Powered communication connection

Abstract

One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for providing power and/or communication to a device, such as a dispenser, a flush valve of a bathroom device, a hygiene opportunity measurement device, a hands free faucet, etc. For example, a mounting system comprises a mounting plate that may attach to a structure, such as a wall. The mounting plate may comprise a mounting connector that may be configured to mate with a device connector of the device to establish a connection. Power may be provided to the device through the connection. A communication may be provided for the device through the connection. For example, the device may send current device statuses, usage metrics, and/or other information to a remote source. The remote source may send instructions, data collection requests, functionality changes, and/or other information to the device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dispenser configured to mate with a mounting plate for power and communication, comprising:
 a device housing comprising:
 a device mounting configuration configured to attach to the mounting plate of a mounting system; and 
 a device connector configured to:
 mate with a mounting connector of the mounting plate to establish a connection between the dispenser and the mounting plate; 
 receive power for the dispenser through the connection; and 
 establish a communication for the dispenser through the connection. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , the device housing comprising at least one of:
 a drive train;   a motor; or   a refill container of a material dispensed by the dispenser.   
     
     
         3 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , the connection between the dispenser and the mounting plate comprising at least one of:
 a power over Ethernet connection;   a blind mounted Ethernet connection;   a cat-5 connection; or   a telephony connection.   
     
     
         4 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , the device housing comprising:
 a communication module configured to:
 provide at least one of a current device status, a usage metric, maintenance information, a heartbeat, a list of functionality supported by the device, a current visualization displayed by the device, an identified hygiene opportunity, a service request, or a refill level through the connection to a remote device. 
   
     
     
         5 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , the device housing comprising:
 a communication module configured to:
 receive at least one of an instruction, a data collection request, a dispense material amount change, a display service indicator instruction, a change display visualization instruction, or a functionality change through the connection from a remote device. 
   
     
     
         6 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , the device housing comprising a protection structure configured to protect the mounting connector. 
     
     
         7 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , the device housing comprising at least one of:
 a stepdown voltage device configured to step down a voltage associated with the connection based upon a device voltage for the device;   a current limiting device configured to limit a current associated with the connection based upon a device current for the device; or   a ground fault circuit interrupter.   
     
     
         8 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , the dispenser comprising at least one of a material dispenser, a faucet, a flush valve, a bathroom device, a hygiene opportunity measurement device, or a hygiene device. 
     
     
         9 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , the device connector extending out from the device housing to cooperate with a mounting connector attached to a mounting plate, the mounting connector being recessed into the mounting plate. 
     
     
         10 . A dispenser comprising:
 a communication port configured to be connected with a communication cable, the communication cable connected to a network and configured to provide power to the dispenser; and   a stepdown voltage device electrically connected to the communication port, the stepdown voltage device configured to step down a voltage of the power to less than about 18 volts.   
     
     
         11 . The dispenser of  claim 10 , the dispenser comprising an antenna configured to transmit and receive information. 
     
     
         12 . The dispenser of  claim 10 , the dispenser comprising a first side facing away from a mounting structure and a second side facing toward a mounting structure, the second side defines a recess configured to cooperate with a mounting plate. 
     
     
         13 . The dispenser of  claim 12 , the dispenser defining a mounting slot into which an attachment portion of the mounting plate can be removably received. 
     
     
         14 . The dispenser of  claim 10 , the dispenser comprising a keying feature that is configured to allow for removable attachment of the dispenser to a mounting plate when the mounting plate satisfies the keying feature and inhibit attachment of the dispenser to the mounting plate when the dispenser does not satisfy the keying feature. 
     
     
         15 . A dispenser system comprising:
 a first dispenser comprising a first communication port and a communication portion;   a second dispenser comprising a second communication port;   a network connected to the first dispenser through a first communication cable providing at least one of information or power to the first dispenser, the first communication cable connected to the first communication port,   the second dispenser connected to the first dispenser through a second communication cable providing at least one of information or power to the second dispenser from the first dispenser, the second communication cable connected to the second communication port and the communication portion.   
     
     
         16 . The dispenser system of  claim 15 , the first dispenser comprising a communication module configured to facilitate a communication over a connection between the dispenser and a remote device. 
     
     
         17 . The dispenser system of  claim 15 , the first dispenser comprising:
 a stepdown voltage device;   a current limiting device; and   a signal conditioner,   wherein the stepdown voltage device, the current limiting device, and the signal conditioner are in electrical communication with the first communication port.   
     
     
         18 . The dispenser system of  claim 17 , the signal conditioner configured to manipulate an incoming signal from the first communication cable such that the incoming signal does not interfere with other signals that are transmitted via the network. 
     
     
         19 . The dispenser system of  claim 15 , the first communication cable and the second communication cable comprising at least one of:
 a power over Ethernet connection;   a blind mounted Ethernet connection;   a cat-5 connection; or   a telephony connection.   
     
     
         20 . The dispenser system of  claim 15 , the first communication port and the second communication port comprising at least one of:
 a serial port;   a serial bus;   a telephone connector; or   an Ethernet connector.