Ultrasonically operated water faucet

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. Additionally, there is an embodiment wherein the level to which the receptacle is to be filled can be selected by the user and the fill system automatically fills the receptacle to that level. Further, there is a drain control system disclosed that causes fluid to be removed from the receptacle if the user selects an empty level or a fluid level that is lower than the fluid level of the fluid currently within the receptacle. Still further, there is a receptacle having a pilot well in communication with the main portion of the receptacle. The distance measuring sensor can be placed within the pilot well so that the rim of the receptacle exposed to the user is unencumbered.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.