Automated hand cleaning reminder system for an entranceway

• US 8,400,310 B2
• Filed: 06/04/2010
• Issued: 03/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brow G. Raymond
• Original Assignee: Brow G. Raymond
• Inventors: Brow, G. Raymond
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Albert
• Assistant Examiner(s): MEHRAVARI, PETER CYRUS
• Application Number:
  US12/794,616
• Publication Number:
  US 20110025509A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,019 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1, 340/572.1, 340/539.12, 340/539.22, 340/541, 340/545.3, 340/565, 222/39, 222/23
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 17/00 Other equipment , e.g. separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning devices without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers; Holders for toilet brushesportable urinating aids A61F5/4556; devices for receiving spittle A61J19/00 ; disinfecting apparatus for medical, surgical or hygienic purposes A61L; cleaning devices with flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers E03D9/00; for emptying or cleaning chamber-pots, bed pans, bed urinals or the like E03D11/025
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/06 Dispensers for soap
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/245 Reminder of hygiene compliance policies, e.g. of washing hands

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved an automated hand cleaning reminder system having a disinfectant dispenser mounted proximate to an entranceway. When approaching the entranceway the visitor must first utilize a disinfectant dispenser to gain unalarmed entry or exit through the entranceway. When the disinfectant dispenser is utilized the disinfectant dispenser transmits a signal to a processor which then deactivates temporarily a motion/presence detector scanning an area immediately adjacent or close to the entranceway, and thus permits entry or exit for the visitor. At the same time, processor activates a light emitter to provide a visual indication to the visitor that passage is permitted, and, simultaneously also activates the access allowed audio tone to be played through a message conveying apparatus. If the dispenser has not been utilized, the proximity detector will remain armed and the processor then issues an access denied audio tone to be played through the message conveying apparatus, and, simultaneously also activates a flashing light emitter to provide a visual indication to the visitor that passage is not permitted.

Claims

1. An automated hand cleaning reminder system comprising:

product dispensing means mounted proximate an entranceway;

a motion/presence detector being mounted in the product dispensing means and being adapted for detecting an approach of a visitor to the entranceway;

a processor mounted in the product dispensing means and being electrically coupled to the motion/presence detector and in electronic communication with the product dispensing means;

message conveying means mounted in the product dispensing means and being electrically coupled to the processor, the message conveying means providing an access allowed audio tone when a person has utilized the product dispensing means and issuing an access denied audio tone when a person has not utilized the product dispensing means, said processor being adapted for playing either the access allowed audio tone or the access denied audio tone on the message conveying means instantaneously after the motion/presence detector has detected the approach of the visitor to the entranceway;

a data storage device mounted in the product dispensing means and being electrically coupled to the processor;

a web enabled circuit in electronic communication with the data storage device, the processor and the Internet, and wherein the product dispensing means has an internet web address, whereby low supply warnings/low battery warnings, settings and events for the product dispensing means can be retrieved from the data storage device and observed or changed on site, via the internet web address or via the Internet by a remote attendant; and

wherein the processor temporarily deactivates the motion/presence detector when the person has utilized the product dispensing means to permit entry by the person.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the access allowed audio tone and the access denied audio tone are recorded on the data storage device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is constructed and arranged for connection to a power source.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is adapted for displaying an access allowed signal on the message conveying means to provide a visual indication to the visitor that passage is permitted or an access denied signal on the message conveying means to provide a visual indication to the visitor that passage is not permitted.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein either of the access allowed signal and access denied signal are displayed substantially simultaneously with an issuance of a respective one of the access allowed audio tone and the access denied audio tone.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the access allowed signal is a green light and the access denied signal is a red light.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the product dispensing means, when a supply of product in the product dispensing means is low, is constructed and arranged to transmit a low supply warning to the processor to be conveyed through the message conveying means.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the product dispensing means is mounted adjacent to the doorway.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the product dispensing means is mounted on an outside or inside of a building containing the doorway.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of product dispensing means.