Patent Grant
7237577
This invention relates to a system for controlling a plurality of chemical substance applicators in a facility.
Industrial and commercial firms frequently require the use of industrial solutions, including cleaning solutions, disinfectant solutions and solvents for various purposes. In hospitals, for example, disinfectant solutions are often used on floors and other surfaces to assure a clean environment. A common practice in dispensing cleaning solutions and disinfectant solutions and other chemical substances is to use chemical substance applicators in the form of spray bottles suitable for spraying a liquid chemical substance.
A common problem with the use of receiving containers that are in the form of spray bottles, particularly of spray bottles of cleaning solution, is that some of the spray bottles are not properly returned for refilling and reuse. Instead, some of the spray bottles are either improperly taken and removed from the facility for personal use, or are thrown in the trash in the facility and not recovered or reused. A large factory or other facility such as a hospital can have hundreds of these spray bottles in operation at any one time, and a substantial fraction never make it back for refilling.
It would be advantageous if there could be developed an improved system for controlling a plurality of chemical substance applicators in a facility
This invention relates to a system for controlling a plurality of chemical substance applicators in a facility. The system includes establishing a supply of chemical substance applicators, the applicators being configured to contain the chemical substance and to enable the chemical substance to be applied at various locations within the facility, the chemical substance applicators having data indicators identifying data about the chemical substance applicators. One or more reading mechanisms are positioned at one or more locations within the facility, the reading mechanism being capable of reading data from the data indicators on the chemical substance applicators. A plurality of the chemical substance applicators is introduced into the facility, the chemical substance applicators having the data indicators. The movement of chemical substance applicators within the facility is controlled by monitoring data from the chemical substance applicators using the reading mechanism.
According to this invention there is also provided a system for controlling a plurality of chemical substance applicators in a facility. The system includes establishing a supply of chemical substance applicators, the applicators being configured to contain the chemical substance and to enable the chemical substance to be applied at various locations within the facility, the chemical substance applicators having data indicators identifying data about the chemical substance applicators. One or more reading mechanisms are positioned at one or more locations within the facility, the reading mechanism being capable of reading data from the data indicators on the chemical substance applicators. A plurality of the chemical substance applicators is introduced into the facility, the chemical substance applicators having the data indicator, and the chemical substance applicators being spray bottles suitable for spraying a liquid chemical substance and containing a liquid chemical substance. The movement of chemical substance applicators within the facility is controlled by monitoring data from the chemical substance applicators at an exit of the facility using the reading mechanism.
According to this invention there is also provided a system for controlling a plurality of chemical substance applicators in a facility. The system includes establishing a supply of chemical substance applicators, the applicators being configured to contain the chemical substance and to enable the chemical substance to be applied at various locations within the facility, the chemical substance applicators having data indicators identifying data about the chemical substance applicators. One or more reading mechanisms are positioned at one or more locations within the facility, the reading mechanism being capable of reading data from the data indicators on the chemical substance applicators. A plurality of the chemical substance applicators is introduced into the facility, the chemical substance applicators having the data indicator, and the chemical substance applicators being spray bottles suitable for spraying a liquid chemical substance and containing a liquid chemical substance. The movement of chemical substance applicators within the facility is controlled by monitoring the presence of the chemical substance applicators using the reading mechanism at a location within the facility where waste material is accumulated.
Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to the drawings there is illustrated in
The control device or controller 22 of the dispensing apparatus 10 is preferably a microchip, a computer or any other controlling device that acts as a controller for the apparatus 10. The controller 22 operates a program that can be enabled to control how and when the apparatus 10 dispenses the substance 20 from the source container 18. It is preferred that the controller 22 be programmed such that the dispenser 26 can only be activated when the controller 22 allows the dispenser 26 to operate, regardless of whether an operator attempts to operate the dispenser 26. Therefore, it is preferred that the controller 22 be connected to the dispenser 26. It is also preferred that the controller 22 be connected to the reading mechanism 24, which can be an RF (radio-frequency) receiver, a bar code scanner, a magnetic strip reader, a fingerprint reader, a retinal scanner, or any other suitable reading mechanism that is capable of reading data on sources of data. Sources of data can include data indicators 19, 30, 31, which are preferably attached to the dispensing apparatus 10, the source container 18 and a receiving container 32, as shown in
As illustrated in
Shown in
The reading mechanism or reader 24 is adapted to read the data indicators 30. Depending on the reading mechanism 24, the data indicator 19, 30 could be an RF chip (or transmitter), a bar code, a magnetic strip, or any other data indicator that corresponds to the type of reader 24 that is being used. The data contained on the data indicators 19, 30 preferably includes data about the source container 18 or receiving container 32. The source container data indicator 19 can contain data identifying the substance 20 contained within the source container 18, the amount of the substance 20 that is to be dispensed, the frequency with which the substance 20 can be dispensed, the operating personnel that are permitted to dispense the substance 20, or any other information about the substance 20 or accessibility to the substance. The amount of substance 20 to be dispensed can be based on the actual volume of substance 20 dispensed, on the amount of time the dispenser 26 remains open, or any other suitable measuring parameter. The receiving container data indicator 30 can contain data identifying the substance 20 (or substances) that the container 32 is capable of receiving, the amount of the substance 20 that is to be received, the frequency with which the receiving container 32 can receive the substance 20, who can fill the receiving container 32, or any other desired information about the receiving container 32.
The controller 22 is preferably programmed such that when certain dispensing conditions are met, the controller 22 will allow the dispenser 26 to discharge an amount of the substance. The dispensing conditions are preferably based on the data that is contained on the data indicators 19, 30. Particularly, the controller 22 could allow the dispenser 26 to activate when the receiving container data indicator 30 is read by the reading mechanism 24 and is a match to a pre-established condition. For example, an RF chip on the receiving container 32 would register with an RF reading mechanism on the apparatus 10 and indicate that the receiving container 32 is the correct container to receive the substance 20 contained in the apparatus 10 (and the source container 18). Alternatively, the receiving container data indicator 30 could be a bar code and the reading mechanism 24 could be a bar code scanner. If the bar code that is read by the scanner matches a code programmed within a database in the program of the controller 22, the controller 22 would allow the dispenser 26 to activate. Additionally, a data indicator 19 could be located on the source container 18 as well. The reading mechanism 24 could then be used to read both the source container data indicator 19 and the receiving container data indicator 30. If the control program detects that both the source data indicator 19 and receiving data indicator 30 correspond to each other the controller 22 would then allow the dispenser 26 to activate. Other dispensing conditions could include a data indicator match between the source 18 and receiving containers 32, and a match between the source or receiving container data indicators 19, 30 and a personnel identification indicator 46, as shown in
It is preferred that the controller be programmed to process the information from the data indicators 19, 30, 46 to determine whether the dispensing conditions are satisfied. Therefore, the control program can receive information from the reading mechanism 24, process the received data and determine whether to activate the dispenser 26 based on the data received. For example, based on data from the data indicators 19, 30, the control program can identify the amount of the substance 20 that is to be dispensed from the source container 18 and the amount of substance 20 to be received in the receiving container 32 and determine whether there is a match between the data indicators 19, 30. Additionally, the controller 22 can be programmed to record the amount of substance 20 discharged per operation of the dispenser 26, the number of receiving containers 32 processed, the frequency with which receiving containers 32 are filled, the operator 48 of the apparatus 10, and the time of day the apparatus 10 is accessed. To prevent theft or waste, the program of the controller 22 can also detect and record whether an operator 48 of the apparatus 10 attempted to dispense a substance 20 at a frequency that exceeds an allowable amount, into an unauthorized container, in a greater amount than permitted, whether an unauthorized operator attempted to use the apparatus 10, who operates the apparatus 10 and when it is operated. It can be appreciated that the controller 22 can be programmed to include a greater or lesser number of parameters, including any other suitable types of information desired to be detected and recorded by the users of the apparatus 10.
In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus 10 has a locating mechanism 50 that can determine whether the receiving container 32 is properly positioned with respect to the dispenser 26 or source container 18. This is to prevent the substance 20 from being dispensed while the receiving container 32 is not appropriately placed. The locating mechanism 50 can be a movable tab that authorizes or enables the dispenser 26 when displaced by the receiving container 32. In a preferred embodiment, the locating mechanism 50 is an optical or infrared scanner. It is further preferred that the locating mechanism 50 also be connected to the controller 22 so that the controller 22 can prevent the dispensing of the substance 20 if the scanner 50 sends a signal to the controller 22 indicating that the receiving container 32 is improperly positioned. Alternatively, the dispensing apparatus 10 can be adapted to lockingly receive the receiving container 32 by using a threaded attachment or snap-in mechanism. Then, the locating mechanism 50 could detect the position of the receiving container 32 and notify the controller 22 that a container 32 is in the proper position for dispensing. The controller 22 could then check the data indicator 30 to ensure that the receiving container 32 is the proper one and that any other dispensing condition is also satisfied prior to activating the dispenser 26 to dispense the substance 20. In an alternate embodiment, the dispensing apparatus 10 could include a combination of the sensors described above and have an actuator such that when the data and position indicators verify that a data and position match has occurred, the operator of the apparatus 10 can depress a button to trigger the apparatus 10 to dispense the substance 20.
Illustrated in
The receiving containers 32 can contain water or another diluent prior to receiving the substance. However, pre-filled containers are not required; a diluent can be added to the receiving container 32 after the container receives the substance 20. The receiving container 32 carrying a solution of the substance 20 and diluent can then be used at any location such as a different room, floor, or building as needed. Alternatively, a diluent could be connected to the source container 52 such that upon activation of the dispenser 54, the diluent mixes with the discharge of the source container 52 prior to being dispensed into the receiving container 32. The mixing could be done in a separate chamber or in the hose connecting the source container 52, diluent source 66 and the receiving container 32. Additionally, a plurality of source containers 18, 52 could be connected to a mixing chamber and mix a plurality of substances 20 (including a diluent) prior to discharging a mixture of substances into the receiving container 32.
The source containers 18, 52 are preferably positioned at a dispensing station 100. The dispensing station 100 preferably includes a cart 101 that is optionally mounted on wheels. This would allow the station 100 to be positioned at a central location or moved as needed. In an alternate embodiment, the station 100 can be a permanent, unmovable structure. The source containers 18, 52 can be loosely positioned on or securely fastened to the cart 101 such that they can be refilled, removed, or replaced as needed. The station 100 can also include a hose 67 that is attachable to a diluent source 66 on one end with a nozzle attached to a dispensing end 68. The diluent source can be a permanent source, such as a wall outlet 70, water tap or sink, or a movable source, such as diluent tank 66 supplied on the station 100 or a loose tank (not shown). The dispensing end 68 of the diluent hose 67 is preferably adapted to dispense water or another diluent into the receiving container 32 with ease and efficiency.
For safety and cost reasons, it is preferred that only a specified amount of the substance 20 be dispensed into a particular receiving container 32. As described above, the operation of the dispensing apparatus 10, 54 can be managed by programming a controller 22 to process data from the data indicators 19, 30. The data indicators 19, 30 on the receiving container 32 and source container 18, 52 can be a magnetic strip, bar code, colored tag, pre-printed instruction label, or any other identifying indicia. It is preferred that the data indicator 19, 30 be a magnetic strip, bar code or RF system so that a controller 22 operating a data matching and tracking program can determine when and whether a substance 20 is dispensed and thus, removes any potential user confusion. Therefore, it is also preferred that the dispensing station 100 have a reading mechanism 72, 74 such as a magnetic strip reader or scanner device so that the information on the data indicators 19, 30 can be transmitted to the controller 22. The reader 74 can be permanently affixed to the cart as shown in
The controller 22 is preferably attached to the cart 101 of the station 100 and adapted to process the data read by the reader 72, 74 to determine whether a dispensing process should commence. The controller 22 can be programmed similarly to the controller 22 described with respect to the other embodiments. This can prevent a user 48 from siphoning off or pilfering the substance 20, which in many cases can be very expensive. Therefore, in any of the embodiments described herein, the station 100 or dispensing apparatus 10 can be equipped with an alarm (not shown) so that the person 48 using the station 100 or apparatus 10 and others know when an attempt is made to dispense the substance 20 at a frequency faster than a preset rate. An alarm can also be set for attempts to fill an improper receiving container 32, to dispense from a source container 18 to a non-matched receiving container 32, to dispense a greater than authorized amount of the substance 20, to indicate a lack of pre-filling of the receiving container 32 with diluent, and to operate the apparatus 10 or station 100 in violation of the control program. The controller can be programmed to disable the dispenser to prevent dispensing of the substance when the alarm is sounded. The controller 22 should also be adapted to store in a memory device the data read by the reading mechanism 22, 72, 74. The memory device could be made integrally with the controller 22. The information collected by the controller 22 can be downloaded or transmitted to a central computer or master control device for the purpose of inventory control, use information, ordering information, and quality control. The data is preferably stored in the controller 22 using random access memory, read only memory, or on a transferable or portable memory device such as a CD-ROM, flash-ROM chip, floppy disk, or any other suitable computer memory device (not shown). Alternatively, the controller 22 can transmit the data from a stored medium to another computer, master control device or memory storage device via a modem, a plug-in connection to a portable controller, a radio transmitter and receiver system, infrared means (such as via a PALM® operated device or a similar handheld computing device), or any other means. Additionally, the controller 22 could operate as the master control device allowing direct printing or downloading of information from the controller 22.
In a further preferred embodiment, the controller 22 operates a control program that is enabled to determine whether an individual 48 attempting to use the apparatus 10 or station 100 is authorized to do so. This is to prevent theft or misuse of a substance 20 contained in a source container 18 by an untrained individual or a person who should not be accessing the substance. Such a program can be implemented to read a personnel data indicator 46, such as a bar code or magnetic strip, on an individual's nametag, uniform, or personnel identification card 46. Alternatively, more sophisticated systems, such as fingerprint or retinal scanning, can also be used. The reading device for identifying purposes can be the same as the reader 24, 72, 74 for the source container data indicator 19 and receiving container data indicator 30, but a different reader could also be used. It is preferred that the personnel identification reading mechanism be connected to the controller 22 such that the controller 22 can record and track which personnel used the station 100 or apparatus 10, when the station 100 or apparatus 10 was used, and whether an attempt was made to use the station or apparatus improperly. As described above, an alarm (using lights and sound) can be used to indicate to the user 48 and others if someone attempts to access the station 100 or apparatus 10 without authorization or attempts to use it incorrectly.
Although the method and apparatus have been described as dispensing a generic substance 20, it is preferred that the apparatus be used for dispensing chemical concentrates or any other liquid into any type of receiving container. The method and apparatus are particularly adapted for the dispensing of concentrated cleaning chemicals into a diluent-filled dispensing bottle. The method and apparatus can be used to dispense many other substances including ketchup, soda, and fruit juices as well as non-food substances. Also, the dispensing apparatus could dispense a powder such as hot chocolate powder, instant coffee and lemonade powder. Additionally, the dispensing mechanism 26 could be adapted to dispense any type of substance, including solids and powders, such as prescription pills, pesticides or any other material where measured dispensing is advantageous.
Shown in
The method can optionally include, individually or jointly, the steps of: (e) operating the controller to dispense an amount of the substance based on data contained on the data indicator; (f) operating the controller to record the amount of the substance discharged, the number of receiving containers filled, the frequency with which receiving containers are filled, and the number of discharges made from the source container; (g) operating the controller to record at least one of the total amount of the substance discharged and the amount of the substance discharged per operation of the dispensing system; (h) operating the controller to limit the frequency with which receiving containers can be filled; (i) operating the controller to communicate the recorded data to a master control device; and (j) operating a mechanism for personnel identification such that the dispensing system is operable only when the system recognizes the personnel as being authorized.
In a particular embodiment, there is provided a system for controlling a plurality of chemical substance applicators, such as the receiving containers 32 disclosed above, in a facility, such as a factory. A common problem with the use of receiving containers, particularly of spray bottles of cleaning solution, is that some of the spray bottles are not properly returned for refilling and reuse. Instead, some of the spray bottles are either improperly taken and removed from the factory for personal use, or are thrown in the trash in the facility and not recovered or reused. A large factory can have hundreds of these spray bottles in operation at any one time, and a substantial fraction never make it back for refilling.
As shown in
One or more reading mechanisms, indicated generally at 216, are positioned at one or more locations within the facility. The reading mechanisms 216 are capable of reading data from the data indicators on the chemical substance applicators. The reading mechanisms 216 can be RF receivers or any other suitable reading mechanisms. Likewise, the data indicators on the chemical substance applicators can be an RF chip or any other suitable indicator as long as it is compatible with the reading mechanism.
The reading mechanisms 216 are strategically placed in the facility 212. For example, the reading mechanisms 216a and 216b are placed near building exits 218 and 220, respectively. Other reading mechanisms 216c, 216d, and 216e are placed strategically around the facility. It can be seen that when someone attempts to remove one of the chemical substance applicators from the facility 212 via either exit 218 or exit 220, the reading mechanisms 216a and 21b, respectively, will recognize or detect the chemical substance applicators and will activate an alarm or other signal indicating the presence of one or more of the chemical substance applicators. In this manner, the movement of chemical substance applicators within the facility 212 is controlled by monitoring data from the chemical substance applicators using the reading mechanisms 216. The system can be configured so that the detection of a chemical substance applicator by a reading mechanism 216a, 216b at the exit 218, 220 of the facility is recorded on a recording mechanism connected to the reading mechanism.
Another prime location within the factory 212 for placement of a reading mechanism is at a location within the facility where waste material is accumulated. As shown in
According to the system described above, the reading mechanisms 216 can detect the presence of the chemical substance applicators. The reading mechanisms can also be configured to distinguish between different kinds of chemical substance applicators, and this can be used to control the movement of the chemical substance applicators within the facility. If there is a particular substance in some of the chemical substance applicators that must be prevented from entering a specific portion of the factory 212, then the system can beneficially control the movement of the chemical substance applicators. For example, if certain substances contained in some of the chemical substance applicators are required to be kept out of a zone 226 of the factory 212, then the reading mechanism 216c can be used to prevent the introduction of such chemical substance applicators into the zone 226.
The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been described in its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.
This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/348,646, filed Jan. 21, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,876, and entitled APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING A SUBSTANCE, all of which is incorporated in the present application in its entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 10348646 | Jan 2003 | US |
| Child | 11288525 | US |
