Apparatus and system for automatic activation and de-activation of water flow

Abstract

The present invention comprises an apparatus and system for automatic activation and de-activation of water flow to a sink, bathtub, shower, or similar plumbing fixture. It can be readily installed and operated safely using AC or DC power of varying voltage, even in locations in which electrical power sources are unreliable, inconsistent, or unstable.One or more normally closed solenoid valves, activated by way of a capacitance-sensitive electronic switch, control water flow. The switch functions in response to contact by a part of the human body with one or more touch-sensitive pads, which are designed to be resistant to malfunctions associated with the buildup of soap and scum.A programmable microprocessor periodically re-calibrates and resets the system to ensure accurate function and longevity. The manner and timing of water flow can be adjusted, and a by-pass is included to allow continued access to water in the event of power failure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]This invention relates to the field of fluid handling, particularly with respect to the control of water flow for sinks, baths, and showers.[0006]2. Description of Related Art[0007]Traditional faucets for sinks, baths, and showers rely on manually operated handles or knobs to activate and deactivate water flow. The drawbacks associated with such manual means of controlling the flow of water—the increased potential for transmission of disease associated with multiple users, the difficulty of use by persons with physical impairments, and the waste of water when valves are not properly and timely shut off—are well established.[0008]Various devices allowing for the hands-free operation of water faucets have been developed in an attempt to add...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention comprises a new, improved, and long-lasting apparatus and system for hands-free activation and de-activation of water flow to a sink, bathtub, shower, or similar plumbing fixture that can be readily installed and operated safely even in locations in which electrical power sources are unreliable, inconsistent, or unstable.

Problems solved by technology

The drawbacks associated with such manual means of controlling the flow of water—the increased potential for transmission of disease associated with multiple users, the difficulty of use by persons with physical impairments, and the waste of water when valves are not properly and timely shut off—are well established.

Existing devices utilizing capacitance-based touch-sensitive switches are prone to failure or diminished function more often than is desirable for a number of reasons.

First, because their capacitance-based switches must be placed in and around the outlets through which the water flows for the convenience of the user—e.g., near sink faucets, shower heads, bath tub faucets—soap and scum accumulation can cause the switch to be triggered unintentionally at arbitrary times. Second, capacitance-based switches currently employed in these devices simply allow the capacitance of the circuit to dissipate over time, which can shorten the useful life of the switch and result in impaired performance due to continual changes in electrical resistance caused by variations in temperature, ambient humidity levels, corrosion, and other factors.

The placement of existing devices are generally limited because they are designed to function only in locations in which electrical power sources are reliable, consistent, stable, and safe.

Users in locations in which such power sources are unavailable are unable to take ready advantage of such devices.

Moreover, these devices normally provide only a pre-established, static way of turning water flow on and off, i.e., touching the switch turns the water on and touching the switch again turns the water off.

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