Faucet including capacitive sensors for hands free fluid flow control
US9702128B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE03C1/057
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A faucet comprises a spout, a passageway that conducts water flow through the spout, and an electrically operable valve disposed within the passageway. A first capacitive sensor has a first detection field that generates a first output signal upon detection of a user's hands in the first detection field, and a second capacitive sensor has a second detection field that generates a second output signal upon detection of a user's hands in the second detection field. The first and second detection fields overlap to define a detection zone. A controller is coupled to the first and second capacitive sensors and the electrically operable valve. The controller is programmed to actuate the electrically operable valve in response to detecting the user's hands in the detection zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.