Methods for resetting stalled pumps in electronically controlled dispensing systems
View Patent ↗A system and related method is disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, the presence of a user's hand is detected to start a pump actuator associated with a refill container. A controller associated with a motor actuates the pump actuator by rotating a motor shaft in a first direction. The current sensor is monitored and when the current sensor detects a predetermined level of current the motor shaft is reversed to a starting position.
1. A method for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system, the method comprising:
detecting the presence of a user's hand to start a pump actuator associated with a refill container;
monitoring a current sensor associated with a motor that actuates said pump actuator by rotating a motor shaft in a first direction; and
reversing said motor shaft in a second direction to return said pump actuator to a starting position when said current sensor detects a predetermined level of current.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
sensing a position of said pump actuator with a position sensor; and
stopping reversal of said motor shaft in said second direction when said pump actuator returns to a loading position.
3. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising:
completing a dispense cycle by said pump actuator if said current sensor does not detect said predetermined level of current.
4. A dispensing system comprising:
a refill container filled with product;
a housing adapted to accept said refill container;
a pump maintained by either said refill container or said housing so as to dispense product from said refill container, wherein said pump has a loading position and a dispensing position; and
a mechanism associated with said pump wherein said mechanism is configured to automatically return said pump to said loading position when a stall condition is detected.
5. The system according to claim 4 , wherein said mechanism comprises
a controller connected to said pump;
a hand sensor connected to said controller;
a motor with a reversible shaft, said motor connected to said controller and engageable with said pump; and
a current sensor associated with said motor and connected to said controller;
wherein if said hand sensor detects an object, said controller starts said pump through said motor by rotating said shaft in a first direction, and said controller rotates said reversible shaft in an opposite direction to return said pump to said loading position if said current sensor detects a predetermined level of current.