Patent ID: 8261941
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: A47K

Abstract:
1. A fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid, said fluid dispenser comprising: a housing dimensioned to receive a container for holding a fluid to be dispensed, said housing having a cover movable between a closed position and an open position; a roller assembly disposed in said housing, said roller assembly being dimensioned to engage a portion of said container, said roller assembly including a holder and a roller rotatably attached to said holder, said holder being rotatable about an axis of said roller assembly such that said roller is movable along a path between a first container-engaging position and a second container-engaging position, said roller dimensioned to engage and roll along a portion of said container when said roller moves in a first direction from said first container-engaging position to said second container-engaging position, thereby dispensing said fluid from said container; a first sensor for providing a signal indicative of the position of said roller along said path; a volume control switch for varying a volume of fluid to be dispensed, said volume control switch having multiple fixed positions, each of said fixed positions associated with a different volume of fluid to be dispensed; a motor operable to rotate said holder in a first direction and in a second direction, said second direction being opposite said first direction; a second sensor for sensing an object in a predetermined area near said housing; a light source operable to emit a beam of visible light therefrom, said beam of light intersecting said predetermined area; and a controller programmed such that when said second sensor senses an object in said predetermined area, said controller