Ultrasonically operated water faucet
US4402095A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 1981 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S4/03
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A water faucet is disclosed that is automatically turned on and off in response to the proximity of the user's hand or other object to the faucet. An ultrasonic transducer is located in the faucet near the water outlet and transmits bursts of ultrasonic waves. When a wave reflects off a user's hand and creates an echo signal, the echo is detected by the ultrasonic transducer. Circuitry connected to the ultrasonic transducer determines when an object is within a predetermined distance of the faucet by measuring the time elapsed between the transmission of the burst and the reception of the echo. Once an object is within this predetermined distance, the circuitry causes a valve to open and water is supplied by the faucet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.