Patent ID: 7464418
Filing Date: 2008-12-16
Classification: E03C

Abstract:
1. A proximity faucet having selective automatic and manual modes, comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and a faucet support portion, a lever support portion at a distalmost extent relative to said faucet support portion and a peripheral housing wall that is coextensive with said faucet support portion and said lever support portion; said faucet support portion adapted for installation proximate a faucet support surface and accommodating an elongate, generally cylindrical shank extending downwardly therefrom that retains at least one fluid supply conduit therein that traverses a longitudinal extent of said shank and an internal body portion of said housing; said lever support portion receiving a mixing cartridge having a detent mechanism in communication therewith, said mixing cartridge mixing cold and hot water delivered by said at least one fluid supply conduit in fluid communication therewith and also controlling the flow rate of said mixed water, said lever support portion supporting a freely rotatable lever thereon that rotates about said longitudinal axis and is coupled with said detent mechanism such that rotation of said lever correspondingly adjusts said detent mechanism to change water temperature and flow rate; a spout portion disposed intermediate said faucet support portion and said lever support portion, said spout portion including a neck extending outward from said housing wall, said spout having a fluid outlet that includes at least one fluid aperture defined at a free extent thereof; a sensor cover ring that is rotatably disposed adjacent said housing wall and includes a reflective surface along an inner surface thereof that lies adjacent said housing wall; said sensor cover ring rotating relative to a proximity detector disposed in said housing wall and including an eye that permits said proximity detector to emit a signal upon alignment of said eye therewith; and at least one electronically controlled valve positioned downstream of said mixing cartridge, said proximity detector transmitting detection signals to said electronically controlled valve upon sensing an object in a detection zone of said proximity detector or upon concealment of said proximity detector by said sensor cover ring, thereby maintaining said mixing cartridge in an open position; wherein rotation of said sensor cover ring about said housing wall selectively reveals said proximity detector by aligning said eye with said proximity detector and thereby correspondingly selects said automatic and manual modes.