System and method for converting manually operated flush valves

Abstract

A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet is designed for automatic operation. The conversion system includes a power module, a control module, a driver module coupled to the manually-operated flush valve, and an optical sensor constructed to detect light arriving from a detection field. The control module is constructed to control activation of the driver module based on a signal from the optical sensor.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A conversion assembly for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet, comprising:
 a power module including a battery;   a driver module arranged for mechanical coupling to a manual handle of said manually-operated flush valve;   an optical module including an optical sensor and an optical element constructed to partially define a detection field and eliminate invalid targets; and   a control module constructed to activate said driver module based on a signal from said optical sensor, wherein said driver module is constructed to provide a manual override by displacing said manual handle without activation from said control module.   
     
     
         2 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The conversion assembly of  claim 1  wherein said optical element includes a lens. 
     
     
         11 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The conversion assembly of  claim 1  wherein said optical element includes a collimation plate. 
     
     
         15 . The conversion assembly of  claim 14  wherein said-collimation plate forms a gravity shutter. 
     
     
         16 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A conversion assembly for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet, comprising:
 a power module including a battery;   a driver module arranged for mechanical coupling to a manual handle of said manually-operated flush valve, wherein said driver module includes an electromotor, powered by said battery, and an activation arm;   an optical sensor; and   a control module constructed to activate said driver module based on a signal from said optical sensor.   
     
     
         21 . The conversion assembly of  claim 20  wherein said activation arm is constructed and arranged to move linearly when acting on said manual handle. 
     
     
         22 . The conversion assembly of  claim 20  wherein said activation arm is constructed and arranged to rotate when acting on said manual handle. 
     
     
         23 . The conversion assembly of  claim 20  wherein said activation arm is constructed and arranged to execute a combined linear and rotational motion when acting on said manual handle. 
     
     
         24 . The conversion assembly of  claim 20  wherein said driver module includes a cam constructed and arranged to cause displacement of said activation arm designed to act on said manual handle. 
     
     
         25 . The conversion assembly of  claim 20  wherein said driver module is constructed and arranged to be depressed by a user to activate a manual flush while also displacing said battery. 
     
     
         26 . The conversion assembly of  claim 1  wherein said driver module is enclosed in a driver module body that includes said battery, a DC motor and a planetary gear assembly driving a cam. 
     
     
         27 . The conversion assembly of  claim 26  wherein said cam is constructed and arranged to cause displacement of an activation arm that acts on said manual handle. 
     
     
         28 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A conversion assembly for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve, comprising an externally mounted conversion assembly comprising:
 a power module including a battery,   a driver module mechanically coupled to an activation arm arranged to externally activate said manually-operated flush valve using a manual valve handle of said manually-operated flush valve ;   an attachment lock-in module co-operatively constructed with said driver module and designed for slidable attachment of said conversion assembly to said flush valve including enabling contact between said activation arm and said manual valve handle; and   a control module constructed to activate said driver module based on a signal from a sensor after detecting a user, said attachment lock-in module and said driver module being constructed to enable manual displacement of said manual handle without activation by said control module.   
     
     
         31 . The conversion assembly of  claim 30  wherein said attachment lock-in module includes lock-in jaws constructed and arranged to be attached to a coupling nut associated with said manual valve handle. 
     
     
         32 . The conversion assembly of  claim 30  wherein said driver module includes a gear mechanism coupled to said displacement member. 
     
     
         33 - 44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . The conversion assembly of  claim 30  wherein said driver module includes a cam that includes an engagement surface having an involute surface for displacing said activation arm and said activation arm includes an engagement surface cooperatively arranged with the shape of said manual handle. 
     
     
         46 - 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . The conversion assembly of  claim 30  wherein said control module includes:
 a DC to DC converter connected to receive power from said DC power supply; 
 a controller connected to receive power from said DC power supply, said controller being connected to receive signal from an optical sensor and connected to initiate motor current to a DC motor; and 
 a feedback loop connected to monitor said motor current and provide signal to said controller. 
 
     
     
         54 . The conversion assembly of  claim 30  wherein said control module includes a motor driver having an H-bridge driver. 
     
     
         55 . The conversion assembly of  claim 30  wherein said control module is constructed to activate drive current delivered to a motor and thereby cause displacement of said manual handle by said driver module and constructed to terminate said drive current to said monitor based on said current flowing through said motor. 
     
     
         56 . The conversion assembly of  claim 30  wherein a driver module includes an electromotor powered by said battery and an activation arm constructed for displacement of said manual handle, said driver module being constructed to be displaced and thereby provide a manual override by displacing said manual handle without activating said electromotor.