Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Non-Provisional Utility Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/760,608, filed on Feb. 4, 2013, which is incorporated here in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a soap recycling device and method of operation of a soap recycling device that allow recycling remnant portions of soap bars, and in particular, to a soap recycling method and device that allow small leftover solid portions of soap to be either converted into sterilized, reconstituted solid soap, or into sterilized liquid soap. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Soap is a chemical product that is used in a wide variety of applications. The main use of soap is for the washing of objects such as clothes, dishes, vehicles or practically any other object, the cleaning of floors, walls or practically any other surface, and the bathing of the human or animal body. Soap is also used in textile spinning or as a component of lubricants. 
     Soap&#39;s cleaning ability is provided mainly by certain components known as surfactants, which are both hydrophobic and hydrophilic. The hydrophobic part of the surfactant bonds with the dirtiness, while the hydrophilic part is attracted to water, causing the surfactant to link water and insoluble dirtiness, allowing dirtiness to be carried by water and thus eliminated from the object, surface or body to be cleaned. In addition, soap reduces the surface tension of water, increasing water&#39;s ability to make things wet. 
     Soap is a salt of a fatty acid. Soaps for cleansing are obtained by threating vegetable or animal oils with a strongly alkaline solution. Fats and oils are composed of triglycerides; three molecules of fatty acids are attached to a single molecule of glycerol. The alkaline solution, which is called lye, brings about a chemical reaction known as saponification. In saponification, the fats are first hydrolyzed into free fatty acids, which then combine with the alkali to form crude soap. Glycerol is liberated and is either left in or washed out and recovered as a useful byproduct, depending on the process employed. 
     Cleaning, washing or bathing soap is generally marketed in solid form or in liquid form. Solid formed soap can be presented in dust-like particles and in larger sized portions known as soap bars. Soap bars are normally used for hand washing of clothes and of the human or animal body, as they are easy to handle and friction against the surface to be cleaned. However, soap bars present the drawback of becoming virtually unusable once they have been used down to a small size that makes them difficult to handle. For this reason, soap bar remnants are discarded before they are entirely used. 
     Soap bars are used in households, in the industry, in commercial facilities such as hotels or spas, and in institutional establishments such as schools, hospitals and nursing homes, only to name a few. In these scenarios, a relatively large amount of money could be saved, and thus better invested in other enterprises, if soap bars were able to be used in their entirety. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide a soap bar recycling device that provides for reuse of soap bar remnants. Among these are found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,867 to Don D. Everman, U.S. Patent Application No. 2011/0127245 to Leon Burrus, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,390 to Stephen Lister. However, none of these attempts have successfully provided the market with cost-effective devices for recycling soap. In practice, households, commercial facilities, industrial facilities and institutional establishments continue to discard solid soap remnants and broken shards. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a soap recycling device that successfully transforms used soap bar remnants into sterilized, reusable soap, and that is also able to be constructed into a relatively compact and affordable product that is suitable for both the consumer market and the business market. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing a soap recycling device comprising a heat source and a UV emitter that respectively melt and sterilize solid soap remnants, and a directional valve that selectively delivers the molten soap fluid to a first receptacle capable of storing the soap in liquid form and delivering it for direct usage, for instance for hand washing, and a second receptacle where the molten soap fluid solidifies and turns into a reconstituted solid soap bar. The device includes a user interface that allows selecting the desired operation mode to either liquid or solid soap formation. The device according to the invention can be constructed in various shapes and sizes, including a counter-top, compact size that will make it most suitable for household environments allowing households to save money on soap. Businesses and institutions will also benefit from the device, whether it is in compact form or in a larger, non-compact form, as it will prevent indiscriminate waste of broken soap shards and provide significant economic savings. The device is also versatile, as it is capable of producing recycled soap in both liquid and solid format. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention consists of a soap recycling device comprising: 
     a housing, inside which a solid soap remnant receiving space is defined above a soap remnant receiving surface, wherein said receiving surface comprises a drainage opening; 
     at least one UV emitter arranged above said receiving space; 
     at least one heat source arranged to heat the receiving space; 
     a first receptacle, in downward fluid communication with the drainage opening; 
     a second receptacle, in downward fluid communication with the drainage opening; 
     a directional valve unit, operable to switch between a first position in which downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the first receptacle is not blocked and downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the second receptacle is blocked, and a second position in which downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the first receptacle is blocked and downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the second receptacle is not blocked; 
     a processor unit, comprising a storage memory storing computer executable instructions for operating the directional valve unit to switch between the first position and the second position. 
     In another aspect, the UV emitter comprises an array of UV-emitting LEDs. 
     In another aspect, the heat source comprises at least one heating coil arranged horizontally above the receiving space. 
     In another aspect, the UV emitter is arranged between the heating coil and the receiving space. 
     In a second aspect, the UV emitter is horizontally movable along the receiving space. 
     In another aspect, the housing comprises a main body and top cover assembly, wherein said heat source and said UV emitter are arranged inside said top cover assembly, and wherein the top cover assembly, the heat source and the UV emitter are jointly movable with respect to the main body from a closed position in which the heat source and the UV emitter are arranged on top of the receiving space, and an open position in which the heat source and the UV emitter are arranged separated from the receiving space and the receiving space is accessible from the outside allowing a user to place soap remnants in said receiving space. 
     In another aspect, the top cover assembly is hinged to the main body. 
     In another aspect, the housing comprises an open space arranged below the first receptacle, said open space being delimited by a top surface comprising a dispensing opening in fluid communication with the first receptacle. 
     In another aspect, the device further comprises a proximity sensor unit for detecting the presence of an object inside the open space, and a closure valve unit operable to switch between a closed position and an open position in which fluid communication between the first receptacle and the dispensing opening is respectively blocked and unblocked, the storage memory further storing computer executable instructions for operating the closure valve unit to switch between said closed position and said open position. 
     In another aspect, the second receptacle is accessible from outside the housing. 
     In another aspect, the device further comprises at least one cavity tray sized to fit inside the second receptacle, said cavity tray comprising at least one cavity for the formation of a soap bar. 
     In another aspect, the device further comprises a user interface, wherein the processor unit is responsive to user operation of the user interface and operates the direction valve to switch in dependency of user operation of the user interface. 
     Introducing another embodiment of the present invention, the invention consists of a soap recycling device comprising: 
     a housing, inside which a solid soap remnant receiving space is defined above a soap remnant receiving surface, wherein said receiving surface comprises a drainage opening; 
     at least one heat source arranged above the receiving space, for heating the receiving space; 
     at least one UV emitter arranged above said receiving space and beneath said heat source, said UV emitter being horizontally movable along the receiving space; 
     a first receptacle, in downward fluid communication with the drainage opening; 
     a second receptacle, in downward fluid communication with the drainage opening; 
     a directional valve unit, operable to switch between a first position in which downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the first receptacle is not blocked and downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the second receptacle is blocked, and a second position in which downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the first receptacle is blocked and downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the second receptacle is not blocked; 
     a processor unit, comprising a storage memory storing computer executable instructions for operating the directional valve unit to switch between the first position and the second position. 
     In a second aspect, the housing comprises a main body and top cover assembly, wherein said heat source and said UV emitter are arranged inside said top cover assembly, and wherein the top cover assembly, the heat source and the UV emitter are jointly movable with respect to the main body from a closed position in which the heat source and the UV emitter are arranged on top of the receiving space, and an open position in which the heat source and the UV emitter are arranged separated from the receiving space and the receiving space is accessible from the outside allowing a user to place soap remnants in said receiving space. 
     In another aspect, the top cover assembly is hinged to the main body. 
     Introducing yet another embodiment of the present invention, the invention consists of a method of operation of a soap recycling device comprising a housing inside which a soap remnant receiving space is defined above a soap remnant receiving surface provided with a drainage opening, said method being performed by a processor unit comprised in the device, the method comprising the steps of: 
     a) detecting a user command from a user interface; 
     b) switching at least one heat source to an activated state in which the heat source heats the receiving space; 
     c) switching at least one UV emitter arranged above said receiving space to an activated state in which the UV emitter emits UV radiation towards the receiving space; 
     d) selectively operating a directional valve to provide downward fluid communication between the drainage opening and either a first receptacle or a second receptacle, in dependence of the user command. 
     In a second aspect, the method comprises the step of switching a UV emitter arranged above said receiving space to an activated state in which the UV emitter emits UV radiation towards the receiving space, and in which the UV emitter moves horizontally along said receiving space. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises the step of dispensing liquid soap from the first receptacle, through a dispensing opening, to an open space arranged below the first receptacle. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises the step of sensing the proximity of an object inside the open space, and selectively operating a closure valve unit to switch between a closed position and an open position in which fluid communication between the first receptacle and the dispensing opening is respectively blocked and unblocked. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises the steps of measuring the time elapsed since the directional valve unit has switched to the second position, in which downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the first receptacle is blocked and downward fluid communication from the drainage opening to the second receptacle is not blocked, and providing a sensory indication to a user through the user interface upon expiration of a predetermined amount of time. 
     These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents a first perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a soap recycling device according to the invention, shown in a position in which a cover assembly included in the device is closed; 
         FIG. 2  presents the device of  FIG. 1 , shown in a different position, in which a cavity tray is extracted and in which the cover assembly is open, unveiling a soap remnant receiving surface; 
         FIG. 3  presents the device of  FIG. 2  shown from a lower angle in order to reveal a top surface of an open space included in the bottom area of the device, and a proximity sensor unit arranged on the top surface; 
         FIG. 4  presents a schematic cross-sectional view of the device the previous figures, according to cross-sectional plane  4 - 4  indicated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  presents a schematic cross-sectional view of the device the previous figures, according to cross-sectional plane  5 - 5  indicated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  presents a second exemplary embodiment of a cavity tray; 
         FIG. 7  presents a third exemplary embodiment of a cavity tray; 
         FIG. 8  presents a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cavity tray; 
         FIG. 9  presents a block diagram of the device of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 10  presents a flow chart of an embodiment of the method for recycling soap according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The illustration of  FIG. 1  shows a general perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, consisting of a soap recycling device  100  comprised of a compact, sleek housing  110  inside of which most of the soap recycling components are comprised. The housing  110  is essentially formed by a main body  120  and a cover assembly  130 , generally manufactured of a thermoplastic material. An open space  124  is delimited in the lower portion of the main body  120 , wherein the device  100  is able to deliver sterilized liquid soap formed out of solid soap remnants, as will be explained, at the open space  124 . A removable cavity tray  140  is also included in a front portion of the device  100 . Reconstituted, sterilized soap bars are formed inside the cavity tray  140  from solid soap remnants, as will also be explained. The device  100  further includes a user interface  150  accessible to a user at a front area of the housing  110 . In the embodiment shown, the user interface  150  includes a set of push buttons  152  and a small display  154 . However, a person skilled in the art will understand that the user interface can present many different embodiments that allow communicating a person with an electronic device, such as tactile screen, a voice recognition module, a sound recognition module, or the like. The user interface could also be external to the device  100 , such as a remote control or a separate device in wireless or wired communication with the device  100 . In addition, a cover assembly  130  is included in the upper portion of the housing  110 . The device  100  stands on a base portion  160 , above which the open space  124  is arranged. 
     The illustration of  FIG. 2  shows the device  100  in a second position in which the cover assembly  130  has been opened to reveal certain inner components of the device  100 . In the present embodiment, the cover assembly  130  is hinged to the housing  110 , so that it can be easily opened or closed without the risk of losing or dropping the cover assembly  130 . The cover assembly  130  can further include a snap-locking system. As shown in the figure, the device  100  further comprises a solid soap remnant receiving space  170  inside which a user will place solid soap remnants for recycling. The receiving space  170  is defined above a soap remnant receiving surface  180 , which is precisely where the user will rest and pile the solid soap remnants until appropriately filling the receiving space  170 . The receiving surface  180  comprises a drainage opening  190  and is preferably slightly tilted towards the drainage opening  190  to favor fluid drainage therethrough. 
     The device  100  further includes at least one UV emitter  200  arranged above the receiving space  170 , capable of emitting UV radiation that destroys bacteria and viruses, disinfecting solid soap remnants placed in the receiving space  170 . In the embodiment shown, the UV emitter  200  is an array of UV-emitting LEDs  204  oriented towards the receiving space  170  when the cover assembly  130  is closed as shown in  FIG. 1  and the device  100  is in operating condition. In addition, the device  100  includes at least one heat source  210  configured to heat the receiving space  170  and cause the solid soap remnants to melt into liquid form. In the present embodiment, the heat source  210  is a heating coil that is horizontally arranged over the receiving space  170  when the cover assembly  130  is closed as shown in  FIG. 1  and the device  100  is in operating condition. In addition, in the present embodiment the UV emitter  200  is arranged between the heating coil heat source  210  and the receiving space  170 . Having a coil heat source  210  arranged on top of a UV emitter  200  that is, in turn, above the solid soap remnant receiving space  170 , where the coil heat source  210  is horizontally arranged over the receiving space  170  when the cover assembly  130  is closed, provides a very compact and effective final construction of the device  100 , as can be appreciated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Preferably, the UV emitter  200  is horizontally movable along the receiving space  170  when the cover assembly  130  is closed as shown in  FIG. 1  and the device  100  is in operating condition. For instance, in the present embodiment, the array of UV-emitting LEDs  204  is supported on a structure  220  including opposite end walls  224  that glide along respective guide channels  134  formed in the cover assembly  130 . Having a horizontally movable UV emitter  200  allows to homogeneously disinfect the solid soap remnants and melted liquid soap present throughout the entire receiving space  170 . 
     In other words, in the present embodiment, the UV emitter  200  and the heat source  210  are arranged inside the top cover assembly  130 . The UV emitter  200 , the heat source  210  and the top cover assembly  130  are jointly movable with respect to the main body  120  from a closed position in which the UV emitter  200  and the heat source  210  are arranged on top of the receiving space  170 , and an open position in which the UV emitter  200  and the heat source  210  are arranged separated from the receiving space  170  so that the receiving space  170  is accessible from the outside allowing a user to place soap remnants in said receiving space  170 . Such an arrangement of the UV emitter  200  and the heat source  210  inside the cover assembly  130  contributes to reduce the total volume of the device  100 . 
     The cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4  allows to observe internal components of the device  100 . As shown, the device  100  further comprises a first receptacle  230  and a second receptacle  240 . Both the first receptacle  230  and the second receptacle  240  are in downward fluid communication with the drainage opening  190  through an inverted Y-shaped tubing structure composed of a common drainage tube  250 , a first branch tube  254  and a second branch tube  258 . In addition, the device  100  comprises a directional valve unit  260  comprised of a directional valve  264  (schematically illustrated as a switch) and a directional valve sensor  268 . The directional valve unit  260  is operable to switch between a first position in which the directional valve  264  blocks any downward fluid communication from the drainage opening  190  to the second receptacle  240  and allows downward fluid communication from the drainage opening  190  to the first receptacle  230 , and a second position in which the directional valve  264  allows downward fluid communication from the drainage opening  190  to the second receptacle  240  and blocks any downward fluid communication from the drainage opening  190  to the first receptacle  230 . The directional valve unit  260  is shown in the figure in the second position, i.e., in the position in which fluid would flow from the drainage opening  190  to the second receptacle  240 . The directional valve sensor  268  allows the position of the directional valve  264  to be controlled and varied by a commanding processor unit  270 . The processor unit  270  is normally located on a printed circuit board  274 . The processor unit  270  includes storage memory in which computer executable instructions, i.e., instructions that are executable by the processor unit  270 , are stored for operating the directional valve unit  260  to switch between the aforementioned first and second positions. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the processor unit  270  is responsive to user operation of the user interface  150  and operates the directional valve  264  to switch from one position to another in dependency of user operation of the user interface  150 . Therefore, the user can select whether soap remnants are to be recycled into disinfected liquid form or into disinfected, reconstituted solid soap bars. 
     The illustration of  FIG. 4  also depicts the internal components in charge of controlling and operating UV emitter  200  and heat source  210 . Specifically, the device  100  includes a heating coil controller  280  for activating and deactivating the coil heat source  210 , i.e., for allowing or preventing an electric current flow through the coil heat source  210 . The device  100  also includes a UV emitter motor  290  for causing a horizontal movement of the UV emitter  200  along the receiving space  170 . Horizontal movement is indicated by arrow  300  and by having represented the UV emitter  200  in a first extreme position  200   a  and a second extreme position  200   b , shown in dashed lines. A UV and heating controller  310  is also included for controlling and causing operation of the UV emitter motor  290  and the heating coil controller  280  as commanded by the processor unit  270 . 
     The open space  124  of the present embodiment is arranged below the first receptacle  230 , as best shown in  FIG. 5 . Said open space  124  is delimited by a top surface  320 , a bottom surface  324  and at least one side wall  328 —one side wall  328 , in the embodiment shown in the figures-. A dispensing nozzle or opening  330  is arranged on the top surface  320 , in fluid communication with the first receptacle  230 , in order to allow fluid soap to be delivered from the first receptacle  230  to the open space  124 . The device  100  further includes a fluid soap dispenser controller  340  which activates and deactivates a motor (not shown) in charge of moving two pressing elements  350 ,  360 , such as two movable walls, in an inward direction as indicated by arrows  370 , in order to exert a pressure on the first receptacle  230  and cause fluid soap to be expelled through the dispensing opening  330 . The fluid soap dispenser controller  340  is again communicated with the processor unit  270 , which controls the operation of the fluid soap dispenser controller  340 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the device  100  can further comprise a proximity sensor unit  380  for detecting the presence of an object inside the open space  124 , and a closure valve unit (not shown) operable to switch between a closed position and an open position in which fluid communication between the first receptacle  230  and the dispensing opening  330  is respectively blocked and unblocked. A person skilled in the art will understand that the closure valve unit can be a separate element or can be integrated in the dispensing opening  330 , for instance by the closure valve consisting of a contractible and expandable mechanism integrated in the dispensing opening  330 . Having a proximity sensor unit  380  arranged next to the open space  124  allows the device  100  to be used as an automatic liquid soap dispenser from which a user can directly dispense soap onto his or her hands by simply inserting the hands inside the open space  124 . The device  100  can further include a removable tray  390  shaped and sized to fit on the bottom surface  324 , and to collect any liquid soap that might drip from the dispensing opening  330 . 
     In the present embodiment, the second receptacle  240  is accessible from outside the housing  110 , to allow a user to easily collect reconstituted solid soap bars formed inside the second receptacle  240 . The device  100  preferably also comprises at least one cavity tray sized to fit inside the second receptacle  240 . For instance, as has been mentioned, the illustrations of  FIGS. 1 and 2  show a first exemplary cavity tray  140  respectively inserted into and pulled out from the second receptacle  240 . The illustrations of  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8  show alternative embodiments of cavity trays  400 ,  410 ,  420 . All cavity trays  140 ,  400 ,  410 ,  420  are externally sized and shaped to easily but snugly fit into the second receptacle  240 , and include differently-shaped inner cavities  142 ,  402 ,  412 ,  422  for the formation of differently-shaped reconstituted solid soap bars. 
     A block diagram is shown in  FIG. 9  representing the processor unit  270  centrally controlling the operation of the heating coil controller  280 , the UV emitter motor  290 , the UV and heating controller  310 , the directional valve sensor  268  and the fluid soap dispenser controller  340 , in dependency of user commands received from the user interface  150 . A power source  430  provides electrical power to the processor unit  270  and all other electric components comprised in the device  100 . 
     The flow chart of  FIG. 8  allows to understand the method of operation of the device  100  of the present embodiment. A user willing to recycle solid soap remnant pieces begins by opening the cover assembly  130  and placing the pieces of soap in the receiving space  170 , as indicated in step  500 . The user then optionally adds water to the soap remnant pieces, as indicated in step  510 . Scents and/or disinfecting, antibacterial agents can be incorporated as well. The user then closes the cover assembly  130  and starts the device  100 , for instance by pressing an ON/OFF push button  152  of the user interface  150 , as indicated in step  520 . The user selects whether the solid soap remnants are to be recycled into liquid soap or solid soap bars, as indicated in step  530 , for instance by pressing one of two respective “LIQUID SOAP” and “SOAP BAR” push buttons  152  of the user interface  150 . Steps  520 ,  530  can be performed in any given order. The processor unit  270  detects the user command originated in the user interface  150 , associated to the selected final product form (liquid or solid). The processor unit  270  then switches the UV emitter  200  arranged above said receiving space  170  to an activated state in which it emits UV radiation towards the receiving space  170  in order to purify the soap pieces, and in which it preferably moves horizontally across the receiving space  170 , as indicated in step  540 . The processor unit  270  also switches the heat source  210  to an activated state, as indicated in step  550 , in which it heats the receiving space  170  in order to melt the solid soap remnant pieces. In addition, as shown in step  560 , the processor unit  270  operates the directional valve  264  to provide downward fluid communication between the drainage opening  190  and either the first receptacle  230  or the second receptacle  240 , in dependence of the specific user command received from the user interface  150 . For instance, in the event of receiving a “SOAP BAR” command, the processor unit  270  switches the directional valve  264  to provide fluid communication from the drainage opening  190  to the second receptacle  240 ; in consequence, melted soap flows from the receiving space  170  down to the second receptacle  240  and into the cavity  142 ,  402 ,  412 ,  422  of a cavity tray  140 ,  400 ,  410 ,  420  placed inside the second receptacle  240 , as indicated in step  570 . The melted soap is allowed to solidify into the pattern of the cavity  142 ,  402 ,  412 ,  422  as indicated in step  580 . The user eventually pulls the cavity tray  140 ,  400 ,  410 ,  420  out and, as indicated in step  590 , removes the reconstituted soap bar from the cavity tray. If, however, the processor unit  270  receives a “LIQUID SOAP” command, the processor unit  270  switches the directional valve  264  to provide fluid communication from the drainage opening  190  to the first receptacle  230 ; in consequence, melted soap flows from the receiving space  170  down to the first receptacle  230 , as indicated in step  600 . The first receptacle  230  therefore becomes partially or fully loaded with liquid soap. The user then places his or her hands inside the open space  124 , as indicated in step  610 , and the proximity sensor unit  380  detects the presence of the hands and thus signals, via the fluid soap dispenser controller  340 , the processor unit  270  to operate the fluid soap dispenser controller  340  to open the dispensing opening  330  and activate liquid soap dispensing on the user&#39;s hands. 
     The method can further comprise the steps of measuring the time elapsed since the directional valve unit  260  has switched to the second position, in which downward fluid communication from the drainage opening  190  to the first receptacle  230  is blocked and downward fluid communication from the drainage opening  190  to the second receptacle  240  is not blocked, and providing a sensory indication to a user through the user interface  150  upon expiration of a predetermined amount of time. For instance, the sensory indication can consist of a visual indication on the display  154  and an audible beeping sound. The device  100  is thus able to inform the user when a solid soap bar has finished hardening inside the cavity and is ready to be removed by the user. 
     The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: c