IP Library Granted Patent US 8,061,562
Granted Patent B2
US 8,061,562 · App. 11/725,402 · Granted Nov 22, 2011

Compact spray device

Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,061,562
App. No.
11/725,402
Granted
Nov 22, 2011
Kind
B2
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.

Claims (14)

1. A method of operating a dispensing unit, comprising:

providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having a container disposed therein;

providing a sleep period interval between a spray operation and activation of a motion sensor; and

activating the motion sensor disposed on the dispensing unit after completion of the sleep period interval to detect motion within a sensory path of the sensor,

wherein the motion sensor remains activated until the motion sensor detects motion, whereupon a fluid is automatically discharged from the container, the sleep period interval is reset, and the motion sensor is deactivated.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the sleep period interval is selectable by a user.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dispensing unit includes a manual activation switch.

4. The method of claim 1 further including the step of manually activating the dispensing unit during the sleep period interval.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein when the dispensing unit is manually activated the sleep period interval is reset.

6. The method of claim 1 further including the step of providing a startup delay period.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein fluid is discharged from the container upon completion of the startup delay period.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the sleep period interval is provided upon completion of the startup delay period.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sleep period interval is about thirty minutes.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the motion sensor is a photocell.

Assignments (5)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 28, 2011
From: CARPENTER, M. SCOTT; FURNER, PAUL E.; GASPER, THOMAS P.; KUBICEK, CHRIS A.; MICHAELS, KENNETH W.; NELSON, CORY J.; SHORT, MICHAEL E.; SIPINSKI, GENE; WESTPHAL, NATHAN R.
To: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
Reel/Frame 026981/0979 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 28, 2011
From: MADSEN, BRENT D.
To: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
Reel/Frame 026982/0287 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 28, 2011
From: LEMON, LEON M.
To: DIGITAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Reel/Frame 026982/0379 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 28, 2011
From: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
To: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
Reel/Frame 026982/0862 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 28, 2011
From: DIGITAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
To: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
Reel/Frame 026983/0068 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation In Part 11247793 · Oct 11, 2005
Provisional Application 60617950 · Oct 12, 2004
Related Publication 20070199952A1 · Aug 30, 2007