Abstract:
A faucet control system comprises a valve apparatus, sensors or a motion detector to be activated by a user, and a controller that controls the valve apparatus. A first sensor may start fluid flow and a second sensor may alter the proportion of fluids delivered from two fluid sources. The sensors may be activated without being touched and may include infrared and/or photodiode sensing elements. In a sink embodiment, when a user approaches the sink to wash hands, water flow is activated. Optionally, the initial water flow may be cold water, to prevent energy wastage. A second sensor may be placed elsewhere on the sink, such as on the left hand side of the faucet spout. Consequently, when the right hand, for example, is placed below the faucet spout, the water flow is activated with the first sensor. The left hand may be placed above a second sensor and, by waiving the left hand, the hand sensor will cause the hot valve to allow hot water to mix with cold water from the cold valve, should the user wish a warm temperature water flow. If the user wishes hot water, the user will then waive his or her hands over the second sensor, which will close the cold valve and open only the hot valve, thus allowing only hot water to flow from the spout.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/855,002, filed Oct. 27, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/883,970, filed Jan. 8, 2007, both of which are incorporated by reference. This application is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US2007/070939, filed Jun. 12, 2007 and which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to faucets, and, more particularly, to a control system and method for controlling fluid flow to faucets. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In many settings it is desirable to have a control system that allows for convenient control of water faucets and other water delivery fixtures. Touchless control systems have been developed which allow water flow from a faucet when a person places his or her hand within range of an infrared sensor. Touchless control systems promote sanitary conditions because they eliminate the need to touch any part of the faucet. Many touchless control systems, however, lack a means for convenient adjustment of water temperature. The ability to adjust temperature is indispensable in households, hotels, hospitals, and many work places. Touchless control systems that have no temperature control can be installed to dispense only warm water, for example, but this increases energy costs when warm water is not needed. Or the system can be set to dispense only cold water, but this can be quite unpleasant during winter months. Neither setting is appropriate where sometimes cold water is desired, such as for waking up or cooling off on a hot day, but at other times hot water is required in order to kill bacteria. 
         [0004]    Another drawback of existing faucet control systems is that installation often requires replacement of the faucet spout, which makes retrofitting of existing washrooms expensive. Retrofitting is further complicated when removal of conventional hot and water control knobs on either side of the faucet spout exposes unsightly holes on a countertop. Installing caps with no other purpose than to cover the holes is often undesirable, such as in luxury hotels and other locations where a finished appearance is important, because such caps draw attention to the fact that a retrofit was performed. 
         [0005]    Persons skilled in the art have recognized a need for a system and method for controlling water temperature to reduce water waste, conserve energy, and promote sanitary conditions. There is also a need for a system and method which reduces the expense of retrofitting existing washrooms. There is also a need for a faucet control system and method that allows for flexibility in placement of a temperature or water flow control in order to accommodate use by a broad range of persons. The present invention satisfies these and other needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Briefly and in general terms, a system and method is presented for use in washing basins such as sinks, baths, showers, and the like. In one embodiment, the system has two valves, one valve connected to a cold water supply, the other connected to a hot water supply. This embodiment also has two motion sensors, such as photodiodes and/or infrared. The motion sensors detect motion, such as by hands or other parts of the human body, and alter the flow and/or water temperature when motion is detected. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, a first sensor is placed anywhere above the sink, such as on the right side of the spout of the sink. An electronic eye may be directed near or below the tip of the faucet spout. When a user approaches the sink to wash hands, water flow is immediately activated. Optionally, the initial water flow may be cold water, to prevent energy wastage. A second sensor may be placed elsewhere on the sink, such as on the left hand side of the faucet spout. Consequently, while the right hand, for example, is still below the faucet spout, the water flow is activated with the first sensor. The temperature of the water may be changed by, for example, waiving the left hand above the second sensor. The hot valve and cold valve, for example, may then open to allow hot and cold water to mix to create a warm temperature flow. If the user wishes hot water, the user will then waive his or her hands over the second sensor again, which will close the cold valve and open only the hot valve, thus allowing only hot water to flow from the spout. 
         [0008]    The system may be made more versatile, to facilitate a wider range of temperatures, by incorporating a microchip into the system, and/or by adding further valves. For instance, the system may have four valves, two valves for hot water and two valves for cold water. In this embodiment, five temperatures are achieved using the four valves. The temperatures change as follows. For entirely cold water, the two cold valves are opened. For slightly warmer water, two cold valves and one hot valve are opened. For warm water, two cold valves and two hot valves are opened. For warmer water, one cold valve and two hot valves are opened. Then, for very hot water, two hot valves are opened, resulting in hot water flow. Hence, in this embodiment, the second sensor controls the opening of each of the four valves, depending on the water temperature desired. 
         [0009]    The foregoing relates only to one embodiment, and many variations fall within the scope of the invention. 
         [0010]    The system may be entirely motion activated, or may optionally include a timer to shut off flow after a given period of time. The system is versatile, in that it may be used not only on sinks, but alternatively on showers and baths. 
         [0011]    Considering another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a faucet control system for and method of controlling fluid flow to a faucet spout in fluid communication with at least one fluid source. The system comprises a cold valve adapted to control fluid flow from a cold fluid source to the faucet spout, a first sensor that is motion activated by a user of the system, and controller. The controller may include an optional timer in communication with the cold valve and the first sensor. The controller is configured to open the cold valve when the first sensor is activated, thereby allowing fluid flow from the cold fluid source to the faucet spout, and to close the cold valve after a first selected period of time after the first sensor is deactivated, thereby preventing fluid flow from the cold fluid source to the faucet spout after the first selected period of time. In other aspects of the present invention, the controller includes an adjustment knob for adjusting the first selected period of time. 
         [0012]    In further aspects of the present invention, the system comprises a hot valve adapted to control fluid flow from a hot fluid source to the faucet spout, and a second sensor is activated by the user with hand motion, wherein the controller is in communication with the hot valve and the second sensor. In these aspects, the controller is configured to open the hot valve when the second sensor is activated, thereby allowing fluid flow from the hot fluid source to the faucet spout, and to close the hot valve after a second selected period of time after the second sensor is deactivated, thereby preventing fluid flow from the hot fluid source to the faucet spout after the second selected period of time. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the first fluid is a relatively colder fluid, and the second fluid is a relatively hotter fluid. The “colder” or “cold” fluid may be at room temperature but is significantly cooler than the “hotter” or “hot” fluid. 
         [0014]    The present invention is also directed to a faucet control system for controlling fluid flow to a faucet spout in fluid communication with a cold fluid source delivering a cold fluid and a hot fluid source delivering a hot fluid. The system comprises a valve apparatus having an outlet connectable to the faucet spout, a first inlet connectable to the cold fluid source, and a second inlet connectable to the hot fluid source, a first motion sensor that is activated by a user of the system, a second motion sensor that is activated by the user and provides a sensor signal when activated, and a controller in communication with the valve apparatus, the first sensor, and the second sensor, the controller controls the valve apparatus to allow a proportion of the cold fluid to the hot fluid is delivered to the faucet spout when the first sensor is activated, and to alter the proportion when the second sensor is activated. 
         [0015]    In detailed aspects of the present invention, the valve apparatus includes a cold valve adapted to be connected to the cold fluid source and a hot valve adapted to be connected to the hot fluid source. In these detailed aspects, the controller controls the cold valve and the hot valve such that a first proportion of the cold fluid to the hot fluid is delivered to the faucet spout when the second sensor provides an initial sensor signal. The controller also controls the cold valve and the hot valve such that a second proportion of the cold fluid to the hot fluid is delivered to the faucet spout when the second sensor provides a first subsequent sensor signal after the initial sensor signal, the second proportion being different than the first proportion. The controller further controls the cold valve and the hot valve such that a third proportion of the cold fluid to the hot fluid is delivered to the faucet spout when the second sensor provides a second subsequent sensor signal after the first subsequent sensor signal, the third proportion being different than the first proportion and the second proportion. 
         [0016]    In more detailed aspects, the cold valve opens when power is provided to the cold valve, the hot valve opens when power is provided to the hot valve, and the controller includes a first relay, a second relay, and a third relay. The first relay provides power to the cold valve when the second sensor provides an initial sensor signal. The second relay provides power to the cold valve and the hot valve when the second sensor provides a first subsequent sensor signal after the initial sensor signal. The third relay provides power to the hot valve when the second sensor provides a second subsequent sensor signal after the first subsequent sensor signal. 
         [0017]    In other aspects, the first sensor is adapted to be mounted at a location spaced apart from the faucet spout and includes a sensing element having a sensing range, and the first sensor activates when the hand of the user is within the sensing range. In further aspects, the sensing element of the first sensor is oriented such that the sensing range of the sensing element is below the faucet spout and the first sensor. 
         [0018]    In yet other aspects, the second sensor is adapted to be mounted at a location spaced apart from the faucet spout and includes a sensing element having a sensing range, and the second sensor activates when the hand of the user is within the sensing range. In further aspects, the sensing element of the second sensor is oriented such that the sensing range of the sensing element is above the second sensor. 
         [0019]    A method comprises connecting the first inlet of a cold valve to the cold fluid source, connecting the first outlet of the cold valve to the faucet spout, connecting the second inlet of a hot valve to the hot fluid source, connecting the second outlet of the hot valve to the faucet spout, adhering a motion sensor for activating the cold valve and the hot valve on a structure and at a location that is accessible to a user, and making hand motions to open one or both of the cold valve and the hot valve. 
         [0020]    The present invention is also directed to a method comprising connecting an outlet of a valve apparatus to the faucet spout, connecting a first inlet of a valve apparatus to the cold fluid source, connecting a second inlet of the valve apparatus to the hot fluid source, mounting a first sensor at a first location spaced apart from the faucet spout, mounting a second sensor at a second location spaced apart from the faucet spout, activating the first sensor without touching the first sensor to allow a proportion of the cold fluid to the hot fluid to be delivered to the faucet spout, and activating the second sensor without touching the second sensor to alter the proportion of the cold fluid to the hot fluid. 
         [0021]    In detailed aspects of the present invention, mounting the first sensor includes orienting a sensing element of the first sensor such that a sensing range of the sensing element is located below the first sensor and the faucet spout. In other detailed aspects, mounting the second sensor includes orienting a sensing element of the second sensor such that a sensing range of the sensing element is located above the second sensor. 
         [0022]    Generally, it is noted that the terms “hot valve” and “cold valve” do not relate to the temperature of the valves. Rather, these terms indicate which water source the valve control, either the relatively hotter water or the relatively colder water. 
         [0023]    The features and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a faucet control system showing a valve apparatus, a controller, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a display. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the first and second sensors of  FIG. 1  showing a pyroelectric sensor, an IR filter, and a focusing device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the pyroelectric sensor of  FIG. 2  showing two sensing elements for detecting motion of a hand progressively passing through the individual detecting areas of the sensing elements. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the faucet control system of  FIG. 1  showing the first sensor located on a first cover mounted on a counter top, the second sensor and display located on a second cover mounted on the counter top, a cold water inlet of the valve apparatus coupled to a cold water valve on a facility wall, and a hot water inlet of the valve apparatus coupled to a hot water valve on the facility wall. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a faucet control system showing a valve apparatus having two valves controlled by a controller having a first relay device, second relay device, third relay device, and a circuit board. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a faucet control system showing a valve apparatus with four valves controlled by a controller having five relay devices. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    Referring now in more detail to the exemplary drawings for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or like elements among the several views, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a block diagram of a faucet control system  10  having a valve apparatus  12  controlled by a controller  14  that provides a valve control signal  16  to the valve apparatus. The faucet control system also has a first sensor  18  and a second sensor  20  that provide a first sensor signal  22  and a second sensor signal  24 , respectively, to the controller. The faucet control system further has a visual display  26  for indicating temperature information in response to a display signal  28  from the controller. 
         [0031]    The valve apparatus  12  has a cold fluid inlet  30 , a hot fluid inlet  32 , and a fluid outlet  34 . A cold fluid source  36  and a hot fluid source  38  are in fluid communication with the cold and hot fluid inlets, respectively. A faucet spout assembly  40  is in fluid communication with the outlet  34 . In the embodiment shown, the cold and hot fluid sources and the faucet spout assembly are separate from the faucet control system  10 . 
         [0032]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the valve apparatus  12  allows a desired proportion of cold to hot fluid from fluid sources  38 ,  36  to be delivered to faucet spout assembly  40 . As described in more detail below, the delivery of the desired proportion of cold to hot fluid is prescribed by a user of the faucet control system  10  by activating the first and second sensors  18 ,  20 . For example, the user may desire that fluid exiting the faucet outlet  46  come from (i) only the cold fluid source  36 , (ii) from both the cold and hot fluid sources  36 ,  38 , or (iii) only from the hot fluid source  38 . The first and second sensors  18 ,  20  are adapted to detect the presence of an object radiating thermal energy, such as the user&#39;s hand, within range of the sensors. The first sensor  18  is used to determine when fluid is delivered to faucet spout assembly. The second sensor  20  is used to adjust the temperature of the fluid exiting the faucet outlet  46 , that is, the proportion of cold to hot fluid exiting the faucet outlet. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the first and second sensors  18 ,  20  preferably utilize electromagnetic radiation such that the user need not touch the sensors. In this way, sanitary conditions around the faucet are maintained. The first and second sensors may include an infrared (IR) motion detector, such as a pyroelectric sensor  48 . The pyroelectric sensor includes a crystalline material that generates a surface electric charge when exposed to thermal energy or heat in the form of infrared radiation. When the amount of radiation striking the crystal changes, the amount of charge also changes and can then be measured with a sensitive field-effect transistor (FET) device built into the pyroelectric sensor. The first and second sensors  18 ,  20  may further include a filter window or IR filter  50  to limit the radiation that reaches the pyroelectric sensor to a preselected wavelength range, such as 8 to 14 micrometers, which is most sensitive to the heat generated by a human body. In other embodiments, the first sensor  18 , the second sensor  20 , or both may include a photodiode. Such a photodiode may be used with a mirror and light transmitter. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the pyroelectric sensor  48  may include two sensing elements  52 , each having a separate detecting area  53 . This arrangement cancels signals caused by vibration, temperature changes, and sunlight. A hand  54  passing in front of the sensor will activate first one and then the other sensing element whereas other sources will affect both elements simultaneously and be cancelled. Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first and second sensors  18 ,  20  may also include a focusing device  56 , such as a Fresnel lens, which is a type of plano convex lens that has been collapsed on itself to form a flat lens that retains its optical characteristics but is much smaller in thickness and therefore has less absorption loss. The focusing device may be made of an infrared transmitting material that has a preselected IR transmission range of 8 to 14 micrometers. A suitable example without limitation of a pyroelectric sensor is the PIR325 manufactured by Golab Corporation (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.). 
         [0035]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an embodiment of a faucet control system  10  adapted to a bathroom or lavatory faucet assembly  40  on a countertop  58  adjacent a sink  60 . The conventional faucet valves for hot and cold water have been removed from the countertop. Conveniently, the holes in the countertop where the faucet valves were once located are used to mount a first cover  42  and second cover  44 . The first sensor  18  is located on the first cover so that the first sensor is able to detect the user&#39;s hand under the faucet outlet  46  of the faucet spout assembly. The second sensor  20  is located on the second cover so that the second sensor is able to detect the user&#39;s hand above second cover. The display  26  is also located on the second cover. Any photodiodes, light transmitters, or mirrors associated with the first and second sensors  18 , may be housed within the first and second covers  42 ,  44 , respectively. In this way, the faucet control system can be adapted or fitted to an existing faucet without having to replace the faucet and drill holes in the sink or countertop. It is to be understood that the faucet control system  10  can be adapted to other types of faucets and the position of the sensors  18 ,  20  can be varied so that the first sensing range  62  is in front of the faucet outlet  46  and the second sensing range  64  is at another area near the faucet. Examples of other types of faucets without limitation include wall-mounted faucets, kitchen faucets, and faucets for bath tubs. It will be understood that the location of the first and second sensors on the first and second covers may vary depending on the type of faucet. 
         [0036]    When the first sensor  18  detects the presence or motion of the user&#39;s hand within its sensing range  62 , the first sensor provides the first sensor signal  22  indicating the presence of the hand to the controller  14 . The sensing range  62  is the area beneath the faucet outlet  46  and is indicated by phantom lines in the sink  60  shown in  FIG. 4 . In response to the first sensor signal, the controller provides a first control signal  16 A to the valve apparatus  12  so that a default proportion of cold to hot water begins to be delivered by valve apparatus to the faucet spout assembly  40 . The first control signal  16 A provided to the valve apparatus  12  may be an electrical current sufficient to actuate a motor or solenoid in the valve apparatus. The default proportion may be set so that only cold water is delivered to the faucet spout assembly when the first sensor initially detects the hand within its sensing range. Of course, the default proportion may also be set so that a particular mixture of cold and hot water is delivered or only hot water is delivered. When the hand is removed from the sensing range of the first sensor, the first sensor signal  22  is discontinued or altered. In response to cessation or alteration of the first sensor signal, the controller provides another first control signal  16 B to the valve apparatus  12  so that water delivery to the faucet spout assembly is terminated. The second control signal  16 B may be cessation of the electrical current being supplied to a motor or solenoid in the valve apparatus. The controller may be preprogrammed or configured to terminate water delivery after a predetermined time, such as a few seconds, after the hand is removed from the sensing range of the first sensor. 
         [0037]    While water is being delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40 , the user may move her hand momentary within the sensing range  64  of the second sensor  20 . The sensing range  64  is the area above the second sensor and is indicated by phantom lines shown in  FIG. 4 . When the second sensor detects the presence or motion of the user&#39;s hand, the second sensor provides a second sensor signal  24  to the controller  14 . In response to the second sensor signal, the controller provides a second control signal to the valve apparatus  12  so as to progressively alter the proportion, ratio, or mixture of cold to hot water being delivered. For example, the user may wave her hand over the second sensor so that the water coming out of the faucet outlet  46  changes from only cold water to a first mixture of cold and hot water. The user may wave her hand over the second sensor again so that the water coming out of the faucet outlet changes from the first mixture to a second mixture having a greater proportion of hot water. The user may wave her hand over the second sensor yet again so that the water coming out of the faucet outlet changes to only hot water. The controller may be preprogrammed or configured so that if the user waves her hand over the second sensor a further time, the sequence starts over so that the water coming out of the faucet outlet changes to only cold water. As a further alternative, the system may have four valves, two valves for hot water and two valves for cold water. In this embodiment, five temperatures are achieved using the four valves. The temperatures change as follows. For entirely cold water, the two cold valves are opened. For slightly warmer water, two cold valves and one hot valve are opened. For warm water, two cold valves and two hot valves are opened. For warmer water, one cold valve and two hot valves are opened. Then, for very hot water, two hot valves are opened, resulting in hot water flow. Hence, in this embodiment, the second sensor controls the opening of each of the four valves, depending on the water temperature desired. 
         [0038]    Still referring to  FIG. 4 , the display  26  is located on the second cover  26  so that it is visible to the user of the faucet spout assembly  40 . The display is configured to indicate the proportion of cold to hot water that the valve apparatus  12  is delivering to the faucet spout assembly. The display may include an alphanumeric display or a plurality of lights or light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are controlled by the display signal  28  provided by the controller  14 . For example, the display may show the numeral one or illuminate one LED to indicate that only cold water is being delivered the faucet spout assembly. The display may show the numeral two or show two LEDs illuminated to indicate that the first mixture of cold and hot water is being delivered. Continuing further, the display may show the numeral three or illuminate three LEDs to indicate that the second mixture of water having a higher proportion of hot water is being delivered. Finally, the display may show the numeral four or illuminate four LEDs to indicate that only hot water is being delivered. 
         [0039]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the valve apparatus  12  may include one or more valves. For example, the valve apparatus may include one variably adjustable ball valve and a motor for moving the ball valve. The mixture of cold and hot fluid at any instant corresponds to the rotational position of the ball valve, which depends on the valve control signal  16  received by the valve apparatus from the controller  14 . Other types of variably adjustable valves may also be used. The valve apparatus may include two or more solenoid valves. 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a block diagram a faucet control system  10  having a valve apparatus  12  that includes a cold valve  66  and a hot valve  68  that are adapted to control delivery of cold and hot fluid respectively. The cold valve has a cold fluid inlet  30  adapted to be coupled to a cold water source  36 . The hot valve has a hot fluid inlet  32  adapted to be coupled to a hot water source  38 . The first and hot valves each have a separate fluid outlet  34  adapted to be coupled to one of two fluid inlets  70  of the faucet spout assembly  40 . The faucet spout assembly combines fluid entering the inlets  70  into one stream of fluid exiting a single faucet outlet  46 . The first and hot valves are moveable between a normally closed state and an actuated open state in response to valve control signals  16  provided by the controller  14 . The cold and hot valves may include solenoids, motors, or other means of actuating an interior movable valve member to a fully open, partially closed, or fully closed position in response to valve control signals  16  provided by the controller  14 . 
         [0041]    Still referring to  FIG. 5 , the controller  14  includes a first relay device  72 , a second relay device  74 , a third relay device  76 , and a circuit board  78 . The relay devices  72 ,  74 ,  76  provide separate valve control signals  16  to the cold and hot valves  66 ,  68 . The circuit board receives a first sensor signal  22  from the first sensor  18 , receives a second sensor signal  24  from the second sensor  20 , and provides a display signal  28  to the display  26 . The circuit board may include a microprocessor and other electronic components for separately activating and deactivating the relay devices  72 ,  74 ,  76  in response to the received sensor signals  22 ,  24 . The circuit board obtains power from a transformer  100  connected to a power source  102 , such as a standard AC electrical outlet providing alternating current. 
         [0042]    When the user momentarily places her hand within range of the first sensor, a first sensor signal  22  is provided to the circuit board  78 . When the user places her hand within range of the second sensor  20 , a second sensor signal  24  is provided to the circuit board  78 . In response to either the first or second sensor signal, the circuit board activates the first relay device  72 , which in turn provides a valve control signal  16  to only the cold valve  66 . As a result, the cold valve is moved from the normally closed to the open state so that cold water from the cold water source  36  is delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40 . The hot valve  68  remains in its normally closed state so that only cold water exits the faucet outlet  46 . 
         [0043]    When the user momentarily places her hand within range of the second sensor  20  for a second time, another second sensor signal  24  is provided to the circuit board  78 . Through programming of a microprocessor using appropriate software or embedded commands or through other means, the circuit board activates the second relay device  74 , which in turn provides a valve control signal  16  to both the cold valve  66  and the hot valve  68 . As a result, the cold valve remains in the open state and the hot valve is moved from the normally closed state to the open state. In this way, cold and hot water from the cold and hot water sources  36 ,  38  are delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40  so that warm water exits the faucet outlet  46 . Preferably, water continues to be delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40  while the user&#39;s hand remains within the first sensing range  62  of the first sensor  18 , even after the user&#39;s hand has moved out of the second sensing range  64  of the second sensor  20 . 
         [0044]    With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , when the user momentarily places her hand within range of the second sensor  20  for a third time, yet another second sensor signal  24  is provided to the circuit board  78 . The circuit board activates the third relay device  76 , which in turn provides a valve control signal  16  to only the hot valve  68 . As a result, the hot valve remains in the open state while the cold valve  66  returns to its normally closed state. In this way, only hot water from the hot water source  38  is delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40  so that hot water exits the faucet outlet  46 . The circuit board  78  may be programmed or configured such that either cold or warm water exits the faucet outlet  46  after the user waves her hand within range of the second sensor  20  for a fourth time. 
         [0045]    Greater control of the temperature of the water exiting the faucet outlet  46  would be achieved, for example, with the use of additional valves or relay devices. In  FIG. 6  there is shown a block diagram of a faucet control system  10  having a valve apparatus  12  that includes four valves  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86  which control delivery of cold and hot fluid. The first and hot valves  80 ,  82  each have a cold fluid inlet  30  adapted to be coupled to a cold water source  36  by means of a T-connector  88 . The third and fourth valves  84 ,  86  each have a hot fluid inlet  32  adapted to be coupled to a hot water source  38  by means of another T-connector  88 . The four valves each have a separate fluid outlet  34  adapted to be coupled to one of two fluid inlets  70  of the faucet spout assembly  40 . In the embodiment shown, the outlets of the first and hot valves are joined by a T-connector  88  that leads to one of the two fluid inlets  70  of the faucet spout assembly. The outlets of the third and fourth valves are joined by another T-connector  88  that leads to the other fluid inlet  70 . 
         [0046]    The faucet spout assembly  40  combines fluid entering the inlets  70  into one stream of fluid exiting a single faucet outlet  46 . Each of the four valves  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86  are moveable between a normally closed state and an actuated open state in response to valve control signals  16  provided by the controller  14 . Each of the four valves may include solenoids, motors, and other means of actuating an interior movable valve member to a fully open, partially closed, or fully closed position in response to valve control signals  16  provided by the controller  14 . 
         [0047]    Still referring to  FIG. 6 , the controller  14  includes a five relay devices  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  and a circuit board  78 . Each of the relay devices provides separate valve control signals  16  to the valves  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86  as explained in greater detail below. The circuit board  78  receives a first sensor signal  22  from the first sensor  18 , receives a second sensor signal  24  from the second sensor  20 , and provides a display signal  28  to the display  26 . The circuit board may include a microprocessor and other electronic components for separately activating and deactivating the relay devices in response to the received sensor signals  22 ,  24 . The circuit board obtains power from a transformer  100  connected to a power source  102 . 
         [0048]    With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , when the user waves her hand within range of the second sensor  20 , a second sensor signal  24  is momentarily provided to the circuit board  78 . In response the circuit board activates the first relay device  90 , which in turn provides a valve control signal  16  to the first and hot valves  80 ,  82 . As a result, the first and hot valves are moved from the normally closed state to the open state so that cold water from the cold water source  36  is delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40 . The third and fourth valves  84 ,  86  remain in their normally closed state so that only cold water exits the faucet outlet  46 . 
         [0049]    Preferably, water continues to be delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40  while the user&#39;s hand remains within the first sensing range  62  of the first sensor  18 , even after the user&#39;s hand has moved out of the second sensing range  64  of the second sensor  20 . 
         [0050]    When the user waves her hand within range of the second sensor  20  for a second time, a second sensor signal  24  is again momentarily provided to the circuit board  78 . Through programming of a microprocessor or other means, the circuit board deactivates the first relay device  90  and activates the second relay device  92 , which in turn provides a valve control signal  16  the first, second, and third valves  80 ,  82 ,  84 . As a result, the first and hot valves  80 ,  82  remain in the open state and the third valve  84  is moved from the normally closed state to the open state. In this way, a two-to-one mixture of cold to hot water is delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40  so that slightly warm water exits the faucet outlet  46 . 
         [0051]    When the user waves her hand within range of the second sensor  20  for a third time, a second sensor signal  24  is yet again momentarily provided to the circuit board  78 . The circuit board deactivates the second relay device  92  and activates the third relay device  94 , which in turn provides a valve control signal  16  to only the second and third valves  82 ,  84 . As a result, the cold valve  80  returns to its normally closed state and second and third valves remain in the open state. In this way, a one-to-one ratio of cold to hot water is delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40  so that warm water exits the faucet outlet  46 . 
         [0052]    When the user waves her hand within range of the second sensor  20  for a fourth time, a second sensor signal  24  is again momentarily provided to the circuit board  78 . The circuit board deactivates the third relay device  94  and activates the fourth relay device  96 , which in turn provides a valve control signal  16  the second, third, and fourth valves  82 ,  84 ,  86 . As a result, the second and third valves  82 ,  84  remain in the open state and the fourth valve  86  is moved from the normally closed state to the open state. In this way, a one-to-two ratio of cold to hot water is delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40  so that slightly warm water exits the faucet outlet  46 . 
         [0053]    When the user waves her hand within range of the second sensor  20  for a fifth time, a second sensor signal  24  is momentarily provided to the circuit board  78 . The circuit board deactivates the fourth relay device  96  and activates the fifth relay device  98 , which in turn provides a valve control signal  16  to only the third and fourth valves  84 ,  86 . As a result, the hot valve  82  returns to its normally closed state and third and fourth valves remain in the open state. In this way, only hot water from the hot water source  38  is delivered to the faucet spout assembly  40 . 
         [0054]    It should be noted that while the foregoing discusses an embodiment that is a sink, the touchless temperature control system may be extended to showers and/or bathtubs, as well as other applications. In a shower, for example, the touchless temperature controls would replace the manually turning handles normally used. 
         [0055]    As a further alternative, a photodiode system may be used in place of an infrared system. Photodiode systems are useful in applications in which the faucet turns off in response to motion rather than to a timer. A motion-controlled water shut-off system cuts down further on water usage. Photodiode systems are particularly well suited for motion-controlled shutoff, although systems using other types of sensors may also be made to be motion-controlled rather than timer controlled, or may be both motion-controlled and timed. In a motion-controlled system, when the user removes his or her hands, for example, water flow shuts off without a timer. But for heavy water use applications, such as bathtubs and showers, a timer is preferred to ensure that the water flow cuts off after a predetermined time. 
         [0056]    While several particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.