Methods for resetting stalled pumps in electronically controlled dispensing systems

• US 8,651,329 B2
• Filed: 07/29/2011
• Issued: 02/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GOJO Industries Incorporated
• Original Assignee: GOJO Industries Incorporated
• Inventors: Reynolds, Aaron R., Wegelin, Jackson W., Quinlan, Robert L. Jr., Hackney, Robert S., Truong, Cuong
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaver, Kevin P
• Assistant Examiner(s): WILLIAMS, STEPHANIE ELAINE
• Application Number:
  US13/193,936
• Publication Number:
  US 20110278322A1
• Time in Patent Office: 935 Days
• Field of Search: 222/41, 222/1, 222/23, 222/52, 222/63, 222/181.1, 222/181.2, 222/181.3, 222/321.1, 222/321.7, 222/333, 222/504, 222/62, 222/5, 222/402.1, 222/65, 222/325, 222/53
• US Class Current: 222/52
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1202 dispensing dosed volume A47K5/1201 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1217 Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism

Abstract

A system and related method is disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, the presence of a user'"'"'s hand is detected to start a pump actuator associated with a refill container. A controller associated with a motor actuates the pump actuator by rotating a motor shaft in a first direction. The current sensor is monitored and when the current sensor detects a predetermined level of current the motor shaft is reversed to a starting position.

Claims

1. A method for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system, the method comprising:

detecting the presence of a user'"'"'s hand to start a pump actuator associated with a refill container;

monitoring a current sensor associated with a motor that actuates said pump actuator by rotating a motor shaft in a first direction; and

reversing said motor shaft in a second direction to return said pump actuator to a starting position when said current sensor detects a predetermined level of current.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

sensing a position of said pump actuator with a position sensor; and

stopping reversal of said motor shaft in said second direction when said pump actuator returns to a loading position.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising:

completing a dispense cycle by said pump actuator if said current sensor does not detect said predetermined level of current.

4. A dispensing system comprising:

a refill container filled with product;

a housing adapted to accept said refill container;

a pump maintained by either said refill container or said housing so as to dispense product from said refill container, wherein said pump has a loading position and a dispensing position; and

a mechanism associated with said pump wherein said mechanism is configured to automatically return said pump to said loading position when a stall condition is detected.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said mechanism comprises

a controller connected to said pump;

a hand sensor connected to said controller;

a motor with a reversible shaft, said motor connected to said controller and engageable with said pump; and

a current sensor associated with said motor and connected to said controller;

wherein if said hand sensor detects an object, said controller starts said pump through said motor by rotating said shaft in a first direction, and said controller rotates said reversible shaft in an opposite direction to return said pump to said loading position if said current sensor detects a predetermined level of current.