Plural Flush Valves Patents (Class 4/326)
  • Patent number: 10895069
    Abstract: An automatic flush toilet includes a toilet stool with a toilet bowl, a water tank unit, a first discharge member, a second discharge member, a pipe unit, a flush valve, a manual actuating unit, an electric switching valve, and a sensor control unit. The electric switching valve is controlled by the sensor control unit to permit water discharged from the first discharge member to flush the toilet bowl. The flush valve is controlled by the manual actuating unit to permit water discharged from the second discharge member to flush the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Tien-Shou Tsai
  • Patent number: 10676904
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes toilet flappers having an adjustable length cord. For example, the present disclosure describes a toilet flapper having a body and two arms. The body has a top surface and a bottom surface. On the top surface, there is a raised portion housing a cord, a locking mechanism, and a spring. In order to install the toilet flapper, a user can grab a hook attached to the end of the cord and pull enough of the cord out of the raised portion so that the user can attach the hook to, for example, a flush lever. Afterwards, the user can press down on the raised portion in order to activate the locking mechanism and prevent any more of the cord from being pulled back into the raised portion by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: STP INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Sean McCormack
  • Patent number: 10370838
    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: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Bucher, David Grover, Ronald Barndt, Frank Seggio, James McHale, Chris Cicenas, Matthew O'Kelly
  • Patent number: 10323398
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for preventing a toilet from running. The apparatus comprises a hollow, cylindrical tube, with a diameter at least slightly larger than the chain of a toilet tank. The toilet chain is run throughout the tube, fixing critical links of the chain in place. This is desirable to prevent the chain from catching on the toilet piston or rod, both of which are leading causes of toilets running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventors: Greg Dionne, George Dionne
  • Patent number: 9605418
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a dual flush toilet that includes a rotatable pivot pin including a body and an extension extending outwardly from the body; a first lever configured to contact the extension after a predetermined rotation of the first lever, such that continued rotation of the first lever rotates the pivot pin a first rotation to actuate the first flush mode; and a second lever configured to contact the extension after a predetermined rotation of the second lever, such that continued rotation of the second lever rotates the pivot pin a second rotation to actuate the second flush mode; wherein the first rotation is different than the second rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Tony L. Lambert, Clayton C. Garrels, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Randy O. Mesun
  • Patent number: 9220658
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for tempering the temperature of a liquid in a fluid conducting system. More particularly, the invention relates to tempering the temperature of water supplied to a fixture from a water heater in a fluid conducting system. In some embodiments, the invention includes a restrictor for decreasing the fluid pressure in one of the hot inlet or cold inlet of the mixing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Magarl, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Eveleigh, Gary Cook
  • Patent number: 8881320
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Matt Vargas
  • Publication number: 20120317710
    Abstract: A water-saving toilet contains a base including a cavity, an outlet, a U-shaped tube, a cushion, a stopping member, and a flush button; the stopping member including an inlet pipe to connect with a first flow pipe and a second flow pipe, the first and the second flow pipes respectively including a plurality of outflow holes; wherein lengths of the first and the second flow pipes are equal when flushing the water, the water flows from the stopping member to the cavity via a first predetermined section of the first flow pipe without the outflow holes, and on a second predetermined section of the second flow pipe relative to a third predetermined section of the first flow pipe with the outflow holes is not provided with the outflow holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: TUNG- CHOU, SHIAO
  • Publication number: 20120260412
    Abstract: A toilet valve float adjustment assembly, including: a dual flush valve; a pair of floats disposed within the dual flush valve, wherein the vertical position of one of the floats determines the flush volume for a full flush and the vertical position of the other float determines the flush volume for a partial flush; a pair of adjustment mechanisms, wherein each adjustment mechanism adjusts the vertical height of one of the floats; and a pair of locking mechanisms, wherein each locking mechanism inhibits movement of one of the adjustment mechanisms, thereby keeping its float at a preferred vertical height when locked, and wherein the adjustment and locking mechanisms are controlled at the top of the dual flush valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Vargas, Zaafir Kherani, Tom Stout
  • Publication number: 20120260413
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventor: Matt Vargas
  • Patent number: 8205276
    Abstract: A dual flush volume pressurized flush device. A pressurized tank includes a tray for controllably retaining water during a flush event. The tray retains a certain volume of water when a reduced flush is activated, such that the entire volume of the tank is not flushed. In a full flush event, the activation causes substantially the entire volume of the tank to be flushed, including the volume of water inside the tray. A controllable water retention tray valve is positioned in the tray and provides a controllable release for the water in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Ming Ge, Amer Mansour, Jerry Sobolewski, Phil Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20110265257
    Abstract: A dual flush volume pressurized flush device. A pressurized tank includes a tray for controllably retaining water during a flush event. The tray retains a certain volume of water when a reduced flush is activated, such that the entire volume of the tank is not flushed. In a full flush event, the activation causes substantially the entire volume of the tank to be flushed, including the volume of water inside the tray. A controllable water retention tray valve is positioned in the tray and provides a controllable release for the water in the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Ming Ge, Amer Mansour, Jerry Sobolewski, Phil Wenzel
  • Patent number: 7975324
    Abstract: A dual flush volume pressurized flush device. A pressurized tank includes a tray for controllably retaining water during a flush event. The tray retains a certain volume of water when a reduced flush is activated, such that the entire volume of the tank is not flushed. In a full flush event, the activation causes substantially the entire volume of the tank to be flushed, including the volume of water inside the tray. A controllable water retention tray valve is positioned in the tray and provides a controllable release for the water in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Ming Ge, Amer Mansour, Jerry Sobolewski, Phil Wenzel
  • Patent number: 7958576
    Abstract: A toilet is designed and constructed to accommodate the physically challenged persons. The toilet has a wider sitting area to accommodate person of various sizes. The toilet also includes a pair of handles for assisting a person in getting on and off the toilet. The flushing action is accomplished by pulling flush knobs located in the handles while the person is sitting on the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: William C. Johnson, Phyllis Rehmar
  • Patent number: 7921481
    Abstract: A toilet bowl flush device where the quantity of water to be discharged can be accurately quantified is provided where a cistern can be reduced in size. The toilet bowl flush device for discharging flush water in a cistern has a water discharge pipe for toilet bowl flushing, where the toilet bowl flush device has a water intake pipe with a water intake opening within the cistern and a water discharge start valve for introducing priming water, that starts the water discharge into the water intake pipe. Further, a trap for forming an air stagnation section is positioned in the middle of the water intake pipe midway between the water intake opening and the water discharge start valve with the position of the air stagnation section being formed at a higher relative position than that of the water intake opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kimura Corporation
    Inventors: Motoyasu Kimura, Tomoei Kimura
  • Publication number: 20110056009
    Abstract: A trap primer for a dual flush toilet includes a housing having a water inlet port and both first and second outlet ports with the first outlet port being in fluid communication with a toilet bowl and the second outlet port being in fluid communication with a toilet tank. A float is disposed in the toilet tank and subject up and down motion due to a change in the water level in the toilet tank and a seesaw disposed in the housing enables flow of water from the inlet port alternatively to the first and second outlet ports through an arm interconnected with the float.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Hai Tao Xu
  • Patent number: 7810178
    Abstract: The dual toilet tank system is toilet flushing system that efficiently uses the water in the tank depending on the waste being flushed. The tank body has a divider separating the tank into two compartments, one compartment has a smaller volume than the other; a flushing valve assembly with two flapper valves, one flapper valve disposed vertically higher than the other with each disposed in respective compartments; and independently operated actuators that flush the water in respective compartments or all of the tank. The smaller volume compartment is mostly used for liquid wastes while the larger volume compartment is used for solid wastes. For larger loads, both compartments are utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: George J. Wajda
  • Publication number: 20100058524
    Abstract: The dual toilet tank system is a toilet flushing system that efficiently uses the water in the tank depending on the waste being flushed. The tank body has a divider separating the tank into two compartments, one compartment has a smaller volume than the other; a flushing valve assembly with two flapper valves, one flapper valve disposed vertically higher than the other with each disposed in respective compartments; and independently operated actuators that flush the water in respective compartments or all of the tank. The smaller volume compartment is mostly used for liquid wastes while the larger volume compartment is used for solid wastes. For larger loads, both compartments are utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: George J. Wajda
  • Publication number: 20100058523
    Abstract: The toilet water saver includes a toilet tank and flushing valve assembly that efficiently uses the water in the tank for the particular waste being flushed. The flushing valve assembly has two flapper valves, one flapper valve disposed vertically higher than the other, and an actuator that operates one valve singly or both flapper valves simultaneously at the user's option. The disposition of the valves with respect to the maximum tank capacity level defines respective first and second volumes of water to be used. The higher disposed flapper valve is operated to drain a smaller volume of water for the common liquid wastes while the lower disposed flapper valve is operated to drain a much greater volume for solid waste. The toilet water saver is also configurable for flushing wastes from either left or right side of the toilet tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: George J. Wajda
  • Publication number: 20100058522
    Abstract: The toilet water saver includes a toilet tank and flushing valve assembly that efficiently uses the water in the tank for the particular waste being flushed. The flushing valve assembly has two flapper valves, one flapper valve disposed vertically higher than the other, and an actuator that operates one valve singly or both flapper valves simultaneously at the user's option. The disposition of the valves with respect to the maximum tank capacity level defines respective first and second volumes of water to be used. The higher disposed flapper valve is operated to drain a smaller volume of water for the common liquid wastes while the lower disposed flapper valve is operated to drain a much greater volume for solid waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: George J. Wajda
  • Publication number: 20100024113
    Abstract: A dual flush volume pressurized flush device. A pressurized tank includes a tray for controllably retaining water during a flush event. The tray retains a certain volume of water when a reduced flush is activated, such that the entire volume of the tank is not flushed. In a full flush event, the activation causes substantially the entire volume of the tank to be flushed, including the volume of water inside the tray. A controllable water retention tray valve is positioned in the tray and provides a controllable release for the water in the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Ming Ge, Amer Mansour, Jerry Sobolewski, Phil Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20080022443
    Abstract: A toilet flush system for use in a toilet tank. In one embodiment, the toilet flush system includes: a handle system, and a dual flush adapter having a hollow interior. The dual flush adapter defines first and second apertures and an adapter outlet, the dual flush adapter further comprises first and second flush valves. The first and second flush valves reversibly seal the first and second apertures. The first aperture is located proximal to the adapter outlet and below the second aperture. The first and second flush valves are in fluid communication with the adapter outlet. The handle system comprises a first handle and a second handle. The first and second handles are arranged such that they rotate independently of each other about a common axis of rotation. Rotating the first and second handles respectively open the first and second flush valves to provide a short and long flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: ERNEST W. JONES
  • Publication number: 20070136939
    Abstract: The conservation of water is an issue that preoccupies an increasing number of people. Among all domestic appliances, toilet is an appliance that consumes an appreciable quantity of water. The present invention provides a dual flush system that allows to select the volume of water when using a toilet by choosing between two volumes of water. The dual flush system can be easily installed without tools on a toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Pierre Beaupre
  • Patent number: 7219375
    Abstract: A flushing arrangement (30) including an opened topped housing (32) surrounding the flush valve (12). An opening (40) is provided in a lower part of the housing (32) with a selectively openable gate (44). The arrangement (30) is configured such that for a low volume flush the gate (44) is closed and only water in the housing (32) or located thereabove will be flushed, and for a high volume flush the gate (44) is open wherein substantially all of the water in the cistern (20) above the lowest part of the opening (40) is flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: David William Steadman
  • Patent number: 6775859
    Abstract: A dual flush toilet includes a handle pivotally mounted to a tank. A water outlet fluidly coupled to the tank has an upper edge defining a primary opening. An overflow tube is fluidly coupled to the water outlet. The overflow tube has a break therein such that a first section and a second section are defined. The first and second sections are positionable in a closed position mated together and an open, spaced position. A pivot assembly mechanically couples the second section to the handle such that the secorid section is removed from the first section when the handle is rotated in a first direction. A primary plug is mechanically coupled to the handle such that the primary plug is removed from the primary opening when the handle is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Seroosh Gorginians
  • Patent number: 6704945
    Abstract: A flush valve system is constructed of a single housing having at least two inlets fluidly connecting a single outlet. Preferably, the system includes a flush handle assembly having at least two handles mechanically connected to and at least two linkages. Both linkages pass through a sleeve assembly, which mounts in the standard mount hole provided on conventional gravity flush toilet tanks to provide effective control for the dual inlet flush valve. The inlets are sealed with a primary and a secondary flapper valve that are preferably connected by a chain or other link to the at least two linkages. This system permits the user to conserve water by selective flushing of a large or small volume of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Danny J. Bellmore
  • Patent number: 6675397
    Abstract: An apparatus for use within toilet tanks is disclosed. The apparatus would be a modified flush system in which a user would be allowed to flush one of two different flush levers attached to the toilet after use. Each of the flush levers would allow a different amount of water to flow from the toilet tank into the toilet to evacuate the contents of the toilet. One of the flush levers could be used in normal water conditions, while the other flush lever could be used in drought conditions or times in which water conservation must be observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Bertalmino
  • Patent number: 6658673
    Abstract: A modular outflow valve assembly for a toilet tank is disclosed. The modular outflow valve assembly includes a lower outflow tube section configured to be mounted to a toilet tank to pass water out of the toilet tank, wherein the lower outflow tube section has a high-volume flush valve configured to flush a first, higher volume of water when opened; an upper outflow tube section having a low-volume flush valve configured to flush a second, lower volume of water out of the toilet tank when opened, wherein the lower outflow tube section is configured to receive attachment of the upper outflow tube section to form a dual flush-volume configuration; and an overflow tube section, wherein the lower outflow tube section is configured to receive attachment of the overflow tube section in place of the upper outflow tube section to form a single flush-volume configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Patent number: 6651263
    Abstract: A toilet tank having a two-stage flushing device includes a housing, a first water outlet tube, a second water outlet tube, a first water relief valve, a second water relief valve, and a control unit. Thus, the toilet tank can provide a two-stage flushing function, so as to regulate the water outlet rate of the toilet tank, thereby saving the resource and energy. In addition, the first handle and the second handle are operated at the same direction, so as to satisfy the user's custom and the ergonomical requirement, thereby facilitating the user operating flushing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Chien-Liang Hsiao, Pang-Yen Tsai
  • Patent number: 6574803
    Abstract: A system is for flushing material, including a tank for containing flushing fluid, and a tube for transporting flushing fluid from the tank, wherein the tube is located in the tank and includes a first opening located at a low volume level and a second opening located directly adjacent to a bottom surface of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: John Idone
  • Patent number: 6571400
    Abstract: A toilet bowl water flow adjustment system for controlling the water volume utilized to flush an existing toilet. The toilet bowl water flow adjustment system includes a divider structure for separating a reservoir into a main portion and an auxiliary portion, a main arm pivotally attached to the divider structure, and an auxiliary flush valve connected to said main arm. The main arm has an engaging end that engages a lower portion of a handle arm of a conventional toilet that is connected to a main flush valve. When the handle connected to the handle arm is rotated clockwise thereby forcing the main arm to pivot thereby opening the auxiliary flush valve which allows the water within the auxiliary portion of the reservoir to pass into the main portion of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: James C. Reid
  • Publication number: 20030074727
    Abstract: A modular outflow valve assembly for a toilet tank is disclosed. The modular outflow valve assembly includes a lower outflow tube section configured to be mounted to a toilet tank to pass water out of the toilet tank, wherein the lower outflow tube section has a high-volume flush valve configured to flush a first, higher volume of water when opened; an upper outflow tube section having a low-volume flush valve configured to flush a second, lower volume of water out of the toilet tank when opened, wherein the lower outflow tube section is configured to receive attachment of the upper outflow tube section to form a dual flush-volume configuration; and an overflow tube section, wherein the lower outflow tube section is configured to receive attachment of the overflow tube section in place of the upper outflow tube section to form a single flush-volume configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Publication number: 20030028958
    Abstract: A dual flush-volume outflow valve assembly for a toilet tank is provided. The outflow valve assembly comprises a base having an opening configured to pass water out of the toilet tank, a lower outflow tube section extending upwardly from the base, and an upper outflow tube section adjustably coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower outflow tube section. The lower outflow tube has a hollow interior and includes a high-volume flush valve positioned to pass a first, larger volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. The upper outflow tube section has a hollow interior and includes a low-volume flush valve positioned to pass a second, smaller volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. In some embodiments, the hollow interiors of the upper outflow tube section and the lower outflow tube section are positioned over and in line with the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Publication number: 20030019021
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for that includes a tank valve assembly having a first valve and a second valve that provide for different flush water volumes. In order to flush liquid and other low density waste, a smaller flush water volume may be selected by the user. Alternatively, in order to flush solid and other high density waste, a larger flush water volume may be selected by the user. The tank valve assembly may be installed in a conventional toilet system, and the height of the valve that controls the smaller water volume may be adjusted to allow for different flush water volumes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Juan Jose Perez-Sanchez, Humberto Alejandro Lopez Martinez, Gerardo Martinez Haros
  • Patent number: 6510563
    Abstract: An adapter for attachment to an existing single flush valve system to convert the single valve system to a dual flush valve system comprises a pair of tubular sections vertically offset from one another and connected by a hollow, enclosed channel. The upper section is adapted to engage a discharge pipe of an existing single flush valve system in order to select a discharge level for a lower volume flush and direct water flowing through the discharge pipe through the adapter. The bottom section of the adapter includes a pivotable flapper valve that can be operated independently of the flapper valve disposed on the single flush system in order to provide a greater volume of water for flushing of the toilet. A mounting arrangement is also provided for attachment to the toilet tank which enables the existing and additional flapper valves to be selectively activated using a pair of handles connected to the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventors: Louis Jarosinski, Jane Summers
  • Publication number: 20030014810
    Abstract: An adapter for attachment to an existing single flush valve system to convert the single valve system to a dual flush valve system comprises a pair of tubular sections vertically offset from one another and connected by a hollow, enclosed channel. The upper section is adapted to engage a discharge pipe of an existing single flush valve system in order to select a discharge level for a lower volume flush and direct water flowing through the discharge pipe through the adapter. The bottom section of the adapter includes a pivotable flapper valve that can be operated independently of the flapper valve disposed on the single flush system in order to provide a greater volume of water for flushing of the toilet. A mounting arrangement is also provided for attachment to the toilet tank which enables the existing and additional flapper valves to be selectively activated using a pair of handles connected to the arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Louis Jarosinski, Jane L. Summers
  • Patent number: 6484327
    Abstract: A dual flush-volume outflow valve assembly for a toilet tank is provided. The outflow valve assembly comprises a base having an opening configured to pass water out of the toilet tank, a lower outflow tube section extending upwardly from the base, and an upper outflow tube section adjustably coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower outflow tube section. The lower outflow tube has a hollow interior and includes a high-volume flush valve positioned to pass a first, larger volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. The upper outflow tube section has a hollow interior and includes a low-volume flush valve positioned to pass a second, smaller volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. In some embodiments, the hollow interiors of the upper outflow tube section and the lower outflow tube section are positioned over and in line with the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Publication number: 20020148037
    Abstract: A flush valve system is constructed of a single housing having at least two inlets fluidly connecting a single outlet. Preferably, the system includes a flush handle assembly having at least two handles mechanically connected to and at least two linkages. Both linkages pass through a sleeve assembly, which mounts in the standard mount hole provided on conventional gravity flush toilet tanks to provide effective control for the dual inlet flush valve. The inlets are sealed with a primary and a secondary flapper valve that are preferably connected by a chain or other link to the at least two linkages. This system permits the user to conserve water by selective flushing of a large or small volume of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Danny J. Bellmore
  • Publication number: 20020138899
    Abstract: A system is for flushing material, including a tank for containing flushing fluid, and a tube for transporting flushing fluid from the tank, wherein the tube is located in the tank and includes a first opening located at a low volume level and a second opening located directly adjacent to a bottom surface of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: John Idone
  • Publication number: 20020095719
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a dual-flush toilet system. The toilet system includes a toilet tank having a wall, a high-volume flush valve disposed within the toilet tank and operable to flush a first, higher volume of water, a low-volume flush valve disposed within the toilet tank and operable to flush a second, lower volume of water, and a flush mechanism configured to operate the high-volume flush valve and the low-volume flush valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Publication number: 20020095717
    Abstract: A dual flush-volume outflow valve assembly for a toilet tank is provided. The outflow valve assembly comprises a base having an opening configured to pass water out of the toilet tank, a lower outflow tube section extending upwardly from the base, and an upper outflow tube section adjustably coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower outflow tube section. The lower outflow tube has a hollow interior and includes a high-volume flush valve positioned to pass a first, larger volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. The upper outflow tube section has a hollow interior and includes a low-volume flush valve positioned to pass a second, smaller volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. In some embodiments, the hollow interiors of the upper outflow tube section and the lower outflow tube section are positioned over and in line with the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Publication number: 20020095718
    Abstract: A dual flush-volume outflow valve assembly for a toilet tank is provided. The valve assembly includes a base having an opening for passing water out of the toilet tank, a lower outflow tube section extending upwardly from the base, the lower outflow tube section having a hollow interior and including a high-volume flush valve configured to pass a first, larger volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened, and an upper outflow tube section slidably coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower outflow tube section, the upper outflow tube section having a hollow interior and at least partially forming a low-volume flush valve configured to pass a second, smaller volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Patent number: 6332229
    Abstract: A gravity drop-toilet uses main water via electronically programmed valves to rinse separate areas of a bowl (71) in sequence via appropriately located and pointing jet orifices (136, 138,140) with about 70% less water than siphon toilets. Electronically timed valve (180) hydraulically causes a pair of bellows (110) to compress and expand and thereby reversibly pivot a mechanical linkage to retain waste in the bowl and drop waste via a vertical waste passageway into a sewer pipe (30). The linkage comprises a transfer arm (118) that pivots a rotating arm of a cup (128) and flap actuating arm (104) to pivot a springy plate (78) upward against a dimple (80) formed on under the side of the flap (30) which thereby aligns itself against the bottom edge (74) of the bowl (71). A urine version of this mechanism uses apertures (174, 175) that they enclose combine to center defecating sitters over a cylinder outlet (48) of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventors: Conor O'Malley, Joseph Zappel
  • Patent number: 6282731
    Abstract: A multiple variable flush storage tank toilet has been developed as preferred state-of-the-art to improve the means of reducing the amount of water used in a water flush type toilet. The improved mechanism within the toilet storage tank relies on a partitioned smaller and larger compartmented space in accordance with that state-of-the-art. The variable means of flushing to obtain a multiplicity of smaller water flushes plus a larger water flush has been obtained by use of “V”-indented polygons. The mechanism for flushing is operated by using a conventional exterior tank handle and is adaptable for a variety of polygons. All functions of the mechanism are simplified beyond that of the current conventional toilet. The variety o flushings are duplicated as use of the toilet is continued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: John Harry Mohrman
  • Patent number: 6178567
    Abstract: The flush system for a toilet provides a discharge pipe upstanding within a flush tank of the toilet. The pipe has a bottom with a bottom opening through which water from the flush tank travels to the toilet bowl of the toilet. The bottom is connected to the first inlet controlled by a first valve and a second inlet controlled by a second valve. The first inlet is at a higher elevation than the second inlet with respect to the bottom opening. The flush system further comprises actuating handle for selectively moving the first and second members in a first mode or a second mode such that in the first mode, only the second inlet is opened and in the second position the first and second inlets are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Edward J. Bliss
  • Patent number: 6173456
    Abstract: A double-cistern water conservation sanitary water tank comprises two tanks: an external oval tank (9) for evacuating solid waste and an internal round tank (8) for flushing liquid waste mounted within and at a level above a bottom wall of the external oval tank (9), and two actuating handle for operating the tanks. The external oval tank (9) includes a water entrance valve (3) and an elbow-shaped water outlet (4) having one end connected to a first outlet valve (11) inside the external oval tank (9). The internal round tank (8) includes a water entrance valve (1) and a vertical water outlet (2) having one end connected a second outlet valve (10), an intermediate portion connected to the second end of the elbow-shaped water outlet (4), and the other end forming a common drain (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: German Nieto
  • Patent number: 6041452
    Abstract: A toilet water tank is provided with a water discharging seat which is in turn provided in the top thereof with an upright tube, a high water discharging port and a low water discharging port. The high and the low water discharging ports are movably covered with a cover respectively. The cover is fastened with the upright tube which is provided with a guide wheel member. A flush handle is located outside the toilet water tank such that the flush handle is connected with a control rod extending to the water discharging seat for locating two chains between the two covers and the control rods. The chains are located by the clamps such that the chains can be installed or replaced with ease and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Chien-Liang Hsiao, Pang-Yen Tsai
  • Patent number: 5903931
    Abstract: A double flush toilet assembly is provided including a toilet water basin defining an interior space and an open top. A bottom face of the basin has an exit for communicating with a toilet bowl. A dual flush tube has a first open end at a first elevation and a second open end at a second elevation. Each open end remains in communication with the exit of the water basin. Each open end further has a lid for allowing water to enter the same upon being opened. A pair of flushing assemblies are each connected to the corresponding lid for selectively and independently opening the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Robert A. Kolb, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5887292
    Abstract: A flush control system, for releasing different amounts of water from the holding tank of a toilet into a discharge pipe, includes an auxiliary tank mounted in the toilet holding tank. The auxiliary tank has a volume which is less than the volume of the holding tank, and has one end wall assembly with a flapper valve communicating with the interior of the auxiliary tank and another flapper valve in a different wall communicating with the interior wall of the holding tank. A chamber is formed between the two walls in which the flapper valves are located. The bottom of this chamber has an opening which is placed over the discharge pipe opening in the bottom of the holding tank. A balancing aperture is formed through one of the other walls of the holding tank to permit water flow to take place between the auxiliary tank and the holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Patrick Philip Goren
  • Patent number: 5881399
    Abstract: A dual flush mechanism equipped with a two independent flush valves which are each separately controlled by a separate spring loaded button. The flush valves are at different heights in the toilet tank such that actuation of the upper flush valve, by pressing a first button on top of the tank, will produce a short flush, while pressing of the second button will actuate the lower flush valve to produce a long flush. Pivot rods are pivotably supported on a common axis below the first and second buttons. The upper end of each pivot rod is coupled through a spring to its respective push button on top of the tank. The opposite ends of the pivot rods are coupled respectively through a chain to the upper and lower flush valves. Pressing the first button exerts a downward force through the spring on the first pivot rod to raise the opposite end thereof which in turn raises the upper flush valve. Pushing the second button actuates the second pivot rod in the same manner to raise the lower flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: American Standard, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Prabowo Kartoleksono, Slamet Riyadi