Tilting Pilot Valve Patents (Class 251/40)
  • Patent number: 7261275
    Abstract: An improved relief valve for use in a diaphragm flush valve is constructed having a sealing member provided with an exteriorly threaded shaft extending down into the diaphragm flush valve with a smaller diameter metal stem extending from the bottom of the shaft, a sleeve member slidable along the metal stem and having a vertically aligned slit in its side wall, and a retaining member adjustably vertically positioned on the threaded sealing member shaft, wherein the retaining member having a stop element extendable into the vertical slit to prevent the sleeve member from dropping further than a predetermined distance from the bottom of the threaded shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Wilton J. Pino
  • Patent number: 7232110
    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 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 7192002
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body having an inlet an outlet and a seat between the inlet and the outlet. The seat defines an opening therethrough. A cover is attached to the body. A piston is engageable with the seat and movable within the body and cover to an extent permitted by a stop formed in the body or cover. The piston includes a guide portion extending through the seat opening and downstream of the seat. The guide portion has ribs and a skirt. The axial length of both the ribs and skirt is greater than the available piston travel so the flow passages through the seat opening at all times are defined by the skirt and ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 7108240
    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: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, J. Timothy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7028704
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a water tank such as a toilet tank. The fill valve assembly includes a head portion containing a valve mounted on top of a vertical water outlet tube and a float which moves vertically along the outlet tube to control the opening and closing of the valve. The float is vertically adjustable without removal or disassembly of the valve assembly in order to adjust the tank water level to a preselected position. The float includes an inverted cup-shaped structure which moves vertically along the outlet tube in response to any change in the water level. The valve contains a flexible main valve disk held in a closed position against a valve seat by water pressure in a control chamber to prevent the flow of water into the tank, and is moved to an open position upon venting of the control chamber. A pilot valve controls the pressure in the control chamber and, therefore, the movement of the main valve disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Morgantown Plastics Company
    Inventors: Alan L. Taylor, Wallace G. McCray, Douglas S. Richmond
  • Patent number: 7028975
    Abstract: A flush valve structure to control flush water through a pressure difference mainly includes a case, a solenoid assembly, an upper intermediate board, a lower intermediate board and a main water ball. The upper intermediate board has a small water pressure release hole. The lower intermediate board has a holding trough mating a medium water valve. The solenoid assembly can open the small water pressure release hole to generate a pressure difference to actuate the medium water valve to form a greater pressure difference so that the main water ball is lifted rapidly to fully open the a main water discharge opening to flush maximum amount of water in a shortest period at the flushing start time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Kuo-Chou Lee, Tsan-Chang Huang, Chi-Chin Hsu
  • Patent number: 6974118
    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: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies, Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maerchovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chih Kao
  • Patent number: 6971634
    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: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, J. Timothy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6966536
    Abstract: A flush valve device 20 of a flush toilet includes a flush valve body 22 connected to a city water source and an operation unit 50. The operation unit 50 has an operation button 63 and a flexible inner cable 71, which is part of a cable mechanism 70. The inner cable 71 is extended from a rear side to a lateral side of a toilet body 12 and is linked with the operation button 63. In response to a press of the operation button 63, the flush valve body 22 opens to make a supply of washing water flown into the toilet body 12. This arrangement desirably increases the degree of freedom in positioning of the flush valve body and the operation unit, enhances the operability of the flush valve device 20, and effectively facilitates installation of the flush valve device 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Enomoto, Jyunichi Tani, Katsuhiko Nagano, Akihiko Koba
  • Patent number: 6959905
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a pinch valve for replacing a diaphragm valve in a plumbing fixture. The plumbing fixture includes an inlet chamber defining a fluid inlet and in fluid communication with an inside chamber defining a fluid outlet. The pinch valve includes a cartridge member with a fluid inlet opening, a fluid outlet opening and a cartridge chamber defined by a cartridge chamber wall and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet opening and the fluid outlet opening. A flexible sealing member is positioned at least partially within the cartridge chamber and includes a wall with an inner surface defining an inner chamber and an outer surface defining an outer chamber between the outer surface of the flexible sealing member wall and the cartridge chamber wall. The inlet chamber of the plumbing fixture is in fluid communication with the inner chamber and the outer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Shawn D. Bush
  • Patent number: 6926247
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body having an inlet and an outlet. There is a main seat assembly at the outlet. An outer cover is attached to the body and an inner cover is attached to the body within the outer cover. A piston is movable within the body and inner cover and, with the inner cover, defines a pressure chamber. The piston carries an exterior seal which bears against an inside wall of the inner cover during movement of the piston. A refill orifice in the piston connects the chamber with the body inlet. Pressure in the chamber maintains the piston closed upon the main seat assembly. A relief valve is positioned in the piston for venting the chamber to the outlet. When the relief valve is opened and the chamber is vented, the piston moves away from the main seat assembly connecting the inlet with the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 6923425
    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 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 6923424
    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, which includes a resilient element for retaining a valve stopper to normally close the water passage, 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: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 6923426
    Abstract: An improved relief valve for use in a diaphragm flush valve is constructed having a sealing member provided with an exteriorly threaded shaft extending down into the diaphragm flush valve with a smaller diameter metal stem extending from the bottom of the shaft, a tube member having a passageway formed by the interior surface wall of the tube member, the interior surface wall having an upper threaded portion to permit the tube member to be screwed to the shaft, and a sleeve member slidable along the metal stem with the sleeve member upper end positioned in the tube member passageway and retained in the passageway by a stop forming part of the tube member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Wilton J. Pino
  • Patent number: 6913239
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body having an inlet, an outlet and a main seat assembly between the inlet and outlet. A piston moves within the body and with the body defines a pressure chamber which is used to normally maintain the piston closed upon the main seat assembly. There is a refill orifice in the piston connecting the pressure chamber with the inlet. A relief valve is carried by the piston for venting the pressure chamber and there is a fluid driven apparatus for opening the relief valve, which apparatus is attached to the body. A hydraulic bypass in the body is connected to the fluid driven apparatus. The main seat assembly has a plurality of peripherally disposed fluid passages connecting the hydraulic bypass and the inlet to provide filtered fluid to the fluid driven apparatus. A first seal on the main seat assembly has a flat portion and an arcuate portion constrained within a channel. Lockout lugs formed in the seal prevent installation of an incorrectly sized piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 6845961
    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: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 6845524
    Abstract: A manual and automatic flusher includes an infrared sensor added to a conventional manual flusher, and the infrared sensor consists of an electronic eye and an electro-magnetic valve. The electro-magnetic valve has an iron core moved in and out for controlling opening and shutting of a block, and a communicating tube connected between a flow hole of the block and the upper end of a valve body to enable a hand rod and the infrared sensor separately operated by means of the flexibility of the communicating tube, not interfering with each other. Then the flusher can be used by a manual operation or by automatic operation, with a simple structure for manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrotek Corporation
    Inventor: Su Hwang
  • Patent number: 6840496
    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: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Advance Modern Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maerchovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chih Kao
  • Publication number: 20040262554
    Abstract: A flexible drive mechanism for a flushing apparatus actuated by movement of a flush handle via an actuation element is disclosed. The drive mechanism includes a housing and flexible drive system in the housing, the flexible drive system including an actuating element operable to move the flush handle between a non-actuating position and a full stop actuating position. The housing further includes first and second bracket halves and first and second removable insert halves for adapting the first and second bracket halves to substantially enclose and engage a bushing and nut and thereby secure said electromechanical flexible actuator to the flush lever of the sanitary fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Muderlak, George J. Jost
  • Publication number: 20040169154
    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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Publication number: 20040094734
    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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, J. Timothy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6722384
    Abstract: A filter device and method for diaphragm type flush valves includes positioning the filter device in a cavity of the valve, between an inlet and an outlet pipe, and between an inlet and a bleed hole of a diaphragm of the valve. The filter device spans the entire span between an outlet pipe and a valve wall. Thus, all water entering the valve through the inlet passes through the filter prior to exiting through the outlet pipe, or prior to passing through the bleed hole in the diaphragm. The filter device can have a tubular or frusto-conical shape with a first, lower opening sealing about the outlet pipe, and a second, upper opening sealing against the valve wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald L. Gates
  • Publication number: 20040026640
    Abstract: A flush valve device 20 of a flush toilet includes a flush valve body 22 connected to a city water source and an operation unit 50. The operation unit 50 has an operation button 63 and a flexible inner cable 71, which is part of a cable mechanism 70. The inner cable 71 is extended from a rear side to a lateral side of a toilet body 12 and is linked with the operation button 63. In response to a press of the operation button 63, the flush valve body 22 opens to make a supply of washing water flown into the toilet body 12. This arrangement desirably increases the degree of freedom in positioning of the flush valve body and the operation unit, enhances the operability of the flush valve device 20, and effectively facilitates installation of the flush valve device 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Enomoto, Jyunichi Tani, Katsuhiko Nagano, Akihiko Koba
  • Patent number: 6659420
    Abstract: A manual and automatic flow control valve includes a valve body, a manual control unit, a hollow pressure-releasing device, a middle plate, an upper casing, and an electric controlled magnetic unit. The internal of the valve body has a water inlet chamber and a water outlet chamber. A plastic main water flow valve is formed therebetween for isolating the two pressure chambers. A hollow pressure-releasing device is installed in a hollow portion of a main water flow valve. An upper side of the main water flow valve is a middle plate which is installed with an upper pressure chamber. The manual control unit can push the hollow pressure-releasing device to tilt. The electric controlled magnetic unit can control the hollow pressure-releasing device to communicate with the upper pressure chamber. If water drains from the lower pressure chamber, the water will push away the main water flow valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Tsang-Chang Hwang, Kuo-Chou Lee, Chi-Chin Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030201415
    Abstract: Disclosed is an OLED device comprising a light-emitting layer containing a host and a dopant where the dopant comprises a boron compound complexed by two ring nitrogens of a deprotonated bis(azinyl)amine ligand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Hoag, Scott R. Conley, Denis Y. Kondakov, Zbyslaw R. Owczarczyk, Christopher T. Brown
  • Publication number: 20030178591
    Abstract: A manual and automatic flow control valve includes a valve body, a manual control unit, a hollow pressure-releasing device, a middle plate, an upper casing, and an electric controlled magnetic unit. The internal of the valve body has a water inlet chamber and a water outlet chamber. A plastic main water flow valve is formed therebetween for isolating the two pressure chambers. A hollow pressure-releasing device is installed in a hollow portion of a main water flow valve. An upper side of the main water flow valve is a middle plate which is installed with an upper pressure chamber. The manual control unit can push the hollow pressure-releasing device to tilt. The electric controlled magnetic unit can control the hollow pressure-releasing device to communicate with the upper pressure chamber. If water drains from the lower pressure chamber, the water will push away the main water flow valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Tsang-Chang Hwang, Kuo-Chou Lee, Chi-Chin Hsu
  • Patent number: 6616118
    Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a flush valve. The piston assembly is movable in the body toward and away from the valve seat to control flow from the inlet through the outlet. There is a relief valve in the piston assembly for venting a flush valve pressure chamber to the flush valve outlet. The piston assembly has an outwardly directed lip seal which bears against an interior wall of the body, with the lip seal being held between facing elements of the piston assembly. The lip seal includes an insert and an elastomer overlying and substantially enclosing the insert. Both the elastomer and the insert have portions extending toward the flush valve body wall and the insert has support elements which are in contact with the facing elements of the piston assembly to take the load from such elements off of the elastomer body of the lip seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 6616119
    Abstract: A diaphragm type of flush valve includes a body with an inlet and an outlet. There is a filter chamber in the diaphragm upstream of the bypass orifice, which chamber extends downwardly below the diaphragm. Water within the filter chamber is quiescent and substantially less turbulent than water beneath the diaphragm. There are filter openings into the filter chamber which have a cross sectional area greater than that of the bypass orifice, but shaped to prevent the passage of particles of a size which will not pass through the bypass orifice. The diaphragm has a downwardly extending rim with spaced flow control windows therein. The rim has an inner wall and a plurality of inwardly extending ribs on the wall for dampening closing movement of the diaphragm on the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030116736
    Abstract: A flexible drive mechanism for a flushing apparatus actuated by movement of a flush handle via an actuation element. The drive mechanism includes a housing and flexible drive system in the housing, the flexible drive system including an actuating element operable to move the flush handle between a non-actuating position and a full stop actuating position. The flexible drive system is maintained in substantial continuous contact with the flush handle as the flush handle moves to its full stop position, and the flexible drive system continues to operate without stalling after the flush handle reaches its full stop position as a support plate for the motor and flexible drive system changes position to provide flexure or “give” between the flush handle and the actuating element to prevent stalling of the flexible drive system. In another embodiment, the flexible drive system includes a cam having a main body part and a flexible body part, with a bias element between the body parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 6550744
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body having an inlet and an outlet. There is a valve seat at the outlet and a piston assembly movable in the body toward and away from the valve seat to control flow from the inlet through the outlet. A pressure chamber is located in the body above the piston assembly and normally maintains the piston assembly closed upon the valve seat. The piston assembly includes a refill orifice connecting the pressure chamber with the body inlet. The piston assembly includes a vent passage connecting the pressure chamber with the outlet. There is a relief valve in the piston assembly controlling flow through the vent passage. There is a seal extending about the vent passage and a spring urges the relief valve toward the seal to close the vent passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 6547212
    Abstract: A refill ring for a flush valve that is attached to a guide member of a valve assembly and is positioned for contact with a passage of the flush valve is described. The refill ring includes an annular-shaped solid resilient member, such as an O-ring. The refill ring is received on the guide member. Alternatively, the refill ring can be integrally formed on an underside of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Publication number: 20030042446
    Abstract: A diaphragm type of flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body with an inlet and an outlet. There is a valve seat between the inlet and outlet and a valve member movable to a closing position on the valve seat. The valve member includes a diaphragm which is peripherally attached to the body. There is a pressure chamber above the diaphragm for holding the valve member on its valve seat and there is a filter and bypass orifice connecting the inlet and the pressure chamber. There is a filter chamber in the diaphragm upstream of the bypass orifice, which chamber extends downwardly below the diaphragm. Water within the filter chamber is quiescent and substantially less turbulent than water beneath the diaphragm. There are filter openings into the filter chamber which have a cross sectional area greater than that of the bypass orifice, but shaped to prevent the passage of particles of a size which will not pass through the bypass orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030001123
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body having an inlet and an outlet. There is a valve seat at the outlet and a piston assembly movable in the body toward and away from the valve seat to control flow from the inlet through the outlet. A pressure chamber is located in the body above the piston assembly and normally maintains the piston assembly closed upon the valve seat. The piston assembly includes a refill orifice connecting the pressure chamber with the body inlet. The piston assembly includes a vent passage connecting the pressure chamber with the outlet. There is a relief valve in the piston assembly controlling flow through the vent passage. There is a seal extending about the vent passage and a spring urges the relief valve toward the seal to close the vent passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 6499716
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body with an inlet and an outlet and a valve seat at the outlet. There is a piston assembly movable in the body toward and away from the valve seat to control flow from the inlet to the outlet. There is a pressure chamber in the flush valve body which maintains the piston assembly on its valve seat. The piston assembly includes a refill orifice connecting the pressure chamber with the body inlet. There is a relief valve in the piston assembly for venting the pressure chamber to the outlet. The piston assembly includes a guide and a piston attached thereto. There is a seal having an annular perimeter portion which is positioned between facing surfaces of the guide and piston and the seal has an annular interior portion positioned on the relief valve seat to form a seal with a relief valve. The seal interior portion and perimeter portion are connected by plurality of radially extending ribs permitting a degree of relative movement between the seal interior and perimeter portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Publication number: 20020179871
    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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 6467750
    Abstract: A unitary diaphragm assembly for use primarily in conventional flush valves. The diaphragm assembly has a flexible diaphragm which includes a sealing portion and a mounting portion at the outer peripheral edge. A flow ring is positioned adjacent the sealing portion of the diaphragm. An elongated barrel member extends from the diaphragm in a longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of radial guides positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel member along a portion of the length of the barrel member. The diaphragm defines an orifice having a ring portion that flexes when a pressure difference is applied across the orifice thereby increasing the flow rate across the diaphragm. The orifice has a smaller diameter at a first end relative to a second end of the orifice. A method of compensating for a pressure difference across the diaphragm is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 6460825
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body having an inlet and an outlet and a valve seat at the outlet. There is a piston assembly movable in the body toward and away from the valve seat to control flow from the inlet through the outlet. A pressure chamber is formed in the body above the piston assembly, at least in part by a cover attached to the body. Pressure in the pressure chamber normally maintains the piston assembly closed upon the valve seat. There is a relief valve in the piston assembly for venting the pressure chamber to the outlet, permitting the piston assembly to move away from the valve seat to open flow through the outlet. There is an adjustment assembly located in the flush valve cover which permits adjustment of piston assembly stroke. The adjustment assembly includes a housing mounted in the cover, a sleeve axially movable in the housing, and an adjustment element for causing movement of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Nortier, Steven R. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20020117641
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body with an inlet and an outlet and a valve seat at the outlet. There is a piston assembly movable in the body toward and away from the valve seat to control flow from the inlet to the outlet. There is a pressure chamber in the flush valve body which maintains the piston assembly on its valve seat. The piston assembly includes a refill orifice connecting the pressure chamber with the body inlet. There is a relief valve in the piston assembly for venting the pressure chamber to the outlet. The piston assembly includes a guide and a piston attached thereto. There is a seal having an annular perimeter portion which is positioned between facing surfaces of the guide and piston and the seal has an annular interior portion positioned on the relief valve seat to form a seal with a relief valve. The seal interior portion and perimeter portion are connected by plurality of radially extending ribs permitting a degree of relative movement between the seal interior and perimeter portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 6408873
    Abstract: A flush valve for use with urinals or water closets includes a hollow valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat therebetween. There is a piston assembly movable in the hollow valve body to a closing position on the valve seat to control flow through the valve. A pressure chamber is above the piston assembly for holding it on the valve seat. There is a bypass passage to the piston assembly to connect the inlet with the pressure chamber to provide fluid to move the piston assembly to the closing position. The bypass passage includes a filter and an orifice, with the filter including multiple filters in series between the inlet and the bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: David C. Hall, Martin E. Marcichow
  • Patent number: 6382586
    Abstract: A toilet room flush valve includes a body having an inlet and an outlet. There is a valve seat between the inlet and outlet and a valve assembly is movable within the body and positioned to close upon the seat to control flow from the inlet to the outlet. A cover is mounted upon the body and defines a pressure chamber with the valve assembly. There is a bypass connecting the inlet and pressure chamber whereby the pressure therein maintains the valve assembly upon the seat. A flex tube is fixed relative to the cover at one end thereof, with the other end of the flex tube being attached to the valve assembly remote from the pressure chamber. There is a passage in the flex tube opening to the body outlet at one end thereof. A vent passage connects the pressure chamber with the flex tube passage and a pilot controls flow through the vent passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Natan E. Parsons
  • Publication number: 20020005500
    Abstract: A unitary diaphragm assembly for use primarily in conventional flush valves. The diaphragm assembly has a flexible diaphragm which includes a sealing portion and a mounting portion at the outer peripheral edge. A flow ring is positioned adjacent the sealing portion of the diaphragm. An elongated barrel member extends from the diaphragm in a longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of radial guides positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel member along a portion of the length of the barrel member. The diaphragm defines an orifice having a ring portion that flexes when a pressure difference is applied across the orifice thereby increasing the flow rate across the diaphragm. The orifice has a smaller diameter at a first end relative to a second end of the orifice. A method of compensating for a pressure difference across the diaphragm is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Publication number: 20010028048
    Abstract: A refill ring for a flush valve that is attached to a guide member of a valve assembly and is positioned for contact with a passage of the flush valve is described. The refill ring includes an annular-shaped solid resilient member, such as an O-ring. The refill ring is received on the guide member. Alternatively, the refill ring can be integrally formed on an underside of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 6299128
    Abstract: A unitary diaphragm assembly for use primarily in conventional flush valves. The diaphragm assembly has a flexible diaphragm which includes a sealing portion and a mounting portion at the outer peripheral edge. A flow ring is positioned adjacent the sealing portion of the diaphragm. An elongated barrel member extends from the diaphragm in a longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of radial guides positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel member along a portion of the length of the barrel member. The diaphragm defines an orifice having a ring portion that flexes when a pressure difference is applied across the orifice thereby increasing the flow rate across the diaphragm. The orifice has a smaller diameter at a first end relative to a second end of the orifice. A method of compensating for a pressure difference across the diaphragm is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 6260576
    Abstract: A diaphragm-type of flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body with an inlet and an outlet and there is a valve seat therebetween and a valve member movable to a closing position on the valve seat. The valve member includes a diaphragm which is peripherally attached to the body. There is a pressure chamber above the diaphragm for holding the valve member on its valve seat and there is a filter and a bypass orifice connecting the inlet and the pressure chamber. There is a downwardly-facing peripheral recess on the underneath side of the diaphragm, which recess is located generally intermediate the diaphragm outer periphery and the valve seat. A bypass orifice is formed in the diaphragm in alignment with and communicating with the recess. There is a filter ring positioned within the recess and in fluid communication with the water inlet. The filter ring has a multitude of small passages therein which connect the inlet and the bypass orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Charles S. Allen
  • Patent number: 6227219
    Abstract: Apparatus for delaying initiation of a successive flush cycle in a plumbing system utilizing a diaphragm flush valve having an improved relief valve assembly structured to delay after initiation of an initial flushing cycle the resetting of the relief valve sleeve member in a position for a successive operative contact by the flush valve plunger pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Wilton J. Pino
  • Patent number: 6216730
    Abstract: A diaphragm-type flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body having an inlet and an outlet. There is a valve seat between the inlet and outlet and a valve member movable to a closing position on the valve seat to control water flow through the flush valve. The valve member includes a diaphragm peripherally attached to the body and there is a pressure chamber above the diaphragm with water therein holding the valve member on said valve seat. An annular filter body is attached to the underside of the diaphragm at spaced locations thereon and there is a bypass orifice in the filter body positioned at one of the spaced locations. The filter body includes a plurality of peripherally spaced grooves and there is a filter ring mounted on the filter body and facing the grooves. The filter ring and grooves form a plurality of filter passages in communication with the bypass orifice and the flush valve inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: David C. Hall
  • Patent number: 6189554
    Abstract: Apparatus for delaying initiation of a successive flush cycle in a plumbing system utilizing a diaphragm flush valve having a relief valve assembly provided with a buoyant relief valve sleeve member that can rise in water trapped in the relief valve assembly to a position that prevents operative contact by the flush valve plunger pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Wilton J. Pino
  • Patent number: 6182689
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in a diaphragm type toilet room flush valve includes a diaphragm formed of a flexible material and adapted to separate an inlet and outlet of the flush valve. There is a bypass orifice in the diaphragm. A filter assembly is positioned on the flush valve inlet side of the diaphragm and upstream from the bypass orifice. The filter assembly includes a peripherally extending screen spaced from the underside of the diaphragm with the screen being secured to the diaphragm assembly about an inner peripheral portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John W. Lauer, David C. Hall
  • Patent number: 6105926
    Abstract: A diaphragm type flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and outlet, and a valve movable to a closing position on the valve seat to stop the flow between the inlet and outlet. The valve member includes a diaphragm peripherally attached to the body and a disc positioned on top of the diaphragm. There is a guide extending downwardly from the diaphragm. The disc is attached to the guide and functions to secure the diaphragm, disc and guide into the valve member. The disc includes a rigid body and a seal member, with the seal member having a portion on an upper surface of the disc for sealing contact with a relief valve, and a portion on a lower surface of the disc for contact with the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Steven R. Oliver, John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6056261
    Abstract: A battery-powered, sensor-operated flush valve for controlling water flow through a toilet room device such as a urinal or water closet includes a flush valve body with an inlet and an outlet. There is a valve mechanism for controlling flow through the flush valve body. A solenoid is attached to the flush valve body and has a piston which is positioned to contact the valve mechanism relief valve. The solenoid is in circuit with a battery and a sensor whereby a user of toilet room device will cause battery power to be applied to the solenoid coil, which will in turn move the piston to contact the relief valve to institute a flushing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Jesse L. Aparicio, Daniel J. Carroll, Nhon T. Vuong