BACKGROUND

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a dispensing device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dispensing device having in-situ disinfectant generator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Dispensing devices for the release of disinfectant solutions or gels suitable for washing hands are present in several public places in addition to domestic environments. Moreover, it is a common practice to fill liquid dispensers with disinfectant solutions containing chemical substances, in order to get an improved protection in crowded or high-transit public places. Alternatively, disinfecting solutions are provided in disposable bottles, with the inconvenience of involving a waste product that needs to be subsequently dumped. In broad spectrum, disinfectant solutions known in the art are, in fact, characterised having chemicals that can be toxic. In many cases the protection provided by a normal disinfectant solution may be considered acceptable to use at homes, schools, colleges, hospitals or clinics, these disinfectant solutions also have chemicals that can be toxic and can be harmful to health and environment.

There exists a need for providing an efficient and economical apparatus that produces a disinfectant solution that is natural, safe and non-toxic and also effective. Also, there exists a need for providing an efficient and economical portable dispenser with in-situ disinfectant generator in a wide range of environments.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein. An object of the present disclosure is to develop an apparatus that generates a disinfectant solution and automatically dispenses the generated disinfectant solution. Another object of the present invention is to develop a portable apparatus that has in-situ disinfectant generator and dispenser.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sanitizer generator dispenser apparatus includes a housing and an electrolyte tank securely formed within the housing for holding a liquid solution. The apparatus includes an electrolyzer assembly having a cathode and an anode, and the electrolyzer assembly is positioned within the electrolyte tank for electrolyzing the liquid solution and generating a sanitizer. The apparatus further includes a power supply unit, a timer unit, a selector switch, a switched mode power supply (SMPS), a spray pump, a sensor unit, and a mist spray nozzle. The power supply unit is connected to the electrolyzer assembly and a power source to supply current to the electrolyzer assembly. The timer unit is connected to the power supply unit to control operation of the power supply unit. The selector switch is connected to the timer unit, and selector switch is adjustable between one of a generator mode and a dispensing mode at any instance of time. The spray pump is coupled to the electrolyte tank to collect the sanitizer. The sensor unit is used to sense presence of an object or user’s hand within a selected distance. The mist spray nozzle is coupled to the spray pump to receive the sanitizer and dispense the sanitizer in mist form. The switched mode power supply (SMPS) is connected to the spray pump, the sensor unit, and the power source. The SMPS converts AC voltage from the power source into DC voltage for functioning of the spray pump and the sensor unit. The controller is connected to the power supply unit, the timer unit, the selector switch, the sensor unit, and the spray pump. When the selector switch is in the generator mode, the controller is configured to activate the timer unit which in turn activates the power supply unit to supply current to the electrolyzer assembly for a predetermined time to electrolyze the liquid solution, and the controller is configured to deactivate the sensor unit and the spray pump in the generator mode. When the selector switch is in the dispensing mode, the controller is configured to deactivate the timer unit which in turn deactivates the power supply unit, and the controller is configured to activate the spray pump based on input received from the sensor unit, when the sensor unit detects the presence of the user’s hand or the object, the controller activates the spray pump to collect the sanitizer and dispense the sanitizer through the mist spray nozzle in the mist form.

These and other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will herein after be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

Fig. 1A illustrates a front view of a sanitizer generator dispenser apparatus, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. IB illustrates a front perspective view of the sanitizer generator dispenser apparatus, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1C illustrates a cross-sectional cut view of an electrolyzer assembly of the sanitizer generator dispenser apparatus, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the sanitizer generator dispenser apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “an article” may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.

There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such component in the drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.

Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention constitutes a sanitizer dispenser generator apparatus. Accordingly, the components have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a front view and a front perspective view of a sanitizer dispenser generator apparatus 100, in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 100 is used for generating a sanitizer (up to 500 ppm concentration) or a disinfectant solution (more than 500 ppm concentration) from a liquid solution and dispensing the generated sanitizer or the generated disinfectant solution. The apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 that encloses and supports components of the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the housing 102 is of L-shape. The apparatus 100 further includes an electrolyte tank 104 having a sight glass that is mounted upon external surfaces of the housing 102 that form the L-shape. The electrolyte tank 104 is designed to hold one of the liquid solution, the sanitizer, or the disinfectant solution at any instance of time. The sight glass of the electrolyte tank 104 allows for visual inspection of the liquid solution, the sanitizer, or the disinfectant solution contained therein. The sight glass also allows for viewing level of the liquid solution, the sanitizer, or the disinfectant solution within the electrolyte tank 104. The apparatus 100 includes a cover 106 that is secured on a top end of the electrolyte tank 104. The cover 106 may be removably attached to the electrolyte tank 104. The cover 106 provides easy access for operator or user to the electrolyte tank 104. In an embodiment, the housing 102 and the cover 106 may be made of plastic material.

In an embodiment, user adds the liquid solution to the electrolyte tank 104. The liquid solution is a sodium chloride solution that is formed by mixing water and salt (NaCl). The user may use containers capable of storing the liquid solution prior to its addition in the electrolyte tank 104. For example, the containers may be plastic bottles, buckets, or jugs. In another embodiment, the liquid solution may be pumped to the electrolyte tank 104 via a pump (not shown) that is housed in the apparatus 100 from an external source. In order to generate a sanitizer of 500 ppm, 50 grams of salt is added to six litres of water to prepare the liquid solution. In order to generate a disinfectant solution of 5000 ppm, 100 grams of salt is added to six litres of water to prepare the liquid solution. In an embodiment, the sanitizer is a disinfect solution having concentration up to 500 ppm.

The apparatus 100 includes an electrolyzer assembly 108 that is positioned within the electrolyte tank 104 for performing electrolysis of the liquid solution. Fig. 1C illustrates a cross-sectional cut view of the electrolyzer assembly 108, in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. The electrolyzer assembly 108 includes a cylindrical body wall 110 with a flat end wall 111. The electrolyzer assembly 108 houses a cathode 112 and an anode 114 that are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. The cylindrical body wall 110 has a plurality of through holes formed thereon at a predetermined interval. The plurality of through holes of the electrolyzer assembly 108 allows the liquid solution to come in contact with the cathode 112 and the anode 114.

Each of the cathode 112 and the anode 114 may be made of a conductive material, which is useful for electrolysis, including, but not limited to, titanium, copper, and carbon. In an embodiment, the anode 114 may be coated with a mixture of noble metal oxides such as iridium oxide, ruthenium oxide, and the like. In another embodiment, each of the cathode 112 and the anode 114 may be coated with a material that helps to change or maintain pH of the liquid solution. Moreover, the dimensions (sizing) of each of the cathode 112 and the anode 114 can be varied to achieve optimum production of the sanitizer or the disinfectant solution. Moreover, number of cathodes and anodes in the electrolyzer assembly 108 can be varied to achieve optimum production of the sanitizer or the disinfectant solution. In an embodiment, the electrolyzer assembly 108 includes three or more electrodes for generating the sanitizer or the disinfectant solution. For example, the electrolyzer assembly 108 may include two cathodes and one anode for electrolyzing the liquid solution. In another embodiment, roles of the cathode 112 and the anode 114 may be reversed to avoid continuous cleaning of the electrolyte tank 104.

Fig. 2 illustrates an internal block diagram 200 of the apparatus 100, in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 100 includes a power supply unit 116, a selector switch 118, a timer unit 120, and a controller 122. The housing 102 securely holds and supports the power supply unit 116, the selector switch 118, the timer unit 120, and the controller 122.

The power supply unit 116 is connected to the electrolyzer assembly 108 and an external alternating current (AC) power source (230V, 50Hz). The power supply unit 116 convert an AC voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage. The power supply unit 116 provides current required for the cathode 112 and the anode 114 simultaneously to perform electrolysis of the liquid solution within the electrolyte tank 104. In an embodiment, the power supply unit 116 may be a Transformer Rectifier Unit (TRU) (not shown) that performs collective functions of a transformer and a rectifier to convert the AC voltage to the DC voltage. In another embodiment, the power supply unit 116 may be a switched mode power supply that converts the AC voltage to the DC voltage. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a constant current converter (not shown) that is connected to the power supply unit 116 to maintain constant output current regardless of changes to an input voltage and an output resistance.

The selector switch 118 is connected to the timer unit 120 which is in turn connected to the power supply unit 116. The selector switch 118 is configured to allow the apparatus 100 to operate in three or more modes. In an embodiment, the selector switch 118 has three specific modes: a sanitizer mode, a disinfectant mode, and a dispensing mode. The selector switch 118 allows a user to select one of the three modes at any instance of time. The selector switch 118 may include a slide or any other mechanism that permits the user to switch between the three specific modes of the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the sanitizer mode and the disinfectant mode of the selector switch 118 are collectively referred to as a generator mode, allowing the selector switch 118 to be in one of the generator mode and the dispensing mode at any instance of time.

The timer unit 120 is connected to the power supply unit 116 and the selector switch 118 to adjust operation time of the electrolyzer assembly 108 based on a mode selected by the user via the selector switch 118. The selector switch 118 sends a control signal to the timer unit 120 once the user selects one of the three specific modes via the selector switch 118. The timer unit 120 in turn provides a time signal to the power supply unit 116 for operating the electrolyzer assembly 108 for a set period of time based on selected mode. In an embodiment, the timer unit 120 may be a twin mode multi time selector device that provides the time signal for the power supply unit 116 based on the mode selected by the user via the selector switch 118.

When the user selects the sanitizer mode via the selector switch 118, the timer unit 120 sends a time signal for X (>0) minutes to the power supply unit 116. The power supply unit 116 then supplies current to the electrolyzer assembly 108 for X minutes to electrolyze the liquid solution. Similarly, when the user selects the disinfectant mode via the selector switch 118, the timer unit 120 sends a time signal for Y (>0) minutes to the power supply unit 116. The power supply unit 116 then supplies current to the electrolyzer assembly 108 for Y minutes to electrolyze the liquid solution. For each of time set values X and Y of the timer unit 120, the user may have four or more options that can be selected for the time set values through an arrangement provided in the timer unit 120. The timer unit 120 may provide a signal to the power supply unit 116 to turn off power supply to the electrolyzer assembly 108 at the end of the pre-set time. For example, in the sanitizer mode, the timer unit 120 provides a time signal for 10 minutes. For example, in the disinfectant mode, the timer unit 120 provides a time signal for 5 hours. In an embodiment, the timer unit 120 may have a display unit (not shown) to display the mode that is selected by the user and the time to finish off the selected mode. When the user selects the dispensing mode via the selector switch 118, the timer unit 120 may send a signal to the power supply unit 116 to turn off power supply to the electrolyzer assembly 108 till the user switches to the generator mode via the selector switch 118. The controller 122 is connected to the power supply unit 116, the selector switch 118, and the timer unit 120 to control operation of the electrolyzer assembly 108 within the electrolyte tank 104. The power supply unit 116 is activated by the controller 122 to initiate or stop electrolysis operation of the electrolyzer assembly 108 depending upon input values from the selector switch 118 and the timer unit 120. When the user selects the generator mode via the selector switch 118, the controller 122 is configured to receive an activation signal from the selector switch 118 and a corresponding time signal from the timer unit 120. The controller 122 is configured to determine a time period for which the power supply unit 116 needs to be activated in order to produce disinfectant solution desired by the user. When the controller 122 determines that the time period has expired, the controller 122 is configured to deactivate the power supply unit 116, thereby stopping current supplied to the cathode 112 and the anode 114 to stop electrolysis of the liquid solution. When the user selects the dispensing mode via the selector switch 118, the controller 122 is configured to keep the power supply unit 116 in a sleep state and simultaneously activates a sanitizer dispenser unit to dispense the sanitizer.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a dispenser faucet (not shown) to dispense the disinfectant solution of more than 500 ppm concentration. The controller 122 is configured to activate the sanitizer dispenser unit only when the electrolyzer assembly 108 generates the sanitizer having concentration up to 500 ppm. The controller 122 is configured to not activate the sanitizer dispenser unit when the electrolyzer assembly 108 generates the disinfectant solution having concentration more than 500 ppm. The user uses the dispenser faucet to dispense the generated disinfectant solution into a container or an object.

When the user adds the liquid solution to the electrolyte tank 104, the liquid solution surrounds the cathode 112 and the anode 114 of the electrolyzer assembly 108. When the user selects the generator mode via the selector switch 118, the controller 122 is configured to activate the power supply unit 116 to initiate electrolysis of the liquid solution to produce the sanitizer or the disinfectant solution. The sanitizer or the disinfectant solution may be hypochlorous acid, metal ion hypochlorite, or a combination thereof. User can produce any type of disinfectant solution using the apparatus 100 by adjusting duration of electrolysis operation. The strength of the disinfectant solution may be varied between 50 ppm and 8000 ppm by varying salt concentration of the liquid solution, duration of electrolysis of the liquid solution, and current supplied to the cathode 112 and the anode 114.

In an embodiment, the selector switch 118 may have a customize mode which is an alternative to the generator mode. In the customize mode, the controller 122 allows the user to set any value of time on the timer unit 120. Based on a time set value of the timer unit 120, the controller 122 activates the power supply unit 116 which in turn powers the electrolyzer assembly 108 for the time set value to generate a disinfectant solution with a concentration between 50 ppm and 8000 ppm. The customize mode of the apparatus 100 allows the user to generate the disinfectant solution with a concentration of his/her choice.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a pH meter 124 that is in contact with the liquid solution in the electrolyte tank 104. The pH meter 124 allows reading of pH of the liquid solution. Based on readings of the pH meter 124, user can add acetic acid or vinegar to the liquid solution to maintain the pH between 5 and 6. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include an automatic dispensing unit (not shown) within the electrolyte tank 104 to dispense the acetic acid or vinegar based on the readings of the pH meter 124. The controller 122 is configured to control the automatic dispensing unit for maintaining pH of the liquid solution.

The apparatus 100 includes the sanitizer dispenser unit having a switched mode power supply (SMPS) 126, a spray pump 128, a sensor unit 130, and a mist spray nozzle 132. The housing 102 supports and encloses the switched mode power supply (SMPS) 126 (herein after referred to as “SMPS 126”) and the spray pump 128. The sensor unit 130 and the mist spray nozzle 132 protrude from a bottom surface of the housing 102. The SMPS 126 is connected to the external AC power source. The SMPS 126 is used as AC-to-DC converter for converting AC input voltage to regulated DC output voltage. The SMPS 126 is connected to the spray pump 128 and the sensor unit 130 to supply power thereto. For example, the SMPS 126 converts the AC voltage to an about 12/24V DC voltage.

In an embodiment, the spray pump 128 may be a DC diaphragm high pressure pump that collects the sanitizer from the electrolyte tank 104 and pumps the sanitizer through the mist spray nozzle 132 at high pressure in order to enable mist spray. One end of the spray pump 128 is coupled to the electrolyte tank 104 and other end of the spray pump 128 is coupled to the mist spray nozzle 132. The sensor unit 130 is configured to detect the positioning of a hand or object in proximity to the mist spray nozzle 132. In an embodiment, the sensor unit 130 may be a proximity sensor that senses human hands or objects in proximity to the mist spray nozzle 132. The mist spray nozzle 132 may have a specific shape that generates fine mist when the sanitizer is passed therethrough with high pressure, thereby ensuring uniform deposition of the sanitizer on the human hands or the objects.

The controller 122 is connected to the SMPS 126, the spray pump 128, and the sensor unit 130. When the user selects the dispensing mode via the selector switch 118, the controller 122 is configured to activate the SMPS 126 that powers the spray pump 128. The controller 122 is configured to receive an input signal from the sensor unit 130 when the sensor unit 130 detects presence of hand/hands or object/objects. Based on the input signal received from the sensor unit 130, the controller 122 provides continuous control signal to the spray pump 128 until the hands or objects are removed, ensuring contactless spray of the sanitizer on hands/objects.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a solenoid valve 134 that is positioned between the spray pump 128 and the mist spray nozzle 132. The controller 122 is configured to control operation of the solenoid valve 134 based on the input signal received from the sensor unit 130. The controller 122 is configured to open the solenoid valve 134 when the sensor unit 130 detects hands or objects in proximity to the mist spray nozzle 132. The controller 122 is configured to close the solenoid valve 134 when the sensor unit 130 does not detect hands or objects in proximity to the mist spray nozzle 132, thereby preventing dripping of the sanitizer from the spray pump 128. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a shut-off sensor (not shown) that sends a control signal to the controller 122 to disable the spray pump 128 whenever the selector switch 118 is in the sanitizer mode or the disinfectant mode.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a level sensor (not shown) within the electrolyte tank 104 to sense level of the sanitizer or the disinfectant solution therein. When the level sensor detects low level of the sanitizer or the disinfectant solution within the electrolyte tank 104, the controller 122 is configured to halt operation of the sanitizer dispenser unit. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a safety interlock unit (not shown) that is coupled to the selector switch 118. The safety interlock unit prevents switching of mode from the generator mode to the dispensing mode via the selector switch 118 till completion of an operation time of the electrolyzer assembly 108. The user can switch to the dispensing mode from the generator mode via the selector switch 118 only when the electrolyzer assembly 108 generates the sanitizer or the disinfectant solution.

In operation, the apparatus 100 has an in-situ disinfectant generator along with a dispenser module. If the user has to generate the sanitizer or the disinfectant solution, the user has to pour the liquid solution into the electrolyte tank 104. The user then turns on the external AC power source of the apparatus 100. The user then selects the generator mode via the selector switch 118, where he/she chooses one of the sanitizer mode and the disinfectant mode. If the user chooses the sanitizer mode via the selector switch 118, the controller 122 receives a control signal of the selector switch 118. Based on the selected mode, the timer unit 120 selects a first time set value (for example, 15 minutes). Subsequently, the timer unit 120 sends a continuous signal to the controller 122. The controller 122 is configured to activate the power supply unit 116 for the first time set value based on the received continuous signal. The power supply unit 116 supplies current to the cathode 112 and the anode 114 to initiate the electrolysis of the liquid solution. Once the controller 122 determines that first time set value is ended, the controller 122 provides a signal to the power supply unit 116 to cut off the power to the electrolyzer assembly 108. At the end of the first time set value, a sanitizer (around 500 ppm) is formed in the electrolyte tank 104. If the user chooses the disinfectant mode via the selector switch 118, the controller 122 receives a control signal of the selector switch 118. Based on the selected mode, the timer unit 120 selects a second time set value (for example, 5 hours). Subsequently, the timer unit 120 sends a continuous signal to the controller 122 that activates the power supply unit 116. The power supply unit 116 then supplies current to the cathode 112 and the anode 114 to initiate the electrolysis of the liquid solution. Once the controller 122 determines that second time set value is ended, the controller 122 provides a signal to cut off the power to the electrolyzer assembly 108. At the end of the second time set value, a disinfectant solution (around 5000 ppm) is formed in the electrolyte tank 104. In order to dispense the generated sanitizer, the user has to select the dispensing mode via the selector switch 118. Once the user selects the dispensing mode via the selector switch 118, the selector switch 118 sends a control signal that activates the sensor unit 130. Once the sensor unit 130 is activated, the sensor unit 130 senses for hands or objects placed by the user within its proximity. If the sensor unit 130 detects the presence of the hands or objects, the sensor unit 130 sends a continuous signal to the controller 122 that activates the spray pump 128. The spray pump 128 collects the disinfectant solution from the electrolyte tank 104 and pushes it through the mist spray nozzle 132. Once the user removes the hands, the sensor unit 130 sends a stop signal to the controller 122 that stops operation of the spray pump 128. In order to dispense the generated disinfectant solution, the user has to use the dispenser faucet instead of the sanitizer dispenser unit.

The apparatus 100 includes a light unit 136 that is disposed on the housing 102. The light unit 136 is configured to emit a particular color light that indicates operation status of the electrolyzer assembly 108. For example, when the electrolyzer assembly 108 is still in operation for generating the sanitizer or the disinfectant solution, the light unit 136 emits a red light, indicating a warning to user not to switch the apparatus 100 to the dispensing mode via the selector switch 118. When the electrolyzer assembly 108 is halted, the light unit 136 emits a green light, indicating the user that he/she can switch the apparatus 100 to the dispensing mode via the selector switch 118.

In an embodiment, current supplied to the cathode 112 and anode 114 of the electrolyzer assembly 108 may be varied to achieve a disinfectant solution with requisite concentration. The sanitizer/disinfectant solution produced by the apparatus 100 may be used immediately or may be stored. The sanitizer/disinfectant solution may be used as, for example, hand sanitizer, fruits and vegetables wash, meat cleaning, surface disinfection, floor and clothes cleaning and the like. The sanitizer/disinfectant solution may be used as, for example, a disinfecting agent or a bleaching agent. The disinfectant solution may be used to, for example, sterilize surfaces of homes, offices, schools, or colleges.

The apparatus 100 generates multiple concentrations of the disinfectant solution. For example, a sanitizer with up to 500 ppm is generated in the sanitizer mode and the disinfection solution with 5000 ppm is generated in the disinfectant mode. The apparatus 100 generates natural non-toxic and safe disinfectant unlike toxic chemicals being used in existing disinfectants. The apparatus 100 generates HOCL (hypochlorous acid at pH < 6.5) which is a powerful disinfectant 80-100 times stronger than bleach-based disinfectants. The apparatus 100 has the dispensing mode for contactless sensor-based dispensing of the sanitizer. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 is a portable compact unit.

In an embodiment, the liquid solution is a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. The KOH solution is prepared by adding 50 grams of potassium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ) powder instead of salt to water. The KOH solution can be used as an effective degreasing agent and cleaning agent for removal of grease, oil, fats, or other contaminants from the surface of an object.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may have a communication module (not shown) and a programmed unit (not shown) that allow user to operate the apparatus 100 via an application installed on smart phone, a tablet, and the like. The application allows the user to remotely control operation of the apparatus 100. The user can customize his/her requirements via the application. Based on user’s instructions via the application, the controller 122 controls the operation of the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the controller 122 may automatically moves the selector switch 118 from the generator mode to the dispensing mode when the electrolyzer assembly 108 is operated for the predetermined time period to generate the disinfectant solution. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include IOT enabled devices for its smooth operation. The IOT enabled devices allow the user to remotely monitor and control operations of the apparatus 100.

The present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Although selected embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail, it may be understood that various substitutions and alterations are possible. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings may recognize additional various substitutions and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.