Patent Application
20080023505
The present invention relates to automated periodic spraying devices that deliver aerosol mists to non-porous surfaces for cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting such surfaces, and more particularly concerns automated systems that are adapted for periodic spraying without human intervention.
Door handles are among the most commonly used communal devices in our daily lives. Maintaining a clean or sanitary door handle is an ongoing challenge to the janitorial and sanitation industry.
Automated devices for sanitation are highly desirable, especially for heavy use door handles such as those in public restrooms. A healthy hand-washing is rendered moot once the door handle is used by even a single unwashed hand.
Traditional cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting solutions are available for treating communal devices such as door knobs and push plates, but they are not well adapted for automated spray systems. In conventional janitorial service, the chemicals in these solutions are wiped from the surface. However, the inventor has discovered that periodic spraying to the same surface in an automated manner results in a sticky residue which builds up on the surface. Once sticky residue buildup occurs, the sanitary and/or disinfectant status of the door is compromised. This requires additional cleaning and attention from janitorial staff and detracts from the benefit and usefulness of the automated device.
Furthermore, the tactile nature of the build-up can cause discomfort in those who touch the surface, and can impart a sense that the handle is, in fact, unsanitary.
The present invention overcomes these limitations by providing an automated system which dispenses as an aerosol mist solutions that have been engineered to overcome the deficiencies of conventional cleaner, sanitizer and disinfectant solutions. Further benefits result when the aerosol mist comprises environmentally friendly compositions, as in a preferred mode of the present invention.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a device for spraying an aerosol mist onto a door handle of a door is described. The device comprises a housing mountable to the door, a seat for receiving an aerosol canister having a valve oriented toward the door handle, the aerosol canister containing a solution for cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting the surface, which is engineered so as to not leave a residue after evaporation of the aerosol mist. The device further comprises a timing circuit operative to dispense the aerosol mist in an automated manner onto the door handle, whereby the solution is sprayed from the housing as the aerosol mist on the door handle and evaporates from the door handle free of any residue.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a device for spraying an aerosol mist onto a door handle of a door is described. The device comprises a housing mountable to the door, a seat for receiving an aerosol canister having a valve oriented toward the door handle, the aerosol canister containing a solution for cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting the surface, which is engineered so as to not leave a residue after evaporation of the aerosol mist, comprising hydrogen peroxide, water and ethanol, and is free of any component that creates a residue. The device further comprises a timing circuit operative to dispense the aerosol mist in an automated manner onto the door handle, whereby the solution is sprayed from the housing as the aerosol mist on the door handle and evaporates from the door handle free of any residue.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a device for spraying an aerosol mist onto a door handle of a door is described. The device comprises a housing mountable to the door, a seat for receiving an aerosol canister having a valve oriented toward the door handle, the aerosol canister containing a solution for cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting the surface, which is engineered so as to not leave a residue after evaporation of the aerosol mist, comprising a quaternary ammonium salt disinfectant, and is free of any component that creates a residue. The device further comprises a timing circuit operative to dispense the aerosol mist in an automated manner onto the door handle, whereby the solution is sprayed from the housing as the aerosol mist on the door handle and evaporates from the door handle free of any residue.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention are described in connection with certain embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.
By way of overview and introduction, the inventor has discovered that systems that automatically spray an aerosol mist onto a non-porous surface for purposes of cleaning the surface, or sanitizing the surface, or disinfecting the surface (more generally, “ultra-cleaning”) lose their effectiveness over a short period of time if the solution in the mist is not engineered so as to evaporate without leaving a residue. In the absence of residue, the compositions used to ultraclean a surface can no be lower in concentration, have a lower to no environmental impact, or both. Under headings in the following discussion, first an automated sprayer for periodic dispensing of an aerosol mist is described. The spray dispensor 10 is suitable for a variety of non-porous surfaces, but is described in the context of a particularly preferred mode of operation in which the dispensor is mounted adjacent to a door handle for ultra-cleaning the handle. Next, formulations engineered for periodic spraying without an intervening surface-wiping operation are described which achieve at least one of the primary objectives of avoiding residue buildup and comprising an environmentally safe chemical composition.
The Dispensor
Referring to
Spray dispenser 10 is preferably mounted to door 5 above door handle 14 as indicated. Outer housing 21 is hingedly connected to base 22 via prongs 38. Prongs 38 are configured to fit through orifices 39 of housing 21 and allow for rotational movement of the outer housing 21 between a close and opened position. In a closed position, outer housing 21 completely conceals the internal components of dispenser 10, while in an opened position, outer housing 21 provides access to germicide source 47 as well as other internal components contained within dispenser 10, such as batteries 45 and internal control switches 23.
Outer housing 21 of spray dispenser 10 comprises a top wall 27, a bottom wall 28 and, for the purpose of presenting a pleasant appearance, a curved front wall 26. Dispenser 10 also includes a component support wall 29 to which the majority of the internal components of spray dispenser 10 are attached.
A germicide source 47, preferably in the form of an aerosol can, is removably mounted within spray dispenser 10. Specifically, with reference to
A motor 50, gear 54, arm 55 and spring 57, herein collectively referred to as the spray actuator 52, are supported within a motor mount bracket 51. Motor mount bracket 51, as with mounting bracket 49 described above, is also fixedly attached to component support wall 29. When outer housing 21 is in a closed position both mounting brackets 51 and 49, germicide source 47 and spray actuator 52 are all shielded from view under the cover of outer housing 21. The relationship between the individual components of spray actuator 52 and their operation in mechanically effecting the release of germicide 2 from source 47 will now be described in detail with reference to
An arm 55 is pivotally mounted to motor mount 51 and engages the elongated nozzle 56. Valve 57 of germicide source 47 is aligned with and fluidly connected to elongated nozzle 56. Elongated nozzle 56 is preferably fixed to the germicide source 47 via valve 57 and includes a frangible joint to prevent tampering, i.e., removal of elongated nozzle 56 from valve 57. The frangible joint is one of a score or a break-line in nozzle 56 such that a force in excess of an ordinary force on nozzle 56 during normal operation of the device will sever nozzle 56 about the frangible joint making the nozzle 56 inoperable with replacement canisters within the treatment device 10. This insures that fresh nozzles 56 are used with replacement cans to ensure a good dispersion through the nozzle and a minimum of clogging. Referring to
Different configurations of arm 55 are possible without departing from its essential function, namely to move nozzle 56 toward valve 57 to temporarily open the valve and release germicide 2 contained in source 47. In accordance with an alternative arrangement, nozzle 56 includes an external feature such as a tooth, groove or slot, or a series of teeth, grooves or slots. When the germicide source 47 is installed and properly aligned the external feature is contactable by arm 55 such that rotation of arm 55 brings the arm in contact with the external feature on the nozzle so as to force nozzle 56 toward valve 57.
It should be understood that motor mount bracket 51 supports the components of spray actuator 52 within spray dispenser 10 without impinging the removal of germicide source 47.
Referring to
In alternative arrangements, the spray activator 52 can be configured with different gears so as to effect a temporary opening of the spray valve 57. Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
As further illustrated with reference to
The germicide 2 contained in source 47 and sprayed on the handle 14 can comprise a disinfecting liquid, aerosol, mist or the like, and is preferably characterized by it's ability to ultraclean surfaces it comes into contact with. According to alternative embodiments of the present of invention, germicide 2 comprises a chlorine-based chemical solution as this provides a relatively non-flammable fluid (as compared to an alcohol-based solution) and also provides the germicide function discussed above. It is to be understood that the term “germicide” used herein is not intended to be limited to any particular type of chemical solution or fluid and the scope and meaning of this term includes any suitable fluid or composition which acts as a disinfectant. Optionally, a scent additive may be included in the fluid in order that the ultra-cleaning fluid may also function as an air freshener.
In certain instances, such as with room doors and the like, the spray dispenser 10 dispenses germicide 2 at certain given intervals in time, for example by a time switch, clock control, and the like. According to alternative aspects of the invention, the spray actuator 52 can be triggered in response to manipulation of the door handle 14, such as after each individual manipulation or following a given series of such manipulations. In the latter case, a counter can initiate the release of germicide 2 whenever a predetermined count is reached. Such cases just cited are all examples of a controlling software program. It is this software program that is responsible for automating the disinfecting methods disclosed earlier, by activating the handle sterilization process when a predetermined state or function is sensed.
Referring to
Referring to
Shutter 105, when positioned at rest, blocks the exit of aerosol spray from nozzle 104. Tube 108 and spray valve 57 move vertically (as illustrated) in a reciprocal motion, meaning each time tube 108 is forced into motion by arm 55 (as discussed with respect to
Gears 102, 103 and 109 cooperate with the movement of tube 108 and have a ratio of movement chosen to result in rapid movement of shutter 105 so as to clear a path for the aerosol spray in response to a comparatively smaller reciprocal movement of the tube 108. An exterior feature (track 111) disposed on tube 108 moves synchronously with tube 108. Track 111 can comprise a series of bearing surfaces, e.g., teeth, grooves or slots, which are operable to engage with corresponding receiving features on gear 102. When tube 108 is forced upward by arm 55, track 111 sets gear 102 into a clockwise rotation. Gear 103 is mechanically engaged, via gear 109, between gear 102 and shutter 105 and responds to movement of gear 102 by rotating counter-clockwise and forcing movement of shutter 105. Gear 109 is preferably at least two magnitudes smaller than gears 102 and 103 and is fixedly mounted to gear 103 to provide a mechanical advantage, such that a small translation of tube 108 in the vertical direction results in a large translation of shutter 105 in relation to conical opening 110. This is necessary for shutter 105 to overcome at least a good portion of the distance of conical opening 110, which is a larger distance than the tube 108 moves in the vertical direction. The resulting effect of the counter-clockwise movement of gear 103 is to force shutter 105 to its displaced position such that it unblocks conical opening 110 allowing aerosol spray to exit there through. This is accomplished by including a bearing or frictional surface on a portion of the side of shutter 105 in communication with gear 103 such that the forced rotation of gear 103 moves shutter 105. One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that any general pattern of apertures can be disposed on shutter 105 as long the apertures are capable of mating with corresponding apertures on gear 103.
Shutter 105 includes a flexible portion or component extending outward from its midpoint and is therefore operable to flex about spindle 114 as it is set into motion by gear 103, as described above. Since tube 108 is recessed, a conical opening 110 on housing 100 is preferred so that aerosol spray has an even dispersion pattern when exiting the housing.
After tube 108 has been activated, causing aerosol spray to discharge from spray dispenser 100, tube 108 will return to its rest position reversing the movement of gears 102, 103 and 109, thereby causing shutter 105 to return to its rest position (e.g., to close conical opening 110). The downward motion of tube 108 is the same as previously described except all gears move in the reverse direction.
Sensor 106, embodied as a switch in
Door handle treatment device 100 further includes software programmed in control circuit 31 or elsewhere within the spray dispenser to monitor any sensed shutter 105 movement. One way for the software to monitor sensed shutter 105 movement is by testing for a state change in sensor 106. In accordance therewith, sensor 106 can be configured to go from an open state to closed state and from the closed state back to the open state in one spray cycle. If such state changes in sensor 106 do not occur in a specified time frame, it can be inferred that the mechanisms of door handle treatment device 100 have either failed, been tampered with or a non-approved aerosol can is being used, in which case further spray cycles can be suspended by the software. The software preferably comprises a timing circuit to determine shutter 105 movement necessary to continue to permit triggering of the aerosol spray. In accordance with a salient aspect of the present invention, the timing circuit can be overridden by an optical proximity sensor (not shown) which, as discussed above with respect to sensor 95 of
A reset can be built into the software which resets control circuit 31 so as to reactivate the circuit after spray cycles have suspended. The reset can be activated mechanically in which case an authorized person can manually trigger a reset switch on the housing (not shown). Alternatively, the reset can be automatically programmed into the software so as to automatically reset control circuit 31 to resume spray cycles after a prescribed time of inactivity due to lack of a movement signal being provided to the software.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention and with continued reference to
Gears 202 and 203 cooperate with the movement of tube 108 resulting in rapid movement of shutter 105 so as to clear a path for the aerosol spray to emit from the nozzle. A track 111 disposed on tube 108 moves synchronously with tube 108. Track 111 comprises a feature suitable for moving the gears, e.g., teeth, grooves or slots, which are operable to engage with corresponding receiving features of gear 202. When tube 108 is forced upward by arm 55 track 111 sets gear 202 into a counter-clockwise rotation. Gear 203 is fixed to gear 202 and is at least two magnitudes larger in diameter and preferably four magnitudes larger. Accordingly, gears 202 and 203 move together. Gear 203 engages shutter 105 forcing the shutter to move horizontally when the gear is in motion. The resulting effect of the counter-clockwise movement of gears 202 and 203 is to move shutter 105 such that it unblocks conical opening 110 allowing aerosol spray to exit there through. Since tube 108 is recessed, a conical opening 110 on housing 100 is preferred so that aerosol spray has a proper dispersion pattern when exiting the unit. A bearing or frictional surface on a portion of the side of shutter 105 in communication with gear 203 is preferred such that the forced rotation of gear 203 drives movement of the shutter 105. Raised features or apertures configured to engage the gear 203 can also be employed to engage and move the shutter.
Similarly to the discussion following
Referring now to
As illustrated, a first gear system 210 comprising gears 212-220 are positioned and sized so as to move the arm 255 in a clockwise rotation (see arrow). With rotation of the arm 255, a generally axial (upward) force is imparted to the bearing surface 254 to cause the tube 208 to reciprocally move upward and open the valve 57 of the aerosol can. The valve opens only momentarily because continued rotation of gear 220 advances pivot arm 255 to the position shown in broken lines beyond and clear of the bearing surface 254. The arm can continue to rotate to a rest position, after the motor stops driving the gear system 210, such as at, say the 8 o'clock position. Once the pivot arm has moved past the bearing surface 254, the tube 208 returns to its rest (downward) position (as shown) in which the valve 57 is closed. The pressure in the aerosol can biases the valve to position the delivery tube in the rest position. The gear system 210 can comprise multiple gears or just one gear.
Movement of the delivery tube in an axial direction includes a synchronous movement of an exterior feature associated with the tube. The exterior feature can be a portion of the bearing surface 254 (such as segment 254a on an opposite side from where the arm 255 contacts the bearing surface), but is illustrated as a separate exterior feature 211. Exterior feature 211 has a rest position A when the tube is disposed such that the valve 57 is closed (the downward position) and a displaced position B when the tube has been urged by the arm 254 to the open-valve position (the upward position) with a concomitant displacement of the tube 208. When the sensor 206 comprises a mechanical switch, the exterior feature 211 alternately depresses the mechanical contact of the sensor (position C) or permits release of the mechanical contact (position D) as a function of the position of the delivery tube 208. A bias, not shown, normally urges the contact switch toward position D, in a conventional manner. Thus, the reciprocal movement of tube 208 causes alternate state changes of sensor 206 as the contact moves between positions C and D (at that moment or thereafter). As can be appreciated, the sensor 206 can take forms other than a mechanical switch (e.g., an opted sensor or a vibration sensor or a sound sensor) with the exterior feature 211 adapted to cause a state change which is detected in synchronization with movement of the tube 208. The state change sensed by the sensor delivers control signals to the control circuit 31. Software executing within a processor of the control circuit can be configured to react to the presence or absence of the state signals, generally, and more particularly in relation to other events such as the timing of receipt of such signals relative to delivery of the motor energization signal or a particular time interval. In the event that the state signals are not generated during a motor actuation cycle, the control circuit can inhibit delivery of further motor energization signals, or not generate such motor energization signals any longer.
As can be appreciated from the foregoing, software resident in the control unit 31 is in electrical communication with the sensor 206 in order to confirm or determine whether the state of the sensor is changing with each actuation of the motor, and hence, with each dose of the aerosol spray. Preferably, the system has logic in the control unit which is programmed to energize the motor and cause the first gear system 210 to reciprocally move the tube 208 only if the sensor registered a state change on the prior actuation of the motor. This ensures that an appropriate aerosol source has been properly loaded in the dispenser. The logic of control unit 31 can enable one or more sprays without a state change having been detected, for example, just after closing the dispenser lid.
Thus, sensor 206 senses the movement of the tube 208 through its cooperative arrangement with external feature 211. The sensor transitions between closed and open states and between open and closed states with reciprocal movement of the delivery tube 208. These state changes are expected by the control unit 31 to occur within a time interval (e.g., 300 ms) corresponding to one spray cycle or to be detected while the motor drive signal is being applied to the motor. This enables the logic unit to react in the event that signals are not as expected, for example, if the aerosol can and its delivery tube 208 are not properly loaded within the dispenser housing.
The control unit 31 can suppress further motor actuations if the sensor 206 does not deliver state change signals. The motor actuation cycle can also be suppressed if certain external conditions are detected such as the presence of a hand of a person in the vicinity of the treatment device 200.
With continued reference to
Referring again to
Although the embodiments of the invention were described with reference to a disinfection apparatus for restroom doors it should be noted that at least some of the embodiments are suitable also for disinfecting other kinds of handles, such as handles of cabinets for the sterile storing of surgical instruments, doors of operating theaters or rooms in hospitals etc.
Expedients of the present invention described in one embodiment are not to be limited to that embodiment and can be readily combined with any of the other described embodiments. Furthermore, any feature of one embodiment, not expressly described in connection with an alternative arrangement or embodiment, can be combined with that arrangement or embodiment to derive benefit there from.
The Formulations
A variety of formulations can be used in treatment devices in accordance with the invention, including the embodiments described above. Common to all of them is that they include an amount of triethylene glycol which is insufficient to leave a residue after evaporation of the aerosol mist emanating from the treatment device. A suitable formula can contain no triethylene glycol at all, as in each of the examples below except for Example 10 because Example 10 is a formulation that is not in accordance with the present invention.
In one formulation in accordance with the invention, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) comprises a part of the ultra-cleaning solution. The H2O2 greatly improves the performance of the ultra-cleaning solution. Hydrogen peroxide is available commercially in a concentration of 35% by weight in an aqueous solution. The present maximum allowable actual concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a product to avoid health and environmental hazards is 7.9%. Products having hydrogen peroxide concentrations of more than 8% require a health hazard warning label.
Accordingly, hydrogen peroxide is used in a formulation in accordance with the present invention as disclosed, such as indicated in the following examples, but more generally can consist of approximately 0.1 to approximately 7.5 percent, approximately 0.5 to approximately 2.5 percent, approximately 1 to approximately 3 percent, approximately 2 to approximately 5 percent, and approximately 5 to approximately 7.5 percent by weight. Formulations comprising hydrogen peroxide solutions can also consist of approximately 5 to approximately 25 percent hydrogen peroxide by weight.
Hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient in cleaning, sanitizing and disinfectant solutions. While not being limited to any single mechanism, hydrogen peroxide is a reactive substance and this activity is one possible source of its germicidal characteristics.
A solution in accordance with the invention includes ethanol as a component. Certain concentrations of ethanol are known to have a sanitizing or disinfecting effect. While not being limited to any single mechanism, the ethanol may serve an active role in the cleaning, sanitizing and/or disinfecting performance of the solutions of the present invention, or it may play a role as a solvent for delivery of the aerosol mist.
A solution in accordance with the invention includes water as a component. The water used in any of the solutions described herein is preferably deionized water. The water serves as a solvent for delivery of the aerosol mist.
The aerosol dispenser will normally be pressurized by incorporating therein a gaseous component generally known as a propellant. Common aerosol propellants, e.g., gaseous hydrocarbons such as isobutane, and mixed halogenated hydrocarbons, are not preferred. Halogenated hydrocarbon propellants such as chlorofluoro hydrocarbons have been alleged to contribute to environmental problems. Preferred propellants are compressed air, nitrogen, inert gases, carbon dioxide, etc. A more complete description of commercially available aerosol-spray dispensers appears in U.S. Pat. No. 3,436,772, Stebbins, issued Apr. 8, 1969; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,325, Kaufman et al., issued Aug. 17, 1971; both of said references are specifically incorporated herein by reference.
The ultra-cleaning solution is maintained under pressure within an aerosol canister and is dispersed as an aerosol mist. An aerosol dispenser of the present invention comprises a container which can be constructed of any of the conventional materials employed in fabricating aerosol containers. Aerosol dispensers are generally capable of withstanding internal pressure in the range of from about 5 to about 100 p.s.i.g., more preferably from about 10 to about 60 p.s.i.g. Typically the dispenser is comprises a valve member that permits the ultra-cleaning composition contained in the dispenser to be dispensed in the form of a spray of very fine, or finely divided, particles or droplets (“mist”). The aerosol dispenser utilizes a pressurized sealed container from which the composition is dispensed through a special actuator/valve assembly under pressure. One embodiment of an actuator/valve assembly is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication US 2006/0153733 (application Ser. No. 11/104,292), which is herein incorporated by reference.
The following formulations are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The examples illustrate formulas that can be used with a dispenser as described herein to provide an aerosol mist onto a non-porous surface such as a door knob, door latch, door handle, or push plate, which evaporates to leave a surface free of any residue.
Ultracleaning Solution 1
The quaternary ammonium salts alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride are available commercially as BTC® 2125M (50% active) EPA Reg. No. 1839-46 (Stepan Co., USA)
After repeated use, Ultracleaning Solution 10 produced a sticky residue build-up on the surface to which it was applied. Ultracleaning solution 11 does not contain triethylene glycol and does not produce a sticky residue after repeated application to the same surface.
In view of the foregoing description, the compositions, devices, systems and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation. While the various aspects of this invention have been described in terms of specific and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions, devices, systems and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents that are chemically or physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/476,465, filed Jun. 27, 2006, entitled “Controllable Door Handle Sanitizer system and Method,” which is a continuation-in-part of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2006/00841, filed Jan. 9, 2006, entitled “Door Handle Sanitizer System And Valve Attachment Apparatus,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/104,292, filed Apr. 11, 2005, entitled “Door Handle Sanitizer System and Apparatus,” which in turn claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/642,792, filed Jan. 10, 2005, entitled “Door Handle Sanitizer System and Apparatus.” The entire disclosures of each of the aforementioned priority applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60642792 | Jan 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11476465 | Jun 2006 | US |
| Child | 11749145 | May 2007 | US |
| Parent | PCT/US06/00841 | Jan 2006 | US |
| Child | 11476465 | Jun 2006 | US |
| Parent | 11104292 | Apr 2005 | US |
| Child | PCT/US06/00841 | Jan 2006 | US |
