Method and system for improving hand cleanliness
US5812059A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08B21/245
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and corresponding method for enhancing hygiene in a food handling environment include an indicator to be worn by a worker in the food handling area, an activating device located outside of the food handling area, a hand cleaning station located proximate or within the food handling area (remote from the restroom), and a deactivating device operatively associated with the hand cleaning station. Upon leaving the food handling area, the indicator worn by the worker is activated when the worker enters a predetermined area proximate the activating device. Thereafter, the indicator is deactivated by the deactivating device only when it is determined that the worker has utilized the hand cleaning station proximate the food handling area. In such a manner, the prior art problem of worker contamination occurring between, for example, the restroom and food handling area is substantially eliminated. According to alternative embodiments, the system and method may be used in hospital environments so as to prevent germs from spreading from one patient to another by way of medical personnel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.