Passive sensors and control algorithms for faucets and bathroom flushers
US7921480B2 · kind B2 · utility
37Cited by
209References
32Claims
0Family size
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86389
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An optical system includes one or several passive optical detectors sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling, for example, the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers. The passive optical sensors provide signals to flow controllers, including control electronics and flow valves and require only very small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. To control the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers based on ambient light, the controller executes novel algorithms.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.