Overflow Inhibitor Patents (Class 4/427)
  • Patent number: 11703364
    Abstract: A fluid discharge event detection apparatus measures a change in capacitance to detect the presence of a fluid in a sensing conduit where the presence of fluid indicates a discharge event. The apparatus includes a first conduit, the sensing conduit and a control valve, coupled between the first conduit and the sensing conduit. The control valve is configured to activate and fluidly couple the first conduit and the sensing conduit to one another when the control valve detects at least one predetermined condition of a fluid within the first conduit. A sensor, configured to measure a capacitance value, is disposed about the sensing conduit. A controller, coupled to the sensor, is configured to detect a change in the sensing conduit capacitance value and assert an alarm condition upon detection of the change in the sensing conduit capacitance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Yousef S. AlMesad
  • Patent number: 11697932
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a toilet device includes a detector configured to detect at least one of a water level inside a flush toilet or an indicator associated with the water level, a clog determiner determining a clog state of the flush toilet based on a detection result of the detector, and a controller determining, based on a determination result of the clog determiner, whether or not to prohibit a flushing water supply to the flush toilet. The controller sets a flush prohibition time at least after the flushing water supply to the flush toilet has ended. A flush operation for flushing the flush toilet not is accepted temporarily in the flush prohibition time. The clog determiner determines the clog state of the flush toilet based on the detection result of the detector within the flush prohibition time or directly after the flush prohibition time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Shoichi Tsuiki, Motoki Kobayashi, Yuya Masahira
  • Patent number: 11193264
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a capacitance sensor arrangement as in combination with certain features (e.g., flap valve disablement). The system can detect an overflow flush condition of a toilet by sensing the value of a parameter of one or more normal flush cycles of the toilet and establishing a normal range for the value of the parameter using the sensed value. The system can also store the normal range in a memory for comparison to a value of the parameter during subsequent flush cycles. The system can perform sensing over a predetermined timeframe. The system can include the time frame being sufficient to include the entire push cycle of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Limit, Inc.
    Inventors: Farshid Salemi Parizi, Josh Fromm
  • Patent number: 11111662
    Abstract: A flush toilet includes: a toilet main body; a rim which is provided on an upper portion of a toilet bowl of the toilet main body and which flows a flush water into the toilet bowl; and a water level detection sensor which is provided inside the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: LIXIL Corporation
    Inventors: Saori Ichihara, Isato Hirasawa, Tomoya Sasaki, Takeya Ichiyanagi, Sou Okuizumi, Makoto Saruta
  • Patent number: 11015330
    Abstract: A toilet includes a base and a basin. The base supports the toilet on a surface. The basin is supported by the base. The base defines a primary toilet outlet and a secondary toilet outlet spaced apart and independent from the primary toilet outlet. The basin is supported by the base. The basin defines a primary basin outlet and a secondary basin outlet. The primary basin outlet is in fluid communication with the primary toilet outlet by way of a primary drain path. The secondary basin outlet is in fluid communication with the secondary toilet outlet by way of a secondary drain path independent from the primary drain path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Keith E. Muellenbach
  • Patent number: 10895068
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a valve located within the housing, the valve being adapted to fluidly connect to an external toilet and an external water supply that provides water to the toilet, and a water sensor. The valve includes an open position, in which the water supply is enabled to supply water to the toilet, and a closed position, in which the external water supply is prevented from supplying water to the toilet. The water sensor is electrically connected to the valve and is operable between an inactivated state, in which the water sensor is substantially dry, and an activated state, in which the water sensor is subjected to an amount of water. When the water sensor is in its activated state, the valve is moved to its closed position to cut off the water supply to the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Gregory Capizzi
  • Patent number: 10760254
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: LIMIT, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Bowcutt, Ahmed Shishegar, Matthew Ibarra, Daniel Corbin, Dennis Repp, Robert M. Connell, Oscar Dufau, Gregory Blake, Sam Iravantchi
  • Patent number: 10697166
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a capacitance sensor arrangement as in combination with certain features (e.g., flap valve disablement). The system can detect an overflow flush condition of a toilet by sensing the value of a parameter of one or more normal flush cycles of the toilet and establishing a normal range for the value of the parameter using the sensed value. The system can also store the normal range in a memory for comparison to a value of the parameter during subsequent flush cycles. The system can perform sensing over a predetermined timeframe. The system can include the time frame being sufficient to include the entire push cycle of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: LIMIT, INC.
    Inventors: Farshid Salemi Parizi, Josh Fromm
  • Patent number: 10570598
    Abstract: The present invention is an actuation apparatus that is adapted such that when a water level sensor senses water at above a predetermined level by means of a float of a float valve “floating” or rising to a predetermined level based on a corresponding increase in a water level, a diaphragm valve “turns on” or repositions such that water is allowed to flow from a pressurized water source to an actuator and the actuator actuates. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a toilet having auxiliary discharge path and valve in preventing the toilet from overflowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: A. Shane Alcorn
  • Patent number: 10450735
    Abstract: In a flush toilet, a base plate, in which a function unit is installed, is provided on a recessed portion formed on a rear upper surface of a toilet bowl of a toilet main body. Hole portions that are open downward are provided in the recessed portion. The base plate is provided with bottomed protrusion portions fitted into the hole portions and accommodates a part of the function unit. Flow channels are provided between the base plate and the recessed portion, so that water inside the toilet bowl is discharged to a floor surface from the flow channels from the hole portions before the water overflows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: LIXIL Corporation
    Inventors: Saori Ichihara, Isato Hirasawa, Tomoya Sasaki, Takeya Ichiyanagi, Makoto Saruta
  • Patent number: 10370836
    Abstract: Toilet flushing systems installed in a toilet reservoir. A toilet reservoir stores a fluid that pours into a toilet bowl for carrying waste away from a toilet. Exemplary toilet flushing systems may include a flush sleeve having a sleeve bottom and sleeve top. The exemplary sleeve bottom may connect to a bottom of the toilet reservoir around a reservoir drain. The flush sleeve may be capable of being raised in a raised orientation such that the sleeve top is above the fluid in the toilet reservoir to prevent the fluid from entering the reservoir drain. Exemplary toilet flushing systems may include a flush sleeve actuator that lowers the sleeve top of the flush sleeve below a fluid level in the toilet reservoir to allow the fluid to flow through the flush sleeve into the reservoir drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: RICHARD COREY BREED
    Inventors: Richard Corey Breed, Kurt Herloff Petersen
  • Patent number: 10352031
    Abstract: A toilet includes a base and a basin. The base supports the toilet on a surface. The basin is supported by the base. The base defines a primary toilet outlet and a secondary toilet outlet spaced apart and independent from the primary toilet outlet. The basin is supported by the base. The basin defines a primary basin outlet and a secondary basin outlet. The primary basin outlet is in fluid communication with the primary toilet outlet by way of a primary drain path. The secondary basin outlet is in fluid communication with the secondary toilet outlet by way of a secondary drain path independent from the primary drain path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Keith E. Muellenbach
  • Patent number: 10138624
    Abstract: The present invention is an actuation apparatus that is adapted such that when a water level sensor senses water at above a predetermined level by means of a float of a float valve “floating” or rising to a predetermined level based on a corresponding increase in a water level, a diaphragm valve “turns on” or repositions such that water is allowed to flow from a pressurized water source to an actuator and the actuator actuates. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a toilet having auxiliary discharge path and valve in preventing the toilet from overflowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: A. Shane Alcorn
  • Patent number: 10087611
    Abstract: A toilet includes a bowl including a supply water plenum providing the water to the basin, a primary drain fluidly connecting and terminating at a drain passage and a secondary drain fluidly connecting the supply water plenum to the sewer drainage pipe. The secondary drain is separate from the primary drain and includes at least one secondary drain inlet that is disposed within the supply water plenum, a second drain channel, and a second drain outlet. The inlet permits rising waste water to flow from the supply water plenum into the second drain channel and out of the second drain outlet to the sewer drainage pipe separately from the waste water of the primary drain. The supply water plenum also includes a diverting wall located upstream of the secondary drain inlet configured to divert water flowing from upstream from flowing into the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Patrick Gerard Stack
  • Patent number: 9822517
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet bowl water level gauge and associated methods. In one embodiment, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a gauge assembly having a stem with a float, and a sleeve, wherein the stem is inserted in the sleeve and slides through the sleeve. Also, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a support attached to the gauge assembly, the support being adapted to engage a rim of a toilet bowl. In addition, bowl level sensors are employed for automated calibration of an automated bowl fill system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • Patent number: 9822520
    Abstract: A toilet with a flushable overflow drain includes a bowl and a primary drain connected to the bowl to receive fluid therefrom and having a primary drain trap. An overflow drain including an overflow drain trap is connected to the bowl at one end thereof and is connected at a second end to the primary drain at a location downstream of the primary drain trap. An overflow drain flush passage is connected to the overflow drain at a position upstream of the overflow drain trap. Accordingly, water can be directed through the overflow drain flush passage and into the overflow drain to flush the overflow drain and the overflow drain trap free of debris to prevent clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
  • Patent number: 9732506
    Abstract: A toilet configuration includes a toilet fixture, a detachable primary drain, and a detachable secondary drain. The primary and secondary drains can be assembled together or formed unitarily. The fixture includes a toilet bowl, a primary drain interface at a bottom of the bowl configured to permit liquid to flow from the toilet bowl into a detachable primary drain, and a secondary drain hole. The detachable primary drain fluidly is connected to the primary drain interface and is configured to be fluidly connected to a sewer pipe to discharge the liquid directly into the sewer pipe. A detachable secondary drain fluidly is connected to the secondary drain hole and is configured to be fluidly connected to the sewer pipe to discharge backed up fluid from the toilet fixture directly into the sewer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick Gerard Stack, Lawrence Allen Trowbridge
  • Patent number: 9689156
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plumbing fixture (e.g. a bidet or toilet) of the type having a frontal basin and means for directing a supply of water to the basin for cleaning the basin. The plumbing fixture includes a modular housing mountable behind the basin and at least one control positioned in the modular housing to control operation of the plumbing fixture. The control may be selected from the group Consisting of light controls, bidet wand position controls, bidet wand heated air supply controls, bidet wand water supply controls, lid position movement controls, seat position movement controls, deodorizer controls, audio device controls and ultra violet sanitizer controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Eric M. Plate, Peter W. Denzin, Joseph L. Stauber
  • Patent number: 9394676
    Abstract: A overflow containment assembly for containing an overflowed fluid from a toilet includes the toilet structured to have a bowl. A fitting is coupled to the bowl on the toilet. The fitting is positioned proximate a maximum fill level of the bowl. A bag is coupled to the fitting. The bag may receive a fluid from the fitting if the bowl on the toilet becomes overfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Kevin Morris
  • Patent number: 9309659
    Abstract: A toilet fixture includes a bowl, a primary drain fluidly connects said basin and said sewer drainage pipe, and a supply water plenum. The fixture further includes a secondary drain fluidly connecting said supply water plenum to said sewer drainage pipe. The secondary drain is separate from said primary drain and includes inlet means that are disposed within said supply water plenum and include at least one unshielded secondary drain hole in a lower half of the plenum. The secondary drain further includes a second drain channel. The secondary drain further includes a second drain outlet that is in fluid communication with said second drain channel, whereby said inlet means permits rising waste water to flow from said supply water plenum into said second drain channel and out of said second drain outlet to said sewer drainage pipe separately from the primary drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Gerard Stack, Lawrence Allen Trowbridge
  • Patent number: 9169628
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling overflows is provided. The apparatus for controlling overflows may comprise an interior bowl including a waste receptacle and one or more water outlets connected to a water tank. The one or more water outlets may be configured to flush the interior bowl through a primary drain. Additionally, the apparatus for controlling overflows may include an exterior bowl, which may surround the interior bowl. The exterior bowl and the interior bowl may be separated by a gap. The gap may be configured to capture overflow water from the interior bowl when the primary drain malfunctions. Once the overflow water is captured by the gap, it may then be emptied into one or more containers configured to collect the overflow water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Paul A Komorita
  • Patent number: 9139993
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a water inlet of a toilet fill valve receives water from a water supply. A tank water outlet of the toilet fill valve provides a first portion of the water to a toilet tank. A bowl fill outlet port of the toilet fill valve provides a second portion of the water to a bowl fill restriction that is in direct contact with an extended portion of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill restriction restricts the flow of the second portion of the water. The bowl fill restriction provides the second portion of the water to a tube that is in direct contact with the bowl fill restriction. The tube provides the second portion of the water to a toilet tank overfill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Patent number: 9103105
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a water inlet of a toilet fill valve receives water from a water supply. A tank water outlet of the toilet fill valve provides a first portion of the water to a toilet tank. A bowl fill outlet port of the toilet fill valve provides a second portion of the water to a bowl fill restriction that is in direct contact with an extended portion of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill restriction restricts the flow of the second portion of the water. The bowl fill restriction provides the second portion of the water to a tube that is in direct contact with the bowl fill restriction. The tube provides the second portion of the water to a toilet tank overfill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Patent number: 9068331
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a toilet overflow prevention device. The device is a toilet tank shutoff system, composed of a sensor for use in the toilet bowl or tank, an electro-mechanical actuator, and an electronic communication link. The electromechanical actuator is configured to raise the control rod, which controls the filler valve of the toilet. A latch mechanism would retain the control rod, once it is raised. The system would raise the control rod upon receiving a signal from the sensor that the toilet is at risk of overflowing; the control rod would be retained in the raised position by the latch mechanism without requiring electric current, until released manually by the user. The sensor in the toilet bowl would preferably be in electronic communication with the electro-mechanical actuator in the toilet tank by a wire covered in a durable material, or by a short range, wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Adam Joshua Blom
  • Patent number: 9027171
    Abstract: The invention provides a flush free drain trap system. The trap of the invention may be used in any trap system intended to block a back flow of odors from the waste line. A sealant liquid floats on top of the waste liquid in the trap to block odors. The trap uses one passageway to pass liquids to the sewer line, similarly to a conventional drain system, for preventing overflow and allowing cleaning. A second passageway allows the trap to dispose of small amounts of the waste liquid though an opening and a valve operated by the buoyancy caused by the accumulation of waste liquid in the trap. In normal use, waste liquid is passed to the sewer line without loss of sealant liquid. Furthermore, the performance of the trap is not affected by the evaporation of the waste liquid when the trap is unused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Karim Lagobi
  • Patent number: 8844067
    Abstract: A device to shut-off a water supply to a toilet diverts water from a toilet fill valve to a shut-off valve that has a housing that includes a valve mechanism, a trip mechanism, and a trip circuit. The trip mechanism includes a rotational spring that urges closing of the valve mechanism. A trip latch is adapted to prevent closing of the valve mechanism except when withdrawn from the valve mechanism by a solenoid that is electrically connected to the trip circuit. The trip circuit includes at least one trip sensor input and a power source, such that when the trip circuit detects a fault condition on any of the trip sensors, the trip circuit connects power to the solenoid to withdraw the solenoid to close the valve mechanism. A rest knob may then be rotated to reset the valve mechanism into a valve-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ceto Technologies Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Quintana, David Millar, Kermit L. Achterman
  • Publication number: 20140201896
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a toilet overflow prevention device. The device is a toilet tank shutoff system, composed of a sensor for use in the toilet bowl or tank, an electro-mechanical actuator, and an electronic communication link. The electromechanical actuator is configured to raise the control rod, which controls the filler valve of the toilet. A latch mechanism would retain the control rod, once it is raised. The system would raise the control rod upon receiving a signal from the sensor that the toilet is at risk of overflowing; the control rod would be retained in the raised position by the latch mechanism without requiring electric current, until released manually by the user. The sensor in the toilet bowl would preferably be in electronic communication with the electro-mechanical actuator in the toilet tank by a wire covered in a durable material, or by a short range, wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Adam Joshua Blom
  • Patent number: 8707474
    Abstract: Controls for use in association with a toilet conserve water by allowing the amount of water utilized for each flush to be varied. The controls conserve water by minimizing the amount of water lost in the event of either a minor leak or a major leak. The controls may include a magnet to raise a float connected with a water float control valve. The controls may include water level sensor apparatus. The controls may include a force transmission assembly which effects operation of water inlet and outlet valves under the influence of force transmitted from a handle of a toilet. A separate body of water may be maintained in a container in the tank. A pump may be connected in fluid communication with the container and operated under the influence of force transmitted from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Ervin J. Rachwal
  • Patent number: 8704671
    Abstract: An electromechanical toilet leak detector comprises first and second enclosure portions. An adhesive structure disposed on the second enclosure portion, the adhesive structure in use for being removably adhered to the porcelain outer surface of a flush toilet. One of the first and second enclosure portions includes a groove that mates with a lip provided by the other of the first and second enclosure portions to provide a substantially water-resistant seal therebetween. A vibration sensing transducer disposed between the first and second enclosure portions generates a signal responsive to vibration generated by the toilet due to water inflow turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: NTH Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Eric L. Canfield, Edward P. Cheslock
  • Patent number: 8590068
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved toilet for flushing bodily waste materials. This toilet includes a secondary drain that communicates liquid that is backing up during a potential overflow situation into a conventional drainage sewer without any modification to that sewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick G Stack, Lawrence A Trowbridge
  • Patent number: 8590069
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved urinal for flushing bodily waste materials. This urinal includes a secondary drain that communicates liquid that is backing up during a potential overflow situation into a conventional drainage sewer without any modification to that sewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick G Stack, Lawrence A Trowbridge
  • Publication number: 20130247292
    Abstract: To prevent an overflow in a toilet system having a tank in fluid communication with a bowl and having a flapper style flush valve, the invention suggests using a baffle assembly mountable between the tank and the bowl. A water level sensor is positioned in the bowl and sends an out-of-range signal to a solenoid, which causes a pivotal baffle plate to close a fluid path between the tank and the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: William J. Jefferson
  • Patent number: 8534313
    Abstract: An auxiliary actuator for a toilet fill valve comprises a plunger oriented under an arm of the toilet fill valve to lift the arm to close the toilet fill valve when the plunger is in a raised position. A spring or hydraulic mechanism urges the plunger into the raised position. A solenoid mechanism is normally de-energized and engages a latching mechanism of the plunger when the plunger is in a lowered position. An electronic sensing circuit has at least one sensor and a power source. The electronic sensing circuit is electrically connected with the solenoid mechanism to energize the solenoid mechanism upon detection of a fault condition based on the input of the at least one sensor. Fault conditions may include a flush valve leak, a stuck-open flush valve, a plugged toilet, and a leaking fill valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Kermit L. Achterman
  • Publication number: 20130104305
    Abstract: A toilet fixture includes a bowl, a primary drain fluidly connected to the bowl, a supply water plenum providing water to the bowl to flush the fixture, and a secondary drain inlet located to the plenum. The secondary drain inlet includes a secondary drain hole permitting water to flow from the plenum into the secondary drain inlet. The secondary drain inlet is fluidly connected to a drain permitting water to exit the fixture and water flowing through the secondary drain inlet can bypass a clog in the primary drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick Gerard Stack, Lawrence Allen Trowbridge
  • Patent number: 8387652
    Abstract: An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes a pressure compensating drip emitter that allows water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8370969
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectable characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Limit, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Bowcutt, Ahmed Shishegar, Matthew Ibarra, Daniel L. Corbin, Dennis Repp, Robert M. Connell, Oscar Dufau, Gregory Blake, Sam Iravantchi
  • Patent number: 8266737
    Abstract: A swimming pool water leveler system. Implementations may include a water leveler comprising one or more of the following aspects: separate fill and sensing chambers within the water leveler housing; logical water level adjustment features that provide a tactile indicator of water level change; a continuous balance line and overflow line; a water supply line seal valve with a cup seal; a reducer plug in an outlet between the sensing chamber and the balance line to assist in junk removal; and the ability to pressure test the balance line and overflow line at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 8209792
    Abstract: A shut-off valve for connecting between a water supply valve and a tank inlet port of a toilet tank includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve mechanism, a trip mechanism, and a trip circuit electrically connected with the trip mechanism. The valve mechanism includes a valve housing rotationally confining a first ceramic disk and a ceramic second disk, each disk having at least one aperture therethrough that, when mutually aligned, allow for fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ports. The trip mechanism includes a rotational spring that urges rotation of an axial shaft fixed coaxially with the second disk. A trip latch is adapted to prevent rotation of the axial shaft and second disk except when withdrawn from the axial shaft by a solenoid electrically connected to the trip circuit that is electrically connected with a toilet tank overflow sensor, a toilet bowl overflow sensor, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Quintana, Kermit L. Achterman, David Millar, David Michael Parrish
  • Patent number: 8151377
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides an odorless and overflow-less toilet system. The technology provides for the removal of odor at its source and aids in overflow protection. The technology provides a toilet system having a second chamber running in fluid communication with a first chamber and a second exit port to allow for the continuation of the second chamber flow to a trap assembly. The trap assembly is configured to separate exhaust odors and overflows. The trap assembly prevents sewage gasses from escaping back through the toilet. The trap assembly allows overflows to be routed back to a sewage out line. The trap assembly provides for the flow of odors from the toilet with an inline exhaust fan. The inline exhaust fan pulls odors from the toilet through the second chamber and exit port of the toilet through the trap assembly and then through the inline exhaust fan to exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald Ferrell Pickle
  • Publication number: 20120023654
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: LIMIT, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Bowcutt, Ahmed Shishegar, Matthew Ibarra, Daniel L. Corbin, Dennis Repp, Robert M. Connell, Oscar Dufau, Gregory Blake, Sam Iravantchi
  • Patent number: 8065759
    Abstract: A monitor embodiment, monitoring overflow levels in a bathtub, comprises an input water unit, including a control circuitry, coupled to a hot-cold water facet; a water level detection unit including telescopically joined tubes with a floatable lowest tube associated with an indicator, an uppermost tube fixed to the input unit, sensors attached to non-lowest tubes variably coupled. The sensors detect the indicator's position reaching a predetermined alarm or shutoff level, causing respective initiating an alarm signal, or terminating the input unit's water flow. Another embodiment additionally comprises an output water unit associated with the circuitry, incorporating a temperature sensor and a user preset-temperature selector. The output unit outlets cooled water from the bathtub, the input unit inlets hot water until the preset-temperature is reached, provided no alarm signal was issued. An additional sensor, incorporated in the input unit, allows adding the hot water when it's hotter than the bathtub water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Aleksandr Smushkovich, Eugene Pogrebinsky
  • Publication number: 20110258766
    Abstract: A toilet overflow preventer includes an overflow sensor configured to extend into the interior of a toilet bowl. The overflow sensor includes a housing having a liquid-porous bottom with a switch located inside the housing. A battery is in electrical communication with the overflow sensor. An actuator assembly is connected to the battery and the overflow sensor. The actuator assembly includes an actuator having an actuator arm moveable from a first position not in contact with the toilet flush valve to a second position in contact with the toilet flush valve based upon a signal from the overflow sensor switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Cousineau
  • Publication number: 20100299823
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved toilet for flushing bodily waste materials. This toilet includes a secondary drain that communicates liquid that is backing up during a potential overflow situation into a conventional drainage sewer without any modification to that sewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick G. Stack, Lawrence A. Trowbridge
  • Patent number: 7814582
    Abstract: A system for detecting an actual or impending overflow condition from a washroom fixture includes an overflow sensor configured with the fixture at a location to detect an abnormal rise in water level within the fixture before water overflows the fixture. A water sensor may also be disposed to detect an abnormal amount of water on the washroom floor. A data communications unit is in communication with the sensors. A washroom monitoring station is provided in wireless communication with the data communications unit and in communication with the sensors through the data communications unit. The washroom monitoring station is configured for indicating the presence of water when detected by the overflow or water sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiran K. Reddy, Joseph Mitchell, Cheryl L. York, Amanda Butler, Debra N. Welchel, Rameshbabu Boga, James J. Detamore, Ronald R. Padak, Jason Lye
  • Patent number: 7757312
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved bathroom fixture for flushing bodily waste materials. This fixture includes a secondary drain that communicates liquid that is backing up during a potential overflow situation into a conventional drainage sewer without any modification to that sewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick G. Stack, Lawrence A. Trowbridge
  • Publication number: 20100095447
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: LIMIT, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Bowcutt, Ahmed Shishegar, Matthew Ibarra, Daniel L. Corbin, Dennis Repp, Robert M. Connell, Oscar Dufau, Gregory Blake, Sam Iravantchi
  • Patent number: 7636959
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Limit, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Bowcutt, Ahmed Shishegar, Matthew Ibarra, Daniel L. Corbin, Dennis Repp, Robert M. Connell, Oscar Dufau, Gregory Blake, Sam Iravantchi
  • Patent number: 7509973
    Abstract: A system to prevent an excess flow of water to a toilet tank in the event of a failure of a primary flow control assembly including a novel secondary shut-off valve which is automatically disposed into an initialized configuration upon completion of a normal flush cycle, but which is disposed into a closed configuration in the event of a failed flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Manuel Deive
  • Publication number: 20090000018
    Abstract: A toilet overflow control system is provided including a secondary float chamber and secondary float. The secondary float chamber is located below the toilet water tank and behind the toilet bowl at the water level of the toilet bowl and extending upward to the bottom of the toilet water tank. A vertical rod extends upward from the secondary float and is attached to a lever on the toilet water supply valve. This allows the secondary float to turn off the water when the toilet bowl water rises above a normal level. The vertical rod is inside a tube that allows it to go through the water tank without any loss of water. The secondary float chamber is fluidically connected to the toilet bowl by a horizontal conduit located just above the toilet bowl normal water level. A rinse hose is connected to the water supply valve to allow rinse water to flow into the secondary float chamber to prevent a back flow of water into the secondary float chamber during the flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Quinn
  • Publication number: 20080250555
    Abstract: A toilet over flow prevention system for installation into a toilet having a tank in fluid communication with a bowl and having a flapper style flush valve and a supplemental water supply. The over flow system includes a flapper solenoid mounted in the tank, for depressing the flapper valve into a closed position, a overflow sensor mounted in the bowl for sensing a over fill condition in the bowl, and a control box communicating with the over flow sensor and the flapper solenoid for operably signalling the flapper solenoid to depress the flapper valve into the closed position in the case of a over fill condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: EDWARD GAFFEY