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Publication Number
US-10223895-B2
Publication Date
2019-03-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present systems and methods relate to a hand sanitizer system that includes a proximity detector, a dispensing system and an alarm feature, and is operative to provide an indication corresponding to a person in proximity of the system failing to dispense antiseptic or other solution from the dispenser within a predetermined period of time after moving within a predetermined range of the detector.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a networked hand sanitization monitoring system for hospitals in which a proximity detector determines proximity of a person within a predetermined range with respect to a sanitization unit. A proximity sensor action counter counts each proximity indication when the person is within the predetermined range, and a sanitizer action counter counts each time a dispenser is activated. An alarm provides an indication to the person corresponding to failing to dispense antiseptic solution from the dispenser within a predetermined period of time after moving within the predetermined range, and the predetermined period of time is adjustable.
The system uses a processor operatively connected to memory that receives one or more properties via a network, where the one or more properties modify a behavior of the sanitization unit. One or more hand sanitization units are connected to a central computing system via a network connection, and each unit receives a second set of properties to replace or modify a first set of properties for corresponding outputs. The alarm is operatively connected to the housing and the indication corresponds to one or more sets of properties, with counters including an alarm counter that counts each time the alarm is activated.
The disclosed properties and behavior modification enable different output messaging and output modalities, including audio indication and visual indication, with audio-volume adjustment based on ambient light. Behavior commands include associated properties and protocols, where the disclosed protocols include C. diff, MRSA, MRDO, day/night, and other patient/room factor dependent selections, so that dispenser-station outputs across one or more stations can be modified according to the received properties.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims. Across the independent claims, the inventive features center on proximity detection with adjustable range, counting proximity and dispenser/alarm actions, providing an adjustable-time alarm indication, and modifying sanitizer-unit behavior via properties delivered over a network from central computing.
Proximity-detected adjustable-time alarm indication
A proximity detector determines proximity of a person within a predetermined range with respect to the sanitization unit, and an alarm indicates to the person failing to dispense antiseptic solution from the dispenser within an adjustable predetermined period of time after moving within the predetermined range.
Proximity, sanitizer, and alarm action counters
A proximity sensor action counter counts each proximity indication from the proximity detector indicating when the person is within the predetermined range, a sanitizer action counter counts each time the dispenser is activated, and an alarm counter counts each time the alarm is activated.
Network-received properties modify unit behavior
A processor receives one or more properties via a network, wherein the one or more properties modify a behavior of the sanitization unit.
Multi-unit networked replacement or modification of properties
One or more hand sanitization units are connected to a central computing system via a network connection, where each unit receives a second set of properties via the network to replace or modify a first set of properties corresponding to second particular outputs.
Adjustable-range proximity detector and dispenser output signaling
Each hand sanitization unit includes a proximity detector with an adjustable range, and a sanitizer housing with a dispenser operative to dispense antiseptic solution and provide an output signal corresponding to dispensing of the antiseptic solution.
First set of properties to produce alarm indication outputs
An alarm provides an indication to the person corresponding to a first set of properties stored in memory, with properties corresponding to first particular outputs, and the received second set of properties corresponding to second particular outputs.
Across the independent claims, the document claims a sanitization unit or multiple networked units that detect proximity within an adjustable range, count proximity and activation events, provide an adjustable-time alarm indication when antiseptic is not dispensed, and change alarm or dispenser behavior by replacing or modifying stored property sets received via a network from central computing.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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