With Automatic Flush Responsive Means Patents (Class 4/313)
  • Patent number: 11761181
    Abstract: A drawing faucet includes a drawing sensing structure. The drawing sensing structure includes sense marks and a sensor. The number of the sense marks is at least two, they are provided on the drawing hose at intervals along a length direction of the drawing hose. The sensor is configured to sense the movements of the sense marks. During a drawing process of the drawing hose, at least the sense marks at two ends along the length direction can follow the movement of the drawing hose and be sensed by the sensor. The automatic water discharge control unit correspondingly controls the water discharge to change the water discharge strategy according to the sensing signal of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: FUZHOU RAJEYN ELECTRONIC SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junmin Chen, Shijie Peng, Yongshan Chen
  • Patent number: 11572682
    Abstract: A flush toilet apparatus includes a toilet body that includes a rim water spout port, a tank that stores washing water, a rim side water supply channel that supplies washing water to the rim water spout port, a tank side water supply channel that supplies washing water to the tank, a flow channel switching part that adjusts an amount of washing water that is supplied to one or both of the rim side water supply channel and the tank side water supply channel, and an electrical power failure detection part that detects electrical power failure, wherein, in a case where electrical power failure is caused when washing water is supplied to the tank side water supply channel, the flow channel switching part decreases washing water that is supplied to the tank side water supply channel and increases washing water that is supplied to the rim side water supply channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Kashimura, Hiroki Tanaka, Kenji Watanabe, Satoshi Takano, Yoshikatsu Adachi, Koichi Motooka, Yuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11505932
    Abstract: A water supply mechanism includes a switching part that executes switching between water supply and water shut-off, a manual operation valve on the switching part that is capable of a manual operation thereof, and a pushing member that pushes the manual operation valve to provide a valve-closed state. The manual operation valve is pulled in a direction opposite to a pushing direction of the pushing member to provide a valve-opened state. The manual operation valve includes a plunger, an external cylinder member that encloses the plunger, a first engaging point in the external cylinder member, and a fixation part in the external cylinder member that fixes the plunger in the valve-closed state or the valve-opened state. The plunger moves beyond the first engaging point as the manual operation valve is pulled, and is fixed in the valve-opened state as a pull of the manual operation valve is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Kashimura, Hiroki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11105079
    Abstract: A toilet having a first-magnet secured to the terminal end of the toilet's flush-arm and a second-magnet secured to the toilet's lid such that when the lid is in its open or up position, the two magnets align preventing the flush-arm from rotating upward to cause the toilet to flush. Conversely, when the lid is down and the two magnets are separated, the flush-arm can be rotated upward causing the toilet to flush. In another example, a magnet-attracting component, such as iron, cobalt or nickel, can be substituted for one of the magnets. A kit for retrofitting an existing toilet is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Squawk On, LLC
    Inventors: Cooper C. Woodring, Perry J. Saidman
  • Patent number: 11099257
    Abstract: A radar system for sensing object movements in a predefined target region is described. The radar system includes: at least one radar unit which includes at least one transmitting unit designed to emit electromagnetic radiation and at least one receiving unit designed to receive reflected electromagnetic radiation; at least one evaluating unit designed to sense object movements in the predefined target region and, for a sensed object movement, to decide whether the object movement is a sought object movement; at least one covering device behind which the transmitting and receiving units are arranged for protection; and at least one clearing device designed to remove deposits that adhere to or lie on an outer surface of the at least one covering device. The evaluating unit is designed to determine whether deposits are present on the outer surface or not and to decide whether the clearing device becomes activated or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: GEOPRAEVENT AG
    Inventors: Lorenz Meier, Dominik Jäger, Bernhard Lüthi
  • Patent number: 11085658
    Abstract: A sensor-based ventilation system includes a sensor, a ventilation device, and a controller. The controller receives a first indication from the sensor related to toilet usage or a humidity level within a room. The controller also sends a first instruction to actuate the ventilation device to initiate or increase ventilation of the room based on the first indication. The controller further receives a second indication from the sensor related to the toilet usage or the humidity level within the room changing after sending the first instruction. controller sends a second instruction to actuate the ventilation device to stop or reduce ventilation of the room based on the second indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventor: John Andrew Weems
  • Patent number: 10975556
    Abstract: A tank-less automatic flush toilet includes a toilet stool, a pipe unit, an electric switching valve, a manual switching valve, and a sensor control unit. The pipe unit includes a flow-in pipe, a flow-out pipe which is upstream of a toilet bowl of the toilet stool, a first bypass pipe which is fluidly connected to the flow-in pipe, and a second bypass pipe which is fluidly connected to the flow-out pipe. The electric switching valve is connected in series between the flow-in and flow-out pipes. The manual switching valve is connected in series between the first and second bypass pipes. The sensor control unit is disposed for controlling the switch of the electric switching valve between a blocked state and a communicated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Tien-Shou Tsai
  • Patent number: 10968114
    Abstract: A device, system, and processor-readable medium for untreated grey water treatment and reuse are disclosed. Untreated grey water entering a building's plumbing system is tested for recyclability before it routes for treatment and reuse or disposal through a building's sewer line. Certain sensors decide how to route the untreated grey water through treatment in the device. Treatments to untreated grey water could include multi-level filtration and heating/cooling cycles for a prescribed time period to produce treated grey water meeting EPA-approved standards. Once treated, the treated grey water is routed to treated grey water tanks where it is stored for later use in a building's toilets and landscaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Marcos Vielma
  • Patent number: 10883261
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing waste (including liquid, solid, and mixed waste) without using a sink, worktop, or countertop disposal feature. Specific examples provide particular use in connection with an aircraft or other vehicle galley, lavatory, or any other location in which waste that requires disposal is generated. The disclosed embodiments may be installed in an initial galley or lavatory, or they may be used to retrofit an existing environment, such that an entire new disposal system or new sink footprint is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Goeschel, Martin Pieramico, Thomas Lee, James W. Pomeroy, Mohan Mittur
  • Patent number: 10837162
    Abstract: A toilet device includes a toilet main body, a base plate-which is provided on an upper portion of the toilet main body and on which a functional unit is mounted, and a cover which covers the base plate from an upper side such that the functional unit is accommodated. The cover has a protrusion portion that protrudes further downward than the base plate and that is positioned closer to a toilet bowl of the toilet main body than the base plate. A recess portion, which communicates with the toilet bowl and is open to the upper side, is formed in the toilet main body. The base plate is arranged on the recess portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: LIXIL Corporation
    Inventors: Isato Hirasawa, Saori Ichihara, Kentarou Tsuji, Hiroto Kutsuzawa, Tomoya Sasaki, Hiroaki Watanabe, Yuji Nakayama, Tsunaki Itou, Miyoko Tateishi
  • Patent number: 10801193
    Abstract: A control system provided is suitable for use in the automated and/or digitized flushing systems with at least one reservoir for the collection of the water to be used in cleaning the toilet bowl, wherein the discharge of the water is realized automatically by at least one sensor and/or digitally by a discharge button operating in a touch-operated manner, and the control system has—a normal mode in which the water is discharged every time the discharge button and/or the sensor is/are triggered and a locking mode in which the discharge of the water within the reservoir is prevented every time the discharge button and/or the sensor is/are triggered. Owing to the control system and the method of operation disclosed herein, it is possible to regulate the operation of a flushing system according to need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventors: Bo{hacek over (g)}aç Şimşir, Fatih Gerenli, Sefa Hazir
  • Patent number: 10385559
    Abstract: A toilet monitor uses a toilet tank water level sensor producing a toilet tank water level measurement signal. A processor detects rate of change of the measurement signal and conditionally produce a responsive actuation signal in response to the detected rate of change. A transducer connected to receive the actuation signal and transmit information, provide a humanly-perceptible indication, generate a data log and/or control an electronic water supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: H20 Connected, LLC
    Inventors: Eric L. Canfield, Scott J. Soma
  • Patent number: 10358806
    Abstract: A toilet with voice command unit includes a base, a piping unit and a control unit. The base includes a first space and a second space. The piping unit is located in the first space and includes an inlet pipe, at least one outlet pipe and at least one electro-magnetic valve. When the at least one electro-magnetic valve is activated, the at least one outlet pipe is opened to flush the toilet. The control unit includes a voice command processing unit which receives at least one voice command from the user, and verifies the at least one voice command, and generates at least one voice command signal to activate the at least one electro-magnetic valve so that the at least one outlet pipe is opened to flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventors: Yi-Wen Tang, Jui-Chi Tang
  • Patent number: 10136776
    Abstract: A toilet apparatus according to an embodiment includes a human body detector and a controlled part. The toilet apparatus is mounted to a toilet. The human body detector radiates a radio wave and detects a human body based on the signal that is obtained. The human body detector outputs a control signal based on the detection result. The controlled part is controlled based on the control signal. The human body detector has two or more establishment times from when the signal is obtained until when the detection result based on the signal is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Yuta Tanogashira, Shoichi Tsuiki
  • Patent number: 10125483
    Abstract: A sanitary washing device according to an embodiment includes a toilet seat, a main part, and a radio wave sensor. The toilet seat is provided on a toilet. The toilet seat is pivotally supported by the main part. When the toilet seat is closed, the user in front of the main part is detected by the radio wave sensor in a first region, and in a second region higher than the first region. When the toilet seat is open, the user in front of the main part is not detected in the first region by the radio wave sensor, but the user in front of the main part is detected in the second region by the radio wave sensor. The position of the radio wave sensor is not changed between the state in which the toilet seat is open and the state in which the toilet seat is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Shoichi Tsuiki, Yuta Tanogashira, Takeshi Yasugata, Kenichi Okamoto, Masami Tsujita
  • Patent number: 10066379
    Abstract: A portable restroom includes an automatic continuous flushing feature and a touchless flush request sensor. An automatic light provides welcome lighting in darker locations. An electric fan increases ventilation and reduces odor and temperature in the restroom. Sensors monitor various levels and usage of consumables. A processor monitors the sensed data and wirelessly alerts a service provider when the restroom needs service. A flushing bowl is placed in the commode opening to hide the waste within the tank. The flushing bowl includes a relatively small opening in a forward portion of the inner bowl surface for waste to pass through. A spray nozzle for directing water over the interior of the bowl is provided to minimize the chance that waste sticks to the inner bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Satellite Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Schomburg, Ronald J. Holmstadt
  • Patent number: 9938703
    Abstract: A drain valve device based on capacitive sensing for a water tank of a toilet includes a drain valve disposed in the water tank of the toilet to control the water tank to drain water; a capacitive sensing control module that opens the drain valve; and an assembly fixture used to connect the capacitive sensing control module to the drain valve to make the capacitive control module and the drain valve form an integration. The assembly fixture connects the capacitive sensing control module and the drain vale to form the integration, so that during assembly of the drain valve, the capacitive sensing control module is affixed to the toilet water tank at the same time. Thus, assembly is simple and convenient, and there is no need to dispose an assembly hole in the water tank cover so the structure is simpler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Dong Peng, Xingyi Yu
  • Patent number: 9882451
    Abstract: An automatic flush sensing assembly has a driving device, a handle and a securing member. The hook end of the securing frame of the driving device is hooked onto the tank and the assembling aperture of the housing faces the assembling hole of the toilet tank. The handle is attached onto the front sleeve, the outer thread is inserted from outside the tank through the assembling hole and the assembling aperture of the housing, the signal cable of the sensor is connected to the power supply and the motor in the housing, and the rear sleeve connected to the linkage member and the control rod is inserted through the assembling aperture. The semi-circular portion of the handle is placed in the inner groove of the linkage member and the control rod is placed above the arm of the switch. Finally, the cover is placed to cover the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: KING FAVOR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hui-Huang Lin
  • Patent number: 9790675
    Abstract: A double flow control mechanism of a soft touch drain valve and a double flow control method, includes a base, a float component and a starting component. The base is assembled with a valve body. The float component is has a flowing passage and can move relative to the base to open and close the drainage opening. The flowing passage connects the inside and the outside of the float chamber of the float component. The starting component controls the size of the flowing passage. The first starting switch can open a smaller flowing passage of the float component; the resultant force drains a first drainage volume of water. The second starting switch can open a larger flowing passage of the float component; the resultant force drains a second drainage volume of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: XIAMEN R&T PLUMBING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haibin Chen, Rongyu Zhang, Zhijun Zhong, Ruiliang Chen
  • Patent number: 9783975
    Abstract: Toilet assemblies having various embodiments of a cleaning system are described herein which include a toilet assembly and a cleaning system. The toilet assembly has a toilet bowl, a toilet tank, a flush valve, a rim inlet port and a rim flow path (which may be an isolated rim path) extending from an outlet of the flush valve to the rim inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: AS IP HOLDCO, LLC
    Inventors: Christophe Bucher, David Grover, Ronald Barndt, Frank Seggio, James McHale, Chris Cicenas, Matthew O'Kelly
  • Publication number: 20150107008
    Abstract: A system of controlling a flush toilet, which includes a first flushing channel and a second flushing channel, and the system contains: a depressurizing valve including an inlet connecting with an inlet pipe fitting, a first outlet, and a second outlet; a first water-supply pipe fitting employed to supply water from the first outlet toward the first flushing channel; a second water-supply pipe fitting applied to supply the water from the second outlet toward the second flushing channel; a first solenoid valve controlled to start and stop the first water-supply pipe fitting. The system also contains a second solenoid valve controlled to start and stop the second water-supply pipe fitting; a water pressure sensor for sensing a water pressure in the depressurizing valve and transmitting a pressure signal; and a control unit for receiving a flushing signal started by a user and the pressure signal from the water pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chungyu KUO, Mingchia Wu, Xuanzong Chen
  • Patent number: 8997268
    Abstract: A control system for a flush toilet includes a water delivery device for delivering a source of flush water to a bowl. The control system includes a controller and a user interface. The controller is operative to control the toilet through a flush sequence in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a predetermined amount of water to the bowl. In the second mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a user adjustable amount of water to the bowl. The user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting between the first mode and the second mode. Where the toilet is a macerator toilet, the controller monitors current draw unit when the current draw satisfies a predetermined current condition. The controller may operate in a normal mode and a lockout mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Miller, Ricky L. Danks, Julian N. Smith, Daniel Delaney, George Grech, Forrest D. Butterwick
  • Patent number: 8984675
    Abstract: An adapter includes an interface module that receives signals from a first sensor that indicate a first fill status of a holding tank. A control module of the adapter generates a control signal based on the first fill status. The toilet is at least partially controlled by a toilet control module that restricts a flush capability of the toilet based on the control signal. An isolation module of the adapter isolates the interface module and the control module from at least one of voltage and current fluctuations that are external to the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: James Miller, Rick Danks, Ian Vivero
  • Publication number: 20150074893
    Abstract: A flush toilet includes a bowl, a tank coupled to the bowl, a flush valve positioned within the tank, and a flush device configured to initiate a flush cycle. The automatic toilet further comprises an electronic sensing assembly having a sensing member positioned on the bowl for detecting an overflow condition of the bowl, an overflow device operably coupled to the flush device, and a controller in electronic communication with the electronic sensing assembly and the overflow device for controlling the flush device in response to a condition of the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Veros, Kurt Judson Thomas, Robert W. Rodenbeck, Garry Robin Marty, Derek Allen Brown
  • Publication number: 20150020299
    Abstract: A smart toilet with multi sensing fields comprises a toilet body, two or more proximity capacitive sensing electric field means and a flushing control unit. A toilet body, comprising a bowl face which forms a bowl area, and a and a cavity arranged inside the toilet body. The two or more proximity capacitive sensing electric field means, which are arranged in the cavity; an proximity capacitive sensing electric field is formed around the proximity capacitive sensing electric field means; said proximity capacitive sensing electric field means individually generate proximity capacitive sensing information according to a change of the electric field energy caused by the proximity capacitive sensing electric field corresponding to a sensed object. The flushing control unit, which receives the proximity capacitive sensing information, and controls the bowl area flushing according to one or more logic operation results in the received proximity capacitive sensing information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: CHING-YEN HSU
  • Publication number: 20150013054
    Abstract: An apparatus and method or a toilet which minimizes water usage and can handle urine and fecal matter. An ultrasonic vibration unit is disposed to clean at least one fecal plate which is rotated into a lower part of a toilet bowl. Occasional and periodic flushing of solid fecal matter results in less water usage than utilizing water flushing for cleaning and carrying away of solid fecal matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Walter Ho
  • Publication number: 20140304902
    Abstract: The smaller volumes of water currently required to flush toilets and urinals may be insufficient to clear the fixtures and the drainage lines to which they are connected of waste and other undesirable materials, which can build up over a period of flushes or non-use. A flush valve control device programmed or otherwise configured to provide a selectable, periodic heavier flush volume of water after a predetermined number of low volume flushes and/or after a predetermined period of inactivity of the toilet or urinal can provide for sufficient drainage line carry-out of waste and prevent undesirable buildup of minerals, etc. on the inside surfaces of the fixtures and drainage pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Seggio
  • Publication number: 20140245532
    Abstract: The present utility model relates to a vacuum breaker, an automatic flushing system for toilet having the vacuum breaker, and an electric bidet toilet having the automatic flushing system for toilet. The vacuum breaker comprises a body and a. cover which cooperate to define a cavity, the body being integrally formed with an inlet pipe section which defines a water inlet and an outlet pipe section which defines water outlet, the cover being formed with an air port, wherein a tip portion of the inlet pipe section extends into the cavity in a direction towards the air port. The length of the tip portion of the inlet pipe section which extends within the cavity is greater than half of the height of the cavity. According to the present utility model, because the tip portion of the inlet pipe section extends almost throughout the cavity of the vacuum breaker, the level of the water inlet is elevated, so that the CL (critical level) line is raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: DURAVIT AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Zhixiong PING, Weimin YING
  • Publication number: 20140237712
    Abstract: An emergency flush apparatus for a toilet includes a flush driver module, a battery, and a processing unit operatively connected to the battery and the flush driver module. The emergency flush apparatus further includes a flush switch operatively connected to the battery and the processing unit, and a primary power supply operatively connected to the flush driver module. When the flush switch is activated, the processing unit detects a state of the flush driver module. Power is then supplied to the flush driver module from one of either the primary power supply or the battery in response to the detected state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Cao Dan, Zhu Minghui, Zhang Jie, Wang Yingfeng
  • Publication number: 20140208496
    Abstract: An automatic flushing system for toilet and an electronic bidet toilet having the same are disclosed. The automatic flushing system for toilet has as overflow passage connecting an overflow port of a tank or a vacuum breaker to a toilet bowl. The overflow passage includes a first overflow line having a first end fixedly connected to a tank overflow port and a second end fixedly connected to a rim outlet of the toilet bowl, and a second overflow line having a first end fixedly connected to a vacuum breaker overflow port and a second end fixedly connected to a jet outlet of the toilet bowl. According to the present utility model, the overflow problem of the water and vacuum breaker is solved and generation of bubbles in the vacuum breaker during overflowing is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: DURAVIT AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Long CHEN, Zhixiong PING, Weimin YING
  • Patent number: 8789808
    Abstract: The urinal with operation controlled via a replica of a motorcycle handlebar is a wall-mounted fixture configured to control the use of the flush valve of said urinal, or toilet, or other plumbing fixture. The replica motorcycle handlebar includes a linkage that runs from the throttle portion of the motorcycle handlebar to the flush valve of said urinal such that upon simulation of a throttling gesture shall pull said flush valve upwardly in order to flush the respective urinal or plumbing fixture. The replica motorcycle handlebar includes a motion sensor that upon detection of a person shall communicate an audio recording of a motorcycle noise. The replica motorcycle handlebar includes mirrors, turn signals, and a horn switch. Throttling motion of the throttle portion may also prompt an additional audio recording of a motorcycle engine being revved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony J. Moley
  • Publication number: 20140182054
    Abstract: A bathroom flusher includes a flusher body, a valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a flusher cover. The flusher body includes an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to accommodate the valve assembly that controls water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat providing a sealing action based on applied pressure on the valve assembly. The bathroom flusher also includes an external cover designed for enclosing an electronic control module comprising a battery, a sensor, and an actuator for controlling operation of the flush valve, wherein the external cover includes at least two cover parts separately removable, and wherein the external cover is attachable with respect to the valve body in a manner also allowing removable attachment of the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Martin E. Marcichow, Natan Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert
  • Publication number: 20140101836
    Abstract: Methods for communicating with an automatic flush valve device. The automatic flush device having a variety of operational modes which can be selected from to control the operation of the device. The communication from the automatic flush device providing a user with information regarding the status of the flush valve device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SLOAN VALVE COMPANY
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Xu Wang
  • Publication number: 20140026308
    Abstract: A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Peter J. Jahrling
  • Patent number: 8635717
    Abstract: Methods for communicating with an automatic flush valve device. The automatic flush device having a variety of operational modes which can be selected from to control the operation of the device. The communication from the automatic flush device providing a user with information regarding the status of the flush valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Xu Wang
  • Patent number: 8615821
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided for coupling a drive shaft with a drive arm of an actuator for use with an automatic toilet flushing system, wherein the drive shaft is adapted for rotation via a motor in the actuator. The clutch assembly includes a rotatable body extending between the drive shaft and the drive aim and having a first engaging member. A clutch disk is secured to the drive shaft and includes a second engaging member adapted for cooperating with the first engaging member of the body. A fastener secures the clutch disk to the drive shaft and a biasing member is provided for biasing the body toward the clutch disk. The body is adapted to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member should a predetermined torque on the drive shaft be exceeded to disengage the first and second engaging members and prevent damage to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Funari
  • Publication number: 20130318699
    Abstract: A water conservation device for use within a toilet is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector having a base adapted for connectivity and placement adjacent to a traditional pole assembly and proximate to an opening valve within a tank of the toilet. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a flexible pressure arm integrally formed with the connector base and adapted to couple to the opening valve within the tank of the toilet and adapted to provide a pressure to the opening valve to lessen overall water utilized in each flush of the toilet and thereby conserve water. The water conservation device is adapted for either a total or partial flush of the toilet as selected by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Shervin Shokouh Ahmady
  • Patent number: 8556228
    Abstract: A bathroom flusher includes a flusher body, a valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a flusher cover. The flusher body includes an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to accommodate the valve assembly that controls water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat providing a sealing action based on applied pressure on the valve assembly. The bathroom flusher also includes an external cover designed for enclosing an electronic control module comprising a battery, a sensor, and an actuator for controlling operation of the flush valve, wherein the external cover includes at least two cover parts separately removable, and wherein the external cover is attachable with respect to the valve body in a manner also allowing removable attachment of the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Martin E. Marcichow, Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert
  • Patent number: 8549677
    Abstract: A control device for automatic water discharge installed at position where water is discharged in apparatus for automatic water discharge in a kitchen and sanitary environment is provided. The device comprises a housing, a sensor unit disposed inside the housing, a water discharge unit, and an electromagnetic valve assembly. The housing comprises a first holding chamber configured to receive the sensor unit, a second holding chamber configured to receive the electromagnetic valve assembly, a third holding chamber configured to receive the water discharge unit, and a water intake chamber. The sensor unit comprises a circuit board and a sensor set at the circuit board. The circuit board is provided with a processor. The electromagnetic valve assembly comprises an electromagnetic valve electrically connected with the circuit board and a diaphragm unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Weigen, Def Xiong
  • Publication number: 20130186196
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce cross-talk between multiple capacitive sensors used in an electronic toilet and between multiple capacitive sensors used in an electronic faucet and an electronic soap dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: MASCO CORPORATION OF INDIANA
  • Patent number: 8434172
    Abstract: A flush valve utilizes a sensor to determine how close a user is to a toilet to determine whether to utilize a longer flush with more water to remove, typically, solid waste or a shorter flush with less water to remove, typically, liquid waste. If a user is in a zone that is closer to the toilet, a longer flush is deemed necessary and if a user is in a zone farther from the toilet, a shorter flush is deemed necessary. Users sometimes move between one zone or the other and the flush valve determines whether a user spends more or less time in the zones to determine whether to provide a shorter or a longer flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Canada Limited
    Inventors: Bart Nowak, Xan Vy Du, Frank A. Stauder, Jeff Belz
  • Publication number: 20130061380
    Abstract: An automatic bathroom flusher includes a body having an inlet in communication with a supply line and an outlet in communication with a flush conduit, a valve assembly in the body positioned to close water flow between the inlet and the outlet upon sealing action of a moving member at a valve seat thereby controlling flow from the inlet to the outlet, an actuator for actuating operation of the moving member, and a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Gregory P. Greene
  • Patent number: 8387171
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microflush urinal that includes a piece of chinaware in fluid communication with a pre-existing water supply and a waste removal conduit. A valve means in electrical communication with each of a sensor means and a fluid manifold effects delivery of incoming fluid to a water delivery means. The water delivery means is desirably a nozzle means selected from one of a plurality of fluidic nozzles that delivers pressurized water through an ingress defined in a rear wall of the chinaware. The nozzle desirably oscillates water for full coverage of the urinal's rear and side walls. A tarp portion that aesthetically obstructs the ingress assumes a generally scalloped shape to optimize the water distribution along the urinal's rear and side walls. At least one trough is integrated into one or more urinal sidewalls to guide water from the nozzle toward the waste removal conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Farber, Alan Romack, Greg Russell, Aland Santamarina, Keith Schloer, Steven Crockett
  • Patent number: 8370969
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectable characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Limit, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Bowcutt, Ahmed Shishegar, Matthew Ibarra, Daniel L. Corbin, Dennis Repp, Robert M. Connell, Oscar Dufau, Gregory Blake, Sam Iravantchi
  • Publication number: 20120317709
    Abstract: An automatic flush apparatus for converting a manual flush toilet to an automatic flush toilet, and including a sensor for being mounted on an exterior wall of a tank of the toilet for detecting a condition predetermined to initiate a flush operation of the toilet. A signal transmitter conveys a signal indicating the occurrence of the condition, and a motor is provided for being positioned in the tank for receiving an electric current indicative of the condition from the signal transmitter. A flush valve is positioned proximate a bottom wall of the tank and is operatively connected to the motor for being opened by the motor upon receipt by the motor of the electric current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: B. O. & M. M. Enterprises, LLC.
    Inventor: David Trent Oates
  • Publication number: 20120266373
    Abstract: A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Peter J. Jahrling
  • Publication number: 20120246814
    Abstract: A solar auto-sensing outlet valve without a use of batteries and adapted circuit structure thereof comprises at least one solar board and an outlet valve body. The solar board is disposed near a light source for converting light into electricity and is electrically connected with the outlet valve body via a guiding line, facilitating to a normal operation of a sensor and an electromagnetic valve inside the outlet valve body. For the outlet valve body, the use of batteries or an electrical connection with any commercial powers is unnecessary for reducing the energy consumption and environmental sufferings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Su HUANG
  • Publication number: 20120222205
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8234724
    Abstract: A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Peter J. Jahrling
  • Patent number: 8205275
    Abstract: An external automatic flush helper comprises a housing and fixing means for fixing the housing onto a toilet tank. Within the housing there are provided with a DC power supply, a controller powered by the DC power supply, an infrared sensor and a motor connected with the controller, and an actuating mechanism connected with the motor. An end actuator of the actuating mechanism is arranged in alignment with the button of the toilet tank. The end actuator can be actuated and move out of an opening in the housing when a user status is detected by the infrared sensor, and thus press the button of the toilet tank. Therefore, automatic flushing can be achieved contactlessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Leung Sik Yuen