Dispenser and dispensing method having communication abilities
First Claim
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1. A dispenser comprising:
- a controller;
a first sensor electrically coupled to the controller, wherein the first sensor is a proximity sensor;
a dispenser mechanism operably coupled to the first sensor, the dispenser mechanism dispensing a product in response to a signal from the first sensor;
a second sensor electronically coupled to the controller, wherein the second sensor is a proximity sensor;
a record button electrically coupled to the controller;
a play button electrically coupled to the controller;
a microphone electrically coupled to the controller; and
a speaker operably coupled to the second sensor and the controller, wherein the speaker emits a prerecorded audible message in response to the controller receiving a signal from the second sensor;
wherein the first sensor has a first activation range that is less than a second activation range of the second sensor.
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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
20 Claims
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1. A dispenser comprising:
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a controller; a first sensor electrically coupled to the controller, wherein the first sensor is a proximity sensor; a dispenser mechanism operably coupled to the first sensor, the dispenser mechanism dispensing a product in response to a signal from the first sensor; a second sensor electronically coupled to the controller, wherein the second sensor is a proximity sensor; a record button electrically coupled to the controller; a play button electrically coupled to the controller; a microphone electrically coupled to the controller; and a speaker operably coupled to the second sensor and the controller, wherein the speaker emits a prerecorded audible message in response to the controller receiving a signal from the second sensor; wherein the first sensor has a first activation range that is less than a second activation range of the second sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of operating a dispenser having a controller arranged therein, the method comprising:
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activating a recording mode on the controller; recording an audio message with the controller; activating a play mode on the controller; detecting an object with a first sensor, the first sensor being operably coupled to the controller; playing the recorded audio message via a speaker in response to an activation of the first sensor; detecting the object with a second sensor, the second sensor being operably coupled to the controller; and dispensing a product from the dispenser in response to an activation of he second sensor. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A dispenser comprising:
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a controller; a first sensor electrically coupled to the controller, wherein the first sensor is a proximity sensor; a dispenser mechanism operably coupled to the first sensor, the dispenser mechanism dispensing a product in response to a signal from the first sensor; a second sensor electronically coupled to the controller, wherein the second sensor is a proximity sensor; and a speaker operably coupled to the second sensor and the controller, wherein the speaker emits a prerecorded audible message in response to the controller receiving a signal from the second sensor; wherein the first sensor has a first activation range that is less than a second activation range of the second sensor. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification