Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, at an information handling device, an indication that an activity session has ended; determining, using a sensor, whether one or more user contact portions of the information handling device were cleaned after the indication was received; and performing, responsive to determining that the one or more user contact portions were not cleaned, a sanitary enforcement action. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided dispensing means having a housing 16 and a spray dispenser 13, the housing 16 having a first part and a second part, the housing being formed such that when it is in use the first part can be secured to a building construction above ground level such that the second part faces away from the first part, there being a space within the housing, the spray dispenser 13 adapted for detachably fitting to the housing within the space, the spray dispenser having a spray emitting portion 14 and a spray material storage portion 15, the spray emitting portion 14 and the spray material storage portion 15 being detachable with respect to one another, the dispensing means being formed such that when it is operational the spray dispenser 13 can, from substantially within the housing 16, automatically release a spray of the spray material to an area outside of the housing.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing device includes the step of entering a first active state, in which the detection of sensory input by a sensor initiates a first pattern activation sequence to energize a drive unit of the dispensing device for a first length of time and a second subsequent length of time to actuate a container. Upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, the device enters a second active state. The detection of sensory input in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to energize the drive unit for a third length of time and a fourth subsequent length of time to actuate a container if the sensory input is detected before a time period P lapses. The dispensing device initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the sensory input is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.

Abstract: Disclosed are automated aerosol dispensers for delivering chemicals (e.g. cleaners, fragrances, insect control agents) from the dispenser to selected locations (e.g. the air; a toilet bowl; a shower enclosure). There is an actuator (e.g. a push button or a foot pedal) for initiating dispensing, and a holder for an aerosol container. The aerosol container stores the chemical before use. There is a switch associated with the holder that recognizes when the aerosol container has been mounted to the holder, and when thereafter that aerosol container has been dismounted from the holder. A controller controls dispensing of the chemical from the aerosol container in response to actuation. The controller has a timer that determines the amount of time that chemical is to be delivered from the aerosol container upon the dispenser being actuated by the actuator. A database is provided for assisting the controller in varying the time that the timer permits dispensing in response to activation.

Abstract: An assembly and method for time delay actuation of a spray canister is provided whereby said time delay for actuation is selected by a user.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container having a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The dispensing system also includes an electro-responsive wire that imparts motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container.

Abstract: A dispenser incorporates, or can receive, a containment portion holding a quantity of dispensable material (e.g., a pesticide). The dispenser has an indicator and a sensor, which can sense a level of light in an environment immediately surrounding the dispenser. The dispenser is formed such that when it is in use it can be set to dispense the dispensable material in response to the sensor sensing a predetermined level of light. The dispenser is formed such that once it is activated to dispense the dispensable material it cannot be deactivated until the dispensable material has been dispensed in accordance with settings of the dispenser, and when the dispensable material has been dispensed in accordance with the settings the indicator indicates that this has occurred.

Abstract: An energy efficient dispenser for dispensing product from a container includes at least one indicator for displaying a first indication sequence when the dispenser is in a dispense mode operational state and a second indication sequence when the dispenser in a lockout mode operational state. Each indication sequence includes one or more activations of the at least one indicator, which utilize no more than 0.0625 mAh of energy to provide an indication to a user of the operational state of the dispenser.

Abstract: A spraying device (10) is described, the device comprising a housing (12) adapted to receive a refill (16) of fluid therein and having an aperture (14) suitable for permitting, in use, the spraying of a fluid therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means (24) configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device is provided with detection means (26) configured to distinguish between at least one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher reflectance on a spray head of said refill. Methods of operation of such a spraying device are also described.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having at least two aerosol containers disposed therein and an actuator arm. The dispensing unit activates in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor. The method also includes the step of selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the steps of applying a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a container and performing a startup procedure in response to applying the power source. The startup procedure also includes the step of performing an activation sequence that discharges a fluid from the container. The method further includes the step of performing an active mode procedure after the startup procedure without providing a lockout period in between. The active mode procedure includes activating a sensor associated with the dispensing unit, performing an activation sequence that discharges the fluid from the container when the sensor detects sensory input, and performing a transition procedure.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container having a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The dispensing system also includes an electro-responsive wire that imparts motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a container that includes a tilt-activated valve stem. The housing includes a resilient retaining structure. The resilient retaining structure is adapted to retain a portion of the container. An electric drive unit is disposed within the housing. The drive unit includes a cam for engaging a portion of the container to actuate the valve stem.

Abstract: A disinfectant dispenser includes a rotating assembly coupled to a base and rotatable thereabout and a first motor operatively coupled to the rotating assembly for rotation thereof when activated. A carriage is pivotally mounted to an upper portion of the rotating assembly and movable between vertical and horizontal configurations. A second motor is operatively connected to the carriage for moving the carriage between the vertical and horizontal configurations. A control unit is electrically connected to the power source and motors and includes programming for activation thereof. A delivery unit configured to hold a propellant container is attached to the carriage, the delivery unit defining an outlet to dispense the propellant when activated. A solenoid is positioned proximate the delivery unit so as to activate the propellant when the solenoid is actuated.

Abstract: A spray apparatus is provided, which can prevent a disadvantage which can occur when falling down. In a normal state where a bottom surface of a leg part of the apparatus main body is in contact with a mounting surface, a stand switch is on, and therefore, a shift to a spray process for spraying the agent is permitted, whereas at a time of the stand switch being off when the apparatus main body falls down, a shift to the spray process is avoided.

Abstract: An overcap for a dispenser includes a housing mountable on a container. The container includes a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The discharge end of the valve stem is adapted to be in fluid communication with a discharge orifice of the housing. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit includes a solenoid, a bi-metallic actuator, a piezo-linear motor, or an electro-responsive wire, which is adapted to impart transverse motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a container, wherein the container includes a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The discharge end of the valve stem is adapted to be in fluid communication with a discharge orifice of the housing. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit includes a bi-metallic actuator, a piezo-linear motor, an electro-responsive wire, or a solenoid, which is adapted to impart transverse motion to a body of the container.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming agent holding container having a container body that is installable into and removable from an image forming device body and in which an ejection hole for use in ejection of image forming agent is formed, an opening/closing part that is shiftably mounted on the container body so as to open and close the ejection hole, and a manipulating part turnably supported by the container body to be used for shifting the opening/closing part relative to the container body, the manipulating part shifting to and from an open position to place the ejection hole in an open state, a sealing position to place the ejection hole in a sealed state, and a fitting position to fit the manipulating part to the container body.

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly is adapted to control product flow through a dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a housing. A plunger is disposed within the housing and has a first axial surface. A stopper is also disposed within the housing and has a second axial surface facing the first axial surface. At least one flow pathway is provided on at least one of the first and second axial surfaces.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a drive unit adapted to be mounted on a container. The drive unit is adapted to be activated in response to a signal from at least a sensor to radially displace a tilt-activated valve stem of the container. The volatile material dispenser further includes a flexible tube having a discharge end fixedly held with respect to the container. The flexible tube is adapted to be in fluid communication with the tilt-activated valve stem.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to be releasably mounted on a container having a tilt-activated valve stem. The housing includes a discharge orifice. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit is activated in response to a signal from at least a sensor, and wherein the drive unit is adapted to radially displace the tilt-activated valve stem in response to the signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of entering a first active state, during which the detection of motion within a sensory path of a sensor of a dispensing unit initiates a first pattern activation sequence to release a volume A and a volume B of material from a fluid container. The method further includes the step of entering a second active state upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, in which the detection of motion in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to release a volume C and a volume D of material from the container if motion is detected before the lapsing of a time period P and initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the motion is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit including the steps of applying a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a container and performing a startup procedure in response to applying the power source. The startup procedure includes performing an activation sequence that discharges a fluid from the container. The method further includes the step of performing an active mode procedure after the startup procedure without providing a lockout period in between. The active mode procedure includes activating a motion sensor associated with the dispensing unit, performing an activation sequence that discharges the fluid from the container when the motion sensor detects motion, and performing a transition procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid from a door handle. The apparatus includes a handle having a nozzle, an actuator fluidly coupled to the nozzle, and a cartridge of sanitizer fluid fluidly coupled to the actuator. Manipulation of the handle causes the actuator to dispense sanitizer fluid from the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing system includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a first timing sequence, wherein during the active mode at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in product being released from a first container, and wherein during a lockout mode product is not released from the first container. The method further includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a second timing sequence, wherein during the active period at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in fluid being released from a second container, and wherein during a lockout mode fluid is not released from the second container. The expiration of the first timing sequence, and the initiation of the second timing sequence, occurs from at least one of the lapsing of a time interval, sensory input, and manual input from a user.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein and an actuator arm attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. The automatic discharge device also includes a drive unit for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions and the actuator arm is adapted to spray the contents of the two containers.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a drive unit adapted to be releasably mounted on a container having a tilt-activated valve stem. The drive unit is adapted to radially displace the tilt-activated valve stem. A flexible tube having a discharge end is fixedly held with respect to the container. The flexible tube is adapted to be in fluid communication with the tilt-activated valve stem.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container.

Abstract: An outlet head (22) for a spray device (10), the outlet head (22) comprising an inlet section (31) having an opening (30) adapted to receive an output section (20) of a spray material container (16), said opening (30) forming a first end of a fluid channel for spray material from the spray material container (16), the outlet head (22) also comprising an outlet portion (14) adapted to eject spray material and forming a second end of the fluid channel for spray material, wherein the inlet section (31) has a first, major, lateral axis and a second, minor, lateral axis, said first and second axes being substantially at right angles to one another, wherein the size of the inlet section along the first, major, axis is greater than the size of the inlet section along the second, minor, axis.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes first and second actuators that actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period the first actuator actuates the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period the second actuator actuates the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the first and/or second actuators actuate the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: The scent sprayer is a device for attracting animals. The device incorporates a scent spray dispenser. The dispenser includes an optionally camouflaged housing with a wind vane for rotating the sprayer in the direction of the wind. A radio frequency (RF) receiver is enclosed in the housing. The receiver is connected to a circuit that operates an electromechanical coupler to release a scent from the scent spray dispenser that attracts game. The scent sprayer also includes an RF transmitter that transmits a control signal on the same frequency as the RF receiver to trigger release of the scent. The scent contained in the scent spray dispenser may be urine, blood, pheromones, or any other scent suited to the game being hunted.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having at least two aerosol containers disposed therein and an actuator arm. The dispensing unit activates in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor. The method also includes the step of providing a means for selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations.

Abstract: A power source is provided to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein. A sleep period interval between spray operations is selected and a motion sensor is activated to detect motion within a sensory path of the sensor after completion of the sleep period interval. If no motion is detected by the motion sensor a fluid is automatically discharged from the aerosol container and the sleep interval is reset and if motion is detected by the motion sensor a delay time interval is initiated and fluid is not discharged from the aerosol container. The dispensing unit alternates between activating the sensor to detect motion and resetting the delay time interval until no motion is detected by the motion sensor at the expiration of the delay time interval, which results in the automatic discharge of fluid and a resetting of the sleep period interval.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that has a directional component parallel to a longitudinal axis of the recess.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein and an actuator arm. Other steps include activating the dispensing unit in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor and selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations. Yet another step includes moving the actuator arm after completion of a startup delay period from a pre-actuation position to a discharge position along a path substantially parallel to an axial length of the container to actuate a nozzle of the container to discharge a fluid from the container. The method also includes the step of alternating automatically between the sleep period having a duration commensurate with the selected sleep period interval and a discharge period during which the fluid is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A controllable door handle sanitizer includes a base and an outer housing coupled to the base and movable between an open and a closed position. The sanitizer also includes a holder that receives and holds a container that stores a germicide and includes a first valve member. The holder is coupled to the base such that when the outer housing is opened, the container can be inserted and removed. The holder includes a biasing mechanism for applying a biasing force against the container to maintain the container in a fully loaded position. The sanitizer also includes an electronic valve module that includes a housing that is coupled to the base by engaging locating and support members integrally formed as part of the base. The module is positioned relative to the holder such that in the fully loaded position, the first valve member is actuated and opened, whereby discharge of the germicide is determined by an operating state of a second valve member of the electronic valve module.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device comprises a housing adapted to receive a container therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. The actuator arm includes a dispensing bore therein. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The actuator arm is adapted to engage and actuate a nozzle of the container in the first position and allow a fluid disposed in an interior of the container to be dispensed through the nozzle and the dispensing bore of the actuator arm.

Abstract: A power source is provided to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein. A sleep period interval between spray operations is selected and a motion sensor is activated to detect motion within a sensory path of the sensor after completion of the sleep period interval. If no motion is detected by the motion sensor a fluid is automatically discharged from the aerosol container and the sleep interval is reset and if motion is detected by the motion sensor a delay time interval is initiated and fluid is not discharged from the aerosol container. The dispensing unit alternates between activating the sensor to detect motion and resetting the delay time interval until no motion is detected by the motion sensor at the expiration of the delay time interval, which results in the automatic discharge of fluid and a resetting of the sleep period interval.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein and an actuator arm. Other steps include activating the dispensing unit in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor and selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations. Yet another step comprises moving the actuator arm after completion of a startup delay period from a pre-actuation position to a discharge position along a path substantially parallel to an axial length of the container to actuate a nozzle of the container to discharge a fluid from the container. The method also includes the step of alternating automatically between the sleep period having a duration commensurate with the selected sleep period interval and a discharge period during which the fluid is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: An automatic air freshener spraying device includes a front cover, a base, two air freshener bottles and a press driving device, and a motor of the press driving device is pivotally coupled to the driving gear, such that when the driving gear rotates clockwise or anti-clockwise at the motor, the driving gear with the transmission of the gear set pushes a protruding member at the bottom of one of the left and right sides of a large fan-shaped gear to obtain a larger instant pressing force, and a set of press driving devices are used for controlling the motor to rotate clockwise or anti-clockwise, and either the left or right air freshener bottles is pressed to spray an air freshener from an air freshener nozzle of the left air freshener bottle or the right air freshener bottle, so as to provide a uniform misty spray.

Abstract: A mount for aiming and firing an aerosol spray can having housing with legs extending from a housing point creating a central axis whereby the housing and aerosol can freely rotate 360 degrees serving to stir the can contents and having rotative fasteners for fixing the angle of the housing and therefore spray path to a desired target and an adjustable laser for targeting and calibrating the device, with an access door and locking member for securing an aerosol spray can therein, whereby when actuated via remote control, operates to turn a cam and series of linkages in a manner whereby a pushrod is driven downwards to discharge the held aerosol can at an interval relative to the cams speed setting.

Abstract: A cartridge stores gas under pressure and a container stores a fragrance substance in the housing. A valve controls the release of the gas. An atomizer receives the gas and draws the fragrance substance from the container such that the fragrance substance is sprayed into the atmosphere. A controller opens the valve at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A controllable door handle sanitizer includes a base and an outer housing coupled to the base and movable between an open and a closed position. The sanitizer also includes a holder that receives and holds a container that stores a germicide and includes a first valve member. The holder is coupled to the base such that when the outer housing is opened, the container can be inserted and removed. The holder includes a biasing mechanism for applying a biasing force against the container to maintain the container in a fully loaded position. The sanitizer also includes an electronic valve module that includes a housing that is coupled to the base by engaging locating and support members integrally formed as part of the base. The module is positioned relative to the holder such that in the fully loaded position, the first valve member is actuated and opened, whereby discharge of the germicide is determined by an operating state of a second valve member of the electronic valve module.

Abstract: In one embodiment, at least two spray containers are used of the type having push button valves that control the delivery of spray from the containers. Each container retains a different type of spray such that activation of one container dispenses a different substance than activation of the other container. In one embodiment the substances are differentiated by their fragrances such that the substance from one container smells different than the substance from the other container. A controller controls actuation of the nozzles such that the pattern of dispensing of the different sprays may be preset. The containers can be actuated automatically in a variety of different patterns.

Abstract: A spray device comprises spray container receiving means and spray container actuation means (102, 126), wherein the spray container actuation means are adapted to periodically cause ejection of spray material from a spray container (116) by means of an actuator arm (102), wherein the actuator arm (102) incorporates position indication means (144).

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerosol dispensing for dispensing a metered amount of an aerosol for dispersion in an area of use unit having a main body. The aerosol dispensing unit according to the present invention includes a reservoir within the main body for holding an aerosol, an outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir and arranged to dispense a metered amount of the aerosol upon activation of a trigger device, and an audio output system adapted to play a sound in response to the activation of said trigger device. The aerosol is preferably one of a deodorizing agent and a disinfectant. The trigger device is adapted to be activated either by a sensor used to detect a person within a given area, and activate the trigger device upon detection of the person, or alternatively, a timer is operatively connected to the trigger device to dispense the metered amount of aerosol and play the sound at timed intervals.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a drive unit adapted to be releasably mounted on a container having a tilt-activated valve stem. The drive unit is adapted to radially displace the tilt-activated valve stem. A flexible tube having a discharge end is fixedly held with respect to the container. The flexible tube is adapted to be in fluid communication with the tilt-activated valve stem.