IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 |
US-0975461
(1992-11-12)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Sullivan Robert A. (4017 Ocean Dr. Manhattan Beach CA 90266-3162)
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
35 인용 특허 :
0 |
초록
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A faucet-control device which enables users to control water flow in a basin fixture (10) by leaning against the front of the fixture (10) with a lower limb. Eight embodiments (A-H) are described. A normally-closed, electrically-controlled valve (16, 44, 46, or 62) controls water flow. A thin, flat,
A faucet-control device which enables users to control water flow in a basin fixture (10) by leaning against the front of the fixture (10) with a lower limb. Eight embodiments (A-H) are described. A normally-closed, electrically-controlled valve (16, 44, 46, or 62) controls water flow. A thin, flat, normally-open, momentary-contact, pressure-actuated mat switch (14) controls the valve (16, 44, 46, or 62). Any user in a normal stance may activate the mat switch (14) by applying a small pressure with a lower limb. In Embodiment A, activating the mat switch (14) opens the valve(s) (16), allowing water to flow. In Embodiment B, two stacked mat switches (14 and 14A) control a two-stage valve (44). In Embodiment C, a capacitive mat (50) enables the user to select continuously variable flow rates with a lower limb. A servo-drive circuit (48) converts variable capacitance from the capacitive mat (50) to an amplified current which drives a servo valve (46). In Embodiment D, the servo-drive circuit (48 ) drives a mixing valve (62). The mixing valve (62) provides continuously variable water temperatures in response to varying pressure on the capacitive mat (50). Embodiments E-H utilize four different faucet configurations, in combination with the valves (16, 44, 46, or 62) from Embodiments A-D.
대표청구항
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A faucet-control device comprising: (a) at least one electrically-controlled, normally-closed valve, (b) adaptive means attached to said valve which facilitate installation into a basin fixture so as to control water flow therein, (c) at least one normally-open, momentary-contact mat switch, of suff
A faucet-control device comprising: (a) at least one electrically-controlled, normally-closed valve, (b) adaptive means attached to said valve which facilitate installation into a basin fixture so as to control water flow therein, (c) at least one normally-open, momentary-contact mat switch, of sufficient flatness and thinness to facilitate vertical surface mounting on said basin fixture, of sufficient thinness that its protrusion is insignificant to the safety and comfort of a user when mounted on said basin fixture, and of sufficient sensitivity and surface area that user may readily close said mat switch by applying a predetermined pressure with a portion of his/her lower body, said mat switch conducts electric current when pressure applied thereto causes a pair of flexible conductors therein to flex, said flexible conductors are normally parallel to one another and not making electrical contact, and (d) at least one electronic circuit which provides electric current to open said valve, when said mat switch is closed, whereby user\s lower body controls water flow in said basin fixture.
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