Dispensing – Automatic control
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-14
2001-08-28
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
Automatic control
C222S504000, C340S573100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279777
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally related to automatic control systems and is more particularly directed to a system for controlling operation of a device in response to the presence of a human body part.
It is preferable to operate many devices without direct handling thereof by human interaction. For example, it is preferable for sanitary reasons in washing to avoid the need for physical contact with faucet handles, towel dispensers, hand driers, soap dispensers, and the like.
While a number of control systems have been developed for such touch-free control in order to conserve water and soap, they have been plagued by false activation. That is, devices are turned on without the actual presence of a human body part. This, of course, leads to fluid waste which is contrary to the original purpose of the control system.
Further, in the case of soap dispensers and the like, safety becomes a factor when such liquids are falsely dispensed and end up on a floor, or other surface, where subsequent slippage thereon may cause bodily harm.
Attempts to solve the problem of false operation have included elaborate electronic circuitry, which is, of course, expensive and, further, subject to failure itself.
The present invention provide for a relatively inexpensive, easily controlled system which automatically senses the presence of a human body part to operate a device. When utilized in a washing facility, the present invention may be used to operate faucet valves, soap dispensers and hand driers, and which minimizes power consumption so that batteries may be utilized for powering the control system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A system for controlling operation of a device in response to the presence of a human body part generally includes Theremin means for detecting the presence of a human body part in an area, and producing a first output signal in response to the detection. Sensor means are also provided for separately detecting the presence of the human body part in the area and producing a second output signal in response to the separate detection.
Processing means are provided for determining the presence of both the first and second output signals and in response thereto, providing a control signal to the device. Because separate independent detection of the human body part is provided, the likelihood of false operation is significantly reduced, if not eliminated.
The Theremin means preferably includes two closely spaced, yet separated, antenna panels which establish a capacitance therebetween. The panels are “free floating” in that no ground is provided. This feature enables the use of the control system in applications where no ground is available. A change in the capacitance due to the presence of a human body part thereby is used to provide the first output signal.
An oscillator is provided and connected between the antenna panels for providing the output corresponding to the capacitance change between the two antenna panels. A second oscillator and comparator means for comparing the output from the second oscillator with the first oscillator output are provided for digitizing the difference in frequency and generating a control current for the device.
More particularly, the sensor means may comprise an infrared detector, an ultrasonic detector, a heat detector, a visible light detector, a proximity detector or an audio detector capable of producing an output upon sensing, or detecting, the body part.
The invention also provides for a system of dispensing of a fluid in response to the presence of a human hand, in which case the system includes a fluid dispensing device for releasing a measured amount of fluid in response to a control signal. A Theremin is provided for detecting the presence of a hand proximate the fluid dispenser and producing a first output signal in response thereto. Sensor means is provided for independently detecting the presence of a hand proximate the fluid dispenser and producing a second output signal in response to the independent detection. A processor is provided for determining the simultaneous presence of both the first and second output signals in response thereto producing decontrolled signal for the fluid dispensing device.
In this embodiment, the Theremin means includes two spaced apart antenna panels which are shaped to conform to a user's hand in order to maximize, through efficient coupling with the user's hand, capacitance change therebetween without contact with the user's hand.
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Gerenraich Kenneth B.
Goodin John W.
Pribonic Edward M.
Regla Peter A.
Hackler Walter A.
Keasel Eric
Shaver Kevin
Woodward Laboratories, Inc.
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