Dispenser and dispensing method having communication abilities
First Claim
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1. A dispenser comprising:
- a housing having a dispensing area;
a first proximity sensor coupled to said housing adjacent said dispensing area, wherein said first sensor has a first sensin range and is configured to activate in response to a presence of a user'"'"'s hand;
a dispenser mechanism for dispensing a product from said dispensing area, said dispenser mechanism being operably coupled to said first sensor such that when said first sensor is activated, said dispenser mechanism dispenses said product from said dispensing area;
a second proximity sensor coupled to said housing, wherein said second sensor has a second sensing range and is configured to activate in response to a presence of a user walking by said dispenser, wherein said second sensing range is greater than said first sensing range;
a third sensor operably coupled to activate when said housing is opened; and
a speaker operably coupled to said second sensor and to said third sensor, wherein said speaker emits a first prerecorded audible message when said second sensor is activated and a second prerecorded audible message when said third sensor is activated.
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Abstract
Dispensers and dispensing systems and methods having communication abilities are provided. Various embodiments include the ability to communicate reminders and other messages to users and maintenance personnel. An embodiment of the present invention has two sensors, one for detecting when to dispense a product and the other for detecting when to communicate pre-recorded messages. Another embodiment also includes the ability to record multiple messages into the dispenser for later playback upon triggering events. Still yet other embodiments provide messages upon dispensing of product.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A dispenser comprising:
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a housing having a dispensing area; a first proximity sensor coupled to said housing adjacent said dispensing area, wherein said first sensor has a first sensin range and is configured to activate in response to a presence of a user'"'"'s hand; a dispenser mechanism for dispensing a product from said dispensing area, said dispenser mechanism being operably coupled to said first sensor such that when said first sensor is activated, said dispenser mechanism dispenses said product from said dispensing area; a second proximity sensor coupled to said housing, wherein said second sensor has a second sensing range and is configured to activate in response to a presence of a user walking by said dispenser, wherein said second sensing range is greater than said first sensing range; a third sensor operably coupled to activate when said housing is opened; and a speaker operably coupled to said second sensor and to said third sensor, wherein said speaker emits a first prerecorded audible message when said second sensor is activated and a second prerecorded audible message when said third sensor is activated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification