Dispensing To Overflow Of Flush Tank Patents (Class 4/225.1)
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Patent number: 12195957Abstract: A cleaning device including a disinfection water supply portion to supply cleaning water with a dissolved disinfection component, and a bubble generation portion to contain bubbles into the cleaning water on a downstream side of the disinfection water supply portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Yasunari Maeda, Naoki Shibata, Sakiho Asa, Mai Saito
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Patent number: 11930993Abstract: A waste collection bag may be used by an autonomous cleaning robot (e.g., an autonomous vacuum) to store waste during a plurality of cleaning processes. The waste bag comprises a waste bag, a waste collection sachet, and an absorbent. The waste bag has a first side and a second side, where the first side has an opening for waste to enter, and is composed of filtering material. The waste collection enclosed sachet has a first side and a second side that connect to form a cavity. The waste collection enclosed sachet is tethered to the second side of the waste bag and is composed of dissolvable paper. The absorbent may absorb liquid waste and is located inside the cavity of the waste collection enclosed sachet.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Matic Robots, Inc.Inventors: Anshuman Kumar, Jared O. Ruehr
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Patent number: 11821189Abstract: The system may comprise a holding device having a first portion and a second portion; the holding device configured to receive fill water; the first portion of the holding device configured to retain a cleaning substance; the second portion of the holding device configured to allow the fill water to flow into an overflow pipe; a second leg having a first end interfacing with the holding device; the second leg having a second end configured to be reciprocally received into the overflow pipe to allow the fill water to flow into the overflow pipe; a first leg having a first end interfacing with the holding device; and the first leg having a second end configured to abut a bottom of an inside of a tank of a toilet.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Inventor: Jerald Christopher Stanfield
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Patent number: 11726001Abstract: A device adapted for installation onto a toilet overflow pipe to indicate a leaking condition of a toilet flush valve. The device having a stem portion with a diameter configured for receipt within an interior diameter of a toilet overflow tube. The device including a housing forming a reservoir for collection of water prior to entering the overflow tube. The reservoir including a cavity for the placement of a water soluble pigment, wherein the pigment is dissolved within water in the housing and into the overflow tube. An alternate embodiment of the device, includes a stay member configured to support a ball float member in an off condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Inventor: Vance Roy Pencheon
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Patent number: 11668083Abstract: A system for automatic dispensing of a liquid into a toilet bowl includes a dispenser and a liquid refill cartridge. The dispenser mechanically interfaces with the toilet tank and connects with the water supply therein. When the toilet is flushed, fresh water flows from the float valve into the dispenser, and then back into the toilet bowl via the overfill tube. Within the dispenser, the water flow is constricted through an integral venturi before exiting. The venturi yields a pressure differential inside the dispenser that pulls liquid from the refill cartridge and into the outflow of water. A specified volume of liquid is drawn from the liquid refill cartridge and dispersed into the toilet bowl after every flush, without the use of electronics. The liquid may be an odor blocking liquid, a scented liquid, a colorant, enzymes, or a cleaning solution, among others.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Inventors: Evan Schneider, Daniel Haarburger
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Patent number: 11497826Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning an RV/Marine toilet bowl seal, including providing an apparatus comprising a plug comprising a handle portion; and a solid foam coupled to the handle portion; wherein the handle portion is configured to allow a user to insert or remove the solid foam of the plug from a discharge opening of an RV/Marine toilet bowl; and wherein the solid foam is configured to make contact with at least a portion of the RV/Marine toilet bowl seal; pouring a conditioner into the discharge opening of the RV/Marine toilet bowl; inserting the plug into the discharge opening of the RV/Marine toilet bowl such that the solid foam contacts with at least a portion of the RV/Marine toilet bowl seal; and rotating the plug by about a quarter of a turn.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Inventor: Scott Romiti
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Patent number: 11492791Abstract: A dosing system and method for dispensing a chemical composition into a tank of a toilet. The system includes a sensor obtaining a parameter representative of an environment of the toilet. The dosing system further includes a non-transitory control unit receiving the parameter and generating an activation signal for triggering dispensing of an amount of the chemical composition into the tank based on the parameter. The system further includes a dosing device inserted inside the tank. The dosing device has a cavity containing the chemical composition and a dispensing mechanism coupled with the cavity. The dispensing mechanism receives the activation signal and dispenses the amount of chemical composition into the tank upon reception of the at least one activation signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: HENKEL AG & CO. KGAAInventors: Ingomar Henning, Sascha Schaefer
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Patent number: 11377833Abstract: A water conserving toilet disinfectant dispenser uniformly dispenses a solid disinfecting composition in the water that is flushed by the toilet, which then flows across the toilet bowl. The disinfectant dispenser includes a perforated container that retains a solid disinfecting composition. The disinfectant dispenser also includes a coupling conduit having a top end that mates with, and receives water from, a refill tube integral in toilet tank. The coupling conduit also has a bottom end that discharges the water at an angle into the overflow tube, so as to minimize splashing and water waste over the rim. The dispenser further includes a tension leg that clips to the top rim of the overflow tube to retain the dispenser in an upright position. The tension leg is elongated and has a grip layer at the inner face that maintains stability for the container, even under turbulence from water entering overflow tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2021Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Inventor: Javier G. Manrique
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Patent number: 11105081Abstract: A dispenser receivable in a toilet tank for automatically dispensing a sanitizing tablet into the toilet tank in response to a toilet flush.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Inventor: Photios Noutsis
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Patent number: 11066821Abstract: A device for delivering a chemical additive from a location at the top of an overflow tube to a toilet bowl has an upper portion that does not fit into the overflow tube and a lower portion that fits inside the overflow tube. The upper portion has a receptacle that can hold a chemical additive so that water flowing into the overflow tube runs over the additive and into the overflow tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Inventor: Warren Aldridge
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Patent number: 10480169Abstract: An electronic toilet odor shielding device includes a main body and a container. The main body includes a sensing device and a pump. The container includes an odor shielding compound. The electronic toilet odor shielding device is placed and attached within a toilet water tank of a toilet. The sensing device is configured to sense a toilet water tank flush event and to trigger the pump to draw the odor shielding compound from the container and subsequently to dispense the odor shielding compound into a toilet bowl of the toilet. The odor shielding compound that is dispensed into the toilet bowl forms an odor shielding film on top of a water surface within the toilet bowl.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Inventor: Evan Schneider
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Patent number: 10472811Abstract: Disclosed is an in-the-bowl dispensing device designed to dispense two liquid compositions into a toilet bowl at two separate time intervals. One dispensing action takes place during the flush of the toilet bowl and a second separate dispensing action takes place after the flush of the toilet bowl is complete. In this manner the second liquid composition is retained in the toilet bowl until the toilet bowl is flushed by the next user.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: RECKITT BENCKISER (BRANDS) LIMITEDInventors: Kris Carver, Jesse Delgigante, Henry Fletcher, John Kenneth Hainsworth, Iain Christopher Smith, Alim Thawer
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Patent number: 8925119Abstract: The present invention relates to improved toilet dispensing devices for use in conjunction with a sanitary appliance, particularly a toilet. The toilet dispensing devices devices are adapted to be used in the cistern or tank of a toilet or other lavatory device.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser LLCInventor: Diane Joyce Burt
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Patent number: 8719971Abstract: The present invention relates to improved toilet dispensing devices for use in conjunction with a sanitary appliance, particularly a toilet.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser LLCInventors: Diane Joyce Burt, Daniel Genord
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Patent number: 8631519Abstract: A toilet cleanser and deodorizer dispenser adapted for placement inside a toilet tank that includes a hanger for hanging the dispenser from the top of the sidewall of the tank, a dispenser housing into which a liquid cleanser and/or deodorizer obtained from any source is inserted into a collapsible bag, and means for controlling the rate at which cleanser and/or deodorizer is dispensed from the dispenser into a toilet bowl as water entering the dispenser forces cleanser and/or deodorizer out of the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventors: Juan Belliard, Porfirio Rodriquez
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Publication number: 20130191979Abstract: A chemical system is provided for adding a small amount of chemicals to a toilet bowl at the end of the flush cycle. The system has several chambers and a mechanism to add water to the system to force chemicals out and into the overflow tube of the toilet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventor: Donald P. Berry
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Patent number: 8484769Abstract: A chemical system is provided for adding a small amount of chemicals to a toilet bowl at the end of the flush cycle. The system has several chambers and a mechanism to add water to the system to force chemicals out and into the overflow tube of the toilet.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Inventor: Donald P. Berry
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Patent number: 8453272Abstract: An automatic cleaning assembly having an outer body and an inner lid which, when attached to each other, may define an inner chamber and an outer chamber. Refill water may enter the inner chamber through a fluid flow path of an inlet. A cleaning agent disposed within the inner chamber may be partially dissolved upon contact with the water. The water with the dissolved cleaning agent begins to fill the outer chamber and exit out of the outlet of the automatic cleaning assembly. The outlet of the automatic cleaning assembly is positioned above the inlet of the automatic cleaning assembly such that water is retained within the outer chamber to prevent gas caused by the cleaning agent from escaping into the environment. Moreover, the automatic cleaning assembly may have a check valve to prevent water from back flowing into a ball cock of the toilet.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Inventor: Jae K. Sim
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Publication number: 20120131739Abstract: The present invention relates to improved toilet dispensing devices for use in conjunction with a sanitary appliance, particularly a toilet. The said devices are adapted to be used in the cistern or tank of a toilet or other lavatory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER LLCInventor: Diane Joyce Burt
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Patent number: 8112824Abstract: A dosing device for dosing chemicals (9) into outlet water for flushing a toilet having a toilet bowl. The dosing device comprises a place of dosing, at which outlet water and the chemicals are mixed during a flushing of the toilet. The place of dosing is arranged between an inlet to an overflow pipe (5) and an inlet to the toilet bowl.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Ifo Sanitar ABInventor: Stefan Danielsson Spogardh
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Patent number: 8095997Abstract: A modular cartridge based liquid dispensing system for automatically dispensing a metered amount of liquid(s) into a toilet water tank and/or bowl. This unique programmable system mounts onto a standard water tank, and is shaped to match the tank so that it blends well with the existing toilet design for aesthetics. It is designed to dispense one or a plurality of solution types, allowing any desired solution to be dispensed, such as cleaning solutions and deodorants. It uses replaceable liquid cartridges that can be refillable or disposable, and can also use fixed tanks. This invention can also utilize all of its components in a low-rise cabinet chassis that allows the entire system to be mounted inside the water tank where it is completely hidden from view. The system also has provisions for an optional automatic toilet flushing device and can also be used to dispense its liquids to a bidet apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: Robert Marion Harris
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Patent number: 8015628Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Daniel N. Campau, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach, Douglas A. Soller
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Publication number: 20100146687Abstract: The present invention relates to improved toilet dispensing devices for use in conjunction with a sanitary appliance, particularly a toilet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2007Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER INC.Inventors: Christopher Brian King, Richard Koontz, Robert Zhong Lu, Tri Nguyen, Dana Moseson, Steven Wu
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Publication number: 20090265842Abstract: A deodorizer for a toilet having a fill valve and an upstanding overflow pipe includes a fastener for securing the deodorizer to the overflow pipe, a container for holding a supply of a deodorant, a bridge interconnecting the fastener and container, and a venturi assembly for siphoning deodorant from the container and into the overflow pipe. Openings formed into the housing enable replenishment of the deodorant in the container without removal of the container from the toilet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: GARY HIGGINS, Gus Mantia, Joseph Mantia
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Publication number: 20090178188Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventors: Daniel N. Campau, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach, Douglas A. Soller
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Patent number: 7007312Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic time release system for regulating the flow of liquid therethrough. The time release system comprises a timer body having a timer inlet for providing liquid at a timer inlet flow rate and a timer outlet for discharging liquid at a timer outlet flow rate. The timer body is divided into a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a third reservoir and a float reservoir. The first reservoir includes a catch pan mounted on an open drain tube that is positioned below the timer inlet. The first, second and third reservoirs are in at least partial fluid communication with the float reservoir. A timer float assembly is moveable between open and closed positions in response to variations in the float reservoir liquid level. The closed position is such that the flow of liquid into the drain tube is blocked causing the timer body to fill with liquid whereupon the timer outlet flow rate is substantially equivalent to the timer inlet flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Inventor: Jae K. Sim
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Patent number: 6944890Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic time release system for regulating the flow of liquid therethrough. The time release system comprises a timer body having a timer inlet for providing liquid at a timer inlet flow rate and a timer outlet for discharging liquid at a timer outlet flow rate. The timer body is divided into a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a third reservoir and a float reservoir. The first reservoir includes a catch pan mounted on an open drain tube that is positioned below the timer inlet. The first, second and third reservoirs are in at least partial fluid communication with the float reservoir. A timer float assembly is moveable between open and closed positions in response to variations in the float reservoir liquid level. The closed position is such that the flow of liquid into the drain tube is blocked causing the timer body to fill with liquid whereupon the timer outlet flow rate is substantially equivalent to the timer inlet flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventor: Jac K. Sim
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Publication number: 20040194196Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is positioned in a reservoir tank of a conventional tank toilet and which injects cleaner into a toilet bowl operatively connected to said reservoir tank when the toilet is flushed. The apparatus includes a “T” connector, a diaphragm valve connected to a collapsible supply bag, an injection tube connected to said diaphragm valve and running the length of said supply bag and exiting the supply bag at the top of the bag through a sealed exit. When the toilet is flushed, the “T” connector diverts water from a water inlet valve located within the reservoir tank and directs the water to the diaphragm valve. The water operates the diaphragm valve, which forces cleaner from the valve through the injection tube, and out the injection tube into an overflow pipe located with the reservoir tank. The overflow pipe leads to the toilet bowl; thus allowing for the cleaner exiting the tube to be enter the bowl to clean the toilet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventor: Kenneth J. Muderlak
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Publication number: 20040117899Abstract: A toilet cleaning dispenser system adapted for placement in a toilet tank includes a hanger, a dispenser housing and a cartridge device removably coupled to the dispenser housing. The cartridge device, which includes a cleanser tablet enclosed within a cartridge housing, is inserted into a cavity of the dispenser housing and turned in one direction to lock the device and, alternatively, in an opposite direction to unlock the device. The cartridge housing may be formed to turn as one unit, or be formed as a basket and a rotatable cap that can be turned with respect to the basket. The dispenser housing includes an inlet water trap and an outlet water trap, each comprising a pair of concentric, nested tubes that retain liquid after flushing so as to prevent fumes from exiting the dispenser housing into the toilet tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Jack T. Nguyen, Farid Maiwandi, Dan Lohde, Christopher A. Coppock, Troy A. Bell
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Patent number: 6662379Abstract: A toilet cleaning dispenser system adapted for placement in a toilet tank includes a hanger, a dispenser housing and a cartridge device removably coupled to the dispenser housing. The cartridge device, which includes a cleanser tablet enclosed within a cartridge housing, is inserted into a cavity of the dispenser housing and turned in one direction to lock the device and, alternatively, in an opposite direction to unlock the device. The cartridge housing may be formed to turn as one unit, or be formed as a basket and a rotatable cap that can be turned with respect to the basket. The dispenser housing includes an inlet water trap and an outlet water trap, each comprising a pair of concentric, nested tubes that retain liquid after flushing so as to prevent fumes from exiting the dispenser housing into the toilet tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventors: Jack T. Nguyen, Farid Maiwandi, Dan Lodhe, Christopher A. Coppock, Troy A. Bell
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Publication number: 20030121089Abstract: A toilet cleaning dispenser system adapted for placement in a toilet tank includes a hanger, a dispenser housing and a cartridge device removably coupled to the dispenser housing. The cartridge device, which includes a cleanser tablet enclosed within a cartridge housing, is inserted into a cavity of the dispenser housing and turned in one direction to lock the device and, alternatively, in an opposite direction to unlock the device. The cartridge housing may be formed to turn as one unit, or be formed as a basket and a rotatable cap that can be turned with respect to the basket. The dispenser housing includes an inlet water trap and an outlet water trap, each comprising a pair of concentric, nested tubes that retain liquid after flushing so as to prevent fumes from exiting the dispenser housing into the toilet tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Jack T. Nguyen, Farid Maiwandi, Dan Lodhe, Christopher A. Coppock, Troy A. Bell
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Patent number: 6449779Abstract: A cleaning dispenser assembly to be used in connection with a toilet tank is coupled to a fill valve and an overflow tube of the tank. The dispenser assembly includes a container with a removable lid. A refill tube is coupled to a fill valve of the tank and the container. Tall and short discharge tubes are coupled to the container at different heights to facilitate the withdrawal of fluid from the container while preventing a vacuum from developing within the closed container. U-traps are formed in the refill tube and the discharge tubes to retain a portion of liquid in a steady state so as to seal the passageways in order to prevent gases from escaping into the tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventor: Jack Nguyen
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Publication number: 20020116752Abstract: A cleaning dispenser assembly to be used in connection with a toilet tank is coupled to a fill valve and an overflow tube of the tank. The dispenser assembly includes a container with a removable lid. A refill tube is coupled to a fill valve of the tank and the container. Tall and short discharge tubes are coupled to the container at different heights to facilitate the withdrawal of fluid from the container while preventing a vacuum from developing within the closed container. U-traps are formed in the refill tube and the discharge tubes to retain a portion of liquid in a steady state so as to seal the passageways in order to prevent gases from escaping into the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventor: Jack Nguyen
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Patent number: 6341385Abstract: A toilet bowl fluid dispensing system including a container, positioned within a toilet tank adjacent to an inlet water tube and a bowl refill tube. The bowl refill tube includes a tubular line coupling the inlet water tube and the container. The container contains threads adjacent to the upper extent. The system also includes a lid having threads adjacent to the lower extent thereof adapted to separably couple to the threads of the container. The lid also includes an inlet opening adapted to receive water from the water inlet tube for providing supplemental water to the container lid upon flushing. The lid is shaped to have a hollow member coupling to the top of the bowl refill tube for providing a positioning support to the lid and container.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Inventor: Richard T. Downes
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Patent number: 6321392Abstract: An automatic cleaning assembly for a toilet bowl includes a body member having an interior cavity therein for receiving a cleaning agent. An inlet is in communication with an interior of the body member and is connectable to a ball cock through a refill tube and an outlet is in communication with an interior of the body member and is connectable to an overflow pipe through a connecting hose. Furthermore, a cap is attached to the body member. The cap is free from apertures therethrough and sealed to said body member to form a sealed space at an upper portion of an interior of the body member. The sealed space ensures that a level of water within said interior cavity of said body member remains at a bottom of the cleaning agent to slowly dissolve the cleaning agent. With the above construction, an improved cleaning assembly for a toilet bowl is provided, which is simple in structure, inexpensive to manufacture, and can clean the toilet bowl thoroughly.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Xitec SystemsInventor: Jae K. Sim
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Patent number: 6240572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventors: Leonard C. Van Der Gaag, Arthur C. Krahmer
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Patent number: 6192524Abstract: The invention relates to a solid cleaning and sanitizing composition and a solid surface erodable toilet bowl cleaning product containing the composition. The invention also relates to a device for holding the solid toilet bowl cleaning product in the overflow tube of a toilet and a method for keeping toilet bowls clean and sanitary.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventor: Robert H. Black