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 bowl has a closed jet pathway to maintain the jet channel in a primed state with fluid from the jet flush valve assembly to prevent air from entering the closed jet pathway. Flush valves may have back-flow preventer mechanisms and/or at least partly flexible valve covers, including specific valve cover structures. Flush activation assemblies may have a flush activation bar connected to the pivot rod and/or an adjustable flush connector located between the pivot rod and the flush activation bar. A kit providing one or more flush activation elements is included. The kit elements may be usable with the toilet systems and methods described.

Abstract: A sensor-operated pull-out faucet can include a spout having a hose disposed therein, a pull-out spray head fluidly coupled to the hose and configured to dock at an end of the spout, and a sensor assembly disposed at least partially in the spout proximate the end of the spout. The sensor assembly can include a sensor and a shutter disposed adjacent the sensor. The shutter can be operable to obscure the sensor in a closed state and expose the sensor in an open state. The faucet can also include a control unit communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to control fluid flow through the hose and the pull-out spray head based on control signals generated by the sensor.

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.

Abstract: A faucet spray head magnetic docking system includes a socket that couples to an end of the spout, and a bonnet that couples to the spray head and that engages with the socket. The socket includes a shell configured to be arranged in the mouth of the spout, and integrated with one or more magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may be inserted into corresponding holes of the socket shell. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be incorporated directly into the shell. The bonnet includes a threaded portion for coupling to corresponding threads of a connector at the spray head, and includes one or more corresponding magnets configured to magnetically attract to the magnetic elements of the socket.

Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet.

Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet.

Abstract: Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials. In some embodiments, the handles of an exemplary faucet can include the same or a similar multiple channel configuration as the spout, providing an advantageously, aesthetically pleasing faucet system. In exemplary embodiments, faucet spouts and their handles are formed so as to couple to standard faucet underbodies, standard valve platforms, or standard threaded hose/waterway connections.

Abstract: A filtration system for a pull-down or pull-out faucet includes a multi-channel hose configured to fluidly couple to a spray head, a water filter configured to provide filtered water, and a diverter-equipped T-connector. The T-connector has a first branch configured to receive unfiltered water from a valve cartridge of the faucet, a second branch configured to receive filtered water from the water filter, and a third branch configured to deliver filtered and unfiltered water from the first and second branches to different channels of the multi-channel hose. The spray head also includes an activation switch configured to allow selective output of filtered and unfiltered water from the spray head.

Abstract: A hose retraction system for a pull-out or pull-down faucet includes a support bracket configured to couple to a shank, a cylindrical housing mountable to the support bracket, and at least one constant force coil spring disposable in the cylindrical housing and configured to at least partially couple to a hose disposed in a faucet spout. The coil spring provides a recoil force sufficient to retract the hose when the hose is extended from the spout.

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.

Abstract: A faucet spray head magnetic docking system includes a socket that couples to an end of the spout, and a bonnet that couples to the spray head and that engages with the socket. The socket includes a shell configured to be arranged in the mouth of the spout, and integrated with one or more magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may be inserted into corresponding holes of the socket shell. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be incorporated directly into the shell. The bonnet includes a threaded portion for coupling to corresponding threads of a connector at the spray head, and includes one or more corresponding magnets configured to magnetically attract to the magnetic elements of the socket.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques for cleaning shower-enclosures are provided. In some embodiments, a shower-cleaning showerhead comprises a diverter housed in the showerhead, wherein the diverter is configured to divert water toward either a shower face of the showerhead or toward a cleaning nozzle of the showerhead. Before being expelled from the cleaning nozzle, water from the water supply may be mixed with cleaning solution, which may be pumped into the water supply or may be drawn in by the Venturi effect. In some embodiments, the showerhead may be configured to direct the flow of water along different flow paths in accordance with a shower mode, a cleaning mode, a rinse mode, and/or a pause mode. In some embodiments, one or more valves of the showerhead may be electronically and/or manually controlled.

Abstract: Improved fluid supply assemblies for fluid systems are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved fluid supply assemblies and related features, systems and methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous faucet assemblies (e.g., electrically or mechanically actuated faucet assemblies) having an integrated anti-scald device and having an integrated temperature mixing valve. The present disclosure provides for a faucet assembly having an integrated temperature mixing valve, and/or having an integrated anti-scald device configured to stop the inlet flow of hot water in the event the mixed outlet water temperature exceeds a user-selected set point. Advantageous faucet assemblies of the present disclosure can prevent scalding as defined by ASSE 1070. Improved, convenient and effective systems and methods for utilizing improved faucet assemblies in fluid systems are provided.

Abstract: Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials. In some embodiments, the handles of an exemplary faucet can include the same or a similar multiple channel configuration as the spout, providing an advantageously, aesthetically pleasing faucet system. In exemplary embodiments, faucet spouts and their handles are formed so as to couple to standard faucet underbodies, standard valve platforms, or standard threaded hose/waterway connections.