Multi-mode hands free automatic faucet
US7150293B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/9464
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A hands-free faucet comprises a proximity sensor, a logical control, a handle including a first touch control, a second touch control, and a mode indicator. The logical control has a manual mode (wherein the proximity sensor is inactive, and water flow is toggled on and off by positioning the handle) and a hands-free mode (wherein water flow is toggled on and off in response to the proximity sensor). The first touch control puts the faucet in the hands-free mode when touched by a user. The second touch control toggles the logical control between the hands-free mode and the manual mode when touched by a user. The mode indicator indicates which mode the faucet is presently in. The water flow has a temperature and a flow rate that are determined by the position of the handle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.