Flush Closet Patents (Class 4/300)
  • Patent number: 5059330
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing gray water from showers and the like and reclaiming the cleansed water for reuse comprises a receptacle and a conduit for delivering gray water to the receptacle. A sensor detects flow of gray water into the receptacle and injects cleansing agents into the flow in response to such detection. A drain conduit communicates with the upper portion of the receptacle for extracting floating contaminants from the surface of gray water therein and a valved conduit communicates with the bottom of the receptacle for selectively extracting sinking contaminates thereform. A pump is adapted to draw the resulting cleansed gray water from the receptacle and deliver it to a remote location for reuse as, for example, in flushing toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Donald O. Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 5052060
    Abstract: A flush water supply system comprising a passageway valve mounted in a pipeline for supplying flush water to a toilet stool, and a control circuit for controlling the closing and opening of the passageway valve. A constant flow valve is mounted in the pipeline for keeping a predetermined amount of discharge flow, irrespective of water supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuo Makita, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Shinji Shibata, Noboru Shimbara
  • Patent number: 5022106
    Abstract: In order to raise infirm or disabled persons from a sitting to a generally standing position, a hoist comprises a mast, a carrier movable along the mast, and a U-shaped lifting member which is connected at its closed end to an upper end of the mast for pivotable movement about a horizontal axis and which at its open part provides laterally spaced attachment points for the attachment of a body sling. The hoist also includes a U-shaped strut pivotably connected at its closed end to the carrier and at its open part to the open part of the lifting member, and an operating mechanism for raising and lowering the carrier along the mast to thereby move the attachment points along an arcuate path. The operating mechanism is self-locking at any chosen position. Such a hoist is capable of being used for lifting of persons of widely differing heights and builds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Arjo Mecanaids Limited
    Inventor: Derek J. Richards
  • Patent number: 4999859
    Abstract: This invention relates to a toilet system of the type with direct evacuation and rinsing without flushing effect nor siphon, constituted by a bowl of generally truncated form comprising at the level of its small base, in lower position, a trap controlled by a pneumatic jack, for intermittent communication with an evacuation conduit, and the bowl comprises at least one nozzle for projecting rinsing and evacuation water coming from a pressurizing chamber, characterized in that said system is connected to a source of energy constituted by a source of compressed air communicating on the one hand with the pressurizing chamber to ensure high pressure supply of the rinsing and evacuation nozzles and, on the other hand, with the pneumatic jack for maneuvering the trap, such communication being ensured by a pneumatic slide valve adapted to regulate and control the evacuation cycle comprising the synchronized phases, firstly, of opening of the trap and of projection of pressurized water and, secondly of closure of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Sanitaire Equipment
    Inventors: Bernard Bolze, Daniel Pittet
  • Patent number: 4996726
    Abstract: A fill valve (36) has a main valve (34) with a control chamber (44) for controlling the on and off actuation of the main valve. A tube (58) is in fluid communication with chamber (44) and extends into the water at the fill level (46) in tank (10). The flush valve (64) is connected to tube (58) such that upon actuation it raises tube (58) and lowers the pressure in chamber (44) to turn on the main valve (34) independent of whether the water level in tank (10) drops below its fill level (46) to direct water from the main valve to a rim wash conduit (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Donald C. Schrock, David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 4982454
    Abstract: This toilet system (1) includes a bowl (3) and a flush tank (4), which are molded of ceramic in one piece, the upper edge of the bowl (3) including an inverted channel (14) permitting the distribution of the flushing water over the entire surface of the bowl (3) and communicating with the tank (4) via a supply conduit (16), a distributor device (15) being inserted partly in the supply conduit (16) and partly in the adjacent zone of the channel (14). According to the invention, the supply conduit (16) comprises the bottom (17) of the tank (4) and includes bosses (24-25) separated by at least one throat (30) permitting the installation of the distributor (15) on the wall of the supply conduit (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Etablissements Porcher
    Inventors: Claude Saltel, Daniel Petit
  • Patent number: 4975989
    Abstract: A disposal unit, for the disposal of dog waste, comprises a casing having an inlet slot in its upper wall, from which a chute leads downwardly within the casing to a bowl. An outlet conduit, incorporating a U-bend water trap, leads from the bowl out of the casing for connection to a sewage system. A flushing cistern is mounted within the casing and is operated by an external lever. In use, the dog waste is picked up in a scoop, placed in a disposable paper bag, and then deposited through the slot. It slides down into the bowl from where it may be flushed away by operation of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Gary Sutton
  • Patent number: 4974264
    Abstract: A vacuum flush water closet having the bowl, rim and pedestal made of china. The water closet has a self contained flushing water dispensing valve and sewage discharge valve control system operatively mounted around and under the bowl. The water closet is secured to the floor/deck by use of a base mounting plate. The sewage discharge valve is fixedly secured to the underside of the bowl and the said valve is manually opened and spring closed. Flushing water is supplied through a flexible flush tube mounted around the underside of the upper rim of the bowl. The flushing water is directed by a vacuum operated water dispensing valve. The operation of the water dispensing valve is controlled by a 3-way vacuum switch. The sewage discharge valve is manually operated by a foot pedal mounted below and in front of the bowl. The duration of the sewage discharge valve opening time is controlled by the manual operation and release of the foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Michael Brian
  • Patent number: 4932083
    Abstract: An open top basin for receiving urine is inserted into the front portion of a conventional single cavity toilet bowl. The basin has a normally closed valve in the bottom of the basin to release the accumulated urine. A float rests on the surface of the water in the toilet bowl and is connected to the valve. When the toilet bowl is flushed, the water level drops, the float drops and opens the valve to release the accumulated urine into the toilet to be flushed away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: Andrew A. Arozena
  • Patent number: 4928326
    Abstract: A vacuum sewer arrangement comprises a valve controlled air inlet duct to let air into the vacuum sewer at a position downstream of the sewer valve. The sewer valve can then be closed immediately after the sewage has passed into the vacuum sewer, because the air required for the sewage transport is received form the air inlet duct. hence, the amount of air that flows into the sewer through the sewer valve when the sewer valve opens is small, and when the sewer valve is closed, air flows through the air inlet duct into the sewer, which reduces the pressure difference acting on the sewer valve. These measures tend to considerably reduce the noise level. In the case of a vacuum toilet sewer arrangement, the noise level can be further reduced by providing the toilet bowl with a lid forming a substantially airight and soundproof closure at the top of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Oy Wartsila Ab
    Inventors: Henry Olin, Gunnar Lindroos, Sven Oldfelt
  • Patent number: 4908886
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling the flow of a liquid from a liquid pressure line for flushing a toilet bowl comprising a valve interconnecting the liquid pressure line and the toilet bowl. An electrical control generates a first and a second timer period with the second timer period being longer in duration than the first timer period. The electrical control is connected to the valve for opening the valve for the first timer period for flushing a liquid waste from the toilet bowl and for opening the valve for the second timer period for flushing a solid waste from the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: John P. Barrett, Sr.
    Inventors: John P. Barrett, Sr., Daniel R. Schulz, David E. Kent, Robert J. deFasselle, Henry E. Zega
  • Patent number: 4819279
    Abstract: A vacuum toilet system for a vehicle (such as a boat) has numerous advantages. A single pump with valves on opposite sides of it may be used as both the vacuum source and for discharging sewage from a holding tank. Two sets of multiple heads may be selectively connected to two pumps for emergency purposes. The vacuum toilet includes a sealing element with an integral movable valve engaging element including polytetrylflouroethylene and synthetic rubber, and at the same durometer (55-65). The initial passageway provided by movement of the valve with respect to the seal is disposed directly above the center line of an orifice. An anti-siphon valve assembly has a simple construction of a housing with parallel legs and anti-siphon air passage in alignment with one of the legs. A spray nozzle extends from the other legs of the anti-siphon valve assembly. The toilet funnel/orifice is universally connected to conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Sealand Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Sigler, Richard W. Sprang, Ronald J. Bailey, Edward McKiernan
  • Patent number: 4776631
    Abstract: A self-contained sanitary fixture, particularly for a recreational vehicle, comprises a bench supported on a base cooperatively defining a stowage compartment. The bench contains a bowl having an outlet which connects to a tank in the stowage compartment. A valve on the tank controls passage between the bowl and the tank. The valve is itself operated from a knob on the bench through a coupling mechanism. Waste water from the bowl is collected in the tank and is disposed of by sliding the tank out of the stowage compartment through an opening in the RV's sidewall and carrying the tank to a suitable disposal site. The tank incorporates a rotatable pourspout and vent valve to facilitate pouring waste contents out of the tank. The connections between the bowl outlet and the tank and between the knob and valve automatically disconnect upon removal of the tank from the stowage compartment. Similarly they automatically reconnect when the tank is inserted back into the stowage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Sargent, John M. Antos
  • Patent number: 4766622
    Abstract: Disclosed is a peritoneal waste discharge system including a disinfectant storage chamber, a measuring chamber in selectable fluid contact with the storage chamber, a discharge cup in selectable contact fluid with the measuring chamber, a peritoneal bag vertically oriented above the discharge cup, and a conduit having the discharge cup as an input and having a bowl of a conventional toilet as an output. The disinfectant discharge chamber, the peritoneal waste bag, and the conduit are all in alignment with the gravity vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Inventor: Alphonso Pacelli
  • Patent number: 4734943
    Abstract: A self-contained compact pedestal sized marine head comprised of a conventional marine or household size toilet bowl connected to a base which houses an electric motor drivingly connected to a self priming fluid pump. The pump has a single suction water inlet and a first and a second pump outlet. The first pump discharge outlet is fluidly connected via a first pump discharge conduit to the inside of the bowl to act as a rim feed. The second pump discharge outlet is fluidly connected via a second pump discharge conduit to a bowl discharge conduit which is sealingly connected to an opening in the lowermost portion of the bowl. A small nozzle is disposed coaxially within the pump discharge outlet conduit at the point where the end of said outlet conduit joins in fluid communication with the bowl discharge conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Inventors: Melvyn W. Mellinger, Robin McPhail
  • Patent number: 4653125
    Abstract: A portable sanitary facility is disclosed which, in one embodiment is particularly adapted for use by males needing only to relieve themselves of liquid body wastes. A sanitary unit is carried by a trailer to achieve portability between a use station and a disposal site. The sanitary unit includes a main compartment more or less encompassed by a trough with apertures being provided in the compartment walls to drain liquid introduced into the trough into the compartment interior. The main compartment is divided into a plurality of sub-compartments by transverse vertical baffles which include a series of apertures for establishing liquid communication between the subcompartments. The baffles serve to prevent shifting of the liquid load and thus stabilize the trailer during transport to a disposal site. A valved outlet is provided to permit draining the facility at a disposal site. Removable access covers permit entry into the facility interior during fabrication, maintenance and cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Robert M. Porter
  • Patent number: 4631760
    Abstract: An automatic flushing system for use with toilets or urinals which includes a tank having a siphon outlet and a hollow float which has a water access port and an air access port. There is also provided support means for supporting the float for generally vertical movement within the tank. There is also provided a tank inlet and tank inlet valve means which is operated by the support means for controlling flow of water through the tank inlet. There is also provided air access port valve means for controlling flow of air into the float. The support means is suitably characterized to enable the float to reach the intermediate holding level which is lower than the maximum level within the tank. The air access port valve means may also control flow of air through the air access port in such a manner as to provide a water seal associated therewith and a gas lock in the hollow float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventors: Graham W. Leishman, Bruno Minissale
  • Patent number: 4603443
    Abstract: A two-piece portable toilet having sight gauges for the flush water reservoir and holding tank. The sight gauge takes the form of a translucent plastic insert having a highlight formed by a diametral groove which permits the liquid level to be clearly ascertained. The inserts are sealed by induction welding in openings in the wall of the reservoir and holding tank respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Sanitation Equipment Limited
    Inventor: John M. Stewart
  • Patent number: 4578831
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet fixture, and supporting structure therefor, especially well adapted for use on marine vehicles, such as yachts or other pleasure craft. The supporting structure provides extra lateral support for the pedestal upon which the toilet bowl is mounted; in particular, the supporting structure opposes bending moments operating on the pedestal's stem. Additionally, the supporting structure can be made into the form of a closed cover, which is effective to prevent accidental or unauthorized tampering with the plumbing entering and exiting the toilet fixture. This prevents alteration of valve settings in this plumbing. The cover can also prevent dust accumulation on this plumbing, and in the general area at which the pedestal is joined to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Inventors: Mel Mellinger, Robin McPhail
  • Patent number: 4571752
    Abstract: A sanitary device liquid circulation system includes a water supply portion, an additive supply portion and an air supply portion. The water supply portion includes a water source, a selectively renewable water pool, a delivery passage extending from the water source to the water pool and a valve controlling the flow of water from the water source to the water pool. The additive supply portion includes an additive reservoir, a first conduit extending from the reservoir to the delivery passage and metering mechanism disposed along the first conduit. The metering mechanism includes a chamber, a movable piston disposed within the chamber with the piston being movable in response to water flow changes in the water supply portion. The air supply portion includes an electrical motor, an electrical power source for the motor and control mechanism intermittently actuating the motor. Pulsing mechanism is operatively connected to the motor and a pump includes a movable diaphragm responsive to the pulsing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Inventor: Hal W. Bick
  • Patent number: 4547917
    Abstract: A water closet system comprising a lavatory which is connected to a collection tank or mouldering chamber (2) over a discharge piping (3), and a liquid separator (4) interconnected in said discharge piping (3) adjacent and above the tank or chamber (2). The liquid separator (4) comprises an inlet pipe (8) having a widened bottom portion (13), an outlet pipe (9) preferably having a widened top portion (14) and a liquid container which sealingly encloses at least the end portions (13, 14) of said inlet and outlet pipes (8, 9). The diameter (D2) of the top end (14) of the outlet pipe (9) is equal to of larger than the diameter (D1) of the non-widened portion of the inlet pipe (8), and the said diameter (D3) of the bottom end (13) of the inlet pipe (8) is larger than said diameter (D2) of the top portion (14) of the outlet pipe (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventor: Torsten Akesson
  • Patent number: 4547916
    Abstract: A level indicator for a portable toilet comprises a visible indicator on the exterior of the toilet's holding tank, a float mechanism on the tank's interior operable to sense the level of liquid material in the tank, and a magnetic coupling between the float mechanism and the indicator for causing the indicator to be operated to a position corresponding to the level of liquid material sensed by the float mechanism. The indicator is in the form of a wheel journaled on a receptacle in the top wall of the holding tank. A magnet mounts on the wheel in radially spaced relation to its axis. The float mechanism comprises an arm which is operated along an arc in response to changes in the level of liquid material in the tank. The arm has a magnet which swings in a corresponding arc and which confronts the wheel magnet so that the wheel is rotated about its axis as the float arm is operated about its own axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur W. Henke, John M. Antos
  • Patent number: 4527295
    Abstract: A tank flushing apparatus designed in particular to be utilized in conjunction with a toilet waste holding tank. The tank flushing apparatus includes a connector assembly to facilitate attachment to a hose which in turn extends from a source of liquid, such as water. The connector assembly is attached to an elongated conduit, the inner end of which is formed into a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly extends through a hole formed within the holding tank and is constructed also to form a liquid type connection with the tank. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle tip which disperses streams of water at various angles of inclination within the holding tank so as to achieve even dispersement of the liquid for the purpose of the dislodging and moving solid waste matter contained within the tank to then be moved through a drain conduit and discharged exteriorly of the holding tank at a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Inventor: Brian C. Lacore
  • Patent number: 4524500
    Abstract: A ceramic toilet commode intended to be supplied with water by an independent water supply pipe and including a cylindrical rear receiving cavity for the water supply pipe and a horizontal platform in vertical alignment with the rear of the receiving cavity is converted into a toilet commode intended to be supplied with water by an adjoining cistern. This is achieved by boring in the platform a central aperture whose diameter exceeds the diameter of the cavity. Inserted in the aperture is an elbow element which has at one end a flange which bears against the edges of the aperture. The elbow element has a diameter which decreases to the other end thereof so as to permit the insertion of this other end into the receiving cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme des Produits Ceramiques de Touraine
    Inventors: Michel Genetay, Gerard Dangers
  • Patent number: 4521919
    Abstract: A bathroom radio is provided and consists of a housing in the shape of an animal such as a duck to hold a radio circuit within, a pair of suction cup legs, for securing the housing in a place between a toilet tank and a toilet seat cover and a pressure sensitive switch in the flexible bill of an adjustable head of the housing electrically connected to the radio circuit so that when the toilet seat cover is lifted up the cover will press against the pressure sensitive switch to close the radio circuit and when the toilet seat cover is placed back down the pressure sensitive switch will open turning the radio circuit off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Lawrence Molloy
  • Patent number: 4516280
    Abstract: A toilet system comprising a bowl, a treating chamber, a trap connecting the bowl to the treating chamber, said trap containing a bypass to a waste pipe, a conductor connecting the treating chamber to the waste pipe, a macerator in the treating chamber for macerating effluent delivered into the treating chamber, a worm pump in the treating chamber for evacuating effluent from the bowl into the treating chamber and discharging the treated effluent into the waste pipe, a valve connected to the bowl for supplying flush water thereto and control means operable to initiate operation of the pump followed by operation of the valve and stop the pump prior to closing of the valve and wherein, in the event the pump is disabled, discharge from the bowl can be effected through the bypass by delivery of fluid into the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Control Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley M. Tufts
  • Patent number: 4454613
    Abstract: A self-contained, compact towable facility having sanitary components and electrical, water and gas distribution systems with minimum weight, optimum balance and a maximum volume of water adapted to be stored therein and including a frame having an axle and a tow bar adapted to be coupled to a towing vehicle, a multistage potable water storage and drain and waste water collection and isolation system which includes a potable water storage system, adapted to be filled by an exterior source, comprising tanks having a predetermined geometrical shape nad balance over the wheels of a single axle or tandem axle of the trailer or over substantially the midway point between front and rear wheels of a four-wheeled trailer and wherein the tanks are positioned to have the collective center of gravity thereof located at approximately the collective center of gravity of the drain and waste water collection and isolation system, a grey water collection system adapted to receive and collect drain water having a low impurity
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventor: William A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4449258
    Abstract: A water-closet installation is disclosed, which comprises two pans (2, 2'; 20, 20') inside a housing (10) which pans are fixed to a rotary shaft (W; 27), and which, by rotation of the shaft around 180.degree. are movable into each others position. Hereby the upper pan is lowered after utilization and primary rinsing to be fine-washed, disinfected and dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Inventors: Remo Ackermann, Walter Ackermann
  • Patent number: 4439874
    Abstract: A quiet water closet rim and a method for venting air from a rim cavity of a water closet. The rim has a horizontally oriented annular cavity and is selectively supplied with pressurized water by a flush mechanism. A series of perforations in the rim permits the pressurized water within the rim cavity to exit the rim in the form of a spray. The rim is also provided with a vent passageway having an inlet open into an upper portion of the cavity and an outlet open into the atmosphere. As pressurized water fills the cavity, a portion of the air within the upper portion of the cavity is vented through the vent passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Donald C. Schrock
  • Patent number: 4373219
    Abstract: A toilet base containing substantially no ceramic material includes a one-piece plastic bowl with a smooth interior surface and a plastic trap that are mounted within a cast thermoset plastic containing a major amount by weight of one or more fillers such as calcium carbonate, alumina, glass frit and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Gruber Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis A. Garasi, Ronald F. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4359789
    Abstract: A waste disposal system is disclosed which includes apparatus for treating water which has been used for cleaning, washing and for flushing toilets and for disposing of waste products by incineration. The total output of the system to the environment is then reclaimed wash water of tertiary treatment quality plus CO.sub.2 and the ash resulting from the incineration of solid wastes. In alternative embodiments, systems designed for ships, multiple unit dwellings or small communities can operate on a substantially continuous duty cycle with full utilization being made, if desired, of the heat energy required for the incineration process, and for substantially reducing fresh water quantity requirements in all such installations through the use of recirculating toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Monogram Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4338690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic mechanism for flush and raising a toilet seat which permits the seat to be raised automatically to a vertical, non-use position and the wash water to automatically flush the urinal after the occupancy of the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Inventors: Jung H. Hsieh, Jung K. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4333185
    Abstract: A toilet system comprising a bowl, a valve for supplying flush water to the bowl, an attrition chamber to which the effluent in the bowl is transferred by a motor-driven discharge pump connected to the attrition chamber for inducting the effluent from the bowl into the attrition chamber and discharging the treated effluent from the attrition chamber, a power-driven hydraulic attrition impeller within the attrition chamber for effecting hydraulic attrition of the solid matter in the effluent while in the attrition chamber, and a control circuit for effecting sequential operation such that discharge and attrition are commenced substantially simultaneously, followed by introduction of flush water, termination of the discharge, termination of the flush water and, finally, termination of the attrition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: International Water Saving Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter O. Heinze, Wesley M. Tufts
  • Patent number: 4332040
    Abstract: A self-contained, compact towable facility having sanitary components and electrical, water and gas distribution systems with minimum weight, optimum balance and a maximum volume of water adapted to be stored therein and including a frame having an axle and a tow bar adapted to be coupled to a towing vehicle, a multi-stage potable water storage and drain and waste water collection and isolation system which includes a potable water storage system, adapted to be filled by an exterior source, comprising tanks having a predetermined geometrical shape and balance over the wheels forming the axle of the trailer and wherein the tanks are positioned to have the collective center of gravity thereof located at approximately the collective center of gravity of the drain and waste water collection and isolation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Inventor: William A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4321714
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously defecating a urinal by means of foam provided on the inside face thereof is provided. Urine odor is sealed in the urinal and hygienically removed immediately after urination and transferred out of the urinal. The urine is sealed and lubricated by the foam, without the need for a large quantity of water.The urinal is provided with a casing including a foaming tank provided with an air stone and an air delivery pipe therefor, a foam supply pipe connected with the urinal and a water replenishing tank for controlling the level of water within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: Nepon Kabushiki Kaisha (NEPON Inc.)
    Inventors: Souichi Takai, Yukinori Watanabe, Kaname Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4301558
    Abstract: The unit is of the type comprising a vessel which is mounted to be movable between a position of use and a cleaning position. Cleaning means are actuated when the vessel is in its second cleaning position. Programming means co-ordinate the action of means for displacing the vessel and means for actuating the cleaning means in the course of each cycle of operation of the sanitary unit.The programming means comprise detectors for producing signals each of which represents a given situation of the sanitary unit, memory means connected for storing said signals, and relay means connected to the memory means for exciting the control and actuating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Inventor: Jean C. Decaux
  • Patent number: 4271539
    Abstract: A quick-change toilet system capable of being readily converted between a non-flushing toilet and a recirculating flushing toilet is disclosed. The system includes a waste holding tank with an open frame member mounted on the top thereof. The system utilizes a non-flushing toilet cover and a flushing type toilet cover, both of which have a similar locking pin arrangement which permits either type of cover to be removably secured to a locking bar permanently affixed to the frame member. The non-flushing toilet cover includes an opening having a conventional toilet seat and toilet seat cover disposed thereover. The flushing toilet cover, which is of the recirculating variety, is similar to the non-flushing cover but additionally includes a toilet bowl having a flushing fluid outlet. A manually operated pump draws flushing fluid from the waste holding tank through a filter and delivers a quantity of filtered flushing fluid to the toilet bowl for flushing purposes through the flushing fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: Inca-One Corporation
    Inventor: George C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4246925
    Abstract: A sanitary installation in which waste water is conveyed to a pipe system during the simultaneous supply of air. The pipe system includes a generally vertical long length of pipe which is closed at its upper end and open at its lower end. Waste water and air is introduced in the upper part of the pipe whereby air is separated and removed by means of a vacuum pump connected to the upper part of the pipe. Waste water is further collected in the form of a standing liquid column in the lower part of the vertical pipe and is successively caused to flow to a holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Sven Oldfelt
  • Patent number: 4242763
    Abstract: The present invention is a dog lavatory that is installable in a basement, apartment bathroom, or a separate area of a residential home or building. The lavatory comprises a hollow, box-shaped platform having a shield mounted around the top thereof. An endless belt extends across the top of the platform and is moveably mounted for receiving animal wastes and transferring them upon movement to the internal portions of the platform. The internal portions of the platform include a drain and built-in trap area. Piping connectable to the residential plumbing conducts liquid therefrom into a perforated service pipe mounted along the top and bottom portions of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Inventor: John A. Walker
  • Patent number: 4234975
    Abstract: A device is described which, when inserted under the rim of a toilet bowl in contact with the side wall thereof, uniformly distributes water over the surface of the bowl walls. This aids flushing material from the toilet. In many types of toilets, this also reduces the quantity of water required for each flushing operation. The device is flexible whereby installation and removal are facilitated in any shape of conventional toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Inventor: Jewel W. Revels
  • Patent number: 4228554
    Abstract: A toilet for animals includes a user platform on which an animal stands while eliminating body waste which passes through a generally central opening in the user platform. The upper surface of the user platform is inclined downwardly toward the central opening at a shallow angle and a flushing arrangement provides flow of flushing liquid across the upper surface toward the central opening. A splash shield at the front end of the user platform is movable between a generally horizontal storage position and a generally upright operative position. The flushing arrangement provides flow of flushing liquid across the inner surface of the splash shield when the shield is in its storage position. A bowl positioned beneath the user platform receives animal body waste passing through the central opening in the user platform. The flushing arrangement works sequentially by first providing flow of flushing liquid across the upper surface of the user platform and then providing flow of flushing liquid to the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Inventor: Anthony J. Tumminaro
  • Patent number: 4216553
    Abstract: A toilet provided with a flushing device for flushing the toilet bowl, which is equipped with a spraying device at the bottom side of the toilet lid for spray-flushing the toilet bowl after the bowl has been flushed by its normal flushing device. The spraying device has its outlets in a rotatable section preferably rotatable by recoil action exerted by the spray water. A valve is associated with the supply of spray water for turning off the supply of spray water in response to the toilet lid being lifted off the toilet seat. The spraying device has associated therewith a timed valve system which limits each spraying cycle to a set time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Inventor: Walter Haberle
  • Patent number: 4214324
    Abstract: A human waste storage and disposal system for railroads including a toilet bowl, a discharge outlet connected to the bowl, a flushing fluid inlet for flushing the bowl and a vertically disposed receiver coupled to the outlet for receiving the contents discharged from the bowl. A macerator is coupled to both the receiver and a storage tank for withdrawing waste from the receiver, macerating the same and discharging it into the storage tank. Suitable controls are provided for disposing of the macerated waste in the tank in situ or on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1980
    Assignee: Monogram Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Kemper, William I. Mercer
  • Patent number: 4210973
    Abstract: The sanitary unit comprises at least one vessel such as a bowl, basin or a lavatory pan and is intended to be installed in particular in cabins of public or private places such as sanitary installations located in towns or areas in the country such as those provided alongside roads. In this unit the vessel is movable between a position of use and a cleaning position. The unit comprises means for cleaning the vessel when the latter is in its cleaning position and means for controlling the displacement of the vessel between the two positions and means for actuating the cleaning means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Decaux
  • Patent number: 4209034
    Abstract: A backwater tank system is provided for a building connected to a vacuum drain facility wherein the waste water of the building is drained off by gravity feed lines into a collector which is connected to a vacuum drain conduit by means of a pneumatically controlled check valve that opens automatically at a specific maximum water level, and wherein a ventilated backwater tank is connected to the gravity conduit or the collector at a level above the maximum water level in the collector, the capacity of the backwater tank being large as compared with that of the collector. The check valve and the pneumatic control devices therefor are disposed in or on the tank outside the main chamber thereof and preferably in an auxiliary chamber in the tank. The tank, check valve and control device form an integrated pre-assembled unit which includes an inlet connection adapted to be connected to the gravity feed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Assignee: Electrolex GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Michael
  • Patent number: 4202061
    Abstract: In an airplane having a pressurized passenger section, with a lavatory sink. The waste water from the lavatory sink is directed either to a toilet tank where it is stored, or to a drain mast line where it is discharged overboard during in-flight operation. A particular fluidic diverting system is used so that when the pressure differential between the passenger compartment and ambient atmosphere is above a certain level, air from the passenger compartment passes through a vent line to cause the fluidic system to operate in a manner that substantially all the waste water is directed through the drain mast line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Waters
  • Patent number: 4197597
    Abstract: A water economizing system for new or existing buildings where the waste lines of lavatory sinks, showers and clothes washing machines are connected to a storage reservoir for accumulation of water therein. This accumulated water is filtered and treated and thereafter used for the operation of water closets of toilets, the storage reservoir providing for the removal of solids and foam by flushing action at the top and subsequently by the gravitational separation of solids which are periodically flushed from the bottom of the reservoir into the sewer. The pumping action which delivers the accumulated water to the water closets of toilets may optionally be hydraulically operated by a portion of the water drained to the storage reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: The Water-Cyk Corporation
    Inventor: Ed P. Toms
  • Patent number: 4185340
    Abstract: Toilet apparatus that has a plurality of improved features including: a sealing mechanism for closing the bottom opening of a toilet bowl so that the effectiveness of the seal is maintained over extended periods of time, a flushing circuit that has a water reservoir that assures proper depth is achieved in the pool of water that is formed after the sealing mechanism is closed, an over flow tube which assures that the water seal therein is maintained, and a control valve which has an inlet fitting that assures that damage to the valve or related parts does not occur during installation of the toilet apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: Frank T. Sargent, Arthur W. Henke, John M. Antos, John T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4185337
    Abstract: A portable sanitation unit is disclosed of the type having two vertically stacked sections, the lower section being a holding tank and the upper section including a toilet bowl, a water tank for storage of water for flush purposes, and an improved pump apparatus for flushing the toilet bowl, said apparatus comprising an electrically operated pump that can be energized from any suitable electrical source, such as a portable battery, an electrical receptacle in a motor vehicle, a cottage, a marine vessel, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: Frank T. Sargent, John M. Antos, Arthur W. Henke, James T. Embach, Frederick A. Butler, Erin J. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 4183105
    Abstract: A self-cleaning toilet which embodies the combination of an open top toilet bowl and elevated reservoir tank mounted above said bowl, the reservoir tank including a water supply inlet for supplying water to said reservoir tank for discharge to said toilet bowl, and a separate compartment within which a biodegradable chemical or biological substance can be stored, removed therefrom and admixed with water, and the liquid supplied to the toilet bowl to clean, disinfect and deodorize said toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Inventor: Leo K. Womack