Alternate Unicyclic Flush Patents (Class 4/325)
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Patent number: 11111659Abstract: A delay timer for the delayed flushing of a toilet includes a timer mechanism, an external switch, and a retracting device. The external switch is in communication with the timer mechanism. The retracting device has a retractable line and is in communication with the timer mechanism. The retractable line is configured to be connected to a chain or a flapper in a tank of the toilet for flushing the toilet. Wherein, when the external switch is activated, the timer mechanism is configured to delay a set period of time and then communicate with the retracting device to retract the retractable line to flush the toilet after the set period of time from when the external switch was activated.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Inventor: Adam DesErmia
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Patent number: 10364561Abstract: The invention relates to a drain valve for a sanitary flushing cistern, in particular a flush-mounted flushing cistern, including a valve housing and a valve body guided in the valve housing and configured as an overflow pipe having a seal assigned to a valve seat, wherein the valve body is provided with at least one pull tab for lifting the valve body, and one buoyant body.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Viega Technology GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Arens, Frank Fulgoni, Patrick Dietermann
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Patent number: 10184237Abstract: In a discharge valve device, a protuberance penetrates a vertical channel with a raised portion engaging a channel. Thus when an attempt is made to rotate a cylindrical body in the circumferential direction with a raised portion engaging a channel, contact between the protuberance right side surface and the vertical channel restricts rotational movement of the cylindrical body in the circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Hideki Tanimoto, Kenji Hatama
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Patent number: 9976588Abstract: A Toilet Flushing Apparatus Locking Nut System characterized by affixing a rigid rod to a securing nut that contains multiple rod receiving holes. The locking nut system maintains a secured position by means of resistance created when the rod contacts the toilet flushing apparatus's lifting arm, preventing rotational movement of the securing nut to less than 360 degrees. Multiple rod receiving holes within the body of the securing nut afford the ability to adjust the rod's position—to further reduce the securing nut's rotation travel to less than 360 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Inventor: Gary D. Fuduloff
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Patent number: 9896830Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Danco, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
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Patent number: 9689155Abstract: A flush water volume regulator is provided, capable of constraining the occurrence of a buoyancy force acting on a water reservoir, whereby flush water in the water reservoir can be circulated with flush water in a flush water tank outside the water reservoir. The flush water volume regulator 38 of the invention has a water reservoir, being a water reservoir 40 disposed inside this flush water tank 16, capable of storing a predetermined amount of flush water, on which an opening 40a through which flush water within water reservoir 40 and flush water outside water reservoir 40 can pass, and an opening-closing valve 42 for opening 40a during the standby state before starting a flush and for blocking opening 40a or reducing the opening surface area of opening 40a when the water level inside flush water tank 16 is dropping after starting a flush.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Koki Shinohara, Hideki Tanimoto, Jing Chen, Takashi Oogami, Masateru Shiraishi
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Patent number: 9657470Abstract: A toilet flapper valve dual flush system provides a choice of flush durations using flapper valve with a vented buoyancy chamber and an operating system that lifts the flapper valve from a vented side, rather than the center, to provide a simple effective control of the volume of water used.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Inventor: Bill Butterfield
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Patent number: 9650772Abstract: A flush valve system may comprise a rail guide configured to extend between upper and lower portions of the flush valve system in a toilet tank. A float may be slidably coupled to the rail guide and be configured to be received by a reservoir associated with the float. The float may comprise a closed upper surface with a mating pocket and one or more circumferential walls extending from the closed upper surface. A lock mechanism may be slidably received by the mating pocket of the float. The lock mechanism may comprise one or more bias arms to fixedly engage the lock mechanism to the float and one or more locking members to fixedly engage the lock mechanism to the rail guide.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: FLUIDMASTER, INC.Inventors: Michael Lee, Kokon Zhang, JunSheng Chen, Joseph Han
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Patent number: 9637900Abstract: A flush handle assembly for a toilet includes a locking unit having a locking member extending through the wall of the water tank, and a sleeve positions the locking member at the water tank. A shaft extends through the locking member and a flush handle is connected to the first end of the shaft. The second end of the shaft protrudes from the locking member and is connected to a positioning member which is connected with a link. The second end of the shaft has two plates with a slot formed therebetween. The locking member has a groove which is located in the recess of the positioning member and a pin extends through the positioning member and is engaged with the groove of the locking member to connect positioning member to the locking member. The shaft is removed from the positioning member by squeezing the two plates of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Home More Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Li-Fen Yang
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Patent number: 9428895Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventor: Shervin Shokouh Ahmady
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Patent number: 9410311Abstract: The devices and methods described, provide for a dual flush device with a handle sleeve with a rotation stop and a lift arm extending through the handle sleeve with a rotation limiting tab on the lift arm to engage the rotation stop to enable the lift arm to rotate in a first direction through a first arc and to rotate in a second direction through a second arc where the first arc is smaller than the second arc. A dual flush device with a lift arm added to conventional toilet will enable the toilet to perform two different flush actions, a small partial flush for liquid waste, and a second, full flush for solid waste.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Inventor: Sam Akbarpour
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Patent number: 9267275Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: DANCO, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
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Patent number: 9228333Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: DANCO, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
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Patent number: 9080323Abstract: A flush toilet includes a base and a bowl assembly defining a bowl. The bowl assembly is mounted to the base and defines a discharge opening at a lower end of the bowl. A waste ball valve assembly is mounted to the flush toilet for selectively opening and closing the discharge opening of the bowl assembly. A common sealing member operates to seal the bowl to the base and to wipe a ball of the waste ball valve assembly as the waste ball valve assembly is selectively opened and closed. The common sealing member has a generally horizontal portion for wiping the ball of the ball valve assembly and a compressible cylindrical portion upwardly extending from the generally horizontal portion. The cylindrical portion is compressed between the base and the bowl to define a seal therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Thetford CorporationInventors: George Grech, Michael Fritz, Michael Harris, Jason Smith, Steve Meyer, Craig Karagitz, Eric Krupp, Brian Kelly
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Patent number: 9032560Abstract: An actuation mechanism comprising a first handle, a second handle, a housing, a link arm member provided within the housing and pivotally coupled to the handles, and a moveable stop member provided within the housing. The first handle may be mounted to a first side of a toilet tank, and the second handle may be mounted coaxially relative to the first handle on the first side. The housing may be mounted to a second side of the tank. A rotation of one of the first and second handles results in rotation of the link arm member being limited by the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a first amount. Rotation of both the first and second handles results in movement of the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a second amount greater than the first amount.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Tony L. Lambert, Clayton C. Garrels, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Randy O. Mesun
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Publication number: 20150113720Abstract: A drainage fitting (1) for a cistern, including a valve body (2) with a sealing element (4), which cooperates with a valve seat (3), and a float (5), wherein the valve body (2) is movable with the sealing element (4) from the valve seat (3) along a movement axis (B) from a rest position into a flushing position and from the flushing position into the rest position. Furthermore the drainage fitting comprises a full and a part volume control unit which onto the valve body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: GEBERIT INTERNATIONAL AGInventor: Alfred MAHLER
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Publication number: 20150026875Abstract: A dual flush toilet assembly including a locking mechanism that prevents over travel of a piston, thereby preventing inadvertent full flushing when only a partial flush has been selected, yet permits full flushing when so desired. Specifically, a rotatable locking mechanism that prevents the piston from moving fully upwards into the second latched position when a partial flush is desired, yet rotates to an unlocked position to permit the piston to move fully upwards into the second latched position when full flushing is desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventor: Matt VARGAS
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Publication number: 20150020300Abstract: The devices and methods described, provide for a dual flush device with a handle sleeve with a rotation stop and a lift arm extending through the handle sleeve with a rotation limiting tab on the lift arm to engage the rotation stop to enable the lift arm to rotate in a first direction through a first arc and to rotate in a second direction through a second arc where the first arc is smaller than the second arc. A dual flush device with a lift arm added to conventional toilet will enable the toilet to perform two different flush actions, a small partial flush for liquid waste, and a second, full flush for solid waste.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Sam Akbarpour
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Patent number: 8850630Abstract: The devices and methods described, provide for a dual flush device with a handle sleeve with a rotation stop and a lift arm extending through the handle sleeve with a rotation limiting tab on the lift arm to engage the rotation stop to enable the lift arm to rotate in a first direction through a first arc and to rotate in a second direction through a second arc where the first arc is smaller than the second arc. A dual flush device with a lift arm added to conventional toilet will enable the toilet to perform two different flush actions, a small partial flush for liquid waste, and a second, full flush for solid waste.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Inventor: Sam Akbarpour
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Patent number: 8819874Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve structure includes a valve base. A float assembly that is adjustable in buoyancy is movable between a sealing position and a flushing position. An overflow tube is attached to the float assembly and extends from a lower end in communication with a water outflow passage of the valve base to an upper end in communication with the interior space of the toilet tank. The upper end of the overflow tube is adjustable relative to the float assembly independently of the buoyancy of the float assembly. A guide member guides movement of the float assembly. A stop member on the guide member limits upward travel of the float assembly from its sealing position. The stop member is adjustable in position lengthwise of the guide member or by extension of the guide member independently of the buoyancy of the float assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
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Patent number: 8776282Abstract: A toilet fill valve assembly for installation into a toilet tank is described, which includes a supply tube, a valve regulating the flow of water, an actuator to open and close the valve; a vertical transmission shaft with upper and lower stops rotatable around its longitudinal axis between first and second positions; a float moveable upwardly under the buoyance force of water entering the tank to engage the lower stop when the shaft is in its first position and the upper stop when the shaft is in its second position, the movement of the float closing valve when the float engages one of the stops; a controller to move the shaft from its first position to its second position, allowing the float to engage the upper stop and increase the volume of water entering the tank between flushes; and a guide rotating the shaft to its first position upon flushing.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventor: William Matthews Brawner
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Publication number: 20140109306Abstract: A multi-stage water saving toilet includes a toilet bowl, a toilet tank, a flushing device, and a control device includes a drive member, a rechargeable battery, a display, a set and operation unit including a set button, a selection button, an increase button, a decrease button, a test button, a urine flushing button, and an excrement flushing button, a microprocessor for controlling the display and the drive member, a power unit being either deactivated when the set and operation unit is not activated or activated to supply power from the battery to the microprocessor, the drive member, and the display. The toilet can be set to a minimum quantity of water for flushing urine or excrement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventor: Chih-Jen Chuan
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Publication number: 20140041109Abstract: A toilet has an electronic flush assembly operable in either a short or long flush sequence selectable by a user. The long flush sequence includes a pre-rinse cycle and a rinse cycle in which the a supply valve and a flush valve are both opened and closed twice, once each first during the pre-rinse cycle and again during a subsequent rinse cycle. The rim supply valve and the flush valve are opened during the pre-rinse and rinse cycles but are closed at the start and end of each cycle. An electronic control controls operation of the valves as well as water supply control components. Level sensors can also be included to provide feedback to the controller, for example, to prevent overflow conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Joseph Stauber, Peter W. Denzin, Benjamin Marotz
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Publication number: 20140026309Abstract: A toilet flush valve that has a moveable buoyant float therein, wherein the float has an open bottom end to trap air therein and wherein the housing includes controls to selectively release air to allow the float to move upwardly therein to permit flushing. By timing when one or two air vents on the housing are open, the duration and volume of the flush can be controlled, with the buoyancy provided by the water lifting the float to open the flush valve. This provides a flushing system with minimal activation energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventors: TUAN LE, Steve Cook, Adam Sampson
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Publication number: 20130232678Abstract: A dual flush device is disclosed to provide a full flush for removing solid waste and a water-saving partial flush for removing liquid or light solid waste in a toilet. It includes a first flush handle attached to a shaft to raise a lever to open a flapper valve, and a second flush handle that overlaps the first handle and opens the flapper valve through the first handle. A float assembly is disclosed to be used either with the dual flush device or with the original single flush lever assembly to prematurely close an opened flapper valve and reduce water consumption. Using the original flapper valve in a conventional toilet tank, a dual flush function is achieved by any of the three implementation choices: (1) the dual flush device alone; (2) the dual flush device and a float assembly; and (3) a float assembly alone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventor: JAMES T. HAN
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Patent number: 8438670Abstract: A gravity flush toilet system is provides that includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl and a tank, wherein the bowl includes a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowl to a sewage line. The toilet system is capable of operating at multiple flush volumes without loss of siphonic function or significant change in the surface area of the water in the bowl. The multiple flush volumes allow the user to select appropriate water usages for the required waste removal without diminishing the performance of the toilet, resulting in significant water savings.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLCInventors: David Grover, Zheng Chen, James McHale
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Publication number: 20130055497Abstract: The devices and methods described, provide for a dual flush device with a handle sleeve with a rotation stop and a lift arm extending through the handle sleeve with a rotation limiting tab on the lift arm to engage the rotation stop to enable the lift arm to rotate in a first direction through a first arc and to rotate in a second direction through a second arc where the first arc is smaller than the second arc. A dual flush device with a lift arm added to conventional toilet will enable the toilet to perform two different flush actions, a small partial flush for liquid waste, and a second, full flush for solid waste.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventor: Sam Akbarpour
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Publication number: 20120240320Abstract: A dual flush valve (1) comprises a housing (10) having an outlet (2, 36) and a main valve assembly (34) movable within the housing between a raised position in which the valve is open and a lowered position in which the valve is closed. An operating system (14) is actable in response to an input to raise the main valve assembly (34) off its seat (2A) so that it is subjected to an upwards force by immersion fluid entering the outlet. In response to a first actuation input, the operating system exerts a first downward force on the main valve assembly (34) so that the main valve assembly is caused to descend when the fluid in the cistern reaches a first predetermined intermediate fluid level (31) to provide a partial flush.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventor: Douglas Robert David Frost
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Patent number: 8201283Abstract: A toilet tank valve structure comprises a knob unit, a rotatable shaft unit, a pole unit, a whole discharge pull wire, a partial discharge pull wire, a whole discharge assembly, a partial discharge assembly, and a water seal; the knob unit comprising a partial discharge knob and a whole discharge knob; the rotatable shaft unit comprising a shaft core and a shaft sleeve; the pole unit comprising a partial discharge pole and a whole discharge pole; the whole discharge knob being secured to an outer end of the shaft sleeve, an inner end of the shaft sleeve being secured to a first end of the whole discharge pole, a second end of the whole discharge pole being connected to the whole discharge pull wire to link the whole discharge assembly and the water seal; the partial discharge knob being secured to an outer end of the shaft core, the shaft core being inserted into the shaft sleeve, an inner end of the shaft core being secured to a first end of the partial discharge pole, a second end of the partial discharge pType: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Inventors: Andras Ciski, Xian Jin Jeff Zhang
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Patent number: 8151378Abstract: This invention is a toilet flushing system. It consists of a button controlled pressure flushing device, a sealed water tank, a flushing valve, major and minor flushing control valves, an air induce device and a one-way water valve. The characteristic of the system is that the button controlled pressure flushing device has a water-volume adjustable valve, a flushing valve with a sealed cavity which has a water injection pipe and a water release pipe. The inlet and the outlet of the water-volume adjustable valve are connected to the outlet of the one-way water valve and water injection pipe of the flushing valve respectively. The inlets of the major and minor flushing control valve are connected to the water release pipe of the flushing valve. The outlets of the major and minor control valves are linked to the main release outlet which has large diameter and high speed on-off action.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Xiao-Qing Dong
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Patent number: 8141178Abstract: A water flush mechanism has a plunger having a plug and a stem connected to the plug. There is a lower float located around a lower portion of the stem and a middle float located around the stem. There is an upper float located around the stem. The float is connected to an upper portion of the stem so lifting of the float causes the plunger to rise.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Inventor: Steven Charles Hein
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Patent number: 8142572Abstract: A lavatory pan washing apparatus includes a water supply unit supplying washing water into a rim so that a whirling flow is formed in a lavatory bowl, an air inlet pipe connected to a water discharge channel continuing to the downstream side of a water sealing portion of a pan, an air sucking unit sucking air through the pipe from the channel, and a control unit configured to activate the water supply unit at a time of washing of the pan so that the washing water is supplied into the water sealing portion. The control unit is configured to start activation of the air sucking unit after rise of a water level in the lavatory bowl, so that air is sucked through the pipe from the channel. The control unit is configured to deactivate the water supply unit after air has flowed through the air inlet pipe into the channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: LIXIL CorporationInventors: Yasuhiro Shirai, Osamu Matsumoto, Aki Shirako, Haruo Yamasaki, Kenichi Ito, Yasuhiro Kondo, Ken Hirabayashi, Atsushi Ito
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Patent number: 8117687Abstract: A diverter valve including: an inlet port coupled to a refill tube; a first outlet port; a bowl refill tube coupled to the outlet port with its second end adjacent to a toilet tank overflow tube; a second outlet port; a central flow passageway providing a path of fluid communication between the inlet port and the first and second outlet ports, the entrance of the first outlet port and the entrance of the second outlet port being directly opposite one another in the central flow passageway; a poppet in the central flow passageway, the poppet having a raised position obstructing the first outlet port and a lowered position obstructing the second outlet port; an actuating arm, float member and rod coupled to the poppet, wherein movement of the float member translates downward motion of the rod into upward motion of the actuating arm and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventors: Tuan Le, Robert Collin
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Patent number: 8104104Abstract: A dual flush button assembly includes a unitary button with a full flush surface and a partial flush surface. Pressing the partial flush surface moves the button linearly to active a partial flush. Pressing the full flush surface rotates the button to activate a full flush. An extension member beneath the button is coupled to a link of a dual flush valve. The extension member is moved farther when the full flush surface is engaged. The button is configured to pivot with respect to a housing when the full flush portion is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventors: Tuan Le, Bryan Janish
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Patent number: 8087107Abstract: A dual flush valve is provided for refilling fluid in a toilet bowl. The dual flush valve includes a refill mechanism configured to refill the toilet bowl with a substantially same volume of refill fluid for both a full flush and a half flush, a first valve connected to the refill mechanism, the first valve operates to control flow of fluid into a bowl, a fluid input is connected to a first port of the first valve, and a fluid output is connected to a second port of the first valve. The level of fluid in the bowl is refilled to a same level for both a full flush and a half flush.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventors: Tuan Le, Bryan Janish
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Patent number: 8056154Abstract: A device for opening a toilet flushing system, of the type that includes a water cistern fed by a filling tap, and that includes a bottom discharge orifice and a vertical mobile discharge valve element associated with this orifice, which is capable of occupying a low closed position for keeping the water in the cistern or a high open position to discharge the water to a toilet pan, and of the type that includes a float which, when the cistern is full, is submerged to push the valve element towards its open position, and of the type that includes an element for locking the valve element to keep the valve element closed, characterized in that the float is secured to the valve element and in that the locking element includes a vertically mobile locking finger which is capable of being locked or released by an associated latching element.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: CELEC Conception ElectroniqueInventor: Christian Martin
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Patent number: 7996927Abstract: The discharge valve has a valve housing (14) which has an outlet opening with a valve seat (16) and also a closure body (12). A two-quantity actuator (4) has a connecting rod (10) which is connected to the closure body (12) and by means of which the closure body (12) can optionally be raised by different displacement distances. A top activatable partial-quantity float (13) is provided for partial flushing and a bottom, full-quantity float (20), which is mounted in a pivotable manner on the valve housing (14), is provided for full flushing. The full-quantity float (20) has a blocking element (22) which, once partial flushing has been triggered, engages with the closure body (12) and blocks the latter against further displacement. This prevents the situation where, once partial flushing has been triggered, the closure body (12) is raised further and full flushing takes place.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Geberit Technik AGInventor: Alfred Mahler
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Patent number: 7992232Abstract: A device for controlling valve travel of the flush valve of a toilet operated by a rigid linkage rod and for forcibly returning the valve to the closed position. The device may comprise a spring contained within a sleeve. The sleeve has end caps bearing openings for passing the rigid linkage rod entirely through the sleeve and spring. One end cap may be threaded to enable it to compress and immobilize the spring for selectively defeating operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Inventor: Paul A. Stone
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Publication number: 20110167550Abstract: A method of operating a toilet includes: (1) providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl; (b) a tank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; (c) a flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein the flush mode mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode; (2) optionally actuating the flush mode mechanism to select the second flush mode; and (3) flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventor: David Fisher Revelle
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Patent number: 7900290Abstract: A dual flush refill device refills a bowl of a siphonic toilet with adequate supply of refill water in response to either a full or partial flush without wasting the refill water. The device provides a relatively high flow rate of refill water from a refill tube to an overflow tube in response to a partial flush, and a relatively low rate of refill water from the refill tube to the overflow tube in response to a full flush. As a result, the toilet bowl is refilled with a substantially similar volume of refill water regardless of which flush option is selected.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Han
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Patent number: 7865979Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve structure includes a valve base for installation in the outlet hole formed in the floor of a toilet tank and defining a water outflow passage and including a first valve member at the upper end of the water outflow passage. A float assembly is movable relative to the valve base between a sealing position in which a second valve member at a lower end of the float assembly engages the first valve member in sealing relationship and a flushing position in which the second valve member is spaced upwardly from the first valve member. The float assembly includes an outer shell that is open downwards and has a lower edge at which the shell is provided with the second valve member, and a closure member within the outer shell and cooperating with the outer shell to define a float chamber. The closure member is adjustable in position relative to the outer shell, whereby the float chamber is adjustable in volume.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
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Patent number: 7827627Abstract: The present invention provides a two-level flush assembly that can be retrofitted to virtually any toilet with a tank that provides two different water volumes for toilet flushing with a full tank flush for heavy waste and a partial tank flush for light or liquid waste. The flush assembly may use the existing handle and provide tactile feedback for each of the two flush volumes. The two levels of flushing action may be achieved with two independent detent-latch mechanisms, one on each side of the tower, operating on the single toilet flapper. Two independent floats may be utilized, each connected to a release mechanism on either side of the flapper and the water level that supports the float may determine when the flapper is released to close on its seat. The two floats may be set at two different water depths providing a flushing action releasing different volumes of water.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Buildings and Matters, LLCInventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Timothy L. Moulton
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Publication number: 20100218308Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. A gasket is attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket forms a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
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Publication number: 20100107324Abstract: A water flush mechanism has a plunger having a plug and a stem connected to the plug. There is a lower float located around a lower portion of the stem and a middle float located around the stem. There is an upper float located around the stem. The float is connected to an upper portion of the stem so lifting of the float causes the plunger to rise.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Steven Charles Hein
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Patent number: 7673352Abstract: A flush mechanism for a water closet include a housing fixable to a toilet flush tank outlet and a float body removable within the housing for controlling water discharge through the tank outlet. A hydraulic assist valve is disposed within the float body and moveable therein for causing upward opening movement of the float body in order to reduce exterior operational force required to operate the float body.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventor: Feiyu Li
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Publication number: 20100017948Abstract: A dual flush valve includes an outflow pipe, a lower seal, and an upwardly extending guide. A lower flush valve reciprocates on the guide between a lowered position sealing the lower seal and a full volume flush position unsealing the lower seal with respect to the outflow pipe. An upper flush valve reciprocates on the guide between a lower sealed position sealing the upper seal with respect to the lower flush valve, an intermediate partial volume flush position unsealing the upper seal and a higher full volume flush position unsealing the lower seal. An interconnecting lost motion member allows movement of the upper valve between the lower sealed position and the partial volume flush position without disturbing the lower valve, while transmitting additional upward movement of the upper valve to the lower valve to move the lower valve between the lowered position and the full volume flush position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: SELECTAFLUSH LLCInventors: David William Bauer, Bruce M. Okkema
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Patent number: 7581263Abstract: A toilet flush opening device (10) includes a water cistern (12) that includes a lower discharge aperture (14) and a vertical moveable discharging open/close element (16) for this aperture (14), which is able to occupy a closed lower position to keep the water in the cistern (12) or an open upper position to discharge the water into a toilet bowl. The device is characterized in that the open/close element (16) can be urged from its lower position to its upper position by an electrohydraulic actuator (18) which includes a controlled solenoid valve (20), and an expandable hydraulic device (22) that can be supplied with water at pressure by the solenoid valve (20) to urge the open/close element (16) from its closed lower position to its open upper position.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: CELEC Conception Electronique En Abrege CELECInventor: Christian Martin
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Publication number: 20090007323Abstract: A toilet assembly is provided having a bowl assembly having an inlet, a wastewater outlet, and a water supply inlet having an inlet valve. The assembly includes an adjustable metering valve in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the inlet of the bowl assembly, and an accumulator in fluid communication with the inlet valve and disposed upstream of the adjustable metering valve. A fragmentation passage is provided in fluid communication with the wastewater outlet and disposed downstream of the wastewater outlet. The assembly includes jet assembly having an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet valve, and an outlet disposed upstream of the fragmentation passage. The water supply inlet is structured to deliver a quantity of water through the inlet of the bowl assembly, and a quantity of water to the jet assembly to remove wastewater from the fragmentation passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORPInventors: Charles O. Campbell, William E. Wood
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Publication number: 20080295238Abstract: A dual flush toilet system includes a mechanism (22) that permits the flush handles (82,84) to be placed at any location on the toilet tank (12) and even on the top (14) of the toilet bowl if desired. The dual flush valve itself preferably comprises a prior art mechanism (20) attached to a pair of exterior handles (82,84) by means of a cable and wire system (60,64). Rotation of an outer handle (82) causes the main float (42) to rise under the influence of first wire (60) thereby causing a small, or low, volume flush to occur. Pushing down on both handles (82,84) simultaneously causes a float lock (34) to rise which in turn allows a lower float (52) to lift and engage the bottom rim (150) of the float mechanism (20) thereby holding the mechanism (20) up longer and causing the entire contents of the toilet to flush thereby creating a larger volume flush.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2006Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: OAKHURST PROPERTIES, LLCInventors: Edward T. Hawley, Philip J. Blyskal
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Patent number: 7452532Abstract: A method for repairing tissue of a selected organ from among heart, brain, liver, pancreas, kidney, glands, and muscles in a patient's body. Adult stem cells that have the capability to repair tissue of the selected organ are recovered by harvesting from the patient's body. The harvested stem cells are then intraluminally applied through a designated natural body vessel. During the time the stem cells are being applied to the targeted tissue downstream, the designated vessel or duct is selectively occluded to increase concentration and pressure of the applied adult stem cells by the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: SciCoTec GmbHInventor: Eckhard Alt