Vertical Inlet Riser Patents (Class 137/444)
  • Patent number: 11485600
    Abstract: A device for dispensing adhesive tape or for dispensing medical products stored on a roll, that includes a base plate, fitted with a pin upon which a roll or adhesive tape is attached, and a tearing section with a tearing blade spaced at a distance from the pin. The base plate is associated with a fastening section for partially gripping a rod or a bar. The fastening section includes an arm connected to the base plate and that merges with a crosspiece. The crosspiece is fixed to a free arm such that the rod or the bar can be accommodated between the free arm and the connected arm. Also included is at least one fastening unit that is provided to join the connected arm to the free arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Ditte Endriss
  • Patent number: 10683946
    Abstract: A valve for removing gases during the startup of liquid handling facilities and/or the filling of liquid storage facilities includes a housing and internal parts which include a highly buoyant float, a pivotal linkage member, a valve guiding member, and a poppet valve. The poppet valve includes a passage there through that allows for degassing of the liquid handling facility or liquid storage facility. The valve also provides for degassing of such facilities when gases build up therein, and provides for vacuum relief when an internal vacuum is produced in such facilities due to removal of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Plast-O-Matic Valves, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Wakeman
  • Patent number: 9841120
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid, such as a drilling fluid or drilling mud, is disclosed. The apparatus may include: a valve member; and a float member mechanically coupled to the valve member and configured to operate on the valve member when fully submerged in a fluid. The coupled float member is configured to increase flow through the valve member as a density of the fluid decreases and to restrict flow through the valve member as the density of the fluid increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 8276610
    Abstract: A toilet cistern inlet valve, said inlet valve including an inlet stem connected to a water supply, a canister surrounding said inlet stem, a float canister freely supported on said canister, an annular float adjustably positioned on said float canister, an upper valve body, a pilot diaphragm valve, and a diaphragm filling valve within the upper body whereby during the emptying of the cistern the float canister lowers and contacts an actuator button to contact the pilot diaphragm valve to open the diaphragm filling valve to refill the toilet cistern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Super Star Toilet System Pty Ltd of RSM of Bird Cameron
    Inventor: Peter Henry Broughman
  • Patent number: 8166997
    Abstract: A toilet flush water supply device for supplying flush water to a flush water tank of a flush toilet is disclosed. The toilet flush water supply device comprises a water supply pipe connected to an external water supply source, a water supply valve for switching between spouting and stopping of flush water supplied from the water supply pipe into the flush water tank, a float for switching between the spouting and stopping of the above water supply valve by a vertical movement thereof linked to fluctuations in the flush water level within the flush water tank, and a float guide disposed on the outer surface of the water supply pipe for guiding the vertical motion of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Toto, Ltd
    Inventors: Eiji Fukuzawa, Yoshinobu Uchimura, Qing Zhang, Shan Lin, Fu Shan Chen
  • Publication number: 20090301574
    Abstract: An overfill prevention device which includes a first tubular member, a cylindrical piston fitted within the first tubular member, a second tubular member having a cylindrical recess open, a plug arranged within the second tubular member, a float rod having a cam plate, a float connected with a lower end of the float rod, a valve body having a lower end engaged with the first tubular member, a pinion pivotally connected to the second tubular member by the pin, a toothed rack meshed with the pinion and engaged with the second tubular member, a control rod having an upper end extending into the valve body and a lower end secured to the toothed rack, a first magnet mounted at the upper end of the control rod, and a gauge mounted on the valve body and provided with a second permanent magnet and a needle operatively connected with the second magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: WILLIAM HOME
  • Patent number: 6913035
    Abstract: A water filler includes a water filling device, and a regulating device. The water filling device includes an inner filling tube, an outer filling tube, and an upper cover. The regulating device includes a floating barrel, a sliding barrel, a water support disk, and an adjusting unit. Thus, the floating barrel is lifted instantaneously and rapidly to stop the water filling action exactly and actually, thereby saving the water source. Thus, the water filler has a quick water stop function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: So-Mel Huang
  • Patent number: 6848469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable valve for a toilet in which the valve remains in a lower setting unless it is activated by the user to a higher setting and automatically returns to the lower setting after flushing the toilet. The amount of water used for each flush is dependent on the water level in the toilet tank. The water level in the tank is set by adjusting the height of the valve assembly. The valve assembly can be activated by the user to raise the height of the valve assembly and maintain the height using a release clip, thereby increasing the amount of water in the tank. When the handle is pressed to flush the toilet, the release clip is pulled back by a chain extending from the handle and the adjustable valve springs back to the lower setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Paul Vegliante
  • Patent number: 6837264
    Abstract: Various toilet valves and methods are described that provide for locking of the toilet filled in a closed state. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve is provided having an actuating arm. The toilet fill valve is closed when the actuating arm is disposed in a first position and is open when the actuating arm is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is attached to the actuating arm. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position. The valve lock fixes the actuating arm in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 6755209
    Abstract: The fill valve incorporates a housing (8) that has a vertical water-carrying channel (24) that leads from an inlet (49) to be fastened on the flush tank bottom (2) to a float-controlled diaphragm valve (50). The diaphragm valve (50) incorporates in a diaphragm (43) a passage for the pressure equalization between a first chamber (51) in front of the diaphragm (43) and a second chamber (52) behind the diaphragm (43). To actuate the diaphragm valve (50) a pilot valve (58) is provided. The diaphragm valve (50) is disposed laterally on the housing (8), thus permitting a low overall height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Paul Wey
  • Patent number: 6712090
    Abstract: A fluid tank valve assembly of the type employed for water tanks for toilets has a tank refill valve located atop a fluid inlet supply tube. The refill valve has a lever that is raised and lowered to open and close the valve. An inverted, cup-shaped hood is positioned atop the valve and a float is located about the skirt of the hood and secured thereto by the force of friction. The float can be moved longitudinally along the skirt of the hood in order to vary the water level at which the hood bears down upon the lever arm or is lifted from the lever arm, thereby varying the water level at which the valve is actuated. The valve itself is equipped with a metering pin that is configured to reduce the likelihood of clogging in the longitudinal passage of the core of the valve diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Brandelli
  • Patent number: 6679287
    Abstract: A level adjuster of a water supply of a water box serves for adjusting the amount of water in a water box conveniently and easily. The level adjuster comprises a press, a supporting rod, an pressable button, a positioning seat, a pontoon, an inner water injecting tube and an outer water injecting tube of a water injector. The amount of water in the water box can be precisely controlled and the operation is easy without using any other auxiliary tool. No problem of element fatigue and change of water level occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Chien Cheun Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: So-Mel Huang
  • Patent number: 6666228
    Abstract: A ball cock assembly includes a water supply riser with a valve for controlling water flow into a toilet tank. The valve includes an arm extending therefrom for opening and closing the valve. A float container is provided and disposed adjacent to the riser for movement therealong and a float is disposed in the float container for rising within the float container upon water flow into the float container. An actuator is disposed in an operative relationship with the float, float container and valve arm for operating the valve. The actuator includes an outer member attached to the float for moving the valve arm and an inner member for adjusting a level of the float container along the riser independent of movement of the valve arm by the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Feiyu Li
  • Patent number: 6659125
    Abstract: A toilet tank valve having valve workings supported on a riser. The riser incorporates a serpentine ladder-like groove pattern engaged by a tooth, such that the height of the valve workings can be adjusted by a ladder-like relative movements of an inner and outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce A. Autunez
  • Patent number: 6510866
    Abstract: A float assembly for a ball cock assembly for a flush tank of a toilet includes an inner float component which is a buoyant element operatively connected to a shutoff valve atop a standpipe supplying water to the tank. The inner float component is disposed in an outer float component which is in the general form of a container disposed within the flush tank so that its top edge is at a selected water level. In the tank-filling portion of a flush cycle, when the water rises to the selected level, the outer float component suddenly becomes filled with water, causing the inner float element to abruptly rise, shutting off the flow of water into the flush tank. In this manner, the buoyant element is caused to rise at a rate which is greater than a rate at which the water is rising in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: WDI International, Inc.
    Inventor: Feiyu Li
  • Publication number: 20020189678
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve (16) includes a fill tube (21) which is mounted through a hole (14) in a toilet tank wall (12), having isolating means for isolating the fill tube (21) from direct contact with the toilet tank wall (12), as well as isolating water-borne noise and vibration in the fill tube (21) from direct transmission to the wall (12) of the tank (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Tuan V. Le
  • Patent number: 6450195
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a toilet tank including a vertical standpipe, a pilot valve assembly located at the top end of the standpipe, and a vertically movable float which is connected to the pilot valve assembly. The pilot valve assembly opens the valve assembly when the float moves vertically downward and closes the valve assembly when the float moves vertically upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Brass-Craft Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Amos Gil
  • Publication number: 20020043284
    Abstract: A filling valve for a pressurized fluid container, including a valve body with a longitudinal bore and a side opening formed therein, a sealing assembly slidingly disposed in the valve body, the sealing assembly being formed with a bore therethrough, a valve lever pivotally attached to a portion of the valve body, the sealing assembly including a jutting portion which protrudes in a direction generally away from a bottom portion of the valve body, a float arm attached to the valve lever, and a float mounted on the float arm, wherein when the float is positioned at a generally obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the valve body, the jutting portion of the sealing assembly is raised and supported by the valve lever, such that the sealing assembly is raised and does not block the side opening thereby permitting fluid flow through the side opening, and wherein when the float is sufficiently buoyed by a fluid, the float arm swings upwards and the jutting portion of the sealing assembly is no longer
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Meir Kozik
  • Patent number: 6227233
    Abstract: Pressurized fluid apparatus including a pressurized fluid container, a pipe arranged for flow therethrough of the pressurized fluid into the container, a valve operatively connected to an end of the pipe disposed in the container, and a float attached to the valve, wherein the float is buoyed generally upwards by the pressurized fluid filling the container, such that when the float has been moved a predetermined amount, the float closes the valve and substantially stops flow of the pressurized fluid into the container, and wherein the float is insertable through an upper opening of the container, and wherein the valve is rotatably attached to the pipe, the valve being closed by an angular upward movement of the float, characterized by the valve including a tube with a longitudinal bore having a longitudinal axis formed therein, and a piston slidingly disposed in the tube, wherein only when the float is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the piston sealingly abuts an internal end face of the tub
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Mair Kozik
  • Patent number: 6138709
    Abstract: A overfill protection device includes a first tubular member, a cylindrical piston slidably fitted within the first tubular member, a spring arranged within the first tubular member and fitted over an intermediate portion of the piston, a first and second O-rings fitted in the first and second neck portions of the piston respectively, a second tubular member having an upper portion having a cylindrical recess open at a top and engaged with the first tubular member, a plug arranged within the second tubular member and located under the piston, a float rod having a cam plate at an upper end thereof, and a float fixedly connected with a lower end of the float rod, whereby no gas will be allowed to flow through the overfill protection device when the pressure within the gas tank exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: William Home
  • Patent number: 6109294
    Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve (13) to a toilet flush tank (11) is controlled by an inlet valve control device (14, 14a, 16, 17), and an outlet flush valve (21) is controlled by a flush lever (919). The detent apparatus includes a follower member (28) that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent (25) that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve (26) except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred form of the invention, a primary inlet valve (26) is provided upstream of the usual inlet valve (13) that is controlled by an inlet valve control device, such as a float (14, 14a, 16, 17), and the detent apparatus effectively cooperates with the primary inlet valve to maintain it closed unless a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped (37-42) to provide a timed delay of its movement into the inlet valve closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Lamar R. Ray, Ronald Smelkinson
  • Patent number: 6102067
    Abstract: A new Bifurcated Fill Valve Assembly for permitting removal of a fill valve from a toilet tank without disturbing the seal at the toilet tank and without disconnecting the water supply line. The inventive device includes a tank fitting extended through and mounted within an opening in a wall of a toilet tank and a fill valve including a valve body having an inlet portion wherein the inlet portion of the fill valve is releasably coupled to the tank fitting within the toilet tank. As such, the fill valve can be uncoupled from the tank fitting and removed from the toilet tank while the tank fitting remains mounted within the toilet tank and coupled to a water supply conduit that supplies water to the fill valve when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Mark A. Orlando
  • Patent number: 6035879
    Abstract: An improved automatic fill valve assembly that is readily securable in a level position for installation and that has inlets adapted to accept either a toilet tank fill valve or a float type valve inside of the housing of the fill valve assembly. One improvement comprises a flange that defines at least one anchor point so that the entire assembly can be secured in place to an adjacent structure during installation. This arrangement advantageously holds the automatic fill valve assembly in a level position while workers pour cement around it. Another improvement comprises the provision of inlets that can be connected to a water source and are adapted to mount either a float valve assembly or a toilet tank fill valve inside of the fill valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Letro Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanford F. Campbell, Robert E. Jones, James P. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6026841
    Abstract: Pressurized fluid apparatus including a pressurized fluid container, a pipe arranged for flow therethrough of the pressurized fluid into the container, a valve operatively connected to an end of the pipe disposed in the container, and a float attached to the valve, wherein the float is buoyed generally upwards by the pressurized fluid filling the container, such that when the float has been moved a predetermined amount, the float closes the valve and substantially stops flow of the pressurized fluid into the container, and wherein the float is insertable through an upper opening of the container, and wherein the valve is rotatably attached to the pipe, the valve being closed by an angular upward movement of the float, characterized by the valve including a tube with a longitudinal bore having a longitudinal axis formed therein, and a piston slidingly disposed in the tube, wherein only when the float is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the piston sealingly abuts an internal end face of the tub
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Meir Kozik
  • Patent number: 5992445
    Abstract: A float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in vessels, ylinders and the like, comprises a valve body which can be associated with a cylinder and defines a fork body whereto a float member is swingably connected, the float unit further comprising a coupling element for removably coupling the float member to the fork body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Cavagna Group International B.V., Amsterdam, Succursale di Lugano
    Inventor: Angela Pagani
  • Patent number: 5950666
    Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve (13) to a toilet flush tank (11) is controlled by an inlet valve control device (14, 14a, 16, 17), and an outlet flush valve (21) is controlled by a flush lever (19). The detent apparatus includes a follower member (28) that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent (25) that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve (26) except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred form of the invention, a primary inlet valve (26) is provided upstream of the usual inlet valve (13) that is controlled by an inlet valve control device, such as a float (14, 14a, 16, 17), and the detent apparatus effectively cooperates with the primary inlet valve to maintain it closed unless a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped (37-42) to provide a timed delay of its movement into inlet valve closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Lamar R. Ray, Ronald Smelkinson
  • Patent number: 5921272
    Abstract: A mechanical device for checking the level to which cylinders and the like are filled with liquid gases, comprising a feeder pipe anchored to the cutoff valve unit of the cylinder. At the lower end of the pipe there are provided openings which are connected to the inside of the cylinder and in a front region there is provided a closure membrane made of flexible material and centrally provided with at least one through hole. The membrane is peripherally locked between the rim of the end of the tubular element and a hollow body which is anchored coaxially to the feeder and is provided, in an upward region, with a cavity which allows the membrane to deform correspondingly in order to directly connect the free end of the tubular feeder body to the lateral openings thereof. The hollow body has a cavity which is coaxial to the hole of the membrane and leads into a chamber in which there is provided a shutter body movable axially by means of a cam which is associated with a floating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Pergola S.r.l.
    Inventor: Carlo Cavagna
  • Patent number: 5857483
    Abstract: A plastic float valve wherein the piston is provided with a number of thin ridges as bearing surfaces which contact the valve bore, an annular cup seal to seal the valve bore and a tip washer having a truncated cone portion and mounted onto a tapered post on the piston, where the piston seals an inlet orifice by pressing the tip washer against an annular rim which is surrounded by a recessed channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Harley E. Stone, III
  • Patent number: 5775366
    Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve to a toilet flush tank is controlled by an inlet valve control device, and an outlet flush valve is controlled by a flush lever. The detent apparatus includes a follower member that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred embodiment, the detent member acts directly on the inlet valve to maintain it closed until a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped to provide a timed delay of its movement into inlet valve closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Lamar R. Ray, Ronald Smelkinson
  • Patent number: 5623961
    Abstract: A flush tank fill valve assembly, comprises an elongated tubular riser having a threaded upper end and a threaded lower end, the riser being adapted to be mounted by the lower end in an opening in a bottom of a flush tank, and for connecting to a source of water, a flush valve including a housing having a nipple defining a threaded inlet opening adapted to mount on the upper end of the riser, and an elongated tubular sleeve adapted to mount over the riser and having first members for limiting rotation between the sleeve and the riser, and second members for limiting rotation of the sleeve relative to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Hunter Plumbing Products
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 5598865
    Abstract: A quick release connector enables replacement of a toilet tank valve by one having little, if any, knowledge of repair or skills relating to plumbing. The toilet tank valve includes a quick release connector coupling the toilet tank valve to a source of water within the toilet tank. The toilet tank valve may be quickly and easily replaced by manipulation of the quick release connector by the user's fingers without the necessity of mechanical tools or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Vincent Musso
  • Patent number: 5464037
    Abstract: There is disclosed a level control valve arrangement preferably for use in a water closet cistern for controlling the liquid level in the cistern or container. The arrangement has a liquid inlet (3) feeding an inlet chamber (1) and a movable valve member (7,10) mounted on a seating (11,12) and movable between an open position in which liquid flows from the inlet into the cistern and a closed position in which liquid is prevented from flowing into the cistern. The movable valve member is biased preferably by a float arm into the closed position in response to liquid in the cistern rising to a predetermined level. The movable valve member (7,10) is mounted in the inlet chamber into which water is fed from the inlet (3) and in the closed position the valve is acted upon by a head of water in the inlet chamber to maintain the movable valve member in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dallah Water Saving
    Inventor: Abd El Rasoul M. Younes
  • Patent number: 5386844
    Abstract: A combination air and vacuum valve comprises a valve body (20) including a fluid inlet (25) and gas outlet (26), a valve poppet (8) guided to open and close said outlet (26), a float (19) and rod (18) connected operatively thereto in a vertical orientation for allowing said valve poppet (8) to close and open said gas outlet (26), a seat frame (5) for guiding stem of said poppet (8), a fulcrum pivot lever mechanism to which said float rod (18) is attached and which also contains a valve poppet seat (9) for pushing said valve poppet (8) via its stem to close said outlet (26), a fulcrum pivot axis of said fulcrum pivot lever mechanism containing a torsion spring (11); said spring (11) providing an additional upward force which assists the buoyancy effect of the float (19) in closing the valve. As a result, a smaller float may be used to achieve the same buoyant effect which would normally require a larger float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Penn Troy Machine Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5337781
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a toilet tank or the like includes a riser and a head portion that can be vertically adjusted without removal or disassembly of the valve in order to select a precise tank liquid level. Telescoping conduits in the riser are secured in adjusted position by a bayonet latch system including detents assisted by the force applied by pressurized liquid at the inlet to the assembly. A main valve disk is held against a valve seat by pressure in a control chamber in a standby position and is moved to an open position by venting of the control chamber. The valve includes an axial peripheral flange having an enlarged bead portion captured in an annular channel to provide an O-ring type seal against positive and negative pressure while maximizing flexibility of the disk. A lever for controlling a pilot seat for venting the chamber is pivoted between fulcrum flanges and is held by shoulders abutting one of the flanges. The lever is pivoted by a float in a float chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5287882
    Abstract: A toilet tank ball cock is designed for use in a toilet tank having an operating lever, a flush valve controlled by the operating lever and a water supply, with the ball cock regulating the supply of water to the tank. The ball cock includes a vertical riser column communicating with the water supply and a water control valve regulating the flow of water from the water supply to the toilet tank. There is a float movable on the riser column and coupled to the water control valve such that downward movement of the float to a selected level opens the water control valve to fill the toilet tank and upward movement of the float to a selected upper level closes the water control valve to stop filling the tank. The float has openings therein in communication with the tank interior. The openings are located to provide for water flow from the float as the water level in the tank drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Erwin F. Mikol
  • Patent number: 5280803
    Abstract: An hydraulically assisted inlet valve is disclosed having a by-pass passage (32) which is permanently open. Preferably the valve has a valve body (13) reciprocally mounted in the inlet (4) and carried by a diaphragm (23). The by-pass passage preferably extends through the valve body (13) to apply inlet pressure to one side of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Caroma Industries Limited
    Inventors: David B. Swift, David Chelchowski
  • Patent number: 5169291
    Abstract: A water heater (10) has a pressure-transfer module (20) interposed between an external pressurized-water circuit and the water inside the water-heater vessel (12) so that the water is at atmospheric pressure and can thus have a free upper surface. A shut-off valve in the inlet (14) to the pressure-transfer module (20) is controlled in accordance with the water level as detected by a float (74). If the water level falls below a predetermined minimum or exceeds a predetermined maximum, the shut-off valve closes so as to prevent further flow into the water heater (10) from the upstream side of the exterior circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Vaughn Thermal Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Zebuhr
  • Patent number: 5072751
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a tubular member, a hollow case connected to an open end of the tubular member, a linkage having a first end pivotally connected to the hollow case, a float connected to a second end of the linkage, and a control valve member movably mounted in the tubular member. A plate member is connected to the open end in the case to close the open end. The plate member has a smaller hole communicating with the open end. A narrower end of the control valve member passes through the open end and a through hole of the case, being pivotally connected to the linkage. The wider end of the control valve member is moved to close the hole of the plate member when the linkage is rotated by the float in a first direction, and to open the hole of the plate member when the linkage is rotated in an opposite second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: I-Chien Lin
  • Patent number: 4812265
    Abstract: A preassembled carburetor valve of the general type shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,454,036 has a floating disc-type valve without an encircling metal rim. The hollow body is provided with oppositely disposed "cathedral window" openings. The valve body, including the valve seat and the cathedral windows, is die cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Tomco, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 4802503
    Abstract: A control valve which includes a main body, a stop valve, a spring-loaded control rod, a support rod and a corresponding shaft, a lid with a fixing element on it, a guide rod and a float cylinder. The float cylinder is restrained only to mover vertically on the guide rod. The stop valve moves vertically in a valve chamber on the upper end of the main body under the influence of water pressure. As water is flushed from the reservoir, the float descends along with the water level and causes the control rod to allow water flow from the upper part of the valve chamber, so that water can flow into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: Guang-Yue Sheen
  • Patent number: 4796650
    Abstract: An improved structure for a float valve assembly, utilizing a resisting disc which can be urged against or open the water outlet of the valve to stop or open the water flowing passage by the interrelated movement of a float, a float rod, a moving member, a cap and the resisting disc. The flowing direction of the water in the valve, i.e. the water pressure, can help push the resisting disc in covering up the outlet so the water flow can be stopped more easily and more effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Biing-Yih Hwang
  • Patent number: 4781210
    Abstract: A replacement inlet valve assembly for use in a toilet tank now having an inlet valve with a water inlet on the side. This invention has a ballcock-operated inlet flush valve with a bottom inlet and a generally S-shaped inlet conduit rigidly attached to the inlet valve so that they can be handled as a unit. The inlet conduit has a first vertical leg offset laterally from the valve and adapted to extend up through a chamber separate from the toilet tank's water chamber, a second vertical leg extending down from the bottom inlet on the valve, and a serpentine segment extending from the upper end of the first vertical leg to the lower end of the second vertical leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventor: James E. Leonard
  • Patent number: 4745945
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly installed in a toilet flush tank includes a pressure relief valve adapted to activate at a predetermined pressure to discharge water from a system of piping to relieve pressure due to thermal expansion of water in the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Company
    Inventor: Louis M. Miller
  • Patent number: 4735230
    Abstract: An overflow valve system (10) comprises a tubular housing (12) having a J-shaped pipe fitting (14) mounted therein having an injection nozzle (24) at a first pipe-fitting end (26) located in a housing bore (40) of the tubular housing near the bottom thereof for injecting liquid axially upwardly in the housing bore and having a second pipe fitting-end (30) located outside of the tubulary-shaped housing (12). The injection nozzle has female threads therein for meshing with male threads of a toilet-flush ballcock (18), said threads meeting national standards for threads on ballcock shanks and nuts for water-closet bowls, tanks and urinals whereby a standard water-closet ballcock can be sealingly mounted in the overflow valve system by screwing it into the nozzle for controlling the flow of water through the pipe fitting into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Inventor: Richard M. Detloff
  • Patent number: 4730639
    Abstract: A two function tank valve according to this invention includes a vertically oriented supply tube or conduit with an upper opening. A valve seat surrounds the opening, and a valve seal is movable against it and away from it. Water level responsive means determines this valve setting so the valve can be opened to fill the tank, and can be closed when the tank is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 4729400
    Abstract: A liquid control assembly for controlling the flow of a liquid into a reservoir. A float means for shutting off the flow of liquid when the reservoir is full is provided. Also, a means for independently shutting off the flow of liquid is provided so that an easily accessible filter may be removed and cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Robert Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Mendoza, William L. Wright
  • Patent number: 4718449
    Abstract: A valve assembly for placement within a water receptacle such as a trough without alteration of the receptacle. A weighted body of the valve assembly retains the assembly against displacement. A float is tethered to a valve actuating arm in a yieldable manner to avoid damage upon accidental float contact by cattle. The weighted body has a removable closure to permit the adding of heavy material immediately prior to valve use. A tubular base of the valve assembly is adapted at one end to receive a hose fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: George S. Ralph
  • Patent number: 4709721
    Abstract: An improved ballcock assembly for a toilet water reservoir which provides quiet reservoir refill operation without requiring a conventional water discharge hush tube. Quiet refill operation is provided by discharging refill water through a plurality of openings which create individual streams of water which flow along the side surfaces of a standpipe having longitudinally extending external ridges or walls. The walls maintain the separation of the individual water streams which cascade down the standpipe surface. The outside surface of the standpipe is preferably tapered outwardly from top to bottom so that the water flows along a tapered surface which reinforces the cascading flow regime. The reduced flow for each stream and the cascading flow action combine to provide quiet refill operation. Since the ballcock assembly refill openings are above reservoir tank water level, water normally cannot be sucked through them and into the water supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Johnson Service Company
    Inventor: Larry D. Gish
  • Patent number: 4699169
    Abstract: An inlet valve mechanism for a toilet tank comprising a housing, a tapered valve seat and a tapered valve body. The valve seat and valve body are engagable with each other by the valve body moving reciprocally relative to the valve seat as the toilet tank is filled and emptied. The valve seat and valve body are made of a ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Plumbmaster, Inc
    Inventor: Marc Sherby
  • Patent number: 4646780
    Abstract: There is disclosed a float valve assembly of the type especially well suited to control the flow of inlet water to a toilet tank having a lavatory defined by its cover. The invention relates in particular to a means of making the fitting suitable for use in toilets having different optimal fill levels, and in particular to a means of adjusting the fill level which involves rotation of the rod attached to the float ball on its longitudinal axis. A lead screw-type mechanism causes a connecting linkage to move along the rod into response to such rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Tobin H. Spooner