Patent Abstract:
A flush actuator for engaging a flush valve. The flush actuator provides a mechanism assembly for automatically flushing the flush valve. A sensor provides a presence detection to trigger the automatic flushing. Redundant manual activation is provided.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/209,618 filed Mar. 13, 2014, which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/788,733 filed Mar. 15, 2013, reference of which is hereby made in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to flush valve actuators. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Flush valves are well known in the art. Although many different types of flush valves are known, two types of flush valves that are commonly used rely upon an auxiliary valve to relieve a pressure chamber to allow the main valve to open for a flush. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,881,993, 6,913,239 and 7,980,528 incorporated herein by reference. In order to initiate a flush cycle, that is, to flush the fixture, the auxiliary valve must be unseated. Typically this is accomplished by the use of a gland that extends from an auxiliary valve member. Engaging the gland, such as by striking the side of the gland, will tilt the auxiliary valve member off of the valve seat. As the flush cycle proceeds, the auxiliary valve member reseats allowing the pressure chamber to repressurize causing the main valve to close. Although typical flush valves have been designed to provide a single flush volume, dual mode flush valves have become increasingly important as a way to conserve water. Dual mode flush valves provide the user the ability to select between a higher volume flush and a lower volume flush. 
         [0004]    In general, two types of actuation mechanisms are known in the art: manual and automatic. Manual actuation is accomplished through a user initiated process, traditionally by interaction with a mechanical handle. Automatic actuation is accomplished through the use of sensors to determine when a user is present and to actuate the flush valve without the need for direct user initiation, for example when the user has completed usage of the fixture. 
         [0005]    There is a need to combine the water conservation of a dual mode flush valve with the reliability of a manual actuation and the ease of use and hygiene of automatic actuation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    One implementation of the invention relates to an automatic actuation assembly for a flush valve. An actuator assembly housing is provided with a mechanism assembly disposed therein. The actuator assembly housing has a receptacle for engaging with a flush valve, the receptacle comprising an outer ring disposed about a receptacle plunger passage. A retention flange is engageable with the receptacle. The flush valve further includes a plunger having a plunger head at an outer end and a shank extending there from to an inner end, the plunger head disposed within the housing and the plunger shank axially slidable in the receptacle plunger passage. 
         [0007]    Another implementation of the invention relates to an automatic actuation assembly for a flush valve. An actuator assembly housing includes a sensor aperture. A sensor assembly is positioned adjacent the sensor aperture and has a first angled emitter and a second angled emitter and an angled receiver sensor. The first angled emitter and the second angled emitter are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to a vertical longitudinal plane of the actuator assembly housing. The sensor and at least one emitter are at an angle with respect to each other, the sensor receiver is positioned to not receive rays emitted by the at least one emitter that are specularly reflected. 
         [0008]    Another implementation of the invention relates to an automatic flush actuation assembly comprising an actuator assembly housing and a mechanism assembly disposable therein. The housing has a housing plunger passage. The actuation assembly further comprises a plunger having a plunger head at an outer end and a shank extending there from to an inner end, the plunger head disposed within the housing and the plunger shank axially slidable disposed in the housing plunger passage. The mechanism assembly includes a mechanism frame supporting a gear train assembly. The gear train assembly includes a motor coupled to at least one gear and a roller system. The roller system includes a support gear and one or more rollers positioned a distance from the center of the support gear rotatable cam. The roller system is positioned adjacent the plunger for engagement of the plunger head. The actuation assembly further comprises a manual actuation assembly at least partially disposed within the actuator assembly housing, the manual actuation assembly including a face plate having a button coupled to a manual actuation arm, the manual actuation arm positioned adjacent the plunger and engageable with the plunger when the button is depressed. 
         [0009]    Another implementation of the invention relates to a flush valve assembly comprising a valve body having a diaphragm assembly disposed therein with a stem extended therefrom. An actuator assembly housing is provided with a mechanism assembly disposable therein. The actuator assembly housing has a receptacle for engaging with the valve body, the receptacle comprising an outer ring disposed about a receptacle plunger passage. A retention flange engageable with the receptacle and a nut retained between the retention flange and the actuator assembly housing, the nut engageable with a handle boss of the valve body. A plunger is included having a plunger head at an outer end and a shank extending there from to an inner end, the plunger head disposed within the housing and the plunger shank axially slidable in the receptacle plunger passage. A bushing is at least partially disposed in the handle boss, the bushing having a bushing plunger passage for slidably receiving the plunger. The mechanism assembly includes a mechanism frame supporting a gear train assembly and a roller system including one or more rollers adjacent the plunger head. A manual actuation assembly is at least partially disposed within the actuator assembly housing, the manual actuation assembly including a face plate having a button coupled to a manual actuation arm, the manual actuation arm positioned adjacent the plunger and engageable with the plunger when the button is depressed. The plunger is engageable with the valve gland by rotation of the rollers to engage the plunger head for lateral movement of the plunger or actuation of the manual actuation arm to engage the plunger head for lateral movement. 
         [0010]    Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure may be set forth from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the present disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without further limiting the scope of the present disclosure claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1A  is a partial section through a diaphragm valve body;  FIG. 1B  is a section through a piston valve body. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a side mount actuator assembly, a dual mode bushing, and the valve body. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a left side (proximate the valve body) perspective view of a side mount actuator assembly with the retention flange and nut shown in exploded perspective; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a right side (distal the valve body) perspective view of a side mount actuator assembly with the actuating assembly housing, plunger, mechanism assembly, and battery assembly shown in exploded perspective. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a top view of a mechanism assembly;  FIG. 4B  is a proximate perspective view of a mechanism assembly;  FIG. 4C  is a side view of a mechanism assembly;  FIG. 4D  is an exploded distal perspective view of a mechanism assembly;  FIG. 4E  illustrates an implementation of an second arm of the mechanism assembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of the motor gear train assembly, the mechanism assembly frame, and the support plate;  FIG. 5B  is an exploded view of the roller system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6A  is an exploded view of a manual actuation assembly faceplate having one button;  FIG. 6B  is an exploded view of a multibutton manual actuation assembly faceplate. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a battery assembly. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a plunger in accordance with one embodiment;  FIG. 8B  is a cross-section view of the plunger of  FIG. 8A  along line  8 B- 8 B. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9A  is a schematic sectional representation of one embodiment of a bushing of the present invention, showing the plunger travel for a full flush;  FIG. 9B  is a schematic sectional representation of one embodiment of a bushing of the present invention, showing the handle and plunger travel for a partial or reduced volume flush with the angled illustrated as exaggerated for clarity regarding the relative movement. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10A  is a proximate end view of a side mount actuator assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10B  is a horizontal cross-sectional along line  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A ;  FIG. 10C  is a vertical cross-sectional along line  10 C- 10 C of  FIG. 10A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a vertical cross-section of a side mount actuator assembly affixed to a valve body with a bushing disposed there between. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12A  is a side-view of a down-looking emitter for higher mounting installations;  FIG. 12B  is a side-view of an up-looking emitter for lower mounting installations; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12C  is a top-view of the sensor unit for a right hand (facing the fixture) mounting;  FIG. 12D  is a top-view of the sensor unit for a left hand (facing the fixture) mounting;  FIG. 12E  illustrates a top-view of a typical perpendicular emitted beam from a sensor unit. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  illustrates a typical perpendicular emitted beam from a sensor unit to a highly reflective surface, such as a shiny door. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14A  illustrates an angled emitted beam from the sensor unit to a highly reflective surface, such as a shiny door and the reflection of same;  FIG. 14B  illustrates an angled emitted beam from the sensor unit to a typical restroom fixture user wearing typical fabrics and the diffuse reflection of the same. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15A  illustrates an embodiment utilizing a transreflective filter;  FIG. 15A  illustrates an exploded view of the sensor unit;  FIG. 15B  illustrates a cross-section along the longitudinal axis of the sensor unit;  FIG. 15C  illustrates a cross-section along the lateral axis of the sensor unit, with an inset close-up of the circled region. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure. 
         [0031]    A flush valve of, or for use with certain embodiments of the present invention may be of a known type, such as, but not limited to a diaphragm valve as generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,528 incorporated herein by reference, or a piston valve as generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,993 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,239 incorporated herein by reference. With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the flush valve  1  includes a valve body  10  having an inlet  12  and an outlet  14  and a main valve  16   a  ( FIG. 1A ),  16   b  ( FIG. 1B ) disposed there between for controlling the flow of water through the flushometer. When installed the inlet  12  is connected to a water supply [not shown] and the outlet  14  is connected to a fixture  5  ( FIG. 12A ) such as a toilet. The valve body  10  also typically includes a handle opening  15 . 
         [0032]    The main valve  16  (typically a diaphragm assembly  16   a  ( FIG. 1A ) or a piston assembly  16   b  ( FIG. 1B )) comprises a valve seat  26  formed at an upper end of a barrel  28  and a valve member  18  (e.g., diaphragm  18   a  or piston  18   b ). With continued reference to  FIG. 1A , the barrel  28  forms a fluid conduit connecting the valve seat  26  with outlet  14 . A pressure chamber  50  is provided within the valve body  10 , above the main valve seat  26 . The pressure chamber  50  is pressurized by the line pressure from the inlet  12  and retains the valve member  18 , such as a diaphragm  18   a  or piston  18   b , against the main valve seat  26 . An auxiliary or relief valve  30 , having an auxiliary valve head  31  and auxiliary valve seat  40 , is provided between the pressure chamber  50  and the outlet  14  to controllably seal the pressure chamber  50 . Opening of the auxiliary valve  30  vents the pressure chamber  50  due to the relatively higher pressure in the pressure chamber  50  compared to the outlet  14 . A bottom surface of the valve member  18  is exposed to the inlet  12 , which is pressurized, and, when the pressure chamber  50  is vented, the pressurized inlet water causes the main valve  16  to open, allowing flow of water from the inlet  12  to the outlet  14  over the main valve seat  26 . By-pass valves  54  place the pressure chamber  50  in communication with the inlet  12 , allowing repressurization of the pressure chamber  50  when the auxiliary valve  30  closes. The repressurization of the pressure chamber  50  reseats the main valve  16 , ending the flush cycle. 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIG. 1A , the auxiliary valve  30  typically includes a valve stem  32  that extends below the main valve seat  26  and is adjacent the handle opening  15  in the valve body  10 . The valve stem  32  may include a telescopically carrying movable gland  34 . It should be appreciated that the gland  34  allows the auxiliary valve  30  to close even where the flush valve is still being actuated (for example, a manual handle  17  being depressed). The valve stem  32 , or specifically, gland  34 , is positioned for contact by a plunger  36 . The plunger  36  (see  FIG. 1B ) includes a plunger head  37  and a plunger shank  38  extending there from. The plunger head  37  generally has a larger perimeter than the plunger shank  38 . The plunger shank  38  opposite the plunger head  37  is configured to engage the valve stem  32 . The plunger  36  is slidably positioned in a bushing  65 , which is typically disposed within the handle opening  15  of the valve body  10 . Actuation of the plunger  36  imparts lateral movement to the plunger  36  to slide in the bushing  65  and engage the valve stem  32 . The auxiliary valve  30  is opened by engaging the valve stem  32  to tilt an auxiliary valve member  31 , typically a disk, off the auxiliary valve seat,  40 . 
         [0034]    A typical mechanism for actuating the plunger  36  is the manual handle  17 , shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The handle  17  may be retained on the valve body  10  by a nut  39 , such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A  wherein the nut  39  captures a handle socket  60  that retains a portion of the handle  17  and the plunger  36 . Alternatively, the socket  60  and nut  39  may be a single component as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0035]    For diaphragm assembly valves, an embodiment of which is shown in  FIG. 1A , the valve member  18  includes a diaphragm  18   a  peripherally held to the valve body  10  by an inner cover  20 . The diaphragm  18   a  is seated upon a shoulder  22  at the upper end of valve body  10 . The inner cover  20  may secure a peripheral edge  52  of the diaphragm  18   a  in this position. An outer cover  24  is affixable to the body, such as by threading, to hold the inner cover  20  in position. The diaphragm assembly  16   a , in addition to diaphragm  18   a  and the auxiliary valve  30 , may include a retaining disk  40 , a refill ring  42  and a flow control ring  44 . The underside of the retaining disk  40  is attached to a collar  46 , which in turn is attached at its exterior to a guide  48  which carries the refill ring  42 . The above described assembly of elements firmly holds the diaphragm  18   a  between the upper face of the refill ring  42  and a lower facing surface of the collar  46 . Above the diaphragm assembly  16   a  is a pressure chamber  50  which maintains the diaphragm assembly  16   a  in a closed position when the flush valve  1  is not in use. 
         [0036]    As is known in the art, when the handle  17  is operated, the plunger  36  will contact gland  34 , tilting the auxiliary valve  30  off its seat on the retaining disk  40 . This will permit the discharge of water within the pressure chamber  50  down through the guide  48 . Inlet pressure will then cause the diaphragm  18   a  to move upwardly off the main valve seat  26 , permitting direct communication between the inlet  12  and the outlet  14  through the space between the bottom of the diaphragm assembly  16   a  and the main valve seat  26 . The raising of the diaphragm  18   a  also lifts the auxiliary valve gland  34 , allowing it to clear the plunger  36  even if the user has held the handle  17  in an actuated position. Once the gland  34  clears the plunger  36  the auxiliary valve  30  reseats on the auxiliary valve seat  40 , such as the diaphragm  18   a  seating on the retaining disk  40   a . As soon as this operation has taken place, the pressure chamber  50  will begin to fill through the by-pass valves  54  in the diaphragm assembly  16   a . As flow continues into the pressure chamber  50 , the diaphragm  18   a  will move back down toward the main valve seat  26  and when it has reached that position, the flush valve  1  will be closed. 
         [0037]    Piston assemblies work in a generally similar manner but having a piston rather than a diaphragm for sealing the main valve  16 . One embodiment of a piston assembly is illustrated in  FIG. 1B . The main valve  16  is a piston assembly  16   b  and the main valve member  18  is a piston  18   b . The actuation mechanism engages the plunger  36 , which contacts the valve stem  32  of the auxiliary valve  30 . This allows the pressure chamber  50  to evacuate and the piston  18   b  to unseat from the main valve seat  26 , opening the flush valve  1 . 
       Side Mount Actuator Assembly 
       [0038]    In one embodiment, a side mount actuator assembly  100  is provided for removable connection to the valve body  10 .  FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B  illustrate an embodiment wherein the side mount actuator assembly  100  includes an actuator assembly housing  110  configured to removably connect to the valve body  10  and having disposed therein a mechanism assembly  200 . In one embodiment, the actuator assembly housing  110  serves to support and contain one or more of an automated actuation assembly  220  ( FIG. 4C ) and a manual actuation assembly  400  ( FIG. 4D ). In one embodiment, the actuator assembly housing  110  engages directly with the valve body  10  of a flush valve mounting to the side of the valve body  10  at the handle opening  15 . 
         [0039]    The actuator assembly  100  includes a proximate portion  111  that is generally proximate the flush valve  1  when the actuator assembly  100  is attached to a valve body  10 . The actuator assembly  100  further includes a distal portion  112  general opposite the proximate portion  111 . It should be appreciated that the proximate portion  111  and the distal portion  112  may be understood to refer to general areas of the actuator assembly  100 . In one embodiment, the structures described in greater detail herein are positioned on or within the actuator assembly housing  110  such that the actuator assembly  100  is ambidextrous with regard to the mounting side of the valve body  10 , allowing for “left hand” or “right hand” installations. 
         [0040]    In one implementation, the bushing  65  and/or the receptacle  120  may include a bushing alignment feature  173 , such as corresponding features, to allow for alignment of the bushing  65 , for example a dual flush bushing  66  as described herein, within the receptacle  120 . That is, the dual mode bushing  66  and the receptacle  120  are “keyed” to ensure proper alignment of the dual mode feature of the bushing  66 . One embodiment includes an alignment groove  174  on an interior portion of the outer ring  121  for engaging a protrusion  173  of the dual mode bushing  66 . It should be appreciated that the protrusion  173  may be utilized with a dual mode bushing  66  as described further herein to allow orientation of the bushing  72  in relation to the actuator assembly  100  and valve body  10  to effectuation the desired dual mode flush volumes. The corresponding features may include a protrusion [not shown] on the receptacle  120  and a groove [not shown] on the bushing;  66  or such similar arrangements. 
       Connection Mechanism 
       [0041]    The actuator assembly  100  is removably connectable with the valve body  10 . In one embodiment, best shown in  FIGS. 2, 3A, 10A -C, and  11 , a receptacle  120  extends from the proximate portion  111  of the housing  110  for engaging with the valve body  10 . The receptacle  120  includes an outer ring  121  ( FIG. 3A ) that extends from the housing  110 . The receptacle  120  has a receptacle plunger passage  124  ( FIG. 3A ) that is configured to allow a portion of the plunger  36  to pass through the housing  110 . 
         [0042]    In one implementation, the outer ring  121  further includes a receptacle  120  retention flange  130 , which may be a raised portion, for example having a larger outer diameter than the adjacent outer ring  121 . The retention flange  130  may be a separate component removable, preferably selectively removable via a tool, from the receptacle  120  such as a retaining ring. The retention flange  130  may serve to secure the nut  39  to the outer ring  121 , and thus to the actuator assembly  100 . In one embodiment, the outer ring  121  includes an outer ring groove  132  circumscribing the outer ring  121 . The retention flange  130  may be a component removable from the outer ring  121  and that is engageable with the outer ring  121  by being partially seated within the outer ring groove  132 . The retention flange  130  may be, but is not limited to, a rigid, such as metal, ring or clip, or a elastic gasket or such, for example having a barbed shape for allowing passage of the nut  39  in one direction but retaining the nut  39  against removal in the other direction. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the nut  39  is disposable on the receptacle  120 , captured between the housing  110  and the retention flange  130  to retain the nut  39  on the actuator assembly  100 . In one embodiment, the nut  39  includes a threaded interior surface  41  that is engageable with a threaded handle boss  19  on the outer surface of the handle opening  15 . Engaging the nut  39  to the handle boss  19  secures the actuator assembly  100  to the valve body  10 . In one embodiment best illustrated in  FIG. 11 , when assembled, as the nut  39  is threaded onto the handle boss  19 , the nut  39  moves toward the retention flange  130 , on the receptacle  120 , as the receptacle  120  engages the dual mode bushing  66  and secures the dual mode bushing  66  between the end of the receptacle  120  (and the entire actuator assembly  100 ) and the edge of the handle boss  19 . 
         [0044]    In certain embodiments, the receptacle  120  is configured to engage with the dual mode bushing  66  and the valve body  10 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-section view of one embodiment of a valve body  10 , dual mode bushing  66 , and actuator assembly  100  assembled with the actuator assembly  100  retained on the valve body  10  and the plunger shank  38  extending from the actuator assembly  100  through the dual mode bushing  66  to adjacent the gland  34 . Specifically, in one embodiment, the dual mode bushing  66  is at least partially disposed within the handle opening  15  of the valve body  10  and the receptacle  120  engages one or more of the dual mode bushing  66  or the valve body  10 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the receptacle  120  comprises an outer ring  121  and an inner ring  122  circumscribed by the outer ring  121  with a receptacle annular gap  123  there between for receiving the skirt  70  of the dual mode bushing  66 . The receptacle plunger passage  124  is provided in the inner ring  122 . The bushing  65 , such as illustrated with respect to a dual mode bushing  66  in  FIGS. 9A-9B , may include an outer skirt  70  having an annular flange  71  and a bushing central sleeve  68  defining a bushing plunger passage  67 , with a bushing annular gap  69  there between. In such embodiments, the bushing  65  and receptacle  120  form a “nesting” arrangement. It should be appreciated that this arrangement aids in stabilizing and securing the connection of the actuator assembly  100  to the valve body  10 . The actuator assembly  100  and the dual mode bushing  66 /valve body  10 , in one embodiment, engage in more than a single plane. 
         [0045]    In one implementation, when the actuator assembly  100  is affixed to a valve body  10  with dual mode bushing  66 , the bushing outer skirt  70  is partially disposed within the receptacle annular gap  123  between the outer ring  121  and inner ring  122 . The receptacle inner ring  122  is partially disposed within the bushing annular gap  69  between the bushing outer skirt  70  and the bushing central sleeve  68 . The bushing plunger passage  67  and the receptacle plunger passage  124  substantially align such that the plunger is slidably and tiltably disposed within the dual mode bushing  66  and actuator assembly  100 . The receptacle plunger passage  124  and the dual mode bushing  66  align to allow the plunger shank  38  to pass there through. In one embodiment, the plunger  36  has a longer shank  38  than typical prior art manual actuation devices to accommodate the distance from the valve stem  32  to the interior of the actuator assembly housing  110  where the plunger head  37  must be disposed. 
       Mechanism Assembly 
       [0046]    The mechanism assembly  200  is disposable within the housing  110 . The mechanism assembly  200  includes the mechanism for actuating the plunger  36 . In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the mechanism assembly  200  is removable from the distal portion  112  of the housing  110 , such as where the housing  110  includes an open side for accommodating the mechanism assembly  200 . The mechanism assembly may be fixed to the housing  110  via fasteners  190 , such as screws or bolts. A portion of the mechanism assembly  200  may form an exterior surface  447  of the actuator assembly  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
       Automated Actuation Assembly 
       [0047]    One embodiment of the mechanism assembly  200  includes an automated actuation assembly  220 .  FIGS. 4A-D  illustrate an embodiment of the mechanism assembly  200 . An automated actuation assembly  220  includes a mechanism assembly frame  221  for supporting the structures of the automated actuation assembly  220 . The automated actuation assembly  220  further includes a printed circuit board (PCB)  230  for interconnecting various electronic components. The electronic components may include a sensor unit  300  and a motor and gear train assembly  240 . The PCB  230  may be supported by PCB supports  231  elevating the PCB  230  above the motor and gear train assembly  240 . The sensor unit  300  may be placed on the PCB  230  such that the sensor unit  300  is positioned to correspond with a sensor aperture  360  in the housing  110 . 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, the motive force for the automated actuation assembly  220  is provided by a motor  241  as part of the motor and gear train assembly  240 , which is shown in  FIGS. 4A, 4C and 4D  and in greater detail in  FIG. 5A . In one implementation, the motor  241  converts electrical energy to rotational energy. The motor  241  is coupled to a gear train  242  comprising of one or more gears  243  for translating the rotational energy of the motor  241  to one or more rollers  510 . The one or more gears  243  may be secured by a corresponding pin  244 , which itself may be secured to the frame  221  or the support plate  280 . Rotation of the motor  241 , such as a traditional small electric motor spinning a drive shaft, rotates a gear  243  in the gear train  242 . The gear train  242  interacts with the plunger  36  to convert the rotation motion of the motor  241  into linear motion of the plunger  36  to engage the valve stem  32 . 
       Sensor Unit 
       [0049]    The sensor unit  300  may be included for embodiments utilizing an automatic actuation feature. The sensor unit  300  is configured to controllably engage the motor  241  to actuate the plunger. Because automatic flush valves are frequently placed in water closets, or the like, opposite a door, it has been observed that certain features of the door may cause poor performance of the sensor unit  300 .  FIG. 13  illustrates a typical sensor unit  57  that provides a perpendicular infrared (IR) beam  58  from the sensor unit  57  to a highly reflective surface, such as a highly reflective door  56 . As can be seen, the door  56  tends to specularly reflect the IR beam  58  back. Because of the proximity of the emitter and the sensor within the sensor unit  57 , the reflected IR (in particular, the major rays) that is sensed by the sensor unit  57  travels through nearly the same space as the emitted beam. 
         [0050]      FIG. 13  illustrates a problem with prior art sensor unit  57 , a false detection due to the presence of the door  56  and the position of the sensor unit  57 . The emitted beam  58  is reflected by the door  56  and can cause the sensor unit  57  to provide a false indication of a user being presence or, if calibrated to account for the strong reflection from the door  56 , can be too insensitive to detect the relatively weaker reflection from a user. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the actuator assembly  100  includes the sensor unit  300 . The sensor unit  300  may be in communication with other components of the actuator assembly  100  so as to enable automatic actuation of the flush valve upon the detection of a certain state, such as the presence and then absence of a user. One implementation of the sensor unit  300 , an embodiment of which is illustrated in  FIG. 4A , comprises an active sensor having an emitter  310  and a sensor receiver  320 . The emitter  310  of the embodiment in  FIG. 4A  includes a first emitter  311  and a second emitter  312 . 
         [0052]    One embodiment, examples of which are illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-D , the emitters  311 ,  312  are positioned at an angle with respect to the actuator assembly  100  and valve body  10 , in one implementation at a compound angle of 2-15 degrees, preferably 5-11 degrees and more preferably 5-7 degrees in an alternative embodiment, most preferably 10 degrees from perpendicular to the normal line of the sensor unit  300  in the horizontal and 6-30 degrees, preferably 12-20 degrees, more preferably 12-15 degrees, and most preferably 15 degrees from perpendicular in the vertical. It should be understood that the position of the emitters  311 ,  312  is described with respect to their emitted beams rather than the physical emitter. The two emitters  311 ,  312  may be positioned such that their beams are angled in the opposite direction in the horizontal, the vertical, or both. The sensor receiver  320  is angled, 5-11 degrees from perpendicular in the horizontal. Thus, each of the emitters  311 ,  312  is at a non-transverse angle with respect to the handle axis.  FIGS. 12A-D  illustrate various views of the field of emission for one embodiment of the sensor unit  300 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 12A-D , the position of the emitters  311 ,  312  results in the sensor unit&#39;s output being nontransverse with respect to the handle  17 . In one embodiment, the sensor unit  300  is positioned such that the emitters  311 ,  312  are angled, in the horizontal, towards a center line of the associated fixture, such as a toilet, to provide an emitter field roughly corresponding to where a user would be positioned at the center of the fixture. In one embodiment, the emitters  311 ,  312  beams are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to a vertical longitudinal plane. In one implementation, the emitters  311 ,  312  beams are also non-parallel and non-perpendicular with respect to each other, preferably such that they extend at opposite angles from the actuator assembly  100 . In one implementation, the sensor receiver  320  and the at least one emitter  310  are at an angle respect to each other. 
         [0053]    The position of the emitters  311  and  312  being angled with respect to the sensor unit  300 , such as being mounted on angled spacers, and side mount actuator assembly  100  result in the specularly reflected rays from an object such as a door  56  being reflected away from the sensor receiver  320 .  FIG. 14A  illustrates an embodiment of the sensor unit  300  having an angled emitter with an emitted beam  301  that is angled in the vertical with respect to the valve body  10 . The major reflected rays  370  do not reflect back to the sensor receiver  320  and, thus, significantly reduce the chances of a false indication of a user.  FIG. 14B  illustrates the sensor unit  300  of  FIG. 14A  with a user present. The emitted beam  301  is reflected by the user in a much wider field due to the typically non-planar surface of the user and the specular reflecting materials worn by most users. At least a portion of the reflected rays  380  return to the sensor receiver  320 , allowing for a detection of the user&#39;s presence. 
         [0054]      FIG. 12E  illustrates the non-angled emitted beam in the horizontal that is reflected to the sensor by a top of a lifted toilet seat and causes a false indication of a user.  FIGS. 12C and 12D  illustrate an embodiment of the sensor unit  300  having an angled emitter with an emitted beam  301  that is angled in the horizontal with respect to the valve body  10 . In the horizontal, the emitters  311 ,  312  are angled, towards a center line of the associated fixture  5 , such as a toilet, not only to provide an emitter field roughly corresponding to where a user would be positioned at the center of the fixture, but also significantly to reduce the chances of a false indication of a user by the reflection from the lifted toilet seat because the angled beam passes through the top gap of toilet seat. 
         [0055]      FIG. 12A  is a down-looking emitter for higher mounting installations and for short users;  FIG. 12B  is a side-view of an up-looking emitter for lower mounting installations to avoid the reflection from the toilet bowl and seat. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a sensor aperture  360  in the housing  110 . The sensor aperture  360  allows the emitters  311 ,  312  to be in communication with the environment outside of the housing  110 , i.e. for the emitted beam  301  to exit the side mount actuator assembly  100 . A sensor aperture cover  361  may be removably positioned in the sensor aperture  360  of the housing  110  to allow the emitted beam to  301  but to prevent tampering and protection from external liquids with the sensor  300  and to provide an aesthetically pleasing look. For example, the aperture cover  361  may be transparent to infrared energy but less transmitting with respect to visible light for red and green indicators. In one embodiment, the PCB support  231  positions the sensor adjacent the sensor aperture  360 . The sensor aperture  360  may be on a forward-facing portion of the housing  110 . The sensor aperture cover  361  may be parallel with the PCB  230  and the portion of the housing  110  in which the sensor aperture cover  361  is positioned, but at an angle with respect to the emitter  310 . 
         [0057]    The sensor unit  300  may also include one or more visual indicators, such as LEDs  320  ( FIG. 15A ). For example, the LEDs  320  may provide a visual indication, through the sensor aperture, of the status or state of the side mount actuator assembly  100 . 
         [0058]    In one embodiment, the a photocell  318  is provided. The photocell  318  is used upon manufacturing shipment, ex-factory, to extend battery life of on board installed batteries. When in packaging and at the initial power up stages of the side mount actuator assembly  100 , the photocell  318  detects darkness and causes the unit to power down and conserve battery power. When the side mount actuator assembly  100  is installed and exposed to visible light, the logic causes the photocell  318  to become nonfunctional and the unit operates as intended throughout its remaining life; even if dark bathrooms are encountered. 
         [0059]    In certain environments, too much ambient light mixing with the I.R. signal causes interference with an I.R. receiver. Interference with the sensor receiver  320  causes to high a noise level for logic to process, causing malfunction and unanticipated detection. The malfunction can manifest itself in not properly detecting valid targets. Much of this interference comes from the lighting fixtures in a restroom. There are two mechanisms in the lighting which causes receiver interference: 1) the ballast frequency which the particular ballast operates at, 2) the ballast intensity, along with the manufacturer of the light tube and the internal coating on the inside of the bulb. Electronic ballasts determine how much energy gets input into the fluorescent light tube. Interferences can also come from light and other sources such as T.V. 
         [0060]    In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 15A-C , a transreflective filter  363  is utilized. This transreflective filter  363  decreases the background noise caused by lighting fixtures, limiting the amount of spectral interference that the sensor receiver  320  detects. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 15A-C , the transreflective filter  363  is provided as a layer between the sensor  300  and the aperture cover  361 . The transreflective filter  363  acts as a light filter using graduated lensing, to become sensitive only to certain incident angles. When the transreflective filter is oriented in the proper plane relative to the sensor receiver  320 ; it is a spatial filter fitted over the sensor  300 , for example fitted over only the sensor receiver  320  not the emitters  310 , optimized to maximize the signal detection of the active I.R. emitted by the sensor  300 . The material causes the multiple interfering light sources to be cancelled out while being able to focus on the active I.R. beam reflection angle which is detecting to determine a valid target. More extreme angles of incident confusing light sources (sources that confuse the sensor unit  300 ) are filtered out causing a dramatic increase in system gain which blocks out noise sources as described above. 
         [0061]    In an embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15A , a shroud  365  is provided that receives the emitters  311 ,  312  and the shroud  365  gives a partial direction block to the emitter signals. In one implementation, the shroud  365  receives the transreflective filter  336 , which may be keyed to fit within the shroud and be secured by a small frame  364 . The incident light goes through the receiver  320  after passing through the filter  363 . Shroud  365  has blocking passages  366 ,  367  for upper and lower target zone detection. 
       Manual Actuation Assembly 
       [0062]    Although many flush devices are designed with an automatic actuation ability, such as certain embodiments described herein, it is beneficial to provide the ability to manually flush a fixture as well. The handle  17 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , cannot be mounted to the valve body  10  if an actuator assembly  100  is attached to the valve body  10 . A manual flush may be accomplished by initiation of the motor  241  without input from the sensor unit or by physical interaction with the plunger, bypassing the motor and gear train assembly  240 . One embodiment of the present invention relates to a manual actuation assembly  400  for manually actuating a flush for a flush valve having an actuator assembly  100 .  FIG. 3B ,  FIGS. 4A-D ,  FIG. 6A-B , and  FIG. 10B  best illustrate the manual actuation assembly  400 . 
         [0063]    One embodiment of a manual actuation assembly  400  includes a face plate  428  which serves as a portion of the exterior surface of the mechanism assembly  200 . The manual actuation assembly  400  further includes a mechanical manual actuation assembly  401 . An embodiment of the mechanical manual actuation assembly  400  includes a manual actuation arm  440  that is in communication with a button  411  disposed on the face plate  428 . 
         [0064]    In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 4B  the arm  440  comprises a first arm  441  and a second arm  442 . The first arm  441  is connected with the button  411  and moves laterally when the button  411  is depressed inward, i.e. it moves in the same general direction as the button  411 . The first arm  441  may be secured to a post  412  attached to the button  411 , such as at a first end  445  of the first arm  441 . The first arm  441  is connected to the second arm  442 , such as pivotally connected at a second end  453 , opposite the first end  445 . In one embodiment, the first arm  441  serves as a linkage between the button  411  and a second arm  442 . The second arm  442  is pivotally connected to the mechanism assembly frame  221 , such as at the two brackets  448 . In one embodiment, the second arm  442  has a generally “H” shape, with two vertical members  443   a ,  443   b  connecting to the first arm  441  at each of the vertical member first ends  454   a ,  454   b  and a bracket  448  at the vertical member second ends  446   a ,  446   b . The second arm  442  also includes a central stabilizing member  444  connecting the vertical members  443 . In one implementation, the second arm  442  is connected to the mechanism assembly frame  221  at a location below the plane of the first arm  441 , for example at bracket  448  of  FIG. 4D , such that movement of the first arm  441  toward the second arm  442  (and, thus, the plunger  800 ) results in the second arm  442  pivoting and arm  440  engaging the plunger  800  to move the plunger  800  to engage the valve stem  32 , initiating a manual flush cycle. In one embodiment, a biasing mechanism  449 , such as a torsion spring, may be used to bias the arm  440  away from the plunger  36 , such that engagement of the button  411  is necessary to move the arm  440  to engage the plunger and release of the button  411  results in the biasing mechanism  449  returning the arm  440  to a resting state not so as not to engage the plunger  800 . 
         [0065]    In one embodiment, the central member  444  of the second arm  442  engages secondary plunger head, such as a protrusion  819  extending from the plunger head  810 . One illustration of a plunger  800  in accordance with this embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 8A-B . The protrusion  819  extends from the plunger head  810  and provides a surface for the arm  440  to engage. In one implementation, the central member  444  includes a protrusion or cam  439  for engaging the plunger head protrusion  819 . For embodiments utilizing an automated actuation assembly  220  such as having rollers  510  for engaging the lower portion  811  or the upper portion  812  of the plunger head  810 , the protrusion is positioned apart from but adjacent the portion of the plunger  800  that rollers  510  engage, allowing both the rollers  510  and the arm  440  to be capable of engaging the plunger  800  to effectuate an appropriate flush cycle. 
         [0066]    Where the actuator assembly  100  is a dual flush actuator using a bushing such as illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the protrusion  819  extends to the side of the plunger head  810 . A plunger head  810  as described above and shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  may be utilized with the dual mode bushing  66  shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . When the arm  440  engages the plunger head  810 , the plunger  800  travels along the lateral travel path, i.e. the plunger is not titled, resulting in the higher volume flush. It should be appreciated that where the dual mode bushing  66  is such that a lateral travel path is a reduced flush (i.e. it causes the plunger  800  to strike the valve stem  32  at a lower point than a tilted travel path), the engagement of the protrusion  819  will result in a reduced flush. 
         [0067]    In one embodiment, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 4D and 10B , a user presses the button  411 , which moves the first arm  441  substantially laterally, engaging the second arm at a first end and pivoting the second arm about a pivot point at the bracket connecting a second end of the arm to the frame  221 , such that the central stabilizing member  444  of the second arm  442  engages the protrusion  819  of the plunger  800 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6A  illustrates an embodiment of the face plate  428  having an outer cover  450  and an inner face plate frame  460 . The outer cover  450  includes a button opening  452  and a outer cover battery opening  451 . The inner face plate frame  460  includes a inner face plate frame battery opening  461  and a button frame  462  which supports a button  411  that extends through the button opening  452 . The button  411  may include a peripheral portion  419  secured between the outer cover  450  and inner face plate frame  460 . Outer cover openings  457  correspond to inner face plate frame openings  467  to receive the fastener  190  (illustrated as an embodiment having two fasteners and corresponding openings  457 ,  467 ) to secure the mechanism assembly  200  the housing  110 . In one embodiment, battery fastener outer cover openings  456  correspond to battery fastener inner face plate frame openings  466  to receive the fastener  195  to secure the battery assembly  700  to the mechanism assembly  200 , with the battery assembly  700  being inserted through the battery openings  451 ,  461 . The button  411  may include a post  412  for engaging the plunger  800  via mechanical interaction, such as through the use of arm  440 . 
         [0069]    In one embodiment, the manual actuation assembly  400  includes, either alone or in combination with the mechanical manual actuation assembly  401 , a manually initiated motorized actuation assembly  402 , such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6B . Thus, manual actuation can be accomplished, in various embodiments, through a mechanical actuation of the plunger, i.e. bypassing the motor  241 , or through a manual actuation of the motor  241 , i.e. without use of the sensor unit  300 . In addition to a button  411  for engaging the plunger  36  through mechanical interaction, a second button  430  may be provided to manually initiate the motor and gear train assembly  240  to start a flush cycle (a reduced or full flush, depending on the structure). The second button  430  may be similarly disposed in the button opening  452  of the outer cover  450  and have a corresponding second button post  431  and supported by a portion of the frame  462  and peripheral portion  419 . The buttons  411 ,  430  may utilize a return spring  433  ( FIG. 6B ). 
         [0070]    In one implementation, the second button  430  includes a magnet  432  ( FIG. 6B ) at an end of the second button post  431 . The magnet is positioned to interact with a Hall Effect sensor  235  (shown in  FIG. 4A ) positioned on the PCB  230  when the second button  430  is depressed. The electronic components can be programmed in various ways to respond to the Hall Effect sensor  235 , for example it may actuate the motor in one direction so the rollers rotate in a first rotation corresponding with a reduced flush or a second motor direction causing the rollers to rotate in a second rotation corresponding to a full flush. Thus, the second button  430  provides a mechanism, other than the sensor unit  300 , for initiating the motor  241  and the rollers  510 , including the possibility of a reduced flush, while the first button  411  provides a mechanical linkage mechanism for by-passing the motor and gear train assembly  240  to directly interact with the plunger  800  via the arm  440  to initiate a flush, such as a full flush. In one embodiment, the button  411  effectuates a flush for one flush volume of a dual mode flush valve and the second button  430  effectuates a flush for a second flush volume, such as a reduced flush volume, of a dual mode flush valve. It should be appreciated that the mechanical manual actuation assembly  401  and the manually initiated motorized actuation assembly  402  may both initiate the same flush volume, whether a regular flush or a reduced flush, or one may initiate a reduced flush and the other a standard volume flush. 
       Dual Mode Flush Valves 
       [0071]    One group of flush valves are dual mode flush valves, i.e. flush valves that provide the ability to deliver two discrete flush volumes, typically one sufficient for solid waste evacuation and a lesser flush volume still sufficient for liquid and light paper waste evacuation. One mechanism for providing different flush volumes is to alter the height at which the plunger  36 / 800  contacts the gland  34 . A higher point of contact will result in a longer time for the auxiliary valve  30  to clear the plunger  36 / 800 . The auxiliary valve  30  will remain open until it has cleared the plunger  36 / 800 . In particular, one type of dual mode flush valve is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,635, which utilizes a dual mode bushing  66  providing two different plunger travel axes that each contact the valve stem  32  at a different vertical location. 
         [0072]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the bushing  65  may be a dual mode bushing  66 , such as that of the &#39;635 patent, may be utilized for enabling dual flush modes. As previously described, the dual mode bushing  66  is typically disposed or partially disposed within the handle opening  15 . Certain implementations may utilize a general bushing  65 , while dual flush embodiments described herein may utilize a dual mode bushing  66 . The dual mode bushing  66  includes a bushing plunger passage  67  adapted to receive the plunger  36  and for guiding the plunger to the gland  34 . The dual mode bushing  66  also serves to prevent water from exiting the valve body  10  though the handle opening  15 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a gasket  80  that may be used to provide a water-tight seal between the dual mode bushing  66  and the valve body  10 . A plunger gasket  81  provides a water-tight seal at the end of the bushing passage adjacent the valve stem  32  ( FIG. 1B ). 
         [0073]    The dual mode bushing  66  allows the plunger to tilt within the dual mode bushing  66  such that the plunger  36  will strike the gland  34  at different vertical heights. In one embodiment, the dual mode bushing  66  has an enlarged opening adjacent the valve stem and includes two paths “A” and “B” of plunger travel, which allow the plunger  36  to strike the valve stem  32  at two different vertical locations depending on the path of travel. As explained in the &#39;635 patent, the vertical location on the gland  34  that the plunger  36  strikes impacts the flush volume, with a high strike point being correlated with larger flush volumes. As set forth in the &#39;635 patent, the tilting of the handle  17  allows for engagement of a peripheral portion of the plunger head resulting in a moment. In the dual mode bushing  66 , an enlarged portion of the bushing plunger passage  67  allows the plunger  36  to tilt, when aligned vertically to lay in the vertical plane, depending where the peripheral portion of the plunger head  37  is engaged. It will be understood that the bushing plunger passage  67  will not allow the plunger to tilt in any direction, but only when actuated in line with the enlarged portion to allow tilting. In one embodiment, the dual mode bushing  66  includes an outer skirt  70  and a bushing central sleeve  68 , connected via a wall  72 . The central sleeve  68  further defines the bushing plunger passage  67  of the dual mode bushing  66  for receiving the plunger  36 . The plunger  36  described above moves laterally through the dual mode bushing  66  to contact the valve stem  32 . The mechanism of actuating the flush valve  1  must provide a motive force to move the plunger  36 . 
         [0074]    In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a side mount actuator assembly  100  for selectively engaging a plunger  36  guided by the dual mode bushing  66  to effectuate one of two flush modes: a high volume sufficient for solid waste or a lower volume for conserving water, but sufficient for liquid and light paper waste, such as a 30% reduction from a “standard” flush (higher relative volume). The actuator assembly  100  engages the plunger  800  to move along either the first plunger travel path “A” or the second plunger travel path “B” to effectuate the desired flush volume. The actuator assembly  100  may be utilized in place of a manual handle  17 . 
         [0075]    With respect to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , one implementation of a plunger  800  is illustrated for use with a manual actuation assembly  400 . It should be appreciated that a plunger  36  may be used with various implementations and that plunger  800  may be used with, for example, the described embodiments having the manual actuation assembly  400 . The plunger  800  comprises a plunger head  810  and a plunger shank  820  connected thereto. The plunger head  810  is positioned at a first (outer, with respect to the valve body  10 ) end  802  of the plunger  800 . The plunger shank  820  extends from the plunger head  810  to the second (inner, with respect to the valve body  10 ) end  803  of the plunger  800 , adjacent the valve stem  32 . At a first side opposite the plunger shank  820 , the plunger head  810  tapers from a center to the perimeter. The plunger head  810  includes a lower portion  811  and an upper portion  812  In one embodiment, the plunger head  810  at least two angled surfaces, corresponding to lower portion  811  and upper portion  812 , respectfully, that provide a follower surface for interaction with the automated actuation assembly  220  as further described below. In one embodiment, the lower portion and upper portion are not in the same plane, with the lower portion  811  and upper portion  812  each comprising one or more faces of a polyhedron. In an alternative implementation, the plunger head comprises a curved surface, such as forming a frustum, semi-ellipsoid, semi-paraboloid, semi-spheroid or semisphere, with the lower portion  811  and the upper portion  812  each corresponding to an opposite portion of the curved surface. 
         [0076]    The automated actuation assembly  220  for use with a dual flush mode flush device is best illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-D . In addition to the components described above, one embodiment of the automated actuation assembly  220  includes as part of the gear train  242  a roller system  500 . Rotation of the motor  241 , such as a traditional small electric motor spinning a drive shaft, rotates a gear  243  in the gear train  242 . Rotation of the gear train  242  engages the plunger  800 . 
         [0077]    In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 5B , one or more rollers  510  are positioned on a rotating platform, such as a roller support gear  501 . One or more rollers  510  are connected to the roller support gear  501 , wherein the one or more rollers  510  are spaced from the center of the roller support gear  501  such that the one or more rollers  510  travel a path about the center when the roller support gear  501  is rotated. The one or more rollers  510  are configured to engage the plunger head  810  as a cam. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the rollers  510  may be positioned to rotate generally in the vertical plane such the that plunger is engaged with an upward curving rotation or a downward curving rotation of the rollers  510 . In one implementation, the one or more rollers  510  are rotatable in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. For example, when the motor  241  is run “forward” the one or more rollers  510  rotate in one direction and when the motor  241  is run in “reverse” the one or more rollers  510  rotate in the opposite direction. In one implementation, rotation in a clockwise direction results in at least one of the rollers  510  engaging the lower portion  811  of the plunger  800  and rotation in a counterclockwise direction results in at least one of the rollers  510  engaging the upper portion  812  of the plunger  800 .  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 10C  best illustrate the spatial arrangement of the components, including the positioning of the rollers  510  relative to the plunger head  810 . 
         [0078]    In one embodiment program logic is utilized to control the motor. For side mount actuator assemblies having dual mode flush capabilities, such as utilizing a dual mode bushing  66 , the program logic, in one embodiment, utilizes input from the sensor unit  300  and applies logical instructions, such as computer program code, to determine if a reduced flush or a normal volume flush should be utilized. For example, where rotation of the motor in a clockwise direction achieves a reduced flush, the program logic will initiate a clockwise rotation of the motor when the sensor unit indicates only a short direction presence indicative of a liquid waste event. In contrast, upon detection of a longer presence, the program logic initiates rotation of the motor in a counter clockwise direction to effectuate a normal flush as the sensor unit&#39;s input is indicative of a solid waste event. 
         [0079]    It should be appreciated that the actuator assembly  100  may be mounted in a “left hand” or “right hand” position with respect to the valve body  10 . A single actuator assembly  100  may be useable in either position by allowing an installer to select the orientation of installation. The actuator assembly  100  is right-side up in one orientation and upside down, respectively, in the other. Therefore, in one implementation, the direction of rotation of the motor  241 , and thus the one or more rollers  510 , associated with a particular flush volume is reversed between the left-handed installation and the right-handed installation. A switch (not shown) may be provided on the PCB  230  to accomplish the change in relationship between the motor rotation and the flush volume. A tilt sensor (not shown) may be provided on the PCB  230  to provide an indication of orientation of the actuator assembly  100 , and thus the type of installation, i.e. left hand or right hand, where the actuator assembly  100  is right-side up for one of a left hand or right hand installation and upside down in the other installation. In one embodiment, the dual mode bushing  66  is keyed to match the receptacle  120  as described previously and the keying is such to accommodate either a left-hand or right-hand position. In one embodiment, the bushing  65  (including if a dual mode bushing  66  is utilized) is a separate and distinct component from the side mount actuator assembly  100 . Thus, the bushing  65  may be rotated separately for a left-hand or right-hand installation as necessary, particularly if a dual mode bushing  66  is utilized to ensure proper location of the dual mode bushing  66  for achieving a reduced flush. 
         [0080]    In one embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the one or more rollers  510  are connected to the roller support gear  501  by pins  511  that engage gear pin holes  521  and pin holes  513  in a top plate  512  that is secured to the roller support gear  501  such as by protrusion  522  that mates with an opening  514  in the top plate  512 . A support shaft  530  may pass through the top plate opening  514  and an protrusion opening  523  to support the roller system  500 . 
         [0081]    The use of the dual mode bushing  66  allows the plunger  800  to tilt where the action of the rollers  510  or manual action (discussed below) creates a sufficient moment with a specific vector to tilt the plunger  800  in the dual mode bushing  66 . The plunger  36  is aligned within the dual mode bushing  66  such that the upper portion  812  corresponds with the top of the dual mode bushing  66 , which has an angled portion to allow the plunger  800  to tilt the end adjacent the valve stem  32  downward. This downward tilt of the plunger end results in a lower flush volume as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,635. Rotation of the rollers  510  in a first direction, engaging the upper portion  812 , results in lateral movement of the plunger to engage the flush valve stem at a first location and a “normal” flush volume sufficient for solid waste. Rotation of the rollers  510  in a second direction, engaging the lower portion  811 , results in a tilting of the plunger  800  and lateral movement of the plunger  800  to engage the flush valve stem  32  at a location below the first location effectuating a “reduced” flush volume that remains sufficient for liquid—but not intended for solid waste. The reduction may be from a normal flush volume of about 1.6 gpf to a reduced 1.3 gbf. In one embodiment, the reduction may be 30% from a “normal” flush. 
       Battery Tray 
       [0082]    In one embodiment portable energy sources are utilized, such as batteries  701 . A battery assembly  700  may be provided. The battery assembly  700  may be as shown in  FIG. 7 . The battery assembly  700  is configured to be disposed within the housing  110 . 
         [0083]    In one embodiment, the battery assembly  700  includes batteries  701  insertable into a tray  710  having at one end a first linked pair of electrodes  704  wherein one of the pair is a positive electrode (e.g.,  704   a ) and the other a negative (e.g., negative electrode  704   b ) and at a second, opposite, end a set of unlinked electrodes  705 ,  706  (such as a positive electrode  705  opposite negative electrode  704   b  and a negative electrode  706  opposite positive electrode  704   a ). Each electrode  704   a ,  704   b ,  705 ,  706  is conductively connected to the support plate  280 . The blade electrodes  781 ,  782  are configured to receive a corresponding blade  281 ,  282 , respectively. The blades  281 ,  282  are connected to the mechanism assembly frame  221 . The assembly frame  221  is in conductive communication with the PCB  230  to provide electricity to the electrical components. 
         [0084]    A spring contact  740  may be provided in one embodiment within the housing  110  to assist in removal of the battery assembly  700 . In one embodiment, the battery assembly  700  includes a battery assembly cover  720  covering outer cover openings  456  and fasteners  195  to provide a more aesthetic look and to hinder tampering with the actuator assembly  100 . The battery assembly  700  may be affixed to the mechanism assembly  200  by a battery assembly fastener  195 , such as a screw, that engages a battery assembly hole  795  in the cover  720  and the battery fastener outer cover opening  456  in the face plate  428 . 
         [0085]    One embodiment of the invention relates to a complete flushometer valve assembly, such as either a diaphragm valve or a piston valve, with the bushing being a dual flush mode bushing and the actuator assembly being a side mount automatic actuator, such as for new construction installation. An alternative embodiment comprises only the actuator assembly, such as for converting existing installed dual mode valve bodies to automatic flush systems. Alternatively, one embodiment relates to the actuator assembly and a dual flush mode bushing, such as for converting existing single mode flush valves to automatic dual mode flush valves. 
         [0086]    While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination. Furthermore, headings are provided as a visual aid and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. 
         [0087]    It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”, “coupled” or “connected” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. 
         [0088]    With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 
         [0089]    It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include, but not be limited to, systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
         [0090]    Thus, particular implementations of the invention have been described. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5