Tri-state control for an electronic faucet
First Claim
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1. An electronic faucet comprising:
- a control having at least a first operational mode for a first flow characteristic and a second operational mode for a second flow characteristic different from the first flow characteristic; and
an actuator that is selectively actuated to change said control between said first and said second operational modes.
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Abstract
An electronic faucet includes a control that has at least three different modes of operation. The control has an auto or normal mode of operation where fluid flows for a predetermined amount of time when a sensor detects an object adjacent to the electronic faucet. The control has an “off” mode where system electronics are disabled such that fluid cannot flow, and the control has an “on” mode where fluid is constantly flowing. A mechanical or electronic selector is selectively actuated to place the control in one of the auto, off, or on modes.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An electronic faucet comprising:
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a control having at least a first operational mode for a first flow characteristic and a second operational mode for a second flow characteristic different from the first flow characteristic; and
an actuator that is selectively actuated to change said control between said first and said second operational modes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An electronic faucet comprising:
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a control having at least a first operational mode for a first flow characteristic, a second operational mode for a second flow characteristic different from the first flow characteristic, and a third operational mode for a third flow characteristic different from said first and said second flow characteristics;
at least one sensor that generates a detection signal that is communicated to said control when an object is adjacent to the electronic faucet; and
a selector that is selectively movable to place said control in one of said first, said second, and said third operational modes. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 11)
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10. The electronic faucet according to 8 wherein said control prohibits fluid flow when said control is in said second operational mode and said at least one sensor does not detect an object adjacent to the electronic faucet.
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12. A method for controlling fluid flow in an electronic faucet comprising the steps of:
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(a) assigning a first flow characteristic to a first operational mode and a second flow characteristic to a second operational mode wherein the second flow characteristic is different from the first flow characteristic; and
(b) selecting one of the first and second operational modes. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification