Faucet including capacitive sensors for hands free fluid flow control
US10301801B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE03C2001/026
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A faucet comprises a spout, a passageway that conducts water flow through the spout, and an electrically operable valve disposed within the passageway. A first capacitive sensor has a first detection field that generates a first output signal upon detection of a user's hands in the first detection field, and a second capacitive sensor has a second detection field that generates a second output signal upon detection of a user's hands in the second detection field. A controller is coupled to the first and second capacitive sensors and the electrically operable valve. The controller is programmed to actuate the electrically operable valve in response to detecting the user's hands in the first detection field and not in the second detection field for a predetermined period of time surrounding the detection of the user's hands in the first detection field.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.