초록 ▼

In response to a infrared-radiation sensor assembly (12), a control circuit controls an electromechanical valve (18) in an automatic faucet (16). Reflector surfaces (44, 46) so form a sensor beam as to cause the sensor to be insensitive to the presence of a sink (24). The ratio of the resultant radi

In response to a infrared-radiation sensor assembly (12), a control circuit controls an electromechanical valve (18) in an automatic faucet (16). Reflector surfaces (44, 46) so form a sensor beam as to cause the sensor to be insensitive to the presence of a sink (24). The ratio of the resultant radiation pattern's horizontal extent to its vertical extent is greater than it would be in the absence of the reflector surfaces (44, 46). The control circuit is battery-powered, and the electromechanical valve (18) is of the latching variety so as to conserve the battery's energy.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An object-sensor-based flow-control system comprising:A) a fluid conduit having an inlet and an outlet;B) an electromechanical valve interposed in the conduit and operable by application of control signals thereto to switch between an open state, in which it permits fluid

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An object-sensor-based flow-control system comprising:A) a fluid conduit having an inlet and an outlet;B) an electromechanical valve interposed in the conduit and operable by application of control signals thereto to switch between an open state, in which it permits fluid flow through the conduit, and a closed state, in which it prevents fluid flow through the conduit;C) a sensor assembly including:i) an optical-radiation emitter operable by application of emitter signals thereto to emit optical radiation in an emitter radiation pattern;ii) an optical-radiation receiver that generates a receiver signal in accordance with a receiver radiation pattern in response to optical radiation received thereby; andiii) a sensor reflector so shaped and disposed with respect to the optical-radiation emitter and receiver as so to redirect optical radiation from the optical-radiation emitter and/or toward the optical-radiation receiver as to result in a sensor radiation pattern the greatest ratio of whose extents in orthogonal directions exceeds that of the combination of the emitter and receiver radiation patterns; andD) a control circuit that causes optical radiation to be sent into a target region by applying emitter signals to the optical-radiation emitter, receives resultant receiver signals from the optical-radiation receiver, and in accordance with the resultant receiver signals operates the electromechanical valve by applying control signals thereto.