Body heat responsive control apparatus
AssigneeInternational Sanitary Ware Manufacturin Cy, S.A.
InventorKarel C. Van Marcke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A low voltage battery energized passive detection system generates a control signal in response to radiated heat from a human body part to energize, for settable periods of time water flow valves and ancillary equipment that may be associated with the act of washing. To minimize power demand, a programmable microchip may be employed as a control unit and have external settable parameters.
Claims24
A passive apparatus for controlling the operation of a fluid flow control valve in response to the presence of a human body part, said apparatus comprising in combination:
- a) a sensor for detecting heat radiating from a human body part within a predetermined detection field and for producing an output signal in response to such detection;
- b) means for opening the valve to permit fluid flow therethrough;
- c) means for closing the valve;
- d) a low voltage power source for energizing said apparatus;
- e) means for determining the voltage of said power source;
- f) means responsive to the output signal for comparing the determined voltage with at least one predetermined voltage and for generating a control signal responsive to the difference between the determined voltage and the predetermined voltage;
- g) means for enabling said opening means in response to a control signal generated and reflective of a determined voltage greater than the predetermined voltage;
- and
- h) means for providing a signal to enable said closing means.
A passive method for controlling the operation of a fluid flow control valve in response to the presence of a human body part, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) detecting heat radiating from a human body part placed within a predetermined detection field and producing an output signal in response to said step of detecting;
- b) opening the valve to permit fluid flow therethrough;
- c) closing the valve;
- d) energizing the control and operation of the valve with a low voltage power source;
- e) determining the voltage of the power source;
- f) comparing the voltage determined during said step of determining with at least one predetermined voltage in response to the output signal and generating a control signal responsive to the difference between the determined voltage and the predetermined voltage;
- g) enabling opening of the valve in response to a control signal generated and reflective of a determined voltage greater than a specific predetermined voltage;
- and
- h) providing a signal to enable exercise of said step of closing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.