초록 ▼

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 re

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]a base;a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, said cover and said base defining a housing for containing components of said dispenser when said cover is in the closed position;a disposable cartridge having a reservoir of viscous material to be dispe

[What is claimed is:] [1.]a base;a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, said cover and said base defining a housing for containing components of said dispenser when said cover is in the closed position;a disposable cartridge having a reservoir of viscous material to be dispensed through a dispensing tube, said disposable cartridge further including at least one generally flat battery;a mechanical actuator configured to engage said dispensing tube of said disposable cartridge to cause a quantity of said viscous material to be dispensed therethrough;detection circuitry operative to detect presence of a user's hand at a predetermined location near said dispenser; anda motor receiving operational power from said generally flat battery of said disposable cartridge, said motor operative in response to said detection circuitry to cause movement of said mechanical actuator.