Capacitive sensing system and method for operating a faucet
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An electronic faucet comprising:
- a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout;
an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway; and
a single capacitive sensor coupled to a portion of the faucet, the single capacitive sensor providing both a touch sensor and a proximity sensor for the electronic faucet.
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Abstract
An electronic faucet comprises a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a single capacitive sensor coupled to a portion of the faucet. The single capacitive sensor provides both a touch sensor and a proximity sensor for the electronic faucet.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An electronic faucet comprising:
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a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout; an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway; and a single capacitive sensor coupled to a portion of the faucet, the single capacitive sensor providing both a touch sensor and a proximity sensor for the electronic faucet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of controlling fluid flow in an electronic faucet having a spout, a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, a manual valve located in series with the electrically operable valve, and a manual handle configured to control the manual valve, the method comprising:
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providing a single capacitive sensor coupled to a portion of the faucet; monitoring an output signal from the capacitive sensor to detect when a user touches at least one of the spout and the manual valve handle and to detect when a user'"'"'s hands are located in a detection area located near the faucet; and controlling the electrically operable valve is response to the step of monitoring the output signal. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification