Patent ID: 6956498

Claim:
A system for remote operation of a personal hygiene appliance which is one of a toilet flush valve, a urinal flush valve, a faucet, a shower head, a soap dispenser, a hand dryer, and a paper towel dispenser (appliance), said system including the appliance, an electric operator for controlling operation of said appliance, an appliance radio receiver connected electrically to said operator to provide an activating signal thereto, an appliance radio transmitter connected to said appliance radio receiver, means remote from said appliance, for signaling an intent to cause operation of said appliance, a remote radio transmitter connected to said means for signaling an intent and operable thereby, an indicator located at said means for signaling an intent, a remote radio receiver connected to said indicator to provide an operating signal therefor, said remote radio transmitter being programmed to transmit a message unique to said means for signaling an intent (intent message), upon being activated by said means for signaling an intent, said appliance receiver being programmed to receive said intent message and upon receipt thereof to cause operation of said electric operator and to cause said appliance transmitter to send a message unique to said appliance (acknowledge message) to said remote receiver to acknowledge receipt of said intent message, said remote receiver, upon receipt of said acknowledge message, causing activation of said indicator, wherein said intent message includes an address unique to a specific appliance, and said acknowledge message includes an address unique to a specific appliance, but differing from the address of said intent message.