An electronic device provides a capability of distinguishing between human tissue and a non-human object in proximity of a transmission source. In this manner, transmission power adjustments to the transmission source can be made selectively, depending on whether human tissue or a non-human object is detected in the proximity of the RF transmitter. Distinguishing between human tissue and other non-human-tissue objects in proximity of the transmission source provides for selective control of SAR adjustments. Accordingly, an electronic device can avoid certain communication performance reductions introduced by decreases in transmission power effected to comply with SAR standards by reducing transmission power when human tissue is detected in the proximity but not reducing transmission power when a non-human object (but no human tissue) is detected in the proximity.

Selective specific absorption rate adjustment

A hands-free faucet comprises a proximity sensor, a logical control, a handle, a spout, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout and the handle.

Multi-mode hands free automatic faucet

A restroom monitoring system for monitoring attributes of fixtures within a restroom using sensors. Additional attributes are determined from the monitored attributes. Consumable usage levels are estimated based on predetermined consumption levels associated with usage states of the fixtures. The restroom monitoring system provides an indication of the need for replenishment of consumables based on the monitored attributes of the fixtures. In addition, restroom monitoring system may provide additional information regarding the restroom attributes to a service provider, a manager or a user.

Restroom convenience center

A fluid delivery apparatus includes a spout (12) located adjacent a sink basin (16) A fluid supply conduit (14) is supported by the spout (12) Capacitive sensors (29) and (41) are provided on the spout (12) and sink basin (16), respectively A controller (26) is coupled to the capacitive sensors (29, 41) to control the amount of fluid supplied to the fluid supply conduit (14) based on outputs from the capacitive sensors (29, 41)

Capacitive sensing apparatus and method for faucets

A capacitive sensing system and method for a hand washing lavatory system is disclosed. The lavatory system comprises a receptacle defining a hand washing area, a fixture configured to deliver water to the receptacle, and a capacitive sensing system configured to detect the presence of a user and actuate the fixture. The capacitive sensing system comprises a first sense electrode coupled to the receptacle and configured to measure a first capacitive value, a second sense electrode coupled to the receptacle spaced apart from the first sense electrode and configured to measure a second capacitive value, and a circuit configured to control operation of the fixture in response to a change in the first capacitive value relative to the second capacitive value.

Capacitive sensing for washroom fixture

A capacitive sensor system for controlling operation of a device in response to a rate of change in capacitance due to motion of a proximate object includes at least two sense electrodes (14,16) disposed on a surface and a phase locked loop (12), including a voltage controlled oscillator (22) and a phase/frequency comparator (24), connected between the sense electrodes and an RC network (20) for providing an operating frequency to the sense electrodes. A circuit loop, including a reference oscillator (32), provides a fixed frequency references for the phase locked loop to follow and a phase delay circuit (34) connected between the phase/frequency comparator and the voltage controlled oscillator causes the voltage controlled oscillation to run ahead of the reference oscillator. A trigger circuit (30) provides a control output in response to a change in phase shift between the fixed frequency and the operating frequency.

David Wadlow

Papers

Control system with capacitive detector