Patent ID: 8857786

Claim:
A lavatory system comprising: a support structure comprising: a lower portion supporting a wash basin configured to operate as a continuous receptacle for a first fluid dispensing fixture and a second fluid dispensing fixture; and an upper portion comprising a shelf positioned above the wash basin, the shelf having a front surface, a bottom surface and a top surface defining a recess, wherein the first and second fluid dispensing fixtures are coupled to the bottom surface of the shelf and actuated based on a detection system housed in the front surface of the shelf detecting the presence of a user in front of the shelf; and at least one array of photovoltaic cells provided within the recess of the top surface of the shelf and configured to provide power for operating the detection system, the first fluid dispensing fixture, and the second fluid dispensing fixture, wherein the photovoltaic cells are positioned below the top surface of the upper portion of the support structure, and wherein a liquid sealer is applied to the least one array of photovoltaic cells which hardens relatively clear to cover the at least one array of photovoltaic cells such that the top surface of the upper portion of the support structure and the sealer define a continuous and planar outer support surface of the support structure; and a power management system comprising: an energy storage element configured to receive and store electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic cells; and a switch configured to disconnect the energy storage element from providing power to the detection system, the first fluid dispensing fixture, and the second fluid dispensing fixture so to conserve electrical energy if the level of ambient light drops below a predetermined value.