US Patent 11859375 Touchless faucet assembly and method of operation

A faucet includes a spout, a proximity detector, a first valve, and a control circuit. The proximity detector is mounted on or in the spout. The proximity detector includes a light emitter and a sensor. The light emitter is configured to emit a beam of light. The sensor is configured to produce a signal in response to sensing the beam reflected by an object in a zone of detection. The first valve is configured to control a first flow of fluid to the spout. The control circuit is operatively coupled the first valve and the proximity detector. The control circuit is configured to receive the signal and cause the first valve to control the first flow of fluid through the spout after receiving the signal.