Apparatus for Emptying a Cistern

Abstract

An apparatus ( 1 ) for emptying a cistern ( 3 ) which apparatus includes control unit ( 2, 102, 202 ), a pair of actuators electrically connected to the control ( 2 ) unit and first and second cables ( 8 a , 8 b ) each of which is operated by one of the actuators. A first end of each cable is connected to a respective one of the actuators and a second end of each cable is connected to a valve fluidly coupled to an outlet of the cistern. In use, the apparatus actuates the first cable to open the valve for effecting a full flush in response to a first signal received by the control unit. The apparatus is also configure do actuate the second cable to open the valve for effecting a partial flush in response to a second signal received by the control unit. Input means, preferably in the form of an infrared proximity sensor, is provided to receive a command from a user to generate the first and/or second signals.

1 . Apparatus for emptying a cistern, the apparatus comprising a control unit, a pair of actuators operably connected to the control unit and first and second cables, a first end of each cable being connected to a respective one of the actuators and a second end of each cable being configured to be connected to a valve fluidly coupled to an outlet of the cistern, wherein the apparatus is configured to actuate, in use, the first cable to open the valve for effecting a full flush in response to a first signal received by the control unit, the apparatus being further configured to actuate the second cable to open the or a further valve for effecting a partial flush in response to a second signal received by the control unit. 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein each cable is slideable within a respective sheath. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein the second end of each cable is configured to be connected to the same valve. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the first and second cables are arranged to cause the valve to open, in use, to respective different positions. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising an input means arranged to receive, in use, a first command from a user for generating the first signal to empty the cistern and/or to receive, in use, a second command from a user for generating the second signal to empty the cistern. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the input means comprises an infrared proximity sensor arranged to receive, in use, a command from a user and to generate the first and/or second signals. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the actuators is arranged to provide a linear force. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the cables is connected to its respective actuator by a lever mechanism arranged to provide a mechanical advantage or amplified displacement of the cable. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  6 , wherein at least one of the actuators is arranged to provide a rotational force or torque, the or each cable being connected to a conversion means for converting the rotational force or torque into a linear force. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the conversion means comprises a gear assembly. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according preceding claim further comprising a power cable for connecting the control unit to a power source. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a power source for powering the control unit. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a valve configured to be fluidly coupled to an outlet of a cistern. 
     
     
         15 . A cistern comprising an apparatus according to any preceding claim.