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.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/712,413, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/972,496, filed Oct. 16, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,282, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/916,468, filed Jul. 27, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,853, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/684,752, filed on May 26, 2006, which is incorporated by reference as if fully reproduced herein.  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually-operated flush valves, i.e., already installed flush valves.  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to those flush valves commonly used to operate toilets and urinals and, more specifically, to an assembly that converts existing valves from manual to automatic operation. The flush valves may be a diaphragm-type valve, such as that sold by Sloan Valve Company of Franklin Park, Ill., under the trademark ROYAL, and which is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,730, or it may be a piston-type flush valve sold by Sloan Valve Company under the trademarks GEM and CROWN and shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,993, or many other commercially available flush valves. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0004]     Customarily, a variety of flushing systems are used for flushing urinals and toilets: a first type includes a float-operated intake valve, mounted at a water intake pipe, for delivering water into a water tank. The intake valve includes a rod connected to a float which, when a predefined level of water has accumulated in the tank, closes the intake valve. An outlet fixture at the bottom of the water tank discharges the water in the water tank into the toilet bowl when the flush handle is activated to flush the toilet. During and after the flushing action, the float drops below a closing position, this opens the intake valve, and water flows into the tank until it reaches the predefined level. At that point, the float is once again at the level that closes the intake valve.  
         [0005]     A second toilet flush system uses water directly from a supply line for flushing. This flush system uses a flush valve (i.e., a “Flushometer”) that may be a diaphragm-type valve or a piston-type valve. This flush valve can be manually activated by depressing a handle (or can be automatically activated by a sensor) to control flushing a toilet or urinal. In these systems the flush valve controls a pilot section that is located somewhat above the diaphragm (in a valve diaphragm-type valve) or the piston (in a piston-type valve). The pilot section receives water through one or several control orifices. The valve controls pressure in the pilot section, which in turn activates water flow from the supply line to the toilet or urinal, thus creating the flush action.  
         [0006]     In these diaphragm-type or the piston-type valves, the pilot section has control orifices with a quasi-fixed supply rate by virtue of maintaining a hydraulic condition known as “choked flow condition.” The pilot section also includes a drain valve, which is activated by the user handle to lower pressure in the pilot section. Upon activation of the drain valve (which has a flow-through rate much higher than the control orifice feed rate), the pilot chamber is depleted, resulting in the opening of the main flow passage that facilitates the main flushing flow. After handle release, followed by drain valve reseal, the main passage will remain open until the pilot chamber refills through the pilot orifice. The water pressure in the pilot chamber closes the main water passage to seal water flow, as described in detail in connection with  FIG. 1 , below. These diaphragm-type and piston-type flush valves have been described in numerous publications and patents. For example, various diaphragm-type flush valves are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,125,621; 5,456,279; 6,216,730, or PCT publication WO91/17380, and the piston-type flush valve is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,993.  
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art diaphragm-type pilot flush valve for flushing a toilet or a urinal. Flush valve  10  has a valve body with an upper body part  18  and a lower body part  16  separated by a diaphragm  12 . Diaphragm  12  rests on a valve seat  14 , which is at the top of an inner wall  30  of lower body part  16 . The upper body part  18  has a cap  20  that clamps portion (periphery)  59  of diaphragm  12  against lower body part  16  using an upper housing  22 . In the closed position, water that entered through a water inlet pipe  24  sits in an annular main chamber  26  surrounding cylindrical inner wall  30  of lower body part  16 . The sealing action of diaphragm  12  does not allow the water to flow from main chamber  26  through the main passage defined by inner wall  30  into a water outlet conduit  32  to the toilet bowl. That is, diaphragm  12  seals water outlet  32  when the valve is in the closed position.  
         [0008]     Flush valve  10  also includes a pilot chamber  36  formed by the dome  20  and diaphragm  12 . Diaphragm  12  includes a control orifice  34 , which enables water flow from main chamber  26  to pilot chamber  36  and thus causes pressure equalization between main chamber  26  and pilot chamber  36 . When the pressure is equalized, there is a net force on diaphragm  12  from pilot chamber  36  downward onto the diaphragm since the diaphragm area in pilot chamber  36  is larger than the opposing diaphragm area in main chamber  26 . The downward-oriented net force keeps the diaphragm  12  seated on valve seat  14 , and thus, the valve is closed and sealing water outlet  32 . A pressure-relief mechanism that lowers the water pressure in pilot chamber  36  opens flush valve  10 : the pilot valve includes a pilot valve member  50  with a rod portion  58  displaceable by a plunger  56  connected to a manual flush handle  54 . Pilot valve member  50  sits on a pilot seat  52  and seals against the diaphragm  12 .  
         [0009]     Depressing handle  54  causes plunger  56  to move against rod portion  58  and displacing pilot valve member  50 . When pilot valve member  50  is displaced, water flows with minimal flow resistance from pilot chamber  36  near pilot seat  52  through the relief opening  49 , while control orifice  34  in the diaphragm causes considerable resistance to the compensating flow from main chamber  26  through orifice  34  to pilot chamber  36 . Consequently, the pressure in pilot chamber  36  decreases significantly below the pressure in main chamber  26  so that the force exerted by the pressure in pilot chamber  36  is lower than that exerted by the pressure in main chamber  26 . Thus, the portion of the diaphragm plate  38  located interior to its clamped portion  59  flexes upward, rising off the main valve seat  14 ; this opens the valve and water flows from main chamber  26  to water outlet  32 .  
         [0010]     When a user releases flush handle  54 , pilot valve  50  returns to its position on pilot valve seat  52 , but the pressure in the pilot chamber  36  does not immediately return to the level in the main chamber  26  because the pressure-equalizing flow from main chamber  26  to pilot chamber  36  is restricted by the small size of control orifice  34 . This delay in pressure equalization is desirable because for a predetermined length of time water flows from water outlet  32  to the connected toilet or urinal. Ultimately, however, the water flow via control orifice  34  equalizes the pressure between main chamber  26  and pilot chamber  36  to the point at which the downward force on the diaphragm overcomes the upward force, and the valve closes. This entire flushing cycle is repeated by moving handle  54 .  
         [0011]     There are several existing design approaches used for converting (i.e., retrofitting) the existing manual flush valves, such as valve  10 , to sensory-activated electronically controlled automatic valves. There is a top cover assembly that replaces the upper housing  22  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The top cover system includes an electronic sensory module, a battery pack, and electronics for controlling a bi-stable solenoid that acts upon a pilot valve. The pilot valve in turn controls the main diaphragm valve. The top cover conversion system usually includes a new main diaphragm assembly that replaces main diaphragm  12  (used in the manual system shown in  FIG. 1 ). These types of conversion systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,169,118 and 5,244,179.  
         [0012]     Another type of sensory controlled flushing device is known as a “side mount” conversion device. Examples of these are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,431,181, 5,680,879 and 6,056,261. Side mount devices include a sensory module (which senses a user of the facility), a battery pack, an electric motor, and an activation plunger mounted onto a common housing. Specifically, in the “side mount” device, the activation plunger is mounted onto the flush valve assembly after first removing a manual handle (e.g., handle  54  in  FIG. 1 ). Upon receiving a flush command from the sensory module, the electronics activate the movement of the activation plunger, thereby activating the pilot valve, which in turn starts the flush cycle.  
         [0013]     The installation of the “side mount” conversion device to make the manual flusher automatic requires removal and replacement of its flush handle, and handle removal requires breaking the existing water seal. Specifically, to install some of these retrofit devices, a person may need to turn the water supply off, dismantle portions of the flush valve, install the device, reestablish the water seal, and then turn the water supply back on. Even if the water supply does not need to be turned off, the installation requires removal of the manual flush handle. Thus, in either case, installation requires the job to be performed by a qualified professional.  
         [0014]     Most conversion or retrofit devices have a manual override mechanism, i.e., the ability to override the sensory control and start a flushing cycle, if the control malfunctions. These systems usually have an electrical switch that bypasses the optical sensor to electronically trigger flushing, which can be done by pushing a button, for example. However, many of these systems do not allow for a “truly” manual override if there is no electrical power available, as these electrical switches cannot work during power source failure. Therefore, such conversion devices cannot start a flushing cycle by either sensory or manual means during a power failure. There is still, therefore, a strong need for reliable devices to convert or retrofit manually-operated, currently installed flush valves used in toilet rooms.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     The present invention relates to toilet room flush valves and more specifically to an assembly for converting a valve of this type from manual operation to automatic operation. A primary purpose of the invention is to provide a conversion assembly that can be installed without the removal of any flush valve components of an existing, manual flush valve, and without disconnecting the water supply to the flush valve.  
         [0016]     The present invention is a conversion assembly that is easily mounted on the manual flush valve, and the conversion assembly displaces the flush valve handle to cause the water flush when the operation is initiated by an automatic sensor, or when a user manually presses on a movable member.  
         [0017]     According to one aspect, the present invention includes a conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet. The conversion system includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module arranged for mechanical, hydraulic or other coupling to the manually-operated flush valve.  
         [0018]     According to another aspect, the present invention includes a conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet. The conversion system includes a power module, a control module, a driver module coupled to the manually-operated flush valve, and a passive optical sensor including a light detector constructed to detect ambient light arriving to said detector from a detection field. The control module is constructed to control activation of the driver module based on a signal from said passive optical sensor.  
         [0019]     Preferred embodiments of these aspects may include one or more of the following features: The control module includes a sensor. The sensor may be an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, or any other sensor. The sensor may be constructed to detect motion near the flush valve or to detect a user&#39;s presence near the flush valve. The optical sensor is preferably an active sensor or a passive sensor. The active sensor is preferably an infrared sensor.  
         [0020]     The control module may be constructed to determine each activation based on a background level of the ambient light and present levels of the ambient light measured over several time intervals by the light detector.  
         [0021]     The control module is constructed to determine activation of the driver module by executing a detection algorithm employing detection of increase and decrease of the ambient light due to the presence of a user within the detection field.  
         [0022]     The control module may be constructed to determine each activation based on a background level of the ambient light and present levels of the ambient light measured over several time intervals by the light detector. The control module may be constructed to sample periodically the detector based on the amount of previously detected light.  
         [0023]     The passive optical sensor may include an optical element located in front of the light detector arranged to partially define a detection field and eliminate invalid targets. The optical element may be further constructed to provide the detection field being angled below horizontal, or being angled above horizontal. The optical element may be further constructed to provide the detection field being angled to the right or to the left of the flusher.  
         [0024]     The passive optical sensor may include an optical element located in front of the light detector arranged to partially define a detection field and eliminate invalid targets, and the control module is programmed to execute a calibration routine that accounts for the size and orientation of the detection field defined by the optical element.  
         [0025]     The light detector is constructed to detect light in the range of 400 to 1000 nanometers, and preferably detect light in the range of 400 to 800 nanometers.  
         [0026]     The control module may be constructed activate the driver module based on first detecting arrival of a user and then detecting departure of the user. Alternatively, the control module may be constructed activate the driver module based detecting presence of a user. The control module may be constructed activate the driver module based on registering arrival of a user after the detector detects increased amount of light.  
         [0027]     The optical element may include a lens, a pinhole (or an array of pinholes), a slit (or an array of slits), an optical filter, or a collimation plate. The collimation plate may form a gravity shutter. The light detector may include a photodiode or a photoresistor. The optical element may be constructed so that the light detector receives light in the range of 1 lux to 1000 lux.  
         [0028]     The driver module may include a gear mechanism mechanically coupled to a displacement member. The displacement member includes a proximal region coupled to the gear mechanism and a distal end shaped to provide contact with the manual handle. The power module includes a battery and the driver module includes an electromotor powered by the battery and coupled to a displacement member.  
         [0029]     According to another aspect, the invention is a conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet. The conversion system includes an externally mounted conversion assembly including a power module, a control module including a sensor, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a displacement member arranged to externally activate the manually-operated flush valve using a manual valve handle.  
         [0030]     Preferred embodiments of this aspect may include one or more of the following features: The sensor may be an optical sensor or ultrasonic sensor. The sensor may be constructed to detect motion near the flush valve, or to detect a user&#39;s presence near the flush valve. The sensor may be an infrared sensor. The displacement member includes a proximal region coupled to the gear mechanism and a distal end shaped to provide contact with the manual handle. The power module includes a battery and the driver module includes an electromotor powered by the battery and coupled to a displacement member.  
         [0031]     Preferred embodiments of both of the above aspects may include one or more of the following features: The conversion assembly does not include any part in direct contact with a water passage of the manually-operated flush valve. The manually-operated flush valve includes a diaphragm-type valve mechanism or a piston-type valve mechanism.  
         [0032]     The displacement member is constructed and arranged to rotate or move linearly (or both) when acting on the manual handle. The manually-operated flush valve mechanism may include a piston-type mechanism, a diaphragm-type mechanism or another related mechanism.  
         [0033]     The control module may include one or even several sensors. The external sensor may be an optical sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor, either of which may sense presence or motion of a user, or both. The internal sensor may sense operation of the flusher including the line water pressure. This sensor may sense the pressure on the manual handle during the flush, excursion of the handle or other parameters.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0034]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a diaphragm-operated manual flusher, according to the prior art.  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a side-mounted conversion assembly for converting the manual flusher of  FIG. 1  to an automated flusher.  
         [0036]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the conversion assembly shown in  FIG. 2  prior to being mounted from the left-hand side on the manual flusher shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 2A -I is a view of gravity shutter found in the conversion assembly shown in  FIG. 2   
         [0038]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the conversion assembly shown in  FIG. 2  prior to being mounted from the right-hand side on the manual flusher shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is an exploded, perspective view of the conversion assembly shown in  FIGS. 2, 2A  and  2 B.  
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an attachment module of the conversion assembly shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B .  
         [0041]      FIG. 4A  is a cut-away view of the attachment module shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the attachment module shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4 A, while mounted on the manual flusher shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the conversion assembly mounted on the manual flusher, as shown in  FIG. 2 , but having the power module removed to expose the location of the manual flush handle.  
         [0044]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the relationship of the manual flush handle and the driver module shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0045]      FIGS. 7 and 7 A are perspective views of a power module used in the conversion assembly of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 8  is a perspective, exploded view of the driver module shown in  FIGS. 3, 5  and  6 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective, partially cut away view of a gear assembly used in the driver module shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the driver module, shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and a control module.  
         [0049]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of electrical contacts also shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0050]      FIGS. 10 and 10 A are perspective, exploded views of a control module used in the conversion assembly of  FIGS. 2, 2A  and  2 B.  
         [0051]      FIG. 10B  is a front view of a shutter used with an optical sensor located inside the control module shown in  FIGS. 10 and 10 A.  
         [0052]      FIG. 10C  is a front view of a collimation plate used with the optical sensor located inside the control module shown in  FIGS. 10 and 10 A.  
         [0053]     FIGS.  10 C-I and  10 C-II are cross-sectional views of slots located in the collimation plate shown in  FIG. 10C .  
         [0054]      FIG. 10D  is a perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the optical sensor shown in  FIG. 10B .  
         [0055]      FIG. 10E  is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the optical sensor shown in  FIG. 10D .  
         [0056]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a control circuit for controlling the conversion assembly shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0057]      FIG. 11A  is a circuit diagram of a motor driver, a manual reset, and a current feedback shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0058]      FIG. 11B  is a circuit diagram of a DC-DC converter, and OPAMP voltage control shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 11C  is a circuit diagram of a power supply and red LED driver shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 11D  is a circuit diagram of a voltage control monitor shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 11 .  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0061]     The present invention relates to a conversion assembly for manually-operated toilet room flush valves, which may be of the diaphragm or of the piston type. A diaphragm-type flush valve is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,730, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, and is sold by Sloan Valve Company, the assignee of the present application, under the trademark ROYAL. The piston-type flush valve may be of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,993, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, and may be sold by Sloan Valve Company under the trademarks GEM or CROWN.  
         [0062]     The conversion assembly will utilize a sensor, which may be of the infrared type, will be battery powered, and may be as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,261, also owned by Sloan Valve Company, and the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Sensor-operated, battery powered flush valves are known in the art from the &#39; 261  patent and others. The present invention utilizes the technology in the &#39; 261  patent or similar technologies for infrared operation of a flush valve which may be of the types described in the above-referenced patents. The particular disclosure shown herein illustrates a valve of the ROYAL type.  
         [0063]     In the drawings, a flusher is indicated at  10 . As shown in the cross-sectional view of a diaphragm-operated manual flusher in  FIG. 1 , a valve body has a manual handle  54  mounted to the flush valve body  10  by a collar  53  and a coupling nut  55 . The handle  54  pivotally moves about an axis when the handle is used to cause operation of the flush valve. The present invention provides an automatic means for moving the otherwise manually-operated handle.  
         [0064]      FIG. 2  shows a conversion assembly  60  in a perspective view, when mounted onto flusher  10 . Conversion assembly  60  includes a driver module  70 , a power module  80 , a control module  90  (see  FIG. 3 ) and, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an attachment lock-in module  120  for mounting the conversion assembly  60  to the flusher.  
         [0065]     Conversion assembly  60 , using attachment lock-in module, is mounted to the flusher, resting on lower body part  16  and water outlet conduit  32 , and attaching to the flusher handle&#39;s collar  53  and coupling nut  55  via attachment lock-in module  120 . Attachment module  120  is designed for slidable lock-in attachment and controlled unlocking and removal. The control/optical module  90  of conversion assembly  60  senses the user of the facility through an optical window  94 . Conversion assembly  60  also has a driver module  70  designed to move the flusher handle and a power module  80  to power the entire conversion assembly  60 . Driver module  70  is also constructed to provide manual override: the user can flush manually by pressing on the driver module enclosure  72 , thereby pressing handle  54 , as seen in  FIG. 2A  or  2 B. The location of all of these components within a conversion assembly housing  62  (in this embodiment, a cast zinc housing) is shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0066]     Conversion assembly  60  may be mounted on flushers with handles on the right or left-hand sides.  FIG. 2A  shows the conversion assembly unit  60  prior to mounting it to the flusher from the left-hand side, showing the attachment lock-in module  120  as it will fit around flusher handle  54 , coupling nut  55  and cylindrical handle housing  53 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , conversion assembly  60  may also be mounted on the right-hand side. The conversion assembly is simply rotated  180  degrees, so that the optical window is still facing potential users. Attachment module  120  is able to mount conversion assembly  60  either way, and optical module  90  is able to detect users whether conversion assembly  60  is placed on one side or the other. It is able to do this due to optical module  90 &#39;s ability to function when placed on either side, and a gravity shutter  210 &#39;s ability to rotate about an axis.  FIG. 2A -I shows a gravity shutter  210  found behind optical window  94 . Gravity shutter  210  has an opening  216 . An opaque plastic plate  212  has a swivel hole  214  that allows it to rotate around a pin  208  (see  FIG. 10A ), as well as a weight rim  211  that forces it to sit with an opening  216  always upright, in a “U-shape”. Gravity shutter  210 , a collimation plate  220  and other components of optical module  90  are explained in further detail in the descriptions of  FIGS. 10B and 10C .  
         [0067]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of conversion assembly  60  illustrating all major parts as they fit within the conversion assembly housing  62 . All modules are held within a conversion assembly housing cavity  64 . The individual modules are all located inside, their corresponding bodies shaped to have complementary body surfaces that fit together like a three-dimensional puzzle. Optical module  90  is proximal to the attachment module  120 , which latches onto an anterior side opening  66  of conversion assembly housing  62 . When connecting attachment module  120  to the rest of conversion assembly  60  and its housing  62 , an attachment interface  68  made of rubber or a similar material is included between them. The posterior of conversion assembly housing cavity  64  holds driver module  70  and power module  80 , as well as contact unit  100 , which includes a body coupling  101  and a support plate  102 . Contact unit  100  is used to provide electrical contacts between driver module  70 , power module  80 , and control module  90 . Contact unit  100  connects batteries of power module  80  to driver unit  70  when the sensor detects use of the facility.  
         [0068]     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 9  and  9 A, contact unit  100  includes a body coupling  101 , a support plate  102 , and a set of electrical contacts ( 103 A and B,  108 A and B,  106 ). The driver module body  72  pivots about hinges  74 A and B. Driver module body  72  includes a contact arm  76 , which interfaces with contact unit  100  for setting off conversion unit  60  when use of the facility is sensed. Optical module  90  includes an enclosure cover  92 , an optical window  94 , and an upper enclosure surface  96 , and is held within the anterior portion of conversion assembly housing cavity  64 , enclosed by an anterior assembly wall  98 , in a control module slot (cavity)  61 .  
         [0069]      FIGS. 4 and 4 A show attachment lock-in module  120 , including lock-in jaws  122  and a collet  140 . Lock-in jaws  122  include an external rim  126 , a chamfered surface  128  and an inner surface  130 . Lock-in jaws  122  are pivotably mounted with respect to collet  140  using two pivotable arms  132 . Optionally, lock-in jaws  122  may include, on an inner surface  130 , alignment ribs  134 , which provide alignment with coupling nut  55 . Collet  140  includes a guide rim  142  attaching a substantially cylindrical external surface member  144  and an inner surface member  150 , and levers  146  each connected to a latch  148 . Attachment module  120  is designed to mount conversion assembly  60  onto the flusher body.  
         [0070]      FIG. 4B  shows a perspective cross-sectional view of attachment module  120 , generally located on and attached to coupling nut  55  and cylindrical handle housing  53 , all now within conversion assembly housing  62 . During attachment, inner retention surfaces  129  and  131  of lock-in jaws  122  are positioned over coupling nut  55 , and inner surface  150  is in contact with handle collar  53 . Outer elements  144  ( FIGS. 4 and 4 A) are, in turn, in contact with collet guide  65 , which is on the anterior side opening  66  of conversion assembly housing  62  ( FIG. 3 ), and is attached to and removable with housing  62 . Collet guide  65  also includes housing retention surfaces  63  designed for locking with latches  148  at the end of levers  146 . Outer cylindrical elements  144  ( FIGS. 4 and 4 A) have a conical shape and, together with inner cylindrical elements  150 , form a compression fitting that is located between flush handle collar  53  and collet guide  65  wherein a guidance rim  142  restrains these elements in a spring-like manner. Thus, attachment module  120  is constructed for coupling onto collar  53  and coupling nut  55 , and no special tools are required to install conversion assembly  60 . This arrangement also provides for a sturdy connection between conversion assembly  60  and manual flush valve  10 . Further, if removal of conversion assembly  60  is necessary, an insertion tool is used so that the cantilever arm  146  is pressed down to release latch  148 , and thus releases front opening  66  and attachment interface  68  of conversion assembly  60 .  
         [0071]     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , front opening  66  and attachment interface  68  not only provide for tight coupling to different types of manual flush valves, but also substantially prevent rotation of conversion assembly  60  with respect to the longitudinal axis of flush handle  54 .  
         [0072]      FIG. 5  illustrates the relationship of handle  54  to conversion assembly  60  (when power module  80  is removed).  FIG. 5  shows latch  148  holding attachment module  120  to housing retention surface  63 , which attaches it to conversion assembly housing  62 . Driver module body  72  is preferably in contact to handle  54 , to move it and set off manual flushing action when necessary. There may be a pliable layer located to accommodate manual handles of different thicknesses. Driver module  70  provides the movement necessary for automatic operation of the flusher.  
         [0073]      FIG. 6  demonstrates the relationship of flusher  10 , its handle  54 , and driver module  70  and its components. Driver module body  72  has hinges,  74 A and  74 B, one of which is visible in the view of  FIG. 6 , which allow body  72  to pivot about axis σ. When conversion assembly  60  is used to flush manually, and body  72  is pushed towards the viewer by the user as shown by arrow A, an activation arm  190  makes contact with and moves handle  54 , causing flushing to occur. Driver body  72  does not rotate about axis a when conversion assembly  60  flushes automatically, however. Automatic flushing will be further explained with connection to  FIGS. 8 and 8 A. In fact, because of this possible rotation about axis σ, a spring  197  is included with the unit to prevent shifting of driver module enclosure  72  relative to body cavity  64  during shipping (i.e., when the unit is not installed). Spring  197  holds the driver module enclosure external to body cavity  64  prior to installation when there is no flusher handle  54  to hold driver module  70  outside of body cavity  64 .  
         [0074]      FIGS. 7 and 7 A show power module  80  including a power module body (battery pack)  81  with four batteries  84 A-D, by a posterior body wall  82  of conversion assembly  60 . The power module latches onto, and sits within, housing  62 . Batteries  84 A-D sit within battery pack  81  in a serial arrangement, and when in place, touch battery contacts  86 . Power module body  81  can be opened for replacement of batteries  84 A-D via a latch  88 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 8  is a perspective, partially cut away view of driver module  70 . As shown, driver module  70  includes a DC motor  200 , which is engaged to a planetary gear assembly  160 . Motor  200  has a drive shaft  202  which is coupled to, and acts upon, the gear assembly&#39;s first gear. The planetary gear assembly  160  is within a gear housing  162 , whose surface  164  catches the teeth of the gears. An attached camshaft  195  is moved in the same direction as the motor&#39;s drive shaft  202  by the gear assembly and is held horizontally by openings molded into the driver module body  72 . These components, as they fit together, are shown in  FIG. 8A , which is an exploded view.  
         [0076]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a cam bearing  185  fits within an opening  75  in driver module body  72 , with an axial stop  184  holding camshaft  195  in place. The camshaft is similarly held on the other side of a driver module body pocket  73 . A cam  180  fits within pocket  73 . An activation arm  190  has several surfaces for contacting parts of the assembly. In particular, a U-shaped cradle  192  accommodates the flusher handle, and makes contact with it, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Cam bearing  185  fits within a slot  188  of activation arm  190 . A roller  182 , held within activation arm  190  by a roller pivot hole  183 , is turned by cam  180  when the motor is activated. Thus, activation arm  190  sits on the camshaft, with cam  180  within it. Upon a signal from control module  90 , the motor  200  is activated, turns the gear assembly  160 , and drives camshaft  195  to turn. As camshaft  195  turns, cam  180  acts on and turns roller  182 . As the protruding curve of cam  180  turns roller  182 , it pushes activation arm  190  outwards. As arm  190  moves outwards, it in turn pushes the flusher handle  54 , which is held in U-shaped cradle  192 , thus causing the flushing action.  
         [0077]     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 9 A, contact unit  100  provides the electrical contacts between power module  80 &#39;s batteries and the rest of conversion assembly  60 . Contact unit  100  is in front of an inner housing wall  250 , separating it from the components of control module  90 , which are behind wall  250 .  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the contents of driver module  70  and control module  90 . Activation arm  190  and its U-shaped cradle  192 , which engages flusher handle  54 , are visible. Axial stop  184  of camshaft  195  is also shown in the figure.  FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of the electrical contacts also shown in  FIG. 9 , pivoted horizontally. Negative battery contacts  103 B and positive contacts  103 A are shown in relation to support plate  102  and body coupling  101 . These control module components are shown and explained beginning with  FIG. 10 .  
         [0078]     Power module  80 , including four 1.5 V batteries  84 A-D, is in front of driver module body inside a covering  196 , which holds the motor and gear assembly (see  FIG. 8 ). A contact  103 B connects with the cathode of battery  84 B, so that when the circuit is closed, current flows towards a contact  108 B, which engages with a contact pad  256 B. A circuit contact  108 A engages with a contact pad  256 E, and a contact  103 A engages with anode of battery  84 D. Contact unit  100  includes a manual override contact  106 , which engages with a contact pad  256 A when pushed by manual contact prong  76 . Manual contact prong  76  pushes contact pad  256 A when driver module body  72  is manually pushed by the user to set off the flusher. The purpose of manual override contact  106  is to signal to the microcontroller  302  ( FIG. 11 ) when the flusher has been manually set off by the user pushing driver module body  72 . After receiving the manual signal, the microcontroller will not provide the automatic flush command when the control module  90  detects the same user moving away from the unit. This manual override contact and contact pad are also seen in  FIG. 10 . Contact unit  100  is held in place by support plate  102 , which has a body coupling  101  found in conversion assembly body cavity  64 .  
         [0079]      FIGS. 10 and 10 A are perspective, exploded views from the front and the back of control module  90 . Control and optical module  90  includes an enclosure cover  92  with an optical window  94  aligned with respect to a gravity shutter  210  and a beam guide element (collimation plate)  220 . A circuit board  230  includes a passive sensor for detecting a user. Alternatively, control module  90  may include a PC board  220 A using an active sensor (see  FIGS. 10D and 10E ). PC board  230  comprises all electronic elements, including a microcontroller  302 , as explained in connection with  FIGS. 11-11D . Gravity shutter  210 , beam guide  220  and PC board  230  are located between front housing cover  92  and inner housing wall  250 . Inner housing wall  250  includes 5 electrical contacts  258 A,  258 B,  258 C,  258 D and  258 E, (which are connected to contact pads  256 A-E on the opposite side of wall  250 ; see  FIGS. 9 and 10 A) providing contact to PC board  230 . Wall  250  also includes motor connection pins  253 A and  253 B, which make contact with motor  200  to power it. Pins  253 A and B can also be seen in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0080]     As shown in  FIGS. 10B and 10C , gravity shutter  210  is made of an opaque plastic  212 , and includes a weight rim  211  and a swivel opening  214 . Gravity shutter  210  swivels about a pin  208 , on the front of control module cover  92 , shown in  FIG. 10A . External light passes through opening  216  and arrives at beam guide  220  (collimation plate). Beam guide  220  includes  4  sets of slots  222  designed to shape the optical field in front of the flusher to achieve a desired U-shape, as described in PCT application PCT/US2003/038730, filed on Dec. 4, 2003, (published as WO 2004/051011) which is incorporated by reference. Slots  222  include two sets of long slots  224 A and  224 B and two sets of short slots  225 A and  225 B. Beam guide  220  also includes an LED opening  226  arranged to accommodate an LED, forming a user interface. (Light pulses emitted from the LED are used to provide various signals to the user or technician installing conversion assembly  60 .) FIGS.  10 C-I and  10 C-II are cross-sectional views of slots  222 , located in collimation plate  220 . Together with opening  216  of gravity shutter  210 , slots  222  define the field of view for the passive sensor. Central slots  225 A and  225 B are angled at 6° to the side. In peripheral slots  224 A and  224 B angle A is 16°. Photoresistor  232  is located just behind slots  222 . (See  FIG. 10 .)  
         [0081]     Referring to  FIGS. 10D and 10E , active sensor  260 , mounted on PC board  220 A, is constructed and arranged to operate with gravity shutter  210  and beam guide  220  in a similar way as the passive sensor. Active sensor  260  includes two light-emitting diodes  264 A and  264 D and two diode detectors  264 B and  264 C. Active sensor  260  also includes a gravity activator  266 , located inside guidance slot  268  and moving, based on the orientation of the conversion assembly  60 , between a first contact  269 A and a second contact  269 B. In the position shown in  FIG. 10E , gravity activator  266  presses on first contact  269 A, which, due to gravity, is pushed down onto first contact pad  270 A. Electrical coupling between contact  269 A and pad  270 A activates light-emitting diode  264 D and diode detector  264 C. Alternatively, in the reverse position, gravity activator  266  pushes on contact  269 B, which provides electrical connection to contact pad  270 B, which in turn activates light-emitting diode  264 A and light-emitting diode  264 B. Similarly, as with the passive sensor, this active sensor arrangement enables right-hand side or left-hand installation on a manual flusher while automatically adjusting the optical detection field.  
         [0082]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of the control circuit  300  for controlling the conversion assembly  60 . The control circuit includes a microcontroller  302 , a passive sensor  304 , a motor driver  306 , a DC motor  307  (i.e., motor  200  in  FIG. 8 ), a current feedback loop  308 , a power supply  310 , a DC to DC converter  312 , a voltage control monitor  314 , an OPAMP and active elements voltage controller  316 , a red LED driver  318 , and a manual reset  320 .  
         [0083]     Control circuit  300  includes a sensor that may be in general an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, or any other sensor. Alternatively, control circuit  300  may use two or more sensors, which are a combination of one or more of the optical sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or capacitive sensor. Each sensor may be constructed to detect motion in the vicinity of the flush valve, or detect a user&#39;s presence in the vicinity of the flush valve. The optical sensor is preferably an active sensor, or passive sensor  304 . The active sensor is described in detail also, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,979,500; and 5,984,262, and in PCT Application PCT/US2002/38757 (published as WO 03/048463), all of which are incorporated by reference.  
         [0084]     The passive sensor is described in detail in PCT application PCT/US2003/038730, filed on Dec. 4, 2003, (published as WO 2004/051011) which is incorporated by reference. Other embodiments of passive sensor  304  are described in PCT application PCT/US2003/041303, filed on Dec. 26, 2003, (published as WO 2004/061343) which is incorporated by reference. Control circuit  300  may be constructed and programmed to execute various flushing algorithms described in PCT application PCT/US2003/041303. Other embodiments of passive sensor  304  are described in PCT application PCT/US2004/040887, filed on Dec. 6, 2004, (published as WO 2005/056938) which is incorporated by reference. Control circuit  300  may use two or more optical sensors; that is, two or more passive sensors or two or more active sensors, or a combination of active and passive sensors, including the sensors described in PCT application PCT/US2004/040887.  
         [0085]     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , microcontroller  302  may be a microcontroller Model No. MC68HC908GR8, made by Freescale (Motorola). DC-DC converter  312  is Model No. 2XSC410, made by Zetek. DC Motor  307  is Model No. RF-500TB-14415, made by Mabuchi. Passive sensor  304  includes a photoresistor Model No. PGM120, or any similar photoresistor,  
         [0086]     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , microcontroller  302  controls the entire operation of the conversion assembly  60 . To save power, microcontroller  302  wakes up every 250 msec to obtain a reading from passive sensor  304 . After one or several readings, microcontroller  302  compares the obtained data to the calibration data to determine if a user is present in front of the passive sensor. Furthermore, after every 250 msec. wake-up microcontroller  302  sends a signal to voltage controller  316  that turns on power to all peripheral elements of the electronic circuit. After a user&#39;s departure is detected in front of passive sensor  304 , microcontroller  302  sends a signal to motor driver  306  to provide drive current to DC motor  307  (i.e., motor  200 ) from power module  80  through pins  253 A and B. Motor  307  turns in the first direction to displace flush handle  54  as explained in connection to  FIG. 8  while current feedback loop  308  monitors the motor current. When DC motor  307  hits a mechanical stop, there is increased current monitored by current feedback  308 . At a threshold current of about 330 mA, microcontroller  302  receives a signal from the feedback  308 . The stop signal is provided to the motor driver  306  to terminate the motor current. Thus, current feedback  308  is set up to detect the stop position of motor  307 . As described above, the action of motor  307  displaces handle  54 , and thus initiates flushing.  
         [0087]     Power supply  310  includes four 1.5 V batteries. DC-DC converter  312  is used to guarantee a battery voltage of at least 4.5 V to motor driver  306 . Over time, the batteries of power supply  310  deteriorate, and thus provide a lower voltage. Due to the lower voltage, there would be a variation in the speed of DC motor  307 . To prevent a possible speed variation, DC-DC converter is used to provide a minimum voltage of 4.5 V after the battery voltage drops below this value.  
         [0088]     Voltage control monitor  314  monitors the voltage of the batteries used in power supply  310 . If, over time, the voltage is reduced to 4.5 V, voltage control monitor  314  provides a signal to microcontroller  302 , which in turn activates DC-DC converter  312 . DC-DC converter  312  provides an increased voltage of 4.5 V to motor driver  306 , when activated by microcontroller  302 .  
         [0089]     Still referring to  FIG. 11 , after detecting the end position of DC motor  307  (i.e., after a full flush) microcontroller  302  provides another signal to motor driver  306  to reverse the current provided to DC motor  307 . Thus, DC motor  307  reverses its rotation and retracts activation arm  190  into driver module body  72  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 ). After some time, activation arm  190  is fully retracted into driver module body  72  and this creates a mechanical stop. Due to this mechanical stop, there is again an increased current through motor driver  306 , which increased current is detected by current feedback loop  308 . Current feedback  308  again provides a signal to microcontroller  302 , which provides a stop signal to motor driver  306 .  
         [0090]     Referring still to  FIG. 11 , microcontroller  302  wakes up each 250 msec and operates at a frequency of 2 MHz. During sleep time, microcontroller  302  operates at a frequency of 39 kHz. Microcontroller  302  also provides a signal to red LED driver  318 . The red LED driver  318  is used to communicate with the user or technician, to indicate various states of conversion assembly  60 . For example, the red LED can indicate a low battery state, at which point batteries will need to be replaced. The red LED can also indicate the “arm” time for passive sensor  304 , or can indicate the execution of a manual flush or the necessity to manually flush conversion assembly  60  in case of loss of power or other failure.  
         [0091]     The red LED can also indicate when the user depresses driver module body  72  to activate handle  54  manually. Manual reset  320  provides a signal to microcontroller  302  triggered by the movement that causes arm  76  to depress contact  106 , as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0092]     FIGS.  11  A-D show circuit diagrams corresponding to the block diagram of  FIG. 11 , showing detailed circuit diagrams of the components.  FIG. 11A  is a circuit diagram of a portion of the control circuit shown in  FIG. 11 , showing the motor driver, manual reset, and current feedback.  FIG. 11B  is a circuit diagram of a portion of the control circuit shown in  FIG. 11 , showing the passive sensor, DC-DC converter, and OPAMP voltage control.  FIG. 11C  is a circuit diagram of a portion of the control circuit shown in  FIG. 11 , showing the power supply and red LED driver.  FIG. 11D  is a circuit diagram of a portion of the control circuit shown in  FIG. 11 , showing the voltage control monitor.  
         [0093]     Of particular importance in the invention is the fact that the retrofit assembly may be mounted on the flush valve without removing any flush valve components or disconnecting the water supply. The conversion assembly  60  is fastened onto the coupling nut  55  and cylindrical housing  53 , which mounts the flush valve handle  54  to the flush valve  10 . The other components are mounted in the manner shown in the drawings presented. The conversion assembly can thus automatically flush valve  10 , or manual flushing can be initiated by the user. The preferred form of flushing is for automatic operation to move the handle  54 . The override can be used under conditions in which the automatic system is not properly functioning.  
         [0094]     Whereas the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described herein, it should be realized that there may be many modifications, substitutions and alterations thereto.