Automatic soap dispenser
US6209752A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47K5/1217
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A soap dispenser of the type in which a disposable soap cartridge is maintained in a wall-mounted housing is configured for automatic operation. A quantity of soap is dispensed when a user's hand, detected by optical reflectivity, is located proximate to the dispenser housing. In order to prevent reliance on AC power, the device is powered from self-contained batteries and/or solar power cells. In one embodiment, a generally flat battery may be included with the disposable soap cartridge such that a new battery is provided each time the cartridge is replaced. Alternatively, or in addition, solar panels may be located on the dispenser housing. The solar panels may be used to charge energy storage components located in the housing, such as a rechargeable battery or storage capacitors. The solar panels are preferably of a type which is suitably efficient in fluorescent (blue) lighting conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.