US 11,965,321 B2
Non-contact system and method for detecting fluid flow
Long Larry Le, Morrisville, NC (US); Michael Pynn, Chapel Hill, NC (US); and Thushan Kapilajith Hemanchandra, Wauwatosa, WI (US)
Assigned to ZURN WATER, LLC, Milwaukee, WI (US)
Filed by Zurn Industries, LLC, Milwaukee, WI (US)
Filed on Feb. 24, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/799,705.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/809,205, filed on Feb. 22, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2020/0270853 A1, Aug. 27, 2020
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. E03C 1/04 (2006.01); E03C 1/046 (2006.01); G01F 9/00 (2006.01); G01F 15/06 (2022.01); G01K 13/02 (2021.01); G01P 13/00 (2006.01); G04F 10/10 (2006.01)
CPC E03C 1/0412 (2013.01) [E03C 1/046 (2013.01); G01F 9/001 (2013.01); G01F 15/06 (2013.01); G01F 15/068 (2013.01); G01K 13/02 (2013.01); G01P 13/0006 (2013.01); G04F 10/10 (2013.01); E03C 2001/0418 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A faucet comprising:
a spout in fluid communication with a fluid source;
a handle configured to control flow of fluid from the fluid source through the spout;
a magnet positioned on the handle;
a first sensor configured to detect a position of the magnet as the handle is moved;
a controller in communication with the first sensor, the controller including
a memory configured to store instructions, and
a processor coupled to the memory and configured, via execution of the instructions, to:
determine whether a hand-washing activity is in compliance with a predetermined hand washing routine based on the first sensor detecting how long the handle is maintained at an ON position from the position of the magnet;
wherein the controller is configured to
determine at least one flow condition of the faucet upon activation of the handle to generate fluid flow through the spout, the at least one flow condition based on a position of the magnet; and
a user interface in connection with the controller, wherein the user interface is configured to display the at least one flow condition and whether the hand-washing activity is in compliance with the hand washing routine.