A hand sanitizing station includes a conduit in fluid communication with a source of sanitizer, the conduit having a fluid outlet. In addition, the hand sanitizing station includes a valve coupled to the conduit and configured to control the volume of sanitizer that exits the fluid outlet, the valve having a control arm. Further, the hand sanitizing station includes a pedal, and a cable connected between the pedal and the control arm of the valve and configured to move the control arm when the pedal is depressed and open the valve a predetermined amount. Movement of the pedal from a first position to a second position causes sanitizer to flow by gravity from the conduit and out of the fluid outlet, and movement of the pedal from the second position back to the first position closes the valve.

Technology is configured to monitor correct utilization of a dispensed substance, including dispensing units having environmental sensors. For example, this may include soap dispensers configured to monitor handwashing activity, and toothpaste dispensers configured to monitor brushing activity. Embodiments include both base units that are configured to operate with separate dispensing containers, and containers having electronic components built in.

The present invention provides an apparatus for the delivery of a mist-borne solution substantially contained within a predefined volume. The apparatus thus disclosed is comprised of an active delivery area (herein referred to as a “predefined volume”), at least one detection sensor, a chamber or other suitable area within which to contain an amount of a solution in a liquid state, at least one piezoelectric transducer, and a microcontroller.

Exemplary soap, sanitizer and lotion dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser includes a housing; a receptacle for receiving a container; a container of fluid comprising soap, sanitizer or lotion; a pump in fluid communication with the container; a power source; a pump coupled to a motor and pulse width modulation circuitry in circuit communication with the power source and the motor. The pulse width modulation circuitry is initially set to cause a selected dose of fluid to be dispensed at a base speed. A sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of an actual speed of a dispense of the fluid is also included. When the actual speed of the dispense of fluid is less than the base speed or greater than the base speed, the pulse width modulation circuitry adjusts the pulse width to cause the speed of a following dispense of fluid to be closer to the base speed.

An improved showerhead assembly is provided for facilitating the application of soap or shampoo upon a bather. The showerhead assembly is preferably handheld and includes an elongate handle, and a showerhead including a face having one or more nozzles for spraying water. In addition, the showerhead assembly includes a detachable reservoir for storing soap or shampoo. Preferably, the reservoir is detachable from the showerhead by a threaded coupling in which the reservoir includes male threads which can be capped. Preferably, the showerhead assembly includes a controller for allowing one to selectively dispense shampoo or soap from within the reservoir into the stream of water which is ejected from the showerhead nozzles.

Disclosed is a dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a fluid container adapted to store a fluid, and having a predefined storage capacity; a memory unit having a plurality of instructions and information pertaining to the fluid contained in the fluid container, stored therein; a dispensing pump associated with the fluid container, the dispensing pump adapted to selectively dispense fluid from the fluid container; a sensor configured to detect dispensing of fluid from the fluid container; and a processing unit in communication with each of the sensor and the memory unit. The processing unit is adapted to process the set of instructions stored in the memory unit to determine quantity of fluid dispensed from the fluid container, upon receiving a signal from the sensor.

Exemplary dispensers that receive power from a wireless focused power signal and methods of charging such dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser for dispensing soap or sanitizer includes a housing, a receptacle for retaining a supply of soap or sanitizer, a processor, and a focused energy signal receiver. The focused energy signal receiver includes a reflector for reflecting at least a portion of the focused energy signal back to a transmission source and a converter for converting at least a portion of the focused energy signal into an output voltage. The dispenser further includes charge control circuitry and one or more capacitors. The charge control circuitry monitors the output voltage of the converter. If the output voltage of the converter is above a threshold, the one or more capacitors receive a charging current.

A cordless benchtop dispenser for dispensing cleaning liquids includes a container, a housing, and a coupler body structured to effectively provide a single-use container, mitigating possible contamination or hygiene risks associated with users refilling the container as well as operation risks associated with users refilling the container with incompatible liquids or chemicals. In some embodiments, a benchtop dispenser is provided wherein pressing the coupler body onto a neck of the container causes the coupler body to be permanently fixed to the neck. In some embodiments, a benchtop dispenser includes a photoelectric sensor that triggers the controller to operate the motor for a predetermined period, and subsequently triggers the controller to start a timer and actuate the indicator based on elapsed times measured by the timer.

A dispensing system includes a container within which a material is contained and an actuation device movably supported with respect to the container. The actuation device is movable between a first position and a second position. The dispensing system includes a control system. The control system includes an engagement portion in movable engagement with the actuation device. The control system includes a control portion. As the actuation device is moved from the first position to the second position a first time, the control portion does not restrain movement of either the engagement portion or the actuation device. As the actuation device is moved between the first position and the second position a second time within a predetermined time period after the first time, the control portion restrains movement of at least one of the engagement portion or the actuation device.

A liquid supply system for supplying liquid to one or more liquid dispensers is provided. The system comprises a water source for supply of water to the system; a concentrate reservoir for supply of concentrate to the system; and a liquid reservoir coupled to the water source and the concentrate reservoir, and configured to be coupled to one or more liquid dispensers. In use, the liquid reservoir is configured to supply liquid to the or each dispenser and is replenished via the water source and concentrate reservoir.