System and method to position and retain a sensor in a faucet spout
US9695580B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/9464
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A touchless faucet including a tubular spout having a curved portion including an inlet end through which a fluid flow enters the spout and an outlet end through which the fluid flow exits the spout. The outlet end is located forward and downward of an apex of the curved portion and the inlet end is located rearward and downward of the apex. The faucet also includes an electronic valve for controlling the fluid flow and a sensor disposed completely within the spout along an underside of the curved portion adjacent the apex. The sensor includes a transmitter for emitting a signal and a receiver for detecting an interruption of the signal within a detection zone that does not intersect with the fluid flow from the outlet end of the spout. The sensor communicates with the electronic valve to control the fluid flow when the interruption of the signal is detected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.