	US 7,549,436 B2
	System and method for converting manually operated flush valves
Natan E. Parsons, Brookline, Mass. (US); Fatih Guler, Winchester, Mass. (US); Jean F. Daher, Auburn, Mass. (US); Kay Herbert, Winthrop, Mass. (US); Xiaoxiong Mo, Lexington, Mass. (US); Yue Zhang, Nashua, N.H. (US); and Haiou Wu, West Roxbury, Mass. (US)
Assigned to Arichell Technologies, W. Newton, Mass. (US)
Filed on May 25, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/442,635.
Application 11/442635 is a continuation in part of application No. 10/712413, filed on Nov. 10, 2003, granted, now 7,063,103.
Application 10/712413 is a continuation in part of application No. 09/972496, filed on Oct. 16, 2001, granted, now 6,860,282.
Application 09/972496 is a continuation in part of application No. 09/916468, filed on Jul. 27, 2001, granted, now 6,643,853.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/684752, filed on May 26, 2006.
Prior Publication US 2007/0034258 A1, Feb. 15, 2007
Int. Cl. F15B 13/00 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 137—15.18 [137/269; 251/129.04; 4/249]

60 Claims

45. A method for converting a manually-operated flush valve used with a urinal or toilet, comprising the acts of:

providing a manually-operated flush valve including a valve mechanism located within a valve body constructed and arranged to control water flow between a water inlet and a water outlet, and a manual handle mechanically coupled to said valve mechanism which is constructed to operate said valve mechanism upon pivotable displacement;

providing a conversion assembly including a power module, a control module, a driver module including a motor, and an activation arm;

mounting fixedly said conversion assembly onto said valve body thereby providing a mechanical coupling between said activation arm and said manual handle;

actuating said control module to deliver current to said motor constructed to displace said activation arm;

pivotably displacing said manual handle by said activation arm to actuate said valve mechanism of said manually-operated flush valve and cause water flow between said water inlet and said water outlet;

monitoring said current flowing through said motor by a current feedback loop; and

terminating said current upon reaching a threshold value and thereby stopping said motor.