The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 05, 1988
Filed:
Mar. 07, 1986
Stephen O Gregory, Denver, CO (US);
Garry L Atkins, Aurora, CO (US);
Other;
Abstract
A modular water faucet, which includes a base operatively connected to a spout. The base and spout each have a cubical design and include thereon means for mounting decorative panels of various design and/or color. The modules making up the base can be stacked to any desired height, and the spouts are interchangeable with the base. The water faucet includes an automatic control system for dispensing water upon the sensing of a human body or other object near an outlet of the spout. The control system uses infrared light to detect the presence of an object. Means for differentiating the reflected light from ambient light are included. Water temperature is also sensed and compared to a preselected temperature. Water is prevented from flowing if the temperature is in excess of the preselected temperature and warnings are given in an automatic mode. Water flow will proceed if a manual mode is initiated. The control system also detects the position of the spout relative to the base. If the spout is turned through a preset angle to the side, then water flow is forced off for maintenance. A mixing valve is operated by a slide passing through the base to preset the temperature of the water supplied. A manual override is provided in the automatic water faucet in the event of a power outage.