Method and apparatus for actuating a faucet
First Claim
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1. A faucet assembly which comprises:
- a spigot;
a manually operated hot water valve operably connected to said spigot;
a manually operated cold water valve operably connected to said spigot;
the manually operated hot water valve being connected to a source of hot water and the manually operated cold water valve being connected to a source of cold water;
an electrically operated hot water valve operably connected to said source, of hot water and to said spigot;
an electrically operated cold water valve operably connected to said source of cold water and to said spigot;
a pneumatically actuated electric switch operably connected to said electrically operated hot water valve and to said electrically operated cold water valve;
a pressure means operably connected to said pneumatically actuated electric switch; and
a pneumatic time delay mechanism operably connected between said pressure means and said pneumatically actuated electric switch;
said mechanism having a selectively closable aperture constructed to release air from the pressure means at a selectable predetermined rate,whereby the faucet assembly may be operated automatically upon compression of said pressure means, said pneumatic time delay mechanism automatically causing water to cease flowing after a predetermined time even though said pressure means remains compressed, and the faucet assembly may be operated manually in the event of an electrical power failure.
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Abstract
This device is an automatic faucet with three temperature settings activated by a pressure switch which is mounted on or near the floor by the user'"'"'s foot. The invention includes a device which will, after a period of time, automatically turn the water off after the switch has been depressed. In the preferred embodiment, the user upon approaching the sink, could, by viewing indicator lights, readily discern whether a hot, cold or warm temperature setting has been selected.
71 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A faucet assembly which comprises:
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a spigot; a manually operated hot water valve operably connected to said spigot; a manually operated cold water valve operably connected to said spigot; the manually operated hot water valve being connected to a source of hot water and the manually operated cold water valve being connected to a source of cold water; an electrically operated hot water valve operably connected to said source, of hot water and to said spigot; an electrically operated cold water valve operably connected to said source of cold water and to said spigot; a pneumatically actuated electric switch operably connected to said electrically operated hot water valve and to said electrically operated cold water valve; a pressure means operably connected to said pneumatically actuated electric switch; and a pneumatic time delay mechanism operably connected between said pressure means and said pneumatically actuated electric switch;
said mechanism having a selectively closable aperture constructed to release air from the pressure means at a selectable predetermined rate,whereby the faucet assembly may be operated automatically upon compression of said pressure means, said pneumatic time delay mechanism automatically causing water to cease flowing after a predetermined time even though said pressure means remains compressed, and the faucet assembly may be operated manually in the event of an electrical power failure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of controlling the flow of water from a water source to a spigot, the method comprising the steps of:
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maintaining compression of a pneumatic device; actuating a pneumatic switch having an actuated condition and a deactuated condition in response to the compression of said pneumatic device, thereby generating an actuation signal which is continuous while the pneumatic switch is in the actuated condition; transmitting said actuation signal to an electrically operated water valve interposed between a water source and a spigot; opening said valve in response to said actuation signal, thus causing water to flow from said water source through said spigot; and permitting air to bleed slowly from the pneumatic device until the pneumatic switch is in the deactuated condition, thereby interrupting the actuation signal being transmitted, causing the electrically operated water valve to close, and causing water to cease flowing from said water source through the spigot. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification