Voice Command Flush Module

Abstract

The invention is a self-contained module placed within residential toilet tanks to allow the toilet to be flushed using voiced word command. The existing toilets flush handle remains installed and operable. The device operates the toilet flush valve by lifting the toilets existing flush bar. The device provides a low cost means of converting the majority of existing toilets to operate in a voice/word/phrase activated no-touch flush mode. The device is powered by four (4) AA batteries which will last 2-3 years in residential use. In addition to operation based on voiced words the unit may be set to detect the occupant and flush the toilet when the occupant vacates the bathroom. Vacation mode will flush the toilet automatically at the end of 72 continuous hours of inactivity This device may also be constructed to operate by sensing the presence of your hand using a short range infrared sensor.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A device which utilizes the toilets existing flush valve to provide no touch flush actuation using voice commands, the combination of a plurality of parts consisting of a two piece water resistant rectangular plastic box containing a printed circuit board with voice command microprocessor, gear motor, magnetic reed relay, DC micro miniature signal relay, 4 AA battery holders, connector for external microphone connection; items external to the plastic box include an aluminum wheel mounted to the gear motor shaft, wheel having tapped holes to accept a vertical pull arm which is free to turn within the wheel, remaining vertical as the wheel rotates, a magnet used to activate the box mounted reed relay, a pull arm which accepts an adjustable horizontal pull bar, two brackets used to attach the box to the toilet tank, an Electret microphone in a small enclosure which also hooks over the toilet tank. 
     
     
         2 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly utilizes the toilets existing lift lever, pulling the lift lever upwards to activate the flush valve and then returning to a normal lowered position while allowing the toilets lift lever to idle in the up position before returning to its normal lowered position. 
     
     
         3 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein the toilets standard flush handle remains in place and operative so that toilet may be flushed manually if desired. 
     
     
         4 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly is powered by four (4) replaceable AA size batteries expected to last 2 to 3 years based on published power consumption requirements of the electronics. 
     
     
         5 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly may be installed in a right hand or left hand toilet having flush handles on the face or sides of the tank. 
     
     
         6 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein the gear motor and electronics are located in a plastic box which is suspended off of and within the top front side of the tank hidden from bathroom occupant view. 
     
     
         7 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly's electronics utilize a very low power consumption sleep mode to extend battery life. 
     
     
         8 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly is shipped for use with left hand toilets but may be configured for right hand toilets by simply moving the lift rod to opposite side of the lift wheel, the mounting brackets to the opposite side of the box and rotating the assembly 180 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein the lift arm may be adjusted up or down on the lift rod and locked in place. 
     
     
         10 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein the lift arm may be removed from the lift rod, rotated 180 degrees on placed back on the lift rod to provide expanded access to the toilets existing lift lever. 
     
     
         11 . The combination defined in  claim 1 , wherein multiple modes of operation may be set by the user; voice activation mode, voice and automatic operation mode and voice and vacation operation mode. 
     
     
         12 . The combination defined in  claim 1  wherein the assembly may contain a low power infrared sensing microprocessor and external infrared sensor as an option to voice microprocessor and microphone.