Patent ID: 8377229
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: G08B,G16H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for washing at least one appendage of a user, comprising: a wash chamber associated with an automated cleaning station controlled by a computer; a computer-readable medium containing software that, when executed by the computer, causes the automated cleaning station to perform a method comprising: identify at least an identity of the user; based on information associated with the user determine if a hygiene cycle is needed; detect a presence of at least one appendage of the user within the wash chamber; automatically start a washing cycle associated with the wash chamber, wherein the washing cycle occurs over a washing cycle time; determine if the washing cycle time is complete; when the washing cycle time is complete, stop the washing cycle and record an indication that the user completed the washing cycle; when the washing cycle time is not complete, control a sensor to determine if the at least one appendage is within the wash chamber; when the sensor determines that the at least one appendage is not within the wash chamber, stop the washing cycle and record an indication that the user did not complete the washing cycle; and when the sensor determines that the at least one appendage is within the wash chamber, continue the washing cycle, wherein the washing cycle continues until occurrence of at least one of: the washing cycle time is complete and the at least one appendage is no longer within the wash chamber.