US4402095A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonically operated water faucet
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-03-26
•
Granted: 1983-09-06
•
Expires: 2001-03-26
Abstract
Abstract A water faucet is disclosed that is automatically turned on and off in response to the proximity of the user's hand or other object to the faucet. An ultrasonic transducer is located in the faucet near the water outlet and transmits bursts of ultrasonic waves. When a wave reflects off a user's hand and creates an echo signal, the echo is detected by the ultrasonic transducer. Circuitry connected to the ultrasonic transducer determines when an object is within a predetermined distance of the faucet by measuring the time elapsed between the transmission of the burst and the reception of the echo. Once an object is within this predetermined distance, the circuitry causes a valve to open and water is supplied by the faucet.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert B. Pepper
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 06:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S15/00; G01S15/88; E; E03; E03C; E03C1/00; E03C1/02; E03C1/05; E03C1/055; E03C1/057; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S4/00; Y10S4/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of an object from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and coupled to the distance measuring means for causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in response to the detection of an object within a predetermined distance of the fluid outlet and for preventing the fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when no object is detected within the predetermined distance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of an object from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and coupled to the distance measuring means for causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in response to the detection of an object within a predetermined distance of the fluid outlet and for preventing the fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when no object is detected within the predetermined distance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
A faucet as in claim 1 wherein the predetermined distance is adjustable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
74 words
A faucet as in claim 1 where in the distance detecting means further comprises: ultrasonic transducer means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet; and circuit means connected to the ultrasonic transducer means for causing signals to be transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer means and for responding to echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducer means to produce a signal indicative of the distance of an object from the fluid outlet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
A faucet as in claim 3 wherein the circuit means comprises: transmit means coupled to the ultrasonic transducer means for causing the ultrasonic transducer means to emit an ultrasonic signal; receive means coupled to the ultrasonic transducer means for detecting ultrasonic echoes received by the ultrasonic transducer means; and measurement means coupled to the transmit means and the receive means for producing the signal indicative of the distance of an object from the fluid outlet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A faucet as in claim 4 wherein the measurement means comprises time measurement means for measuring the elapsed time between the emission of an ultrasonic signal and the receipt of an echo and wherein the predetermined distance corresponds to a predetermined elapsed time.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
A faucet as in claim 5 wherein the predetermined elapsed time is adjustable.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A faucet as in claim 6 wherein the valve means comprises an electrically operated solenoid valve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A faucet as in claim 7 wherein the fluid is water and further comprising sink means for receiving the water.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A faucet as in claim 4 wherein the ultrasonic transducer means comprises a single unit for emitting the ultrasonic signal and for receiving ultrasonic echoes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A faucet as in claim 1 further comprising temperature control means connected to the fluid inlet for controlling the temperature of the fluid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A faucet as in claim 10 wherein the temperature control means comprises a thermostatically controlled valve.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
115 words
A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of an object from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and coupled to the distance measuring means for causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in response to the detection of an object within a predetermined range of distances of the fluid outlet and for preventing the fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when no object is detected within the predetermined range of distances.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
115 words
A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of an object from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and coupled to the distance measuring means for causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in response to the detection of an object within a predetermined range of distances of the fluid outlet and for preventing the fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when no object is detected within the predetermined range of distances.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A faucet as in claim 12 wherein the predetermined range of distances is adjustable.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
73 words
A faucet as in claim 12 wherein the distance measuring means further comprises: ultrasonic transducer means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet; and circuit means connected to the ultrasonic transducer means for causing signals to be transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer means and for responding to echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducer means to produce a signal indicative of the distance of an object from the fluid outlet.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
75 words
A faucet as in claim 14 wherein the circuit means comprises: transmit means coupled to the ultrasonic transducer means for causing the ultrasonic transducer means to emit an ultrasonic signal; receive means coupled to the ultrasonic transducer means for detecting ultrasonic echoes received by the ultrasonic transducer means; and measurement means coupled to the transmit means and the receive means for producing the signal indicative of the distance of an object from the fluid outlet.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
A faucet as in claim 15 wherein the measurement means comprises time measurement means for measuring the elapsed time between the emission of an ultrasonic signal and the receipt of an echo and wherein the predetermined range of distances corresponds to a predetermined range of elapsed times.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
A faucet as in claim 16 wherein the predetermined range of elapsed times is adjustable.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
A faucet as in claim 17 wherein the valve means comprises an electrically operated solenoid valve.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
A faucet as in claim 18 wherein the fluid is water and further comprising sink means for receiving the water.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
A faucet as in claim 14 further comprising a housing containing the fluid outlet and the ultrasonic transducer means, wherein the ultrasonic transducer means has a transmitting surface that faces substantially the same direction as the direction of fluid flow from the fluid outlet.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
A faucet as in claim 15 wherein the ultrasonic transducer means comprises a single unit for emitting the ultrasonic signal and for receiving ultrasonic echoes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
A faucet as in claim 12 further comprising temperature control means connected to the fluid inlet for controlling the temperature of the fluid.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
A faucet as in claim 22 wherein the temperature control means comprises a thermostatically controlled valve.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
44 words
A faucet as in claim 3 further comprising a housing containing the fluid outlet and the ultrasonic transducer means, wherein the ultrasonic transducer means has a transmitting surface that faces substantially the same direction as the direction of fluid flow from the fluid outlet.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
111 words
A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of a surface from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and coupled to the distance measuring means for causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in response to the detection of a surface within a predetermined distance of the fluid outlet and for preventing the fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when no surface is detected within the predetermined distance.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
111 words
A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of a surface from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and coupled to the distance measuring means for causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in response to the detection of a surface within a predetermined distance of the fluid outlet and for preventing the fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when no surface is detected within the predetermined distance.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
A faucet as in claim 25 wherein the predetermined distance is adjustable.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
74 words
A faucet as in claim 25 where in the distance detecting means further comprises: ultrasonic transducer means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet; and circuit means connected to the ultrasonic transducer means for causing signals to be transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer means and for responding to echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducer means to produce a signal indicative of the distance of a surface from the fluid outlet.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
75 words
A faucet as in claim 27 wherein the circuit means comprises: transmit means coupled to the ultrasonic transducer means for causing the ultrasonic transducer means to emit an ultrasonic signal; receive means coupled to the ultrasonic transducer means for detecting ultrasonic echoes received by the ultrasonic transducer means; and measurement means coupled to the transmit means and the receive means for producing the signal indicative of the distance of a surface from the fluid outlet.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
43 words
A faucet as in claim 28 wherein the measurement means comprises time measurement means for measuring the elapsed time between the emission of an ultrasonic signal and the receipt of an echo and wherein the predetermined distance corresponds to a predetermined elapsed time.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
A faucet as in claim 29 wherein the predetermined elapsed time is adjustable.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
A faucet as in claim 30 wherein the valve means comprises an electrically operated solenoid valve.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
A faucet as in claim 28 wherein the ultrasonic transducer means comprises a single unit for emitting the ultrasonic signal and for receiving ultrasonic echoes.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
A faucet as in claim 25 further comprising temperature control means connected to the fluid inlet for controlling the temperature of the fluid.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
44 words
A faucet as in claim 27 further comprising a housing containing the fluid outlet and the ultrasonic transducer means, wherein the ultrasonic transducer means has a transmitting surface that faces substantially the same direction as the direction of fluid flow from the fluid outlet.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
115 words
A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of a surface from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and coupled to the distance measuring means for causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in response to the detection of a surface within a predetermined range of distances of the fluid outlet and for preventing the fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when no surface is detected within the predetermined range of distances.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
115 words
A faucet for a fluid comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; distance measuring means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet for detecting and measuring the distance of a surface from the fluid outlet; and valve means coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and coupled to the distance measuring means for causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in response to the detection of a surface within a predetermined range of distances of the fluid outlet and for preventing the fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when no surface is detected within the predetermined range of distances.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
A faucet as in claim 35 wherein the predetermined range of distances is adjustable.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
73 words
A faucet as in claim 35 wherein the distance measuring means further comprises: ultrasonic transducer means located in a predetermined spatial relationship with the fluid outlet; and circuit means connected to the ultrasonic transducer means for causing signals to be transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer means and for responding to echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducer means to produce a signal indicative of the distance of a surface from the fluid outlet.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
75 words
A faucet as in claim 37 wherein the circuit means comprises: transmit means coupled to the ultrasonic transducer means for causing the ultrasonic transducer means to emit an ultrasonic signal; receive means coupled to the ultrasonic transducer means for detecting ultrasonic echoes received by the ultrasonic transducer means; and measurement means coupled to the transmit means and the receive means for producing the signal indicative of the distance of a surface from the fluid outlet.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
47 words
A faucet as in claim 38 wherein the measurement means comprises time measurement means for measuring the elapsed time between the emission of an ultrasonic signal and the receipt of an echo and wherein the predetermined range of distances corresponds to a predetermined range of elapsed times.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
A faucet as in claim 39 wherein the predetermined range of elapsed times is adjustable.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
A faucet as in claim 40 wherein the valve means comprises an electrically operated solenoid valve.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
44 words
A faucet as in claim 37 further comprising a housing containing the fluid outlet and the ultrasonic transducer means, wherein the ultrasonic transducer means has a transmitting surface that faces substantially the same direction as the direction of fluid flow from the fluid outlet.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
A faucet as in claim 38 wherein the ultrasonic transducer means comprises a single unit for emitting the ultrasonic signal and for receiving ultrasonic echoes.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
A faucet as in claim 35 further comprising temperature control means connected to the fluid inlet for controlling the temperature of the fluid.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-09-05 | 1987-03-07 | 1987-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-09-05 | 1991-03-07 | 1991-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-09-05 | 1995-03-07 | 1995-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |