Tilting Pilot Valve Patents (Class 251/40)
  • Patent number: 12245502
    Abstract: Provided are organoboron compounds of that are useful as host material in OLEDs. Also provided are formulations comprising these organoboron compounds. Further provided are OLEDs and related consumer products that utilize these organoboron compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL DISPLAY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsiao-Fan Chen, Tyler Fleetham, Rasha Hamze, Scott Beers
  • Patent number: 11937494
    Abstract: Provided are compounds of Formula I that are useful as emitters in OLEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL DISPLAY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsiao-Fan Chen, Tyler Fleetham, Rasha Hamze
  • Patent number: 11233093
    Abstract: A head mounted display device comprises a display panel comprising first to third subpixels defined at a substrate, a reflection plate provided in the first, second and third subpixels, first electrodes vertically spaced apart from a lower surface of the reflection plate by a first distance, a second distance and a third distance at the first, second and third subpixels, respectively, a white organic stack on the first electrodes at the first, second and third subpixels, a second electrode on the white organic stack, and a first color filter on the second electrode at the third subpixel to transmit light having a long wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: LG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong-Seok Choi, Yoon-Deok Han, Gyeong-Woo Kim, Jun-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9822896
    Abstract: A rigid piston assembly for use in a conventional flush valve includes a rigid piston and a solenoid configured to fixedly engage within the valve body. A flush valve for a plumbing fixture as well as a method of retrofitting a piston valve into a diaphragm flush valve body which includes a rigid piston and solenoid configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SDB IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Bush, Ryan W. Nottage
  • Patent number: 9812661
    Abstract: An organic electroluminescence device including at least an anode, an emitting layer, an electron-transporting region and a cathode in sequential order, wherein the emitting layer contains a host and a dopant which gives fluorescent emission of which the main peak wavelength is 550 nm or less; the affinity Ad of the dopant is equal to or larger than the affinity Ah of the host; the triplet energy ETd of the dopant is larger than the triplet energy ETh of the host; and a blocking layer is provided within the electron-transporting region such that it is adjacent to the emitting layer, and the triplet energy ETb of the blocking layer is larger than ETh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: IDEMITSU KOSAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Kuma, Yuichiro Kawamura, Yukitoshi Jinde, Toshinari Ogiwara, Chishio Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 9748492
    Abstract: Provided are an amine compound having a benzofluorene structure and further having a dibenzofuran structure and/or a dibenzothiophene structure, and an organic electroluminescent device containing a cathode, an anode and an organic thin film layer intervening between the cathode and anode, the organic thin film layer comprising one layer or plural layers comprising at least an emitting layer, at least one layer of the organic thin film layer comprising the aforementioned amine compound solely or as a component of a mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: IDEMITSU KOSAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokatsu Ito, Takeshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9481988
    Abstract: A rigid piston assembly for use in a conventional flush valve includes a rigid piston configured to fixedly engage within the valve body. The present invention is also directed to a flush valve for a plumbing fixture as well as a method of retrofitting a rigid piston into a diaphragm flush valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SDB IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Bush, Ryan W. Nottage
  • Patent number: 9464421
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a lock assembly to lock a flush valve system, the handle lock assembly configured for placement on a flushing valve handle of a urinal or toilet comprising a top component and a bottom component comprising first and second arm sections and a center support section situated there between, each arm section pivotally connected to the first end of the top component. The arm sections also comprise a locking element for releasably locking with a mating locking element on the top component. A major advantage of the methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein is the savings in water that can be achieved without having to replace the current water-based urinal with a no-water urinal or expensive urinal with automatic flushing devices that control flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: XELA INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Muderlak, Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 9399861
    Abstract: A diaphragm type flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets that includes a valve member, a diaphragm, a guide member extends downwardly from the diaphragm, and a disk positioned on top of the diaphragm. The disk is threadably attached to the guide member and functions to secure the diaphragm, the disk, and the guide member into the valve member. The disk includes a rigid body made of a composite material and a seal member made of an adhesive and a thin layer of rubber, with the seal member having a portion on an upper surface of the disk for sealing contact with a relief valve. The disk also includes a plurality of spaced protrusions and inwardly directed on its upper surface in order to add accuracy and stability to the diaphragm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, Larry M. Elting, Jerome S. Markijohn
  • Patent number: 9062442
    Abstract: A flush actuator assembly is adapted to fit existing valve bodies. The flush actuator assembly includes a plunger rod which is capable of displacing the relief valve post more or less to adjust the flow of water through the flush valve during a single flush. The relief valve post may be displaced different amounts by adjusting the actuator assembly such that the plunger rod contacts the relief valve post at different locations along the central longitudinal axis of the post. Additionally, the relief valve post may be displaced different amounts by providing a plunger rod that has a different range of travel. A method associated with displacing the relief valve post varying amounts is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Funari
  • Patent number: 9057454
    Abstract: A flush actuator for use with a flush valve includes: a) a base having a bore extending therethrough between a lower portion and an upper portion; b) a plunger rod positioned within and guided by the bore of the base; and c) a handle mounted to the base, which when moved displaces the plunger rod within the bore of the base. The upper portion of the base includes a beveled nose extending from an end thereof beyond the lower portion. The plunger rod includes a body portion having a first diameter and a recessed area formed in the body portion with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Funari
  • Patent number: 8833727
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8826937
    Abstract: A flush valve has a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, a piston disposed in the valve body between the inlet and the outlet, a cartridge disposed in the outlet and a plurality of check valves disposed serially within the cartridge for preventing backflow through the outlet and wherein vacuum effects are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Masco Canada Limited
    Inventors: Frank A. Stauder, Xan Vy Du, Robert Kropiniewicz
  • Patent number: 8800955
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8714516
    Abstract: A non-adjustable water pressure and flow speed regulating flushing system includes a valve member adapted for sealedly disposing between the water inlet and outlet to control water flowing from water inlet to outlet through the water chamber, a relief valve disposed within the water chamber for controlling the water flowing from water chamber to water outlet, and a flow speed regulation arrangement which includes an elongated bleed channel for controlling a water pressure between the water inlet and water chamber, so as to regulate a flow speed of the water entering into the water chamber through the bleed channel in a non-adjustable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8632048
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8596607
    Abstract: A driving mechanism, mounting to a flush apparatus, includes an actuation housing coupling with a valve body, a manual actuation unit including a push button and a manual plunger arm transversely extended from the push button towards a pushing platform, and an automated actuation unit including a motorized unit and an automated plunger arm transversely extended towards the pushing platform. When the push button is manually pressed, the pushing platform is pushed by the manual plunger arm to move a diaphragm member at the unsealed position. When the motorized unit is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm is driven by the motorized unit to move towards the pushing platform, such that the pushing platform is pushed by the automated plunger arm to move the diaphragm member at the unsealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8397317
    Abstract: A flush actuator assembly for use with a flush valve having a relief post is disclosed. The flush actuator assembly includes a valve actuator having a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending therebetween. The aperture is adapted to surround at least a portion of the relief valve post. Movement of the valve actuator in a first direction engages the relief valve post at a first location on the post and displaces the relief valve post by a first separation distance. Movement of the valve actuator in a second direction engages the relief valve post at a second location on the post and displaces the relief valve post by a second separation distance. The first separation distance and the second separation distance are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, Robert E. Saadi, Jeffrey T. Phillips, Joseph J. Ballachino
  • Patent number: 8322682
    Abstract: A flush system includes a valve body, a valve seat, a flushing shaft and a flush water control arrangement which includes a flush actuator and a water control pusher. The flush actuator is adapted to move between a high and a low volume actuating position. The water control pusher includes a low and a high volume pusher member spacedly extended from the flush actuator, in such a manner that when the flush actuator is moved to the high volume actuating position, the high volume pusher member is driven to move to pivotally move the flushing shaft at the higher pushing position for producing a high volume of flush water, wherein when the flush actuator is move to the low volume actuating position, the low volume pusher member is driven to move to pivotally move the flushing shaft at the lower pushing position for producing a low volume of flush water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8317155
    Abstract: A driving mechanism, mounting to a flush apparatus, includes an actuation housing coupling with a valve body, a manual actuation unit including a push button and a manual plunger arm transversely extended from the push button towards a pushing platform, and an automated actuation unit including a motorized unit and an automated plunger arm transversely extended towards the pushing platform. When the push button is manually pressed, the pushing platform is pushed by the manual plunger arm to move a diaphragm member at the unsealed position. When the motorized unit is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm is driven by the motorized unit to move towards the pushing platform, such that the pushing platform is pushed by the automated plunger arm to move the diaphragm member at the unsealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8297296
    Abstract: A flush valve diaphragm of a flush valve includes a body having a segmented insert within a flexible body portion and a central passageway. The body further includes a peripheral sealing portion with the flexible body portion within the peripheral sealing portion. The peripheral sealing portion can include an integral filter, an exit chamber and a bypass arrangement, such that water flowing through the filter flows through the bypass arrangement. The integral filter version will retard clogging of the bypass arrangement. The segmented insert includes a plurality of trapezoidal members with outward protrusions. The plurality of trapezoidal members are connected to each other on their outermost edge by a runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: J. Timothy O'Connor, Michael A. Funari
  • Patent number: 8292257
    Abstract: A flush water volume control arrangement includes a replacement member for interchangeably replacing a conventional pusher member and for being slidably coupled with a valve body, wherein the replacement member has a sized configuration different from a sized configuration of the conventional pusher member and is adapted for being actuated by a flush actuator to push at a flushing shaft so as to complete a flushing operation with a relatively low volume of water lower than the volume of flush water through the conventional pusher member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8292258
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8286934
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8210202
    Abstract: A flush valve diaphragm that includes a body portion and a peripheral sealing portion. The body portion is flexible and has a central passageway. The peripheral portion includes an integral filter, an exit chamber, and a bypass arrangement, such that water flowing through the filter flows through the bypass arrangement. The integral filter prevents clogging of the bypass arrangement. The diaphragm is used in a flush valve diaphragm assembly and a flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 8152135
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8091856
    Abstract: An automate fluid flow control system includes a valve member for being sealedly disposed within a fluid chamber to seal a flow of fluid flowing from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, a relief valve having a fluid passage extended along the valve member for communicating the fluid chamber with the fluid outlet and including a valve stopper sitting on a top opening of the fluid passage to sealedly close the fluid passage, and a powering assembly including an actuator to move the relief valve between a closed position that the valve stopper is sealedly retained to close the fluid passage and an opened position that the actuator drives the valve stopper to unseal the fluid passage for releasing a pressure within the water chamber to allow the fluid passing to the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8087636
    Abstract: An automate fluid flow control system includes a valve member for being sealedly disposed within a fluid chamber to seal a flow of fluid flowing from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, a relief valve having a fluid passage extended along the valve member for communicating the fluid chamber with the fluid outlet and including a valve stopper sitting on a top opening of the fluid passage to sealedly close the fluid passage, and a powering assembly including an actuator to move the relief valve between a closed position that the valve stopper is sealedly retained to close the fluid passage and an opened position that the actuator drives the valve stopper to unseal the fluid passage for releasing a pressure within the water chamber to allow the fluid passing to the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8069877
    Abstract: A flush valve according to the present disclosure includes a pressure compensating device for toilet and urinals to ensure consistent flush and bowl refill volumes. Certain flush volume limits may required for compliance with federal, state and local regulations regarding water usage. The flush valve can adjust water flow rates within the prescribed water usage limits and does not sacrifice the toilet's bowl washing and waste removal capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventors: Barry Jacobs, Frank Seggio, Frank Christ, Juergen Sponheimer, Walter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8070128
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Snyder, John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8042787
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110248197
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8033522
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8016262
    Abstract: A driving mechanism, mounting to a flush apparatus, includes an actuation housing coupling with a valve body, a manual actuation unit including a push button and a manual plunger arm transversely extended from the push button towards a pushing platform, and an automated actuation unit including a motorized unit and an automated plunger arm transversely extended towards the pushing platform. When the push button is manually pressed, the pushing platform is pushed by the manual plunger arm to move a diaphragm member at the unsealed position. When the motorized unit is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm is driven by the motorized unit to move towards the pushing platform, such that the pushing platform is pushed by the automated plunger arm to move the diaphragm member at the unsealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 7980528
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7922147
    Abstract: A flush valve diaphragm of a flush valve includes a body having a segmented insert within a flexible body portion and a central passageway. The body further includes a peripheral sealing portion with the flexible body portion within the peripheral sealing portion. The peripheral sealing portion can include an integral filter, an exit chamber and a bypass arrangement, such that water flowing through the filter flows through the bypass arrangement. The integral filter version will retard clogging of the bypass arrangement. The segmented insert includes a plurality of trapezoidal members with outward protrusions. The plurality of trapezoidal members are connected to each other on their outermost edge by a runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: J. Timothy O'Connor, Michael A. Funari
  • Patent number: 7862001
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich
  • Patent number: 7857280
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich
  • Patent number: 7681860
    Abstract: An automate fluid flow control system includes a valve member for being sealedly disposed within a fluid chamber to seal a flow of fluid flowing from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, a relief valve having a fluid passage extended along the valve member for communicating the fluid chamber with the fluid outlet and including a valve stopper sitting on a top opening of the fluid passage to sealedly close the fluid passage, and a powering assembly including an actuator to move the relief valve between a closed position that the valve stopper is sealedly retained to close the fluid passage and an opened position that the actuator drives the valve stopper to unseal the fluid passage for releasing a pressure within the water chamber to allow the fluid passing to the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 7607635
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7556237
    Abstract: Tilting of a main valve assembly under high inlet pressure conditions is prevented by supporting the main valve assembly with housing rib engaging a skirt on the main valve guide tube. Pilot valve opening results from contact of an enlargement on the pilot valve stem with the push rod as the pilot valve begins its upward movement. An off center baffle compensates for the pressure pattern resulting from the side entry inlet. Throttling structure provided by a skirt on the guide tube cooperating with a shoulder in the outlet passage provides a desirable large flush flow. The inlet and handle openings in the valve body include bosses adjacent thereto an internal to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7552905
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies, Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 7516938
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in conventional diaphragm-type flush valves includes a flexible diaphragm body having a first side and a second side and a bypass orifice filter insert defined in the diaphragm body. The second side of the diaphragm body includes an annular protrusion and a plurality of protruding ribs, wherein a recess area is defined between the rib and the protrusion. When a pressure difference is applied across the diaphragm body, the second side of the diaphragm body is concave and the first side of the diaphragm body is convex, whereby a distance between the rib and the protrusion decreases in order to prevent the diaphragm body from closing two quickly against a valve seat of a flush valve. A method for controlling pressure differences across the diaphragm body is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, J. Timothy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7516754
    Abstract: A flush valve diaphragm that includes a body portion and a peripheral sealing portion. The body portion is flexible and has a central passageway. The peripheral portion includes an integral filter, an exit chamber, and a bypass arrangement, such that water flowing through the filter flows through the bypass arrangement. The integral filter prevents clogging of the bypass arrangement. The diaphragm is used in a flush valve diaphragm assembly and a flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 7510166
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu
  • Publication number: 20090039299
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: John R. WILSON
  • Patent number: 7487950
    Abstract: Tilting of a main valve assembly in unison with the head portion of a pilot valve under high inlet pressure conditions is prevented by supporting the main valve assembly with housing rib engaging a skirt on the main valve guide tube opposed to the handle actuated push rod. A positive, toggle like pilot valve opening results from contact of an enlargement on the pilot valve stem with the push rod as the pilot valve begins its upward movement. An off center baffle in the inlet passage compensates for the non uniform pressure pattern resulting from the side entry inlet. The pilot valve head includes an easily replaceable cup shaped seal having a reentrant rim engaging the pilot valve surface in the main valve member and having an upper central portion engaging an abutment with a valve rotator configuration is the full open position. A secondary throttling structure provided by a skirt on the guide tube cooperating with a shoulder in the outlet passage provides a desirable large flush flow for siphon fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7481413
    Abstract: A flush actuator assembly is adapted to fit existing valve bodies. The flush actuator assembly includes a plunger rod which is capable of displacing the relief valve post more or less to adjust the flow of water through the flush valve during a single flush. The relief valve post may be displaced different amounts by adjusting the actuator assembly such that the plunger rod contacts the relief valve post at different locations along the central longitudinal axis of the post. Additionally, the relief valve post may be displaced different amounts by providing a plunger rod that has a different range of travel. A method associated with displacing the relief valve post varying amounts is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Funari
  • Patent number: 7407147
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 7322053
    Abstract: A toilet-flushing (1) device comprises a container (2) divided by an elastic diaphragm (3) with a direct unrestricted connection to a water supply under pressure at the lower part of the container (2), with a flushing valve (15) also in the lower part of the container. The water distends the diaphragm (3) so that when the flushing valve (15) is opened, the diaphragm (3) ejects the flushing water fast, allowing a small volume flush to effectively clear the toilet trap (2) and sewer. Extension of the diaphragm can be reduced by having two diaphragms (55), (56), each providing half the flush volume by their extension. Substantial water saving is enabled. A water pressure actuated valve (35) that is well adapted for application to this device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: George Alexander Whitehead