Flush Closet, Wash Receptacle, And Bathtub Or Shower Patents (Class 4/663)
  • Patent number: 11779172
    Abstract: A lavatory includes a toilet, a wall proximate to the toilet, and a transfer member moveably secured to the wall. The transfer member is moveable between a stowed position away from the toilet, and a deployed position. At least a portion of the transfer member in the deployed position is supported by at least a portion of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Darren Carl McIntosh
  • Patent number: 11535527
    Abstract: A processing device for grey water for a rail vehicle includes a grey water container, a grey water supply in an inlet region, a drain for processed grey water in an outlet region, and a slotted filter between the inlet and outlet regions that has at least one movable sliding member which touches the base of the grey water container in a lowered position and is lifted off the base in a raised position. The base of the grey water container rises from the inlet region to the outlet region. A cleaning outflow is disposed in the inlet region on the base side. A fresh water supply for supplying fresh water is disposed in the outlet region. A rail vehicle having at least one processing device for grey water for a toilet module or toilet bowl is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventors: Simon Gaedker, Frank Hugemann, Andreas Haeussler, Thomas Kuebeck
  • Patent number: 10968353
    Abstract: A coated smooth surface of a substrate repels liquids and viscoelastic materials and can have anti-staining and anti-biofouling properties. The smooth surface can be coated by applying a chemical layer on the surface and a lubricant. Such coated surfaces are useful for use in toilets, urinals, or other devices for the processing of liquids and viscoelastic materials such as solid or semi-solid metabolic waste of human digestive system. Such coated surfaces can also be applied to windows for buildings or vehicles such as automobiles or camera lenses to repel liquids (e.g., rain), ice, frost, insect residues, and birds' feces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: THE PENN STATE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Tak-Sing Wong, Jing Wang
  • Patent number: 10654426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toilet apparatus deployable in a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a commode disposed in a boot of the vehicle; a waste collection tank provided in the vehicle and in fluid communication with the commode, wherein the waste collection tank is supported on a chassis of the vehicle underneath the boot of the vehicle; a privacy enclosure configured around the commode; a wash basin provided operatively behind the commode in the vehicle, wherein the wash basin is in fluid communication with the waste collection tank; a pump in fluid communication with the wash basin and the water tank and configured to pump water from the water tank into the wash basin; and a curtain arrangement for covering a rear window of the vehicle, thereby providing the user with privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Justin Keller
  • Patent number: 9949598
    Abstract: A combination bathtub/shower base facility including a bathtub unit, and a shower base, wherein the bathtub unit and the shower base are molded together as one unitary piece. The shower base is positioned downstream of any fluid overflowing from the tub. The facility also includes means for providing easy installation of the facility. The facility provides a shower, a bathtub, a relaxation room, a rainroom, a steam space, and a total immersion bath experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DISTRIBUTION AD WATERS (CAN) INC.
    Inventor: Tony Masecchia
  • Publication number: 20150013063
    Abstract: In a craft such as an aircraft, a lavatory unit may be powered by the various outputs of a fuel cell system, including by-products that typically become waste. For example, but not limited to, a combination of the water, oxygen-depleted air, thermal energy and/or electrical energy generated by the fuel cell system may be used to supply water to the faucet and the toilet of the lavatory unit, to supply the lavatory unit with its electrical needs, and to heat and/or disinfect and/or dry the lavatory unit and its surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Razmik Boodaghians
  • Publication number: 20130232685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-contained bathroom comprising a prefabricated chamber intended to be placed on the floor of a room in a dwelling, said chamber containing sanitary fittings (6, 7, 8). The bathroom also includes: a means (30) for supplying clean water to the prefabricated chamber; a means (14) for collecting the wastewater generated by the sanitary fittings (6, 7, 8); and a tank (11) for storing the wastewater, said tank being connected to a drain means (14?) placed inside the prefabricated chamber in order to drain the wastewater stored in the tank. The invention is characterised in that the drain means (14?) is connected to a extendable hose (17) positioned inside the prefabricated chamber, and, while the tank remains inside the chamber, the extendable hose can be used to convey and direct the drain flow towards a drain point outside the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Alain Cornille
  • Patent number: 8474070
    Abstract: The invention discloses a resin-based composite sanitary ware, which is characterized in that: the sanitary ware is made by mixing up and injecting the raw materials and then solidifying the mold; and the ingredients of the raw materials and their weight ratios are as follows: unsaturated polyester resin composition 14%-30%; unsaturated polyester anti-shrinking medium 6%-14%; reinforcing fiber 11%-37%; scale stone 10%-20%; calcium carbonate 25%-40%; initiator 0.8%-2.4%. And this invention also discloses the preparation method of the sanitary ware. Compared with the current technology, the invention has the advantages of strong strength, high tenacity, perfect self-cleaning capacity and low energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Shanghai Huda Investment & Development Co., Ltd., Qinghai Xiwang Hi-Tech & Material Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liqun Chi
  • Patent number: 8375481
    Abstract: A shower water recycling system for toilet flushing that includes a storage tank having a water pipe inlet operationally controlled by means of a float valve, the float valve maintaining a reserve volume of water within an interior cavity of the storage tank, and a pump to pump water from an outlet of the storage tank to an extant toilet cistern, the storage tank having a rotatable plug disposed in a centrally draining top surface, said plug moveable between a first drain position and a second drain position whereby a drainage collar alternately sealingly engages and disengages with a drainage pipe disposed bypassing the interior cavity, and a flush arm slidingly activates and deactivates a flush valve to drain the storage tank, as desired, whereby shower water is conserved and recycled for use in an extant toilet, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Joshua Gibbins
  • Patent number: 8347428
    Abstract: A portable bathroom and kitchen fixture display includes a base, walls rising from the top of the base, a canopy spanning the walls, a holding tank within the base, fluid supply and fluid drain conduits, a plurality of fixtures selectively mounted to the base, and a fluid pump within the holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: David L. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20120159704
    Abstract: A sanitary unit comprises a toilet having a bowl (3) provided with a seat (4), and a wash basin (12) supported above the toilet bowl. The wash basin is mounted for sliding movement between a retracted position in which there is access to the toilet bowl, and a forward position in which the wash basin is to be used. The toilet bowl is mounted for simultaneous sliding movement between a retracted position and a forward position in which the toilet bowl is to be used, under the action of a mechanism (56) which interconnects the toilet bowl and the basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Saxby
  • Patent number: 7984520
    Abstract: A water closet has a wash basin positioned above a toilet which is secured to a floor. A guide is adapted to direct movement of the wash basin in a generally vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Boyd Black
  • Patent number: 7926128
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for bathroom accessibility, which is based on a device having at least one horizontal guide fixable to a wall, at least one hooking element, which slides with respect to the guide, and at least one supporting element for equipment that engages the hooking element. The hooking element includes a regulation device for selectively varying the height of at least one supporting element for bathroom equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Luca Mammi
  • Patent number: 7882577
    Abstract: A mobile sanitary system has a transportable platform, in particular a chassis, on which a plurality of sanitary elements are arranged. A number of technical supply devices are situated on the platform. According to one aspect of the invention, the technical supply devices are arranged in a central region of the platform, which region is surrounded all the way around by the plurality of sanitary elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Kärcher Futuretech GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Merz, Michael Moser, Gunter Siegle, Johann Tatar
  • Publication number: 20100224266
    Abstract: A connecting unit for a sanitary fitting is proposed, said connecting unit having, on one side thereof, plug-in sockets for connection to plug-in nipples of the sanitary fitting. On the opposite side, the connecting unit contains connections for the domestic installation pipes. The sanitary fitting and the connecting unit are connected by plugging in a direction parallel to the wall surface. The connecting unit may contain a flushing pipe which is designed as a continuous bore. When the connecting unit is not yet connected to the sanitary fitting, said flushing pipe can be used to flush out the pipes. Said flushing pipe is stopped from functioning when the connection between the sanitary fitting and the connecting unit is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Werner Lorch
  • Patent number: 7549606
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cabinet devices for lavatories are provided. In one embodiment, a method for resupplying a lavatory in an aircraft includes removing a first amenities module from an amenities cabinet in the lavatory; and inserting a second amenities module into the amenities cabinet, wherein the first and second amenities modules include a plurality of amenity compartments. In another embodiment, a method of providing a lavatory unit includes providing a cabinet assembly including a first wall having an opening disposed therethrough and a second wall having at least one access port; inserting a module into the cabinet assembly through the opening in the first wall, the module having at least one compartment disposed therein; and aligning the at least one compartment with the at least one access port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William C. Quan
  • Publication number: 20080148476
    Abstract: A control device is used to setup equipments in a bathroom. The equipments are setup according to individual's customs. The equipments are so setup to become comfortable, convenient and personalized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Hocheng Corporation
    Inventor: Chun-Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 7222632
    Abstract: There is provided a convenience comprising a frame, a floor and a floor cleaning device, said floor cleaning device comprising a water feeding conduit and a water dispensing nozzle, connected to said conduit and opening close to the floor, said nozzle comprising a neck having two converging surfaces facing each other, one of which is formed in the frame of the convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: J. C. Decaux International
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Gagosz
  • Patent number: 7137156
    Abstract: A portable lavatory, which is easily loaded into a freight box of a truck and is maintained in a stable loaded state in the freight box during transportation, is disclosed. In the portable lavatory (10), the capacities of both a fresh water tank (20) and a foul water tank (30) of a tank unit (12) are altered in inverse proportion to each other. The tank unit (12), integrated with a lower end of a lavatory facility unit (11), has a width and length shorter than those of the lavatory facility unit, thus being stepped inward from the lower end of the lavatory facility unit. The fresh water tank (20) and the foul water tank (30) are assembled with each other at flanged open ends thereof into a single structure, with a variable tank (40) provided in a junction part between the two tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Jinsung Mobile Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung Joon Yang
  • Patent number: 7032351
    Abstract: A bathroom compartment in a bathroom includes at least one partition having a core with one or more core layers, the core layers being made from wood or cellulose fibers which are surrounded and bound by a hot-curing resin. The core includes pigment to provide a solid-core color. The outer surface of the core may be provided without a surface covering or may be covered with a clear sheet of material or a sheet of material having the same color as the solid core color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Redman
  • Patent number: 6820290
    Abstract: A movable bathroom-fixture system, comprising bathroom fixtures modified to allow adjustment of their position in a bathroom; and the means to mount said fixtures on bathroom walls so that the fixture placement is adjustable. The modifiable fixtures include a moveable sink fixture, a moveable shower fixture, a moveable wet wall, a height adjustable toilet seat, and drainage tiles. Depending on the size of the bathroom the modifiable fixtures can be slideably and/or removably attached to moveable wall panel units, moveable walls, moveable panels, or fixture interface units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of SUNY at Buffalo
    Inventors: Abir Mullick, Edward Steinfeld, Drew Kelley
  • Publication number: 20040206011
    Abstract: A precut utility core for centrally locating all utility lines to be connected to appliances located in areas surrounding the core. The core consists of an inner cage housing the utility lines, a plurality of structural walls extending outwardly therefrom and an outer cage surrounding the structural walls are connected together. The precut utility core additionally is designed to support an optional upward extending rain-gathering funnel shaped tank capable of furnishing rainwater by gravity to the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Martha C. Meeker
  • Patent number: 6644333
    Abstract: A bathtub plumbing system including a hand-held shower controlled by a compact pressure balanced, volume and temperature controlled mixing valve. The pressure-balancing valve is installed in a bathtub plumbing set having a hand-held shower accessory. The pressure balancing valve receives hot and cold water from hand-held shower water feed pipes coupled to the main hot and cold water inlet pipes, respectively, located upstream of the respective hot and cold water control valves used to supply water to the main faucet. The hand-held shower hot and cold feed pipes are each hydraulically connected to a first respective hot and cold water inlet of a compact pressure-balancing valve. The hand-held shower is hydraulically connected to the outlet of the pressure-balancing valve by a flexible hose. Hot and cold water entering the pressure-balancing valve is mixed therein independently of the hot and cold water supplied to the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Cary Gloodt
  • Patent number: 6549816
    Abstract: A plumbing control system includes a plurality of plumbing fixtures operated by an electronic control board having a microprocessor. The control board can form a node on a network that monitors and controls the functions of multiple boards throughout a facility from a central computer. Network software running on the central computer communicates with the control boards. The software includes a binding feature that requires reporting of a network operating variable at a first control board to the central computer or a second control board. The network software also has site and device setup forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Jerome M. Gauthier, Nhon T. Vuong, Mark J. Sippel
  • Patent number: 6460204
    Abstract: An installation unit for sanitary fixtures is described which is characterized by a central carrying column having at least two connection regions with a planar, angled and/or curved attachment surface which extend at an angle to one another or parallel to one another, and which are in particular diametrically opposite relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: E. Missel GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Krist, Bernd Hanel
  • Patent number: 6405388
    Abstract: A wash sink and drained area assembly and method of construction comprise a wash sink assembled in immediate and lateral proximity to an enclosable and drained floor area with racks provided for drying items and a retractable curtain across the front edge of the drained area, the assembly formed as a single unit suitable for installation in a residential utility room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Jed H. Brown
  • Patent number: 6328882
    Abstract: A system for recycling waste water from showers, bath tubs and lavatories to provide flush water for toilets and urinals. The system includes a receiving tank A, an overflow conduit 4, a make-up water conduit 16, a pump B, and a hydro-pneumatic tank C. The system ensures that a sufficient supply of flush water is available at a required pressure to meet the toilet flushing demand. Preferably, the distribution piping for the recycled waste water is of a different size or color in order to in order to avoid accidentally connecting the non-potable flush water supply to a potable use. Mechanisms are also provided so that the flush water can be scented, colored, filtered, or disinfected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Joel Hl. Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 6256936
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated module includes a counter-top having a front access edge, side portions and a rear portion. A sink is disposed in the counter-top. A perimeter wall extends upward from the side and rear portions of the counter-top. A ceiling spans the perimeter wall above the counter-top. The module is preferably constructed as a one piece integrally molded structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Wellness, LLC
    Inventors: Earl S. Swensson, David S. Gilbert, George P. McAllister, Jr., Joseph L. Miles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6247195
    Abstract: A head structure is disclosed which includes a novel deck, bulkhead and overhead coating which prevents moisture, especially corrosive sea water, or salt atmosphere from reaching the underlying deck, bulkhead or overhead even if the surface of the coating is damaged or penetrated. The coating provides an attractive and highly durable surface which is easily cleaned and resists staining or discoloring. The novel coating in connection with the unique head design allows a head to be easily and rapidly cleaned and maintained a daily basis by simple wash-and wipe techniques requiring minimal crew involvement time. This permits crew members to be able to devote more of their time to education and productive endeavors rather than to maintenance. The head has a deck, bulkhead and an overhead, most or all of which are susceptible to corrosion in the salt water environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Corrosion Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen G. O'Brien, Paul C. Cassani, William A. Hall, John L. Cuzzocrea, Pasquale J. Russo, Douglas P. Tibbitts
  • Patent number: 6185759
    Abstract: A built-in furniture unit is provided with a fixedly mounted toilet, a shower, a shower tray, a rear wall rigidly connected to the shower tray, and a toilet seat movably mounted on the rear wall. The built-in furniture unit is designed as a cubicle. The essential advantage of this built-in furniture unit is that it can be installed, for example, in the bedroom of a person in need of nursing, so transforming the bedroom into a nursing care room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Winfried Staudenmayer
  • Patent number: 5903937
    Abstract: A prefabricated bathroom module for receiving a wheeled assembly such as a wheelchair, a walker, a piece of wheeled cleaning equipment, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the bathroom module includes two floor surfaces, a first one of which is adapted to receive liquids thereon. The first floor surface that receives the liquids is inclined toward the second floor surface so the liquid is directed toward this second floor surface. A drainage trough is positioned between the first and second floor surfaces for collecting the liquid from the first floor surface and for preventing liquid from moving between the two floor surfaces. The trough contains an aperture and drain for removing liquid collected in the trough. The bathroom module includes at least one bathroom fixture, such as a shower, which may be connected to existing plumbing in the structure in which the module is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Amtech Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Clarke
  • Patent number: 5742956
    Abstract: A modular bathroom unit configured for comfort and spaciousness, with a relatively small footprint. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a commode, shower with floor drain, and a relatively large lavatory, which is configured to pivot to a vertical position for space savings when not in use, or to a horizontal position for use. Further contemplated is a unique drain connection system, wherein the lavatory drain includes a drainpipe connection to a stationary drainpipe built into the wall structure of the unit, the connection accomplished without the requirement of hoses, pipe fittings or the like. The present invention provides a shower and toilet facility which may be utilized with no impositions or restrictions on the user, while the interior is configured to be watertight, with a sealed door, and an easily cleaned interior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Alan Tarver
  • Patent number: 5652976
    Abstract: A prefabricated modular invalid bathroom unit for installation in a room which has a shower seat portion with a shower seat, a shower floor portion adjacent the shower seat portion for draining shower water, an upper shower wall portion detachably mounted on the shower seat portion which performs as a back-splash surround opposite the shower floor portion, and a commode portion for receiving a water closet which is joinable with the shower floor on the opposite side from the shower seat. The shower floor is provided with a door opening for wheelchair access. Water supply pipes and water drain pipes are carried by the shower unit and connected together between modular portions with conventional plumbing connectors, couplers and fittings. Each modular portion is sufficiently short in height to pass through a standard door opening for easy access into the invalid's home and respective rooms of the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Clair L. Hopper
  • Patent number: 5438713
    Abstract: A prefabricated bathroom module for installation onto a deck of a marine vessel. The module having a floor sloped toward a drain assembly, a plurality of walls extending upward from the floor, and a ceiling attached to the top of the walls. The drain assembly has a drain trap arrangement with a drain line that extend from between the module floor and the deck of the vessel and connect to a drainage system of the vessel without penetrating through the deck. The module further having a plumbing system with water supply lines connected to the outside of the walls and routed to a common area, with control valves connected to the drain lines at the common area. An access panel mounted to a wall of the module adjacent to the control panels to provide a user easy access to the control valves. The plumbing system further including drain lines attached to the outside of the module and routing to the common area where the plumbing system of the module attaches to the drainage system of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Amtech Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Clarke
  • Patent number: 5319812
    Abstract: A vertically movable bathroom can be moved between a plurality of vertically spaced user stations, such as the floors in a high rise building. In one embodiment a freight elevator in a high rise building is modified to include complete bathroom facilities that are accessible to disabled persons, such that the facilities can be provided to any floor of the building. The modified elevator also includes first aid supplies, oxygen, a stretcher, etc., to make such supplies available throughout the building. Fire safety facilities, including a self contained sprinkler system and an express control to cause the elevator to travel to an exit floor without opening on any intermediate floors, provide a safe means of egress from the building in the event of a fire or other emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventors: Peter J. Hanrahan, E. Kevin Keegan
  • Patent number: 5305792
    Abstract: A used or waste water collection system for an aircraft has a waste water collection pipe that connects a kitchen sink with a collecting tank through a controllable valve. The waste water is transported by reduced pressure. For this purpose, the collecting pipe is connected to the suction system present in the aircraft, especially for removing sewage from the flushing of a toilet basin in the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Ellgoth, Helge Frank, Gerd Grunwald, Georg Mai, Karolin Mau, Ralf Schliwa
  • Patent number: 5065462
    Abstract: A handicap-accessible restroom including shower, sink and commode portions. The shower portion contains a shower head connected to a hose which is of sufficient length to extend to all areas within the restroom, for simplified cleaning. The restroom floor is tapered downward toward drain holes to further simpify cleaning and expedite drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Raymond Romano
  • Patent number: 4984314
    Abstract: A system for controlling liquid flow in bathrooms and the like in response to the presence of the user, which is configuration-adjustable to permit use in preselected sanitary applications. A light emitting device cooperates with a light sensor to detect light reflected from the user. The filtered and amplified output signal from the sensor is demodulated to provide a DC output signal. A first circuit is responsive to the DC output signal acutate fluid flow for a maximum preselected period, to enable use in controlling faucet flow. A second circuit is responsive to the DC signal and includes a device for arming the circuit following the existence of the DC output signal for a first predetermined period; and a device for thereupon generating a flow control signal for a second predetermined period following extinction of the DC output signal to enable use of the system to control flushing of urinals or commodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Water-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Weigert
  • Patent number: 4899402
    Abstract: A handicap-accessible bath facility (10), and a method of making the same, involves a two piece modular wall (22) having a height and a length which are less than the height and length of an existing room (16) in which the bath facility is to be mounted. The modular wall comprises top and bottom wall assemblies (42, 44) which are placed parallel to a first existing wall (14) and abutting a second existing wall (16) to form a shower compartment (124). A factory molded shower base (24) is placed on an existing floor (21) in the shower compartment and defines a shower-base ramp (94) at an entrance to the compartment. A barrier line (98) at the top of the ramp, between the ramp and a drain depression (90) formed in the shower base prevents water from flowing out of the shower compartment. Wall panels (26, 28, 30) line the shower compartment and engage a vertical lip (100) of the shower base for preventing water from leaving the shower compartment at intersections of these panels with the shower base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: A. C. Marble, Inc.
    Inventors: John Maynard, Dale Sexton
  • Patent number: 4881284
    Abstract: The self-cleaning restroom includes at least one non-rotatable wall portion associated with a fixed toilet and at least one rotatable wall portion supporting a restroom fixture such as a lavatory or a urinal. The rotatable portion is adapted to move between an open position in which the toilet and the fixture are accessible for use and a closed position in which all of the wall portions are nested in close proximity to each other to define a cleaning space for automatic cleaning of the self-cleaning restroom. Spray nozzles are provided for cleaning the walls, toilet, lavatory, urinal, and other accessories such as a mirror in the closed position with a fluid solution. One of the wall members is formed with its wall panels at right angles to form a single angle wall; and at least one other of the wall members has a zig-zag double angle configuration, recessed with respect to the one wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Self-Cleaning Environments, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenwood L. Garvey
  • Patent number: 4868936
    Abstract: According to the invention the suite consists of a rotating platform (1) divided into three sections, each of which accommodates a sanitary fitting, a bulkhead which is of suitable height and is divided into three panels, each of which separates one sanitary fitting from the others and may help to support some other elements necessary to the operation of the sanitary fitting and to the comfort of the user, a second platform also circular in shape but fixed and in the same plane as a first, constitutes the shower tray or the standing area according to the circumstances. The WC communicates directly with an upper tank (122) located immediately below the WC itself and connected, by means of corrugated hoses (128) or the like to a lower tank (122), which is removable and into which the contents of the upper tank are transferred once two on-off gate valves have been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Pietro Crocoli
  • Patent number: 4858256
    Abstract: A self-contained decontamination vehicle containing a system for man-carried equipment washing down personnel at the site of a major chemical disaster. The vehicle contains equipment for decontaminating the equipment used by the emergency personnel so that such man-carried equipment can be brought back into service immediately. All contaminated liquids are either retained within the vehicle for later disposition in a safe manner, or such liquids are decontaminated before being returned to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Jay Shankman
  • Patent number: 4847928
    Abstract: A motor vehicle for the decontamination of terrain and equipment and of personnel with at least one chemical dispersing device and spraying devices on the vehicle is provided having a module box placed on the vehicle frame in which the means for terrain and equipment decontamination are located, and a second module box placed on the vehicle frame and removable from it in a well known manner onto the ground, in which all the equipment required for the decontamination of personnel are located, and two tents can be built onto it and a shower arrangement is located on its rear side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Matra-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Fey
  • Patent number: 4796311
    Abstract: An intake facility and method for use with the emergency room of a hospital for processing the victims of a chemical disaster who may have suffered chemical contamination. Separate rooms are provided for surface removal of contamination in a way which permits the victims to be monitored before being moved into a triage room for evaluation and then into the emergency room. Separate provision is made to handle trauma victims. Arrangements and procedures are provided to prevent access to the emergency room of those persons carrying contamination which could "dirty" the emergency room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Jay Shankman
  • Patent number: 4766622
    Abstract: Disclosed is a peritoneal waste discharge system including a disinfectant storage chamber, a measuring chamber in selectable fluid contact with the storage chamber, a discharge cup in selectable contact fluid with the measuring chamber, a peritoneal bag vertically oriented above the discharge cup, and a conduit having the discharge cup as an input and having a bowl of a conventional toilet as an output. The disinfectant discharge chamber, the peritoneal waste bag, and the conduit are all in alignment with the gravity vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Inventor: Alphonso Pacelli
  • Patent number: 4745712
    Abstract: A building system in which the wet areas are constructed as a module at a construction site and transported to be placed on site for a building to be erected therearound. The modules are constructed to be positioned one on another for multi-storied buildings and incorporated into the floors of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Australian Stratacore Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence D. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 4744385
    Abstract: The above-entitled system is especially useful in recreational vehicles but is obviously adaptable to other arrangements. As obviously applied to a recreational vehicle (RV) having a fresh water tank, a grey tank and a waste tank, the system includes a plurality of electrically activated valves, one for each tank, so arranged as to be individually operated exclusive of each other in a convenient sequence for filling the water tank, draining and rinsing the grey tank and finally draining and rinsing the waste tank. The grey and waste tanks are connected to a water supply line by separate lines, each of which includes spray nozzles assuring cleansing of the tanks. A pump is provided in conjunction with the water for use in the event of a situation in which an external water source--such as city water--is not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: William H. Houghton
  • Patent number: 4718131
    Abstract: This invention is constructed such that a toilet bowl and a shower are spaced apart and installed in a unit room, a flashing water unit provided with a counter having an apron is attached to the wall surface of the unit room for the shower space through hinges in such a way as it may be rotated across the shower space and the toilet bowl installing space, said counter having apron is provided with a storing part for storing the toilet bowl and covering it at the moving position toward the toilet bowl installing space and being closed in opposition to the wall surface of the unit room, thereby in case of using of the shower, the flashing water unit is positioned at the shower space and the shower space can be utilized as the flashing water application space and a toilet bowl application space is also kept, and in turn in case of non-use of the shower, the flashing water unit is rotated toward the toilet bowl installing space and a shower space is also kept and at the same time the toilet bowl installing space
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignees: Toto Ltd., Tokyo Gas Housing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuzo Kitamura, Masami Shindo, Masamichi Miyanaga, Yoshimichi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 4688273
    Abstract: A sanitary system for thermostatically controlled supply of hot and cold water to a number of tapping locations includes a hot water storage container, piping to the tapping locations, thermostatically controlled mixing valves and tapping faucets or valves. The thermostatically controlled mixing valves are located at the water heater or storage container, and a tapping valve for adjustment and control of the water quantity is mounted at each separate tapping location. One single pipe line extends from each mixing valve to the respective tapping location. The system includes a microprocessor control with a manual temperature control at each tapping location for selection of water temperature, and a thermostatically influenced control system for each of the mixing valves including a processor controlled mechanical drive for adjustment of each mixing valve in correspondence with the water temperature defined at the tapping location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Lyng Industrier A/S
    Inventor: Bjorn Lyng
  • Patent number: 4680817
    Abstract: A personal hygiene center comprises in combination a tub, hand-held shower head mounted on the tub and toilet. The tub has upright front and rear walls and opposing end walls. A ceiling interconnects the walls and is of a height to accommodate a normal person standing on a floor of the tub. The tub has a walk-in entrance opening in the front wall. The door closes off a lower portion of the front wall to contain water in the tub and leave open an upper portion of the front wall to permit access into the tub by an attendant. A bench-style seat is integral with a first of the end walls. A cavity is defined beneath the bench seat where the opening exposes a major portion of an edge of the bench-style seat adjacent the front wall. A second opening is provided in the front wall to permit sliding movement of the toilet into and out of the cavity. Track means mounts the toilet beneath the bench seat for such sliding movement into and out of storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Inventors: George C. Sloan, David J. Laine