Device for dispensing sterile on-demand, heated towelettes

Abstract

A wet towelette dispensing device is provided. The device is operable in conjunction with a container storing a plurality of dried, compressed, individually wrapped, preferably sealed towelettes. The device includes a pump configured to transfer a predetermined amount of liquid from a liquid reservoir to a heat exchanger to heat the liquid to a predetermined temperature, a plunger configured to release a first one of the towelettes from its individual wrapping. The device further includes a liquid dispense unit configured to deliver the heated liquid to the released towelette.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 536,922, titled “DEVICE FOR DISPENSING STERILE ON DEMAND, HEATED TOWELETTES”, filed on Jul. 25, 2017. This and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention is systems, devices, and methods for generating sterile, heated towelettes on demand.BACKGROUND[0003]The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that produces a wet towelette and delivers it to a user. The device uses a retractable tray, but other designs that minimize exposure to the outside environment are also contemplated. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a more convenient and efficient way of delivering sterile, wet towettes to users.

Problems solved by technology

While convenient in use, wet tissues or towelettes are susceptible to contaminations by microorganisms (e.g., fungus, bacteria, etc.) due to the wet environment.

While compact, dry towelettes solve the contamination issues, they inconveniently require a user need to supply water to wet the towelettes.

Also, while it only requires several milliliters of water to fully expand and wet the tissue, it is often hard for a user to pour that small amount of water over the towelettes, resulting in overspilling the water.

However, all of above dispensers cannot utilize individually wrapped, compressed towelettes, and end up storing unwrapped towelettes in the device, which of course are not sterile.

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