With Plural Compartments Patents (Class 4/363)
  • Patent number: 11851864
    Abstract: A toilet includes a bowl, a trapway, and a passage. The trapway is fluidly connected to the bowl at a trapway inlet and extends downstream from the bowl. The trapway includes an up-leg and a down-leg extending downstream from the up-leg. The passage is fluidly connected to the trapway downstream from the trapway inlet. The passage is configured to allow ambient air from outside the toilet to pass therethrough toward the trapway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: William C. Kuru, William Kalk
  • Patent number: 11840832
    Abstract: A siphonic flush toilet system and method of priming the same having a toilet bowl assembly comprising at least one jet flush valve assembly and at least one rim valve; and bowl having a rim and a jet defining at least one jet channel, the at least one jet channel having an inlet port and a jet outlet port configured for discharging fluid to a sump area, wherein the sump area is in fluid communication with a trapway. The bowl has a closed jet pathway including the jet channel and extending from the jet flush valve assembly outlet to the jet channel outlet port to maintain the jet channel in a primed state with fluid from the jet flush valve assembly so as to assist in preventing air from entering the closed jet pathway. Flush valves are also disclosed having back-flow preventer mechanisms and/or at least partly flexible valve covers for use with the toilet systems and methods herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: James McHale, Chistophe Bucher, David Grover
  • Patent number: 10145097
    Abstract: A siphonic flush toilet system and method of priming the same having a toilet bowl assembly comprising at least one jet flush valve assembly and at least one rim valve; and bowl having a rim and a jet defining at least one jet channel, the at least one jet channel having an inlet port and a jet outlet port configured for discharging fluid to a sump area, wherein the sump area is in fluid communication with a trapway. The bowl has a closed jet pathway including the jet channel and extending from the jet flush valve assembly outlet to the jet channel outlet port to maintain the jet channel in a primed state with fluid from the jet flush valve assembly so as to assist in preventing air from entering the closed jet pathway. Flush valves are also disclosed having back-flow preventer mechanisms and/or at least partly flexible valve covers for use with the toilet systems and methods herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: AS IP HOLDCO, LLC
    Inventors: James McHale, Christophe Bucher, David Grover
  • Publication number: 20140059755
    Abstract: A toilet comprising a tank configured to hold a first supply of water therein; a bowl having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the tank, such that the bowl is configured to receive the first supply of water; and a passage having a first end, a second end, and an inlet opening provided between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the outlet of the bowl, wherein the second end is configured to be in fluid communication with a drain pipe, and wherein the passage is configured to receive a second supply of water through the inlet opening during a flush cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, William C. Kuru, Randy S. Graskamp
  • Patent number: 8522371
    Abstract: A tank insert for converting a conventional flush toilet into a flapperless, dump bucket-style toilet. The tank insert is sized and shaped to be snugly received within a water tank of the toilet, and includes a water reservoir pivotably received within a catch basin. The water reservoir is filled by the toilets water valve and the toilet's handle actuates the water reservoir to flush the toilet. Upon actuation, water within the water reservoir is discharged into the catch basin, and from there into the toilet bowl, which is effectively cleared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Glenn E. Bevan, Ryan D. Saffels
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8117688
    Abstract: An auxiliary tank for the flush toilet, wherein the one end of the pulling line is connected with a floating ball of the auxiliary tank, then the line is wound from a lower pulley to an upper pulley, and passed through a penetrated hole of a hollow tube, finally the other end of the line is connected with a extension arm in a main tank. When the water level in the main tank is full, the extension arm of the water refilling pipe will be hold by the pulling line which is connected with the floating ball, to limit the refilling water into the main tank from the water refilling pipe but from the auxiliary tank. In the light of above, the flush of the toilet is still able to be operated even at the time of water outage or shutting off the water valve. In addition, the water that refills into the auxiliary tank is the recycling water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Shu Ken Chang
  • Patent number: 8024823
    Abstract: A water conservation system comprising a reservoir for storing water; a toilet water tank for storing water, the toilet water tank is disposed below the reservoir; and a tube fluidly connecting the reservoir and the tank, wherein the tube is configured such that a first end of the tube reaches near a bottom surface of the reservoir, a second end of the tube reaches near a bottom surface of the tank, and an elevated portion with a crest that is oriented above the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Edward J. Sanaghan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110179562
    Abstract: An auxiliary tank for the flush toilet, wherein the one end of the pulling line is connected with a floating ball of the auxiliary tank, then the line is wound from a lower pulley to an upper pulley, and passed through a penetrated hole of a hollow tube, finally the other end of the line is connected with a extension arm in a main tank. When the water level in the main tank is full, the extension arm of the water refilling pipe will be hold by the pulling line which is connected with the floating ball, to limit the refilling water into the main tank from the water refilling pipe but from the auxiliary tank. In the light of above, the flush of the toilet is still able to be operated even at the time of water outage or shutting off the water valve. In addition, the water that refills into the auxiliary tank is the recycling water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Shu Ken CHANG
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100107325
    Abstract: A toilet includes a dehumidifier operable to draw water vapor from the air and discharge water. A tank is configured to store the water discharged from the dehumidifier. A drain valve is movable from a closed position to an open position whereby the toilet is flushed solely with the water discharged from the dehumidifier and stored in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Judith
    Inventor: Martin H. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 7325258
    Abstract: Providing a flush toilet wherein the amount of water supplied to the jet hole and the amount of water supplied to the rim section are independently controlled. The present invention is a flush toilet (1) for supplying flushwater from a flushwater tank, the flush toilet comprising a bowl section (2) at the bottom portion of which is formed a jet hole; a jet flushwater tank (10) for storing flushwater to be supplied from the jet hole; a jet drain valve (14) disposed on the jet flushwater tank; a jet water conduit (18) for conducting flushwater which has passed through the jet drain valve to the jet hole; a rim section (4) disposed on the upper portion of the bowl section; a rim flushwater tank (8) for storing flushwater supplied to the rim section; a rim drain valve (12) disposed on the rim flushwater tank; and a rim water conduit (16) for conducting flushwater passed through the rim drain valve to the rim section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoji Asada, Toshifumi Yoneda, Tomohiro Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 6997200
    Abstract: The invention recirculates and/or recycles fluids normally lost down the drain during the time it takes for a desired temperature to be attained for usage of the hot fluids. A recirculating/recycling valve, through which hot fluids may flow, has an additional port fitted to the valve body, which by positioning the handle in a singularly unique position, fluids not at the desired temperature are sent back to the source from which they came, to a recycling toilet tank system or to a recycling standpipe at atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Nelson J. King
  • Patent number: 6907623
    Abstract: A pressurized water closet flushing system for flushing a toilet includes a water vessel having at least one opening for receiving water. A fill tube and a discharge tube extending into the vessel are secured to the vessel. A modular assembly cap including an intake and an actuator covers the opening. The fill tube remains secured to the vessel when the assembly cap is removed from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Thomas P. Beh
  • Patent number: 6502252
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water supplying and draining apparatus for preventing water leakage. A feed pipe supplies water, which is introduced from an outside water source to the toilet bowl. A reservoir tank receives the washing water, the reservoir being made of an extendable and contractible material, the reservoir having a plurality of branch pipes. A valve opens an opening or shuts the branch pipes in order to provide the water, which is supplied from the outside water source through the feed pipe, to the branch pipe. An expandable protecting cover attaches to an outer surface of the reservoir tank, wherein the other ends of the branch pipes fluidly connects with the valve which is arranged at positions outside of the reservoir tank. One end of the feed pipe fluidly connects with the toilet bowl and the other end of the feed pipe communicates with the valve. One end of the exhaust pipe fluidly connects with the valve and the other end of the exhaust pipe fluidly connects with the toilet stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Heung-Mook Kang
  • Patent number: 6457187
    Abstract: A pressurized flushing system for discharging liquid into a toilet bowl. The mechanism comprises a sealed container for storing a pre-determined volume of the liquid under pressure having an inlet for connection to a liquid supply source under pressure and an inlet valve to permit liquid flow through the inlet until the pre-determined volume in the sealed container is reached. There is an outlet for discharging liquid under pressure and an outlet valve movable between an open position to permit liquid discharge through the outlet and a closed position to seal the outlet. The outlet valve is urged by internal pressure within the sealed container toward an open position of the outlet when the pre-determined volume of liquid is in the sealed container, however, an actuator normally locks the outlet valve in the closed position against the internal pressure of the container. Operation of the actuator by a user unlocks the outlet valve to permit movement of the outlet valve to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Pulf Water Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Sven Eric Andersson, Grayson William Hand
  • Patent number: 6212699
    Abstract: A device for use in a water cabinet possessing a valve which stays open until the reservoir is empty. An auxiliary reservoir (20) without bottom is placed within the main reservoir. At the base (27) is a slit opening permitting liquid communication from the base of the main reservoir. At the top of the auxiliary little reservoir is located a check valve (24) controled by a lever arm (18) which at the same time acts as the flushing arm of the toilet cabinet; the check valve (24) closes as soon as is released the lever arm (18). When the little reservoir is full and its valve is closed, even when the main reservoir is being emptied the little reservoir remains full while the main reservoir evacuates, thereby economizing a quantity of water equivalent to its volume. The lower end of the auxiliary reservoir (20) may be cut for fitting in a given water cabinet reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Gaston Tremblay
  • Patent number: 6205595
    Abstract: A supplemental tank for use with a low flow volume toilet, with this supplemental tank being configured to rest atop the integral tank of the toilet and to provide additional water for the flushing of the toilet. Communication is provided between the supplemental tank and the tank integral with the toilet, with this including at least one elongate tube mounted in the bottom member of the supplemental tank, with a lower portion of the tube extending below the bottom member. When the supplemental tank has been placed atop the integral toilet tank, the tube extends down into the water normally contained in the integral tank. A vacuum pump is connected to an upper portion of the supplemental tank so that a reduced pressure can be created, on occasion, in the upper interior portion of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Frederick K. Ecker
  • 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: 5983411
    Abstract: A new toilet tank assembly aquarium for housing aquatic creatures. The assembly includes a toilet bowl assembly with a toilet tank assembly coupled to the toilet bowl assembly. The toilet tank assembly has a top, a front, a back, and a pair of sides. The front, back and sides of the toilet tank assembly define an interior space with the top of the toilet tank assembly having an opening into the interior space of the toilet tank assembly. A toilet water reservoir is located in the interior space. A lid substantially covers the opening of the top of the toilet tank assembly. The front of the toilet tank assembly is generally transparent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Herbert Demoret
  • 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: 5873136
    Abstract: A two flush modality toilet composed of a bowl, a tank connected with the bowl wherein the tank is connected to a water supply, a conventional flush modality for flushing solid waste from the bowl, and a urinal flush modality for flushing liquid only waste from the bowl, wherein the urinal flush modality includes: a bowl valve in the form of a pop-up stopper, pop-up seat and pivot ball assembly at the low point of the bowl; a bowl valve control for selecting between open and closed states of the bowl valve, a passageway for directing liquid waste from the bowl into the sanitary drain; and an auxiliary flush control for supplying a limited quantity of flush water from the tank into the bowl to provide restoration of the trap water in the bowl after a urinal flush modality liquid drainage of the bowl has occurred. A foot pedal selectively operates the bowl valve, wherein when in an open state all the liquid in the bowl is drained. Upon release of the foot pedal, the bowl valve is returned to the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Calvin T. Geeham
  • Patent number: 5862537
    Abstract: A flush lever operated control reservoir and toilet flush system for toilet water storage tanks, for preventing continued flow from a water supply as a result of a flush valve leak or a tank leak, the fill valve is responsive to a water level in a separate reservoir filled by a flood level of storage tank water to shut OFF the fill valve, a drain in the form of a syphon from the reservoir is responsive to operation of a flush handle to empty the reservoir to turn ON said fill valve and simultaneously discharge the storage tank, and a flood preventor refilling the reservoir in the event of a system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: John S. Osmond
  • Patent number: 5857224
    Abstract: A pressure flush tank for toilets is formed and adapted to be located within a toilet enclosure and is preferably formed of a non-metallic material such as plastic. The pressure flush tank has an essentially rectangular vertical cross section and an essentially rectangular horizontal cross section, with the tank including an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. There is a peripheral projection on the lower surface of the upper housing portion and a peripheral recess along a facing surface of the lower housing portion, with the projection being positioned within and ultrasonically welded to the recess. Each of the housing portions has side walls and end walls, with each housing portion having reinforcing interior walls extending between opposing side walls to provide strength and rigidity for the pressure flush tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Erik J. Oberg, Ming Ge, Danny G. Orlowski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5642533
    Abstract: A water saving toilet comprising a water assembly and a bowl assembly. The tank assembly includes a water tank, a lid for the water tank and a water supply control mechanism provided in the water tank, a water trap control mechanism and a water flushing control mechanism. The bowl assembly includes a bowl and a water flushing system having a primary and a secondary water discharging lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Andy Y. Young
  • Patent number: 5548850
    Abstract: A two flush modality toilet composed of a bowl, a tank connected with the bowl wherein the tank is connected to a water supply, a conventional flush modality for flushing solid waste from the bowl, and a urinal flush modality for flushing liquid only waste from the bowl, wherein the urinal flush modality includes: a bowl valve at the base of the bowl, a bowl valve control for selecting between open and closed states of the bowl valve, a conduit for directing liquid waste from the bowl into the sanitary drain, and an auxiliary flush control for supplying a limited quantity of flush water from the tank into the bowl to provide restoration of the trap water in the bowl after a urinal flush modality has occurred. A foot pedal selectively operates the bowl valve, wherein when in an open state all the liquid in the bowl is drained. Upon release of the foot pedal, the bowl valve is returned to the closed state. Flush water from the tank is then delivered to the bowl to restore the trap water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Calvin T. Geeham
  • Patent number: 5495624
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for conserving the volume of water consumed during the flushing of waste deposited in the bowl of a toilet. A secondary water reservoir is mounted externally on the primary water reservoir of a conventional toilet. The primary water reservoir holds a first body of water whose volume is greater than a second body of water held by the secondary water reservoir. The first body of water may be discharged from the primary water reservoir directly into the bowl. Alternatively, the second body of water may be discharged from said second water reservoir into a water feed member which is mounted externally on the rim of the bowl and which directs said second body of water into said bowl along its perimeter in a slight downwardly direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventors: Ira M. Lisook, Edward Lombardi
  • Patent number: 5144700
    Abstract: A water monitor for a toilet flush tank includes a sensing system and an alarm system. The sensing system includes a tube having a constricted aperture in the base. The tube is normally filled with water. When the flush tank is emptied water begins to drain slowly from the tube. A float in the control tube responds to the water level in the tube. A contact attached to the float closes contacts on the control tube if the flush tank does not refill. The closing of the contact is used to trigger an alarm signal. The monitor includes a self cleaning drainage aperture for the control tube and a flexible mounting belt which provides for simple mounting and adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Michel M. Martin
  • Patent number: 5111537
    Abstract: A toilet apparatus for use in conserving water is provided. The toilet apparatus includes a toilet tank for water, a conventional fluid supply valve, a low volume discharge valve, and a high volume discharge valve. A first embodiment has a housing having a portion extending through the bottom wall of the toilet tank. A high volume discharge valve is connected to the housing near its bottom end for nearly 100 percent fluid discharge. A low volume discharge valve is connected to the housing near its to end for about 40 percent volume fluid discharge. A handle subassembly having a handle and bent rod and chain for each discharge valve is included. Second, third and fourth embodiments include a toilet tank having an interior partition separating a first compartment from a second compartment. The partition has a gate opening with a gate door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Wenzel Zaruba
  • Patent number: 5109552
    Abstract: A toilet flushing apparatus characterized by an inherently leakproof syphon, a manually discharged primer tank initiating syphoning through a discharge tube and toilet flush tube, and with a floating flush valve and control for complete discharge of primer water followed by immediate closure to ensure continued syphoning, the primer tank being automatically refilled with the rise of float controlled supply tank water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: John S. Osmond
  • Patent number: 5067180
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing water consumption in a toilet or other apparatus for human body waste disposal. Water contained in a primary water tank (10) and a secondary water tank (15) is selectively discharged into waste container (5) by means of primary tank control arm (30) and secondary tank control arm (25). Water is discharged from primary water tank (10) through primary valve (110) and from secondary water tank (15) through secondary valve (120). The discharge of water from each tank is selectively controlled by the user depending upon the type of waste to be disposed. For disposal of liquid waste only, water is discharged from primary water tank (10). For disposal of solid waste, water is discharged from primary water tank (10) and secondary water tank (15) at the same time. The apparatus and method can be used to retrofit a toilet or other apparatus for human body waste disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Figeroid
  • Patent number: 4993086
    Abstract: An emergency shut-off for a flush tank having a liquid replenishment valve is connected to the liquid replenishment valve for moving the valve to a closed position if liquid level in the tank has not reached a predetermined height within a predetermined time after the tank has been flushed. Broadly speaking, the emergency shut-off comprises a container, a buoy, and a valve connection mechanism. The container extends downward in the tank from at least the predetermined height and includes a valve for allowing liquid in the tank to enter the container and for allowing liquid within the container to egress into the tank at a predetermined rate. The buoy in the container raises and lowers with the liquid level in the container and contacts the valve connection mechanism when the liquid in the container is at a predetermined shut-off height. The valve connection mechanism is connected to the valve for closing the valve in response to contact by the buoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Willice C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4918769
    Abstract: A flush tank, having a vertically extending wall positioned between the two vertical side walls to provide a first chamber which is filled with flush water and a second chamber which houses a removable washing means, is disclosed. The washing means is operatively coupled to water supply for the toilet and includes manually operated valve means to regulate the flow of wash water to cleanse the toilet bowl as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Luigi Gandini
  • Patent number: 4835797
    Abstract: A low profile siphonic flush closet comprises a bowl having a hollow rim in communication with a flushing water tank. The hollow space within the rim holds additional flushing water, and makes it possible to reduce the tank size and thus the overall size and weight of the toilet. The tank and bowl are preferably a unitary ceramic structure, and the lower boundary of the cavity within the rim declines from the front of the rim toward the tank at the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Cesare Castelli
  • Patent number: 4813085
    Abstract: A lavatory flushing device includes a lavatory basin provided with a flushing box having a filling valve and a discharge valve. A separating wall separates the flushing box into a flushing chamber containing the discharge valve, and a further chamber containing the filling valve. At least one water conduit leads from the filling valve into the flushing chamber. The separating wall is provided with an overflow conduit, which is directed to a rerouting device so as to close the filling valve following termination of the flushing process. Thus a very high water level is obtainable in the flushing chamber so as to achieve an effective lavatory flushing even at relatively low flow pressures in the supply conduit, and also if, due to esthetic reasons, the flushing box exceeds the level of the lavatory basin by only a small amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Georg Rost & Soehne, Armaturenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Reiner Strangfeld
  • Patent number: 4407026
    Abstract: A flush control mechanism for a toilet tank includes a pivotable control element which is pivotable about a generally horizontal axis in the tank, a trip lever mechanism, a fill water valve element which is connected to both the pivotable control element and the main water supply pipe which extends into the toilet tank, and an adjustable valve element. The pivotable control element includes a weightbox which is divided by a baffle into a water inlet chamber and a water outlet chamber, the floor of the weightbox including a drain hole which communicates with the water outlet chamber. The fill water valve element includes a primary nozzle for discharging fresh water directly into the toilet tank and a secondary nozzle for discharging fresh water into the water inlet chamber of the pivotable control valve element, as well as a control arm which is connected to the end of the pivotable control valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Inventor: Robert E. Myers
  • Patent number: 4371993
    Abstract: A bidet alternative apparatus, receivable atop the water tank of a toilet, formed from a housing having three fluid chambers formed therein. The fluid chambers are connected, via a plurality of hollow pipes, to a pump disposed in the housing; a manually operable rotary valve is provided for selection of the fluid chamber with which the pump fluidly communicates. A flexible conduit, storable in the housing, is connected at one end to the output port of the pump, and at its opposite end to a nozzle. An operator handle is fixedly engaged with the nozzle to be directed by the operator for douching purposes. A nozzle protection cap, removably installable on the nozzle, and a flow control valve, disposed in the flexible conduit, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Inventor: Billy J. Patrick
  • Patent number: 4358864
    Abstract: A combination wash basin and toilet water conservation system having at least one wash basin and a toilet having a water tank. The water tank has a fresh water chamber and a gray water chamber. A first outlet connects the gray water chamber with the bowl of the toilet and a flapper valve closes this outlet. A second outlet connects the fresh water chamber and the gray water chamber and a buoyant valve closes this outlet. Piping connects the drain of the wash basin to the gray water chamber. Piping also connects a source of fresh water to the fresh water chamber. A hand lever on the outside of the toilet operates a lever arm within the water tank which when it is raised upwardly actuates structure causing the buoyant valve to rise thereby letting fresh water into the gray water tank. Structure is also actuated in the gray water tank when the lever arm raises upwardly and this structure opens the flapper valve to release water from the gray water chamber into the toilet bowl for flushing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Inventor: Juan M. Medrano
  • Patent number: 4221010
    Abstract: A metering device to provide just the amount of water necessary to insure proper filling of a flush toilet bowl and trap. The metering device operates by means of gravity feed rather than pressure that is presently used which may vary the amount of water going to the trap as supply pressures increase or decrease. The metering device eliminates certain wasted water normally present during flushing and filling of the flush tank. The device in one embodiment includes a metering tank having an inlet connected to the exit sides of flush tank outlet valve. The flush tank outlet valve is connected at the upper side of the metering tank. The metering tank is in fluid communication between the flush tank and the toilet bowl and trap. The metering tank may be located in a plurality of lower positions. When the outlet valve is opened, the metering tank is also opened and filled during the flushing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Inventor: Daniel J. Young
  • Patent number: 4183108
    Abstract: A water reservoir tank storing a primary body of water for release to a toilet bowl for flushing is associated with a pressure tank that stores a minor amount of water at a pressure considerably higher than that of the primary body and is discharged during flushing to join the water released from the reservoir tank and impart increased overall energy to the water in the bowl. A predetermined time delay is introduced between start of the flushing action and discharge of water from the pressure tank. The pressure tank is automatically discharged and recharged during each flushing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Inventor: William H. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4152793
    Abstract: An inner tank or reservoir is mounted in the conventional flush tank of a sanitary toilet or commode. The tank may be rectangular and have an open top and a closed bottom. An outlet in a vertical wall is closable by a buoyant sphere. The sphere may be free-floating and guided to the outlet by a cage. Alternatively the sphere may be lever-mounted and pivotable in and out of sealing contact with the outlet. A bellows operated from an air pump displaces the sphere from closed relationship to the outlet. Preferably the pump is exterior of the toilet flush tank and connected to the bellows by a flexible plastic conduit.The conventional tank is flushable in conventional manner from its outside handle and the capacity of the inner tank may be added to the water flow by the operation of the air pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Inventor: Daniel J. Mills
  • Patent number: 4142262
    Abstract: A water reservoir tank storing a primary body of water for release to a toilet bowl for flushing houses a pressure tank that stores a minor amount of water at a pressure considerably higher than that of the primary body and is discharged during flushing to join the water released from the reservoir tank and impart increased overall energy to the water in the bowl. The pressure tank is automatically discharged and recharged during each flushing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Inventor: William H. Hamilton