Abstract: A hands-free device includes a sensor, a motor, a pilot valve, a gear train, an arm, and, an override control. The pilot motor opens the pilot valve when an activation signal is received from the sensor. The arm is coupled to the gear train, and the override control is coupled to the arm. The override control is capable of moving the arm between a locked and unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A method of dispensing soap from a fluid dispensing system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of presenting a tube having a tube end disposed at a first position within an indented portion of a spout of the fluid dispensing system, sensing an object below the tube end, in response to sensing the object, expelling said soap from the tube end by drawing the tube end further within the indented portion to a second position, and returning the tube end to the first position.

Abstract: A flush valve system includes a sensor, a bias circuit, an electrical switch, a mechanical switch, and a flush valve. The bias circuit generates a bias signal when an activation signal is received from the sensor. The bias signal turns on the electrical switch. The mechanical switch turns on just before the electrical switch is turned off. The flush valve is coupled to the electrical and the mechanical switch to initiate fluid flow when the electrical switch is turned on and facilitate the flow until the mechanical switch is turned off. An automatic braking method includes receiving an actuation signal, actuating an electronic switch to initiate a rotation of a switch cam and the opening of a valve, actuating a mechanical switch when a cutout portion of the switch cam is in contact with a portion of the mechanical switch, and closing the valve when the portion of the mechanical switch is outside of the cutout portion.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing material from a container. The method comprises the steps of receiving a dispensing time, receiving a working interval, receiving a plurality of working days, and dispensing the material from the container during the dispensing time, during the working interval and on one of the plurality of working days.

Abstract: A hands-free device includes a sensor, a pilot valve assembly, an override control, and an electronic detent. Preferably, the pilot valve assembly allows a fluid to flow when an activation signal is received from the sensor. Preferably, the override control is coupled to the pilot valve assembly. The override control allows a continuous flow of fluids through an outlet port beyond the predetermined period of time. A method of controlling a continuous flow of water through a proximity faucet includes selecting a mode that allows water to flow continuously through a proximity sensor; locking a valve assembly to allow the water to flow beyond a period of time programmed within the proximity sensor; and providing an automatic and a mechanical system to discontinue the continuous flow of water.

Abstract: An automatic flushing actuator that mounts to an overflow pipe in a tank style toilet includes a proximity sensor, a housing enclosing a motor mount and gear assembly, and a rotatably mounted lever on top of the housing. A clamp is adapted to be affixed to the side of the housing and secure the actuator to the overflow pipe. When installing the actuator, the clamp is affixed to the overflow pipe before the housing is mounted onto the clamp. The clamp allows the housing to be removably mounted or locked in position on the clamp. The lever coupled to the top of the housing is rotated to a desired position, and a chain is connected to a handle of the toilet opens the flush valve.

Abstract: An automatic fluid soap dispensing apparatus and method comprising a dispensing spout, housing operatively connected to the dispensing spout and the housing adapted to removably receive and hold a fluid soap containing reservoir module in communication with the dispensing spout. The reservoir module has a central axis, and includes a pump mechanism and delivery tube mounted on the reservoir module in alignment with the central axis. The dispensing tube is adapted to move in the dispensing spout when the pump mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: An automatic fluid soap dispensing apparatus and method comprising a dispensing spout, housing operatively connected to the dispensing spout and the housing adapted to removably receive and hold a fluid soap containing reservoir module in communication with the dispensing spout. The reservoir module has a central axis, and includes a pump mechanism and delivery tube mounted on the reservoir module in alignment with the central axis. The dispensing tube is adapted to move in the dispensing spout when the pump mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: An automatic fluid soap dispensing apparatus and method comprising a dispensing spout, housing operatively connected to the dispensing spout and the housing adapted to removably receive and hold a fluid soap containing reservoir module in communication with the dispensing spout. The reservoir module has a central axis, and includes a pump mechanism and delivery tube mounted on the reservoir module in alignment with the central axis. The dispensing tube is adapted to move in the dispensing spout when the pump mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material from a container having a dispensing element includes a motor for repeatedly actuating the dispensing element to facilitate dispensing of the material from the container and a controller for activating the motor at predetermined time intervals. The apparatus includes a stall detection circuit coupled to the motor and to the controller to detect a stall condition of the motor, the stall detection circuit configured to issue a stall detection signal when the stall condition is detected. The controller deactivates the motor in response to receiving the stall detection signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material from a container having a dispensing element includes a motor for repeatedly actuating the dispensing element to facilitate dispensing of the material from the container and a controller for activating the motor at predetermined time intervals. The controller may also control an LCD display to display the time remaining until the container is empty and optionally to display the battery life remaining.

Abstract: The invention includes an actuator system for a chemical dispensing apparatus where the chemical dispensing apparatus includes a chemical-containing vessel and a housing. The invention also includes an actuator nozzle having a receiving aperture and a dispensing aperture where the receiving aperture is operatively coupled to the vessel to receive the chemicals contained within the vessel. The dispensing aperture is coupled to the receiving aperture and is also connected to a conveying tube to direct the chemical from the vessel, through the tube and into a chemical receiving receptacle. Also included is a structure for ejecting the chemical from the vessel into the actuator nozzle. The actuator nozzle is slidingly and pivotally mounted in the housing and is configured to slide vertically relative to the housing and is also configured to pivot outwardly relative to the housing to permit reciprocal engagement and disengagement of the vessel while maintaining communication with the conveying tube.

Abstract: An automatic flush handle actuation apparatus is provided for replacing a manually-activated flush handle of a flush mechanism of a sanitary facility. The apparatus includes an enclosure containing a drive mechanism and a self-contained power source for the drive mechanism. The apparatus also includes means for sensing use of the sanitary facility and means for interconnecting the drive mechanism and power source when the means for sensing detects a use of the sanitary facility. An adaption having first and second ends is included rigidly engaging the enclosure at the first end and a plunger pin having first and second ends slidably extending through the adapted, engaging the drive mechanism within the enclosure of a first end.

Abstract: A drop dispensing device includes a liquid ejection system, such as a timed pump mechanism, and a multi-channeled nozzle cooperative with the ejection system, for directing ejected liquid out of a container and into a chamber external to the container wherein the nozzle further includes drip tabs for forming and directing drops. The chamber is divided into a plurality of cavities and is formed by a plurality of interconnected walls. The chamber is adapted to receive the nozzle and includes a raised drainage orifice for each cavity such that the drainage orifice is operatively coupled to a guide tube for simultaneously guiding draining drops from the chamber to a plurality of selected surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having an actuating mechanism for operating a pump-type spray container is provided for quiet operation and improved reliability. The actuating mechanism includes a cam/lever arm assembly having a lever tip which slides down the sloping surface of the cam such that it controls the downward impact force of the lever arm on the spray head.

Abstract: An apparatus and controlling circuitry for periodically operating an aerosol container in discrete dispensing intervals to disperse a discrete quantity of the contents thereof. The apparatus includes a powered mechanism for actuating the aerosol, with the circuitry controlling the powered mechanism for a predetermined number of actuations. An energizing means activates a warning mechanism when the actuation count reaches the predetermined number to thereby indicate the probable total evacuation of the aerosol container and the necessity for termination of the operation. The apparatus also includes means for setting the circuitry into a plurality of different operating modes, including a continuous intermittent operation, a controlled daytime operation, and a controlled night operation. The apparatus may be battery operated, and it then includes a second warning mechanism for indicating whether the battery power is sufficient to operate the powered mechanism.