This invention relates to a dispensing machine, which may dispense discrete articles or liquids or powder. The invention relates particularly to a machine for dispensing cleaning materials, but it may be used for other purposes instea .

In many sites, e.g. public buildings, hospitals, offices, factories, county halls, clubs, public houses and hotels, it is difficult at present to control the quantities of cleaning materials which are used by the cleaning personnel.

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a dispensing machine arranged to dispense discrete articles and/or liquids and/or powder on demand, and having means to count the number of discrete articles dispensed in a predetermined time period, or to sum the volume or weight of liquid or powder dispensed in a predetermined time period, to prevent more than a preset number of the articles, or more than a preset volume or weight of liquid or powder, being dispensed within the predetermined time period.

The machine may be arranged to dispense a number of different products and include means for selecting the required product each time. Different products typically will have different preset maximum numbers or volumes or weights permitted within a given time period: the predetermined time period may vary depending on the product, e.g. it may be 24 hours for one product, 7 days for another, 2 weeks for another etc. The preset maximum number, volume or weight and the predetermined time period may be set within the machine by a supervisor.

The machine may require each individual who uses the machine to key in an access code (which may be a personal identity code), or otherwise use a pass key, before the machine will dispense any product.

If the predetermined maximum for any given product has been exceeded within the predetermined time period for that product, the machine will still issue the product upon entry of an over-ride code or key, typically entered by a supervisor.

An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a view of a dispensing machine in accordance with this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic block diagram of a computer control system of the machine; and

FIGURE 3 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation of the machine.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a dispensing machine which in this example is intended for dispensing cleaning chemicals and other products or articles used in cleaning. Some of these chemicals are in liquid form, others may be in discrete packs, and some of the products may be in powder form.

The dispensing machine comprises a metal housing or cabinet which includes a display panel 10 on its front, for displaying the different products which it holds, together with an identifying code for each such product. The front panel further includes a keypad 12 on which a user may enter an access code (e.g. his or her personal identity code) and also the identity code of the selected product. The machine has a recovery tray 14 at which the different products are dispensed. Also on its front, the machine in the example shown has a separate dispenser 16 for bars of soap. The machine has on one side a set of instructions 18 for the safe and/or economic use of the different chemicals etc. On its other side the machine has a waste paper bin 20.

It will be apppreciated that the machine provides for the secure, safe storage of the various products which it

dispenses.

The operation of the machine is controlled by the microprocessor-based system shown diagrammatically in Figure 2. This system comprises a central processing unit CPU, which receives inputs from the keypad 10, from a security key 22, from sensors 24 measuring the flow of liquids or powders (which sensors may also monitor the quality of the respective products), and from other sensors 26 within the machine for monitoring faults or indicating levels. The CPU drives display indicators 28 on the front panel of the machine, and also dispensing solenoids 30 within the machine. The CPU may also have a communications port 30, optionally including a modem, for outputting or receiving data to or from a remote station.

In use of the machine, and referring to Figure 3, a user who requires a paticular product will first enter his identity or access code on the key pad 10 (see step 40 in Figure 3). At step 42 the CPU determines if the valid access code has been entered. Then the user enters a code identifying the product which he or she wishes to select, and a code specifying the quantity of the selected product which is required (step 44). The CPU at step 46 determines if the code or codes thus entered are correct: if not, then the user may re-enter the selection code or codes. Once the selection code or codes are accepted, the CPU at step 48 determines whether the preset maximum number, volume or weight of the selected product has been exceeded within the predetermined period for that product. If "YES", then the machine refuses to dispense the demanded product and displays its refusal (step 50). However, if the preset maximum has not yet been exceeded in the relevant time period, the machine dispenses the demanded product at step 54: for some products, the user must place an appropriate receptacle on the recovery tray 14, and for such products the CPU determines at step 52 that the receptacle is in place, before dispensing at step 54. Once the product has been dispensed, or refused, the machine is reset (step 56) .

It will be appreciated that the dispensing machine stores cleaning chemicals and products safely and hygienically and controls the dispensing of the products to reduce waste and pilfering.

The machine which is shown is free standing but instead it may be wall-mounted.

The machine will only dispense the demanded product after the correct access code or key has been inserted. The subsequently selected product is then dispensed in a preset controlled measure up to daily or other maximum.

If the machine requires the user to enter his or her personal identity code, then the machine preferably keeps a record of what products have been demanded by which users and when.

Data from the machine may be passed to a remote or central station, so that the central station may determine when the machine needs replenishing with its different products.