Automatic faucet
First Claim
1. A faucet for automatic operation, defining a base and an elongated spout body extending therefrom including a discharge outlet spaced from the base, said spout body defining a generally planar surface disposed at about an angle of 20°
- to horizontal,sensing means operative to automatically operate said faucet by detecting the presence of a user comprising a signal emitter and a signal detector disposed intermediate said base and said outlet, said emitter and detector each being disposed on the longitudinal centerline of the spout body, and said emitter and detector and said discharge outlet each face outwardly from said planar surface, said detector having a field of view symmetrical about an axis, said axis being parallel to a centerline of said discharge outlet,said sensing means being able to communicate with a faucet control means adapted to automatically operate said faucet, anda drip guard disposed between said emitter and detector extending from said planar surface and being generally arcuate in a direction transverse to the longitudinal center of the spout body.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A faucet for automatic operation defining a base and an elongated cantilevered spout body provided with a discharge outlet. A sensing means for automatic operation in the form of an emitter an detector are mounted on the spout body intermediate the base and discharge outlet. The emitter and detector are positioned on the longitudinal center of the spout body and provide a concentrated zone of effective detection disposed intermediate the area of discharge from the faucet and the base. The zone shape is transversely elongated relative to the longitudinal center of the faucet spout body.
-
Citations
7 Claims
-
1. A faucet for automatic operation, defining a base and an elongated spout body extending therefrom including a discharge outlet spaced from the base, said spout body defining a generally planar surface disposed at about an angle of 20°
- to horizontal,
sensing means operative to automatically operate said faucet by detecting the presence of a user comprising a signal emitter and a signal detector disposed intermediate said base and said outlet, said emitter and detector each being disposed on the longitudinal centerline of the spout body, and said emitter and detector and said discharge outlet each face outwardly from said planar surface, said detector having a field of view symmetrical about an axis, said axis being parallel to a centerline of said discharge outlet, said sensing means being able to communicate with a faucet control means adapted to automatically operate said faucet, and a drip guard disposed between said emitter and detector extending from said planar surface and being generally arcuate in a direction transverse to the longitudinal center of the spout body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- to horizontal,
Specification