초록 ▼

An apparatus for automatically dispensing flowable material from a disposable container includes a novel electronic control circuit for providing improved and more efficient operation over prior art devices. The electronic control circuit includes a photoelectric emitter, and a phototransistor detec

An apparatus for automatically dispensing flowable material from a disposable container includes a novel electronic control circuit for providing improved and more efficient operation over prior art devices. The electronic control circuit includes a photoelectric emitter, and a phototransistor detector adapted to receive energy reflected from a target such as a user\s hands. The control circuit includes a first timing circuit for periodically activating the detector for a predetermined first time period equal to approximately one percent (1%) of the period between operating cycles of the detector. The control circuit also includes a second timing circuit, triggered by the first timing circuit, for activating the emitter during a latter portion of the first time period during which the detector is activated to thereby enable the detector to stabilize after power up. The emitter generates a high energy pulse having a predetermined duty cycle preferably at least one order of magnitude less than the duty cycle of the detector. The electronic control circuit further includes a detector circuit, responsive to sensing of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the target to generate an actuation signal. The detector circuit is designed to be sensitive only to a short duration pulse signal which would be reflected if the user\s hands are properly positioned to activate the dispenser. The control circuit also includes a third timing circuit responsive to the actuation signal for activating a pump. This operation actuates the release of a predetermined amount of material from the disposable container.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for dispensing flowable material comprising: a disposable container for holding flowable material to be dispensed; releasing means integrated with the container for releasing a predetermined amount of flowable material from the disposable container when the releasing means is actuated;

An apparatus for dispensing flowable material comprising: a disposable container for holding flowable material to be dispensed; releasing means integrated with the container for releasing a predetermined amount of flowable material from the disposable container when the releasing means is actuated; actuating means when electrically-energized for actuating the releasing means to release the predetermined amount of material; and electronic control means for controlling the actuating means, the electronic control means comprising: photoelectric means comprising an emitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation, and a detector for receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected from a target; first timing means for periodically activating the detector for a predetermined first time period; second timing means triggered by the first timing means for activating the emitter during a predetermined portion of the first time period when the detector is activated to thereby generate a single, high energy pulse having a predetermined second time period, the predetermined second time period being at least one order of magnitude less than the predetermined first time period during which the detector is activated; wherein the second timing means includes means connected to the detector for sensing electromagnetic radiation reflected from the target and in response thereto generating an actuation signal; and third timing means responsive to the actuation signal for activating the actuating means for a predetermined third time period to thereby actuate the releasing means to release the predetermined amount of material.