U.S. patent number RE37,888 [Application Number 09/515,929] was granted by the patent office on 2002-10-22 for water faucet with touchless controls.
Invention is credited to Eugen Cretu-Petra.
United States Patent |
RE37,888 |
Cretu-Petra |
October 22, 2002 |
Water faucet with touchless controls
Abstract
A water faucet assembly providing touchless water temperature
and water flow adjustment. The assembly comprises a spout, a water
mixing valve, at least one proximity sensor, and a microcomputer.
The water mixing valve provides a mix and controls the flow of hot
water from a hot water supply and cold water from a cold water
supply to the spout. The at least one proximity sensor provides a
water temperature or water flow input signal having a value
corresponding to the distance of an object from the sensor. The
microcomputer is responsive to the value of the water temperature
input signal to control the water mixing valve and generate a
mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the distance of
the object from the proximity sensor. The microcomputer is also
responsive to the value of the water flow input signal to provide a
flow of water from the spout corresponding to the distance of the
object from the proximity sensor.
Inventors: |
Cretu-Petra; Eugen (Flat Rock,
MI) |
Family
ID: |
27086593 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/515,929 |
Filed: |
February 29, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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611776 |
Mar 6, 1996 |
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Reissue of: |
922843 |
Sep 3, 1997 |
05868311 |
Feb 9, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
236/12.12;
251/129.04; 4/623 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C
1/057 (20130101); G05D 23/1393 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E03C
1/05 (20060101); G05D 23/13 (20060101); G05D
23/01 (20060101); G05D 023/13 () |
Field of
Search: |
;236/12.12 ;4/623
;251/129.04 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Tapolcai; William E.
Parent Case Text
.Iadd.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 08/611,776, filed Mar. 6, 1996, now abandoned..Iaddend.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A water faucet assembly comprising: a spout; .[.a water mixing
valve for providing a mix of hot water from a hot water supply and
cold water from a cold water supply to the spout;.]. .Iadd.a hot
water supply for providing hot water to the spout; a cold water
supply for providing cold water to the spout;.Iaddend. at least one
proximity sensor for providing a water temperature input signal
having a value corresponding to the distance of an object from the
sensor; and a microcomputer responsive to the value of the water
temperature input signal to control .[.the water mixing valve.].
.Iadd.the hot and cold water supplies .Iaddend.and generate a
mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the distance of
the object from the proximity sensor, thereby providing touchless
water temperature adjustment.
2. The assembly of claim 1 including a temperature sensor
responsive to the temperature of the water leaving .[.the water
mixing valve.]. .Iadd.the spout .Iaddend.for providing water
temperature data and wherein the microcomputer is responsive to the
water temperature data to control .[.the water mixing valve.].
.Iadd.the hot and cold water supplies .Iaddend.and generate a
mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the distance of
the object from the proximity sensor.
3. The assembly of claim 1 including a display controlled by the
microcomputer for providing operational status information in a
visual form.
4. The assembly of claim 1 including a speaker controlled by the
microcomputer for providing operational status information in a
verbal form.
5. The assembly of claim 1 including flood detection means to
generate a flood signal preventing an overflow of water from a
basin and wherein the microcomputer controls .[.the water mixing
valve.]. .Iadd.the hot and cold water supplies .Iaddend.based upon
the flood signal provided by the flood detection means.
6. The assembly of claim 1 including a microphone responsive to
verbal instructions to actuate the microcomputer to execute the
verbal instructions.
7. The assembly of claim 1 including an instant tankless water
heater controlled by the microcomputer to provide hot water.
8. The assembly of claim 1 including a touchless liquid dispenser
controlled by the microcomputer to dispense a liquid such as a soap
or shampoo.
9. A water faucet assembly comprising: a spout; .[.a water mixing
valve for controlling a flow of hot water from a hot water supply
and cold water from a cold water supply to the spout;.]. .Iadd.a
hot water supply for providing hot water to the spout; a cold water
supply for providing cold water to the spout;.Iaddend. at least one
proximity sensor for providing a water flow input signal having a
value corresponding to the distance of an object from the sensor;
and a microcomputer responsive to the value of the water flow input
signal to provide a flow of water from the spout with the flow of
water corresponding to the distance of the object from the
proximity sensor, thereby providing touchless water flow
adjustment.
10. The assembly of claim 9 including a temperature sensor
responsive to the temperature of the water leaving .[.the water
mixing valve.]. .Iadd.the spout .Iaddend.for providing water
temperature data and wherein the microcomputer is responsive to the
water temperature data to control .[.the water mixing valve.].
.Iadd.the hot and cold water supplies .Iaddend.and generate a
mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the distance of
the object from the proximity sensor.
11. The assembly of claim 9 including a display controlled by the
microcomputer for providing operational status information in a
visual form.
12. The assembly of claim 9 including a speaker controlled by the
microcomputer for providing operational status information in a
verbal form.
13. The assembly of claim 9 including flood detection means to
generate a flood signal preventing an overflow of water from a
basin and wherein the microcomputer controls .[.the water mixing
valve.]. .Iadd.the hot and cold water supplies .Iaddend.based upon
the flood signal provided by the flood detection means.
14. The assembly of claim 9 including a microphone responsive to
verbal instructions to actuate the microcomputer to execute the
verbal instructions.
15. The assembly of claim 9 including an instant tankless water
heater controlled by the microcomputer to provide hot water.
16. The assembly of claim 9 including touchless liquid dispenser
controlled by the microcomputer to dispense a liquid such as a soap
or shampoo.
17. A water faucet assembly comprising: a spout; a water mixing
valve for providing a mix of hot water from a hot water supply and
cold water from a cold water supply to the spout; at least one
proximity sensor for providing a water temperature input signal
having a value corresponding to the distance of an object from the
sensor; a microcomputer to control the water mixing valve; a
temperature sensor responsive to the temperature of the water
leaving the water mixing valve for providing water temperature data
and wherein the microcomputer is responsive to the water
temperature data to control the water mixing valve and generate a
mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the distance of
the object from the proximity sensor, thereby providing touchless
water temperature adjustment; microcomputer is responsive to the
water temperature data to control the water mixing valve and
generate a mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the
distance of the object from the proximity sensor, thereby providing
touchless water temperature adjustment; a display controlled by the
microcomputer for providing operational status information in a
visual form; a speaker controlled by the microcomputer for
providing operational status information in a verbal form; flood
detection means to generate a flood signal preventing an overflow
of water from a basin and wherein the microcomputer controls the
water mixing valve based upon the flood signal provided by the
flood detection means; a microphone responsive to verbal
instructions to actuate the microcomputer to execute the verbal
instructions; an instant tankless water hater controlled by the
microcomputer to provide hot water; and a touchless liquid
dispenser controlled by the microcomputer to dispense a liquid such
as a soap or shampoo. .Iadd.
18. A water faucet assembly comprising: a spout; a hot water supply
for providing hot water to the spout; a cold water supply for
providing cold water to the spout; at least one proximity sensor
for providing a water temperature input signal having a value
corresponding to the distance of an object from the sensor; and a
microcomputer responsive to the value of the water temperature
input signal to generate a mixture of the hot and cold water
corresponding to the distance of the object from the proximity
sensor, thereby providing touchless water temperature
adjustment..Iaddend..Iadd.
19. The assembly of claim 1 including a temperature sensor
responsive to the temperature of the water leaving the spout for
providing water temperature data and wherein the microcomputer is
responsive to the water temperature data to control the hot and
cold water supplies to maintain the water
temperature..Iaddend..Iadd.
20. A water faucet assembly comprising: a spout; a water supply for
providing water to the spout; at least one proximity sensor for
providing a water flow input signal having a value corresponding to
the distance of an object from the sensor; and a microcomputer
responsive to the value of the water flow input signal to provide a
flow of water from the spout with the flow of water having a
variable flow rate corresponding to the distance of the object from
the proximity sensor, thereby providing touchless water flow
adjustment..Iaddend..Iadd.
21. The assembly of claim 9 including a temperature sensor
responsive to the temperature of the water leaving the spout for
providing water temperature data and wherein the microcomputer is
responsive to the water temperature data to control the hot and
cold water supplies to maintain the water
temperature..Iaddend..Iadd.
22. A water faucet assembly comprising: a spout; at least one
proximity sensor for providing a water temperature input signal
having a value corresponding to the distance of an object from the
sensor; and a microcomputer responsive to the value of the water
temperature input signal to generate a mixture of hot and cold
water corresponding to the distance of the object from the
proximity sensor, thereby providing touchless water temperature
adjustment..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. A water faucet assembly comprising: a spout; at least one
proximity sensor for providing a water flow input signal having a
value corresponding to the distance of an object from the sensor;
and a microcomputer responsive to the value of the water flow input
signal to provide a flow of water from the spout with the flow of
water having a variable flow rate corresponding to the distance of
the object from the proximity sensor, thereby providing touchless
water flow adjustment..Iaddend.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a water faucet and, more particularly, to
a water faucet with touchless water temperature and water flow
adjustment.
BACKGROUND ART
In public facilities, automatic water delivery fixtures are widely
used to reduce the spread of germs and water consumption. These
fixtures provide touchless on and off control of a stream of water
through sensing means. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,516 issued
to Wilson on Jun. 25, 1991 discloses a faucet with sensing means
for automatic operation in the form of an emitter and detector
mounted on the spout. Some automatic water delivery fixtures
provide a stream of water at a predetermined temperature and flow,
such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,147 issued to Mauerhofer on Oct. 17,
1995. Other automatic water delivery fixtures provide manual
controls for the adjustment of water temperature and flow, such as
U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,940 issued to Delabie et al. on May 10,
1994.
Although automatic water delivery fixtures have been successfully
installed in public facilities, they have several shortcomings
which deter household or domestic use. Some locations such as
hospitals, nursing homes, and military bases require a faucet to
deliver both hot or warm water for hygienic reasons and cold water
for consumption purposes. Many homeowners find the delivery of
water from a faucet at a predetermined temperature and flow
inadequate for their needs. Further, many persons, such as some
elderly, the disabled, and the handicapped, are unable to operate a
water faucet with manual controls. Many automatic water delivery
fixtures cannot protect against flooding, scalding, and/or cold
shock. Furthermore, many automatic water delivery fixtures cannot
maintain a set water temperature as the hot water supply is
depleted. Accordingly, there is a need for a water faucet which can
be fully and conveniently operated through touchless
adjustments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a water faucet
with touchless water temperature adjustment.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a water
faucet with touchless water flow adjustment.
In carrying out the above objects, and other objects and features
of the present invention, a water faucet assembly with touchless
controls is provided. The water faucet assembly comprises a spout,
a water mixing valve, at least one proximity sensor, and a
microcomputer. The water mixing valve provides a mix and controls
the flow of hot water from a hot water supply and cold water from a
cold water supply to the spout. The at least one proximity sensor
provides a water temperature and/or water flow input signal having
a value corresponding to the distance of an object from the sensor.
The microcomputer is responsive to the value of the water
temperature input signal to control the water mixing valve and
generate a mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the
distance of the object from the proximity sensor. The microcomputer
is also responsive to the value of the water flow input signal to
provide a flow of water from the spout corresponding to the
distance of the object from the proximity sensor.
In a more specific embodiment, the faucet assembly as described may
include a temperature sensor responsive to the temperature of the
water leaving the water mixing valve for providing water
temperature data and wherein the microcomputer is responsive to the
water temperature data to control the water mixing valve and
generate a mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the
distance of the object from the proximity sensor.
In another more specific embodiment, the faucet assembly as
described may include a display controlled by the microcomputer for
providing operational status information in a visual form.
In another more specific embodiment, the faucet assembly as
described may include a speaker controlled by the microcomputer for
providing operational status information in a verbal form.
In another more specific embodiment, the faucet assembly as
described may include flood detection means generating a flood
signal to prevent an overflow of water from a basis and wherein the
microcomputer controls the water mixing valve based upon the flood
signal provided by the flood detection means.
In another more specific embodiment, the faucet assembly as
described may include a microphone responsive to verbal
instructions to actuate the microcomputer to execute the verbal
instructions.
In another more specific embodiment, the faucet assembly as
described may include an instant tankless water heater controlled
by the microcomputer to provide hot water.
In another more specific embodiment, the faucet assembly as
described may include a touchless liquid dispenser controlled by
the microcomputer to dispense a liquid such as a soap or
shampoo.
An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a
touchless water faucet adapted for domestic use.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a
water faucet which can be operated by elderly, disabled, and
handicapped people.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides
a water faucet which can detect and prevent a flood condition.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a water faucet which can maintain a set water temperature
as the hot water supply is depleted.
The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of
the present invention will be readily apparent from the following
detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the
invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an perspective view of a water faucet assembly with
touchless water temperature and water flow adjustment according to
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the water faucet assembly of
FIG. 1 taken along line 2--2;
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a water mixing valve and
associated hardware within the water faucet assembly;
FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram of the water faucet
assembly;
FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram of a proximity sensor;
FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic a phototransistor circuit and a
receiver circuit;
FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of a current detection
circuit;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the water
faucet assembly;
FIGS. 9 and 10 are front and top elevational views, respectively,
of a third embodiment of the water faucet assembly for use in a
shower;
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the
water faucet assembly for use in a shower and bathtub unit; and
FIG. 12 is a plumbing schematic of the water faucet assembly of
FIG. 11.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE PRESENT INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a water faucet assembly 8 according to the present
invention attached to a basin or sink 132. The faucet assembly 8
includes a spout 17 projecting from a housing or body 13. Housing
13 can be made of any ceramic, plastic, or metal material.
Preferably, the housing surface is smooth so that it may be easily
cleaned. Housing 13 includes three lenses 14a, 14b, and 14c which
are sealed to prevent moisture incursion. Preferably, lens 14a,
14b, and 14c are made of transparent plastic or glass. Located
directly behind lenses 14a and 14b are displays 15 and 16
respectively. Preferably, displays 15 and 16 are positioned such
that they may be easily seen by a user standing in front of
assembly 8.
Three proximity sensors 10, 11, and 12 are mounted behind lenses
14a, 14b, and 14c respectively. Sensor 12 provides on and off
control of a stream of water from spout 17. Sensors 10 and 11
control water temperature and water flow. Sensors 10, 11, and 12
are used to detect the presence of an object and, further, to
determine the distance of the object from the sensor. Preferably,
sensors 10 and 11 are positioned such that they may be easily and
comfortably activated by a user's hand. Sensor 12 should be
positioned such that the presence of the user's hand underneath the
spout 17 activates the sensor 12. Preferably, sensor 12 may be
positioned at the base of housing 13 as shown in FIG. 1 or mounted
underneath spout 17. Mounting sensor 12 underneath spout 17 is
especially advantageous if spout 17 is designed to pivot about
housing 13.
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly 8. Two
overflow detection electrodes 71 and 75 are electrically connected
to assembly 8. Electrode 75 is permanently attached underneath
basis 132 to a metallic part of a drain 74. Electrode 71 extends
from housing 13 down into basin 132. The length of electrode 71 is
adjustable and controlled by a spring-actuated retracting means.
Electrode 71 may be pulled from housing 13 to an extended position
and, thereafter, retracted back into housing 13 by pressing push
button 73. The weight of electrode 71 is such that in the extended
position electrode 71 hangs taut against the side of basin 132.
Assembly 8 is electrically connected to a conventional one hundred
and twenty volt outlet through an electrical transformer 49.
Electrical transformer 49 supplies twelve volts AC of electricity
to electronics located within assembly 8, coupled to assembly 8
below basin 132 are a cold water supply pipe 122 and a hot water
supply pipe 121. The cold water supply pipe 122 and the hot water
supply pipe 121 feed into a water mixing valve 130 shown in FIG.
3.
Optionally, an instant tankless water heater 92 (described below
with reference to FIG. 4) may be connected in series with hot water
supply pipe 121. The tankless water heater 92 may be used to heat
water when the temperature of water from a conventional hot water
tank decreases due to tank depletion. Additionally, heater 92 may
be used in place of a conventional hot water tank. To operate in
this manner, the inlet of heater 92 receives water from the cold
water supply pipe 122 and the outlet of heater 92 supplies water to
the hot water supply pipe 121.
FIG. 3 shows an elevational view of the water mixing valve 30. The
design of mixing valve 30 is adapted to be operated by a
conventional single handle faucet. Two ceramic disc input valves
are located within the mixing valve 30. These two input valves
regulate the temperature and flow of water exiting mixing valve 30.
A control piece 401 may be rotated about two different axes, axis A
and axis B, to control the movement of the two input valves. The
flow of water exiting mixing valve 30 is regulated by rotating
control piece 401 about axis B. The temperature of water exiting
mixture valve 30 is regulated by rotating the control piece about
axis A. A first motor 23 drives a screw 40 to rotate control piece
401 about axis B. First motor 23 is fixed to a first gear wheel
238. A second motor 24 drives a second gear wheel 38 which rotates
the first gear wheel 238 and control piece 401 about axis A. A
support 45 permanently fixes second motor 24 with respect to mixing
valve 30. Preferably, first motor 23 and second motor 24 are
stepper motors. Mixed water exiting the mixing valve 30 flows pass
a water temperature sensor 42 to spout 17.
FIG. 4 shows an electrical block diagram of the water faucet
assembly 8. Assembly 8 is operated through a microcontroller 20.
Outputs of assembly 8 are controlled by the microcontroller 20
based on data provided by several inputs. Microcontroller 20
controls a speaker 28, a pump 90, the tankless heater 92, the two
motors 23 and 24, and the two displays 15 and 16. Further,
microcontroller 20 receives input data from a microphone 22, the
water temperature sensor 42, the two overflow detection electrodes
71 and 75, and the three proximity sensor 10, 11, and 12.
Microcontroller 20 is an integrated circuit chip providing a
microprocessor, programmable memory (PROM), erasable memory (RAM),
analog to digital converting means and other logic operations. In a
preferred embodiment, microcontroller 20 is a Motorola M68HC11
chip.
Microcontroller 20 receives input data from water temperature
sensor 42. As shown in FIG. 3, water temperature sensor 42 is
positioned within assembly 8 so as to provide data regarding the
temperature of the water delivered from spout 17. Water temperature
sensor 42 is a diode or a thermistor. Water temperature sensor 42
has two terminals and is placed in the stream of water exiting from
the water mixing valve 30. Water temperature sensor 42 provides an
output voltage corresponding to the water temperature to
microcontroller 20. Using the output voltage and a look-up table
stored in memory, microcontroller 20 can determine the actual
temperature of the water flowing past temperature sensor 42.
Microcontroller 20 also receives input data from overflow detection
electrodes 71 and 75. Electrodes 71 and 75 are used to fill basin
132 to a predetermined water level and, further, to prevent an
overflow of water from the basin 132. The height of adjustable
electrode 71 within basin 132 sets the predetermined water level.
When the water level in basin 132 rises to electrode 71, an
electrical path between electrodes 75, which is attached to a
metallic part of drain 74, and electrode 71 is completed. The water
in basin 132 acts as a conductive means so that a continuity signal
may be transmitted from one electrode to the other. Microcontroller
20 is programmed to prohibit additional water flow from spout 17 by
adjusting the input valves of the water mixing valve 30 to a closed
position when the overflow protection circuit is completed.
Microcontroller 20 further receives input data from proximity
sensors 10, 11, and 12. Proximity sensors 10, 11, and 12 are of the
same construction. FIG. 5 shows an electrical block diagram of a
proximity sensor. Each sensor 10, 11, and 12 is comprised of an
emitter driver 59, an infrared light emitter 62, a phototransistor
9, and a receiver circuit 61 enclosed in a grounded sensor
housing.
Microcontroller 20 is programmed to generate and deliver a signal
having one or more electrical pulses to emitter driver 59. The
electrical pulses generated by microcontroller 20 are transformed
by emitter driver 59 and emitter 62 into pulses of infrared light.
To reduce the amount of time emitter 62 is operating and conserve
energy, each electrical pulse is preferably of a short duration.
The pulses of infrared light from emitter 62 are optically focused
to a distant point by a lens.
Phototransistor 9 is located adjacent emitter 62 to receive
reflected pulses of infrared light. Phototransistor 9 and receiver
circuit 61 transform the reflected pulses of infrared light into an
electrical signal to be analyzed by microcontroller 20. If the
number of pulses received by phototransistor 9 equal the number of
pulses emitted by emitter 62, then microcontroller 20 will further
analyze the amplitude of the reflected pulses. Different amplitudes
of the reflected pulses correspond to different distances between a
reflecting object and emitter 62.
Microcontroller 20 is programmed to process this distance
calculation as an input request from a user. With regard to a
proximity sensor for controlling water temperature, microcontroller
20 may be programmed to recognize a large distance as a request for
hot water and a smaller distance as a request for cooler or colder
water or vice versa. With regard to a proximity sensor for
controlling water flow, microcontroller 20 may be programmed to
recognize a large distance as a request for a high flow and a
smaller distance as a request for a lower flow or vice versa.
Microcontroller 20 is programmed to ignore pulses resulting from
reflections from non-moving objects near assembly 8 such as walls,
mirrors, etc.
FIG. 6 shows an electrical schematic of a phototransistor circuit
60 and the receiver circuit 61. To maintain a constant amplifying
factor in different lighting and temperature conditions,
phototransistor circuit 60 includes transistors T1, T2, and T3 and
diode D1. Receiver circuit 61 includes phototransistor circuit 60,
capacitors C1, C2, and C3 resistors R1 and R2, and an operational
amplifier A1. The output of phototransistor circuit 60 is amplified
by operational amplifier A1. Resistor R2 is a variable resistor
used to adjust the sensitivity of receiver circuit 61. The middle
pin of variable resistor R2 is connected to an analog to digital
converter within microcontroller 20.
Motors 23 and 24 are controlled by microcontroller 20 through motor
drivers 50 and 51 respectively. Motors 23 and 24 with gear reducers
39 and 139 respectively rotate control piece 401 and thereby
control the water temperature and water flow exiting the mixing
valve. Microcontroller 20 is programmed to operate motors 23 and 24
based upon input data received from proximity sensors 10, 11, and
12.
After a first connection or reconnection of the power supply,
assembly 8 must be reset as the microcontroller 20 is programmed.
This reset requires a current detector. Two current detection
circuits monitor the operation of motors 23 and 24. FIG. 7 shows an
electrical schematic of a current detection circuit. The current
detection circuit provides a trigger signal to microcontroller 20
when the input valve controlled by motor 23 has reached the end of
its course.
The current detection circuit includes a resistor R3, an
operational amplifier A2, and a Schmitt Trigger ST1 having an
adjustable trigger level. Resistor R3 is coupled in series with
motor 23. Operational amplifier A2 amplifies the voltage across
resistor R3 and inputs the amplified voltage to Schmitt Trigger
ST1. When the input voltage to Schmitt Trigger ST1 rises above the
predetermined trigger level, a trigger signal is transmitted to
microcontroller 20. In operation, as motor 23 moves its respective
input valve near the end of its course, the current through motor
23 and resistor R3 increases, the voltage across R3 increases, and
a trigger signal is transmitted to microcontroller 20.
Microcontroller 20 knows which direction the input valve was moving
and therefore, can identify which end of course the input valve has
reached. Every time assembly 8 is operated or motor 23 or 24 moves
to the end of its course, microcontroller 20 is reset.
Referring to FIG. 4, microcontroller 20 also controls displays 15
and 16, which include several seven-segment digit displays 28 and
light emitting diode (LED) indicators. Display 16 includes four
digit displays 28 and display 15 includes two digit displays 28.
Displays 15 and 16 present water temperature and water flow
information on the four digit and two digit displays when assembly
8 is in operation. Additionally, displays 15 and 16 include a
string of LEDs which form a bar display. The bar displays present
water temperature and water flow information.
Display 16 presents the time of day on its four digit display when
assembly 8 is in a stand-by mode. Display 15 presents the date of
the month on its two digit display when assembly 8 is in a stand-by
mode. Time and date information is supplied from microcontroller
20.
LED indicators on each display present information regarding the
assembly's mode of operation 25, activation of proximity sensors 26
and direction of temperature or flow adjustment 27.
Microcontroller 20 is programmed to process a distance activation
signal from a proximity sensor as an input request from the user.
As discussed earlier, microcontroller 20 may be programmed to
recognize this request as a water temperature or water flow
input.
Microcontroller 20 is also programmed to control driver 91 of
tankless instant heater 92. Tankless heater 92 may be used to heat
water in hot water supply pipe 121, such as when the assembly has
been idle for a long period of time or when the hot water supply of
a conventional hot water tank is depleted. Finally, microcontroller
20 is also programmed to control micromotorized pump 90 so as to
dispense a predetermined quantity of liquid soap, for a sink or
basin, or shampoo, for a tub faucet.
Control of the flow of the water, by turning the water on and off,
is accomplished by opening and closing the flow valve at
predetermined values of temperature and flow of water.
Sensor 12 has the same construction as sensors 10 and 11. The
difference between the sensor 12 and sensor 10 or 11 is the way
microcontroller 20 interprets the output from the receiver circuit
61 of sensor 12. As shown in FIG. 5, phototransistor 9 receives
reflected infrared pulses of light emitted from emitter 62. The
signal amplified by receiver 61 is sent to an analog to digital
converter within microcontroller 20. When a moving object enters
the activation area of sensor 12 the amplitude of reflected pulses
varies. Microcontroller 20, by its program, interprets this
variation as an activation of sensor 12. When microcontroller 20
does not detect a moving object it considers the sensor deactivated
and, after few seconds, stops further water delivery. This sensing
method is advantageous because activation requires a moving object,
such a the user's hands or objects manipulated by user. When water
delivery is activated by sensor 10 or 11, the activation status of
sensor 12 is irrelevant to microcontroller 20. Additionally, a
short activation of sensor 12, achieved by moving an object in the
activation area of the sensor, will initiate water delivery for up
to ten minutes if a second short activation over sensor 12 is not
detected. Water delivery can be stopped at anytime, despite how
delivery may have been activated, by making a move over sensor 10,
11, or 12.
A short activation over sensor 10 or 11 causes microcontroller 20
to activate micromotorized pump 90 for a predetermined time to
dispense a predetermined quantity of liquid soap or shampoo for a
sink, basin, or tub faucet.
On and off control of water delivery may be accomplished via voice
activation or verbal instruction. Verbal orders may be prerecorded
by a user through the proximity sensors during the menu operations.
For example: "faucet open" and "faucet off" for water delivery on
and off, "faucet cold" for cold water delivery, "faucet program
three" for the third preset program, "faucet temperature up" for an
increase in water temperature, "faucet temperature down" for a
decrease in water temperature, and "faucet temperature 95 degrees
Fahrenheit" for water at a temperature of 95 degrees. The first
word, in this example "faucet", is a password or key to operate the
assembly 8. The user must prerecord the password and may change the
password later. Manufacturers such as Speech Systems, Inc. of
Boulder, Colo. or Sensory Corporation of Sunnyvale, Calif. produce
microchips and software to perform such voice recognition. These
microchips can "understand" numbers, basic words (e.g. "yes" and
"no"), and prerecorded words from any user. To operate properly, a
voice recognition microchip must be connected to microphone 22.
When sensor 10, 11, or 12 is activated or water is delivered,
displays 15 and 16 present information regarding the water
temperature and water flow. When sensor 10 is activated, indicator
26 of display 15 is activated. When sensor 11 is activated,
indicator 26 of display 16 is activated. After a few seconds of
nonuse, assembly 8 automatically reverts to a stand-by mode,
switching off the water temperature and water flow information and
presenting the time of day and date. Both displays 15 and 16
include stand-by indicators 25.
The adjustment of water temperature is accomplished by motor 24,
gear wheels 38 and 238, a valve piece 46, and the ceramic disc
input valves by opening and closing at the same time the cold and
hot water supply. This is a differential way of adjusting water
temperature, meaning as hot water is increased, cold water is
decreased and vice versa. While sensor 10 or 11 is activated the
flow or temperature reading presented on display 15 or 16 shows the
value of the water flow or temperature selected by the user
digitally and by way of the display bar comprised of LEDS. The
longer the bar, the higher the water temperature and flow. The
shorter the bar, the lower the water temperature and flow.
The adjustment system described above, depends on the distance of
activation. Display 16 shows the desired water temperature selected
by the user and recorded in the memory of microcontroller 20. To
enable microcontroller 20 to instantly memorize a desired set
temperature or flow, the user must hold their band still in front
of sensor 10 and/or 11 at the appropriate distance for at least
one-half second. The user then has up to three seconds to remove
their hand. When adjustments are completed, water can be delivered
as described above. Next, microcontroller 20 begins adjusting the
input valves, through motor 24, to obtain and maintain the
temperature presented on display 16. Microcontroller 20 compares
the selected water temperature presented on display 16 with the
actual water temperature supplied by temperature sensor 42. If
there is a difference, microcontroller 20 adjusts the input valve
via motor 24 by rotating the valve through a number of steps. The
number of steps is predetermined and in accordance with difference
in temperature as is written in the microcontroller program.
Flow adjustment is accomplished through motor 23, a screw 40,
control piece 401, and mixing valve 30. Water flow information is
presented on display 15. Seven represents the maximum flow and zero
represents no flow.
Protection against flood is accomplished in three ways through a
timer, the overflow detection circuit, and sensor 12. First,
microcontroller 20 is programmed to prohibit additional water
delivery after a predetermined time limit when the assembly 8 has
been activated through sensor 10, 11, or 12. This time limit or
timer can be preset by the user through menu operations via
proximity sensors up to a maximum of about 10 minutes. This timer
also prevents against the waste of water. Second, as discussed
above, any time a basin full of water completes the overflow
detection circuit further water flow is prohibited by mixing valve
30 and motor 23. Finally, to prevent false activation and flooding,
microcontroller 20 recognizes an activation from sensor 12 only by
way of a moving object. This is accomplished in two ways. First,
water is delivered as long as the user's hand is positioned over
sensor 12. Second, after a move is made over sensor 12, water is
delivered until the preset time limit has expired or until an
additional move over sensor 12 is made. False activation of a
sensor is further prevented by microcontroller 20 through the use
of a preset sensitivity limit. Microcontroller 20 will consider a
sensor activated only if the change in the voltage signal from the
sensor is greater than the preset sensitivity limit. Typically, the
preset sensitivity limit is set to 1 volt.
Assembly 8 also protects against scalding. During normal use of the
faucet, water cannot exceed the scalding temperature limit set by
the user or by the manufacturer in the memory of the
microcontroller 20. However, the faucet is capable of delivering
water at the host water supply pipe temperature by preset program.
This preset program is available only to a user with password
access.
Cold shock and any temperature shock is avoided by way of automatic
temperature control. Any disturbance in water temperature is
eliminated quickly before it can be felt by the user with very
small thermal, mechanical, and electrical inertia of the system.
This feature is appreciated especially by children in the kitchen
or bathroom or a user in a shower.
Optionally, assembly 8 may use a tankless water heater 92 to
maintain a desired set temperature as the hot water supply from a
conventional hot water tank is depleted. Tankless water heater 92
is controlled by driver 91. Driver 91 is controlled by
microcontroller 20. When assembly 8 is idle for more than ten
minutes, the temperature of the water in hot water supply pipe 121
decreases. When a user initiates the faucet desiring warm water,
assembly 8 will simultaneously open the hot water supply and close
the cold water supply via mixing valve 30. If the water temperature
sensed by temperature sensor 42 is below the water temperature
desired by the user, microcontroller 20 will initiate water heater
92 in order to more quickly reach the desired set water
temperature. Furthermore, microcontroller 20 also initiates the
water heater 92 when the conventional hot water tank can not supply
water hot enough to reach the desired water temperature. Although
heater 92 is the most economical way to heat water.
Assembly 8 consumes less than 0.5 watts per hour. A small battery
being charged all the time provides enough energy to operate the
assembly 8 for a day or more.
Assembly 8 can speak and beep. A beep, in a different tone, is
provided every time any change presented on display 15 or 16 is
done. To aid first time users, assembly 8 provides a brief
explanation of its operation after the first activation of sensor
10, 11 or 12 by way of a speaker 29. During operation, assembly 8
speaks via speaker 29 after each adjustment to acknowledge receipt
of the adjustment. For example, "Flow four" means flow is at the
fourth level or "temperature eighty two" means the water
temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If hot water is running,
assembly 8 says "Sink is overflowed, drain the sink". If a tub is
full, assembly 8 says "Your bath is ready". If sensor 10, 11, or 12
is activated more than 10 minutes, it repeatedly says "Flood
protection On". All these words are recorded by the manufacturer in
the memory of microcontroller 20.
Assembly 8 may receive orders by voice. A microphone 22 transforms
received voice sounds into electrical pulses. The analog to digital
converter of microcontroller 20, digitizes the electrical pulses.
Through its program, microcontroller 20 recognizes orders for on
and off control of the water, for access to preset programs, and
for water temperature and flow adjustments.
An electronic clock is presented on display 16 when the assembly 8
is operated in the stand-by mode. Clock data is supplied by
microcontroller 20.
The above description identified the operation of a three sensor
touchless faucet. An alternative embodiment of the present
invention is a one sensor touchless faucet.
FIG. 8 shows a one sensor touchless faucet having a proximity
sensor 10 including an emitter and a phototransistor. The emitter
and phototransistor operate in the same manner as described above.
These components are installed in a housing 13 under a lens 14
covering seven segment digit displays 28 and LED indicators 27. The
output of sensor 10 is electrically connected to an analog to
digital converter within microcontroller 20. Microcontroller 20
controls motors 23 and 24 with motor drivers.
Motors 23 and 24 are mechanically connected to gear reducers 39 and
139 and to mixing valve 30 as shown in FIG. 3. The input valves are
connected to cold and hot water supply pipes. Mixing valve 30
outlets to sprout 17. Motors 23 and 24 operate as described above.
A water temperature sensor 42 is installed in the outlet of mixing
valve 30 and operates as described above. A display presents
adjusted water temperature and flow parameters. An overflow
detection circuit is connected to microcontroller 20.
The operation of the one sensor touchless faucet differs from the
operation of the three sensor touchless faucet in the following
ways. Water flow delivery is triggered by activating sensor 10 as
described above. Water is delivered at the same temperature and
flow as the last adjustment. Adjusting the activation distance "d"
between the user's hand and sensor 10, adjusts the water
temperature and water flow alternatively. To record or memorize a
preset program, the sensor must be activated for 3 seconds or more.
Selection of a specific preset flow program may be accomplished by
entering the number of the desired program or through voice
recognition commands, For example, when the degree symbol is on and
a value between fifty and one hundred twenty is presented on
display 15, the assembly 8 is ready for a temperature adjustment. A
more over sensor 10 starts water delivery. At this time a flow
value between zero and ten is presented on display 15. This initial
flow can be maintained or adjusted. If sensor 10 is activated for
three seconds or more the actual temperature and flow are recorded
or memorized in a flow program and a value representing the program
is presented on the display. To select a different preset program,
an additional move must be made over sensor 10. The number of the
actual program or the number of the last program is displayed. To
select a different preset program the user may enter the number of
the program or provide a voice recognition command.
Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is a two
sensor touchless faucet which is an extension of the one sensor
touchless faucet. The first sensor operates similar to sensor 10 of
the one sensor faucet. The second sensor operates similar to sensor
12 of the three sensor faucet. Sensor 12 is installed on spout 17.
Sensor 12 aids in conserving energy and preventing unnecessary
waste of water.
Still another alternative embodiment of the present invention is a
two sensor touchless faucet which is similar to the three sensor
touchless faucet discussed above but without sensor 12. The
delivery of water is accomplished by a move over sensor 10. The
water will be delivered at the last adjusted temperature and flow.
The delivery of water is stopped when an additional move over
sensor 10 or 11 is made or the preset time limit has expired.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show a two sensor touchless faucet for a shower.
This faucet operates similar to the three sensor faucet described
above but without sensor 12. Housing 13 has two lens 14a and 14b.
Behind lens 14a and 14b are sensors 10 and 11 and displays 15 and
16, respectively. The motors, valves, and electronics of this
faucet are the same as the three sensor faucet.
FIG. 11 shows an alternative touchless faucet design for a tub 138
and shower 140. The only difference between this design and the two
sensor touchless faucet shown in FIG. 9 is that this faucet has a
diverter with solenoid valves 88 as shown in 12. Water is diverted
to the shower or the tub alternatively, by moving a hand over the
flow sensor. This assembly operates similar to the three sensor
faucet described above but without sensor 12.
It is to be understood, of course, that while the forms of the
invention described above constitute the best mode contemplated of
practicing the present invention, the preceding description is not
intended to illustrate all possible forms thereof. It is also to be
understood that the words used are words of description, rather
than of limitation, and that various changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which
should be construed according to the following claims.
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