POINT-OF-CARE HYGIENE COMPLIANCE MODULE

• US 20170100002A1
• Filed: 12/21/2016
• Published: 04/13/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GOJO Industries Incorporated
• Original Assignee: GOJO Industries Incorporated
• Inventors: Wegelin, Jackson W., Archer, Matthew J.
• Granted Patent: US 10,045,667 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1201 hand-carried
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1205 Dispensing from the top of the dispenser with a vertical piston
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1211 using pressure on soap, e.g. with piston A47K5/1201 takes precedence; by squeezing A47K5/122
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1217 Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: G06M 1/27 for representing the result of count in the form of electric signals, e.g. by sensing markings on the counter drum
• CPC Class Codes: G06M 1/276 using mechanically-actuated contacts
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/245 Reminder of hygiene compliance policies, e.g. of washing hands
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation

Abstract

A point-of-care hygiene compliance module includes a housing that is adapted to be attached to a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated. The housing includes a pivoting actuation arm that is configured so as to be placed in operative contact with the dispensing nozzle. Thus, when the actuation arm is actuated, material is dispensed from the dispensing container, and a switch in operative contact with the actuation arm is actuated. The triggering of the switch updates a count value that is maintained by a controller, which may then be displayed or acquired by a remote computer to assess the amount of usage of the dispensing container.

Claims

1. A hygiene compliance module for a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated, the hygiene compliance module comprising:

a support frame adapted to carry the dispensing container therein;

a housing attached to said support frame;

an actuation arm pivotably carried by said housing, said actuation arm adapted to operatively contact the dispensing nozzle;

a switch carried by said housing, said switch in operative contact with said actuation arm, such that said switch is actuated when said actuation arm is actuated;

a controller coupled to said switch;

a memory unit coupled to said controller, said memory unit configured to store a count value that is updated when said switch is actuated; and

a communication interface coupled to said controller to communicate said count value to a remote computing device;

wherein when said actuation arm is actuated, it actuates the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container to dispense material therefrom and actuates said switch to update said count value.

2. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, wherein said communication interface comprises a wired connection.

3. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, wherein said communication interface comprises a wireless connection.

4. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, wherein said actuation arm includes a first guide and a second guide, said first and second guides being spaced apart so as to receive the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container therebetween.

5. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, wherein said actuation arm includes a first guide and a second guide, said first and second guides being spaced apart so as to removably retain the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container therebetween.

6. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, wherein said housing is removably attached to said support frame.

7. A hygiene compliance module for a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated, the hygiene compliance module comprising:

a housing having a receiving cavity for receiving a portion of the dispensing container therein;

an actuation arm pivotably carried by said housing, said actuation arm adapted to operatively contact the dispensing nozzle;

a switch carried by said housing, said switch in operative contact with said actuation arm, such that said switch is actuated when said actuation arm is actuated;

a controller coupled to said switch;

a memory unit coupled to said controller, said memory unit configured to store a count value that is updated when said switch is actuated; and

a communication interface coupled to said controller to communicate said count value to a remote computing device;

wherein when said actuation arm is actuated, it actuates the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container to dispense material therefrom and actuates said switch to update said count value.

8. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said communication interface comprises a wired connection.

9. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said communication interface comprises a wireless connection.

10. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said actuation arm includes a first guide and a second guide, said first and second guides being spaced apart so as to receive the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container therebetween.

11. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said actuation arm includes a first guide and a second guide, said first and second guides being spaced apart so as to removably retain the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container therebetween.