Faucet including a capacitance based sensor
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling an electronic faucet, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a faucet including a spout having a passageway configured to deliver fluid through the spout, a valve positioned in the passageway, and a capacitive sensor coupled to the faucet;
detecting a capacitive signal provided with the capacitive sensor;
comparing a measure of the capacitive signal with a threshold;
opening the valve when the measure of the capacitive signal reaches the threshold; and
adjusting the threshold in response to at least one environmental factor.
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Abstract
An electronic faucet is provided that includes a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a capacitive sensor coupled to the faucet. A controller may dynamically change on/off thresholds and monitor a stability signal to determine when to turn off the electrically operable valve.
60 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of controlling an electronic faucet, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a faucet including a spout having a passageway configured to deliver fluid through the spout, a valve positioned in the passageway, and a capacitive sensor coupled to the faucet; detecting a capacitive signal provided with the capacitive sensor; comparing a measure of the capacitive signal with a threshold; opening the valve when the measure of the capacitive signal reaches the threshold; and adjusting the threshold in response to at least one environmental factor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An electronic faucet comprising:
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a spout having a passageway configured to deliver fluid through the spout; an electrically operable valve positioned in the passageway; a capacitive sensor coupled to the faucet; and a controller in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor and defining a threshold, the capacitive sensor being configured to send a capacitive signal to the controller, the controller being configured to open the valve when a measure of the capacitive signal reaches the threshold and to adjust the threshold in response to at least one environmental factor. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification