AUTOMATIC HYGIENIC TOILET SEAT WITH WIRELESS PROXIMITY SENSOR AND CONTROLLER

Abstract

A system that can include at least one wireless proximity sensor, at least one wireless seat controller, and at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat. The at least one wireless proximity sensor can be configured to detect an object within a predetermined proximity to the infrared sensor and to emit a signal to the wireless seat controller. The at least one wireless seat controller can be configured to receive a signal from the at least one wireless proximity sensor and to activate a motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat to dispense a sanitary tubular material to cover the seat portion of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to automatic hygienic toilet seats and more specifically to automatic hygienic toilet seats having controllers operated by wireless proximity sensors.

2. Description of the Related Art

A variety of automated toilet devices are known. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,448 is directed to an electro-mechanical assembly for advancing a sanitary tubular protective covering around a toilet seat. The covering is stored on a reel, and pulled off from the reel as it is replaced, and the used covering is taken up on a second reel. An activation button can be depressed to actuate a switch assembly which, in turn, actuates a drive mechanism. By actuating the drive mechanism, the cover is moved through a predetermined distance in such a manner that when it is in the mounted position, the toilet seat body is completely surrounded by the sanitary tubular cover. An upper housing portion has an integral pressure blade for exerting a constant downward force on the advancing protective covering. The pressure ensures adequate contact between the covering and a counter shaft assembly which communicates magnetically with internal electronic circuitry.

Interaction with an activation button in a high-traffic public restroom can lead to exposure to germs, unless the activation button is regularly cleaned. Therefore, it is desirable to have a touch-less activator, such as an infrared proximity sensor, activate the automatic hygienic toilet seat controller. However, since the automatic hygienic toilet seat controller is intended for use in an area containing flowing water, various building code regulations may apply. Therefore, there is a need for a wireless connection between a proximity sensor and an automatic hygienic toilet seat controller.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments solve the above-identified problems by providing a system that can include at least one wireless proximity sensor, at least one wireless seat controller, and at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat. The at least one wireless proximity sensor can include an infrared sensor comprising an infrared light emitting diode and an infrared detector, a first microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter. The first microcomputer controller can include a processor configured to communicate with and to control the infrared sensor and the radio receiver-emitter. The at least one wireless proximity sensor can be configured to detect an object within a predetermined proximity to the infrared sensor and to emit a signal to the wireless seat controller. The at least one wireless seat controller can include a motor interface, a second microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter. The second microcomputer controller can include a processor configured to communicate with and to control the motor interface. The at least one wireless seat controller can be configured to receive a signal from the at least one wireless proximity sensor and to activate a motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat to dispense a sanitary tubular material to cover the seat portion of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat. According to various embodiments, the at least one wireless proximity sensor, and the at least one wireless seat controller can establish a bidirectional data link with each other to transmit data.

The at least one wireless proximity sensor can include a power supply and a battery to provide power thereto. The power supply can provide the at least one wireless proximity sensor with an operating time of more than 450 days. Similarly, the at least one wireless seat controller can include a power supply and a battery to provide power thereto. The power supply can provide the at least one wireless seat controller with an operating time of about 60 days.

The automatic hygienic toilet seat system can further include at least one visual indicator, and the automatic hygienic toilet seat system can be configured to prompt the at least one visual indicator to display an indication of the operational status of the at least one wireless proximity sensor, and/or the at least one wireless seat controller. The at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly can also include a backup activation button configured to activate the motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly to dispense the sanitary tubular material to cover the toilet seat.

According to certain embodiments, each wireless seat controller is paired to a single wireless proximity sensor to form a unique local area network. According to various other embodiments, the system can include a wireless access point. Each wireless proximity sensor can be paired to the wireless access point, and each wireless seat controller can be paired to the wireless access point. According to some embodiments, the wireless proximity sensor and the wireless seat controllers do not communicate directly to each other, but rather each wireless proximity sensor is paired only to the wireless access point, and each wireless seat controller is paired only to the wireless access point.

According to various other embodiments, the wireless access point can be connected to the internet, and the system can further include at least one end user device adapted to access the wireless access point via the internet.

The wireless access point can automatically send an alert message to the at least one end user device upon occurrence of at least one predetermined criterion. The alert message can be an indication of a current state of the at least one wireless proximity sensor, and/or the at least one wireless seat controller. The at least one predetermined criterion can be a proximity of the at least one end user device to the wireless access point, an occurrence of an error condition in the at least one wireless proximity sensor, an occurrence of an error condition in the at least one seat controller, and/or a termination of a predetermined time period. The error condition in the at least one wireless proximity sensor can be a low battery condition. The error condition in the at least one seat controller can be a low battery condition, and/or a low remaining amount of the sanitary tubular material.

The wireless access point can be configured to send a message to a plurality of wireless seat controllers to which it is paired to prompt each of the plurality of wireless seat controllers to activate the motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat to dispense the sanitary tubular material to cover the seat portion of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat.

The first microcomputer controller is configured to put the at least one wireless sensor into a sleep state. While in the sleep state, the at least one wireless proximity sensor has an average current consumption of approximately 30 μA. The second microcomputer controller can be configured to put the at least one wireless seat controller into a sleep state. While in sleep the at least one wireless seat controller has an average current consumption of approximately 1 mA.

The at least one wireless proximity sensor can further include a water-resistant cover, and the water-resistant cover can house all components of the at least one wireless proximity sensor. The water-resistant cover can include a clear lens disposed adjacently to the infrared sensor to allow infrared light to pass through. Similarly, the at least one wireless seat controller can further include a water-resistant cover, and the water-resistant cover can house all electronic components of the wireless seat controller.

According to various embodiments, a system can include a plurality of wireless proximity sensors, a plurality of wireless seat controllers, and a plurality of automatic hygienic toilet seats. One of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors, one of the plurality of wireless seat controllers, and one of the plurality of automatic hygienic toilet seats can be disposed in a plurality of adjacent restroom stalls. Each of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors can include an infrared sensor comprising an infrared light emitting diode and an infrared detector, a first microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter. The first microcomputer controller can include a processor configured to communicate with and to control the infrared sensor and the radio receiver-emitter. Each of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors can be configured to detect an object within a predetermined proximity to the infrared sensor and to emit a signal to one of the plurality of wireless seat controllers. Each of the plurality of wireless seat controllers can include a motor interface, a second microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter. The second microcomputer controller can include a processor configured to communicate with and to control the motor interface. Each of the plurality of wireless seat controllers can be configured to receive a signal from one of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors and to activate a motor assembly of one of the plurality of automatic hygienic toilet seats to dispense a sanitary tubular material to cover a seat portion of the one automatic hygienic toilet seat. Each of the plurality of wireless seat controllers can be uniquely paired to a single one of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors.

The automatic hygienic toilet seat system can also include at least one visual indicator. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system can be configured to prompt the at least one visual indicator to display an indication of the operational status of the wireless access point, the at least one wireless proximity sensor, and/or the at least one wireless seat controller. According to various embodiments, upon a failure of either the at least one wireless proximity sensor or the at least one wireless seat controller to establish a connection with the wireless access point, the at least one wireless proximity sensor and the at least one wireless seat controller can be configured to establish a bidirectional data link with each other to transmit data. As another fail-safe, the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly can also include a backup activation button configured to activate the motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly to dispense the sanitary tubular material to cover the toilet seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1: is a schematic diagram of a wireless proximity sensor;

FIG. 2: is a schematic diagram of a wireless seat controller;

FIG. 3: is a state diagram for the wireless seat controller;

FIG. 4: is a state diagram for the wireless proximity sensor;

FIG. 5: is a schematic diagram of a simple sensor/controller pair network;

FIG. 6: is a schematic diagram of a local area network with a central access point;

FIG. 7: is a schematic diagram of a local area network with a central access point, having cloud connectivity;

FIG. 8A: is a photograph of a first side of a single circuit card assembly (CCA) of a wireless seat controller;

FIG. 8B: is a photograph of a second side of a single circuit card assembly (CCA) of a wireless seat controller;

FIG. 9: is a photograph of a first side of a single circuit card assembly (CCA) of a wireless proximity sensor;

FIG. 10: is a photograph of a second side of a single circuit card assembly (CCA) of a wireless proximity sensor;

FIG. 11: is a photograph of a wireless proximity sensor enclosed in a puck-shaped housing;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an assembled toilet seat in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a toilet seat assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating improvements in the take-up region of the toilet seat assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial bottom view of a toilet seat having structural support ribs in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the inside surface of a top cover of the assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Some of the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments. The functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between hardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functional blocks (e.g., processors or memories) may be implemented in a single piece of hardware (e.g., a general purpose signal processor or a block or random access memory, hard disk or the like). Similarly, the programs may be stand-alone programs, may be incorporated as subroutines in an operating system, may be functions in an installed imagining software package, and the like.

It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention as well as to the examples included therein. All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an assembled improved hygienic toilet seat in accordance with various embodiments. The major structural components of the assembly include a base member 1, a top cover 2, a seat 24 and a mounting bracket 16. As assembled, base member 1 and top cover 2 form a housing for protecting various internal components, including a motor subassembly 13 and electronic circuitry (not shown in FIG. 12). The improved seat assembly further incorporates heat shrink wrapping 55 over the motor subassembly to prevent potentially harmful agents, such as cleaning chemicals, from deteriorating motor subassembly components. An activation button 5 is exposed through an opening in the top cover 2. A standard key lock 17 is provided for locking the top cover in place. In operation, the activation button is manually depressed to dispense the sanitary covering a sufficient length to provide a fresh seat covering. A mounting bracket 16 is provided for attaching the unit to the base of a toilet. End caps 3 extending through aligned circular openings in mounting bracket 16 and base member 1, allow the entire seat assembly to be rotated about an imaginary axis joining the centers of the end caps.

Structurally, components of the improved seat assembly are designed to provide improved mechanical strength. For instance, seat 24 has ribs extending completely around its underside. In particular, the ribs extend from end 24a to end 24b. Referring briefly to FIG. 15, a bottom view of seat end 24b is shown. Region 50 adjacent end 24b is generally thicker than the remainder of the seat. It is known to incorporate ribs to provide added structural support to the thinner portion of the seat. However, known seat assemblies have included support ribs 53 extending along the length of the seat terminating at the interface 51 between sections 50 and 52. According to the improved structure of the present invention, support ribs extend through the thickened section 50. As a result, the bending strength at interface 51 has been increased.

The improved seat assembly will now be described in more detail. Base member 1 preferably comprises a unitary molded plastic having a number of integrally molded support structures. In addition, the new seat assembly incorporates drain holes 57 extending through the bottom of the base member 1 to allow removal of fluids which could potentially accumulate in the housing and deteriorate internal components. Base member 1 includes partitions 30 and 31 for supporting a dispense roll shaft 54. Opposite ends of the dispense roll shaft are supported on recesses 32 formed in partitions 30 and 31. The improved seat assembly also incorporates integral stop mechanisms 33 for limiting horizontal movement of the dispense roll shaft.

The sanitary tubular cover material fits over free seat end 24a, which is not attached to the assembly. The cover material extends completely around the seat 24, over the counter shaft 4, and is ultimately rewound on a take-up shaft 37. The take-up shaft is supported at one end by spring plate 11 attached to the outer surface of partition 38. The opposite end of the take-up roll mates with drive motor hub 8 which is attached to a drive shaft (not shown) extending from an end of motor 13.

Toilet seat 24 has a slot 26 formed at one end for attachment of plate 34 and razor subassembly 25. Threaded studs 23 extending from attachment plate 9 pass through openings in base member 1 and plate 34. Attachment plates 9 and 34 are mechanically fastened to the base member. A portion of attachment plate 34 is integrally molded into slot 26 of seat 24.

Razor subassembly 25, which fits into a wider section of slot 26, has an integrally molded raised bump formed on its surface for mating with an opening in plate 34. This feature of the improved assembly provides a means for releasably locking the razor blade assembly in place. The razor extends at an obtuse angle in relation to the advancing covering material, and serves to slit the edge of the cover material in order to allow it to be pulled off and wound up on the take-up shaft. Referring briefly to FIG. 14, as the sanitary tubular cover material 40 is dispensed, the edge of the sanitary tubular covering adjacent the inside edge of the toilet seat contacts razor 35, slitting the side to allow it to pass plate 34 (not shown in FIG. 14) for receipt on take-up shaft 37. The improved seat assembly has an integral pressure plate 41 extending downward at an angle from the inner surface of top cover 2. Integral pressure plate 41 serves to press advancing cover material 40 against counter shaft 4 to improve contact between the cover material and the outer surface of the counter shaft.

Referring back to FIG. 13, counter shaft 4 is supported at one end by spring plate 12 attached to the outer surface of partition 38. The opposite end of counter shaft 4 is joined to magnet wheel 6 via counter drive shaft element 7 extending through an opening in motor support plate 39. Counter shaft 4 is preferably formed of a molded plastic and has a plurality of integrally molded raised surface portions for gripping advancing cover material. In particular, the raised surface portions improve friction between the advancing cover material and the counter shaft surface, thereby improving rotational precision of the counter shaft during advancement of the cover material. As previously stated, the improved seat assembly incorporates a pressure plate integrally molded into top cover 2. In an assembled state, the pressure plate applies a downward force on the advancing cover material to further improve contact between the advancing cover material and the counter shaft surface.

Magnet wheel 6 has a magnet 20 attached to an outer wheel surface. The magnet 20 faces and communicates with electronic circuitry mounted on a printed circuit board assembly 56. The electronic circuitry of the improved assembly precisely monitors the number of rotations of wheel 6. Rotation of wheel 6 is a direct result of rotation of counter shaft 4. Consequently, resistance in the advancement of cover material, which affects the rotation of shaft 4, is detected by the electronic circuitry. In contrast to known devices, the circuitry of the present invention is designed to halt operation of motor 13 in instances where a specified resistance level is encountered. Motor subassembly 13 is preferably supplied approximately 12 volts dc which can be supplied via a 12 v dc converter or, alternatively, the assembly can be operated with batteries.

According to various embodiments the counter shaft 4 serves to provide a consistent feedback on the amount of sanitary tubular material 40 that is dispensed. While the speed at which the tubular material is affected by the amount of material present on the take-up shaft 37, the amount of dispensed material 40 is uniformly provided by the counter shaft 4. Another key feature of the counter shaft 4 is that the shaft is equipped with sharp, tooth-like serrating blades which pierce the tubular material. The openings generated by the serration blades allow air to escape from the tubular material as it is taken up by the take-up reel. This prevents the entrapment of air within the tubular material and the bloating of the material as it is taken up.

The assembly of the present invention can incorporate an activation button 5 operating independently of internal mechanical components, including the dispense and take up roll shafts. Consequently, activation of the assembly is not dependent upon the mechanical integrity of other assembly components. Furthermore, the button 5 has an improved ergonomic design which is less prone to damage by external forces. In a released state, the upper surface of activation button 5 lies substantially flush with the upper surface of top cover 2 and the sides of the button are bounded by the periphery of the opening in the top cover through which the button is exposed. As a result, activation button motion is limited to vertical displacement upon contact. The activation button 5 also has an integrally molded guide leg 42 which is received in an opening in push switch assembly support plate 10 to prevent rotation of activation button 5 as it is being depressed. Support plate 10 is mechanically fastened to support plate mounting structure 19 integrally formed in base member 1. The improved structural integrity has resulted in an assembly having a corresponding reduction in required maintenance.

FIG. 1 shows a wireless proximity sensor 100. FIG. 2 shows a wireless seat controller 200. The wireless proximity sensor 100 and the wireless seat controller 200 can be designed to operate as paired wireless devices. According to various embodiments, a single wireless proximity sensor 100 is paired with a single wireless seat controller 200 and a local network address identifier (ID) is used to form the logical pairing. Each controller/sensor pair can be assigned a unique ID at some point during the manufacturing or commissioning of the units. The unique ID can allow for the co-location of many sensor/controller pairs at a single location, all operating on one or more RF frequencies.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can be equipped with a low-power Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band radio 101. As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless seat controller 200 can also be equipped with a low-power ISM band radio 201. These two radios (101, 201) can operate with various modulation schemes over a wide range of frequencies. For the initial implementation, these radios (101, 201) can operate in the 902.000 to 928.000 MHz band that is open for unlicensed use in North America. The frequency band can be modified to support international installations.

Referring to FIG. 1, the radio 101 of the wireless proximity sensor 100 can include a receiver/transmitter 102 adapted to receive and to emit a radio link 103. Similarly, referring to FIG. 2, the radio 201 of the wireless proximity sensor 201 can include a receiver/transmitter 202 adapted to receive and to emit a radio link 203. The radio links (103, 203) can operate using a Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation technique. The radio links (103, 203) can transmit encrypted bidirectional packets of data between the wireless proximity sensor 100 and the wireless seat controller 200. “Bidirectional” data transfer means that the wireless proximity sensor 100 transmits certain data to the wireless seat controller 200 and the wireless seat controller 200 transmits certain data to the wireless proximity sensor 100. The “bidirectional” nature of the design is important for future expansion to include other sensor and controller types, as well as, wireless access points and expanded network operation. To prevent unauthorized interception or manipulation, all data can be encrypted using a private key pair that can be stored in a memory of both the wireless proximity sensor 100 and the wireless seat controller 200 during programming of microcomputer controller 104 of the wireless proximity sensor 100 and during programming of the microcomputer controller 204 of the wireless seat controller 200.

Referring to FIG. 1, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can also include a power supply 105 and a battery 106 to supply power, to the radio 101, to the microcomputer controller 104, to status light emitting diodes (LEDs) 107, to an infrared (IR) detector 108, and to an infrared LED 109. Power is preferably supplied via battery 106, but any power source may be employed including but not limited to hardwired power lines or solar power. Battery 106 can be a single BR-3032 coin cell primary battery. Battery power is preferable, because it avoids the need to position the wireless proximity sensor 100 in association with a pre-existing hardwired power line and also avoids the need to break through existing walls to tap into a hardwired power line. The ability to avoid tapping into a pre-existing hardwired power line is particularly beneficial because the wireless proximity sensor 100 is designed to be used in association with wireless seat controller 200, which is part of a toilet seat. Therefore, wireless proximity sensor 100 is intended for use in an area containing flowing water and various building code regulations may apply, rendering tapping into a pre-existing hardwired power line more costly or difficult. In addition to supplying power via the battery 106, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can be encased in a water-resistant casing.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the infrared LED 109 can emit infrared light 110. The infrared light 110 can rebound off of a detected object 111 to be detected by the IR detector 108. The IR detector 108 can communicate to the microcomputer controller 104 which can determine whether a predetermined threshold has been met and prompt radio 101 to transmit encrypted data to the wireless seat controller 200 via a data link 103. The status LEDs 107 can provide a visual indication to a user as to whether a gesture made in the direction of the wireless proximity sensor 100 has been received and processed, as well as, an indication of whether the wireless proximity sensor 100 is active and operational. In response to a status LED, indicating that the wireless system is not operational or that a link cannot be established between the wireless proximity sensor 100 and the wireless seat controller 200, the user can resort to an alternative method of activating the seat controller 200, such as the activation button 5 or a wired proximity sensor.

As shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can comprise a single circuit card assembly (CCA). The wireless proximity sensor 100 can be housed in an enclosure 1100. The enclosure can be formed from a plastic material such as a thermoplastic, a thermoset, or a bio-based degradable polymer. A particularly preferred polymer is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The enclosure can be circular and puck-shaped. A clear, acrylic lens can cover the electronics, i.e., the IR LED 109 in the IR detector 108.

The wireless proximity sensor 100 can measure battery voltage via an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC). The wireless proximity sensor 100 can provide ultra-low power consumption. The microcomputer controller 204 can be reprogrammable via a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) test/debug interface and can include a modifiable firmware application program stored on a computer readable medium to implement the required logic and radio operations.

Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless seat controller 200 can include a power supply 205. The power supply 205 can be supplied with power via a battery or via a hardwired power line 206. The power supply 206 can supply power to radio 201, to the microcomputer controller 204, and to status LED lights 207. The status LEDs 207 can provide a visual indication to a user as to whether a gesture made in the direction of the wireless proximity sensor 100 has been transmitted via a data link (103, 203) to the wireless seat controller 200. The LED lights 207 can also indicate whether the wireless seat controller 200 is active and operational. In response to a status LED, indicating that the wireless system is not operational or that a link cannot be established between the wireless proximity sensor 100 and the wireless seat controller 200, the user can resort to an alternative method of activating the seat controller 200, such as the activation button 5 or a wired proximity sensor.

Still referring to FIG. 2, when radio 201 receives a data link 203 from the wireless proximity sensor 100, indicating that an object 111 has been detected by the IR detector 108, the radio 201 can communicate with the microcomputer controller 204. Thereafter, the microcomputer controller 204 can activate motor interface 208, prompting the motor interface 208 to send a signal 209 to motor assembly 13 (as shown in FIG. 13). The signal 209 can switch ON the motor assembly 13 so as to cause advancement of the sanitary tubular cover material 40 around the seat 24, causing counter shaft 4 to rotate. According to various embodiments, the advancing cover material can be forced against the outer surface of counter shaft 4 by pressure plate 41. Rotation of the counter shaft 4 effects corresponding rotation of magnet 20 on magnet wheel 6. At seat end 24b, the left inside-facing edge of the cover is slit by a razor assembly 25 in order to allow it to be wound up on take-up shaft 37. A drive shaft extending from motor assembly 13 rotates hub 8 which, in turn, rotates the take-up shaft. As the take-up shaft is rotated, cover material is pulled off of the dispenser shaft roll and dispensed around toilet seat 24. The amount of material dispensed is determined by rotation of counter shaft 4.

Specifically, rotations can be computed by the wireless seat controller 200, which can tracks the rotation of magnet 20 on magnet wheel 6 using a reed switch 214, as shown in FIG. 8B. The reed switch 214 is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. The reed switch 214 can include a pair of contacts on ferrous metal reeds in a hermetically sealed glass envelope. The contacts may be normally open, closing when a magnetic field is present, or normally closed and opening when a magnetic field is applied. The switch may be actuated by a coil, making a reed relay, or by bringing a magnet near to the switch 214. Once the magnet is pulled away from the reed switch 214, the reed switch 214 will go back to its original position. Where specified resistance limits are exceeded, the wireless seat controller 200 can communicate with motor assembly 13 to halt operation of the motor, via motor interface 208 sending a signal 209 to switch OFF the motor assembly.

According to various other embodiments, activation button 5 can be pushed to actuate switch assembly 15 for activating motor assembly 13 or for sending a signal 212 to the I/O interface 210. The I/O interface 210 can, in turn, communicate with motor interface 208 to send a signal 209 to switch ON the motor assembly 13. According to various other embodiments, a wired proximity sensor can be implemented to send a signal 213 directly to the I/O interface 210 to prompt the motor interface 28 to send a signal 209 to switch ON the motor assembly 13.

Photographs of a single circuit card assembly (CCA) implementation of a wireless seat controller 200 are shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, wherein similar reference numerals refer to similar components as described with respect to FIG. 2. FIG. 8A shows a first side of the CCA and FIG. 8B shows a second side of the CCA.

The wireless seat controller 200 can measure battery voltage via an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) and can also measure the current of motor assembly 13 via ADC. The wireless seat controller 200 can operate an input voltages within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, and 15 Volts DC. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, the wireless seat controller 200 can operate an input voltages of from 6-14 Volts DC. The wireless seat controller 200 can include a back electromotative force (EMF) snubber and a load dump tolerant power supply 205 to prevent damage due to DC motor back EMF. The wireless seat controller 200 can provide ultra-low power consumption. The microcomputer controller 204 can be reprogrammable via a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) test/debug interface and can include a modifiable firmware application program stored on a computer readable medium to implement the required logic and radio operations.

FIG. 3 is a state diagram 300 for the wireless seat controller 200. At item 301 the wireless seat controller 200 can be reset. Upon being reset, hardware can be initialized at item 302, radio 201 can be initialized at item 303, and timers, which can be programmatic components of the microcomputer controller 204 can be initialized at item 304. After initialization, if no data or commands are received then the wireless seat controller 200 can enter a sleep or idle state at item 305. When in a sleep or idle state at item 305, the wireless seat controller 200 is not completely switched OFF, and remains able to poll the poll timer and/or the timeout timer. More specifically, the poll timer interrupt can cause the wireless seat controller 200 to exit the sleep state and, using the radio 201, poll the wireless proximity sensor 100 at a frequency within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60 times per second. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, the poll timer interrupt can cause the wireless seat controller 200 to exit the sleep state and, using the radio 201, poll the wireless proximity sensor 100 at a frequency of about 2 times per second. If no wireless proximity sensor 100 response, then the wireless seat controller 200 can return to the sleep state. If a wireless proximity sensor is active, then the wireless seat controller 200 can continue through the states shown in FIG. 3. According to various embodiments, the wireless seat controller 200 is an “ultra-low power consumption” device. Key to achieving “ultra-low power consumption” consumption is the use of a low-power sleep mode. As shown in FIG. 3, following initialization, the wireless seat controller 200 enters the sleep state. While in sleep the wireless seat controller 200 can have an average current consumption within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and 5 mA. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, while in sleep the wireless seat controller 200 can have an average current consumption of approximately 1 mA.

The initialized timers can include a poll time and a timeout timer. The poll timer can be set to expire after a time period within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, 880, 890, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 11000, 12000, 13000, 14000, 15000, 16000, 17000, 18000, 19000, and 20000 ms. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, the poll timer can be set to expire after a time period of about 500 ms. The operating time for the wireless seat controller 200 using standard 2.5 AH battery pack can be within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, and 120 days. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, the operating time for the wireless seat controller 200 using standard 2.5 AH battery pack can be about 60 days.

The timeout timer can be set to expire after a time period within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 seconds. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, the timeout timer can be set to expire after a time period of about 10 seconds. Initializing the timers can comprise programmatically instantiating and activating the timers with a predefined expiration time or activating one or more physical timers.

Still referring to FIG. 3, at item 306, the poll timer can be continuously polled to determine whether the predefined expiration time has expired. When the poll timer's predefined expiration time has expired, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can be polled via radio 201 of the wireless seat controller 200. If no response is received from the wireless proximity sensor 100 via a data link (103, 203), then the wireless seat controller 200 can enter into a sleep or idle state as shown in item 305. If a response is received from the wireless proximity sensor 100 via a data link (103, 203), then sensor data can be received as shown in item 308. If the data link (103, 203) indicates that an object 111 has been detected, then the wireless seat controller 200 can start the timeout timer, meaning that the initialized timeout timer can begin its countdown from the pre-determined expiration time. In addition to starting the timeout timer, the wireless seat controller 200 can also switch ON motor assembly 13. In addition to receiving data specifying that an object 111 has been detected by the wireless proximity sensor 100, the wireless seat controller 200 can receive data from a wired proximity sensor as shown at item 311 or from a activation button 5 as shown in item 312. In either case the timeout timer can be started as shown in item 309 and the motor assembly 13 can be switched ON as shown in item 310.

If the timeout timer expires as shown at item in 313 then the motor assembly 13 can be switched off as shown at item 314. Alternatively, a reed switch interrupt can be provided as shown at item 316. The reed switch 214 can provide a count of the number of rotations of the counter shaft 4. A running tally of the rotation of counter shaft 4 can be kept as shown at item 315 and when a predetermined number of rotations is reached the motor assembly 13 can be shut off as shown at item 314.

FIG. 4 is a state diagram 400 for the wireless proximity sensor 100. At item 301 the wireless proximity sensor 100 can be reset. Upon being reset, hardware can be initialized at item 402, radio 101 can be initialized at item 403, and timers, which can be programmatic components of the microcomputer controller 104 can be initialized at item 404. After initialization, if no data or commands are received then the wireless proximity sensor 100 can enter a sleep or idle state at item 405. As with the wireless seat controller 200, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can be an “ultra-low power consumption” device. The use of a low-power sleep mode helps to enable ultralow power consumption. As shown in FIG. 4, following initialization, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can enter into a sleep or idle state. While in the sleep or idle state, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can have an average current consumption within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150 μA. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, while in the sleep or idle state, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can have an average current consumption of approximately 30 μA. The operating time for the wireless proximity sensor 100 using a VR-3032 battery can be within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, 480, 485, 490, 495, 500, 505, 510, 515, 520, 525, 530, 535, 540, 545, 550, 555, 560, 565, 570, 575, 580, 585, 590, 595, 600, 605, 610, 615, 620, 625, 630, 635, 640, 645, 650, 655, 660, 665, 670, 675, 680, 685, 690, 695, 700, 705, 710, 715, 720, 725, 730, 735, 740, 745, 750, 755, 760, 765, 770, 775, 780, 785, 790, 795, and 800 days. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, the operating time for the wireless proximity sensor 100 using a VR-3032 battery can be more than 450 days.

As has been discussed the wireless proximity sensor 100 and the wireless seat controller 200 can be designed to operate with extremely low power consumption. Attention to power consumption is required due to the fact that, according to various embodiments, batteries can be used to energize both the sensor and controller. The wireless proximity sensor 100 has the most acute sensitivity to power consumption, since frequent battery maintenance would undermine its usefulness. The innovative state machine design according to various embodiments of the wireless proximity sensor 100 can minimize battery consumption by only entering the high-power receive mode when activated by the IR proximity detector 18. The wireless seat controller 200 can periodically enter an active mode and poll for its paired wireless proximity sensor 100. The frequency of this polling can be related to the frequency of the proximity sensing used by the wireless proximity sensor 100 and can be frequent enough to allow for easy and natural human operation.

Additionally, when in a sleep or idle state at item 405, the wireless proximity sensor 100 is not completely switched OFF, and remains able to poll any initialized timers. More specifically, the IR LED 109 can pulse infrared light at a regular interval. The regular interval can be within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, and 300 ms. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, the regular interval can be approximately every 200 ms. Any IR LED 109 pulses infrared light, the IR detector 108 can sense the amount of IR energy reflected from a detected objects 111. When the reflected energy exceeds a predetermined threshold, indicating that an object 111 is within the sensors proximity, the IR detector 108 Interrupt the microcomputer controller 104. As shown in the state diagram 400, this proximity detector interrupt as shown in item 406 can cause the sensors to enter an active received mode and wait for a poll message from the wireless seat controller 200. Upon receipt of the poll message, the sensor can respond with a data message, indicating that I proximity detector event has occurred. Should the controller not poll the sensor with you receive state timeout, the sensor returns to a low-power sleep state. More generally, upon detecting an object 111 as shown at item 406 the wireless proximity sensor 100 can enable radio receiver 101 as shown at item 407 and can also start a reception timeout timer. The reception timeout timer can be set to expire after a time period within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, 880, 890, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 11000, 12000, 13000, 14000, 15000, 16000, 17000, 18000, 19000, and 20000 ms. For example, according to certain preferred embodiments, the reception timeout timer can be set to expire after a time period of about 500 ms. if the reception timeout timer expires prior to establishing a data link (103, 203) with the wireless seat controller 200, then as shown in item 411 the wireless proximity sensor 100 can enter into a sleep state as shown at item 405. On the other hand is a data link (103, 203) is established between the wireless proximity sensor 100 and the wireless seat controller 200, then the wireless proximity sensor 100 can transmit data to the wireless seat controller 200 as shown in item 410. Thereafter, the wireless proximity sensor 100 can enter into a sleep state as shown at 405.

The wireless seat controller 200 and the wireless proximity sensor 100 can be designed to allow for future expansion. The use of flexible, extensible packet data network topology allows for the eventual inclusion of other sensor types, access points, and cloud-based server supporting subscription services. The existing sensor/controller design can be used within the future network/service offerings. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network 500 including three individually paired wireless seat controllers 200 and wireless proximity sensors 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5, each sensor/controller pair (100/200) forms a separate, isolated local area network. Each sensor/controller pair can be located in a separate restroom stall 501.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a wireless access point 601 can be added. The wireless access point 601 can operate on a local Wi-Fi network. Each wireless seat controller 200 and each wireless proximity sensor 100 can be adapted to communicate only with the wireless access point 601, which can in turn communicate to each wireless seat controller 200 and each wireless proximity sensor 100. To support this expansion, the radio software stack used on each wireless seat controller 200 and on each wireless proximity sensor 100 can be adapted to support the inclusion of an always powered access point 601. An advantage of this network topology is that the wireless seat controllers 200 operation can be simplified resulting in greatly lowered power consumption. Additionally, other sensor types can be introduced as derivatives of the existing proximity sensor design. The other sensors can include but are not limited to a floor water sensor 604, a toilet shutoff valve leaks sensor 605, a temperature/humidity sensor 606, and/or an occupancy sensor 607.

Still referring to FIG. 6, various Wi-Fi equipped end-user devices, such as a computer 602 and a tablet device 603, can be equipped with a client application that operates in conjunction with the wireless access points 601. These end-user devices and client applications can be made to provide real-time service alerts such as a seat needing replacement of plastic material, low battery conditions, and alarms for other sensor types. A caveat for this system configuration is that the end-user devices must be within the RF range of the wireless access point 601. A typical use case would be a facilities worker enters a restroom with a tablet computer and the client application alerts the user to the current state of the restroom.

Referring to FIG. 7, an additional network topology is shown wherein the wireless access point 601 is connected to the Internet 701. In this configuration the wireless access points 601 can communicate via the Internet 701 to a cloud server 72. Real-time data can move from the wireless proximity sensor 100 and/or from the wireless seat controller 200 to the wireless access point 601, via the Internet 701 to the cloud server 702. From the cloud server 702, messages can be dispatched via email, text message, and to various client applications. This network can operate as a wide area network and users can receive status alerts from all of the wireless proximity sensors 100 and wireless seat controllers 200 that are registered to their account.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C §112, sixth paragraph. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C §112, sixth paragraph.

Claims

1. An automatic hygienic toilet seat system comprising:

at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly,

at least one wireless proximity sensor, and

at least one wireless seat controller;

the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly comprising: a toilet seat, a motor assembly, and a housing, enclosing the toilet seat and the motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly is configured to dispense a supply of sanitary tubular material around the toilet seat;

the at least one wireless proximity sensor comprising: an infrared sensor comprising an infrared light emitting diode and an infrared detector, a first microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter; the first microcomputer controller comprising a processor configured to communicate with and to control the infrared sensor and the radio receiver-emitter;

wherein the at least one wireless proximity sensor is configured to detect an object within a predetermined proximity to the infrared sensor and to emit a signal to the wireless seat controller;

the at least one wireless seat controller comprising: a motor interface, a second microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter; the second microcomputer controller comprising a processor configured to communicate with and to control the motor interface;

wherein the at least one wireless seat controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one wireless proximity sensor and to activate the motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly to dispense the sanitary tubular material to cover the toilet seat.

2. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless proximity sensor further comprises a battery to provide power thereto.

3. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless seat controller further comprises a battery to provide power thereto.

4. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, wherein each wireless seat controller is paired to a single wireless proximity sensor.

5. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, wherein the first microcomputer controller is configured to put the at least one wireless sensor into a sleep state, and wherein while in the sleep state, the at least one wireless proximity sensor has an average current consumption of approximately 30 μA.

6. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, wherein the second microcomputer controller is configured to put the at least one wireless seat controller into a sleep state, and wherein while in sleep the at least one wireless seat controller has an average current consumption of approximately 1 mA.

7. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless proximity sensor further comprises a water-resistant cover, and wherein the water-resistant cover houses all components of the at least one wireless proximity sensor.

8. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 7, wherein the water-resistant cover comprises a clear lens disposed adjacently to the infrared sensor.

9. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless seat controller further comprises a water-resistant cover, and wherein the water-resistant cover houses all electronic components of the wireless seat controller.

10. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly is water-resistant.

11. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless proximity sensor, and the at least one wireless seat controller establish a bidirectional data link with each other to transmit data.

12. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one visual indicator, and wherein the automatic hygienic toilet seat system is configured to prompt the at least one visual indicator to display an indication of the operational status of one selected from the group consisting of the at least one wireless proximity sensor, the at least one wireless seat controller, and combinations thereof.

13. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly further comprises a backup activation button configured to activate the motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly to dispense the sanitary tubular material to cover the toilet seat, whereby a user can selectively activate the motor assembly through the backup activation button in response to viewing the operational status indication on the at least one visual indicator.

14. An automatic hygienic toilet seat system comprising:

at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly,

at least one wireless proximity sensor,

at least one wireless seat controller, and

a wireless access point;

the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly comprising: a toilet seat, a motor assembly, and a housing, enclosing the toilet seat and the motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly is configured to dispense a supply of sanitary tubular material around the toilet seat;

the at least one wireless proximity sensor comprising: an infrared sensor comprising an infrared light emitting diode and an infrared detector, a first microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter; the first microcomputer controller comprising a processor configured to communicate with and to control the infrared sensor and the radio receiver-emitter;

wherein the at least one wireless proximity sensor is configured to detect an object within a predetermined proximity to the infrared sensor and to emit a signal to the wireless seat controller via the wireless access point;

the at least one wireless seat controller comprising: a motor interface, a second microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter; the second microcomputer controller comprising a processor configured to communicate with and to control the motor interface;

wherein the at least one wireless seat controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one wireless proximity sensor via the wireless access point and to activate the motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly to dispense the sanitary tubular material to cover the toilet seat.

15. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 14, wherein each wireless proximity sensor is paired to the wireless access point, and wherein each wireless seat controller is paired to the wireless access point.

16. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 14, wherein each wireless proximity sensor is paired only to the wireless access point, and wherein each wireless seat controller is paired only to the wireless access point.

17. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 14, wherein the wireless access point is connected to the internet, and wherein the system further comprises at least one end user device adapted to access the wireless access point via the internet.

18. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 17, wherein the wireless access point automatically sends an alert message to the at least one end user device upon occurrence of at least one predetermined criterion, wherein the alert message comprises an indication of a current state of one selected from the group consisting of the at least one wireless proximity sensor, the at least one wireless seat controller, and combinations thereof.

19. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 18, wherein the at least one predetermined criterion is selected from the group consisting of a proximity of the at least one end user device to the wireless access point, an occurrence of an error condition in the at least one wireless proximity sensor, an occurrence of an error condition in the at least one seat controller, and a termination of a predetermined time period.

20. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 19, wherein the error condition in the at least one wireless proximity sensor is a low battery condition.

21. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 19, wherein the error condition in the at least one seat controller is selected from the group consisting of a low battery condition, a low remaining amount of the sanitary tubular material, and combinations thereof.

22. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 14, wherein the wireless access point is configured to send a message to a plurality of wireless seat controllers to which it is paired to prompt each of the plurality of wireless seat controllers to activate the motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat to dispense the sanitary tubular material to cover the seat portion of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat.

24. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 14, further comprising at least one visual indicator, and wherein the automatic hygienic toilet seat system is configured to prompt the at least one visual indicator to display an indication of the operational status of one selected from the group consisting of the wireless access point, the at least one wireless proximity sensor, the at least one wireless seat controller, and combinations thereof.

25. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 14, wherein upon a failure of either the at least one wireless proximity sensor or the at least one wireless seat controller to establish a connection with the wireless access point, the at least one wireless proximity sensor and the at least one wireless seat controller establish a bidirectional data link with each other to transmit data.

26. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly further comprises a backup activation button configured to activate the motor assembly of the at least one automatic hygienic toilet seat assembly to dispense the sanitary tubular material to cover the toilet seat.

27. An automatic hygienic toilet seat system comprising:

a plurality of automatic hygienic toilet seat assemblies,

a plurality of wireless proximity sensors, and

a plurality of wireless seat controllers;

wherein one of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors, one of the plurality of wireless seat controllers, and one of the plurality of automatic hygienic toilet seats are disposed in a plurality of adjacent restroom stalls;

wherein each of the plurality of automatic hygienic toilet seat assemblies comprises: a toilet seat, a motor assembly, and a housing, enclosing the toilet seat and the motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly is configured to dispense a supply of sanitary tubular material around the toilet seat;

wherein each of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors comprises: an infrared sensor comprising an infrared light emitting diode and an infrared detector, a first microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter; the first microcomputer controller comprising a processor configured to communicate with and to control the infrared sensor and the radio receiver-emitter;

wherein each of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors is configured to detect an object within a predetermined proximity to the infrared sensor and to emit a signal to one of the plurality of wireless seat controllers;

wherein each of the plurality of wireless seat controllers comprises: a motor interface, a second microcomputer controller, and a radio receiver-emitter; the second microcomputer controller comprising a processor configured to communicate with and to control the motor interface;

wherein each of the plurality of wireless seat controllers is configured to receive a signal from one of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors and to activate a motor assembly of one of the plurality of automatic hygienic toilet seats to dispense a sanitary tubular material to cover a seat portion of the one automatic hygienic toilet seat,

wherein each of the plurality of wireless seat controllers is paired to a single one of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors.

28. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 27, wherein each of the plurality of wireless proximity sensors further comprises a battery to provide power thereto.

29. The automatic hygienic toilet seat system according to claim 27, wherein each of the wireless seat controllers further comprises a battery to provide power thereto.