowed to
indicate that
the system is ready in step 365.
If the water level is not low, or if this water has been refilled, the system
next moves to
step 370. In step 370, the system checks whether the disinfectant agent is
low. If the
disinfectant agent is low, the system moves to step 375. In step 375, control
unit 1 is
sent a signal indicating that the disinfectant agent is low.
The system next moves to step 360 in which the graphics display 75 displays an
error
message. The system next moves to step 385.
CA 02437426 2003-08-18
fn step 385, valve 95b is turned on to allow disinfectant agent to flow into
disinfectant
agent storage 95c. The system thus proceeds until disinfectant agent is
refilled in step
390.
Once the disinfectant agent is refilled, valve 95b is turned off in step 395
and a signal
is sent in step 400 to control unit 1. This control signal allows the monitor
to display that
the system is ready in step 405.
If the disinfectant agent was not low or if the disinfectant agent has
successfully been
refilled, the system then moves to step 410. In step 410, the system checks
whether
the moisture agent level is low. If the moisture agent level is low, the
system then
moves to step 415 in which control unit 1 is sent a signal indicating that the
moisture
agent level is low.
The system next moves to step 420 in which the graphics display unit displays
an error
message and the system then moves to step 425. In step 425, valve 35b is
opened to
allow a moisture agent to flow into moisture storage unit 35a. The sysfiem
thus
proceeds to step 430 and waits until the moisture agent is refslled. Once the
moisture
agent is refilled, the system moves to step 435 in which valve 35b is closed.
The
system then sends a signal to control unit 1 in step 440 which allows the
monitor to
display that the system is ready in step 445.
If the moisture agent level is not low or if the moisture agent has been
successfully
refilled, the system then moves to step 450. In step 450, the system checks
whether
the water cycling system is normal and, if it is, the system moves to step
455. In step
455, the system checks whether the mixing unit is normal.
If the mixing system is normal, the system moves to step 460 to check whether
the
faucet is normal, step 465 to check whether the water treatment system is
normal, step
470 to check whether the water reservoir is normal, step 475 to check whether
the
power unit is normal, and step 480 to check whether the generator is normal.
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CA 02437426 2003-08-18
If the generator is normal, the system then moves to step 485 in which it
checks to see
whether the dispenser is normal. The system also checks in step 490 whether
storage
is normal, in step 495 if the hot air unit is normal, in step 500 whether the
fee charger
performance is normal, in step 505 whether the monitor is normal, in step 510
whether
the microphone is normai, in step 515 whether the speaker is normal, in step
520
whether the communications unit is normal, and in step 525 whether the camera
is
normal.
Insteps 450, 455, 460, 465, 470 and 475, 480, 485, 490, 495, 500, 505, 510,
515, 520,
and 525, if the system is not normal in any way, a signal is sent to control
unit 1. This
causes an error message to appear on monitor/graphics display unit 75 and an
error
signal to be sent through a cornmunications unit 85. If everything is normal,
the
monitoring system next goes back to step 450 to cycle through whether or not
a!I of the
systems within the washing unit are normal and continues to do .so.
Reference is now made to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows a typical system that can be
used
in remote areas. The present wash station is particularly useful for these
areas in that
it can contain a solar power unit 5a to provide power to the systerr~ and thus
not require
an external power connection. This system further contains a water reservoir
that
cleans the water and thus replenishes the water system.
As seen in Figure 8, a wash unit includes sensors 57d and a microphone 80b
with which
the system can activate. Water is allowed to flow through a faucet 40 into a
basin 45
over a user's hand. The user, in order to pay for the system, uses a credit
card charger
65c or coin slot 65b. In order to accommodate coin slot 65b, a change return
unit 65a
is also provided.
A monitorlgraphics display unit 75 can display information about the current
state of the
system or provide advertising or other information, as will be appreciated by
one skilled
in the art. The user may also obtain information through speaker 80a.
17
CA 02437426 2003-08-18
A camera 70 may be used for security reasons and also to monitor the user to
provide
feedback to the system.
Reference is made to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a rear view of the wash station
displayed in Figure 8. Figure 9 shows the relative orientations of items
including water
reservoir 60, water pump 15, water treatment unit 55, mixer 30, liqgaid soap
storage 35a,
ozone generator 10, control unit ~ , power unit 5b, blower and heater 50a and
50b, and
moisture agent storage 35.
Reference is now made to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows a process description for a
system
that can be used in remote areas. A solar power unit 5 is used to provide the
power to
the system and water is treated and returned to the water reservoir 50. As
will be seen
from Figure 7, control unit 1 controls ozone generator 10 and water cycling
unit 15.
Control unit 1 further receives feedback from liquid soap storage area 95 for
monitoring
purposes.
Liquid soap storage 95 provides liquid soap to liquid soap dispenser 100 which
provides
liguid soap to mixing unit 30. Water cycling unit 15 provides water to mixing
unit 30 and
ozone generator 10 creates ozone which is dispensed through ozone dispensing
unit
into mixing unit 30. A moisture agent storage unit 35 may also be monitored
from
control unit 1. Moisture agent dispenser 90 dispenses into mixing unit 30.
Mixing unit
provides water, or water mixed with soap, ozone or moisture agent to faucet 40
and
20 this waste water is located in basin 45. The water is then treated through
water
treatment 55 which is also controlled by control unit 1 and clean water sent
to a water
reservoir 60. Water reservoir 60 provides water to water cycling unit 15.
A hot air unit which is controlled by control unit 1 provides hot air to
faucet 40 and thus
allows drying to occur at the same location as the water dispensing.
25 The remote system of Figure T further includes the fee charger 65, camera
70,
monitorlgraphics display 75, microphonelspeaker unit 80, and communications
unit 85
as in Figure 1.
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CA 02437426 2003-08-18
A further alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
Figure 10.
Figure 10 displays a process and system for a typical food handling
environment or in
hospitals where both power and water supply are readily available. In this
system,
control unit 1 uses a fixed power unit 5. control unit 1 controls water
cycling unit 15 and
monitors disinfectant agent generator storage 10, disinfectant agent
generatorlstorage
95, and moisture agent storage 35. Water is discharged from water cycling unit
15 into
mixing unit 30.
Disinfectant agent storage 10 provides disinfectant to disinfectant agent
dispenser 25
which is .then provided to mixing unit 30. Disinfectant agent generator
storage 95
provides disinfectant to disinfectant agent dispenser 100 which is then also
provided to
mixing unit 30. More than one disinfectant agent can be used within one wash
system.
The sequence of the agents, amount and timing are controlled by the control
unit which
also controls dispensers 25 and °100.
Moisture agent storage 35 provides moisture agent to moisture agent dispenser
90.
Moisture agent dispenser 90 is controlled by control unit 1, and provides
moisture agent
to mixing unit 30. Mixing unit 30 is also controlled by control unit 1.
Vllater and water
mixed with disinfectant agents and moisturizing agents is supplied to faucet
40. Faucet
40 is monitored by control unit 1 and provides water, disinfectant agent and
moisturizing
agent to the user's hands.
Waste water is collected in basin 45 and is sent to waste water disposal. A
hot air unit
50 further is controlled by control unit 1 and is sent to faucet 40 upon
completion of the
wash cycle in order to dry user's hands.
The system of Figure 10 further includes a camera ?0, a monitor and graphics
display
75, a microphone and speaker 80, and a communications unit 85.
Reference is now made to Figure 11. Figure 11 displays thE: system for a user
washing
his hands in a hospital or food handling area. A person arrives in the wash
area in step
530. In step 535, a camera takes a picture of the person. The system then
moves to
19
CA 02437426 2003-08-18
step 540. In step 540 it is determined whether the person is an err~ployee of
the hospital
or food handling area. This can be accomplished by either face recognition
technology
or through user input. Other ways of recognizing whether a person is employed
would
be evident to those skilled in the art.
If the person is an employee, the camera takes a picture of the person when
the person
leaves in step 545. The system then moves to step 550. In step 550, the system
determines whether the individual washed his or her hands before he or she
left. If the
person did wash their hands, the system waits for the next employee.
Otherwise, the
system moves to step 555. In step 555, a communication unit 85 is used to send
a
message to central control unit. The central control unit 560 receives a
message and
an alarm message 565 is sent indicating that the employee did not wash his or
her
hands. The system then moves back to step 530 in which it monitors the area
for the
next individual entering.
The present system may further be used in areas where power is plentiful or
where
water supply would not be plentiful. Such areas include special events, such
as outdoor
concerts, or parks where power can readily be supplied but where water supply
might
be limited.
A control unit 1 is supplied power by power unit 5, such power being readily
available.
This system has the normal outputs as in Figure 1, including fee charger 65,
camera 70,
monitor/graphics display 75, microphone/speakers 80, and communications unit
85.
Control unit 1 further controls the water cycling unit 15, arid monitors
moisture agent
storage 35, and liquid soap storage 10. Water is sent from water cycling unit
15 to
mixing unit 30 which is also controlled by controller 1. Mixing unit 30
further has inputs
from moisture agent dispenser 90 which receives moisture agent from moisture
agent
storage 35. Moisture agent dispenser 90 is controlled by control unit 1.
Mixing unit 30 also has an input from liquid soap dispenser 25 which receives
liquid
soap from liquid soap storage 10 and which is also controlled by control unit
1.
CA 02437426 2003-08-18
Mixing unit 30 mixes water and agent based on the inputs supplied from the
control unit
and sends this output to faucet 40. Faucet 40 is monitored by control unit 1
and
provides water and liquid soap and moisture agent to user pursuant to a
predetermined
wash cycle. This water is dispensed through faucet 40 and is captured in basin
45
where it is sent to a water treatment unit 55. Water is treated in water
treatment unit 55
as controlled through control unit 1 and is sent back to a water reservoir 60.
Water
reservoir 60 can thus provide water cycling unit 15.
Hot air unit 50, which is also controlled by control unit 1, cans provide hot
air to faucet 40.
This is used in the drying cycle and can be utilized without the user having
to move his
or her hands from the wash area.
Reference is now made to Figure 13. The present invention may also be used in
locations such as homes, schools and daycares where power and water supply are
readily available. The process in this case can be initiated by a manual
switch or
through sensor or other electronic signals. The dispensing unit mixing process
can be
driven by flowing water. A disinfectant agent can be regular soap. The water
process
will use soap mixed with water ~~or 45 seconds and then pure water running for
75
seconds. In this way, children can be taught to keep washing hands until the
hot air
dries their hands, aiding children tv wash their hands with soap and saving
water. This
remedies the situation in which children generally forget to use soap.
In Figure 13, a control unit 1 uses a standard power supply 5. Control unit 1
controls
water cycling unit 15 which draws water from the regular water supply and
provides
water to the mixing unit 30.
Control unit 1 further monitors disinfectant agent generator/storage 10 and
controls
disinfectant agent dispenser 25 which combine to provide disinfectant agent to
mixing
unit 30.
Control unit 1 further monitors liquid soap storage 95 and controls liquid
soap dispenser
100 to provide liquid soap to mixing unit 30.
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CA 02437426 2003-08-18
NBixing unit 30 provides water or water and soap and disinfectant agent
combination to
faucet 40 for a predetermined cycle. This water is collected in basin 45 and
is disposed
of in a waste water disposal.
A hot air unit 50 is controlled by control unit 1 to provide hot air through
faucet 40 to dry
a user's hands.
A moisture agent storage 35 and a moisture agent dispenser 90 can provide
mixing unit
30 with moisturizing agents.
!n the case of a manual switch, one example of implementing the system is
shown in
Figure 14. Figure 14 is a typical system which can be used in homes where
water
supply is available and a manual switch is adequate. The whole process is
initiated by
pushing down switch 735. Switch 735 is hinged on hinge 720 and when the far
end 710
rises, it lifts valve body 705.
Water flows through valve 700 and is injected into venturi tube 800.
At the same time, the near end 730 of switch 735 lowers and pushes
disinfectant agent
I5 within chamber 750. This pushes valve body 770 down and disinfectant agent
is
allowed to flow into openings 785 and 790 and into venturi tube 800.
VIPater and disinfectant agents are mixed inside venturi tube 800 and the
mixture then
flows into faucet 40.
Since rod 740 blocks opening 745, no further disinfectant agent can get into
chamber
750.
During the wash process, clean water follows the mixed water and disinfectant
agent
cycle and rinses off the hands. ~Illhen the washing process is finished, the
user lifts
switch 750, which in turn pushes down rod 705 to close valve 700 and cut off
the water.
Further, rod 740 will be lifted and will suck disinfectant agent from storage
810 through
22
CA 02437426 2003-08-18
815 and opening 745 to provide disinfectant agent to chamber 750 for the next
wash
process.
Spring 775 closes valve body 770 to ensure no leakage between chamber 750 and
venturi area 800.
The mixing process is driven by the flowing water. Disinfectant agent is a
liquid soap.
There is also no hot air in the present embodiment.
The embodiment of Figure 14 ensures that people use soap to wash their hands
and
saves both water and soap. A further option includes a laypass soap switch so
that
people can choose to use water only.
As one skilled in the art will realize, the device of Figure 14. is only one
example of the
implementation of the present invention and other means to implement the
present
invention will be evident to those skilled in the art.
Reference is now made to Figure 15. Figure 15 shows a network of wash systems.
This can be used, for example, when wash systems are situated around an event
area.
A single central control unit with a network connection can connect to al! of
these wash
systems and thus eliminate the requirements for a control unit within each of
these wash
systems.
As will be clear to one skilled in the art, other means of implementing the
present
invention are also possible. The present invention is not meant to be limited
by the
above examples and is only limited by the claims which follow.
23
