Proximity faucet having selective automatic and manual modes

Abstract

A proximity faucet is provided that includes a housing, faucet and lever support portions and a peripheral housing wall with a spout portion having a neck extending outward from the housing wall and a fluid outlet at a free extent thereof. The faucet support portion accommodates an elongate shank extending downwardly therefrom and having at least one fluid supply conduit therein. The lever support portion receives a mixing cartridge therein that mixes cold and hot water delivered by the fluid supply conduit. The lever support portion supports a freely rotatable lever thereon. The lever is coupled to the mixing cartridge such that rotation of the lever adjusts the water temperature and flow rate. A sensor cover ring that is rotatably disposed adjacent the housing wall includes a reflective surface along an inner surface thereof that lies adjacent the housing wall. The sensor cover ring includes an eye that aligns with a proximity detector disposed in the housing wall and permits the proximity detector to emit a signal therefrom. The proximity detector, which is in electrical communication with an electronically controlled valve that is positioned downstream of the mixing cartridge, transmits a signal to the electronically controlled valve upon sensing am object or upon concealment of the proximity detector by the sensor cover ring, thereby maintaining the mixing cartridge in an open position. The proximity detector is correspondingly rotatable with the spout portion as the spout portion rotates relative to a receptacle proximate which the faucet is used. A proximity filter faucet having selective automatic and manual modes is also disclosed.