Re-usable sensor module for use with a dispenser of a hand hygiene product

Abstract

A re-usable sensor module for use with a dispenser for a hand hygiene product is described, wherein the dispenser comprises a container. The sensor module comprises an elastically deformable capsule with a top portion for placing a bottom of the container thereon. A sensor is arranged within the capsule and configured to measure a parameter associated with an elastic deformation of the capsule resulting from actuation or presence of the dispenser. The sensor module further comprises a processor arranged within the capsule and coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to at least temporarily record at least one of the parameter and an event associated therewith.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A re-usable sensor module for use with a container, the sensor module comprising:
 an elastically deformable capsule with a top portion;   a first sensor arranged within the capsule and configured to measure a parameter associated with an elastic deformation of the capsule resulting from actuation of a dispenser or presence of the container; and   a processor arranged within the capsule and coupled to the first sensor, wherein the processor is configured to at least temporarily record at least one of the parameter and an event associated therewith, wherein   the sensor module further comprises a fastening member configured to detachably fasten the sensor module to a holder for the container.   
     
     
         24 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the fastening member is provided at a bottom surface of the capsule, wherein the bottom surface faces away from the top portion.   
     
     
         25 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the fastening member is detachable from the sensor module.   
     
     
         26 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 a lower portion of the capsule has a, or the, bottom surface which is planar for properly aligning the sensor module relative to the holder when placed thereon.   
     
     
         27 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the fastening member comprises one or more of a clamping mechanism, a spring-loaded element, a snap-lock connection, a dip connection, and a combination thereof.   
     
     
         28 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the top portion of the sensor module is dome-shaped.   
     
     
         29 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the top portion of the sensor module is made from an elastically deformable material.   
     
     
         30 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the first sensor is one of a force sensor, a pressure sensor and a mechanical switch.   
     
     
         31 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the parameter is representative of a weight of the container.   
     
     
         32 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the event is representative of a respective actuation of the dispenser.   
     
     
         33 . The sensor module according to  claim 32 , wherein
 the processor is configured to determine, based on at least one of the parameter and the event, at least one of a current filling level of the container and an exchange of the container.   
     
     
         34 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the processor is configured to repeatedly acquire the parameter at predefined points in time.   
     
     
         35 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the processor is configured to repeatedly acquire the parameter at configured thresholds.   
     
     
         36 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the processor is coupled to a light-emitting element.   
     
     
         37 . The sensor module according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the sensor module comprises a second sensor configured to detect at least one of a movement and a position of the sensor module.   
     
     
         38 . A dispensing system for a hand hygiene product comprising:
 a re-usable sensor module for use with a container, the sensor module comprising:
 an elastically deformable capsule with a top portion; 
 a first sensor arranged within the capsule and configured to measure a parameter associated with an elastic deformation of the capsule resulting from actuation of a dispenser having the container or presence of the container; and 
 a processor arranged within the capsule and coupled to the first sensor, wherein the processor is configured to at least temporarily record at least one of the parameter and an event associated therewith, wherein 
 the sensor module further comprises a fastening member configured to detachably fasten the sensor module to a holder for the container; and 
   a holder configured to accommodate the container.   
     
     
         39 . The system according to  claim 38 , wherein
 the sensor module is detachably mounted to the holder by the fastening member.   
     
     
         40 . The system according to  claim 38 , wherein
 the holder comprises a lever configured as a pumping arm to activate a pumping mechanism mounted to a dispensing opening of the container.   
     
     
         41 . The system according to  claim 38 , wherein
 the holder is a frame configured to be mounted to a patient's bed or a wall.   
     
     
         42 . The system according to  claim 38 , wherein
 the fastening member is provided at a bottom surface of the capsule, wherein the bottom surface faces away from the top portion.