Multi-mode hands free automatic faucet

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention generally relates to the field of automatic faucets. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automatic faucet that uses both proximity and contact sensors in conjunction with logic that responds to various actions to provide easy and intuitive operation.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying figures forming a part hereof.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment faucet according to the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a diagram of a logical control for a preferred embodiment faucet according to the present invention.

#For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the preferred embodiment and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Such alternations and further modifications in the invention, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, are contemplated, and desired to be protected.

#A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a kitchen-type faucet that can be placed in at least two modes, in order to provide water-efficient operation that is easy and convenient to use. In a hands-free mode, the water is activated and deactivated in response to a proximity sensor that detects when something is presently under the spout, so as to provide the most water-efficient operation, while still maintaining easy and convenient operation and use. For other applications, such as filling the sink to wash dishes, or filling pots, bottles, or other such items, the faucet can be operated in manual mode, wherein the water is controlled by a manual handle as with a conventional faucet. When the faucet is manually closed and not in use, the faucet is returned to manual mode, and the proximity detector is deactivated, so that power consumption is limited, making it practical to power the faucet with batteries.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment kitchen-type faucet according to the present invention, indicated generally at 100. The faucet 100 comprises a spout 110, and a swiveling spout 120. It will be appreciated that kitchen-type faucets and lavatory-type faucets are distinguished by a variety of features, such as the size of their spouts, the ability of the spout to swivel, and, often, the manual control. These features are related to the different applications for which they are used. Kitchen-type faucets are generally used for longer periods, and for washing and filling a variety of objects, while lavatory-type faucets are used mostly to wash the user's hands and face. Kitchen-type faucets typically have longer and higher spouts, in order to facilitate placing objects, such as dishes, pots, buckets, etc., under them. Kitchen-type faucets typically rise at least 6 inches above the deck of the sink, and may rise more than a foot. In addition, kitchen-type faucets typically swivel in the horizontal plane, so that they can be directed into either of the pair of basins in a typical kitchen sink. Lavatory-type faucets, on the other hand, are usually fixed, since even bathrooms with more than one sink basin are typically fitted with a separate faucet for each. In addition, kitchen-type faucets are generally controlled by a single manual handle that controls both the hot and cold water supplies, because it makes it easier to operate while one hand is holding something. Lavatory-type faucets more often have separate hot and cold water handles, in part for aesthetic reasons. Although there are exceptions to each of these general rules, in practice kitchen-type faucets and lavatory-type faucets are easily distinguished by users.