Disinfection Patents (Class 4/222)
  • Patent number: 6389610
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device to dispense active substances into rinse water, especially in toilet bowls, with a container for the active substance, wherein the container has an opening that connects with an essentially plate-shaped distributor, and with a device to hold the distributor on or close to the toilet bowl wall. The distributor consists of two essentially plate-shaped elements. There are intersecting grooves, channels or the like between the plate-shaped elements, and a first group of grooves runs outward from the distributor while the other second group of grooves only runs within the distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Jeyes Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Hautmann, Heinz-Dieter Schönbeck, Kurt Wagner
  • Patent number: 6347414
    Abstract: A dispensing system for use in an area of interest, the system comprising at least one device for sanitize conditioning a medium, a sentry for detecting an object and for communicating with the at least one device, the sentry itself comprising a detector for detecting the object and a controller, operatively coupled to the detector, for maintaining a count of the number of objects detected by the detector, wherein the controller transmits one or more variables, based on the count, to the at least one device to cause the at least one device to sanitize condition the medium in accordance with the one or more variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Waterbury Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Contadini, John J. Dean
  • Patent number: 6328900
    Abstract: A kit for converting a water circulation system in a hot tub into a water purification system including a housing that can be fixedly mounted to a spa or hot tub, a chamber in the housing, an inlet for splicing into the spa water circulation system, and an outlet for splicing into the spa water circulation system, a dispenser for mounting in the chamber in the housing with the dispenser containing water purification materials so that when water flows through the spa water circulation system the water also flows through the chamber with the water purification material to simultaneously purifies the water and direct jets of water into the hot tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Publication number: 20010032353
    Abstract: A dispensing system for use in an area of interest, the system comprising at least one device for sanitize conditioning a medium, a sentry for detecting an object and for communicating with the at least one device, the sentry itself comprising a detector for detecting the object and a controller, operatively coupled to the detector, for maintaining a count of the number of objects detected by the detector, wherein the controller transmits one or more variables, based on the count, to the at least one device to cause the at least one device to sanitize condition the medium in accordance with the one or more variables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Carl D. Contadini, John J. Dean
  • Patent number: 6295657
    Abstract: A unit for injecting a disinfectant, deodorant or the like into the inlet stream of flushing water as it is pumped into the bowl of a tankless marine toilet. The injection unit is preferably constructed of commercially-available plastic plumbing components. The main body of the unit provides an additive reservoir which surrounds the flush water inlet pipe and is formed from a conventional plastic sanitary tee jointed fitted at each end with plastic size-reduction bushings. The two bushings connect the injection unit to the flush water inlet tubing and also support an interior flow pipe. Holes drilled at angles in the flow pipe divert a portion of the flush water through the additive reservoir where it mixes with and dissolves the additive (normally a water soluble disk of the type typically placed in the tank of a household toilet).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Frederick C. Prue
  • Patent number: 6240572
    Abstract: A toilet bowl sanitizing apparatus for sanitizing water in the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl sanitizing apparatus includes a toilet bowl sanitizing apparatus for mounting in a toilet. The toilet has a tank with an interior for selectively holding flushing water and a fill valve for controlling water flow from a water supply to the tank. A lever coupled to a float controls the fill valve. An upstanding overflow container is mounted in the tank and empties into a tank outlet. A trickle conduit is in communication with the fill valve for squirting water into the overflow container. The tank outlet is in fluid connection with a toilet bowl. The apparatus comprises a container which has a first end, a second end and a substantially hollow peripheral extending wall therebetween. The first end of the container has an opening therein and the second end is closed. A cap is adapted for mounting over the opening in the container. An intake pipe brings water into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Leonard C. Van Der Gaag, Arthur C. Krahmer
  • Patent number: 6178563
    Abstract: A toilet deodorizer comprising a pump housing in the form of a cylinder 52 and a piston 54. The cylinder 52 is to be mounted on the movable toilet seat 14 of a conventional toilet. When sitting on the toilet seat, the toilet seat moves which causes a piston 54 to be moved within the cylinder 52 which causes liquid to be dispensed from a pump chamber 50 through an outlet valve 100 in contact with a deflector plate 134 which disperses the liquid within a wide area of the toilet bowl 10. When the user gets up from the toilet seat, the toilet seat is lifted which causes retraction movement between the piston 54 and the cylinder 52 which causes a new quantity of liquid to be pulled through an inlet valve 44 into the pump chamber while maintaining the outlet valve closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Leon Helfet
  • Patent number: 6081935
    Abstract: A technologically advanced portable toilet has a purifying agent producing/supplying device built into a periphery of a toilet bowl. Due to an ozone producing mechanism, a tank assembly, and a bubble generating tank, which are provided by this purifying agent producing/supplying device, when an upper cover of the toilet is opened, a purifying agent that is an aggregate of ozone-containing bubbles is supplied to an inside of the toilet bowl. As a result, a superior odor-extinguishing effect can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Coderadynax
    Inventors: Tomomi Kishi, Hisashi Nakano, Katuyoshi Kodera
  • Patent number: 6066293
    Abstract: A method for deodorizing toilets, and in particular the flushing fluid in a closed toilet system, comprises the use of phospholipids and 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol in the fluid to kill or inhibit odor-causing microbes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Chemia Corporation
    Inventor: Norman A. Van Rees
  • Patent number: 6049918
    Abstract: A stopper mechanism 10 having a base 20 with a gasket 50 area to be placed within the drain opening 30 of a toilet bowl 40. The stopper mechanism 10 also has an overflow pipe 60 having a handle 66 and being connected to the base 20. At least two rotatable arms 70 are connected to the overflow pipe 60 which can be rotated outward to lock with the rim 80 of the toilet bowl 40 and secure the stopper mechanism 10 in place thus preventing it from moving when the toilet bowl 40 is filled with water. Once the stopper mechanism 10 is secured in place, the toilet bowl 40 is filled with water up to the rim 80. A cleaning solution 120 is then added to the water in the toilet bowl 40 and allowed to remain for a desired length of time soaking and cleaning the toilet bowl 40 as it sits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Bill J. White, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6041449
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating objectionable odors from a toilet bowl, where the toilet bowl includes a seat positioned above the toilet bowl, comprises a main body having an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a scent delivery chamber; an apparatus for mounting the main body proximal to the toilet bowl with the inlet opening positioned substantially between the bowl and the seat; a drawer removabley securable to the main body; a fan for drawing gas in the inlet opening, through the scent delivery chamber and out the outlet opening; a power source; a switch for electrically connecting the power source to the fan; a scent delivery device positioned within the scent delivery chamber for releasing a scent at least when the fan is drawing gas through the scent delivery chamber; a tree sized and shaped to hold the scent delivery device within the scent delivery chamber; and, wherein the drawer includes a closed condition securing the scent delivery device within the scent delivery chamber, and an open condition exposi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Christopher L. Brown, Daniel E. Julian, Nancy J. Rasche, Gary Lee Brown, Sydney Wayne Floyd
  • Patent number: 6030586
    Abstract: An ozone generating and ozone/water mixing apparatus includes an ozonizer controlled to convert oxygen into ozone, and an ozone/water mixer connected to the spout of a water tap and an ozone outlet of the ozonizer to receive ozone from the ozonizer and water from the water tap and to let intake water to be mixed with intake ozone, wherein the ozonizer includes a control circuit, an ozone generating unit controlled by the control circuit board to convert oxygen into ozone, a power supply circuit, which provides the necessary working power supply to the control circuit board and the ozone generating unit, a power switch, which transmits power supply from the power supply circuit to the control circuit board and the ozone generating unit, and a negative pressure inductor which is induced by a negative pressure to switch on the power switch when the water tap is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Yu-Hung Kuan
  • Patent number: 6000067
    Abstract: An adapter for automatically dispensing any aromatic, deodorizing, cleansing, sanitizing fluid directly into the bowl of a recreational vehicle toilet as a result of operating either the bowl rinse or the bowl flush control. An apparatus adapted to toilets installed in recreational vehicles, travel trailers, an marine craft. Because it passively senses the presence of toilet inlet rinse water flow, the apparatus achieves its objective without making modifications to, and is totally independent of, the RV plumbing system. The adapter utilizes an electronic control unit which employs the electrically conductive property of water to detect the flush and the refill operations of the RV toilet. Upon detecting fresh water entering the toilet, the electronic control unit energizes an electric solenoid valve which releases a metered amount of chemical additive fluid directly into the toilet bowl. The chemical additive flow rate is fully adjustable by the user, and the chemical fluid reservoir is refillable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Frank J. Cascia
  • Patent number: 5946739
    Abstract: A mixing chamber for use in a toilet sanitizing system consists of a cylindrical housing having an upper opening closed by a closure cap. The closure cap is removed to gain access to the internal chamber of the housing and is threaded over the upper opening to close the internal chamber. The internal chamber of the housing includes a spring to support a lower surface of a dispenser enclosing a block of germicide substance that is inserted into the internal chamber through the upper opening while the closure cap is removed. The internal chamber has three ports, an upper inlet port that enters the internal chamber tangentially, a middle outlet port exiting the chamber radially, and a lower outlet port radially exiting the chamber and located just above a lower wall of the chamber. The upper port is connected to a source of water, the middle port is connected to a toilet bowl, and the lower port is connected to the associated toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Delan, Inc.
    Inventor: Serge Jacques Descent
  • Patent number: 5940894
    Abstract: A sanitizing protector for drainage pipes typically found below a sink, tub and other plumbing fixtures. The protector includes a housing with two connecting tubular ends. A tubular member is coaxially disposed within the housing and mounted at one end to one of the connecting ends. An annular channel is mounted to the internal surface of the cylindrical wall of the housing and the tubular member passes through without being in contact with it. A dispenser pump supplies an anti-bacterial, and optionally including a fragrance, liquid through a conduit that passes through the cylindrical wall to discharge the liquid in the annular channel. As the liquid reaches the rim of the annular channel, it spills over running downwardly along the internal surfaces of the cylindrical wall and pipe, sanitizing them and preventing any growth to proceed upwardly beyond the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Luis Cruz
  • Patent number: 5924142
    Abstract: An automatic dispensing system dispenses chemical directly into a toilet bowl after the toilet bowl is flushed and includes a chemical dispenser and a hydraulic actuator. The chemical dispenser includes a pumping unit attached to a storage unit for storing a chemical cleaning and/or disinfecting solution. The chemical dispenser is attached to the hydraulic actuator, which is in turn attached to the overflow pipe in the tank of the toilet. The hydraulic actuator is also connected to a toilet bowl refill hose. During the flushing process, pressurized water controlled by a water level control unit is used to refill the toilet tank. Some of this water is shunted to the hydraulic actuator assembly. In response to the flow of pressurized water, the hydraulic actuator actuates the pumping unit to measure out a predetermined amount of chemical. When the toilet tank is refilled, the flow of pressurized water is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Kenneth Wang
    Inventor: Kenneth Wang
  • Patent number: 5918320
    Abstract: A housing for a conventional sanitizing disk for attachment in series between a toilet's fill tube and an overflow tube. The housing generally includes a body portion (or container) having a planar, bottom wall, a contiguous sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, a lid hinged to the sidewall, and a rigid conduit extending tangentially outwardly from the sidewall and in fluid communication with the interior of the body portion. An opening is formed centrally through the bottom wall, and a tubular neck portion extends concentrically downwardly from the bottom wall and into the overflow tube, thereby positioning the housing atop the overflow tube. A flexible conduit extends in fluid communication between the fill tube and the rigid conduit, and consequently, the body portion. A cup for containing the sanitizing disk sits loosely within the body portion, and includes an opening formed centrally through the bottom thereof, and a gear fixedly and concentrically attached to the bottom thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Reals
  • Patent number: 5891329
    Abstract: A water tapping fixture with an outlet opening which is connected to a supply connection through a pipe having at least one valve, wherein an ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the pipe connected to the water tapping fixture. The ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged closely adjacent the outlet opening of the fixture. The outlet opening may be arranged in a head which is movable relative to a base part and the ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the head. Such a head may be, for example, a shower head which is connected through a hose to a wall fixture. The head may be connected through a flexible line to the base part and a feed line for the ultraviolet light radiating device is attached to the flexible line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Karl F. Massholder
  • Patent number: 5891330
    Abstract: A system for treating human waste in remote or portable toilet facilities, including a holding tank that stores waste; a heat reservoir that receives waste from the holding tank, heats the waste to kill fecal coliform bacteria therein present, and routes the heated bacteria-free waste back through the holding tank. The holding tank maintains the heated bacteria-free waste separate from the contaminated waste but passes residual heat from the bacteria-free waste to the untreated waste. In one embodiment, a centrifuge receives the bacteria-free waste from the holding tank, separates the liquid waste from the solid waste, and discharges the liquid waste from the system. In one embodiment, the waste is pumped through the system to be heated in incremental portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Nathan Morris
  • Patent number: 5887769
    Abstract: A sink disinfecting apparatus consisting of a dual compartment container having a water reservoir in one half and a disinfectant reservoir in the other half. The heated water reservoir is connected to the house cold water supply and discharges to a venturi which aspirates disinfectant from the disinfectant reservoir which then discharges through a valve to a disinfectant tray holding a sponge or other type of cleaning pad. A mixture of water and disinfectant is discharged to the tray by operating a push button valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Terrel G. Kidd
  • Patent number: 5881396
    Abstract: A toilet cleaner controller device for use in a toilet having a tank equipped with a fill device functioning after a flush to refill the tank with water to a selected level, with this toilet cleaner controller device having therein a reservoir adapted to receive a cleansing chemical able to be dissolved in water. The reservoir has an inlet connection enabling it to be connected to receive water from the water-supplying pipe of the fill device of the toilet tank during the procedure in which the toilet tank is being refilled after a flush. In this way a concentrated cleansing solution will be maintained in the reservoir. A valve is operably installed in the controller device, connected to receive concentrated solution from the reservoir. The valve has an outlet port, with the valve enabling the flow of concentrated solution from the outlet port to the toilet to be readily controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Moises Ramos Rivera
  • Patent number: 5864892
    Abstract: A device and method for collecting and sanitizing toilet spray that is removably attachable to a toilet lid and toilet bowl of a conventional toilet. The device and method are capable of absorbing and sanitizing any spray and mist exiting the gaps between the toilet lid, toilet seat and toilet bowl. The device is also capable of absorbing any liquid which runs along the outside of the toilet bowl. The device and method for collecting and sanitizing toilet spray is adapted for quick installation and removal from a conventional toilet and designed for ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Carmen M. Cool
  • Patent number: 5862532
    Abstract: A dispenser having a housing containing an aerosol spray can installed with its internal filling nozzle in a downward position. Activating a trigger will apply pressure to the bottom end of the can, and will press the can against a stop hole causing a deodorant spray to be released from the can and sprayed from a spray head into a toilet bowl.A swing away cover allows for drop-in loading of a replacement can as required. The dispenser mounts on either side of a toilet tank with an optional toilet tissue holder to hold a spare roll of toilet tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Martin Cain
  • Patent number: 5857228
    Abstract: A toilet block for public purposes comprises a toilet area and a washroom having a common floor and being accessible through a door. The toilet area comprises a toilet unit and the washroom has a wash basin and associated devices. A technical room, separated from the toilet area and washroom, contains equipment for supply, waste disposal and cleaning. The equipment includes apparatus, provided on an upper side of the floor of the toilet area and washroom, for wetting a surface of the floor with cleaning and/or disinfectant fluid and for evaporating the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Berliner Stadtreinigungsbetriebe
    Inventors: Gerhard Waltenberger, Horst Wache
  • Patent number: 5729837
    Abstract: A toilet has a pump to deliver selected quantities of water from a reservoir to a toilet bowl so as to effect a water savings. In one aspect, both the motor and pump are positioned in the reservoir to deliver water to both the rim and bowl portions. In another aspect, there are conduits connected between the basin, the rim and controls which are provided to deliver water to the rim and bowl either independently, simultaneously or in selective sequences. In alternative embodiments, a refill tube is connected to an intake conduit and the rim of the bowl to effect a water seal, a fail safe valve is connected to the supply conduit, a receptacle with a cleaning fluid and a pump is connected to the bowl and there are at least two receptacles for receiving waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Norman J. Jaeckels, John A. Fiumefreddo, Michael P. Gray, Anton J. Kolar, Randy O. Mesun, Jeffrey F. Tempas
  • Patent number: 5699562
    Abstract: A detergent controlling mechanism for use in a toilet is configured to have a container having a first entrance defined through an outer periphery thereof, an adjusting apparatus having a third rod threadingly connected with the outer periphery of the container, a partition which securely and sealingly separates the container into an upper portion and a lower portion, a leverage having a fulcrum pivotally connected to a bridge and securely mounted onto the partition, an inlet valve having a first rod abutting a first end of the bridge and slidably received within a chamber of a second seat, a one-way valve for directing flow only from the first part to the second part and which is sealingly mounted on a board which separates the lower portion into a first part and a second part and a releasing valve mounted onto the partition for determining an amount of detergent to be released. The controlling mechanism is thus able to release a fixed amount of detergent to a water tank every time a user flushes the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Nien-feng Lu
  • Patent number: 5680658
    Abstract: A urinal flushing control device, including a three-way pipe having a first end connected to a water intake pipe, a second end connected to a water outlet pipe through a mixing cylinder, and a third end in the middle mounted with a spring-supported ball valve and connected to an ozonizer. The spring-supported ball valve is drawn inwards by a vacuum suction force when water is discharged from the water intake pipe to the water outlet pipe, to open the passage between the third end of the three-way pipe and the ozonizer, permitting ozone to flow from the ozonizer into the three-way pipe for mixing with water passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Liu Chang International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Yin Ho
  • Patent number: 5673439
    Abstract: A detergent dispenser for a toilet is mounted between a source conduit communicated with a water source and an inlet conduit communicated with a tank. The detergent dispenser includes a body having a cap removably mounted to a top thereof, an inlet defined in a bottom thereof and in communication with the source conduit, a separation plate mounted to the bottom thereof, thereby defining an inlet chamber in communication with the inlet and an outlet chamber in communication with the inlet conduit, and a compartment defined therein and communicating with the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. A detergent support is mounted in the compartment for supporting a solid detergent thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Chung Yen Kuo
  • Patent number: 5614411
    Abstract: Water borne human wastes contained in a holding tank of a self contained convenience facility are decomposed and thus decontaminated as well as deodorized by aqueous live bacteria delivered in a controlled laminar flow through flexible hose controlled by at least one valve from a reservoir of aqueous live bacteria held in a supply container. A flexible, sealed supply container or an open, rigid container having an air inlet is recommended. In addition, a flow meter having communication with this flow, specifically a drip chamber, also recommended. Two valves, one above the flow meter, the other below, is suggested in use with a drip chamber. A spigot attached to the supply outlet is specifically recommended as an upper valve and a simple constriction device which partially constricts the lumen of a length of the hose below the drip chamber is specifically recommended for the lower valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Charles Gastgaber
  • Patent number: 5611088
    Abstract: Method and device for disinfecting a flush toilet. The device is an electrocell mounted in the tank of the toilet, with two wire mesh electrodes immersed in the water in the tank and a battery applying approximately one to two volts of electric potential to the electrodes so that they chemically reduce a portion of the water in the tank to hydrogen peroxide. Then, when the tank is flushed, the peroxide is carried into the bowl where it can kill bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Amy C. Almon
  • Patent number: 5603126
    Abstract: A toilet disinfectant dispenser for use with a toilet of the type having a tank with tank lid. A water supply is connected to the tank by a water inlet pipe controlled by a float valve assembly. A toilet bowl is operatively connected to the tank by a ball valve on a tank drain. The ball valve is connected to a lift chain on a trip lever of a flush handle on the tank. An overflow pipe extends upwardly into the tank and is connected to the bowl. The dispenser comprises a container having an inlet port and an outlet port. A soluble disinfectant tablet is carried within the container. An element at the outlet port is for detachably securing the container to a top end of the overflow pipe. A facility is for feeding some of the water from the float valve assembly into the top end of the overflow pipe and into the inlet port of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas E. Scoggins
  • Patent number: 5543439
    Abstract: Described is a composition of matter particularly useful in fabricating toilet rim blocks consisting of:(a) extruded polyvinyl alcohol or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate with the maximum mole ratio of acetyl moiety:hydroxyl moiety being about 3:1 having a number average molecular weight of from about 15,000 up to about 68,000 containing 0 up to about 13% by weight of plasticizer;(b) from about 1 up to about 20% by weight of a compatible fragrance contained within the polyvinyl alcohol or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate;(c) from 0 up to about 20% by weight of a "foaming agent" which is a first surfactant and which can be a detergent, contained within the polyvinyl alcohol or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate;(d) from 0 up to about 20% by weight of a hydrophobic silica contained within the polyvinyl alcohol or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate;(e) from 0 up to about 20% by weight of at least one second surfactant in addition to the "foaming agent";(f) from 0 up to about 5% by weight of a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. McDermott, John M. Teffenhart, Shmuel D. Shefer, David A. Greene, Leslie C. Smith, Charles E. J. Beck
  • Patent number: 5489415
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved urinal block composition comprised of fluid-soluble chemical components, and an improved dispenser to be used with that urinal block. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a unique combination of chemicals that when blended together to form a urinal block composition yields a stable product that is effective at deodorizing and cleaning urinals and toilets. The improvement of using an acid stable protease enzyme with the other fluid-soluble chemical components of the urinal block composition provides the advantage of dissolving and otherwise neutralizing odors associated with urinals and toilets. The urinal block is retained in and dispensable from a disposable dispenser assembly 10 for use in urinals and toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Eftichios Van Vlahakis
    Inventors: Eftichios Van Vlahakis, John A. Manolas, Michael J. Marrese
  • Patent number: 5377363
    Abstract: An automatic lavatory detergent and perfume dispenser including a control circuit assembly, a detergent dispensing device controlled to send a fixed amount of a detergent into a water container being linked to the flush pipe of a lavatory flushing system, and a DC motor fan operated perfume dispensing device controlled to spray a liquid perfume into the air, and a control circuit assembly to detect the approach of human bodies through an infrared monitor and to actuate the detergent dispensing device and the perfume dispensing device upon the detection of the approach of a human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Snoopy Shieh
  • Patent number: 5375267
    Abstract: A device for lifting a toilet seat without the hands of the user directly contacting such seat wherein a flat plate is attached to the underside of the toilet seat, such flat plate having its outer end protruding only slightly beyond the edge of the seat. The said outer end is formed with a pair of downwardly angled flanges adapted to receive a pivot pin therethrough, such pivot pin extending through the end of a preferably tubular handle. The handle will normally depend from the said pivot pin but when it is to be used, such handle is lifted into a horizontal position, i.e. parallel with the seat surface, and used to raise the toilet seat. A stop is built into the outer end of the flat plate attached to the seat to prevent the pivoted handle from rising above the plane of the seat surface. Provision may be made for latching the handle into position during actual use and the handle may be used as a receptacle for deodorant if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Kip L. Davis
  • Patent number: 5367716
    Abstract: An automatic flush toilet detergent and perfume dispenser of the type having a detergent dispensing device controlled by water pressure to send a fixed amount of a detergent into a water container being linked to the flush pipe of a toilet flushing system, and a DC motor fan operated perfume dispensing device controlled to spray a liquid perfume into the air, the improvement including two full water level detector probes detect water level and to give a signal when water in the water container reaches full water level, a buzzer, light emitting devices, a control circuit controlled by the signal from the full water level detector probes to turn on the DC motor fan, the buzzer, and the light emitting devices, and a manual control switch controlled to trigger the control circuit manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Chi-King Huang
  • Patent number: 5365616
    Abstract: A non-splashing urinal deodorant block holder is used in a vertical type toilet or urinal. The urinal deodorant block holder can hold a deodorant block to rid the urinal of the unpleasant odor of urine and will not splash back the urine when the urine strikes the non-splashing urinal deodorant block holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Worldwide Integrated Resources
    Inventor: Fred I. Morad
  • Patent number: 5336424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved urinal block composition comprised of fluid-soluble chemical components, and an improved dispenser to be used with that urinal block. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a unique combination of chemicals that when blended together to form a urinal block composition yields a stable product that is effective at deodorizing and cleaning urinals and toilets. The improvement of using an acid stable protease enzyme with the other fluid-soluble chemical components of the urinal block composition provides the advantage of dissolving and otherwise neutralizing odors associated with urinals and toilets. The urinal block is retained in and dispensable from a disposable dispenser assembly 10 for use in urinals and toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventors: Eftichios Van Vlahakis, John A. Manolas, Michael J. Marrese
  • Patent number: 5312624
    Abstract: A drain sanitizing article (9) for reducing microbiological activity in drain runoff areas having a housing (10), the housing having an inner wall (16) defining an inner opening (18) in the housing, an outer wall (12), and a bottom wall (14) defining a central cavity (15) in the housing (10), a tear strip (20) for destructibly removing the housing outer wall and a portion of the bottom wall (14), a handle (30) spanning the inner opening (18) of the housing (10) and joined to the inner wall (16) of said housing (10); and a chemical sanitizing agent (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, James Wilson, Daniel E. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 5310096
    Abstract: A device for spraying disinfectant foam into the opening of a garbage disposal is described. The device contains an aerosol propellant container and a substantially cylindrical adaptor. The adaptor is integrally formed, with both an upwardly-extending lip section and a downwardly-extending bottom section. The upwardly-extending lip section contains at least three flange portions separated by slots in which movable tabs are disposed. The downwardly-extending bottom section contains an orifice. The upwardly-extending section may comprise a single continuous flange with internal radial ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Cello Corp.
    Inventors: William Rogers, Keith E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5307525
    Abstract: As an improvement for eliminating lingering bathroom odor, a few drops of an appropriate fluid mixture such as a chlorinated hydrocarbon containing a small amount of a volatile fragrant fluid is added to water in a toilet bowl prior to the use of the toilet. A unique property of the first fluid causes the resultant mixture to spread quickly over the entire surface of the water, forming a nonpermeable film across which the odor emanating from unflushed feces cannot pass. The second fluid quickly vaporizes from this film allowing the resulting concentrated fragrance to neutralize within the toilet bowl the flatulence odor produced during a bowel movement. A person sitting upon the toilet seat actuates a semiautomatic fluid dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: John W. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5279444
    Abstract: A process for treating a garbage disposal unit by spraying material into its inlet is disclosed. The process utilizes a specified device, which contains an aerosol propellant container and a substantially cylindrical adaptor The adaptor is integrally formed, with both an upwardly-extending lip section and a downwardly-extending bottom section. The upwardly-extending lip section contains at least three flange portions separated by slots in which movable tabs are disposed. The downwardly-extending bottom section contains an orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Htiek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5269028
    Abstract: An automatic flushing apparatus includes an electromagnetic valve, an electrical controlling apparatus in conjunction with the electromagnetic valve for effecting an automatic flushing operation. A first closed tank communicates to the outlet tube of the electromagnetic valve. An upright cylindrical tank is connected to the first closed tank and has a tube member extending inwardly from a central opening at the top end of the cylindrical tank. A piston member is slidably received in the tube member and is biased by a coil spring. A second closed tank contains an antiseptic solution and communicates to the tube member of the cylindrical tank by means of a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe has a branch pipe with an elastic rubber nipple member connected to the first closed tank. A check valve assembly is provided in the connecting pipe, which permits the antiseptic solution to flow from the second closed tank into the connecting pipe when the piston member is moved downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Su-Lan Liao
  • Patent number: 5209380
    Abstract: A device for spraying disinfectant foam into the opening of a garbage disposal is described. The device contains an aerosol propellant container and a substantially cylindrical adaptor. The adaptor is integrally formed, with both an upwardly-extending lip section and a downwardly-extending bottom section. The upwardly-extending lip section contains at least three flange portions separated by slots in which movable tabs are disposed. The downwardly-extending bottom section contains an orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Htiek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5188755
    Abstract: A surface erodible controlled releasing, free standing cleaning block for domestic water closets comprises controlled releasing agent, erosion rate modifier, processing aid, acidic chelating agent, color indicator, density modifier and internal lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Block Drug Company
    Inventor: Tiang-Shing Chang
  • Patent number: 5175890
    Abstract: A transportable sanitizing device is equipped with a liquid dispenser, tissue dispenser and spray gun, generally. The sanitizing device is initiated by removal of the spray gun and dispersement of disinfectant about the perimeter of a toilet seat followed by the application of tissue about the same perimeter removing the disinfectant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Solomon J. Ruth
  • Patent number: 5142707
    Abstract: A unit for injecting a disinfectant, deodorant or the like into the inlet stream of flushing water as it is pumped into the bowl of a tankless marine toilet. The injection unit is preferably constructed of commercially-available plastic plumbing components. The main body of the unit provides an additive reservoir which surrounds the flush water inlet pipe and is formed from a conventional plastic sanitary tee jointed fitted at each end with plastic size-reduction bushings. The two bushings connect the injection unit to the flush water inlet tubing and also support an interior flow pipe. Holes drilled at angles in the flow pipe divert a portion of the flush water through the additive reservoir where it mixes with and dissolves the additive (normally a water soluble disk of the type typically placed in the tank of a household toilet).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Frederick Prue
  • Patent number: 5055183
    Abstract: A water treatment device includes a buoyang body having a sleeve portion within which a holder containing a water treatment substance is housed. The sleeve portion and the holder each have holes therethrough to permit the flow of water therethrough. The sleeve portion and holder are arranged to regulate the flow of water through the holes such that quiescent conditions prevail inside the holder. This allows a rapidly dissolving water treatment substance such as calcium hypochlorite to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Control Chemicals (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Leon Buchan
  • Patent number: 5031252
    Abstract: The present invention is a toilet stool seat disinfecting apparatus comprising a body mounted in the rear portion of a toilet stool, a ray sensor unit installed in the body to detect the opening of the stool cover, a pair of nozzles installed at both sides of the body, the nozzles being connected to a disinfectant source through a flow way, and a controller circuit which controls opening of a flow way when the ray sensor detects the opening of the stool cover. The apparatus automatically sprays disinfectant to the stool seat when the stool cover is opened by a user of the toilet stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Teisa Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Oyama
  • Patent number: 4970730
    Abstract: A toilet seat repair organization is set forth wherein a plurality of arcuate segments are formed in a mirror image relative to one another with a planar top and a planar bottom surface parallel to one another with a thickness substantially equal to that of bumper pads of an associated toilet seat. A modification of the instant invention includes a cavity formed with each upper surface to accept a deodorizing container therewithin to enable the deodorizing liquid contained therewithin to be dispersed through the porous repair segments. A further modification utilizes a plurality of arcuate ribs depending downwardly from the repair segments for overlying the upper rim surface of an associated commode to stabilize the toilet seat so repaired relative to the commode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventors: Emma R. Stain, William T. Stain