Automatic flush valve actuation apparatus

An apparatus for automatically actuating the flush handle of the flushing mechanism of a sanitary device, the flush handle extending outwardly from the flushing mechanism, the flushing mechanism including a flat exterior surface adjacent a connecting element connecting the flush handle to the flushing mechanism, and a tension device disposed between said flush handle and said flushing mechanism to urge said flush handle back to a first non-actuating position when said flush handle is moved to a second full stop position from said first position, said apparatus comprising:

• a housing,
• a flexible drive system in said housing, said flexible drive system operable to move said flush handle from said first position to said second position;
• said flexible drive system including at least one moveable element, said flexible drive system maintained in substantial continuous contact with said flush handle when said flush handle reaches its second full stop position;
• said flexible drive system continuing to operate without stalling after said flush handle reaches its second full stop position;
• a sensor operably connected to said flexible drive system to detect a signal generated upon use of said sanitary device and actuate said flexible drive system in response to said signal.

An apparatus for activating a flush lever of a sanitary fixture comprising:

• an electromechanical flexible actuator, within an enclosure, operably engaging the flush lever;
• first and second bracket halves substantially enclosing and rigidly engaging a bushing;
• a hexagonal nut securing the flush lever to the sanitary fixture;
• attachment means for securing the first and second bracket halves to the electromechanical flexible actuator enclosure;
• and a power source for the electromechanical flexible actuator.

A control apparatus for a flexible drive mechanism of a flushing mechanism of a sanitary facility comprising:

• at least one moveable element in said flexible drive mechanism;
• said flexible drive mechanism maintained in substantial continuous contact with said flush handle when said flush handle is moved from a first non-actuating position to a second full stop actuating position and back to the first non-actuating position;
• said flexible drive mechanism continuing to operate without stalling after said flush handle reaches said second full stop actuating position as said at least one moveable element changes position;
• a self-contained power source;
• a sensor for detecting use of the sanitary facility;
• a mode selector interconnected with the sensor providing an output upon selected events of sensor operation including a first mode where an output occurs both in response to approach of a user and in response to withdrawal of the user, a second mode where an output occurs in response to withdrawal of the user, and a third mode where an output occurs in response to withdrawal of every second user;
• and
• means for interconnecting the self-contained power source and flexible drive mechanism in response to the mode selector output.