IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,063,103
Granted Patent B2
US 7,063,103 · App. 10/712,413 · Granted Jun 20, 2006

System for converting manually-operated flush valves

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,063,103
App. No.
10/712,413
Granted
Jun 20, 2006
Kind
B2
Abstract

Disclosed is a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually-operated flush valves. A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a manual handle to externally activate the converted flush valve.

Claims (43)

1. A conversion assembly for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet, comprising:

a power module, a control module, and a driver module arranged for mechanical coupling to a manual handle of said manually-operated flush valve,

said driver module includes a gear mechanism mechanically coupled to displace said manual handle of a flush valve, and

said driver module being mechanically attached relative to a body member of the flush valve

wherein said driver module is mechanically attached to a shank associated with said manual handle.

2. The conversion assembly of claim 1 further including a bracket for coupling to said shank.

3. The conversion assembly of claim 1 wherein said driver module is mechanically attached to a displacement member constructed and arranged to displace said manual handle.

4. The conversion assembly of claim 3 wherein said displacement member is constructed for linear movement.

5. The conversion assembly of claim 3 wherein said displacement member is constructed for rotational movement.

6. The conversion assembly of claim 3 wherein said displacement member includes a drive shaft and a cam.

7. The conversion assembly of claim 6 wherein said cam includes an engagement surface cooperatively arranged with the shape of said manual handle.

8. The conversion assembly of claim 6 wherein said cam includes an engagement surface that includes an involute engagement surface for engaging said manual handle.

9. The conversion assembly of claim 1 wherein said manually-operated flush valve includes a diaphragm-type valve mechanism.

10. The conversion assembly of claim 1 wherein said manually-operated flush valve includes a piston-type valve mechanism.

11. A conversion assembly for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet, comprising:

a power module, a control module, and a driver module arranged for mechanical coupling to a manual handle of said manually-operated flush valve,

said driver module includes a gear mechanism mechanically coupled to displace said manual handle of a flush valve, and

said driver module being mechanically attached relative to a body member of the flush valve

wherein said driver module is mechanically attached to a coupling nut used to attach said manual handle to a body of the flush valve.

12. The conversion assembly of claim 11 wherein said driver module is mechanically attached to a displacement member constructed and arranged to displace said manual handle.

13. The conversion assembly of claim 12 wherein said displacement member is constructed for linear movement.

14. The conversion assembly of claim 12 wherein said displacement member is constructed for rotational movement.

15. The conversion assembly of claim 12 wherein said displacement member includes a drive shaft and a cam.

16. The conversion assembly of claim 15 wherein said cam includes an engagement surface cooperatively arranged with the shape of said manual handle.

17. A conversion assembly for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet, comprising:

a power module, a control module, and a driver module arranged for mechanical coupling to a manual handle of said manually-operated flush valve,

said driver module includes a gear mechanism mechanically coupled to displace said manual handle of a flush valve,

said driver module being mechanically attached relative to a body member of the flush valve

said driver module is mechanically coupled to a displacement member constructed and arranged to displace said manual handle,

wherein said displacement member includes a drive shaft and a cam coupled by a clutch mechanism.

18. The conversion assembly of claim 17 wherein said cam includes an engagement surface cooperatively arranged with the shape of said manual handle.

19. A conversion assembly for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet, comprising:

a power module, a control module, and a driver module engaging a displacement member including a drive shaft and a cam, arranged for mechanical coupling to a manual handle of said manually-operated flush valve,

said power module includes a battery,

said driver module includes an electromotor powered by said battery, and

said control module includes a motion sensor.

20. The conversion assembly of claim 19 further including gears coupled to said electromotor.

21. The conversion assembly of claim 20 wherein said displacement member is constructed for rotational movement.

22. The conversion assembly of claim 20 wherein said displacement member is constructed for rotational and linear movement.

23. The conversion assembly of claim 19

wherein said cam includes an engagement surface cooperatively arranged with the shape of said manual handle.

24. The conversion assembly of claim 19

wherein said cam includes an engagement surface including an involute surface for engaging said manual handle.