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  Handle assembly for a toilet with a rotating sensor assemblyRelated Patent Categories: Baths, Closets, Sinks, And Spittoons, Flush Closet, Tank Only, With Outlet Valve, ActuatorHandle assembly for a toilet with a rotating sensor assembly description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060277674, Handle assembly for a toilet with a rotating sensor assembly. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to automatic flushing systems for toilets and/or urinals, and more particular, to a flush actuation assembly for flushing a urinal or a toilet that comprises a rotatable sensor assembly for detecting the presence/absence of a user in differing target areas. [0002] Toilets and urinals with autoflushing capabilities are known and are the subject of at least two known U.S. patents, namely U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,127 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,384. A further known system provides the IR sensor on the wall of the restroom and detects the presence of the user from this remote (i.e. the wall) location. [0003] The inventors of the present invention note that these prior art systems lack certain desirable features and capabilities. [0004] For example, it is believed that these prior art systems cannot be easily retrofitted into existing toilets or urinals. That is, it is a perceived disadvantage of the prior art that existing toilets or urinals cannot be easily modified to incorporate such autoflushing capabilities. U.S. application Ser. No. 10/685,826, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, is Applicant's answer to overcome certain perceived deficiencies in the art. However, further advances are desirable, namely to be able to detect users in differing target areas and/or further facilitate (e.g. reduce the limitations of) the mounting and positioning of the sensor and/or handle assembly. Moreover, while the preferred embodiment of the present invention is applicable for use with tank toilets, it will be seen that the present invention is not so limited. SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION [0005] It is an object and advantage of the present invention to provide an improved autoflush system for use in a toilet of the type having a toilet tank and toilet bowl. [0006] It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to provide an autoflush system that can be more easily retrofitted for an existing toilet of the type having a toilet tank and toilet bowl. [0007] Another object and advantage of the present invention to provide an autoflush system that can detect users in differing target areas. [0008] Yet another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a flushing actuation assembly that further facilitates (e.g. reduces the limitations of) the positioning and mounting of the sensor and/or handle assembly. [0009] Still another object and advantage of the present invention to provide an autoflush system that does not require any change in habit or accustomed use by a user thereof. [0010] Further objects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. [0011] The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the disclosure hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. [0012] To overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art and to achieve the objects and advantages set forth above and below, the present invention is, generally speaking, directed to a flush actuation assembly for flushing a urinal or a toilet, the flush actuation assembly comprising a housing; a sensor assembly rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein the sensor assembly detects the presence/absence of a user in a target area and transmits a flush signal based on said detecting; a flushing assembly, operatively coupled to the sensor assembly, for receiving the flush signal and causing the flushing of the urinal or toilet; wherein the sensor assembly is rotatable relative to the housing for detecting the presence/absence of a user in differing target areas. [0013] The present invention is widely applicable and can be used for the aforementioned constructed toilets in a wide range of areas of interest, such as, by example and not limitation, homes, hospitals, offices both industrial, commercial and/or professional, as well as all other industrial, commercial and domestic areas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The above set forth and other features of the invention are made more apparent in the ensuing Description of the Preferred Embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing, wherein: [0015] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a toilet with a toilet tank shown partially cut away, having an autoflush system constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 2 is top down view looking into the toilet tank of FIG. 1 also showing features and construction of the present invention (although the flush valve flapper lifting assembly is shown to be transparent for ease of understanding); [0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a handle assembly and sensor assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 4 shows a mounting arrangement of the handle and sensor assemblies of FIG. 3, with it being recognized that FIG. 4 illustrates the handle assembly of FIG. 3 rotated 180.degree.; and [0019] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a ring illustrated in FIG. 3. [0020] Identical reference numerals in the figures are intended to indicate like parts, although not every feature in every figure may be called out with a reference numeral. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Continue reading about Handle assembly for a toilet with a rotating sensor assembly... Full patent description for Handle assembly for a toilet with a rotating sensor assembly Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Handle assembly for a toilet with a rotating sensor assembly patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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