초록 ▼

A water faucet is disclosed that is automatically turned on and off in response to the proximity of the user\s hand or other object to the faucet. An ultrasonic transducer is located in the faucet near the water outlet and transmits bursts of ultrasonic waves. When a wave reflects off a user\s hand

A water faucet is disclosed that is automatically turned on and off in response to the proximity of the user\s hand or other object to the faucet. An ultrasonic transducer is located in the faucet near the water outlet and transmits bursts of ultrasonic waves. When a wave reflects off a user\s hand and creates an echo signal, the echo is detected by the ultrasonic transducer. Circuitry connected to the ultrasonic transducer determines when an object is within a predetermined distance of the faucet by measuring the time elapsed between the transmission of the burst and the reception of the echo. Once an object is within this predetermined distance, the circuitry causes a valve to open and water is supplied by the faucet.

대표청구항 ▼

A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of an object from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid ou

A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of an object from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and coupled to the distance measuring means for causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in response to the detection of an object within a predetermined distance of the fluid outlet and for preventing the fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when no object is detected within the predetermined distance.