Abstract: A leak detector for use with a piping system, where the leak detector includes a housing configured to be attached to a conduit and a valve configured and arranged for axial movement with respect to the housing. Additionally, there is a magnet attached to the valve for movement therewith. Embodiments of the invention also preferably include a magnetically-actuated switch positioned within the leak detector along an axial flow path of a fluid such that axial movement of the magnet triggers the switch, which indicates fluid flow through the leak detector. In certain embodiments, there is also a leak passageway that permits a relatively small amount of fluid to pass to an outlet side of the valve even when a diaphragm is in seating contact with the valve if fluid pressure on the outlet side of the valve is slightly lower than fluid pressure on an inlet side of the valve.
Abstract: A waterless urinal has a fixture including a backsplash and side walls joining a bowl at the bottom. Mounted on the top of the fixture is a fluid reservoir, a valve and a controller. The controller periodically opens the valve to release a quantity of a cleansing sealant from the reservoir onto the non-wetted surfaces of the fixture. The cleansing sealant cleans the non-wetted surfaces and then flows into the bowl where it collects to replenish the trap seal.
Abstract: A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.
Abstract: A dual flush volume pressurized flush device. A pressurized tank includes a tray for controllably retaining water during a flush event. The tray retains a certain volume of water when a reduced flush is activated, such that the entire volume of the tank is not flushed. In a full flush event, the activation causes substantially the entire volume of the tank to be flushed, including the volume of water inside the tray. A controllable water retention tray valve is positioned in the tray and provides a controllable release for the water in the tray.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 11, 2011
Date of Patent:
June 26, 2012
Assignee:
Sloan Valve Company
Inventors:
Ming Ge, Amer Mansour, Jerry Sobolewski, Phil Wenzel
Abstract: A flush mechanism for use in a urinal. The flush mechanism includes a flush reservoir pivotally mounted within a flush frame. The flush mechanism receives water from an inlet above the flush reservoir. The flush reservoir is pivotable from a fill position to a flush position whereby the water is dispensed to a manifold within the urinal for flushing of the urinal. The flow of water into the flush reservoir and the actuation of the flush reservoir may be directed by a controller.
Abstract: A lavatory system has a cabinet including a base, a basin and a head extending above the basin. A water outlet/sensor is mounted in the head. A water supply line is connected to the water outlet. A solenoid valve in the water supply line controls the flow of water through the water supply line. A circuit board sends electrical signals to the solenoid valve for opening and closing the valve upon receipt of indications from a sensor as to whether a user hands is present or not. The solenoid valve, shut off valve, circuit board and sensor are mounted in the head with a sloped surface towards the basin. A manual shutoff valve mounted in the head is included in the supply line.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 30, 2007
Date of Patent:
May 22, 2012
Assignee:
Sloan Valve Company
Inventors:
Paul A. Schmitt, Richard A. Nortier, Mark Gutting-Kilzer, James C. Allen
Abstract: A dual function actuator for a flush valve. The actuator contains a sensor for controlling a motor, which in response to a stimulus will move a plunger which actuates the flush valve. The actuator is also configured to allow for manual actuation of the flush valve by tilting a distal portion of the actuator in relation to the remaining portion of the actuator and flush valve, which moves the plunger actuating the flush valve.
Abstract: A handle assembly for providing dual flush functionality to a flush valve. The handle assembly comprising a handle and a plunger engagable with each other. The plunger axially slidable in a bush disposed between the handle and the flush valve. The bushing having a passage for receiving the plunger. The plunger having a first and a second axis along which the plunger may travel through the passage. Movement of the handle moves the plunger from first axis to the second axis wherein actuation of the flush valve by the plunger along the first axis results in a different flush volume than actuation along the second axis.
Abstract: Methods for communicating with an automatic flush valve device. The automatic flush device having a variety of operational modes which can be selected from to control the operation of the device. The communication from the automatic flush device providing a user with information regarding the status of the flush valve device.
Abstract: A dual mode flush valve includes a handle assembly having a handle, a bushing and a plunger. The bushing has a sleeve with a passage therethrough for mounting the plunger for sliding and tilting. The passage is defined by first and second partially overlapping bores that coincide at the inner end of the sleeve and are spaced one above the other at the outer end of the sleeve. The bores define a horizontal plunger travel axis and an angled plunger travel axis. Depending on which direction the user actuates the handle the plunger will travel along one of these axes. Travel along the angled axis will lower the plunger tip, allowing earlier clearance of a relief valve and a reduced flow through the flush valve compared to actuation with the plunger travel along the horizontal axis.
Abstract: A control stop for a flush valve for a urinal or toilet fixture includes a housing defining a flow chamber divided by a valve seat into inlet and outlet sections. A valve structure is biased toward the valve seat by a spring applying a valve closing spring force. The housing is sealed by a diaphragm, and the diaphragm covers the movable valve structure, isolating it from water flowing through the housing. The diaphragm does not impede valve structure movement, and the closing spring force establishes a threshold water supply pressure for opening the control stop during increasing pressure following a no or low supply pressure condition. A plurality of control stops may supply a bank of flush valves and fixtures, and open in a cascading sequence during increasing pressure as a result of having springs with different closing spring forces.
Abstract: An on-demand electronic faucet system for providing a faucet with a flow of water in response to a stimulus. A sensor unit is positioned remote from the faucet and in wireless communication with a wireless valve control unit. The wireless valve control unit controls a valve in the water supply line that feeds the faucet. In response to a stimulus, the sensor signals the wireless valve control unit to change the status of the valve in the water supply line from open to closed or closed to open and other states affecting flow and temperature.
Abstract: A flush valve diaphragm is provided. The diaphragm includes at least two by-passes orifices. Each by-pass orifice in the diaphragm has a by-pass associated therewith. Each by-pass having a passage therethrough, allows communication with the control chamber above the diaphragm with an inlet chamber below the diaphragm. The diaphragm also integrates the function of locating and providing sealing means to the flush valve system's aux valve mechanism.
Abstract: A dual flush volume pressurized flush device. A pressurized tank includes a tray for controllably retaining water during a flush event. The tray retains a certain volume of water when a reduced flush is activated, such that the entire volume of the tank is not flushed. In a full flush event, the activation causes substantially the entire volume of the tank to be flushed, including the volume of water inside the tray. A controllable water retention tray valve is positioned in the tray and provides a controllable release for the water in the tray.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 30, 2008
Date of Patent:
July 12, 2011
Assignee:
Sloan Valve Company
Inventors:
Ming Ge, Amer Mansour, Jerry Sobolewski, Phil Wenzel
Abstract: A flush valve assembly including a discharge receiver with a plug opening therein, a sleeve, a main valve assembly positioned within the sleeve, and a main diaphragm sealingly connected between the main valve assembly and the sleeve. The main diaphragm and the main valve assembly define a control chamber on an upper side thereof and an inlet region on a lower side thereof. The assembly also includes a discharge plug with a flange portion configured to be received in the plug opening in the discharge receiver. When the flush valve assembly is in a non-pressurized condition, the flange portion of the discharge plug is not seated within the plug opening of the discharge receiver, and when the flush valve assembly is in a pressurized condition, the flange portion of the discharge plug is seated within the plug opening of the discharge receiver. The flushing operation may be electronic and/or manual.