Sound-actuated system for encouraging good personal hygiene in toilet facilities

• US 6,417,773 B1
• Filed: 06/21/2001
• Issued: 07/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gust N. Vlahos, Robert B Jones
• Original Assignee: Gust N. Vlahos, Robert B Jones
• Inventors: Jones, Robert B., Vlahos, Gust N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Previl, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US09/886,884
• Time in Patent Office: 383 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1, 340/522, 340/692, 340/691.5, 340/603, 440/6, 443/2, 430/0, 430/1, 430/2, 430/3
• 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: G08B 21/245 Reminder of hygiene compliance policies, e.g. of washing hands

Abstract

A system for encouraging good personal hygiene in toilet facilities is provided, including means for detecting the acoustic signal generated by the inrush of water into a toilet bowl to trigger a recorded admonition to the toilet user to cleanse his or her hands.

Claims

1. A system for encouraging toilet users to cleanse their hands after use comprising:

a microphone disposed in the toilet facility at a location permitting reception of the acoustic signal generated by flushing of the toilet and converting it to a first electrical signal,

a microcontroller receiving said first electrical signal,

said microcontroller being responsive to the time-frequency signature associated with said acoustic signal and generating a second electrical signal upon detection thereof,

annunciator means responsive to said second electrical signal including audio recording means and a speaker generating an audible message,

said audio recording means encoding a message urging the toilet user to cleanse his or her hands.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising filter means wherein frequencies extraneous to said acoustic signal are excluded from said first electrical signal.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising pulse shaping means wherein the time-frequency signature of said acoustic signal in said first electrical signal is enhanced.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said audio recording means includes means for encoding a personalized message.

5. A method for encouraging toilet users to cleanse their hands after use, comprising the steps of:

detecting the acoustic signal generated by flushing of the toilet,

converting said acoustic signal to a first electrical signal,

detecting said first electrical signal, and converting it to a second electrical signal to energize an audio recording urging the toilet user to cleanse his or her hands.