System for remote operation of a personal hygiene or sanitary appliance

Abstract

A system for remote operation of a personal hygiene appliance which includes any one of a toilet flush valve, a faucet, a shower head, a soap dispenser, a hand dryer, and a paper towel dispenser, includes an electric operator associated with each appliance for causing operation thereof. A radio receiver is associated with each appliance, which, upon receipt of a message unique to that appliance, will cause its operation. There is a triggering device, remote from the appliance, which may be for example an infrared sensor or a manually operated switch for signaling an intent to cause operation of the appliance. There is a transmitter and a receiver associated with the triggering device. Each triggering device associated transmitter is programmed to transmit a message unique to that specific appliance. There is an indicator located at each triggering device and a receiver associated with the indicator. When the triggering device transmits a message unique thereto, it is received at the appliance receiver which will cause operation of the appliance and will cause the appliance transmitter to send an acknowledgment message back to the triggering device receiver, which in turn will activate the indicator indicating that the transmitted message was received.