Dispensing To Water In Flush Tank Patents (Class 4/227.1)
  • Patent number: 11897008
    Abstract: A urinal and pipe cleaning composition and automated dispensing system and method. The composition preferably comprises urea hydrochloride, a thickener, optionally one or more surfactants, and optionally fragrance. Preferably, the surfactants comprise cocamidopropyl betaine and one or more ethoxylated alcohols. The composition preferably has a viscosity allowing it to be dispensed from an automated dispenser and to coat the surfaces to be cleaned to allow sufficient contact time to dissolve accumulated salts and remove stains. A predetermined dose of the composition is dispensed at predetermined time intervals. Different dose amounts and time intervals may be used depending on the level of usage of the urinal, the amount of salt scale, and level of staining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventors: Gabriel F. K. Everett, Mike Rushing, Charles J. Greenwald
  • Patent number: 11377376
    Abstract: A method and system for managing water in a food preparation sink is provided. The system includes a sanitizer comprising a chemistry optimized for a food preparation sink water load, a delivery system configured to transport and deliver the sanitizer to the food preparation sink; and a verification element that is configured to be added to the water load in the food preparation sink and indicate when the water in the food preparation sink is not promoting growth or spread of bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SMARTWASH SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Child Wilhelmsen, Christopher Michael McGinnis, Danny Elmer Lindstrom, James M. Brennan
  • Patent number: 10309087
    Abstract: A stacked type quantitative toilet cleaning agent dispenser includes a housing, an inner box mounted in the housing and defining the housing a bottom chamber beneath the inner box and an aisle around the inner box and above the bottom chamber, and a cover covering the inner box and having a first water inlet in communication with the inside space of the inner box and a second water inlet. Further, the inner box has an open end tube that keeps the second water inlet in communication with the bottom chamber and isolated from the inner box. Further, the cover has a first water outlet below the elevation of the first water inlet. The aisle is disposed in communication with the space outside the housing via a second water outlet that is disposed below the elevation of the second water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Donzee Enterprise Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Yang Hsu
  • Patent number: 10231392
    Abstract: The invention provides a self-watering system for a potted plant comprising a liquid container and an insert with an in use position against the potted plant pointing upper part, which extends at least partially through an opening in the pot bottom. The invention is primarily intended for use in watering of potted plants ready for sale from e.g. horticultural greenhouses, but can obviously also be used for both the subsequent watering during the rest of the plant's life from end-users and for watering during the cultivation of a potted plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Jørn Hansen
  • Patent number: 9102435
    Abstract: A container for holding and dispensing liquids into a beverage receptacle containing a beverage is disclosed. The container may include a body including an exterior wall and an interior cavity for holding liquid. The container may also include a neck having an interior cavity, the neck extending from the body at a shoulder region and having an exterior surface and a mouth through which to dispense the liquid into the beverage receptacle. The container may also include at least one extension extending from the shoulder region toward the mouth and having a distal end and an inner surface facing toward the neck. The inner surface of the at least one extension and the exterior surface of the neck may form a channel for receiving a rim of the beverage receptacle such that the container may hang from the rim of the beverage receptacle and dispense liquid into the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Bernardo Garcia
  • Publication number: 20150111809
    Abstract: In another aspect of the present invention is a solid formulation comprising an effervescent agent and a fragrance, wherein the formulation has a specific gravity relative to water of less than 1. In a further aspect of the present invention is a kit comprising a formulation comprising an effervescent agent, a fragrance, a preservative, and a chelating agent; and a packaging, e.g. a sachet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Pamela Marini, Joseph Marini, Robert A. Marini
  • Patent number: 8927477
    Abstract: A sanitary agent for treatment of a sanitary appliance includes a solid or semi-solid active body, designed to adhere to a wall of the sanitary appliance and including a treatment compound having at least an active element for treatment of the sanitary appliance. The body has an external surface thereof covered by a water-soluble film. In this way, the sanitary agent can be manipulated by hand for application thereof to a moist ceramic wall of a sanitary appliance to be treated, without the user's hands entering into contact with the components of the sanitary agent itself. Furthermore, any undesired loss of the components of the sanitary agent is avoided; these can be due to deformation of the sanitary agents before use thereof, displacements thereof and/or any dripping. A method for applying the sanitary agent for deterging, disinfecting and/or perfuming the sanitary appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: RE.LE.VI. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Pagani
  • Patent number: 8806668
    Abstract: A cleaner structure includes a main body, a forced element and an elastic element. The main body includes a first casing, a floating element, a second casing, first perforations and second perforations. The floating element is disposed within the first casing. The second casing is connected with the first casing for storing a cleaning agent. The elastic element is connected with the first casing and the forced element. During the water level of the liquid inside the toilet tank is changed from a low level to a high level, the second casing is at least partially immersed in the liquid, so that the cleaning agent is released to the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Tamkang University
    Inventors: Ching-Bin Lin, Chien-Chia Wang, Chia-Ying Yuan
  • Publication number: 20130298320
    Abstract: The invention is a directed to a long-handled rod that hangs on the top of the toilet water tank and extends down into the tank. The rod is retained in place within the toilet tank by a hook kept under tension by a latch. A resealable pouch is provided on the end of the rod which holds a toilet cleanser composition in tablet or liquid form securely in the tank. The resealable pouch is preferably composed of a water-permeable mesh material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Rena Duncan
  • Publication number: 20130036539
    Abstract: A flush water container system for the flush water of a mobile toilet (11), in particular of a mobile vacuum toilet (11), comprising a flush water container (43) having a flush water container inflow (44), characterized in that the flush water container (43) is designed to receive gray water from a washbasin (10), which in particular is a wash hand basin or a shower washbasin, and a metering device (41) is provided, which is in fluidic communication with the flush water container (43) and is designed to treat the gray water by feeding a descaling and/or bactericidal treatment agent, wherein the flush water container (43) is designed to release the treated gray water as flush water to the mobile toilet (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Tariq Zahir, Tobias Wendt, Detlev Both
  • Publication number: 20130019388
    Abstract: Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The multi-function device has an indicator to advise the consumer when replacement of user serviceable parts, such as the water treatment concentrate and the air treatment concentrate, is needed. The multi-function device has a bellows with a varying cross-sectional area to provide, during a flush cycle, a variable flow of air over the air treatment concentrate and into the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: The Clorox Company
    Inventor: The Clorox Company
  • Patent number: 8332969
    Abstract: An automatic control and battery power supply for a bathroom odor removal unit. The power supply comprising: a housing, the housing comprising: a top face in generally orthogonal communication with a toilet tank face; a toilet tank face in generally orthogonal communication with a bottom face; a sensor face in communication with the top face, and the toilet tank face, and where the angle between the sensor face and the toilet tank face is obtuse; a hanger connectable to the housing, and configured to hang from the upper edge of a toilet tank with the housing outside of and generally to one side of the toilet tank; a sensor located on the sensor face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph Spadola, Joseph Damianoe, John Orris, Brian Bernberg, Vladmir Yakhnich
  • Publication number: 20120266368
    Abstract: Toilet basket (1) for receiving solid or gelled preparations having at least one container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) for receiving at least one preparation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) positionable below the toilet rim so that flushing water can flow over it when the toilet is flushed, and at least one inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) and one outlet opening (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) shaped in the container wall (7) for the flushing water; a holder (2) for mounting the toilet basket (1) on the bowl rim; a flushing water distributing element (8) arranged and configured on the toilet basket (1) so that the flushing water distributing element (8) is impinged upon by flushing water upon flushing, and an equalized delivery of flushing water into the inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Ralph Butter-Jentsch, Hans-Georg Muehlhausen
  • Patent number: 8291523
    Abstract: In a liquid delivery device for a toilet, a container (3) for the liquid has an outlet (15) which extends into a cup (35). The cup (35) is open to the atmosphere and liquid flows into the cup (35) until the mouth (25) of the outlet is covered by liquid in the cup. The cup wall has a weir (45) and liquid in the cup (35) overflows the weir (45). A collar (61) around the outside of the cup (35) forms a capillary with the cup wall to control the flow of liquid and feed it to capillary channels on a delivery plate (9) below the level of the weir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Jeyes Group Limited
    Inventor: Peter Virica
  • Patent number: 8266728
    Abstract: Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The multi-function device has a bellows with a varying cross-sectional area to provide, during a flush cycle, a variable flow of air over the air treatment concentrate and into the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Cherie A. Bulala, Grant Templin, W. Keith Mainquist, Matt Tivnon, Bryan Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20120210504
    Abstract: A cleaner structure includes a main body, a forced element and an elastic element. The main body includes a first casing, a floating element, a second casing, first perforations and second perforations. The floating element is disposed within the first casing. The second casing is connected with the first casing for storing a cleaning agent. The elastic element is connected with the first casing and the forced element. During the water level of the liquid inside the toilet tank is changed from a low level to a high level, the second casing is at least partially immersed in the liquid, so that the cleaning agent is released to the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: TAMKANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ching-Bin Lin, Chien-Chia Wang, Chia-Ying Yuan
  • Patent number: 8209788
    Abstract: A chemical solution distributing apparatus which is installed in a water tank in water closets or the like and distributes chemical solutions periodically in the water tank including a bottomed tubular apparatus main body which has an opening at its lower end; a chemical retaining section which is present inside this apparatus main body and mounts/retains chemicals; and a drawn-water passage section which is installed outside the apparatus main body and in which one end thereof is connected to the inside of the apparatus main body via the opening while the other end thereof is positioned higher than the lower end of the apparatus main body; wherein the chemical retaining section has holes in order to mix chemicals with the water inside the apparatus main body or inside the water tank; and wherein a check valve to allow release of air inside the apparatus main body to the outside is also formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Takamine, Hideo Takada
  • Patent number: 8181282
    Abstract: Toilet basket (1) for receiving solid or gelled preparations having at least one container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) for receiving at least one preparation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) positionable below the toilet rim so that flushing water can flow over it when the toilet is flushed, and at least one inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) and one outlet opening (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) shaped in the container wall (7) for the flushing water; a holder (2) for mounting the toilet basket (1) on the bowl rim; a flushing water distributing element (8) arranged and configured on the toilet basket (1) so that the flushing water distributing element (8) is impinged upon by flushing water upon flushing, and an equalized delivery of flushing water into the inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Ralph Butter-Jentsch, Hans-Georg Muehlhausen
  • Patent number: 8166580
    Abstract: A dispensing means (10) for delivering a dose of a first liquid into a second liquid is provided, the dispensing means comprising an enclosure (12) for the first liquid, and valve means (16), the dispensing means being operable such that raising a level (114) of a second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to subject the dispensing means to hydrostatic pressure causes a dose of the first liquid to be displaced from the enclosure (12) to establish a column (118) of the first liquid that acts on the valve means, and subsequent lowering of the level (114) of the second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to reduce the hydrostatic pressure acting on the valve means (16) causes the valve means to deliver the dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: International Trade Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Brian Parry Slade
  • Patent number: 8161579
    Abstract: A self contained battery energized apparatus is mounted within the water tank of a conventional flush toilet to eliminate malodorous gases. Air from the toilet bowl is drawn through the stand pipe in the toilet tank into a housing to expose the air to UV radiation to produce ozone molecules that have an oxidizing effect on organic matter and the UV radiation serves as a germicide and a virucide. The ozonated and oxidized gases are exhausted through a carbon filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Zuvo Water, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond P. Denkewicz, Jr., Rolf Engelhard
  • Patent number: 8112824
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ifo Sanitar AB
    Inventor: Stefan Danielsson Spogardh
  • Patent number: 8095997
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Marion Harris
  • Patent number: 8032953
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device for use in the flush cistern of a water closet comprises a reservoir (13) for the liquid formulation which is fed from an inverted container (5) maintaining a constant liquid level (47) in the reservoir (13) at the mouth (37) of the container. A displacement body in the form of a piston (9), which may be magnetic, moves in a bore (56) to dispense liquid through opening (25). The piston (9) is moved by a float (11) which moves up and down as the level of water L in the cistern rises and falls on flushing. The float is coupled to the piston (9) magnetically. In another embodiment a direct mechanical coupling is used. Liquid seeps past piston (9) when in the lowered position, and is raised to overflow outlet (25) when the cistern fills. In another embodiment, liquid is dispensed on a downward stroke of the piston. The fit of piston (9) in the bore allows liquid to seep slowly past the piston to replenish the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Jeyes Group Limited
    Inventors: Brian Wilson, Steve N. Balls, Darren Smith, Peter Virica
  • Patent number: 8015629
    Abstract: A device useful for the delivery of a treatment composition, and a fragrancing effect to a sanitary appliance, especially a toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser Inc.
    Inventors: Lamson Nguyen, Jeanne Marie Weller
  • Patent number: 8015628
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Campau, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach, Douglas A. Soller
  • Publication number: 20110209277
    Abstract: A toilet-bowl-cleaner dispatch assembly with water-saving function is applicable to various toilet tanks and includes a main body and a fixture. The main body has at least one drain tube (vent). The fixture has one end fixed to the toilet tank and an opposite end fixed to the main body. The fixture allows an altitude of the main body in the toilet tank to be changed. Preferably, a top surface of the main body is not lower than a full water level of the toilet tank. By controlling a batch discharge capacity of a cleaner solution in the main body, the concentration of the cleaner solution is controlled in a desired range and the undissolved pieces of the automatic toilet bowl cleaner are retained from directly discharged, in order to eliminate unnecessary waste of the automatic toilet bowl cleaner and save water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Wei-Te Liu
  • Publication number: 20110083257
    Abstract: A dispensing unit for dispensing a freshening fluid, comprising a reservoir defining a volume for comprising the fluid; the reservoir comprising; a fluid delivery means arranged at a lower part of the reservoir and dimensioned, in relation to the fluid contained in the reservoir, for providing a fluid flowing out of the fluid delivery means by gravity action; and an aeration opening providing aeration of an upper air volume of the reservoir; wherein the fluid delivery means comprises multiple fluid delivery openings, wherein each fluid delivery opening is of predetermined size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Carolus Benediktus Wilhelmus Lampe
  • Patent number: 7818822
    Abstract: Electrically energized apparatus mounted within the water tank of a conventional flush toilet draws air from the toilet bowl into a plenum to expose the air to UV radiation to produce ozone molecules that have an oxidizing effect on organic matter and to serve as a germicide and a virucide. The ozone enriched air is entrained in the water present in the toilet tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Zuvo Water, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald Martin
  • Publication number: 20090211003
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Marion Harris
  • Patent number: 7549181
    Abstract: A toilet lid solution apparatus which replaces a toilet reservoir lid. The apparatus stores a chosen disinfectant solution and meters the dispensing thereof with each flush. The apparatus' installation requires no special tools, knowledge or changes to the toilet or reservoir for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Johnny A. Davis, Debra A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20090100579
    Abstract: A hygienic device for adding a sanitary and cleansing material to the water in the cistern, comprises a body with water flowing therethrough and with a fitting for connecting to a water supply on one side thereof and to a toilet cistern on the other side thereof. The device further includes a material storing reservoir and a valve for controlling the rate of flow of the material into the water flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Moshe Buhbut, Gregory Beskin
  • Publication number: 20090077727
    Abstract: In a liquid delivery device for a toilet, a container (3) for the liquid has an outlet (15) which extends into a cup (35). The cup (35) is open to the atmosphere and liquid flows into the cup (35) until the mouth (25) of the outlet is covered by liquid in the cup. The cup wall has a weir (45) and liquid in the cup (35) overflows the weir (45). A collar (61) around the outside of the cup (35) forms a capillary with the cup wall to control the flow of liquid and feed it to capillary channels on a delivery plate (9) below the level of the weir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Virica
  • Publication number: 20090049587
    Abstract: Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The multi-function device has a bellows with a varying cross-sectional area to provide, during a flush cycle, a variable flow of air over the air treatment concentrate and into the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Cherie A. Bulala, Grant Templin, W. Keith Mainquist, Matt Tivnon, Bryan Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20090049588
    Abstract: Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The multi-function device has an indicator to advise the consumer when replacement of user serviceable parts, such as the water treatment concentrate and the air treatment concentrate, is needed. The multi-function device has a bellows with a varying cross-sectional area to provide, during a flush cycle, a variable flow of air over the air treatment concentrate and into the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Cherie A. Bulala, Grant Templain, Geetha Murthy, Rina Mussallam, Matt Tivnon, Bryan Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20090019625
    Abstract: A chemical solution distributing apparatus which is installed in a water tank in water closets or the like and distributes chemical solutions periodically in the water tank including a bottomed tubular apparatus main body which has an opening at its lower end; a chemical retaining section which is present inside this apparatus main body and mounts/retains chemicals; and a drawn-water passage section which is installed outside the apparatus main body and in which one end thereof is connected to the inside of the apparatus main body via the opening while the other end thereof is positioned higher than the lower end of the apparatus main body; wherein the chemical retaining section has holes in order to mix chemicals with the water inside the apparatus main body or inside the water tank; and wherein a check valve to allow release of air inside the apparatus main body to the outside is also formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Takamine, Hideo Takada
  • Publication number: 20090013457
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaning device comprising: a container for storing toilet bowl cleaning material adapted to rest upon the toilet's existing water tank; a filling arrangement for charging the cleaning material into said container; and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a dosage of cleaning material from the container into the water tank, the dispensing mechanism disposed above the level of water in the water tank and comprising: a pipe having a distal end and a proximal end; an opening for cleaning material to enter therein; a dispensing actuation mechanism; and an actuator return mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Eyal Mirochnik
  • Publication number: 20080301866
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a determined quantity of a liquid treating agent in a flush tank includes at least one metering cavity whose volume is close to the volume of the dose of a dispensable product, first part for communicating the cavity with a product storage tank, second part for controllingly connecting the cavity with outside, closing elements of the second part, which are controlled by a member floatingly mounted on a surface of water contained the flush tank and make it possible to close them during the waiting phase of the flushing device and to open the part when the flushing device is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Gilles Allard, Michael Soll
  • Patent number: 7449107
    Abstract: A self-contained dehydration toilet having an odor-capturing steam and water recovery system. The dehydration toilet comprises a toilet bowl, a dehydration engine connected to the toilet bowl, a steam, gas and vapor conduit from the dehydrating engine, a water supply infusion tank which receives steam, gases and vapor from the dehydration engine to the infusion water tank, an ozone generator which supplies ozone to the water supply, a vacuum pump connected to the infusion water tank, and a power source supplying power to the dehydrating engine, the ozone generator, a control circuit and the vacuum pump. The dehydrating engine has a heating device and helical paddles to aid in the dehydration process. The dehydrating toilet reuses steam and captures odors and vapors with diffusion chambers in the infusion water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Lumbert
  • Patent number: 7441283
    Abstract: A flush toilet includes a water tank with at least one through hole and a liquid dispenser installed outside on the water tank. The water tank includes a tank body and a lid covered on the tank body, the through hole is formed on the lid and the liquid dispenser is also installed on the lid. The liquid dispenser includes a container, a dispensing component mounted on the container and a tube with one end connected to the dispensing component and the other end inserted inside the water tank via the through hole. As such, users can visually check the level of liquid in the container for replenishment and casually choose different smell or strength of liquid for use with the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Hui-Sheng Chu
  • Patent number: 7096515
    Abstract: A device for introducing a chemical supplement to a toilet cistern without having to displace a cover of the toilet cistern, including: (a) a dispensing unit having a releasing mechanism, disposed within the cistern, for releasing the chemical supplement into the cistern, and (b) a housing, associated with the releasing mechanism and disposed within the cistern, for receiving a cartridge containing the chemical supplement, and (c) an attachment mechanism for securing the device to a surface of the toilet cistern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Avner Navon
  • Patent number: 7073209
    Abstract: A device is claimed for passively dispensing sanitizing tablets in a container of water. Preferably the invention is applied to dispensing sanitizing tablets in a toilet tank, and means are described for positioning the device and controlling the amount of sanitizer dispensed per flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin McCormick
  • Patent number: 7007312
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Jae K. Sim
  • Patent number: 6993795
    Abstract: A battery operated self-contained submersible liquid dispenser for dispensing discrete quantities of a liquid from a remote liquid reservoir is provided. The dispenser comprises a hermetically sealed walled housing containing a peristaltic pump driven either directly or via a speed reduction gear train by an electric motor in response to motor activation signals received from an electric control circuit within the housing. The pump includes a flexible liquid dispensing tube connected to respective liquid inlet and liquid outlet ports extending through the wall of the housing, a pump actuator for forcing liquid received via the liquid inlet port through the tube to the outlet port, and a sensor on or in the wall of the housing connected to the circuit. The sensor is adapted to sense a changed condition from a required parameter external to the housing, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Joseph Prineppi
  • Patent number: 6948193
    Abstract: An improved lavatory cleanser dispensing device that is height-adjustable and capable of quantitatively dispensing cleanser is composed of a fixing member and a shell. The fixing member includes a hanging portion at a top side thereof to be hung on a toilet water tank and a plurality of locating portions formed at a bottom section thereof and in top-down arrangement. The shell includes at least one chamber inside, a plurality of inlets and outlets running therethrough to enable the chamber to communicate with outside, and at lease one positioning portion detachably mounted on the locating portions of the fixing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Johnson J. Y. Hsu
  • Patent number: 6944890
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Jac K. Sim
  • Publication number: 20040128750
    Abstract: An automatic liquid dispenser dispenses precisely measured amounts of cleaner/deodorizer into a toilets tank through a closed system is further disclosed. The invention consists of a housing that connects between the water supply line and the water supply inlet of a toilets tank and a refillable liquid storage container. The housing is installed in the flow path of the water supply used to fill a toilets tank for flushing. During the filling of the toilets tank the flow of water is directed over an orifice causing a siphon to be created. This siphon compresses a spring loaded ball check allowing liquid cleaner/deodorizer to flow into the water supply filling the toilets tank When the tank is full it contains a predetermined and precisely mixed amount of water and cleaner/deodorizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Gregory Cramer
  • Patent number: 6748610
    Abstract: A toilet tank cleanser dispenser has a receiving holster suitable to receive an inverted container of cleaning composition and suitable to dose liquid from the container. The adapter has an internal dosing shuttle for metering an aliquot of cleanser through an opening at the bottom of the adapter defining a valve seat. A float can move up and down with respect to the liquid level in the tank to drive an outlet valve against an outlet of the adapter. The valve head can have a balloon-like structure driven by the float. For example, a low density thin wall polyethylene valve head can be supported by a trapped air pocket to reduce leakage, permit some flexibility, and avoid permanent deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Zach, Kevin Harrity
  • Patent number: 6738989
    Abstract: A dispenser for use in a toilet tank is disclosed. There is a replaceable bottle There is also an upwardly open holster for receiving the bottle in inverted fashion. A valve is associated with the holster that controls the dispensing of cleaner from the container, and/or a mounting hook is provided on the holster that can pivot between a storage position in a bottle recess and a mounting position snap locked on the holster (or is integrally linked to the holster).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Harbutt, David C. Snow, Peter T. M. Nott, Simon M. Conway, Kevin Harrity, Steven A. Zach
  • Publication number: 20040088781
    Abstract: A device (V) for discharging apportioned quantities, for example, of a WC cleaning/disinfecting liquid and/or of a fragrance, having a supply container (2) in which liquid product (1) is accommodated, the liquid product (1), associated with a closed-off space (3), forming a first free liquid level (Sp1), and, to achieve precisely reproducible apportioned quantities of liquid product, the closed-off space (3) is formed at the top of the supply container (2), and there is formed in the lower region (U) of the supply container (2) a product opening (6) which connects to a first collecting reservoir (10), in which liquid product (1), at a height which closes the product opening (6), forms a second free liquid level (Sp2), and there is provided a second collecting reservoir (11) which is connected to the first collecting reservoir (10) beneath the free liquid level (Sp2) and has an overflow (Ü) which serves for supplying quantities of liquid product in metered portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Udo Suffa
  • Patent number: 6691328
    Abstract: A bottle used to dispense a fluid for cleaning a toilet bowl is configured to provide for refilling the bottle. Such a bottle includes a reservoir, a metering portion, and a cover, which is removable to expose an opening within the reservoir for refilling. The cover may include the metering portion, or it may be formed as a cap at an end of the reservoir opposite the metering portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Delfino