Hand washing timer

• US 7,819,136 B1
• Filed: 12/10/2007
• Issued: 10/26/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Market Bridge Inc.
• Original Assignee: Zachary P. Eddy
• Inventors: Eddy, Zachary P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Kevin L
• Application Number:
  US11/953,416
• Time in Patent Office: 1,051 Days
• Field of Search: 137/624.11, 137/487.5, 137/801, 137/552.7, 462/3, 462/4, 251/129.04
• US Class Current: 137/624.11
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/057 touchless, i.e. using sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 11/00 Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 13/006 measuring volume in function of time
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/003 using electromagnetic, electric or electronic means G01F15/002, G01F15/02 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8208 Time
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86389 Programmer or timer

Abstract

A hand washing timer with a sensor for assisting a user in washing his or her hands for a proper amount of time, for example in accordance with one or more health code regulations. The timer can also include a display, a solenoid valve, a pressure sensor, and/or a float valve.

Claims

1. An apparatus for timing water flow from a faucet comprising:

a timer preset to a predetermined amount of time;

a sensor for sensing the flow of water from the faucet wherein said sensor triggers the start of said timer; and

a fastener for attaching said apparatus to the faucet;

a solenoid valve, wherein said solenoid valve stops the flow of water after said predetermined amount of time; and

a display displaying a graphical count-up from zero to said predetermined amount of time.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said timer is programmable.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said display comprises a digital display.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor comprises a pressure sensor.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor comprises a float valve.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said timer provides a delay substantially equal to an element selected from a list consisting of a health-code regulation;

a health-industry recommended time for washing an individual'"'"'s hands;

a recommended time for washing an individual'"'"'s hands, and combinations thereof.