초록 ▼

A water faucet assembly includes a faucet operatively connected to a water source, an energy storage element, and a valve in operative communication with the faucet and the water source to selectively permit water flow from the water source to the faucet. A light detector mechanism is configured to

A water faucet assembly includes a faucet operatively connected to a water source, an energy storage element, and a valve in operative communication with the faucet and the water source to selectively permit water flow from the water source to the faucet. A light detector mechanism is configured to detect ambient light. A control mechanism is powered by the energy storage element and is in operative communication with the light detector mechanism and the valve. The control mechanism is configured to activate the valve to permit water flow from the water source to the faucet responsively to the level of ambient light detected by the light detector mechanism.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] A water faucet assembly, said assembly comprising:a faucet operatively connected to a water source;an energy storage element;a valve in operative communication with said faucet and said water source to selectively permit water flow from said water source to said faucet;a

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] A water faucet assembly, said assembly comprising:a faucet operatively connected to a water source;an energy storage element;a valve in operative communication with said faucet and said water source to selectively permit water flow from said water source to said faucet;a sensor circuit, said sensor circuit includinga light detector mechanism configured to detect ambient light,a signal source configured to emit a signal into an area proximate said faucet, anda signal receiver configured to receive a return signal reflected by an object within the area;a control circuit, said control circuit includinga signal acquisition circuit in operative communication with said light detector mechanism and said signal receiver, said signal acquisition circuit outputting signals from said light detector mechanism corresponding to ambient light detected by said detector mechanism and outputting signals from said signal receiver corresponding to said return signals,a valve control circuit in operative communication with said valve and configured to activate and deactivate said valve,a processor circuit in operative communication with said energy storage element, said signal source, said signal acquisition circuit and said valve control circuit, said processor circuit configured to receive said ambient light signals from said signal acquisition circuit to cause said signal source to emit a signal into said area responsively to said received ambient light signals, to receive said return signals from said signal acquisition circuit and to cause said valve control circuit to activate said valve when said received return signals indicate an object within said area,wherein said control circuit is also configuredin an active state, to operate said valve with said valve control circuit,in an inactive state, to reduce energy consumption by said assembly from said energy storage element and to maintain said valve in an deactivated condition,to enter said inactive state from said active state upon failure to activate said valve for a predetermined period,to monitor said ambient light signals output by said signal acquisition circuit during said inactive state, and to enter said active state from said inactive state responsively to said ambient light signals.