CA2437426A1

CA2437426A1 - Washing apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA2437426A1
Application number: CA 2437426
Authority: CA
Inventors: Christopher Chen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-08-18
Filing date: 2003-08-18
Publication date: 2005-02-18

Abstract

A wash system comprising: a water source; a disinfection agent source; a mixer with an input and an output, the input of the mixer connected to the water source and the disinfection agent source, the mixer being capable of receiving water alone or both water and disinfection agent; a water conveying means to convey water from the water source to the mixer; a disinfection agent conveying means to convey disinfection agent from the disinfection agent source to the mixer; a faucet connected to the output of the mixer, the faucet providing output from the mixer to a user; a basin to receive water from the faucet; a sensor to detect predetermined activation conditions for the system; a controller to receive input from the sensor for controlling the water conveying means and the disinfection agent conveying means; and a power source to provide power to the wash system.

Description

W~S~IN~ APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to washing systems and, more specifically, to washing systems suitable for use in commercial, public or residential spaces and both in populated and remote areas, Wash systems are required in a large variety of situations. These include public areas such as shopping centres, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and tourist areas.
It further includes remote areas such as parks, campsites, special event areas, battlegrounds, and playgrounds. Wash stations are further needed on buses, planes, boats, and trains.
In a wash system, it is desirable to have a number of features.
With individuals such as food handling employees and young children, it is desirable to mix soap or other disinfection agents with water to get a washing fluid before applying it and to then apply the washing fluid to the hand. This makes the application of such an agent more even and easier to wash away with water afterwairds. This is important in situations where people may forget to use soap. Further, soap and water are saved and a better sanitary effect is achieved.
It is further desirable to apply soap or other disinfectant agents, a water rinse, and a drying process as one automated continuous process without stops in between.
It is further desirable to have a control, especially in a public environment, which is based on sensors or voice commands and thus prevents the touching of switches or knobs in order to avoid cross-contamination.
In situations where a wash system is located in more remote areas, such as campgrounds or parks, it is desirable to have a self-contained water supply.
Further, it is desirable to have a water treatment system in which the water is treated and reused. This eliminates the need to refill water tanks in remote areas which may be difficult or impossible to do. In general, power is much more available than water supply pipelines, and thus it is important to have a water treatment system in some cases to recycle water and eliminate the need for a water supply.
In certain situations, power may also not be available in remote areas. In this case, it is desirable to have a wash system that also includes a power generating capability.
In remote areas, it may also be impractical to load disinfection agents. In such a system, it would be desirable to produce a disinfectant agent an site and thus eliminate the need to refill a disinfection agent supply. Such a disinfectant could be an ozone generator to produce ozone water.
Alternatively, disinfectant agents may be able to be refilled on a daily, weekly or monthly basis as required.
In order to make it economically desirable to place wash stations in areas, it may be desirable to include a wash system which is a pay per use system.
Other desirable features in wash systems include a means to prevent vandalism or to monitor the system.
It is also desirable to have a user be able to input various operating parameters, but without causing cross-contamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes all of the desired features identified above in the background section. Specifically, the present invention provides a self-contained wash system that can be used in a iarge variety of situations, including in shopping centres, schools, hospitals, restaurants and tourist areas. The wash station can be further located in remote areas such as parks, campsites, special event areas, battlegrounds, and playgrounds. The wash station can be further used on buses, planes, boats, trains, or other vehicles.
The wash system is self contained and recognizes when a user needs to activate the system. This system uses sensors or voice recognition technology along with a microphone in order to recognize that the system needs to be activated. This lack of touching of any controls prevents cross-contamination between users in public areas.
The present system further accommodates payment for use of this system. The system can include credit card scanners, coin or bill reception areas, and coin return areas to provide for payment within this system.
When the system realizes that it should start, a mixer provides thorough mixing of one or more disinfectant agents with water and supplies this to the user's hands through a faucet. The thorough mixing provides even application of the cleaning fluid to the user's hands, making it easier to wash away afterwards and saving water. !t further eliminates situations in which an individual may forget to use soap.
The system further rinses the user's hands with clean water after the washing cycle is complete and may or may not add a lotion to the user's hands.
The present invention further provides for a dryer located within the tap.
This dryer eliminates the need for the user to move his or her hands to a different location for drying.
The system further includes components which allow it to be located in remote areas.
The power supply may be a solar panel in order to be locatable to areas in which a power supply is not readily available. The system may further include a self-contained water unit. In this case, water that is used and captured in a basin is then sent through a water treatment system in which particles, oils, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants are removed from the water and then the water is replaced in the water storage tank. The use of a water recycling system removes the need to have a water supply, and thus makes the system viable on transportation systems such as buses or planes, or within remote areas such as campsites or special event areas that do not have a water supply. The water treatment system can be such that the quality of the water produced may be drinkable.
The system may further contain its own disinfectant agent generator. This is suitable in remote areas where it may be difficult to top up disinfectant agent supplies. Such a disinfectant agent generator may include a ozone generator which will produce ozone water which can then be used for treating the hands. This facilitates the placement of the wash system in a remote location.
The system may further include a camera which can be used to provide security for the wash system and thus reduce incidences of vandalism. hurther, the camera may be used in certain situations such as in food processing environments in which food handlers are required to wash their hands. In such situations, the camera may record when a worker enters a washroom area and whether or not the 'worker washed his or her hands. In such a situation, the system can send a message to a central controller raising alarm if the user leaves the area without washing his or her hands.
Further, such a system can also ensure that a "legal wash time" has been met by the food handling employees.
The present system can be used for washing other than for hands, including forwashing food, animals, other body parts such as feet or even a complete shower for a user and, based on its versatility, may be used in various settings.
The present invention therefore provides a wash system comprising: a water source;
a disinfection agent source; a mixer with an input and an output, said input of said mixer connected to said water source and said disinfection agent source, said mixer being capable of receiving water alone or both water and disinfection agent; a water conveying means to convey water from said water source to said mixer; a disinfection agent conveying means to convey disinfection agent from said disinfection agent source to said mixer; a faucet connected to said output of said mixer, said faucet providing output from said mixer to a user; a basin to receive water from said faucet; a sensor to detect predetermined activation conditions for the system; a controller to receive input from said sensor for controlling said water conveying means and said disinfection agent conveying means; and a power source to provide power to said wash system.
The present invention further provides a wash system for a remote location comprising:
a self contained water storage; a disinfection agent source; a mixer with an input and an output, said input of said mixer connected to said water storage and said disinfection agent source, said mixer being capable of receiving water alone or both water and disinfection agent; a water pump to convey water from said water storage to said mixer;
a water valve located between said mixer and said water storage; a disinfection agent conveying means to convey disinfection agent from said disinfection agent source to said mixer; a faucet connected to said output of said mixer, said faucet providing output from said mixer to a user; a basin to receive water from said faucet; a water treatment system to treat water from said basin and return clean water to said water storage; a sensor to detect predetermined activation conditions for the system; a controller to receive input from said sensor for controlling said water pump, said water valve and said disinfection agent conveying means; and a power source to provide power to said wash system.
The present invention still further provides a wash system for monitoring whether a predetermined individual washes his hands before leaving an area, said was system comprising: a detection means to detect whether an individual has washed his hands;
a camera; and a communications system; whereby said camera is used to determined whether said individual who leaves said area without washing his hands is a predetermined individual and if so, sending a signal using said communications system to raise an alarm.
The present invention yet further provides a manual wash system comprising: a switch to activate said system; a water inlet; a venturi tube; a valve connected to and opened by said switch, said valve permitting water to flow from said water inlet into said venturi tube; a disinfectant chamber connected to said venturi tube, said disinfectant chamber emptying its contents into said venturi tube when said switch is activated;
and a nozzle to dispense the contents of said venturi tube; whereby activating said switch causes water and disinfectant to mix in said venturi tube, and whereby continued activation of said switch causes water to flush said disinfectant from said venturi tube to create a water rinse.
ERIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention wilt be more clearly understood with reference to the drawings in which:
FBGURE ~ is a schematic of the control and monitoring signals of the wash system of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is an electrical and power distribution diagram for the system of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a schematic. of the water and disinfection agent cycling system of the present system;
FIGURE 4 is a flow diagram of a preferred water treatment process of the present invents~n9 FIGURE 5 is a flow diagram of a preferred control algorithm for the wash system;
FIGURE 6 is a flow diagram of a monitoring algorithm for the wash system;
FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram for the processes for a wash system that can be used in a remote area;
FIGURE 8 is a front perspective view of a wash system that can be used in remote areas;
FIGURE 9 is a front elevational partially cutaway view of a wash system that can be used in remote areas;
FIGURE 10 is a schematic of a process for a system that can be used in a food handling environment;
FIGURE 11 is a flow diagram of an algorithm for camera detection of an employee in a food handling environment;
FIGURE 12 is a schematic of a process for a wash system in which power is available but water supply is not easy to access;

FIGURE 13 is a schematic of a process of a wash system that can be used where water supply and power are readily available for use in schools or daycares;
FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional partially schematical of a water and disinfectant mixing portion of the present invention in which a manual switch is used; and FIGURE 15 is a schematic view of a network of washers that can be controlled using one central controller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 'THE DRAWINGS
The present invention includes a wash system which has a central controller in which t6~e controller controls various pumps to provide water, disinfectant agent, and moisturizing lotion to user's hands, along with hot air to dry the user's hands. The controller further includes monitoring means to ensure levels of liquids are at a sufficient level and that all systems within the wash apparatus are functioning properly.
The controller further includes input and output means for interacting with a user and with a network.
Reference is now made to Figure 1. Figure 1 illustrates control unit 1 with various inputs and outputs to devices. Control unit 1 controls various pumps including water cycling unit 15 which provides water to a mixing unit 30. Control unit 1 further controls a disinfectant agent dispenser 25 and disinfectant agent dispenser 100 which provide disinfectant agents to a mixing unit 30. Control unit 1 further controls moisture agent dispenser 90 which also may provide moisture agent to a mixing unit 30.
Control unit 1 has inputs from a disinfectant agent storage 10, a water reservoir 60, a disinfectant agent storage 95, and a moisture agent storage 35 in order to ensure that the liquid levels of these storage areas are sufficient.
Control unit 1 further has inputs from faucet 40, from basin 45, from power unit 5, and from hot air unit 50 to ensure these devices are functioning properly.
Control unit 1 provides control to hot air unit 50 to activate it when it is required to dry a user's hands.

Control unit 1 also includes inputs from a fee charger 65 to ensure that a sufficient fee has been paid for the services, from a camera 70 to provide protection from vandalism and to provide monitoring of employees in situations that require it, as described below.
The control unit 1 may communicate with a user using a monitorlgraphics display 75 or through speakers 80. An input for voice control exists in microphone 80a.
Control unit 1 may communicate through a network using communication unit 85, thus providing a central monitoring service with information regarding the wash station, including when fluid levels are low, if vandalism has occurred, if alarms have been caused by individuals not washing their hands in food handling situations, or for other situations as may be recognized by one skilled in the art.
Reference is now made to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a power unit which may be a fuel cell, solar power, battery, gas, light to electricity, regular power from a power grid, or a variety of other power sources which are known to those skilled in the art.
Power unit 5 provides power to all of the elements within the system including fee charger 65, camera 70, monitorlgraphics display 75, microphonelspeakers 80, communications unit 85, and to all the pumps and sensors described above with regards to Figure 1.
Reference is now made to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a process description for the water and disinfection agent cycling system. A disinfectant agent can be loaded in disinfectant agent inlet 95a and can be admitted into the system using a valve 95b. 'The disinfectant agent is then stored in disinfectant agent storage 95c until it is required.
As will be described below, valve 95b can be opened or closed by a controller 1 to automatically refill disinfectant agent storage 95c if inlet 95a is connected to a source of a disinfectant agent.
When disinfectant agent is needed, controller unit 1 as described in Figure 1 activates a pump 100a which pumps disinfectant agent from disinfectant storage 95c, through a valve 100b and a flow control unit 100c into mixing unit 30. Valve 100b can be used to isolate disinfectant agent storage 95c and flow control unit 100c, to control the rate of flow.

Water can be input to the system using water inlet 90d and valve 60c. Valve 60c allows water inlet to be isolated from water reservoir 60a into which water inlet flows. Valve 60c further allows water in the system to be topped up.
Water reservoir 60a stores water until it is needed. A heater 60b is used to heat water in water reservoir 60a to the temperature suitable for washing. When water is required, control unit 1 sends a signal to pump 15a allowing water to flow through valve 15b and flow control 15c into mixing unit 30.
Further possible agents which may be mixed in mixing unit 13 include a second or alternate disinfectant agent. MateriaB inlet 1 Oc allows material to flow through valve 10d into material storage 10a. A disinfectant agent generator 10e takes material stored in storage area 1 Oa and converts it into a disinfectant agent. Disinfectant agent dispenser 10f then dispenses the disinfectant agent into mixing unit 30.
A further input into mixing unit 30 can include a lotion. Lotion is introduced into the system through lotion inlet 35c. 1-he lotion flows through a valve 35b which isolates the lotion inlet from lotion storage area 35a. Lotion storage area 35a stores lotion until it is required. When lotion is required, control unit 1 signals pump 90a that lotion is required.
The lotion then flows through an isolation valve 90b, a flow control unit 90c, and into mixing unit 30.
A further input into mixing unit 30 includes ozone. ~zone is. created in ozone generator 10a and is output through ozone output 25. Air inlet 1 Ob provides air to ozone generator 1 Oa.
The output to mixing unit 30 is supplied to faucet 40. Faucet 40 provides an output based on the requirements of a user as detailed below. Briefly, a user places his or her hands below faucet 40 and a cycle including applying a disinfectant, potentially a moisturizer, and a rinse occurs white the user rubs his or her hands.

Waste water is collected in basin 45 and is drained through a water treatment system 55a which filters, cleans and disinfects the water as described below. The clean water resulting from water treatment 55a flows into water reservoir 60a while waste is removed using waste removal 55b.
Faucet 40a further has the capability of providing a drying cycle without the user having to move to a separate station. After a wash cycle and a rinse cycle is completed, controller 1 starts a blower 50a. Blower 50a includes an air inlet 50d which provides air to blower 50a. Air is sent through a heater 50b in wheich the air is heated to an appropriate temperature for drying and then flows through valve 50c into faucet 40.
Reference is now made to Figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates the water treatment unit 55a along with faucet 40, basin 45, and reservoir 60. Water, with and without disinfectant agent or moisturizing agent, is dispensed from faucet 40. Waste water is collected in basin 45 and is sent to water treatment unit 55a. Water treatment unit 55a includes a screen 105 to remove dense particles 130. These dense particles 130 are removed from the water system.
The waste water next moves to a filtration unit 110 which removes more discrete particles 125. These more discrete particles 125 are also removed from the system.
The waste water then moves to an oiUwater separation and oil trapper unit 130 which separates oil from the water. Oil 135 is removed from the water.
Water moving through the system is next sent to a high performance filtration unit 140 which further removes particles and materials. These removed materials 145 are separated and stored. The water next moves to a neutralization unit 150 which brings the pH of the water close to neutral. Alkali or acid 155 is removed from the water and disposed of.

Organic compounds and surfactants are next removed through an adsorption unit 160.
Adsorption unit 160 uses a carbon filter to remove these compounds and spent carbon 165 is removed from the system.
The water next moves through an ultrafiltration unit 170 to remove fine particles and a reverse osmosis unit 175 used to remove metals or other inorganic materials.
The water next moves through an ion exchange unit 180 and a gas stripping unit t~ remove ammonia, odorous gases and volatile organic compounds.
The water next flows through an advanced oxidation unit 190 and a disinfection unit 195. Disinfection unit 195 uses ultraviolet radiation andlor ozone to kill viruses and bacteria.
The results of water treatment unit 55 include clean water which is produced at the end of disinfection unit 195 which flows back into reservoir 60. Waste is removed using waste removal line 55b.
Reference is now made to Figure 5. Figure 5 illustrates a sample control algorithm for the wash system. One skilled in the art will realize that the algorithm may be modified for different applications and different circumstances.
The wash system of the present invention is idle until it receives an input indicating that the wash cycle should start. In step 200, the system checks whether a voice command has been received. If no voice command has been received, the system continues checking and waiting for a voice command. In step 230, the system checks to see whether a sensor has detected a user's hands. If no user hands have been detected, sensor 30 continues to wait for a sensor detection of the hands.
If in either step 200 a voice comimand is received or in step 23U a sensor detects a user's hands, the system moves to step 205.

In step 205, if the wash station requires a fee to be paid, the system checks whether the fee has been paid. If no fee has been paid and a fee is required to be paid, the system displays an error message 235 on graphics display 75.
Conversely, if no fee is required to be paid or if a fee has been paid and is detected in step 205, the system moves to step 207. In step 207, the user is required to select a wash program. This wash program can be determined based on the amount of time a user requires washing to occur, and options with regards to disinfectants and lotions.
The system next moves to step 210.
In step 210, pump 15a, valve 15b, flow control 15c, mixer 30 and faucet 40 are activated by control unit 1. A message 240 is displayed on graphics display 75 indicating that a pre-rinse cycle has started. Alternatively, other promotional messages may be displayed on the graphics display 75 and through speakers 80. The system in step 215 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed for step 210 to be completed.
If this predetermined time has not been completed, the system continues with step 210.
~nce the predetermined time has elapsed, the system moves to step 220. In step 220, pump 100x, valve 100b, and flow control 100c are turned on. Conversely, disinfectant agent generator 10e and disinfectant agent dispenser 10f rnay be turned on and ozone output 25 may be activated. This differentiation occurs based on the type of disinfectant agent that may be used. Conversely, both disinfectant agents may be used simultaneously.
While the disinfectant agent is being mixed with water in mixer 30, message 243 may be displayed on graphics display 75. The message can indicate that soap is being applied. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, other messages or graphics may be displayed on graphics display 75 or may be played through speakers 80. The system in step 225 determines whether a predetermined time for the application of soap has elapsed. if this time for the application of soap has not elapsed, the system stays within step 220 and soap continues to be dispensed.

If the predetermined time determined in step 225 has elapsed, the system moves to step 245. In step 245, pump 100x, valve 1 OOb, flow control 104c, pump 15a, valve 15b, and flow control 15c are turned off. Alternatively, if above disinfectant agent generator 10e and disinfectant agent dispenser 10f are being used, then these are turned off as welt as ozone output 25. During step 245 a message 2.75 can be displayed on the graphics display indicating that washing is occurring.
In step 250, the system determines whether a predetermined interval for washing has elapsed. If the predetermined interval for washing has not elapsed, the system stays within step 245.
Once step 250 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed, the system moves to step 255. In step 255, pump 15a, valve 15b, and flow control 15c are turned on to a high water speed to allow rinsing. A message 280 is displayed indicating that the rinse is occurring. Conversely, other graphics messages can be used.
In step 260, the system determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed for rinsing. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the system stays within step 255.
Otherwise, the system moves to step 265.
In step 265, the full control 15c reduces the flow of water to slow. Pump 90a, valve 90b, and flow control 90c are turned on to allow a lotion to flow onto the user's hands. A
message 285 may be displayed during this time which indicates that lotion is being applied. Step 270 determines whether or not the predetermined interval for applying the lotion has elapsed. If the predetermined time for applying the lotion has not elapsed, the system stays within step 265. Otherwise, the system rnoves to step 290.
In step 290, pump 15a, valve 15b, and flow control 15c are turned off, as are pump 90a, valve 90b, and flow control 90c. Mixer 30 is further turned off. This ceases any output from faucet 40. The system next moves to step 295. 1n step 295, blower 50a, heater 50b, and valve 50c are turned on.. A message 310 is displayed indicating that drying is occurring. Step 300 determines whether a predetermined interval has elapsed for drying. If the predetermined interval has not elapsed, the system stays within step 295.
Otherwise, the system moves to step 305.
In step 305, blower 50a, heater 50b, and valve 50c are turned off and faucet 40 is also turned off, preventing any more output from faucet 40. A message 315 can be displayed on the graphics display 75 indicating that washing has finished, and thanking the user for using the system. Other messages may also be displayed.
The system next moves to step 320 in which a monitor module is activated to check the system levels and the system moves back to step 200 in which it waits for input either through voice commands or step 230 in which a sensor detects a user's hands.
As described above, the system, before resuming monitoring for the next user, checks the monitor module in step 320.
Reference is now made to Figure 6. The system checks in step 330 whether the water level is low. If the water level is low, then a signal is sent to control unit 1 to add water to the water system. An error message is displayed in step 340 and valve 30c is turned on in step 345, allowing water to be refilled in step 350. Once the water is refilled, valve 30c is turned off in step 355 and a signal is sent to control unit 1 in step 360 to indicate that the water level is now at a sufficient level. 'the monitor is allowed to indicate that the system is ready in step 365.
If the water level is not low, or if this water has been refilled, the system next moves to step 370. In step 370, the system checks whether the disinfectant agent is low. If the disinfectant agent is low, the system moves to step 375. In step 375, control unit 1 is sent a signal indicating that the disinfectant agent is low.
The system next moves to step 360 in which the graphics display 75 displays an error message. The system next moves to step 385.

fn step 385, valve 95b is turned on to allow disinfectant agent to flow into disinfectant agent storage 95c. The system thus proceeds until disinfectant agent is refilled in step 390.
Once the disinfectant agent is refilled, valve 95b is turned off in step 395 and a signal is sent in step 400 to control unit 1. This control signal allows the monitor to display that the system is ready in step 405.
If the disinfectant agent was not low or if the disinfectant agent has successfully been refilled, the system then moves to step 410. In step 410, the system checks whether the moisture agent level is low. If the moisture agent level is low, the system then moves to step 415 in which control unit 1 is sent a signal indicating that the moisture agent level is low.
The system next moves to step 420 in which the graphics display unit displays an error message and the system then moves to step 425. In step 425, valve 35b is opened to allow a moisture agent to flow into moisture storage unit 35a. The sysfiem thus proceeds to step 430 and waits until the moisture agent is refslled. Once the moisture agent is refilled, the system moves to step 435 in which valve 35b is closed.
The system then sends a signal to control unit 1 in step 440 which allows the monitor to display that the system is ready in step 445.
If the moisture agent level is not low or if the moisture agent has been successfully refilled, the system then moves to step 450. In step 450, the system checks whether the water cycling system is normal and, if it is, the system moves to step 455. In step 455, the system checks whether the mixing unit is normal.
If the mixing system is normal, the system moves to step 460 to check whether the faucet is normal, step 465 to check whether the water treatment system is normal, step 470 to check whether the water reservoir is normal, step 475 to check whether the power unit is normal, and step 480 to check whether the generator is normal.

If the generator is normal, the system then moves to step 485 in which it checks to see whether the dispenser is normal. The system also checks in step 490 whether storage is normal, in step 495 if the hot air unit is normal, in step 500 whether the fee charger performance is normal, in step 505 whether the monitor is normal, in step 510 whether the microphone is normai, in step 515 whether the speaker is normal, in step whether the communications unit is normal, and in step 525 whether the camera is normal.
Insteps 450, 455, 460, 465, 470 and 475, 480, 485, 490, 495, 500, 505, 510, 515, 520, and 525, if the system is not normal in any way, a signal is sent to control unit 1. This causes an error message to appear on monitor/graphics display unit 75 and an error signal to be sent through a cornmunications unit 85. If everything is normal, the monitoring system next goes back to step 450 to cycle through whether or not a!I of the systems within the washing unit are normal and continues to do .so.
Reference is now made to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows a typical system that can be used in remote areas. The present wash station is particularly useful for these areas in that it can contain a solar power unit 5a to provide power to the systerr~ and thus not require an external power connection. This system further contains a water reservoir that cleans the water and thus replenishes the water system.
As seen in Figure 8, a wash unit includes sensors 57d and a microphone 80b with which the system can activate. Water is allowed to flow through a faucet 40 into a basin 45 over a user's hand. The user, in order to pay for the system, uses a credit card charger 65c or coin slot 65b. In order to accommodate coin slot 65b, a change return unit 65a is also provided.
A monitorlgraphics display unit 75 can display information about the current state of the system or provide advertising or other information, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The user may also obtain information through speaker 80a.

A camera 70 may be used for security reasons and also to monitor the user to provide feedback to the system.
Reference is made to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a rear view of the wash station displayed in Figure 8. Figure 9 shows the relative orientations of items including water reservoir 60, water pump 15, water treatment unit 55, mixer 30, liqgaid soap storage 35a, ozone generator 10, control unit ~ , power unit 5b, blower and heater 50a and 50b, and moisture agent storage 35.
Reference is now made to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows a process description for a system that can be used in remote areas. A solar power unit 5 is used to provide the power to the system and water is treated and returned to the water reservoir 50. As will be seen from Figure 7, control unit 1 controls ozone generator 10 and water cycling unit 15.
Control unit 1 further receives feedback from liquid soap storage area 95 for monitoring purposes.
Liquid soap storage 95 provides liquid soap to liquid soap dispenser 100 which provides liguid soap to mixing unit 30. Water cycling unit 15 provides water to mixing unit 30 and ozone generator 10 creates ozone which is dispensed through ozone dispensing unit into mixing unit 30. A moisture agent storage unit 35 may also be monitored from control unit 1. Moisture agent dispenser 90 dispenses into mixing unit 30.
Mixing unit provides water, or water mixed with soap, ozone or moisture agent to faucet 40 and 20 this waste water is located in basin 45. The water is then treated through water treatment 55 which is also controlled by control unit 1 and clean water sent to a water reservoir 60. Water reservoir 60 provides water to water cycling unit 15.
A hot air unit which is controlled by control unit 1 provides hot air to faucet 40 and thus allows drying to occur at the same location as the water dispensing.
25 The remote system of Figure T further includes the fee charger 65, camera 70, monitorlgraphics display 75, microphonelspeaker unit 80, and communications unit 85 as in Figure 1.

A further alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 10.
Figure 10 displays a process and system for a typical food handling environment or in hospitals where both power and water supply are readily available. In this system, control unit 1 uses a fixed power unit 5. control unit 1 controls water cycling unit 15 and monitors disinfectant agent generator storage 10, disinfectant agent generatorlstorage 95, and moisture agent storage 35. Water is discharged from water cycling unit 15 into mixing unit 30.
Disinfectant agent storage 10 provides disinfectant to disinfectant agent dispenser 25 which is .then provided to mixing unit 30. Disinfectant agent generator storage 95 provides disinfectant to disinfectant agent dispenser 100 which is then also provided to mixing unit 30. More than one disinfectant agent can be used within one wash system.
The sequence of the agents, amount and timing are controlled by the control unit which also controls dispensers 25 and °100.
Moisture agent storage 35 provides moisture agent to moisture agent dispenser 90.
Moisture agent dispenser 90 is controlled by control unit 1, and provides moisture agent to mixing unit 30. Mixing unit 30 is also controlled by control unit 1.
Vllater and water mixed with disinfectant agents and moisturizing agents is supplied to faucet 40. Faucet 40 is monitored by control unit 1 and provides water, disinfectant agent and moisturizing agent to the user's hands.
Waste water is collected in basin 45 and is sent to waste water disposal. A
hot air unit 50 further is controlled by control unit 1 and is sent to faucet 40 upon completion of the wash cycle in order to dry user's hands.
The system of Figure 10 further includes a camera ?0, a monitor and graphics display 75, a microphone and speaker 80, and a communications unit 85.
Reference is now made to Figure 11. Figure 11 displays thE: system for a user washing his hands in a hospital or food handling area. A person arrives in the wash area in step 530. In step 535, a camera takes a picture of the person. The system then moves to step 540. In step 540 it is determined whether the person is an err~ployee of the hospital or food handling area. This can be accomplished by either face recognition technology or through user input. Other ways of recognizing whether a person is employed would be evident to those skilled in the art.
If the person is an employee, the camera takes a picture of the person when the person leaves in step 545. The system then moves to step 550. In step 550, the system determines whether the individual washed his or her hands before he or she left. If the person did wash their hands, the system waits for the next employee.
Otherwise, the system moves to step 555. In step 555, a communication unit 85 is used to send a message to central control unit. The central control unit 560 receives a message and an alarm message 565 is sent indicating that the employee did not wash his or her hands. The system then moves back to step 530 in which it monitors the area for the next individual entering.
The present system may further be used in areas where power is plentiful or where water supply would not be plentiful. Such areas include special events, such as outdoor concerts, or parks where power can readily be supplied but where water supply might be limited.
A control unit 1 is supplied power by power unit 5, such power being readily available.
This system has the normal outputs as in Figure 1, including fee charger 65, camera 70, monitor/graphics display 75, microphone/speakers 80, and communications unit 85.
Control unit 1 further controls the water cycling unit 15, arid monitors moisture agent storage 35, and liquid soap storage 10. Water is sent from water cycling unit 15 to mixing unit 30 which is also controlled by controller 1. Mixing unit 30 further has inputs from moisture agent dispenser 90 which receives moisture agent from moisture agent storage 35. Moisture agent dispenser 90 is controlled by control unit 1.
Mixing unit 30 also has an input from liquid soap dispenser 25 which receives liquid soap from liquid soap storage 10 and which is also controlled by control unit 1.

Mixing unit 30 mixes water and agent based on the inputs supplied from the control unit and sends this output to faucet 40. Faucet 40 is monitored by control unit 1 and provides water and liquid soap and moisture agent to user pursuant to a predetermined wash cycle. This water is dispensed through faucet 40 and is captured in basin where it is sent to a water treatment unit 55. Water is treated in water treatment unit 55 as controlled through control unit 1 and is sent back to a water reservoir 60.
Water reservoir 60 can thus provide water cycling unit 15.
Hot air unit 50, which is also controlled by control unit 1, cans provide hot air to faucet 40.
This is used in the drying cycle and can be utilized without the user having to move his or her hands from the wash area.
Reference is now made to Figure 13. The present invention may also be used in locations such as homes, schools and daycares where power and water supply are readily available. The process in this case can be initiated by a manual switch or through sensor or other electronic signals. The dispensing unit mixing process can be driven by flowing water. A disinfectant agent can be regular soap. The water process will use soap mixed with water ~~or 45 seconds and then pure water running for seconds. In this way, children can be taught to keep washing hands until the hot air dries their hands, aiding children tv wash their hands with soap and saving water. This remedies the situation in which children generally forget to use soap.
In Figure 13, a control unit 1 uses a standard power supply 5. Control unit 1 controls water cycling unit 15 which draws water from the regular water supply and provides water to the mixing unit 30.
Control unit 1 further monitors disinfectant agent generator/storage 10 and controls disinfectant agent dispenser 25 which combine to provide disinfectant agent to mixing unit 30.
Control unit 1 further monitors liquid soap storage 95 and controls liquid soap dispenser 100 to provide liquid soap to mixing unit 30.

NBixing unit 30 provides water or water and soap and disinfectant agent combination to faucet 40 for a predetermined cycle. This water is collected in basin 45 and is disposed of in a waste water disposal.
A hot air unit 50 is controlled by control unit 1 to provide hot air through faucet 40 to dry a user's hands.
A moisture agent storage 35 and a moisture agent dispenser 90 can provide mixing unit 30 with moisturizing agents.
!n the case of a manual switch, one example of implementing the system is shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 is a typical system which can be used in homes where water supply is available and a manual switch is adequate. The whole process is initiated by pushing down switch 735. Switch 735 is hinged on hinge 720 and when the far end 710 rises, it lifts valve body 705.
Water flows through valve 700 and is injected into venturi tube 800.
At the same time, the near end 730 of switch 735 lowers and pushes disinfectant agent I5 within chamber 750. This pushes valve body 770 down and disinfectant agent is allowed to flow into openings 785 and 790 and into venturi tube 800.
VIPater and disinfectant agents are mixed inside venturi tube 800 and the mixture then flows into faucet 40.
Since rod 740 blocks opening 745, no further disinfectant agent can get into chamber 750.
During the wash process, clean water follows the mixed water and disinfectant agent cycle and rinses off the hands. ~Illhen the washing process is finished, the user lifts switch 750, which in turn pushes down rod 705 to close valve 700 and cut off the water.
Further, rod 740 will be lifted and will suck disinfectant agent from storage 810 through 815 and opening 745 to provide disinfectant agent to chamber 750 for the next wash process.
Spring 775 closes valve body 770 to ensure no leakage between chamber 750 and venturi area 800.
The mixing process is driven by the flowing water. Disinfectant agent is a liquid soap.
There is also no hot air in the present embodiment.
The embodiment of Figure 14 ensures that people use soap to wash their hands and saves both water and soap. A further option includes a laypass soap switch so that people can choose to use water only.
As one skilled in the art will realize, the device of Figure 14. is only one example of the implementation of the present invention and other means to implement the present invention will be evident to those skilled in the art.
Reference is now made to Figure 15. Figure 15 shows a network of wash systems.
This can be used, for example, when wash systems are situated around an event area.
A single central control unit with a network connection can connect to al! of these wash systems and thus eliminate the requirements for a control unit within each of these wash systems.
As will be clear to one skilled in the art, other means of implementing the present invention are also possible. The present invention is not meant to be limited by the above examples and is only limited by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A wash system comprising:
a water source;
a disinfection agent source;
a mixer with an input and an output, said input of said mixer connected to said water source and said disinfection agent source, said mixer being capable of receiving water alone or both water and disinfection agent;
a water conveying means to convey water from said water source to said mixer;
a disinfection agent conveying means to convey disinfection agent from said disinfection agent source to said mixer;
a faucet connected to said output of said mixer, said faucet providing output from said mixer to a user;
a basin to receive water from said faucet;
a sensor to detect predetermined activation conditions for the system;
a controller to receive input from said sensor for controlling said water conveying means and said disinfection agent conveying means; and a power source to provide power to said wash system.

2. The wash system of claim 1, wherein said water source is a storage located within said wash system.

3. The wash system of either claim 1 or 2, wherein said disinfection agent source is a storage located within said wash system.

4. The wash system of either claim 1 or 2, wherein said disinfection agent source is an ozone generator.

5. The wash system of claim 2, wherein said wash system further comprises a water treatment system, said water treatment system treating water from said basin.

6. The wash system of claim 5, wherein clean water from said water treatment system is returned to said water storage.

7. The wash system of claim 6, wherein said water treatment system includes filters.

8. The wash system of claim 7, wherein said water treatment system further includes an oil separator.

9. The wash system of either claim 6 or 7, wherein said water treatment system further includes a neutralization system.

10. The wash system of arty of claims fi to 9, wherein said water treatment system further includes an adsorption system.

11. The wash system of any of claims 6 to 10, wherein said water treatment system further includes a reverse osmosis system.

12. The wash system of any of claims 6 to 11, wherein said water treatment system further includes an ion exchange system.

13. The was system of any of claims 6 to 12, wherein said water treatment system further includes a gas stripping system.

14. The wash system of any of claims 6 to 13, wherein said water treatment system further includes an advanced oxidation system.

15. The wash system of any of claims 6 to 14, wherein said water treatment system further includes a disinfection system.

16. The wash system of claim 15, wherein said disinfection system includes ultraviolet radiation.

17. The wash system of either claim 15 or 16, wherein said disinfection system includes the use of ozone.

18. The wash system of any of claims 6 to 17, wherein said wash system has no external water source.

19. The wash system of any of claims 6 to 18, wherein said power source includes solar panels.

20. The wash system of claim 19, wherein said wash system includes no external power source.

21. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein said wash system further includes an air blower, said air blower being connected to said faucet and controlled by said controller to provide a drier for said user.

22. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein said wash system further comprises a moisturizing agent source and a moisturizing agent conveying means, said moisturizing agent source being connected to said input of said mixer and said moisturizing agent conveying means being controlled by said controller.

23. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein said wash system further comprises a second disinfection agent source and a second disinfection agent conveying means, said second disinfection agent source being connected to said input of said mixer and said second disinfection agent conveying means being controlled by said controller.

24. The wash system of claim 23, wherein said controller can allow varied combinations of disinfection agents into said mixer.

25. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 24, wherein said sensor includes a microphone to receive a voice command.

26 26. The wash system of claim 25, wherein said wash cycle is determined based on said voice command.

27. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 24, wherein said sensor includes an infrared sensor to detect the presence of a user.

28. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 27, wherein said sensor includes a camera to detect the presence of a user.

29. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 28, wherein said wash system includes a graphics display to communicate with said user.

30. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 29, wherein said wash system includes a speaker to communicate with said user.

31. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 30, wherein said wash system further includes a communications unit.

32. The wash system of claim 31, wherein said communications unit is capable of communicating with a central monitoring station.

33. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 32, wherein said water conveying means includes a pump and valve, wherein said pump and valve are controllable by said controller.

34. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 32, wherein said water conveying means includes water pressure from an external source to said wash system and a valve controllable by said controller.

35. The wash system of any of claims 1 to 34, wherein said disinfection conveying means includes a pump and valve, wherein the pump and valve are controllable by said controller.

36. A wash system for a remote location comprising:
a self contained water storage;
a disinfection agent source;
a mixer with an input and an output, said input of said mixer connected to said water storage and said disinfection agent source, said mixer being capable of receiving water alone or both water and disinfection agent;
a water pump to convey water from said water storage to said mixer;
a water valve located between said mixer and said water storage;
a disinfection agent conveying means to convey disinfection agent from said disinfection agent source to said mixer;
a faucet connected to said output of said mixer, said faucet providing output from said mixer to a user;
a basin to receive water from said faucet;
a water treatment system to treat water from said basin and return clean water to said water storage;
a sensor to detect predetermined activation conditions for the system;
a controller to receive input from said sensor for controlling said water pump, said water valve and said disinfection agent conveying means; and a power source to provide power to said wash system.

37. The water system of claim 36, wherein said power source includes a solar panel.

38. The wash system of either claim 36 or 37, wherein said disinfection agent source is a storage located within said wash system.

39. The wash system of either claim 36 or 37, wherein said disinfection agent source is an ozone generator.

40. The wash system of claim 36, wherein said water treatment system includes filters.

41. The wash system of claim 40, wherein said water treatment system further includes an oil separator.

42. The wash system of either claim 40 or 41, wherein said water treatment system further includes a neutralization system.

43. The wash system of any of claims 40 to 42, wherein said water treatment system further includes an adsorption system.

44. The wash system of any of claims 40 to 43, wherein said water treatment system further includes a reverse osmosis system.

45. The wash system of any of claims 40 to 44, whereon said water treatment system further includes an ion exchange system.

46. The was system of any of claims 40 to 45, wherein said water treatment system further includes a gas stripping system.

47. The wash system of any of claims 40 to 46, wherein said water treatment system further includes an advanced oxidation system.

48. The wash system of any of claims 40 to 47, wherein said water treatment system further includes a disinfection system.

49. The wash system of claim 48, wherein said disinfection system includes ultraviolet radiation.

50. The wash system of either claim 48 or 49, wherein said disinfection system includes the use of ozone.

51. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 50, wherein said wash system has no external water source.

52 The wash system of any of claims 36 to 51, wherein said wash system further includes an air blower, said air blower being connected to said faucet and controlled by said controller to provide a drier for said user.

53. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 52, wherein said wash system further comprises a moisturizing agent source and a moisturizing agent conveying means, said moisturizing agent source being connected to said input of said mixer and said moisturizing agent conveying means being controlled by said controller.

54. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 53, wherein said wash system further comprises a second disinfection agent source and a second disinfection agent conveying means, said second disinfection agent source being connected to said input of said mixer and said second disinfection agent conveying means being controlled by said controller.

55. The wash system of claim 54, wherein said controller can allow varied combinations of disinfection agents into said mixer.

56. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 55, wherein said sensor includes a microphone to receive a voice command.

57. The wash system of claim 56, wherein said wash cycle is determined based on said voice command.

58. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 55, wherein said sensor includes an infrared sensor to detect the presence of a user.

59. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 58, wherein said sensor includes a camera to detect the presence of a user.

60. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 59, wherein said wash system includes a graphics display to communicate with said user.

61. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 60, wherein said wash system includes a speaker to communicate with said user.

62. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 61, wherein said wash system further includes a communications unit.

63. The wash system of claim 62, wherein said communications unit is capable of communicating with a central monitoring station.

64. The wash system of any of claims 36 to 63, wherein said disinfection conveying means includes a pump and valve, wherein the pump and valve are controllable by said controller.

65. A wash system for monitoring whether a predetermined individual washes his hands before leaving an area, said was system comprising:
a detection means to detect whether an individual has washed his hands;
a camera; and a communications system;
whereby said camera is used to determined whether said individual who leaves said area without washing his hands is a predetermined individual and if so, sending a signal using said communications system to raise an alarm.

66. A manual wash system comprising:
a switch to activate said system;
a water inlet;
a venturi tube;
a valve connected to and opened by said switch, said valve permitting water to flow from said water inlet into said venturi tube;
a disinfectant chamber connected to said venturi tube, said disinfectant chamber emptying its contents into said venturi tube when said switch is activated;
and a nozzle to dispense the contents of said venturi tube;

whereby activating said switch causes water and disinfectant to mix in said venturi tube, and whereby continued activation of said switch causes water to flush said disinfectant from said venturi tube to create a water rinse.

67. The manual wash system of claim 66, wherein said disinfectant chamber includes an intake for disinfectant, said intake allowing disinfectant to flow into said chamber when said switch is deactivated.

68. The manual wash system of claim 67, wherein said switch includes a rod with a pivot point about a mid-section of said rod.

69. The manual wash system of claim 68, wherein a first end of said rod is connected to and operably controls said valve.

70. The manual wash system of claim 69, wherein said rod is connected at a second point to said disinfectant chamber, said second point located on the opposite side of said pivot point to said first end.