Control By Filling Auxiliary Gravitating Or Float Operating Tank Patents (Class 137/120)
  • Patent number: 11686099
    Abstract: A pivotable downspout extension system includes an adapter coupleable to a fixed-position downspout, an extension arm pivotally coupled to the adapter, the extension arm having a housing having counterweight apertures, counterweights configured to be received within the counterweight apertures, and a water channel extending from the housing, the water channel forming a pocket where the water channel joins the housing. The water channel remains substantially vertical until water weight exceeds the weight of the counterweights and causes the water channel to pivot and release water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Rusten Gomez
  • Patent number: 11608617
    Abstract: A rainwater collection assembly for collecting rainwater includes a reservoir that is mountable to a wall of a building and the reservoir has an inlet that is in fluid communication with a downspout of a gutter system of the building to direct rainwater into the reservoir for storage. The reservoir has a pair of outlets each being integrated therein to release the rainwater from the reservoir. A spigot is fluidly integrated into the reservoir to release the rainwater from the reservoir when the spigot is opened. An intake pipe is fluidly coupled to the inlet in the reservoir and the intake pipe can be fluidly coupled to a downspout of the gutter system for directing the rainwater into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Casimir Pacior
  • Patent number: 11454029
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a system designed for automatic de-clogging a rain gutter and a downspout. The system (also referred to as a gutter dredger) comprises a motion device (motor) and a cleaning device. When it is raining, rain water can power the system to cause reciprocating motions of the cleaning device that can result in de-clogging of a gutter and a downspout that have the system installed. A debris removal device may be positioned in the downspout to remove big debris before it moves into the motor. The gutter dredger can be used for automatically de-clogging a gutter and downspout whenever it is raining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Xiang Liu
  • Patent number: 11371246
    Abstract: An automatic downspout assembly includes an intake pipe that is fluidly coupled to a downspout of a gutter on a building to receive precipitation from the downspout. A spout is rotatably coupled to and extends laterally away from the intake pipe and the spout is in fluid communication with the intake pipe to receive the precipitation. A stand is positionable beneath the intake pipe when the intake pipe is fluidly coupled to the downspout to support the intake pipe above a support surface. A tipping pipe is fluidly coupled to the spout to receive precipitation from the spout. The tipping pipe is biased into a home position and the tipping pipe can be urged into a tipped position when the tipping pipe fills with precipitation. In this way the tipping pipe directs the precipitation onto ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventor: Jon Ekker
  • Patent number: 9671309
    Abstract: A drainage apparatus for a filter device may include a housing and a solenoid valve arranged in the housing. A non-return valve may be arranged downstream the solenoid valve. A pressure sensor may be arranged between the solenoid valve and the non-return valve. The pressure sensor may be configured for pressure sensing in a chamber disposed between the solenoid valve and the non-return valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Braunheim
  • Patent number: 9340960
    Abstract: A trap primer for a dual flush toilet includes a housing having a water inlet port and both first and second outlet ports with the first outlet port being in fluid communication with a toilet bowl and the second outlet port being in fluid communication with a toilet tank. A float is disposed in the toilet tank and subject up and down motion due to a change in the water level in the toilet tank and a seesaw disposed in the housing enables flow of water from the inlet port alternatively to the first and second outlet ports through an arm interconnected with the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Hai Tao Xu
  • Patent number: 8725301
    Abstract: A method of controlling an ebb and flow watering system utilizing existing hardware commonly used in ebb and flow systems including float switches, water pumps, electromechanical timers, reservoir, control bucket, flood lines, indicator LEDs and plant containers such that the filling and draining of the control bucket is improved by accommodating for hydraulic delays, flood line restrictions, and pump limitations, while further providing constant monitoring for leaks or float switch failure, and shutting off the pumps if the same are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Carskadon, Patrick Barrett
  • Patent number: 7779855
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides systems and methods for rainwater collection, irrigation, and water conservation. This technology is ideal for use when municipal water reservoirs are low and outdoor watering is restricted or altogether banned. The system includes a water holding reservoir mounted vertically and inconspicuously adjacent to a dwelling, a reservoir connector fluidly connecting the water holding reservoir to a gutter to receive rainwater, a water level indicator and volumetric scale, a water spigot for a garden hose, and a cleanout drain. In an alternative embodiment, the system includes a plurality of adjacent water holding reservoirs each being filled by a single reservoir connector fluidly connected to and located between each of the plurality of water holding reservoirs and the gutter, to provide rainwater to each of the plurality of water holding reservoirs from a single point in the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Lois M. McAvoy, Jason A. Scanlon
  • Patent number: 7775232
    Abstract: A filtration device, which can be installed at a relatively low place below the full water level of a storage tank, is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Totetu Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichiro Takai
  • Patent number: 5836116
    Abstract: A tank system includes a tank, a rainwater feed mechanism and a run-off for contaminated water. The rainwater feed mechanism includes a switch unit that passes contaminated water to the run-off. When large quantities of rainwater are received, the switch unit passes the rainwater to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Roland Widmann
  • Patent number: 5482084
    Abstract: A automatic downspout is taught having an extension which swings, in response to passage of water through the downspout, between a storage position and a position for transport of water. The extension has connected thereto a reservoir for retaining an amount of water from the water passing through the downspout. The weight of the water retained by the reservoir acts to maintain the extension in the lowered position for a selected period of time after the passage of water through the downspout stops. An actuator for such an automatic downspout is also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventors: Douglas A. Cassidy, Ronald S. Kossowan