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:
Jul. 04, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 03, 1999
Graham H Paterson, Wilmington, DE (US);
Willard A Denham, Greenville, DE (US);
Speakman Company, Wilmington, DE (US);
Abstract
An automatic faucet assembly includes a chassis and a cover removably connected to the chassis, wherein both chassis and cover extend above the surface of a deck of a sink basin. The chassis has a mounting section for mounting the chassis to the surface of the deck. A deck plate is mounted between the mounting section and the surface to provide support and stability to the faucet assembly. The faucet assembly further comprises: a fluid conduit extending through the chassis and connecting a fluid discharge port with a fluid supply; an infrared sensor mounted on the chassis for sensing the presence of a user of the faucet assembly; an electrical connector wire extending from the infrared sensor, through an opening in the deck, to a solenoid valve that turns on the fluid supply when infrared sensor senses the presence of the user; and a battery-operated power supply for supplying power to the infrared sensor. The cover connects with the chassis, providing a sealed chamber for the fluid conduit, infrared sensor, electrical connector wire, and power supply. Upon connection of the cover and chassis, a mechanical microswitch is activated by a switch actuator extending from the cover, enabling the power supply to energize the infrared sensor. Cover and deck plate each comprises a zinc die cast layer formed in the shape of the cover and the deck plate, respectively, a metallic polyester layer formed on the zinc die cast layer, and a substantially clear, polymer layer formed on the metallic polyester layer.