Ventilation Patents (Class 4/209R)
  • Patent number: 6018824
    Abstract: A ventilator for use with a toilet has a motor driven fan and an air freshener disposed in seriatim in the customary narrow gap between a raised closet seat and a flush tank, for inducing vitiated air from a closet bowl, and discharging freshened air into the ambient atmosphere. A thin housing, supporting a fan and an air freshener, is attached to the front of the flush tank, behind the raised seat. The large height, width, area and volume, of the gap behind the raised seat, accommodates a large canister, fan, air freshener, and battery to energize the fan motor. The ventilator is relatively unobtrusive for a large ventilator, and often hidden by the raised lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Raymond H. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5996131
    Abstract: A Commode Ventilation System which comprises a toilet seat having a resilient gasket manifold attached to an under surface of the toilet seat and includes a number of rigid spacer members and a number of passage ways therein forming the manifold which passage ways are in connection with a number of intake orifices positioned on an interior perimeter surfaces of the manifold in a manner such that in use the resilient manifold gasket seals the gap between the toilet seat and the commode bowl top rim. The manifold chambers in communication with a vent that is used to draw air from the commode bowl through the intake orifices to the manifold and out to a desired disposal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Joe N. Vallair
  • Patent number: 5809581
    Abstract: A new Odor-Less Toilet System for drawing odors from a toilet bowl and not allowing them to escape into the bathroom. The inventive device includes air intake ports integrally formed in a toilet bowl rim in fluid flow communication with an exhaust chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald S. Brown
  • Patent number: 5802623
    Abstract: An electronic air oxidizer deodorizing system includes an air conduit including inlet and outlet ends. The air conduit houses therein a zapper comprising a pair of spaced apart highly charged electrodes which create an electrical discharge therebetween. A blower is also provided for drawing air through the inlet end and past the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Ray T. Vincent
  • Patent number: 5671484
    Abstract: A toilet ventilator apparatus including a toilet seat with an odor collection channel formed therein. Such channel terminates at an evacuation nozzle. Also included is at least one odor collection vent which is adapted for receiving unpleasant odors from the air within the vicinity of a toilet bowl. A vacuum is coupled to the evacuation nozzle of the toilet seat for transferring unpleasant odors contained within the air in the vicinity of a toilet bowl through the toilet seat to a location remote from the toilet bowl via a fan when energized. Further provided is a scenting mechanism for masking the unpleasant odors contained in the evacuated air. The scenting mechanism has an associated conduit with an outlet thereof situated adjacent the fan of the vacuum and a scent switch for allowing the air containing odor to be scented upon the depression thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Lee, III
  • Patent number: 5575019
    Abstract: A toilet such as used with a recreational vehicle, camper or motor home or the like includes a holding tank located beneath the toilet for holding waste. A mechanical seal associated with the toilet prevents gases from the holding tank from entering the room where the toilet is located. The mechanical seal which must be opened periodically when the toilet is used activates a fan in the sanitary system ventilation piping to thereby cause air to flow from the room into the toilet and through the holding tank and ventilation system to the outside atmosphere. A strainer or screen which may be located either between the toilet opening and the vent opening in the tank or further upstream of the ventilation fan prevents solids from being drawn into the vent piping and operating mechanism, respectively. A mist extractor chamber upstream of the fan in the vent piping removes vapors from the flow of gases. Also to clean the vent pipe a cleanout and purge fitting is installed there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Robert J. Kijewski
  • Patent number: 5522093
    Abstract: The toilet ventilation system has an intake member located directly adjacent the toilet bowl of a toilet. The intake member is coupled to a manifold supported by the toilet which permits odors from the toilet to be transferred from the intake member and manifold to a ventilation pipe located adjacent the toilet. A fan is located at a remote end of the ventilation pipe for drawing odors through the intake member, the manifold, and the ventilation pipe, and expelling the odors into a ventilation area. The intake member is removably coupled to the manifold through a manifold inlet and may be removed from the manifold. The ventilation pipe is removably coupled to the manifold by way of a manifold outlet. The manifold may be rotated about the ventilation pipe or moved out of the way when the intake member has been removed from the manifold inlet, for cleaning purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Richard C. Schaffer
  • Patent number: 5388280
    Abstract: A toilet assembly for use in recreation vehicles, which comprises an air tube member, a flapper valve, and an on/off switch whereby while the user sits on the toilet seat ring, the objectionable odor is effectively ventilated and when the user stands up, the objectionable odor does not flow backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Jae K. Sim
  • Patent number: 5341521
    Abstract: An environmentally controlled standard toilet designed to neutralize and confine contaminating agents such as bacteria, odors, vapors and other airborne particles inside the bowl by generating and maintaining a cyclone-type air circulation inside the existing bowl. A standard toilet bowl (70a) with a housing (20a), and an air-trapping cavity (88b) created inside the bowl (70a), by a seat (82b) having a seat-skirt (87b), confines the contaminating agents during toilet use and improves the efficiency of the air circulation. Sanitizer and odor conditioner cartridges are employed to neutralize the contaminating agents by releasing sanitizing and odor conditioning agents into the air flow circulated inside the bowl (70a). This invention is retrofitable to existing standard toilet bowls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel S. Redford
  • Patent number: 5333321
    Abstract: An environmentally controlled commercial/public toilet designed to neutralize and confine contaminating agents such as bacteria, odors, vapors and other airborne particles inside the bowl by generating and maintaining a cyclone-type air circulation inside the existing bowl. A standard bowl (70a) with a housing (20a), and an air-trapping cavity (76) created inside the bowl (70a) by a detachable bowl-skirt (73a), confines the contaminating agents during toilet use and improves the efficiency of the air circulation. Sanitizer and odor conditioner cartridges are employed to neutralize the contaminating agents by releasing sanitizing and odor conditioning agents into the air flow circulated inside the bowl (70a). This invention is retrofitable to existing commercial/public toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel S. Redford
  • Patent number: 5299326
    Abstract: The disclosed invention describes a vehicle waste tank ventilation exhaust fan, having the unique ability to provided positive exhaust on a continuous basis while diluting the contaminated air and odor being emitted by the waste tank with fresh air at a ratio in excess of five to one. A vacuum is drawn on the tank when the flush valve is closed by a small fan located over the tank vent pipe. A mixing chamber within the fan housing allows the fan to mix fresh air with odor from the tank and expel the odorous mixture over several hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Alton L. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5257421
    Abstract: Odors associated with the use of toilets are reduced by providing a water driven positive ventilation fan which pumps undesirable odor bearing gases from the toilet bowl and discharges them into the sewer through an auxiliary passage built into the toilet base. Operation of the ventilated toilet is automatic. Water valves coupled to the toilet seat and lid hinges turn on the fan's water turbine when the lid is raised and weight placed on the seat. The fan turbine shuts off automatically when this condition is no longer satisfied. An automatic blocking valve is provided in the auxiliary passage to prevent back-streaming of sewer gas. This gas blocking valve opens automatically when the fan is in operation and closes when the fan shuts off. No electrical connections are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Lance T. Rose
    Inventors: Lance T. Rose, Eugene T. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5210884
    Abstract: An environmentally controlled toilet designed to neutralize and confine contaminating agents such as bacteria, odors, vapors and other airborne particles inside the bowl by generating and maintaining a cyclone-type air circulation inside the bowl. A bowl (70) with a housing (20), and an air-trapping cavity (76) created inside the bowl (70) by a bowl-skirt (73), confines the contaminating agents during toilet use and improves the efficiency of the air circulation. Sanitizer and odor conditioner cartridges (31) are employed to neutralize the contaminating agents by releasing sanitizing and odor conditioning agents into the air flow circulated inside the bowl (70). A toilet seat (82) having an ergonomic design has a protective skirt (87) that accommodates a hygienic-shield (100). A solution to body heat loss and noise contamination during toilet use is also addressed. The invention is retrofitable to existing toilets, and is applicable to portable toilet systems including children's training toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel S. Redford
  • Patent number: 5199111
    Abstract: An exhaust fixture for removing obnoxious odors from a bathroom. The exhaust fixture is adapted to be mounted on the flat upper surface of a conventional toilet bowl, behind the conventional toilet seat, by use of the same bolts and nuts which secures the conventional toilet seat to the toilet bowl. The exhaust fixture includes a hollow chamber having a plurality of spaced holes facing the oval openings of both the toilet bowl and the toilet seat, a pair of hollow pipes in communication with the hollow chamber, each in communication with one of the hollow pipes and a remotely located exhaust fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel J. Antepenko
  • Patent number: 5016294
    Abstract: A toilet and toilet seat adapter unit which can be produced at a low cost yet which provides improved sealing around the toilet seat and which is easy to clean. The toilet seat adapter unit is disposed between the toilet seat and the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl of a conventional toilet. The toilet seat adapter unit includes a flat plastic plate having a shape and dimension generally conforming to those of the toilet seat. The lower surface of the flat plate is placed on the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl. A first set of plastic clips, affixed to the lower surface of the flat plate, fits around the outer edge of the rim of the toilet bowl and prevents the flat plate from slipping on the upper surface of the rim. A flexible plastic hose is looped around the upper surface of the flat plate and held in place by a second set of plastic clips. The hose communicates with a vacuum pump or exhaust fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Enrique A. Canovas
  • Patent number: 4937891
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collection of fecal matter designed to operate efficiently in a zero gravity environment. The system comprises a waste collection area within a body having a seat opening. Low pressure within the waste collection area directs fecal matter away from the user's buttocks and prevents the escape of undesirable gases. The user actuates a piston covered with an absorbent pad that sweeps through the waste collection area to collect fecal matter, scrub the waste collector area, press the waste against an end of the waste collection area and retracts, leaving the used pad. Multiple pads are provided on the piston to accommodate multiple uses of the system. Also a valve allows air to be drawn through the body, which valve will not be plugged with fecal matter. A sheet feeder feeds fresh sheets of absorbent pad to a face of the piston with each actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thornton, Jr. William E., Henry B. Whitmore
  • Patent number: 4933995
    Abstract: A flush-operated bathroom fan is provided which utilizes a float-operated actuator in the water closet tank of the toilet which actuates a switch, turning on the ceiling fan, when the water level in the water closet tank falls indicating that the toilet has been flushed, and when the float rises up again to the normal full-tank water level, the switch is thrown again and the fan is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Carl E. Canon
  • Patent number: 4933996
    Abstract: A ventilation system is provided including a blower assembly mounted within the air space in the upper portion of a toilet flush tank, which air space is communicated with the upper interior portion of the associated toilet bowl through an overflow pipe disposed in the water tank, and the blower assembly includes an air inlet opening into the air space and an air outlet with which the inlet end of conduit structure is sealingly communicated. The conduit structure includes an outlet end opening into the outlet of the associated toilet bowl below the water seal thereof and the conduit structure includes a normally closed solenoid operated flow control valve serially connected therein, the blower assembly including an electric drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Edward W. Sowards
  • Patent number: 4901715
    Abstract: Apparatus for establishing gaseous communication between a room of a building, wherein said room contains a toilet bowl, and a building conduit disposed within the building, said building conduit being in gaseous communication with the atmospheric gases outside of the building comprising: a toilet bowl having a water level forming a water trap, said toilet bowl including a flexible, water-impermeable, tubular member inserted completely through the water trap so that a first end of the flexible tubular member is disposed on a building conduit side of the water trap and a second end of the flexible tubular member is disposed on a room side of the water trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventor: Timothy E. Mulcahy
  • Patent number: 4811753
    Abstract: A drain vent apparatus for recreational vehicles may be coupled to the drain vent of a drain line of a vehicle and includes a coupling for a drain hose for the output of the drain vent. The drain vent has an outer housing and an inner pipe located in said outer housing and connected to the coupling for the drain vent for coupling to a drain line of a vehicle. The outer housing forms an annular passageway around the inner pipe for the passage of air and a check valve is located in the outer housing passageway to allow the passage of air in one direction while blocking the passage of water in the opposite direction so that the outside vent air may pass into the drain vent to vent the drain line. The outer housing has an opening to atmosphere covered by a cap. The check valve may be mounted adjacent to the opening in the passageway adjacent the cap so that removal of the cap allows access to the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Paul P. Bethune
  • Patent number: 4692951
    Abstract: This invention relates to a sanitary facility room to be installed in a computer room or a clean room found in a manufacturing factory for a semiconductor element wherein the water supplying means is operated by a control part received a sensed signal from the sensing means by a sensing operation of the sensing means for a human body, a cleaning water is supplied to the sanitary device to form water films at the inner surface of the sanitary device and to perform an automatic cleaning of the sanitary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Taki, Hiroshi Okada, Seijiro Kawamura, Akio Kusumoto, Koji Morita, Takao Ikenaga, Toshifumi Shigematsu, Masami Iida
  • Patent number: 4608175
    Abstract: This invention is a sanitary disposal system for human waste and organic garbage by aerobic composting combined with solar evaporative distillation for greywater. The aerobic composting reduces waste volume by ninety percent leaving water, carbon dioxide and a harmless but fertile ash by-product. Except for urine, the system essentially operates dry. No chemicals, septic system, or sewage treatment plant is required. There is no odor and no polluting discharged during operation. A nonsoiling toilet seat is provided so a dry toilet bowl may be used without the usual problems of cleaning. Insects are prevented from entering or leaving the system which is constantly aerated to assure that the composting process does not convert to anaerobic. The greywater system further enhances pollution control. This includes solar evaporative distillation to separate out solids which can be disposed of in a sanitary dump while the reclaimed water can be used for non-household purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: David A. Nuttle
  • Patent number: 4590629
    Abstract: A toilet ventilating device with an air pump having an inlet and an outlet. An odor outlet fitting is adapted to communicate with the toilet bowl and the inlet of the air pump. An odor outlet fitting is adapted to communicate between water in the water reservoir of the toilet (typically the water tank), and the air pump outlet. This fitting preferably includes a gas diffuser. Air is withdrawn from the toilet bowl and discharged into the water reservoir through the outlet fitting, such that water in the water reservoir will filter the odorous gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Leonard A. Lusk
  • Patent number: 4583250
    Abstract: This invention is an amendment of patent application Ser. No. 06/612,847 filed May 22, 1984 relating to the method of extracting objectional odors from toilet bowls utilizing its present structures and installation. A powered exhaust fan attached directly above are designed overflow tube will suck the foul air from the bowl through the water outlets under the rim of the toilet seat; through the flush valve assembly; into the overflow tube and forcing the same air through twin charcoal filters incorporated into the odor extracting device. Emphasis of the instant invention is on the design of the water tank overflow tube which is critical to the effectiveness of an odor extracting device. The redesigned overflow tube, while retaining the function of the conventional overflow tube, will allow for the recycling of previously filtered air. Also, the fan motor in the instant invention is so constructed that easy access to the interior of the odor extracting device is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Inventor: Bonifacio C. Valarao
  • Patent number: 4581780
    Abstract: An outdoor toilet constructed of precast concrete having integral color incorporated therein with the external surfaces being simulative of wood or the like and provided with a vault with a vent stack extending upwardly along one wall of the toilet and communicating with the vault and with a vent cap on the roof of the toilet to provide an offset passageway for venting the vault by using the chimney effect of the vent stack and vent cap. The vent stack includes an access opening in the exterior wall thereof provided with a closure to enable pump out of the vault from a point externally of the toilet. The toilet includes a toilet riser, handrail, toilet tissue holder, window and louver vents and an access door associated with an entrance slab and screen panels along two edges of the entrance slab to prevent direct observation into the interior of the toilet when the door is open. The entrance slab is supported by cantilever arms integral with the vault at one end edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Hoskins, Gregory L. Hoskins
  • Patent number: 4567613
    Abstract: A disposable article for neutralizing offensive odors comprising a sheet of foldable material having a fold-line dividing the sheet into first and second portions. At least one of the portions has a grid region therein for adsorption of an odor-neutralizing liquid. The portions are folded into confronting relation after adsorption of the liquid in the grid region and the sheet is sealed around the grid in a manner to be subsequently peeled open to expose the adsorbed liquid to the ambient atmosphere at the time of use. The fold-line applies a slight bias to the first and second portions when opened to oppose complete unfolding of the portions into a flat state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Frank Meehan
  • Patent number: 4556999
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing and preventing escape of noxious fumes from a commode bowl has a plurality of circumferentially arranged radially inwardly directed air inlet passages adjacent the bowl rim for the intake of ambient air surrounding the commode. A plurality of circumferentially arranged radially outwardly directed outlet passages are positioned below the inlet passages for suction withdrawal of the noxious fumes mixed with the incoming air. The inner edge of the commode opening between the inlet and outlet passages is configured to create turbulence within the bowl to mix the fumes therein with the incoming air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Inventor: John E. Lindley
  • Patent number: 4551865
    Abstract: A ventilator for withdrawing foul air from a lavatory pan has, within a housing (16), a duct (11) for connection between the discharge pipe (31) of the lavatory flushing assembly and the flush pipe (33) of the lavatory pan. An extractor fan (41) is provided in the housing (16) for withdrawing air from the duct (11) by way of an air passage (28) therein and expelling it through an exhaust pipe (47) to atmosphere outside the lavatory. The air passage (28) may be opened or closed by a valve (27). The fan (41) may be switched on when the valve (27) is open. When the lavatory pan is flushed, water passing through the duct (11) moves a cup (25) connected to the valve (27) so as to close the valve (27) and switch off the fan (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Inventor: Dudley G. Waters
  • Patent number: 4385912
    Abstract: A liquid/gas separator for removing entrained liquid from a gas stream is mounted in the wall of a liquid holding tank and extends at least partially within the tank. The separator includes a gas circulation pathway and has a plurality of inlets through which the gas stream enters the circulation pathway. The inlets are arranged to impart a curved direction of flow to the gas stream. A fluid collection plate extends from the gas circulation pathway and is in fluid communication with it. The liquid collection plate is conical and provides a path of decreasing radius for the gas stream. The swirling motion of the stream over the collection plate causes a major portion of the liquid to separate from the gas and collect on the plate surface. The liquid collection plate has an opening formed therein through which the liquid can drain into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: C. Earl Parrick, Forrest B. Busching
  • Patent number: 4175293
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing odors from the bowls of conventional toilets inclues a hood adapted to be mounted to a toilet body, to overhang the toilet bowl and having a central plugged opening at the rear thereof; tubular spindles adapted to be coupled into opposite sides of the hood; a toilet seat pivotally mounted on the spindles; and plugs and a vent duct adapter that may be selectively connected to the tubular spindles and the central plugged opening. A suction fan disposed inside a wall adjacent the toilet is coupled to a duct for removing gases collected by the hood from within the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Inventors: Warren J. Stephens, Juan F. Nielson
  • Patent number: 4117559
    Abstract: A bathroom deodorizer and odorizer for use with a conventional toilet bowl comprising housing means, said housing means provided with a motor chamber therein, said motor chamber opening externally of said housing, said housing provided with first and second inlet ports and chambers and first and second outlet ports and chambers, said first inlet port and chamber communicating with said first outlet port and chamber and said second inlet port and chamber communicating with said second outlet port and chamber, motor means provided with a first and second fan means operably mounted in said motor chamber, said first fan means disposed in said first outlet chamber and said second fan means disposed in said second outlet chamber, said motor means provided with energy coupling means operably mounted thereon, a motor chamber cover provided with energy coupling means operably mounted thereon operably mounted on said housing means, deodorizing or odorizing wafer removably disposed in said first and second inlet chamber
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Inventor: Delbert D. Boyle
  • Patent number: 4042981
    Abstract: A toilet waste holding apparatus for a vehicle has a vent which sucks away tank gasses and odors, without permitting sewage overflow to enter the vent. An insert allows entrance of clean air to the tank and access to the interior for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1977
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventor: John Walter Cook