Automatic hand dryer
First Claim
1. A system having a device which is remotely controlled by a user, comprising:
- sensing means for detecting the presence of a user within a detection zone in close proximity to the controlled device;
means responsive to the sensing means for energizing the controlled device for an indeterminate period of time when a user is detected in the detection zone;
a timing means, responsive to the sensing means, for de-energizing the controlled device after detection has been continuous for a predetermined period;
and means, including a time delay mechanism and operative after a user has been detected, for maintaining continuous energization of the controlled device even though the user subsequently moves momentarily outside of the detection zone and detection is interrupted, thereby permitting the user to move in and out of the detection zone without de-energizing the device.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic hand dryer contains a heating element and a motor which drives a squirrel cage fan. The fan exhausts air past the heating element to a downwardly-directed outlet. A base or mounting plate is adapted for flush mounting to a wall. The axis of the fan is peripendicular to the base plate and wall to which the dryer is attached. A control or sensing circuit emits signals to a detection zone beneath the outlet and monitors the zone for reflected signals indicative of a user'"'"'s presence. The circuit operates to energize and deenergize the power circuit to the fan motor and heating element. Upon detection for a predetermined period, the circuit energizes the power circuit. The control circuit deenergizes the power circuit upon interruption of the reflected signals for a predetermined period, or after a predetermined maxium time period of continuous detection. Under the latter condition, the stimulus reflecting the emitted signals must be removed from the detection zone to reactivate the control circuitry. Any incremental interruption in the reflected signal which does not exceed the period of permitted interruption, restarts the commencement of the timing of the maximum period of continuous detection.
38 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A system having a device which is remotely controlled by a user, comprising:
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sensing means for detecting the presence of a user within a detection zone in close proximity to the controlled device; means responsive to the sensing means for energizing the controlled device for an indeterminate period of time when a user is detected in the detection zone; a timing means, responsive to the sensing means, for de-energizing the controlled device after detection has been continuous for a predetermined period; and means, including a time delay mechanism and operative after a user has been detected, for maintaining continuous energization of the controlled device even though the user subsequently moves momentarily outside of the detection zone and detection is interrupted, thereby permitting the user to move in and out of the detection zone without de-energizing the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification