WO2005040984A2

WO2005040984A2 - System for monitoring and recording hygiene policy compliance

Info

Publication number: WO2005040984A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/034312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claude W. Leblond; Henry M. Ortiz
Original assignee: Gerenraich Family Trust
Priority date: 2003-10-20
Filing date: 2004-10-19
Publication date: 2005-05-06
Also published as: WO2005040984A3

Abstract

A hygiene management system (10) for determining hygiene compliance and washroom efficiency generally includes a plurality of intercommunicating transceivers (12) with a first number of the transceivers (16-40) being disposed adjacent washroom elements and operative for monitoring and reporting status and operation thereof. A second number of the transceivers (74) is disposed in badges suitable for carrying by users with the first number of transceivers being configured for recognizing a presence of the second number of transceivers and differentiating differences between the first number of the transceivers and the second number of transceivers in order to determine if a washroom element associated with the one of the first number of transceivers is to be ascribed to one of the badges and reporting thereon by an output signal.

Description

SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND RECORDING HYGIENE POLICY COMPLIANCE

The present application claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/531,060 filed

December 19, 2003 and by this specific reference thereto incorporates the provisional application in toto into present application. The present invention relates to hygiene and more particularly relates to a system for monitoring compliance with recommended guidelines including monitoring the status of workroom element and the number of usages are well as determining efficiency of washroom use.

Hygiene is of utmost importance in the control of illness. As an example, every year millions of reported illnesses and serious infections are attributable to improper hand washing. The unreported cases are obviously much higher. Food borne illness kills over 10,000 people each year, and 70% of the outbreaks originate in food service sector. The passage of viral and bacterial contaminants result from physical contact with an infected source and are carried from one site to another with each successive physical contact.

The problem manifests itself in hospital and related medical establishments, as well as those businesses associated with preparing and distributing food and food products. Improper handling of a single contaminated source will spread the contaminant to every individual, article and/or surface touched by the handler. Subsequent contaminated sources represent additional contamination sites that spread the contaminant. The liability of contamination or illness caused by inadequate washing techniques is very high. Thus, a single food borne illness can tarnish a long-standing reputation and cause financial difficulties .

It has been shown that proper washing of hands kills contaminants and prevents the spread of disease due to such contaminants. According to the Centers for Disease Control, proper hand washing is the single most important process in preventing the spread of the pathogens. Microbial contamination refers to microscopic organisms, especially any of the bacteria that cause disease, e.g.: germs. A germ is the rudimentary form in which a new organism is developed, and encompasses any microscopic organism and any one of the bacteria that can cause disease. A bacterium is typically a one-celled microorganism, wherein some cause diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or anthrax while other bacteria are necessary for fermentation and nitrogen fixation.

Some industries are much more sensitive to proper washing techniques. Restaurants are particularly prone to the dissemination of food-borne contaminants and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines articulated in the Food Code. The Food Code has several sections that address the washing of hands for food service and related personnel. According to Food Code Regulations, a person must wash after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, using disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating or drinking, handling soiled utensils, and when switching from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods, and any other activity that can potentially contaminate hands.

In addition, the Food Code describes a proper hand washing technique as lasting at least 20 seconds, washing up to the forearms, with a special emphasis on cleaning between fingers and underneath fingernails. In addition to timing the washing, it is important to consider the different steps in the washing procedure. A proper washing cycle commences with combining water and soap and scrubbing the hands vigorously.

Various soaps or cleansing liquids can be used, preferably having anti-bacterial or anti-microbial properties. Nails should be cleaned and scrubbed. After scrubbing, the hands should be thoroughly rinsed with water. The areas between fingers and underneath fingernails should be specifically cleaned and checked. Food Code Regulations also require a supervisor ensure compliance with the regulations and promote the effective washing protocols . Employers may be fined or lose licenses if employees do not observe these regulations, and such employees are likely to lose their employment.

Although there may not be specific codes governing all industries and circumstances, it is common sense that adherence to the regulations will instill a safer environment for all. And, in a litigious environment, adhering to a strict standard is also a cost-effective and practical measure. There are varying international standards for the washing of hands, but in general, the U.S. standard provides a reasonable approach to follow.

Unfortunately, the proper washing guidelines are not regularly and rigorously followed. Many food service personnel do not appreciate the significance of proper washing. Restaurants rarely provide adequate training to the personnel, and seldom encompass sufficient supervision during the work shifts. In addition, the employees at restaurants and dining establishments tend to be at minimum wage and may not care or understand the posted written guidelines, especially if the guidelines are in an unfamiliar language. Contributing to the problem of inadequate washing is the lack of formal education by those in the food services segment, the low pay scale, and periods of rushed food preparation. These factors all contribute to a potential for poor washing conditions. Due to the many illnesses caused by food preparation, the FDA continues to apply more formal regulations and guidelines for employers regarding proper washing skills . Employers are demanding a better system of aiding and monitoring employee washing habits. The soap and liquid compounds for hand washing come from a number of different dispensers available in the marketplace. Liquid and semi-liquid dispensers are used in numerous applications and are used to dispense metered portions of cremes, lotions, gels, soaps, anti-bacterial cleansing liquids, anti-microbial cleansing liquids, and similar materials. A typical dispenser allows the user to obtain a specific amount of liquid matter with minimal ease. Manual and semi-automatic dispensing systems are common in the industry, and automated dispensers are beginning to enter the marketplace . The manual dispensers utilize levers and other mechanical assemblies wherein the user must provide some physical contact with the unit in order to dispense the liquid. The physical contact in manipulating the lever does provide a contact with a surface that is typically wet and dirty, and may harbor contaminants. Automated dispensers are becoming more popular, and operate with a variety of electrical and electromechanical components to automatically dispense the liquid after triggering some sensory input. The automatic or "touchless" dispensers do not require any physical contact with the dispenser. For example, see U.S. Patent No. 6,607,103 assigned to Woodward Laboratories, Inc.

One approach to aid in hand washing compliance is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,793,653. This complex monitoring system embodies several monitoring and data collection points. The '653 system is intended to track employee hand washing usage and allow supervisor collection of data to check compliance. Another compliance-oriented invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,910 that shows a monitoring module that operates in conjunction with the dispenser to track employee usage and to provide a means of checking the data for compliance.

An all-encompassing system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,242 wherein the water lines and a dispenser coordinate the washing and drying cycle. Soapy water is dispensed in the washing phase, rinsing water is dispensed in the rinse cycle, and finally the drying unit is actuated to dry the hands. A timer activated toilet bowl cleaner is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,465 that uses an automated timer to release cleaner into the toilet bowl.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A hygiene management system in accordance with the present invention generally includes a plurality of intercommunicating transceivers with the first number of the transceivers being disposed adjacent washroom elements and operative for monitoring and reporting the status and operation thereof.

A second number of the transceivers is provided and disposed in badges suitable for carrying by users. The first number of transceivers is configured for recognizing the presence of a second number of transceivers and differentiating distances between the first number of transceivers and the second number of transceivers in order to determine if use of a washroom element associated with one of the first number of transceivers is to be ascribed to one of the badges and reporting therein by an output signal.

A receiver is provided and in communication with at least one of the interconnecting transceivers for recording the output signal.

The present invention may include the plurality of washroom elements and such washroom elements may include water closets, faucets, sinks, soap dispensers, towel dispensers, paper dispensers, floors, walls, cabinets, drains, windows, doors, air conditioners, heaters, lights, and air fresheners .

In order to monitor operation of washroom elements, a hygiene management system in accordance with the present invention may include a plurality of intercommunicating transceivers with a first number of the transceivers being disposed adjacent washroom elements and operative monitoring and reporting the status and operation of each washroom element. A receiver in communication with at least one of the intercommunicating transceivers may be provided for monitoring a sequence of operation of the washroom elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a hygiene management system in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a hygiene management system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is a block diagram of yet another embodiment of a hygiene management system in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 4 is a block diagram of a hygiene management system in accordance with the present invention as it is applied to multiple washrooms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a hygiene management system 10 in accordance with the present invention generally including a plurality of interconnecting transceivers 12 which includes a first number of transceivers 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 adjacent bathroom elements such as, a door 46, a light 48, a drain 50, a soap dispenser 52, a paper dispenser 54, faucets 56, a toilet seat cover 58, an air freshener 60, a water closet 62, a window 64, a wall 66, an air conditioner/heater, or ducting, therefore 68, and cabinet 70 respectively. In addition, a second number of transceivers 74 may be provided and disposed in badges suitable for carrying by users (not shown) , only one of the second number of transceivers 74 is shown in Figure 1 for clarity. Transceivers 16-40, 74 may be of any suitable type. All of the transceivers 16-40, 74 communicate with one another, as indicated by lines 78, the lines 78 shown only being representative of total communication between the community of transducers 16-40, 74 for the sake of clarity.

The referenced transceiver model for the first number of transceivers 12 is configured for recognize a presence of the second number of transceivers 74 and differentiating distances between the first number of transceivers and the second number of transceivers in order to determine if the use of a washroom element associated with one of the first number of transceivers 12 is to be ascribed to one of the badge transceivers 74 and reporting thereon by an output signal, as indicated by the line 82.

A receiver is in communication with at least one of the intercommunicating transceivers 16-40 for recording a output signal .

If the receiver 84 is outside the range of the transceivers 16-40, a further transceiver, or relay, 88 may be utilized as illustrated in dashed line in Figure 1.

The receiver 84 may include a wireless communication module 88 and a management workstation with a data processor/server which functions for monitoring a sequence of operation of the washroom elements 46-68.

In order to provide accessibility, a maintenance manager pager 94 may be provided and in wireless communication with the module 88 as indicated by the line 96.

Remote monitoring of the status and use of all the washroom elements 64-68 may be accomplished through a connection 98 to a local area network 100 which in turn may be connected through a wide area network 102 to the internet 104, which in turn is accessible through a remote management workstation 108. A user of the washroom 108 and the washroom 108 itself and the status of all washroom elements 46-68 may be monitored. Monitoring of the sequence of, for example, the door 46, light 48, water closet 62, soap dispenser 52, faucet 56, hand towel/paper dispenser 59 not only monitors the status of the washroom elements 46-68, but the efficiency of use, as will be hereinafter described in greater detail.

With reference to Figure 2, there is shown an alternative embodiment 110 of a system in accordance with the present invention in which common elements are represented by common reference characters .

In this system 110, the transceivers 116, 118, 120,

122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 operate in a manner as described in connection with the transceiver 16-40, however communicate directly with the module 84, as indicated by the bundle of lines 136.

With reference to Figure 3 , there is shown yet another embodiment of the system 140 in accordance with the present invention with common components referred to with common character reference numbers.

In this system 140, transceivers 144, 146, 148, 150,

152, 154, 156, 158, 160 communicate directly with a wireless communication module 166, which in turn directly communicates to the wireless communication module 84, as indicated by the line 168. Operation of the system 140 is commensurate with the operation of the systems 10 and 14=0 hereinabove described.

In that regard, the first number of transducers 16-40 are configured for recognizing a presence of the second number of transceivers 74 and differentiating distances between the first number of transceivers 16-40 and second number of transceivers 74 in order to determine if use of a washroom element 46-68 associated with one of the first number of transceivers 16-40 is to be inscribed to one of the transceivers (badges) 74. It should be appreciated that the transceivers utilized in accordance with the present invention includes circuitry for enabling differentiation of distances based on, for example, signal strengths, emitted by the second transducers 74.

With reference to Figure 4, there is shown a plurality of washrooms 172, 174, 176 which would include all of the washroom elements hereinbefore described in connection with systems 10, 110, 140 but depicting only the soap dispenser 52 for the sake of clarity. Common reference numbers refer to identical or substantially similar components and embodiments 10, 110, 140 hereinabove discussed. While only one washroom element, namely soap dispenser 52, shown in each of the washrooms 172, 174, 176, as hereinabove noted, each of the washrooms 172, 174, 176 include all of the washroom elements 46-68, not shown in Figure 4.

Each of the washroom elements 46-68 may be arranged in various physical configurations and accordingly the reporting of sequence of operation of each of the washroom elements 46-68 including the timing of use of the status of each element including malfunction, downtime, and any other operational feature can be monitored by a handheld PC 180 or workstation 90 and a software program may be provided to analyze the data in order to assess the efficiency of use of the washroom in addition to monitoring specific use by a badge carrying entrant. Does not only can the present system determine compliance with hygiene procedures for users, but in addition provide information as to which of the designs of the washrooms 172, 174, 176 promote proper hygiene .

Although there has been hereinabove described a specific system for monitoring and recording hygiene policy compliance in accordance with the present invention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the recited elements. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art, should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hygiene management system comprising: a plurality of intercommunicating transceivers, a first number of the transceivers being disposed adjacent washroom elements and operative for monitoring and reporting status and operation thereof, a second number of the transceivers being disposed in badges suitable for carrying by users, the first number of transceivers being configured for recognizing a presence of the second number of transceivers and differentiating distances between the first number of transceivers and the second number of transceivers in order to determine if use of a washroom element associated with one of the first number of transceivers is to be ascribed to one of the badges and reporting thereon by an output signal; and a receiver in communication with at least one of said intercommunicating transceivers for recording the output signal.

2. A hygiene management system comprising: a plurality of washroom elements; a plurality of intercommunicating transceivers, a first number of the transceivers being disposed adjacent the washroom elements and operative for monitoring and reporting status and operation of each washroom element, a second number of the transceivers being disposed in badges suitable for carrying by users, the first number of transceivers being configured for recognizing a presence of the second number of transceivers and differentiating distances between the first number of transducers and the second number of transceivers in order to determine if use of a washroom element associated with one of the first number of transceivers is to be ascribed to one of the badges and reporting thereon by an output signal; and a receiver in communication with at least one of said intercommunicating transceivers for recording the output signal.

3. The system according to claim 2 wherein the washroom elements are selected from a group consisting of water closets, faucets, sinks, soap dispensers, towel dispensers, paper dispensers, floors, walls, cabinets, drains, windows, doors, air condi ioners, heaters, lights, toilet seat covers, and air fresheners.

4. The system according to one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the configuration of the first number of transceivers includes circuitry for enabling differentiation of distances based on signal strengths of signals emitted by the second number of the transducers .

5. A hygiene management system comprising: a plurality of interconnecting transceivers, a first number of the transceivers being disposed adjacent washroom elements and operative for monitoring and reporting status and operation of each washroom element; and a receiver in communication with at least one of said interconnecting transceivers for monitoring a sequence of operation of said washroom elements.

6. The system according to claim 5 wherein the sequence includes operation of a door, light, water closet, soap dispenser, faucet, and towel dispenser.

7. The system according to claim 6 further comprising a second number of the transceivers disposed in badges suitable for carrying by users, the first number of transceivers being configured for recognizing a presence of the second number of transceivers and differentiating distances between the first number of transducers and the second number of transducers in order to determine if user of a future associate with one of the first number of transceivers is to be ascribed to one of the badges and reporting thereon by an output signal, said receiver being operative for recording the output signal.

8. A hygiene management system comprising: a plurality of washroom elements; a plurality of intercommunicating transceivers, a first number of the transceivers being disposed adjacent the washroom elements and operative for monitoring and reporting status and operation of each washroom element; and a receiver in communication with at least on of said intercommunicating transceivers for monitoring a sequence of operation of said washroom elements.

9. The system according to claim 8 wherein the washroom element are selected from a group consisting of water closets, faucets, sinks, soap dispensers, tower dispensers, paper dispensers, floor, walls, cabinets, drains, windows, doors, air conditioning, heaters, lights, toilet seat covers, and air fresheners.

10. The system according to claim 9 wherein the sequence includes operation of a door, light, water closet, soap dispenser, faucet, and towel dispenser.

11. The system according to claim 9 further comprising a second number of t ie transceivers disposed in badges suitable for carrying by users, the first number of transceivers being configured for recognizing a presence of the second number of transceivers and differentiating distances between the first number of transducers and the second number of transducers in order to determine if user of a future associate with one of the first number of transceivers is to be ascribed to one of the badges and reporting thereon by an output signal, said receiver being operative for recording the output signal.

12. A method of hygiene management comprising: disposing a first number of interconnecting transceivers adjacent washroom elements; providing a second number of interconnecting transceivers for transport by users; the first number of transceivers being configured for recognizing a presence of the second number of transducers and differentiating distance between the first number of transducers and the second number of transceivers; determining if use of a washroom element associated with one of the first number of transceivers is to be ascribed to one of the second number of transceivers and reporting between by an output signal.

13. A method of hygiene management comprising: a plurality of interconnecting transceivers; a first number of the transceivers being disposed adjacent first washroom elements arranged in a first washroom and operative for monitoring and repeating status and operation of each first washroom element; a second number of the transceivers being disposed adjacent second washroom element arranged in a second washroom and operation for monitoring and reporting status and operation of each second washroom element; and a receiver in commencement with at least on of the first number of transceivers and second number of transceivers for monitoring a sequence of operation of the first and second washrooms and comparing efficiency of use of the first and second washrooms.