IP Library Granted Patent US 12674306
Granted Patent B2
US 12674306 · App. 18/225,963 · Granted Jul 7, 2026

Immersive bathroom and kitchen devices

Inventors: Helene L. Cornils (Lafayette, IN); John O. Lipinski (Sheboygan, WI); Dongha Lee (Sheboygan, WI); Xinyao Liu (Wauwatosa, WI); Dustin Lobner (Port Washington, WI); Jacob Planton (Sheboygan Falls, WI); Fred Ogreenc (Cedar Grove, WI); Mark Schibur (Sheboygan, WI); Steven Mark Tervo (Oxford, WI); Rebecca Becker (Kohler, WI)
Assignee: Kohler Co.
E03C1/057E03C2201/00
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12674306
App. No.
18/225,963
Granted
Jul 7, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

In one example, a timing control system for a faucet for dispensing water includes a valve sensor, a timer, and a light. The valve sensor is configured to detect operation of the faucet. The timer is configured to trigger a countdown in response to the operation of the faucet. The light is configured to illuminate the water of the faucet in at least one color in response to the countdown.

Claims (31)

1 . A timing control system for a faucet for dispensing water, the timing control system comprising:

a valve sensor configured to detect operation of the faucet;

a timer configured to trigger a countdown in response to the operation of the faucet;

a light configured to illuminate the water of the faucet in at least one color in response to the countdown; and

a pulsator configured to pulsate the water in response to the countdown.

2 . The timing control system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a controller configured to select a first color for a first count in the countdown and select a second color for a second count in the countdown.

3 . The timing control system of claim 1 , wherein the pulsator includes at least one fluidic oscillator.

4 . The timing control system of claim 1 , wherein the pulsator includes at least one impeller.

5 . The timing control system of claim 1 , wherein the countdown corresponds to a handwashing duration.

6 . The timing control system of claim 1 , wherein the light is mounted within the faucet.

7 . The timing control system of claim 1 , wherein the light is mounted external to the faucet.

8 . The timing control system of claim 7 , wherein the light is mounted in a basin.

9 . The timing control system of claim 8 , wherein the valve sensor is associated with a supply line below the basin.

10 . A projection timer for a faucet, the projection timer comprising:

a valve sensor configured to detect operation of the faucet;

a controller configured to trigger a countdown in response to the operation of the faucet; and

a light configured to illuminate water dispensed by the faucet in response to the countdown, wherein the light includes indicia indicative of the countdown.

11 . The projection timer of claim 10 , wherein the controller compares the countdown to a threshold and the light is selected in respond to the comparison.

12 . The projection timer of claim 10 , further comprising:

a pulsator configured to pulsate the water in response to the countdown.

13 . The projection timer of claim 12 , wherein the pulsator includes at least one impellor or a fluidic oscillator.

14 . The projection timer of claim 10 , wherein the controller is configured to calculate the countdown based on an exercise routine.

15 . A method for a projection handwashing timer, the method:

detecting a flow of water;

setting a countdown in response to the flow of water; and

projecting a light on the flow of water, the light indicative of the countdown, wherein the light includes a projection of a number for the countdown.

16 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising:

determining when the countdown meets or exceeds a threshold, wherein the light is projected in response to the countdown meeting or exceeding the threshold.

17 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising:

adjusting the projected light in response to a change in the countdown.