Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02222528 1997-11-26
WO 96/41058 PCT/US96/10001
WASH STATIONS AND METHOD OF OPERATION
BACtiGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many diseases are spread from one person to another through contact, whether
direct or indirect. Direct contact causes the contagium to be transmitted from
the
carrier to another, who may become infected and/or pass the contagium on to
yet
aunother. No,socomial infections are particularly prevalent with medical
personnel, who
lrtay come inlto contact, knowingly or not, with infectious diseases. Indirect
contact
occurs when the carrier touches some article, thereby depositing the contagium
and
permitting it to be contacted by another coming into contact with the article.
Many
contagia are spread by contact, directly or indirectly with the hands.
1 o Some contagia can be destroyed through the use of water and cleansing
agents,
such as soaps, antiseptic agents, and the like. Hospital personnel may receive
training
in the proper method of washing hands, as a means for minimizing the spread of
nosocomial infections. Many communities likewise require that individuals
handling
food wash their hands prior to handling food.
Many hospitals have a wash station which is utilized for the washing of hands.
The wash station has a valve, possibly foot or leg operated, for controlling
water flow
from a faucet to a sink. A source of cleansing agent, such as a liquid soap,
is also
provided, as are folded paper towels for drying the hands. Hot air dryers are
normally
nat provided in a hospital environment, because the flow of air has a tendency
to
2 0 spread the contagia. Wash stations suffer from numerous drawbacks, such as
improper quantity of soap, a need to touch a valve or other potentially
contaminated
site, and the excessive use of water while the washing operation takes place.
The disclosed invention is a wash station, suitable for both hospital and food-
handling establishments. The wash station has infrared sensors for detecting
the
presence of a user, and a desire for that user to initiate a hand washing
operation.
Once a potential user is detected, then a control system causes a sufficient
quantity of
water to be dispensed in order to permit the hands to be wet. A predetermined
amount
of soap sufl-icient to cleanse the hands is then dispensed, and a further
quantity of
water is dispensed in order to permit the hands to be rinsed. Finally, a
selected length
3 0 of roll toweling is dispensed.
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Should the user merely desire to run the water, such as to obtain a drink, or
to
obtain some toweling, then the control system has means to permit these to
occur,
thereby by-passing the hand washing mode. Operation of the wash station may be
monitored by a central computer, which also has the capability of notifying
appropriate
maintenance personnel if the wash station is not operating properly, or
requires
servicing.
OBJECTS AND SUM.IVdARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the disclosed invention is to provide a wash station
suitable for hospitals and food-handling establishments as a means for
minimizing the
spread of infectious disease.
A further object of the disclosed invention is to provide a method of
operating
a wash station which minimizes the risk of infectious disease being spread.
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
2 0 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.
The method of operating a wash station comprises the steps of detecting the
presence of a user with a first sensor, and causing water to be dispensed from
a faucet
upon the user being detected; determining with a second sensor that the user
desires
soap to be dispensed; and causing soap to be dispensed from a soap dispenser
upon the
3 0 second sensor being actuated and simultaneously prohibiting water from
being
dispensed through the faucet.
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The method of operating a wash station comprises the steps of providing a
wash station :including a sink, a water dispensing faucet operably associated
with the
sunk, an electrically operated valve in flow communication with the water
dispensing
' faucet for controlling water flow thereto, a first sensor operably
associated with the
water dispensing faucet for determining the presence of a user, a soap
dispensing
faucet operably associated with the sink and adjacent the water dispensing
faucet, a
pump in fluid communication with a source of soap and with the soap dispensing
faucet, a second sensor operably associated with the second sensor and the
pump for
controlling operation of the pump for supplying soap to the soap dispensing
faucet,
to and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors, the
valve, and the
pump for controlling operation of the valve and the pump. Also included are
the steps
of detecting W th the first sensor the presence of a user, and communicating
same to
they controller, causing the valve to be operated and thereby causing water to
be
supplied to tlhe water dispensing faucet, and continuing to supply water to
the water
dispensing faucet for so long as the first sensor detects a user and so long
as the
second sensor does not detect a user.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be readily
,apparent in view of the following description and drawings of the above
described
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects and advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred
<;mlbodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
2 5 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the wash station
of the
invention;
Figure :2 is a front elevational view thereof, with portions shown in section
and
broken away;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view thereof, with portions broken away and in
3 0 section;
Figure ~ is a fragmentary perspective view of the soap weigh mechanism of the
invention;
3
CA 02222528 2004-09-10
Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the soap dispensing system of
the
invention, with portions shown in section;
Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of yet a further means for
dispensing
soap;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary elevational view of a faucet of the invention;
Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevational view, with portions shown in section, of
a
further pump system;
Figure 9 is a elevational view with portions broken away of yet a further
embodiment of the wash station of the invention;
Figures 10 and 11 are schematic wiring diagrams of the embodiment of Figure 9;
Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the wash station control system;
Figure 13, is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the wash station of
the
invention; and
Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Wash station W 1, as best shown in Figure 1, has a cabinet 10 and a vertical
support 12.
The cabinet 10 and support 12 may, as shown, be separate structural elements,
or they
may be integral or the support 12 might be part of a wall or the like. Also,
while we prefer
that cabinet 10 and vertical support 12 be manufactured from stainless steel,
those skilled
in the art will understand that other compositions might be appropriate, such
as when
wash station W 1 is in a restaurant environment.
Sink 14 is.mounted to top 16 of cabinet 10. Also mounted to top 16 is an
infrared sensor
18, a faucet 20, and a selector switch 22. Cabinet 10 may have handles 24 and
26,
permitting doors 28 and 30 to be opened.
An electrically operated roll towel dispenser 32 is mounted to vertical
support 12. Roll
towel dispenser is, preferably, manufactured pursuant to U.S. Patent No.
4,960,248, the
assignee of which is also the assignee of the present application. Dispensing
means 32
has an infrared sensor 34, which may be a passive infrared detector, as
compared with the
active infrared detector of the sensor 18. Also disclosed, in Figure 1 is a
length of
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WO 96/~t1058 PCT/US96/10001
toweling 36 extending from dispenser 32, as well as display 38 which indicates
the
number of uses of wash station W 1. While we prefer the use of paper towels,
it is
merely necessary that a continuous length of tearable drying material be
dispensed
' from dispenser 32. Sheet towels should not be used, because they run the
risk of
contact with the possibly contaminated dispenser.
As best shown in Figure 2, cabinet 10 has an open interior in which
appropriate
operating elennents of wash station W 1 are located. Hot and cold water lines
40 and
42 are fed from the customary sources provided in most buildings. Manual shut-
off
vallves 44 and 46 are disposed at the upper ends of water lines 40 and 42. A T-
1o connector or fitting 48 extends from the water line above valve 44 and has
line 50
exl:ending therefrom, for reasons to be explained. electrically operated
solenoid valves
52 and 54 are interposed between valves 44 and 46, respectively, and T-
connector 56
to faucet 20 in. order to supply water thereto when the normally closed valves
52
.and/or 54 are i.n the open or flow permitting position. The T-connector 56
permits the
lhot: and cold water to be mixed, in order to achieve a desired temperature.
Faucet 20,
as lbest shown in Figure 7, has a water flow channel 60 and an interior soap
flow
chaumel 62, and terminates in nozzle 64 for directing water into sink 14 and
ultimately
from the drain to a sewer or treatment system.
Horizontal support 66 is mounted within cabinet 10, and supports soap
2 0 c;or~tainer or bottle 68 disposed on weigh apparatus 70. Line 72 leads
from soap
container 68 to pinch valve pump 74. Line 76 leads from pump 74 to check valve
78,
while line 80 leads from check valve 78 to soap channel 62 of faucet 20. Check
valve
i~9 its positioned in line 72 intermediate container 68 and pump 74. Soap.
channel 62,
ass best shown i.n Figure 7, has a short length of tubing 82 extending from
faucet 20 for
dlire:cting soap unto sink 14.
Solenaid operated control valve 84 is upstream in line SO and leads to T-
connector 86 to the inlet of pinch valve pump 74 in order to provide
pressurizing water
tlhereto. The other outlet of T-connector 86 leads to a control valve or
simply a
restrictive orifice. Line 92 extends from control valve 90 to T-connector 94
of line 58,
as best shown in Figure 3.
Weigh apparatus 70, as best shown in Figures 4 and 5, comprises a first
srapport plate 96 resting on support 66, and a second plate 98 overlying plate
96 and
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WO 96/411058 PCT/US96/10001
hingedly connected thereto by hinge assembly 100. Soap container 68, which,
preferably, is a relatively lightweight disposable bottle, rests upon second
plate 98.
Second plate 98 has a plurality of recesses 102, 104 and 106 formed in surface
108
thereof in spaced relation relative to hinge assembly 100. Pressure switch 110
has a
piston 112 selectively positionable in any one of recesses 102, 104 and 106.
The
weight of soap container 68, including the soap contents thereof, is thereby
applied to
the pressure switch 110 through piston 112 as a means for monitoring the
degree of
fullness of the container 68. Electric leads 114 extend from pressure switch
110 as a
means for communicating with a central computer, such as shown in Figure 12,
the
quantity of soap contained in the container 68.
We have found it desirable to provide flexibility in notifying the central
computer when the soap container 68 requires replacement. The weight of the
container 68 operating through the hinged assembly 70, exerts a force on the
piston
112 which 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 is tripped when a selected quantity
of soap
remains in the container 68. In this way maintenance can be notified depending
upon
its response time. We prefer to use a pressure switch, which sends the
appropriate
signal only when it is tripped, because that minimizes the load on the central
computer.
2 0 Otherwise, the central computer would be required to periodically
interrogate the
switch 110 as a means for determining the quantity remaining in the container
68.
Because the cleansing agent in the container will, most likely, only be slowly
consumed, a pressure actuated switch is most feasible.
Figures 4 and 5 also disclose the continuous resilient fill tube 116 extending
2 5 through pump 74 into soap container 68. We provide a sealing disk 118 at
the top of
container 68, in order to prevent spillage of soap, as well as to provide a
frangible
opening into which the tube 116 may be inserted. It is to be noted in Figure
S, that the
tube 116 extends through the pump 74. The fill tube 116 must be changed when
the
container 68 is replaced. This minimizes the possibility of contamination
occurring at
3 0 joints or fittings. This is particularly appropriate in a hospital
environment, where the
possibility of infection should be avoided as much as possible. In a food-
handling
environment, however, this may not be as necessary.
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Roll towel dispenser 32, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3, has an infrared
sensor 34. T;he sensor 34 causes electric motor 120 to operate whenever a user
requires toweling. This is particularly appropriate in a hospital environment,
where a
° sudden emergency may preclude the user's completion of the normal
wash cycle.
Electric motor 120 causes roll 122 of paper towel to rotate by means of one-
way
transmission 1124. This assures that toweling is dispensed through the opening
in
dispenser 32, and prevents the roll 122 from being wound up.
We have found that a number of different types of pumps may be utilized in
causing the cleansing material 126 to be pumped to faucet 20. For example,
pinch
l0 valve pump 74 has an outer substantially non-deformable cylindrical casing
128 which
is closed at the ends thereof, except for openings 130 and 132 which provide,
respectively, a.n inlet and an outlet for tubing 116, as best shown in Figure
S. A further
opening 134 is formed in the side of casing 128 to permit a connection for
water line
80.
Resilient bladder 136 is positioned within casing 128, and has a central
opening
138 of continuous diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tubing 116, in
order
to provide a snug fit therewith. This snug fit maximizes the pumping force.
Also, the
i:ubing 116 can be relatively thin, and the thickness thereof may be selected
based upon
t:he quantity of soap 126 which is to be pumped. The thicker the wall of
tubing 116,
2 0 then the smaller the volume of soap contained in the pumping chamber
thereof.
Those skilled in the art will understand that the introduction of water
through
line: 80 into the annular chamber 140 defined by bladder 136 and casing 128
will have
the effect of causing the central opening 138 to be squeezed, thereby
collapsing the
tubiing 116. This sudden collapse has the effect of causing the material
contained
2 5 vvitlun the tubing 116 to be forced outwardly. Check valve 78 permits the
pumped
soap to flow to container 68. This is a rapid pumping action, and causes the
soap 126
to spurt from tubing 82.
The bladder 136 will remain in the expanded condition for so long as the valve
84 is opened. Once the valve is closed, thereby removing the source of water
pressure
. 3 0 fi~om line 88, then it is merely necessary to open the valve 90 to allow
the water to
bleed through to faucet 20 so that the central opening 138 will be expanded
again. We
p:ref~er that the water released through valve 90 feed into the water flow
channel 60.
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WO 96/41058 PCT/US96/10001
Also, soap will be pulled from container 68 into pump 74.
Pinch valve pump 142, as best shown in Figure 8, is similar to pump 74, with
the exception that bayonet connections 144 and 146 are provided at the inlet
and outlet
thereof, respectively. Also, unlike the pump 74, the tube 148 which leads to
the soap
container 68 does not extend through the pump 142. Likewise, the tube 150
affixed to
connector 146 leads to faucet 20. In this way, the central opening 138 of the
bladder
136 itself forms the soap conduit. Naturally, check valves are provided before
and
after pump 142 in order to assure that soap flows to the pump 142 and then to
faucet
20.
Figure 8 disclosed check valve 152, which is, preferably, a ball check valve,
which feeds line 92 leading to faucet 20. Normally closed solenoid 154
operates
control valve 156 at the discharge end of line S0. Electrical cable 158
supplies the
operating power and control signal which causes the solenoid valve 154 to
operate.
The check valve 152 prevents water from flowing through line 92 into the valve
156,
and is sized such that the sudden flow of water from line 50 is substantially
diverted
into pump 142. The check valve 152 thereby acts as an orifice, allowing the
water to
bleed once the valve 156 is closed by the solenoid 154.
Figure 6 discloses an electrically operated rotary peristaltic pump which is
also
useable for causing the cleansing material 126 to be pumped to the faucet 20.
The
2 0 pump 160 has a removable cover 162 overlying supports 164 and 166. Central
shaft
168 is rotated by an electric motor (not shown). Shaft 168 carnes fingers 170
along
the periphery thereof, for engagement with resilient soap supply conduit 172.
Conduit
172 feeds soap line 174 leading to faucet 20.
Rotation of shaft 168 causes the fingers 170 to selectively engage the conduit
2 5 172, thereby causing same to be compressed against the cover 162. This is
a rolling
type of motion, having the tendency of forcing the soap toward soap line 174
as
rotation continues. Rotation of shaft 168 in the opposite direction causes the
soap to
be pulled into conduit 172 from line 174, thereby minimizing the possibility
of soap
dripping from line 174 into sink 14.
3 0 The cover 162 is removable from its overlying relation to the shaft 168
and
supports 164 and 166, thereby facilitating replacement of the soap conduit
172, after
the soap in the container 68 has been consumed. This is an effective means of
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WO 96/41058 PCT/US96/10001
rrunimizing contamination which might find its situs at a fitting. It should
be
appreciated that the soap container and conduit may be an integral unit,
thereby
facilitating replacement.
As earlier noted, push button selector switch 22 is mounted to upper surface
16
olFcabinet 10 adjacent faucet 20. The selector switch 22 is a two position
switch. We
V
have found that there are occasions when a user may merely desire water, such
as for
drinking. In such instance, the selector switch 22 is an effective means for
permitting
ony water to be dispensed from the faucet 20. As noted, roll toweling is
available
from the dispenser 32 at all times because of the second sensor 34. Display 38
will not
be: operated when the push button switch 22 is in the water only position,
because the
display 38 is operated by controller 176, and is only advanced when soap is
pumped.
All electrical controls for the wash station W 1 reside in the electronic
controller
176, which is positioned within cabinet 10. The controller 176 may be
hardwired, or
may be a programmable controller. The controller 176 has the functions of
receiving
all required electrical signals for the display 38, and the solenoid-operated
valves 52,
54, 84, 90 and 78. The central controller 176 will, preferably, communicate
with a
host computer.
Figure 9 discloses wash station W2. Wash station W2 may be adapted for use
with a sink 178 which is of conventional design. A first infrared sensor 180,
which is,
2 0 preferably, of the active type, is mounted to surface 182 of sink 178 and
is used for
determining the presence of the hands of a user beneath faucet 20. The faucet
20 of
wash station W2 is substantially the same as faucet 20 of wash station W 1,
and no
further discussion thereof is seen to be necessary.
Also rr~ounted to surface 182 is second sensor 184, which is also of the
active
2 5 ~typ~e. The sensor I 84 looks upwardly, however, as opposed to the sensor
180 which
llooks horizontally. In this way, the eye of the sensor 180 may be thought of
as
operating on a horizontal plane, while the eye of the sensor 184 operates on a
vertical
lplane extending substantially transverse to the plane of the sensor 180. This
relationship avoids possible confusion to the controller 176 on account of
inaccurate
3 o positioning of the hands of a user.
Wash station W2 has manual water supply valves 186 and 188 providing a
source of pressurized water to the wash station W2. Normally closed solenoid
190
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WO 96/41058 PCTNS96/10001
operates control valve 192 for causing water to selectively flow to T-
connector 194
through line 196. Similarly, normally closed solenoid 198 operates control
valve 200
for permitting water to flow through line 202 to T-connector 194. Line 204
leads
from manually operated valve 188 to control valve 206. Valve 206 is operated
by
normally closed solenoid 208. Check valve 210 feeds line 212 which
communicates
with line 202 through T-connector 214. Pump 213, which is substantially the
same as
the pump 142 of Figure 8, has soap supply line 215 leading from soap container
216.
Soap line 218 extends from the outlet of pump 142 to conduit 80. Naturally,
check
valves 217 and 219, which may be ball check valves, are interposed between
container
l0 216 and faucet 20 in order to control pumping of the soap.
Control box 220 is mounted to a vertical support behind drain 222. Electric
lines extend from the control box 220 to each of the pieces of equipment, and
preferably the lines have strain relieving plug assemblies 224 to minimize
deterioration
of the electrical cable.
We have found that the sensor 184 is preferable to the push button 22,
particularly in hospital environments. The sensor 184, by looking upwardly,
need not
be contacted by the user, and thereby minimizes the risk of infection due to
prior
contact. In order to have the control box 220 switch the wash station W2
between the
hand washing and water only modes, it is merely necessary for the user to
place his or
2 o her hand over the sensor 184 for a sufficient period of time. We have
found that a
sense time of approximately three seconds is sufficient, and avoids unintended
tripping
which could occur if a hand was moved rapidly across the scan zone of the
sensor 184.
Also, we prefer that tripping of the sensor 180 be required within a selected
time upon
the wash station W2 being set in the wash mode by the sensor 184. This is a
further
means of assuring that unintended operation does not occur. In other words,
first put
the wash station in the hand wash mode, and then put the hands under the
faucet.
Figure 12 discloses a schematic diagram by which the wash stations W 1 and
W2 are connected to a host or central computer. The control unit, which
corresponds
to the controller 176 ofthe wash station Wl, operates both the display 38 and
the soap
3 o weighing mechanism 70. Also, the control unit feeds relevant operating
information to
the central computer which, if necessary, notifies maintenance of the need to
take
action with regard to the relevant wash station. The display 38 and the soap
weighing
to
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WO 96/41058 PCTNS96/10001
mechanism 70 communicate with a central computer, through the controller 176,
as
may be desired. This permits the central computer to periodically query the
display
ar.~d the soap weigher in order to monitor usage of the wash station.
Figurc;s 10 and 11 disclose the wiring diagram by which the wash stations W 1
and W2 are constructed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
wiring
Y
diagram of Figures 10 and 11 may be assembled by hard wiring, or may be
achieved
through soft~~are control, such as with a programmable controller.
The box "Normal" indicates the condition which the wash stations W 1 and W2
are normally in, and water only is dispensed when in this mode. In the normal
mode,
relay or output X1 is energized.
Normally open contacts 226 of timer T6 must be closed for current to feed
through the normally closed contacts 228 of relay R4 to timer T1. This
provides a
reset feature, ,>o that if a potential user puts the system into automatic,
then the user
must make some motion in the view field of sensor 18 within a selected time as
set by
tirrter T1. Should nothing occur during the 40 second period, then timer T1
runs out,
thereby resetting the control system to the normal mode. The reset is only
necessary
when in the automatic mode.
Norrrnally open contacts 230 of relay Rl are closed during the time that timer
'T1 is running, thereby providing a holding circuit because the contacts 232
of the timer
2 0 'T 1 are normally closed, as are the contacts 234 of relay R4. The
contacts 230 are
intE;rnal to the relay R1, and cause a constant control signal to be applied,
since the
timer T1 will only supply a control signal upon the expiration of the allotted
time.
The normally open contacts 236 of the relay X2 cause timer T6 to be operated.
Timer T6 is the timer which determines when the user has placed his or her
hand over
the sensor 184 for a sufficiently long period. We have found that
approximately three
seconds are suifiucient to make certain that the user wishes to switch the
wash station
W2 to the automode.
Normally open contacts 238 of relay Rl, 240 of relay X1, and 242 of timer TO
control operation of timer T2. Timer TO provides a one second pause, which is
y 3 o desired in order to give the user sufficient time to place his or her
hands under the
faucet 20. Once the timer TO times out, them timer T2 causes a 0.1 second
spurt of
v~rater to flow to the faucet 20 by operation of the valves 52 and 54 or 192
and 198,
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depending upon the wash station being used. This spurt of water is sui~cient
to wet
the hands.
Normally open contacts 244 are internal to relay T2. The contacts 244 lead to
normally open contacts 246 which are internal to relay X1. The contacts 246
feed
normally closed contacts 248 which are internal to timer T3. The contacts 248
feed
normally closed contacts 250 which are internal to relay Y2 to operate. The
relay Y2
energizes the pump 160, or causes operation of pump solenoids 84 or 206.
Normally open contacts 254 are internal to relay Y2, and feed timer T3. The
timer T3 is, preferably, set for approximately four seconds in order to
provide
aderluate soap from the pump. Should pinch valve pumps 74 or 142 be utilized,
then
the time need not be as long as four seconds.
Normally open contacts 256 are internal to relay Y2. Likewise, normally open
contacts 258 are internal to relay R2. The contacts 256 and 258 feed normally
closed
contacts 260 which are internal to timer T4. The contacts 260 feed relay R2
and
provide a holding circuit for that period of time between initiation of timer
T3 and its
termination.
Normally open contacts 262 are internal to relay R2 and feed normally closed
contacts 264 which are internal to relay Y2. The contacts 264 feed timer T4
and the
hold-in relay R3. We have found that the time T4 should be set for
approximately 1 S
2 0 seconds, and this provides sufficient time for the user to lather his or
her hands after
the soap has been pumped. During this waiting period, water is not permitted
to flow
to the faucet 20. Normally open contacts 266 are internal to relay T4, and
feed timer
T5. Likewise, normally closed contacts 270 which are internal to timer.TS.
Activation
of timer TS, along with the hold-in circuit provided by the relay R4, cause
the water to
be dispensed from the faucet 20 for a period of five seconds. We have found
that
operation of the solenoid valves 52 and 54, or 192 and 198, for a period of
five
seconds is sufficient to wash the lathered soap from the hands of the user.
Normally open contacts 272 are internal to relay R4, and feed relay Y1 which _
controls the water solenoid 52 and 54, or 192 and 198. Likewise, normally
closed
contacts 274 are internal to relay Rl, and feed normally open contacts 276 of
relay X1.
Contacts 276 feed the normally closed contacts 278 of relay R3. The normally
closed
contacts 280 of timer T2 feed the normally open contacts 282 of the timer T0.
The
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WO 9641058 PCT/US96/10001
G~ntacts 282 feed the normally open contacts 284 of the relay Rl .
As noted, we provide timer TO in order to assure sufficient time for the user
to
pllace his or her hands under the faucet 20. The timer TO is controlled by the
normally
open contacts 286 of relay Rl, as well as the contacts 288 and 290 of
respectively,
relay X1 and timer T0.
Normally open contacts 292 of relay R62 cause operation of relay Y0. The
relay YO coni:rols operation of the motor 120 of roll towel dispenser 32. This
assures
that toweling is always available, regardless of what other function the wash
station
m.ay the be performing.
The normally open contacts 294 of relay X1 operate relay R60, and assure that
toweling is dispensed, when in the normal mode, only when the user has taken
his or
her hand away from the sensor 34. We have found that there may be occasions
when
some article o~r the like may mistakenly actuate sensor 34. This can be
prevented if the
motor is permitted to operate after the detected "person" has moved his or her
hand
away from the; sensor 34. Otherwise, if the hand is not moved, then toweling
will not
be dispensed.
The normally open contacts 296 of the relay R60 feed the normally closed
contacts 298 of the relay R62. Likewise, the normally open contacts 300 of the
relay
R6~1 feed the contacts 298.
2 o The normally open contacts 302 of the relay R61 feed the normally closed
.contacts 304 of the relay R60. The contacts 304 feed the normally closed
contacts 306
of the relay R4. The contacts 306 feed relay R62 and timer T7. Likewise, the
normally open contacts 308 of relay R62 feed the normally closed contacts 310
of the
i:im.er T7. The contacts 310 feed the contacts 306. This assures that a
predetermined
length oftoweling is dispensed from the dispenser 32, because the motor 120 is
cause
t:o operate for a predetermined time.
OPERATION OF EMBODIMENTS W 1 AND W2
Operation of the wash stations W 1 and W2 is essentially automatic, because of
. 3 0 the sensors 18 and 180, as well as the selector switches 22 and 184. It
is merely
necessary that the user approach the wash station, and then take the desired
action,
vvh<;ther requesting hand washing or water, or merely requesting that toweling
be
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WO 96/4.1058 PCTNS96/10001
dispensed.
The wash stations W 1 and W2 are normally in the "water dispensing" mode,
meaning that a user will cause water only to be dispensed from the faucet 20
when his
or her hands are placed under the faucet 20, and thereby in the detection zone
of the
sensors 18 or 180. In that event, then the contacts 274, 276 and 278 assure
that the y
water continues to flow for so long as the hands or object, such as a pitcher,
are under
the spout. Should the user take his or her hands away, then the contacts 280,
282 and
284 and timer to cause the water to continue to flow for one second after the
hands
have been removed. We have found this delay desirable, because it is not
unusual for a
to user to unintendedly remove his or her hands from the detection zone of the
sensors 18
or 180. The delay period, therefore, prohibits rapid cycling of the control
valves 52
and 54 or 192 and 198. This minimizes wear on the system, without wasting much
water.
Should the user desire that toweling be dispensed from the dispenser 32, then
it
is merely necessary that he or she place a hand in front of the sensor 34 and
then
remove same. This causes initiation of the motor 120, for a period set by the
timer T7.
Any diminishment in length due to changes in the diameter of the roll 122 are
fairly
minimal.
Should the user desire to use the wash station for washing of the hands, then
2 o this may be accomplished easily. It is merely necessary that the push
button 22 be
pressed, or that the user place his or her hand over the sensor 184 for the
required
period. Once a hand has been placed over the sensor 184 for the desired time,
then the
controller 176 places the wash station into the automatic or hand washing
mode.
Once in the automatic mode, then it is necessary that the user place his or
her
hands under the faucet 20 within the detection some of the sensors 18 or 180
for the
period specified by timer T1. This assures that the user does not put the wash
station
into the automatic mode, and then walk away. Should that event occur, then
timing
out ofthe timer T1 causes the system to reset to the normal mode.
Assuming that the user places his or her hands within the target zone of the
3 o sensors 18 or 180, then the solenoid operated valves 52 and 54, or 192 and
198, are
caused to operate for supplying sufficient water to permit the hands to be
wet. Most
cleansing agents are water soluble, and that it is desired, as with normal
hand washing,
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CA 02222528 1997-11-26
WO '96/41058 PCTNS96/10001
that the hands be wet prior to application of the liquid soap. This does not
require
much water, and only enough to wet the hands is necessary.
Once the hands have been wet, then the controller 176 causes soap to be
pumped by operation of any of the pumps 74, 142 or 160. We can control the
quantity
of soap which is pumped by either regulating the thickness of the tubing
within the
central opening 136 of the pumps 74 or 142, or else by regulating the pumping
time of
the peristaltic pump 160. Those skilled in the art understand that
insufficient soap is
undesirable, but equally as undesirable is too much soap. Regulation of the
pumping
volume is therefore an appropriate means for assuring an adequate amount of
soap,
based upon the particular soap being used.
Once the soap has been pumped, then no water is permitted to flow to the
faucet 20 for l:he period specified by timer T4. We have found that 15 seconds
are
sufficient for the typical user to thoroughly lather his or her hands. Once
lathering has
occurred, as noted by the timer T4, then the timer TS causes five seconds of
water to
be dispensed. This is a sufficient quantity to rinse the soap from the hands.
Operation of the solenoid valves 52 and 54 or 192 and 198 for dispensing rinse
water cause relay R62 to be energized, thereby causing timer T7 to activate so
that
toweling is dispensed for the selected period. The user may then tear the
toweling
:from the dispenser 32, and dry his or her hands. In this way, the user is not
required to
2 o come into contact with any part of the wash station W 1 or W2 after the
hands have
beE:n cleansed. Therefore, the spread of infection is minimized, because the
wash
>tations W 1 and W2 assure proper cleaning of the hands.
Figure 13 illustrates wash station W3 which is similar to the wash station W 1
of figure 1. Because of the similarities, then like numbers indicate like
components.
ThE; wash station W3 principally differs from the wash station W1 because
there is a
separate soap spout triggered by a separate sensor, and there is a push button
to
provide for water to be dispensed for an extended period. In addition, an
alphanumeric display is provided to provide information to the user.
As best shown in Figure 13, soap spout 312 is adjacent water dispensing faucet
3 0 20, and is secured to top 16. Spout 312 has a nozzle 314 which lies above
sink 14,
and through which soap, bactericide, or a suitable anti-microbial agent is
dispensed.
T'he soap supplied to nozzle 314 is supplied from any of the pumps herein
disclosed, or
CA 02222528 1997-11-26
WO 96/41058 PCT/US96/10001
any other suitable pump. Preferably the pump is a peristaltic pump of the type
illustrated in Figure 6.
Incorporated into spout 312 is an active infrared sensor system for actuating
tine pump in order to cause soap to be dispensed. Lenses 316 and 318 are
provided for
transmitting the infrared signal, and for receiving the reflected signal,
respectively.
Soap will not be dispensed until the user has triggered the sensor system of
spout 312
by placing his or her hand in operative relationship for indicating by
reflection of the
light that soap is desired. Thus, a user placing his or her hands under faucet
20 will
cause water to be dispensed for so long as those hands are so positioned, and
the wash
1 o station W3 will not be placed into the "hand washing" mode until the
sensor of spout
312 is actuated.
There are occasions when there is a need for water to be dispensed from faucet
20 for an extended period, such as to fill a pitcher or the sink 14. In those
instances,
however, the user may not wish or be able to maintain his or her hands
suitably
positioned relative to sensor 18 for maintaining water flow. Push button 320
is
therefore provided, optionally at towel dispenser 32, for this purpose. The
push button
320 may be a suitable button which stays locked until pushed again, or time
controlled
or otherwise, so that water will flow to faucet 20 for so long as the push
button 320 is
actuated.
2 o Wash stations such as those disclosed herein will typically be located in
places
in which they will be confronted by potential users of varied backgrounds and
training.
The wash station should be able to be used properly by all of these
individuals in order
to permit maximization of its benefits. For this reason, an alphanumeric
display 322 is
provided in order to provide information for the user, such as instructions
for use. The
display 322 may be incorporated into the towel dispenser 32, or may be
otherwise
located. The alphanumeric display thus is readily observed by the user, and
may not
only provide instructional information but other information, such as time
elapsed, time
to next step, etc., which will help to keep the user at the wash station W3
for the
duration of the hand wash cycle. Additionally, the display 322 may also be
used to
3 o provide information to the hospital, for example, on total number of uses,
total number
of proper uses, and other information permitting the hospital to determine
that the
wash station W3 is being properly used and how frequently used.
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WO 96/41058 PCT/US96/10001
Figure 14 illustrates the control system of the wash station W3. As
illustrated
therein, a controller, which may be a microprocessor or programmable
controller, has
inputs from the water sensor 18, the soap sensor 316, 318, and the towel
dispenser
sensor 34. Tawel dispenser sensor 34, in this embodiment, preferably is an
active
infrared sensor. The outputs from the controller are to the valve, such as
either or
bath valves S:Z and 54, the pump, such as peristaltic pump 160, and towel
dispenser
32:.
Typically a user will approach the wash station W3 and place his or her hands
under faucet 20, there permitting sensor 18 to detect the presence of a user.
As a
result, controller will cause the valve to the faucet 20 to be operated, with
the result
that water willl flow thereto. Water will continue to be dispensed for so long
as the
sensor 18 detects a user. Alternatively, water will continue to be dispensed
for so long
as push buttan 320 is operated.
Shouldl the user desire to wash his or her hands, then they must first be wet
~wil:h water. This is done by having the hands placed under the faucet 20
within the
operating range of sensor 18. The user next places at least one hand under
spout 314
wvithin the operating range of the sensor acting through lenses 316 and 318.
Actuation
of i:he soap sensor in this way sends a signal which communicates to the
controller that
it slhould switch from the water dispensing mode in which it normally is
placed to the
2 0 second or hand washing mode. This sequence thus differs from the
previously
described sequence in which the wash station W1 was first placed into the hand
wash
.mode and then a controlled amount of water dispensed. The wash station W3 is
therefore more user friendly. It is thus the dispensing of the soap which
switches the
controller iota the hand washing mode.
Once in the hand washing mode, then the control of water and soap is based
upon the preprogrammed sequence earlier explained. Thus, the pump is actuated
to
dispense soap tlhrough nozzle 314, while the flow of water to faucet 20 is
stopped.
Cnce the hands have had sufficient time to be lathered, then water is again
dispensed
through faucet: :ZO. Once sufficient water is dispensed, then the water valve
closes, and
' 3 0 towel 36 is dispensed from dispenser 36 by virtue of its electric motor.
The alphanumeric display 322, which may be a CRT screen, liquid crystal
displlay, or the like, is also actuated by the controller to provide
information to the
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WO 96/41058 PCT/US96/10001
user. Thus, for example, display 322 may initially be set to display to the
user that
wash station W3 is in the water only mode. Once soap is dispensed by the
controller
being switched to the hand washing mode, then the display may inform the user
the
step then underway, how much time remains until initiation of the next step,
and
similar information.
In addition to the above, alphanumeric display 322 may also provide other
sorts
of information having the intent of keeping the user at the wash station W3
for the
duration of the hand washing cycle. An individual may be reluctant to appear
to be
taking instructions from wash station W3 or may become impatient during the
hand
washing sequence. Thus, display 322 may provide information such as hand
washing
frequency, general purpose information such as about the importance of hand
washing,
or even more general information about current events. The purpose is to keep
the
user at the wash station W3 so that the hand washing sequence will be
satisfactorily
completed.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is
understood that it is capable of further used, modifications and/or adaption
as come
within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains,
and as
may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within
the scope
of the invention and the limits of the appended claims.
18
