Automatically operated handle-type flush valve

A retrofit assembly for conversion of a manually-operated flush valve to automatic operation, without disassembly or removal of any portion of the flush valve, and in which the flush valve includes a valve body having a water inlet and a water outlet, valve means within the body for controlling flow between the inlet and outlet, and a handle mounted on the valve body for pivotal movement about a handle axis to operate the valve means, the assembly including a motor mount attached to the valve body, a collar coaxial with said handle, said motor mount being attached directly to said collar, a motor driven handle interface pivotally mounted on the motor mount for movement about the handle axis and having a portion thereof positioned to contact and pivotally move the handle, a drive motor connected to the handle interface to cause pivotal movement thereof, a battery for operating the drive motor, and a sensor connected to the drive motor and battery to cause application of battery power to the drive motor to cause movement of the handle about the handle axis.

In a toilet room flush valve for use in flushing toilets and urinals includes a valve body having a water inlet and a water outlet, valve means within the body for controlling flow between the inlet and outlet, a handle pivotally mounted on the valve body for movement about a handle axis to operate the valve means, the improvement comprising:

• an assembly mounted on the valve body for causing sensor initiated movement of the handle, said assembly including a housing and a motor mount both attached to the valve body, a collar coaxial with said handle, said motor mount being attached directly to said collar, a motor driven handle interface mounted on the motor mount and having a portion thereof positioned to contact and pivotally move the handle, a drive motor mounted on the housing and connected to the handle interface to cause pivotal movement thereof, a battery for operating the drive motor, and a sensor mounted on the motor mount and connected to the drive motor and battery to cause the application of electrical current from the battery to the drive motor.

In a toilet room flush valve for use in flushing toilets and urinals includes a valve body having a water inlet and a water outlet, valve means within the body for controlling flow between the inlet and outlet, a handle pivotally mounted on the valve body for movement about a handle axis to operate the valve means, the improvement comprising:

• an assembly mounted on the valve body for causing sensor initiated movement of the handle, said assembly including a housing mounted over the handle of the flush valve, a rotatable drive unit mounted to the housing, a motor driven handle interface pivotally mounted to the housing and connected to the drive unit to cause pivotable movement of the handle interface, a portion of the handle interface positioned to contact and pivotally move the handle to permit movement of the handle about the handle axis, a manual override handle pivotally mounted to the housing for movement about an axis which is substantially the same as the handle axis, a battery for operating the drive unit, and a sensor mounted on the housing and connected to the drive unit and battery to cause the application of electrical current from the battery to the drive unit.

A retrofit assembly for conversion of a manually-operated flush valve to automatic operation, without disassembly or removal of any portion of the flush valve, and in which the flush valve includes a valve body having a water inlet and a water outlet, valve means within the body for controlling flow between the inlet and outlet, and a handle mounted on the valve body for pivotal movement about a handle axis to operate the valve means, the assembly including a housing attached to the valve body, a motor driven handle interface pivotally mounted to the housing and connected to the drive unit to cause pivotable movement of the handle interface, a portion of the handle interface positioned to contact and pivotally move the handle to permit movement of the handle about the handle axis, a manual override handle pivotally mounted to the housing for movement about an axis which is substantially the same as the handle axis, a battery for operating the drive unit, and a sensor mounted on the housing and connected to the drive unit and battery to cause the application of electrical current from the battery to the drive unit.