Automatic faucets

US9695579B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Kay Herbert · Winthrop, US
• Xiaoxiong Mo · Lexington, US
• Jeff Krull · Naperville, US
• Jean F. Daher · Auburn, US
• Qiaohong Chen · Lexington, US
• Ronald J. Vish · Dedham, US
• Fatih Guler · Winchester, US
• Xu Wang · Jinan, CN
• Stanley O Thompson · New Boston, US
• David L. Carpenter · Jaffrey, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 16, 2013
• Grant date: Jul 4, 2017
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/8376
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An automatic faucet includes a housing constructed to receive at least one water inlet conduit and having a spout for delivering water. The automatic faucet includes a valve module, a sensor module, a battery module, a turbine module, and a control module. The valve module includes a valve controlled by an electromagnetic actuator for controlling the water flow from the spout. The sensor module is constructed to provide sensor data influenced by a user. The control module is constructed to control opening and closing of the valve by providing signals to the electromagnetic actuator. The control module is also constructed to receive sensor data from the sensor module and execute a sensing algorithm. The control module is also constructed to execute a power management algorithm for managing electrical power generated by the water turbine and provided to and from the battery.