Fluid handling – Processes – Cleaning – repairing – or assembling
Reexamination Certificate
2011-08-30
2011-08-30
Lee, Kevin L (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Processes
Cleaning, repairing, or assembling
C251S129040, C004S623000
Reexamination Certificate
active
08006712
ABSTRACT:
A faucet control system comprises a valve apparatus, sensors or a motion detector to be activated by a user, and a controller that controls the valve apparatus. A first sensor may start fluid flow and a second sensor may alter the proportion of fluids delivered from two fluid sources. The sensors may be activated without being touched and may include infrared and/or photodiode sensing elements. In a sink embodiment, when a user approaches the sink to wash hands, water flow is activated. Optionally, the initial water flow may be cold water, to prevent energy wastage. A second sensor may be placed elsewhere on the sink, such as on the left hand side of the faucet spout. Consequently, when the right hand, for example, is placed below the faucet spout, the water flow is activated with the first sensor. The left hand may be placed above a second sensor and, by waiving the left hand, the hand sensor will cause the hot valve to allow hot water to mix with cold water from the cold valve, should the user wish a warm temperature water flow. If the user wishes hot water, the user will then waive his or her hands over the second sensor, which will close the cold valve and open only the hot valve, thus allowing only hot water to flow from the spout.
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Fulwider Patton LLP
Hansen Scott R.
Lee Kevin L
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