Patent Application
20100025427
The invention relates to dispensing systems and more particularly to a dispensing system that can dispense two different substances. Such a dispensing system may be used in public facilities and may be operated automatically.
Fragrance dispensers are known for dispensing fragrances, deodorizers or the like and are typically used in public facilities such as restrooms. Such dispensers typically include a container of fragrance that is automatically actuated such that the fragrance can be dispensed into the air.
In one embodiment, at least two spray containers are used of the type having push button valves that control the delivery of spray from the containers. Each container retains a different type of spray such that activation of one container dispenses a different substance than activation of the other container. In one embodiment the substances are differentiated by their fragrances such that the substance from one container smells different than the substance from the other container. A controller controls actuation of the nozzles such that the pattern of dispensing of the different sprays may be preset. The containers can be actuated automatically in a variety of different patterns.
In one embodiment the dispensing system of the invention comprises a housing 2 for retaining a first container 4 containing a first type of aerosol spray and a second container 6 containing a second type of aerosol spray that is different than the first type of spray. While the invention is specifically described with aerosol sprays it is to be understood that the dispenser may be used with any type of spray that can be dispensed by manipulating a valve actuator. Housing 2 has a housing back 2a that may be secured to a wall or other surface using fasteners 3, such as screws, that engage apertures 9 in the housing back 2a. Housing back 2a may support the various dispenser components as will hereinafter be described. A housing back cover 2c is secured to the housing back 2a to cover the components but leaving access to cartridge 32 and containers 4 and 6. A housing cover 2b is releasably secured to housing back 2 to cover the various dispenser components. A lock 11 attaches to the housing back 2a and releasably holds the housing cover 2b in the closed position.
Container 4 has a push button valve 8 and container 6 has a push button valve 10 for dispensing the contents of the containers. In one embodiment the substance in the containers are differentiated by their respective fragrances such that the substance from the first container 4 smells different than the substance from the second container 6. Such an arrangement fights smell fatigue that may result when a single fragrance is repeatedly dispensed in the same area.
A double hammer 12 is arranged on a pivot 14 such that it can be pivoted to actuate one or the other of the containers. Hammer 12 includes a first hammer head 16 for depressing valve 8 and a second hammer head 18 for depressing valve 10. It is to be understood that when valves 8 and 10 are depressed the valves open and the contents of the containers 4 and 6 are sprayed out of apertures 5 and 7, respectively, of housing cover 2b. As viewed in
To pivot hammer 12, a reversible motor 20 engages a sector gear 22 formed integrally with hammer 12 through a suitable gear train 24. When motor 20 is driven in a first direction sector gear 22 rotates hammer 12 in a first direction to drive hammer head 16 into engagement with valve 8. When motor 20 is reversed and driven in a second opposite direction sector gear 22 rotates hammer 12 in a second direction to drive hammer head 18 into engagement with valve 10. The reversible motor 20 may be replaced by a reversible transmission, or other reversible drive mechanism.
To control the operation of the motor 20, a controller 26 such as a PCB controller with a LCD display 21 is used. Controller 26 may also comprise a processor or other program logic. Controller 26 controls the actuation of the motor 20 to drive the hammer 12 in a programmed pattern such that the spray is dispensed in a desired pattern. The controller 26 may control both the container that is actuated, the time interval between each actuation and the duration of each actuation. In one embodiment the containers 4 and 6 are actuated alternately although other patterns may be used. For example, the containers 4 and 6 could be actuated such that one container is emptied before the second container is actuated. The containers may alternate in a day mode or a half day mode. In the day mode the containers 4 and 6 are alternated every day and in the half day mode the containers 4 and 6 are alternated every portion of a day (e.g. every half day). The user may also select the length of a “day”. For example, a day may be 8, 12,16 or 24 hours. The containers 4 and 6 may also be alternated hourly. The user may also select the number of days to completion, i.e. until the containers are empty. For example, the user may select 60, 90, 120 or 180 days until completion. The controller 26, based on the length of the “day”, and the mode of operation can determine the frequency of actuation of the containers. The duration of each actuation is controlled by controlling the length of time hammer 12 depresses each valve. A user interface 28 such as push buttons or a keyboard may be provided to input user data to the controller 26 allow the time interval and pattern to be set and/or changed by the user.
The system may be powered by a portable, removable battery pack 42. Alternatively, the battery pack 42 may be replaced by a permanent source of current such as a plug to a wall socket or hard wiring to an electric grid.
Referring to
The containers 4 and 6 may be replaced individually or the replacements may be provided as a two can set where the two containers are joined together by a cartridge 32 that is used to hold the containers in the proper orientation. The two containers joined by the cartridge 32 create a supply assembly 37. Cartridge 32 includes flexible fingers 39 that extend from the bottom of the cartridge and engage a rim or flange on containers 4 and 6 with the nozzles 8 and 10 extending through apertures 41. The supply assembly 37 can be removed from the housing 2 in a single operation when the containers are empty and the new refill containers can be inserted in the housing in a single operation. The cartridge includes a locking member 43 that engages a portion 45 of the housing to lock the cartridge in the housing. The locking member 43 is biased into engagement with housing portion 45 and can be depressed to release the housing and unlock the cartridge from the housing. The locking member 43 may be formed integrally with the cartridge and moved between the locked and unlocked position by deforming the member and using the resiliency of the member to return it to the locked position. The locking member 43 may include ridges 43a or other structure to engaging housing portion 45. The cartridge 32 may include a mechanical receptacle 33 that engages a mating key on the housing to ensure that the cartridge 32 and replacement containers are properly positioned in the housing. The receptacle and key may be reversed with the receptacle on the housing and the key on the cartridge 32. The valves 8 and 10 may be covered by removable covers 35 during transportation and insertion of the assembly into the housing to prevent the valves from being inadvertently depressed and accidentally dispensing spray. The covers 35 are removed to allow access to the valves 8 and 10 during use.
An electronic machine readable tag 36 such as an RFID tag may be provided on the refills that can be read by a sensor 38 such as an RFID transmitter/receiver.
In the illustrated embodiment tag 36 is located on cartridge 32 and is inserted into the transmitter/receiver 38 when the cartridge is properly positioned in housing 2. A signal from sensor 38 is transmitted to the controller 26 to control operation of the dispenser. The tag 36 may be used for inventory control. For example the controller may track the life cycle of the containers, the number or type of containers used or the like. The tag 36 may also be used for security purposes to ensure that only compatible refills are used in the system. The tag may contain a code such as a serial number that is transmitted by sensor 38 to the controller 26. The code can be read by the controller 26 to authenticate the supply assembly 37. The system may be deactivated if a non-compatible refill is installed, i.e. if the code is not recognized by the controller. Operation of the dispenser may only be enabled if the code is authenticated.
A method of operating a dispenser comprises providing a cartridge 32 for holding a plurality of containers, block 1201. In the illustrated embodiment two containers are provided although a greater number of containers and different types of sprays may be used. At least a first container 4 and a second container 6 are mounted in the cartridge 32 to create a supply assembly 37, block 1202. An electronic machine readable tag 36 is provided on the assembly 37, block 1203. The assembly 37 is mounted in a dispenser housing 2, block 1204. The electronic tag 36 is read by a sensor 38, block 1205. The tag is then authenticated, block 1206. Operation of the dispenser is enabled if the electronic tag 36 is recognized as being authentic, block 1207. If the electronic tag is not authenticated operation of the dispenser may be disabled, block 1208.
Specific embodiments of an invention are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention has other applications in other environments. Many embodiments are possible. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described above.
This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the filing date of to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/083,524, as filed on Jul. 25, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61083524 | Jul 2008 | US |
