GB2474424A

GB2474424A - Dispensing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2474424A
Application number: GB0917737A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Wonnacott
Original assignee: Vectair Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Vectair Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-09
Filing date: 2009-10-09
Publication date: 2011-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-09
Also published as: GB0917737D0; GB2474424B

Abstract

A dispensing apparatus 1 for dispensing material comprising a container 9 of material to be dispensed, at least one sensor 13 for sensing a presence in the vicinity of the apparatus, and a controller for monitoring and/or controlling the apparatus which is arranged to actuate release of a dose of material in response to sensing a presence In the vicinity of the apparatus and also to periodically actuate release of a maintenance dose of material independently of the or each sensor wherein the controller controls the frequency of the periodic maintenance doses according to a preset lifespan of the material in the container and the frequency of actuation in response to the or each sensor.

Description

Controlled Dispenser

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispenser. This can be used to dispense a variety of materials, particularly air freshening compositions and other chemicals requiring intermittent dosing.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known to use odour control devices in public facilities, such as washrooms, airports and cinemas. Such devices dispense air freshener compositions on a periodic basis. For example, an aerosol-type dispensing device including a battery-powered motor actuates the aerosol's nozzle at pre-determined intervals. However, such devices do not inform the user of the amount of time remaining until the container needs to be refilled or replaced. Thus, the containers are often replaced unnecessarily before they are empty or they are not replaced in time and the dispenser is left empty.

Programmable dispensers have been developed to address the problems of monitoring odour control devices. The applicant's British patent no. GB2392440 discloses a programmable dispenser arranged to actuate the nozzle of an aerosol container periodically in accordance with a program.

The apparatus is programmable to temporarily dispense fragrance at a higher rate during a predetermined time period when the facility is more heavily used. When the refillable container is exhausted, a visible or S...

audible warning signal is given out, However, the signal may be given out in advance of a scheduled service and the dispenser will remain empty until it is replaced during the scheduled service. The dispenser is only able to react according to a predicted use and does not adapt to any variation in the actual demand for the air freshener. S..

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Intelligent systems for dispensing materials are also known. A sensor, such as an infrared sensor, is used to detect when someone walks into a washroom and disinfectant or deodorant is dispensed in response to their entry. However, such intelligent systems are unable to predict when the material in the dispenser will run out. If there is increased "traffic" in the washroom then the material will last for fewer days. If there is only light "traffic" in the washroom then the material will last for more days.

However, the apparatus does not provide an adequate warning before the material needs to be replaced. This results in waste if the service provider is called to refill or replace the material before it has run out, or poor service if the dispenser runs out of material before the scheduled service of the dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention sets out to provide a dispensing apparatus which alleviates the problems described above by providing a dispensing apparatus tailored to a chosen service interval without compromising on the quality of the service provided.

In one aspect, the invention provides a dispensing apparatus for dispensing material, comprising a container of material to be dispensed, at least one sensor for sensing a presence in the vicinity of the apparatus, and a controller for monitoring and/or controlling the apparatus, which is arranged to actuate release of a dose of material in response to sensing a presence in the vicinity of the apparatus and also to periodically actuate release of a maintenance dose of material independently of the or each sensor, wherein the controller adjusts the frequency of the periodic maintenance doses according to a preset lifespan of the material in the container and the frequency of actuation in response to the or each sensor. *. . * * * * **

Preferably, the controller controls the apparatus such that the material contained therein is dispensed exactly over the preset lifespan of the material.

We have found that linking user-activated sensor technology to metered maintenance dispensing according to a chosen service interval guarantees optimum efficiency and reduces waste. Thus, the present invention significantly reduces costs to a service provider by reducing service time, which allows for extended service intervals and guarantees to the consumer that the product will not run out between service intervals. The present invention ensures that the consumable material in the dispenser will only expire on the allocated service day. The user-activated technology used in the present invention ensures that standards are maintained whilst ensuring that no excess material/fragrance is dispensed.

The reduction in the amount of consumable material used reduces the environmental impact of the dispensers by minimising the amount of material that has to be disposed of and also reducing the amount of stock that has to be transported. The cost of and space for storing refills of the consumable material is also reduced.

Within the context of this specification the word "comprises" is taken to mean "includes, among other things". It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only".

Preferably, the controller temporarily decreases the frequency of the periodic maintenance doses when the frequency of actuation in response to the or each sensor increases. * ***

Preferably, the controller limits or stops the periodic maintenance doses if the or each sensor does not detect a presence in the vicinity of the apparatus for a preset time period.

**.. Switching to an "auto-sleep" mode if no "traffic" is detected in the vicinity of the apparatus allows the consumable material to be conserved for busier periods and also prolongs the life of the battery, which powers the apparatus.

Preferably, the frequency of the periodic actuations is also manually

adjustable.

Preferably, the dispensing apparatus further comprises at least one visual display means to indicate the state of the dispenser.

A visual display means allows a service provider to see when the service date of the apparatus is approaching and also whether the consumable material in the container and/or the battery requires replacement.

Preferably, the display means comprises at least one LED.

More preferably, the or each LED emits a different coloured light according to the state of the apparatus.

Different coloured lights allow a user to distinguish between different states of the device, for example, if the or each sensor is activated, or if the consumable material/battery requires replacement.

Preferably, the dispensing apparatus further comprises a reset switch such that insertion of the container into the apparatus depresses the switch to reset the controller on replacement of the container.

For the purposes of clarity and a concise description, features are *:::: described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments; however it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include S...

embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS S. * * * * * S.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front view of a dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the dispenser of Figure 1, with the cover of the dispenser open; Figure 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of the processor of the dispenser according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The dispenser 1 comprises a faceplate 3 and a front cover 5.

The front cover 5 is removeable or hinged to allow access to the interior cavity 7 of the dispenser 1. The lower region of the cavity 7a is sized to receive a container 9 of material to be dispensed. The material to be dispensed is a disinfectant, or a deodorant, or a fragrance or any combination of these materials. In the exampe shown, the container 9 is an aerosol bottle or can, which is pressurised such that in use depression of a nozzle attached to the can causes a predetermined amount of material to be dispensed. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the container 9 is a pump-action container for dispensing liquid held within the container through a pump-action nozzle. The container 9 can also be a "drip-feed" device or any other container suitable for holding material to be dispensed. * * S

The actuation apparatus of the present invention contains the necessary S...

electronics, motors, gears etc. for operating a hammer and cam mechanism (not shown) to act upon the nozzle to cause material to be dispensed. The nozzle connects to a suitable conduit which passes through the front cover 5 and connects to an outlet. In alternative embodiments, a further conduit can then be attached to the outlet to provide fluid ** . . . . . . . communication with a unit to which the dispensed material is to be provided, such as the clean water supply to a urinal.

The lower region 7a of the cavity 7 houses a battery 11 for powering control and actuation apparatus for the dispenser 1. Power is alternatively provided via a suitable mains power connection and transformer.

The upper region 7b of the cavity 7 houses control and actuation apparatus. A passive infra-red (PIR) sensor behind a Fresnel lens 13 acts as a user motion detector. A light sensor 15 is used to detect when the front cover 5 of the device 1 has been opened for servicing. The upper region 7b also houses install switches 17 used to turn power to the dispenser 1 on and off; to set the intervals at which the material is dispensed and to activate an "auto sleep" mode, as described below.

Figure 3 shows the mode of operation of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention. Prior to use, the service interval for the device is inputted into the internal screening programme. For example, the service provider inputs whether the next service will be carried out in thirty, sixty or ninety days. Depending on how busy the facility is, the cycle could even extend to 120 or 150 days. The device then adapts dispensing of the fluid to ensure that the container 9 is empty exactly on the selected service day.

In use, the dispenser 1 dispenses fluid in two ways; as a maintenance dose or as a user-activated dose. The dispenser 1 periodically activates maintenance doses of fluid to maintain ambient hygiene with a regular sanitizing/fragrance being dispensed at intervals. In addition, the motion sensor 13 is used to activate the dispenser 1 in response to a user entering the facility. The passive infra-red (PIR) sensor 13 is checked at * *4.

intervals of 1 second. When the device is running, the passive infra-red (PIR) sensor 13 senses the presence of a user in the vicinity of the dispenser 1. On detection of a user the dispenser 1 immediately dispenses fluid by operating the hammer and cam to release fluid from the nozzle.

* After each user-activated dose is triggered there is a "dead time" during which the sensor 13 does not detect motion to prevent triggering of multiple user-activated doses for the same person. It is envisaged that a typical "dead time" after a user-activated trigger is 3 minutes, during which the passive infra-red sensor 13 will not detect motion. An LED display means or backlight 19 on the dispenser 1, which is discussed in more detail below, will still indicate that motion has been detected even during this "dead time", for example, by flashing a green light. There is a 3 second time interval between LED flashes to preserve the life of the battery powering the display.

In the present invention, the user activation data information is used to determine whether or not the fragrance or sanitizer fluid is dispensed from the system in a maintenance dose. The processor within the device continually analyses the motion detection data to analyse the usage of the facility and determine whether a maintenance dose is required. After each user-activation of the dispenser 1, when fluid is released, the processor of the dispenser 1 automatically calculates and adjusts the "duty cycle" of maintenance activations according to the number of service days selected and the number of user activations. For example, if relatively few users have entered the facility there will be sufficient material in the dispenser for a higher frequency of maintenance doses. However, if there are have been a higher number of users the frequency of maintenance doses will be reduced to ensure that the material to be dispensed does not run out. The frequency of periodical maintenance-activations is matched to the detected user-activations to ensure that the consumable within the dispenser lasts for exactly the service period. The maintenance dosing frequency is calculated according to the intended lifespan of the refill in the dispenser, which equates to the service period. * * S

The maintenance dose frequency is calculated based on a finite number of S...

metered doses available per refill of the material to be dispensed. For example, the container will be capable of dispensing in the region of 3,000 doses and a typical dosing frequency is 4 minutes 48 seconds. *

: If no users are detected by the motion detector 13, the dispenser 1 enters a "sleep" mode, whereby operation of the dispenser 1 is limited or stopped after the user-activated dispensing cycle has finished. The sleep mode conserves the consumable material and also the life of the battery 11 used to power the device. The amount of fluid that is dispensed is also manually adjustable. The service cycle is adjustable to ensure that dispensing is matched to optimum performance.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 1 also comprises a backlight 19, which indicates to the service provider the state of the dispenser. For example, the backlight 19 will flash or "blink" a green light each time the motion sensor 13 is activated by user movement. As the service date of the dispenser 1 approaches, the backlight will flash or "blink" a red light if the battery 11 or the consumable material within the dispenser 1 requires replacement. When the front cover 5 of the dispenser 1 is open for servicing, a diagnostic flashing sequence allows the person carrying out the service to determine the components which need repair or replacement. For example, a red light flashing indicates that only the consumable material requires replacement; an orange light flashing indicates that only the battery 11 requires replacement; and a red and orange light flashing in sequence indicates that the battery 11 and the consumable material require replacement.

Examples of typical scenarios using the present invention include that of a dispenser in a large public washroom, such as in a cinema or airport, where there are often very busy periods. For example, there will be a significant increase in the number of users in the facility at a flight arrival time or at a movie showing time. The dispenser will detect increased movement at these busier times and there will be an increase in user-activated doses. There will also be quieter times, such as between 2 and 5 a.m. when there are no flight arrivals, or during showing of a movie. The dispenser of the present invention will respond by providing only maintenance doses and, if no users are detected for a significant length of time, the "auto-sleep" mode is activated to preserve the consumable material whilst the washroom is unused. *. . S * S S *S ***

In a further example of the present invention, the dispenser is used in a small commercial washroom, such as in an office or a restaurant. In such facilities there is usually regular, moderate traffic during office or opening hours. In this time, the dispenser calculates and balances user activations with pre-defined, periodical maintenance activations to ensure the constant freshness of the washroom whilst preventing the consumable material from running out prior to or after the pre-set service time. At night-time or when the facility is shut, the dispenser activates the "auto-sleep" mode to preserve the consumable material during periods of inactivity. The auto-sleep mode also conserves the life of the battery used to power the dispenser. It is envisaged that this improvement can extend the life of the battery to around 2 years.

The present invention is also able to adapt if there is an unexpected change to the traffic through the washroom, for example, if there is a conference taking place in the office. In this situation, the dispenser will dynamically adapt to the increased number of user activations by balancing user activations with the maintenance activations to ensure that the product does not run out before the selected service interval.

The dispenser 1 is also able to adapt to unexpected data recorded, for example, when the dispenser is used for demonstration purposes prior to being installed. Whilst being used for a demonstration, user-activated doses are likely to occur at the maximum frequency of once every 3 minutes. Following this initial demonstration/testing period the future dosage regime for maintenance doses will then be based on the maximum frequency results recorded during testing. However, once the unit is installed, the dispenser will detect the change in user-activated doses and recalculate the dosage regime accordingly. This allows the dispenser to maintain efficiency. However, it is recommended to reset the dispenser on installation in a permanent location, after testing, so that the initial atypical usage of the dispenser does not affect the subsequent dosage regime. *. .

It is also envisaged that if a unit is installed part-way through a service **.

cycle, for example if the unit is replaced on day 15 of a 30 day service cycle, a part-full container of material to be dispensed is used. This prevents unnecessary wastage. A new, full container can then be inserted into the dispenser at the beginning of the next service cycle.

The above described embodiment has been given by way of example only, and the skilled reader will naturally appreciate that many variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims. * * S ** . * **. * S * * . *

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Claims

Claims 1. A dispensing apparatus for dispensing material, comprising a container of material to be dispensed, at least one sensor for sensing a presence in the vicinity of the apparatus, and a controller for monitoring and/or controlling the apparatus, which is arranged to actuate release of a dose of material in response to sensing a presence in the vicinity of the apparatus and also to periodically actuate release of a maintenance dose of material independently of the or each sensor, wherein the controller adjusts the frequency of the periodic maintenance doses according to a preset lifespan of the material in the container and the frequency of actuation in response to the or each sensor.
2. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the controller controls the apparatus such that the material contained therein is dispensed exactly over the preset lifespan of the material.
3. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the controller temporarily decreases the frequency of the periodic maintenance doses when the frequency of actuation in response to the or each sensor increases.
4. A dispensing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the controller limits or stops the periodic maintenance doses if the or each sensor does not detect a presence in the vicinity of the apparatus for a 11.preset time period.
5. A dispensing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the frequency of the periodic actuations is also manually adjustable. **.
6. A dispensing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dispensing apparatus further comprises at least one visual display means to indicate the state of the dispenser.
7. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the display means comprises at least one LED.
8. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the or each LED emits a different coloured light according to the state of the apparatus.
9. A dispensing apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a reset switch such that insertion of the container into the apparatus depresses the switch to reset the controller on replacement of the container.
10. A dispensing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described or referred to in Figures 1 to 3. * * S ** S * *** * S *SS.S 555.. * S **..*.* * * I. * * . * * .S