Faucet For Handwashing Feedback With Integrated Dispenser
AssigneeAbluo, Inc.
InventorsJoel Roger Tjepkes, Gene O'Brien
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A “smart-faucet” is provided that provides instructions and feedback to a user that improves the efficacy of a handwashing event. The faucet includes a supply of sanitizer that includes a visualization component, such as a fluorescent component, that assists the user in determining sanitizing coverage of the hands. The visualization component may require the presence of an energy source radiating a specific frequency, such as UV, in order to become visible. The faucet may further be able to communicate information to a remote location regarding supply data necessary to insure just in time delivery of a replacement supply of sanitizer.
Claims28
A method of effectively washing hands comprising:
- applying a reactive cleansing agent to the hands, said reactive cleansing agent including a sanitizing component and a visualization component;
- activating the reactive cleansing agent to change an optical property of the reactive cleansing agent to increase the visibility of the reactive cleansing agent, making coverage verification easier to see.
A handwashing apparatus comprising:
- a housing;
- a water line having an open end and a connected end, the connected end being connectable to a water supply, the open distal end terminating at a user end of the housing to provide water to a user;
- a sanitizer line having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connectable to a sanitizer reservoir and the distal end terminating adjacent the open end of the water line;
- sanitizing solution contained within the sanitizer line, the sanitizing solution including a visualization component and a base component, the visualization component providing visual feedback to a user under a predetermined lighting environment.
- a pump in operable association with the sanitizer reservoir;
- a controller;
- a sensor mounted on the housing and capable of sending a signal to the controller when a user's hand comes within an operable proximity of the sensor;
- a user interface that communicates instructions to a user during a handwashing sequence.
A method of washing hands comprising:
- providing a handwashing apparatus including a sequence and a user interface;
- providing an activation mechanism for activating the handwashing sequence;
- providing instruction via the user interface to keep the hands in engagement with the handwashing apparatus until at least a sanitizing solution is dispensed;
- changing an optical property of the sanitizing solution by activating an energy source onto the sanitizing solution present on the hands;
- instructing the user to ensure that all surfaces of the hands are covered with the sanitizing solution;
- dispensing water when a predetermined criteria is met thereby allowing the user to rinse the surfaces of the hands.
A handwashing apparatus comprising:
- a dispensing apparatus that uses a sensor to determine the presence of a user's hands;
- a supply of water dispensable by the handwashing apparatus;
- a supply of sanitizing solution;
- a controller associated with the handwashing apparatus that executes the handwashing sequence upon receiving a signal from the sensor or start button;
- wherein the sequence includes:
- a sanitizing solution dispensing step;
- a handwashing assistance step;
- and,
- a rinsing step;
- wherein the handwashing assistance step includes providing visualization assistance to the user that helps the user determine thorough coverage of the hands with the sanitizing solution;
- wherein the rinsing step is not activated until a criteria has been met.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.