Fluid Mechanism Patents (Class 4/246.2)
  • Patent number: 11723497
    Abstract: A toilet seat lifting system includes a foot-operated bellows connected to a hinged rod which is surrounded by a sleeve. The rod is then extended by the air produced by the bellows and the rod is attached to the toilet seat with adhesive or suction cup. The rod includes a hollow outer rod and an inner rod that is inserted within the outer rod. The outer rod is then sealed against the inner rod through an air tight seal. When the bellows is actuated, air is supplied through the bottom rod and released within the outer rod. Since the outer rod is air tight, the pressure created by the air within the rod forces a latch at the top of the outer rod to open and release the pressure. The opening of the latch in turn actuates the lifting of the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas Lane
  • Patent number: 11441632
    Abstract: A rotary damper having a simple self-standing mechanism which does not cause an inconvenience such as bounce of an opening/closing member at an end of an opening operation of the opening/closing member such as toilet lid is provided. A rotary damper has a housing, a shaft, a vane, a sliding member, an O ring, and a cap as main components. A shaft portion, formed in a pressure chamber of the housing, includes a blade portion protruding in an axial direction of the shaft portion. A cutout portion is formed in a center portion between both ends of the blade portion. On another side surface of the blade portion, a first groove is formed in a circumferential direction from a base of the blade portion to the outer periphery of the shaft portion. A second groove is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion spaced from the first groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOK, INC.
    Inventors: Nobutoshi Orita, Takayuki Sakamaki
  • Patent number: 10743729
    Abstract: The automated toilet seat lifting system comprises a toilet and a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism attaches to the toilet. The toilet further comprises a tank, bowl, toilet seat, and a toilet lid. The lifting mechanism is an automated device used to raise and lower the toilet seat and the toilet lid in preparation for and during the use of the toilet. The lifting mechanism operates such that the toilet seat and toilet lid are raised when a client is detected in the proximity of the toilet. The lifting mechanism returns the toilet seat to a lowered position when the client is no longer detected in the proximity of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Birahim Tendeng
  • Patent number: 10226156
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a toilet seat from one position to another in a number of ways including, but not limited to, a switch, voice recognition software, infrared remote control, a motion detector, and a mobile device application. A lifting structure is attached under the seat and is connected to a housing containing a motor and/or a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Homayoun Abdollahzadeh
  • Patent number: 9713406
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a toilet seat from one position to another in a number of ways including, but not limited to, a switch, voice recognition software, infrared remote control, a motion detector, and a mobile device application. A lifting structure is attached under the seat and is connected to a housing containing a motor and/or a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Homayoun Abdollahzadeh
  • Patent number: 9326649
    Abstract: A specially designed toilet seat accessory that is operated via hydraulics and an integrated, electronic foot pedal to provide consumers a sanitary and convenient hands-free method of lifting and lowering the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Duke Ophori
  • Patent number: 9259124
    Abstract: A toilet adapter which allows a user to lift the lid, the seat, and flush the toilet using three dedicated pedals and their respective actuating mechanisms. The lid pedal and the seat pedal utilize a crankshaft connection to rotate adapters that grasp the lid and the seat, raising the lid and seat as the pedal is pressed. The flush pedal uses a double pivot connection to pull down on an adapter that is secured to a toilet handle. The seat pedal and the flush pedal can be lifted to activate sub assemblies. A bidet assembly and a dryer assembly are operated by lifting the seat pedal and the flush pedal, respectively, with a brace provided so that the regular functions can still be accessed by pressing down. A variation can be implemented for urinals, in which the lid and seat components are unnecessary and left out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Reginald E Wescott, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9015869
    Abstract: A toilet closure apparatus mounts on a toilet having a base assembly defining a bowl and a bowl ledge, a tank assembly, a toilet lid and a toilet seat. A tank mounting bolt has a tank mounting bolt bore extending axially therethrough. A cable housing is sealedly affixed within the tank mounting bore and disposed to allow a cable to move axially through the tank mounting bore. A hinge assembly includes a frame defining a downwardly extending cable run and an internal cavity including a cylindrical bearing surface having a horizontally extending axis. A hinge member is supported by the bearing surface for rotation about the axis. A hinge pin extends outwardly of the frame, and is fixedly engaged with the toilet seat to effect toilet seat rotation in common with rotation of the hinge member about the axis, the hinge member having at least one camming surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff Henderson
  • Publication number: 20140259341
    Abstract: A toilet closure apparatus mounts on a toilet having a base assembly defining a bowl and a bowl ledge, a tank assembly, a toilet lid and a toilet seat. A tank mounting bolt has a tank mounting bolt bore extending axially therethrough. A cable housing is sealedly affixed within the tank mounting bore and disposed to allow a cable to move axially through the tank mounting bore. A hinge assembly includes a frame defining a downwardly extending cable run and an internal cavity including a cylindrical bearing surface having a horizontally extending axis. A hinge member is supported by the bearing surface for rotation about the axis. A hinge pin extends outwardly of the frame, and is fixedly engaged with the toilet seat to effect toilet seat rotation in common with rotation of the hinge member about the axis, the hinge member having at least one camming surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff Henderson
  • Publication number: 20140130245
    Abstract: A toilet seat and/or lid assembly comprising a toilet seat and/or lid and a device (100) for automatically lowering a toilet seat and/ or lid, the device (100) comprising activation means including an activation member (170), the activation member (170) depending from the toilet seat and/or lid so as to be positioned, in use, in a toilet basin below the upper surface thereof, the activation member (170) being arranged to be moved by flow of water in the toilet basin from flushing the toilet to activate the activation means to operate closure means to close the toilet seat and/or lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Magnus M. McFarlane
  • Publication number: 20130340155
    Abstract: A device having mechanisms for lifting and lowering the cover and the seat of a toilet (WC), including a structure fixed to the rear part of the mouth of a WC bowl and housing a first axle and a second axle arranged co-linearly and separated at the ends thereof. The first and second axles include, on the adjunct co-linear ends, a first cam and a second cam designed to receive and hold the end of a first cable and a second cable. The ends of the cables respectively connect to a first pedal element and a second pedal element that are independent of each other, but mounted in a single structure. The device can include a mechanism actuated by a hydraulic piston in order to lower the cover and seat automatically when the WC tank is emptied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Carlo Gomez Espana Collignon
  • Publication number: 20130318696
    Abstract: A device having mechanisms for lifting and lowering the cover and the seat of a toilet (WC), including a structure fixed to the rear part of a WC and designed to house a first and second axle arranged co-linearly and fixed on the ends of the cover and the seat, respectively. The first and second axles include on the adjunct ends a first mechanism with a first and second gear designed to engage with a third actuating gear arranged below the aforementioned gears on a fixed axle, the fixed axle being engaged and driven by a toothed element with an ascending course of a first hydraulic piston powered by pressurised water. The device also includes a second mechanism with a hydraulic piston powered by pressurised water for rotating the axles in the opposite direction in order to automatically lower the cover and seat when the WC tank is emptied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Carlo Gomez Espana Collignon
  • Patent number: 8566970
    Abstract: Improvements to a hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the lid and seat of toilettes, characterized by a left and right modules comprising a casing with a central transverse shaft whose ends protrude, each said casing is divided into three recesses; the left shaft end is attached to the lid and the right shaft end to the seat, the opposite end of each shaft being fixed to a drive plate of three flaps, one of each flap housed in each recess of the casing, with each recess also housing a cylindrical diaphragm, which when filled with water press simultaneously against the flaps to cause a partial rotation of the shafts, to raise or lower the lid and seat together or separately by rotary displacement; said diaphragms are fed through a check valve that allows the passage of feed water to fill the diaphragms and to discharge the water from the diaphragms through a duct into the toilet tank when the toilet flush button is actuated; the left and right floor actuation valves are connected to a general water
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Carlo Gomez Espana Collignon
  • Publication number: 20130160196
    Abstract: Improvements to a hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the lid and seat of toilettes, characterized by a left and right modules comprising a casing with a central transverse shaft whose ends protrude, each said casing is divided into three recesses; the left shaft end is attached to the lid and the right shaft end to the seat, the opposite end of each shaft being fixed to a drive plate of three flaps, one of each flap housed in each recess of the casing, with each recess also housing a cylindrical diaphragm, which when filled with water press simultaneously against the flaps to cause a partial rotation of the shafts, to raise or lower the lid and seat together or separately by rotary displacement; said diaphragms are fed through a check valve that allows the passage of feed water to fill the diaphragms and to discharge the water from the diaphragms through a duct into the toilet tank when the toilet flush button is actuated; the left and right floor actuation valves are connected to a general water
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Carlo Gomez Espana Collignon
  • Patent number: 8402571
    Abstract: A handle mechanism for lifting a toilet seat and its cover. The handle mechanism is affixed to the toilet seat cover, and selectively engages the toilet seat to lift the cover and the seat individually or together. Because the handle mechanism is affixed to the front of the cover, when the toilet is being used, with the seat up or down, the handle mechanism is well away from the toilet, such that the handle mechanism remains clean and sanitary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Pagett
  • Publication number: 20130007952
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to means and devices used in toilets or lavatories; particularly relates to means used for automatically raise and lower the toilet covering lids and more specifically relates to a hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the covering lid and seat of the toilet hole; characterized in that comprises a housing that comprises two adjoining hollow chambers, one left and one right, the chambers housing a left rotating shaft and a right rotating shaft, respectively; both shafts comprise a fixed counterweight that can rotate along with the shaft inside the chambers; each chamber also houses a left elastic diaphragm and a right one, adjoined and interacting with the counterweights; said diaphragms comprising at least one connecting pivot wherein a inlet and/or outlet working fluid duct is connected so as to drive-push the counterweights when are inflated with working fluid supplied by an automatic system or by a contact driving elements system, and causing the swinging o
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Carlo Gomez-EspaƱa Collignon
  • Patent number: 8286273
    Abstract: The toilet foot flushing apparatus quickly converts a hand-flushed toilet to a foot-flushed toilet, without the need of tools. The included lever of the apparatus replaces the existing toilet lever, by hand. The pedal is about 1 foot in length, thereby providing sufficient leverage to the lever via the cable. The lever is attached to flush mechanism on the exterior of an existing toilet reservoir. The spring-loaded pedal returns to a position slightly above the base when released, thereby releasing lever pressure. The geared pedal to base action provides sturdy long-lived flush function. The apparatus does not require any form of floor invasion, as the base need not be mounted to the floor. The cable retainer provides length adjustment for the cable so that a plurality of toilet reservoirs and flush mechanisms can be successfully converted to foot flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Cory M. Toomer
  • Patent number: 8266730
    Abstract: A novel attachment on a toilet system for a male user to raise a toilet seat (100), by depressing a pedal (30) with a foot and then releasing it, while standing well balanced on his second foot, so that he can urinate comfortably with both feet on the floor; and then to lower same seat (100) by depressing same pedal (30) and releasing it; with all these actions done with no startling noise against the water tank (104) or the toilet bowl rim. The dual operation of the same pedal (30) can provide a timely flushing of the toilet automatically when seat (100) is lowered, without hand touching any part of the toilet system. The attachment can add, with a secondary pedal (140), a hands-free flushing system that can be operated without moving toilet seat (100) when it is already in the lowered position. All manual toilet-system operations are preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Tom L. Ricca
  • Patent number: 8096393
    Abstract: In the breakdown preventive mechanism of a rotary damper, when the upper rotor is rotated in one direction, a communication path is formed between the valve body and the lower rotor, and the pressure in the pressure chamber is formed between the lower rotor and the lower housing is lowered, and rotation is easily performed. When the upper rotor is rotated in another direction, the viscous fluid does not flow between the valve body and the lower rotor, and the pressure in the pressure chamber formed between the lower rotor and the lower housing is raised. As a result, the viscous fluid pushes down the relief valve and a cage type relief valve by resisting the elastic element, and thereby prevents breakdown of the rotary damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Takahiro Saito, Hideaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8082604
    Abstract: A mechanism (100) for lifting and lowering a toilet seat (102) is activated by foot pressure pushing down on a pedal (104). The mechanism includes an off-floor pivot fixed in space for converting the pressure into a torque applied to hinge (113, 114) supporting the seat. The mechanism does not touch the floor. Instead a reaction arm which is one support for the fixed pivot presses against a wall (120) behind the toilet bowl. An element for retarding the speed of the seat as it falls is optionally included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Pedaloo NZ Limited
    Inventor: Matthew James Isaac
  • Patent number: 8020221
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a toilet seat lifting device (10), comprising a pneumatic system employing a piston (48) connected to the toilet seat (6), the system being adapted to lift the toilet seat (6) by applying mechanical force on the piston (48) in the corresponding direction (upwards, in the example herein), and to gradually lowering the toilet seat by gradually releasing air from the pneumatic system. The device may further comprise a valve (56), for causing a fall in air pressure in the pneumatic system, thereby causing an accelerated lowering of the toilet seat. The device may further comprise: a sensor, for sensing lowering of toilet seat (6); and a mechanism for activating flushing the toilet bowl upon detecting by the sensor that the seat has been lowered, such as a handle of a tap providing water to the flush tank (8) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Erez Borochov, Meir Gitelis
  • Publication number: 20100005580
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a toilet seat lifting device (10), comprising a pneumatic system employing a piston (48) connected to the toilet seat (6), the system being adapted to lift the toilet seat (6) by applying mechanical force on the piston (48) in the corresponding direction (upwards, in the example herein), and to gradually lowering the toilet seat by gradually releasing air from the pneumatic system. The device may further comprise a valve (56), for causing a fall in air pressure in the pneumatic system, thereby causing an accelerated lowering of the toilet seat. The device may further comprise: a sensor, for sensing lowering of toilet seat (6); and a mechanism for activating flushing the toilet bowl upon detecting by the sensor that the seat has been lowered, such as a handle of a tap providing water to the flush tank (8) thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Erez Borochov, Meir Gitelis
  • Publication number: 20080178374
    Abstract: A hydraulically lifted toilet seat. A hydraulic linear actuator mounted within a lift unit rigidly attached to the toilet bowl unit utilizes utility water pressure to provide a force to lift the toilet seat. In a preferred embodiment a drive arm of the hydraulic linear actuator applies a tension force to a flexible tension element which is in turn attached to a sheave that is rigidly attached to an axle rigidly attached to the toilet seat. Actuation of the drive arm of the linear actuator causes the sheave, axel and the toilet seat to pivot about 100 to 110 degrees from a horizontal position to a raised position leaning against the toilet tank. In the preferred embodiment the flexible tension element is a nylon cord attached to the sheave through a pulley. In this preferred embodiment the hydraulic linear actuator is controlled by a spring loaded three-way valve or two two-way spring loaded valves permitting users to raise or lower the seat by temporally positioning valve handles up or down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Clem Abrams
  • Publication number: 20080127404
    Abstract: The invention provides a foot operated toilet seat lifter which may be easily installed on a toilet. The universal bracket with a retained cylinder and piston is mounted to the toilet bowl by using the existing toilet seat fasteners. The toilet seat lifter is activated by applying foot pressure to the foot pedal, which in turn opens a valve to supply water pressure from the existing toilet water supply to the cylinder and piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Johannes Gideon Francois Kruger, Mark Anthony Dercksen
  • Patent number: 7003815
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for foot actuating a toilet by providing a foot pedal having an enhoused cable extending therefrom. The cable is attached inside the toilet tank to a flushing means within the tank. Upon a user stepping down on the pedal, dual components of the pedal provide for the amount of cable within the foot pedal to be increased by a factor of two relative to the pedal travel distance. This in turn provides for the cable inside of the tank to be decreased by such amount for lifting a weight and actuating the internal flushing means within the toilet tank. Upon removing the user's foot from the foot pedal, the foot pedal, cable and weight are automatically reset to a starting position allowing the toilet to be reset to its original position for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Foot Flush International, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Herbst
  • Patent number: 6978489
    Abstract: A toilet seat allowing a smooth lift up of the seat comprises a seat cover and a seat; two accommodation troughs on both sides of the seat and pivoted to the toilet; two boxes each divided into three compartments connecting through one another and containing a bypass trough; an air vent being provided between two troughs to balance pressure; a gap being provided on the partition in a V-shape between the second and the third compartments; and an inclined board further extending from the V-shaped partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventors: Yu-Lan Chao, Littlee
  • Patent number: 6907621
    Abstract: A mechanism for raising and lowering a toilet seat in response to actuation of foot pedals. An actuation cylinder with a contained piston is connected between the toilet bowl and the toilet seat. Water from the supply line for the toilet is routed to the actuator cylinder when a seat up pedal is depressed and causes the piston to extend out of the actuation cylinder and raise the seat. Operation of a flush pedal causes the water within the actuation cylinder to drain so that the toilet seat lowers. A mechanical linkage from the flush pedal to the flush mechanism of the toilet links toilet flushing to the seat lowering action, ensuring that the seat is lowered after each flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Robert W. Stemen
  • Patent number: 6883186
    Abstract: Apparatus to displace a raised toilet cover or seat member, comprising an actuator movable generally endwise toward a location defined by the raised toilet seat or cover, a mechanism within the toilet tank to urge the actuator endwise from a retracted position in response to lowering of the surface level of water in the tank, and toward that location to effect lowering of the seat or cover, the actuator thereafter being movable toward its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Roland Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6775855
    Abstract: A self-contained, self-closing toilet lid includes a water reservoir formed within an upper portion of the lid. When the lid is in its vertical closed position, water from the reservoir is allowed to trickle at a predetermined rate into an activation bucket positioned within a lower portion of the lid and pivotally coupled proximate an inner peripheral edge of the lid. When a sufficient volume of water has been gravitationally transferred from the upper water reservoir to the lower activation bucket, the weight of that transferred water causes the activation bucket to pivot, which in turn actuates a release mechanism that allows the lid to hingedly move to an off-center position, permitting it to fall to its horizonatal closed position. If both the toilet lid and the seat conventionally mounted behind it are in the open position, automatic closing of the lid will push the seat to the closed position also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel E. Shannon
  • Patent number: 6772452
    Abstract: An assembly useful in directing a stream of water onto the surfaces of a toilet bowl includes a delay valve rendered operative by the lifting of the toilet seat and a bellows spring connected to be pulled in by the latching vacuum draw of the delay valve and thereafter released to displace the seat towards its lowered state. A set of springs then opposes the dropping stroke of the seat once displaced by the bellows spring. The assembly is conformed for installation onto an existing toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: H. Richard Miller, Robert Miller
  • Patent number: 6725984
    Abstract: A rotary damper has a casing having a fluid chamber filled with a fluid, a rotatable member disposed in the fluid chamber for rotation relative to the casing, a vane disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotatable member and extending in an axial direction thereof, the vane projecting toward an inner circumferential surface of the fluid chamber and having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, a fluid passage for allowing the fluid to flow between the first side and the second side at or near a tip end of the vane, and a valve body mounted on the vane for selectively opening and closing the fluid passage. The valve body comprises a valve disposed in a position for closing the fluid passage and a spring for normally urging the valve in a direction to close the fluid passage. The valve and the spring are integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Tok Bearing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobutoshi Orita
  • Patent number: 6684416
    Abstract: An improved structure of a self-lifting toilet seat is disclosed and the seat includes a toilet seat lid, a seat having two lateral sides being mounted onto a cavity at the near rear section thereof and the rear end thereof being connected to a securing seat, two liquid boxes provided with partitioning board within the box so as to isolate a plurality of slots to contain liquid and the slots being intercommunicated and the securing seat being connected to an adjustable sliding seat for the securing of toilet bowl of various sizes, characterized in that the front section of the liquid box is installed at the cavity of the toilet seat and the front section is protruded to form a securing board, by means of a securing element to pivotally mount at the pivotal hole of the cavity so that the front of the liquid box is formed into an actuating pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Yu-Lan Chao, Littlee
  • Patent number: 6523185
    Abstract: A device is described for automatically lowering a toilet seat. The device includes a fluid chamber with a sidewall; a replaceable insert with an arcuate inner face and parallel seat-raised and seat-lowered edges against the sidewall. A vane with a seat-attached shaft, pivotal around a horizontal axis on the opposite side of the chamber, includes a shaft-attached paddle with a flexible distal end in brushing engagement with the insert. The distance between the insert wall and the horizontal axis decreases from the seat-raised edge to the seat-lowered edge increasing the resistance to pivoting of the vane, and thereby to lowering of the toilet seat as the seat descends. Different inserts can be used for different weight seats. The device can also include an adjustable seat stop to compensate for non-level toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventors: Randolph J. Moore, William H. Mercier
  • Patent number: 6470502
    Abstract: An automatically raised toilet seat apparatus is provided. The toilet seat apparatus includes a toilet seat portion and a pair of box portions. The body of each box portion forms a closed space which contains a liquid and defines a plurality of tank compartments. Baffles separate at least some of the tank compartments. The liquid's adaptive distribution between tank compartments facilitates the toilet seat portion's gradual displacement between lowered raised positions, biasing the toilet seat portion to one of those positions. In certain cases, a pair of shallow holes and a pair of deep holes are formed into the toilet seat portion, for adjustably receiving the box portions, depending on the size of the given toilet's water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Shou Chi Lu
  • Patent number: 6434759
    Abstract: A vacuum toilet for use with a waste pipe maintained under partial vacuum pressure. The vacuum toilet comprises a bowl having an upper surface defining an opening and a lid supported for pivotable movement between a lowered position, in which the lid covers the opening, and a raised position, in which the lid is rotated away from the opening. An actuator has a rod connected to the lid, the rod being movable between a first position, in which the lid is placed in the raised position, and a second position, in which the lid is placed in the lowered position. A controller is operatively connected to the actuator, wherein the controller normally operates the actuator with the rod in the first position. The controller automatically operates the actuator rod to the second position during a toilet flush cycle, and subsequently returns the actuator rod back to the first position after the toilet flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Evac International Oy
    Inventors: Mark A. Pondelick, Michael B. Hancock
  • Patent number: 6363543
    Abstract: A unit that is used to lift a toilet seat. This unit has a base hinge with a foot pedal that uses a cable and pulley lifting system. This system lifts a movable rod of a shock-absorber device, which in turn lifts a seat bracket and the toilet seat. A removable adjustment pad, limits the travel lift distance of the toilet seat. This adjustment keeps the toilet seat on a slight tilted angle. The gravity of the seat on an angle, returns the seat when a pedal is depressed. The shock absorber device slows the returning decent of the seat back down to the bowl when the pedal is depressed. The shock absorber device resides inside a housing tube, and it rests on top of a bottom cover plate pedestal. The housing tube is attached to a base hinge. There is non-skid material on the bottom cover plate to stabilize the unit while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Samuel D Bright, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6351856
    Abstract: A toilet seat lifting assembly for providing a more sanitary and easier way of raising and lifting a toilet seat. The toilet seat lifting assembly includes a lift member being adapted to be securely attached upon a toilet stool and being securely attached to a toilet seat; and also includes a lift activation assembly being connected to the lift member for energizing the lift member to lift the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony G. Browne
  • Patent number: 6321394
    Abstract: A toilet seat closing system for automatically lowering a seat over the bowl portion of a toilet after use. The toilet seat closing system includes a toilet with a bowl portion, a seat assembly pivotally coupled to the bowl assembly, and a seat lowering assembly coupled to the bowl assembly and coupled to the seat assembly by a pair of pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventors: Junior Steir, Gladys M. Steir
  • Patent number: 6230336
    Abstract: An automated toilet seat and seat cover lifting and lowering system that eliminates the need for the user to touch any area of the toilet with their hands. The system utilizes the force of pressurized water to lift the toilet seat and seat cover. A lever actuator housing is mounted on the top surface of the toilet bowl adjacent the rear end of the toilet seat. A plurality of lifting levers extend from the front end of the lever actuator housing and they are connected respectively to either the toilet seat or the seat cover. The actuator assembly inside the lever actuator housing has means for using pressurized water to raise the respective lifting levers and the toilet seat and seat cover attached to them from a horizontal position to a vertical position. Remote control buttons located on a wall separated from the toilet can be utilized to lift and lower the toilet seat or seat cover as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: David M. Knoll, Donald H. Koenig
  • Patent number: 6185754
    Abstract: A toilet seat automatic lowering system is provided including a toilet having a bowl portion with an open top having an upper peripheral edge, an annular seat with a generally planar O-shaped configuration, a rear tank portion extending upwardly from a rear of the bowl portion, and a water intake line. In use, the toilet is adapted to accept water from the water intake line upon being flushed. Also included is at least one mounting assembly coupled to the bowl portion and pivotally coupled with respect to the seat of the toilet. The mounting assembly is in communication with either the rear tank portion or the water line of the toilet for effecting the lowering of the seat of the toilet upon the same being flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Howard Dysle