Debris Catcher For A Flush Closet Or Clean Out Plug Patents (Class 4/256.1)
  • Patent number: 11519164
    Abstract: A urinal screen has a kite-shaped body having a longitudinal axis about which the body is symmetric, and a crosswise axis at a right angle to the longitudinal axis. There is at least one crosswise fold line formed in the body in which extended openings are formed along the crosswise axis, and there is at least one longitudinal fold line formed parallel to the longitudinal axis by extended openings through the body. The lack of material along the fold lines, relative to other portions of the body, facilitate bending or folding along these lines to conform to the shape of various urinal basins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Crevier
  • Patent number: 11519254
    Abstract: A system (e.g., an oil and/or gas production system) including a filter assembly for separating particulate materials from wellbore fluid. The filter assembly includes a flow cross and a flow bore deflector. The flow cross includes a flow block, a first passage formed in the flow block, and a second passage formed in the flow block. The first and second passages intersect. The flow bore deflector comprises a cap, an extension rod, and a deflector element. The deflector element extends at the intersection between the first and second passages to separate the particulate materials from the wellbore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: VALVEWORKS USA, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Roberts, Andrew Shamsabady
  • Patent number: 11471134
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a recovery tool kit system including a recovery tool and an associated retrieval method for retrieving and storing an ingestible device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Biora Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Lawrence Jones, Christopher Loren Wahl, Alec John Lillis
  • Patent number: 10633845
    Abstract: A plumbing trap is provided with a top access clean out for use with a P-trap. A horizontal extension conduit having an elbow having a threaded connection for attachment to a P-trap. The elbow forms an outside curvature at which is formed a clean out member providing bi-directional access within the plumbing passageway. The clean out member allows for access without having to remove the P-trap and while fluid flow is maintained within the passageway. The clean out member includes an outlet aligned along an axis that is positioned in a vertical plane at a 45° angle relative to the first axis and a 45° angle relative to the second axis and a 45° angle relative to horizontal plane relative to the first axis. A second clean out member may be positioned in a mirror image and at a 90° angle to the first clean out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Oxxo, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick F. Keohane, Steven M. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 10119258
    Abstract: Drain chain systems include a cap connected to a chain. The cap is configured in size and shape to enable passage of water through the drain when the cap is positioned adjacent the cap. During use, the chain is positioned within a drain and hair gathers on the chain. The chain can then be pulled out of the drain, by the cap, to remove the hair. The chain can be cleaned of entangled hair and reused, or the chain can be discarded with or without the cap, by either leaving the chain connected to the cap or by detaching the chain from the cap and replacing it with a new chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventors: Gifford L. Briggs, Jennifer Briggs
  • Patent number: 9945111
    Abstract: A toilet that with a cleanout aperture and an access panel or plug that provide access to highest point the siphon section of the toilet. The access panel extends over aperture that extends from the flush water inlet surface to the crest, or apex, of the siphon section. The cover plate extends over the flush valve support surface provides access to the siphon section to provide access to clogs in the up sloping, apex, or down sloping portions of the siphon section. The toilet may be wall-mounted or floor mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CHALLENGE LLC
    Inventor: Theodore Nuncio
  • Patent number: 9631352
    Abstract: The present invention is a toilet having auxiliary discharge path and valve and adapted to prevent accidently overflows of the toilet. The auxiliary discharge valve is actuateable so as to allow the contents of a toilet to bypass the trap of a toilet and flow through the discharge path and into a sewer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: A. Shane Alcorn
  • Patent number: 9528257
    Abstract: A trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths in a toilet bowl is disclosed. The trapping device comprises a strap and a plurality of hooks. The trapping device may be installed in a trapway of the toilet bowl. The strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, wherein the first end includes a first tab extending perpendicular to the strap and the second end includes a second tab extending perpendicular to the strap, and the middle portion is rounded. The plurality of hooks extend from an inner wall of the strap. The strap is made of a strap material that is resilient to bend and springs back to its previous shape, such as a stainless steel or a high density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SAGE PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Hanifl, Jeff Steffens, Tim Moran, David Beck, Gregory T. Davis
  • Patent number: 9529943
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system for sizing a trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths and/or other materials in a toilet bowl and/or a hopper sink are disclosed. A computer device may be used to implement the method for sizing one or more trapping devices for installation at a facility, such as a medical institution. The computer device may be configured to determine a configuration of a trapway for each of one or more toilet bowls and/or hopper sinks at the facility. After determining the configuration, the computer device may determine a size of a trapping device corresponding to the determined configuration of each of the one or more trapways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SAGE PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: David Beck, Linda Vrabec
  • Patent number: 9388558
    Abstract: A drain system includes a basin and a drain, where a first one of the basin and the drain comprises at least two substantially inflexible protrusions and a second one of the basin and the drain forms at least two apertures. The protrusions and apertures form male-female connections that facilitate positioning and anchoring of the drain in the basin. Further, stoppers/strainer and ball valves for limiting or ceasing water flow through a drain are disclosed. The stoppers/strainers and quarter turn valves may be switch-activated and moved into position by electricity, water pressure, air pressure and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Barbara Delmonico
  • Patent number: 9371640
    Abstract: A fence valve to catch material introduced into a pipe includes a housing defining a chamber and a catch plate disposed within the chamber that is movable with respect to the housing. The catch plate includes at least one magnetic region. The valve further includes a magnetic body in communication with at least a portion of the chamber, an indicator in communication with the catch plate, and a cable having a first end secured to the catch plate and a second end secured to a hook. The catch plate is transitionable from a first position in which the catch plate is disposed at a first location within the chamber, to a second position in which the catch plate is displaced from the first location. The catch plate is detachably held in the first position by interaction between the at least one magnetic region and the magnetic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SDB IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Bush, Ryan W. Nottage
  • Patent number: 9157224
    Abstract: A trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths in a toilet bowl is disclosed. The trapping device comprises a strap and a plurality of hooks. The trapping device may be installed in a trapway of the toilet bowl. The strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, wherein the first end includes a first tab extending perpendicular to the strap and the second end includes a second tab extending perpendicular to the strap, and the middle portion is rounded. The plurality of hooks extend from an inner wall of the strap. The strap is made of a strap material that is resilient to bend and springs back to its previous shape, such as a stainless steel or a high density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hanifl, Jeff Steffens, Tim Moran, David Beck, Gregory Davis
  • Publication number: 20140359928
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for a toilet (600) is provided. The apparatus can include a rim engagement portion (101) and a sheet catcher (102) comprising one or more barbs (104,105,106). A bowl side bestrider (103) can couple the rim engagement portion to the sheet catcher. The sheet catcher to situate within a water seal (605) of the toilet when the rim engagement portion engages a rim (601) of the toilet. The barbs can to catch non-dispersible sheets (701) when the toilet is flushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: John Kutsch, Vince Lackowski, Sharbel Maalouf, Lorie Rowe
  • Publication number: 20140259345
    Abstract: A fence valve to catch material introduced into a pipe is disclosed. The fence valve includes a housing defining a chamber and includes a catch plate disposed within the chamber that is movable with respect to the housing. The catch plate includes at least one magnetic region. The valve further includes a magnetic body in communication with at least a portion of the chamber, an indicator in communication with the catch plate, and a cable having a first end secured to the catch plate and a second end secured to a hook. The catch plate is transitionable from a first position in which the catch plate is disposed at a first location within the chamber, to a second position in which the catch plate is displaced from the first location. The catch plate is detachably held in the first position by interaction between the at least one magnetic region and the magnetic body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Shawn D. Bush, Ryan W. Nottage
  • Publication number: 20140259344
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a urinal screen comprising a flexible screen in a circular configuration having a center portion and a contiguous outer portion encircling the center portion, the outer portion being separated into one or more elongated strips extending outwardly from the center portion, and the center portion having a center hole extending therethrough. When positioned on a surface of a urinal or other fixture, the screen is substantially conformable to the urinal surface without sacrificing the screen objective to keep debris from entering drain. In embodiments, the center portion of the screen can be adjustable in height such that the screen is in a mound- or dome-like configuration and still preventing any debris from entering the drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Todd J. Muderlak, Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Publication number: 20140157501
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide domed urinal screens. In preferred embodiments the screens include a hub, a plurality of spokes radiating downward from the hub, and a plurality of concentric rings supported by the spokes. Compositions deterring accumulation of fluids on urinal screens are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel D'Amico
  • Publication number: 20120278983
    Abstract: A trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths in a toilet bowl is disclosed. The trapping device comprises a strap and a plurality of hooks. The trapping device may be installed in a trapway of the toilet bowl. The strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, wherein the first end includes a first tab extending perpendicular to the strap and the second end includes a second tab extending perpendicular to the strap, and the middle portion is rounded. The plurality of hooks extend from an inner wall of the strap. The strap is made of a strap material that is resilient to bend and springs back to its previous shape, such as a stainless steel or a high density polyethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hanifl, Jeff Steffens, Tim Moran, David Beck, Gregory Davis
  • Patent number: 8225432
    Abstract: A toilet has an open top, a bottom positionable on a floor, a front, a rear and laterally spaced sides. A water passageway through the toilet is in a generally S-shaped configuration with a generally central P-trap. A cutout in the rear of the toilet has a vertical exterior edge, a vertical interior edge, a generally horizontal lower edge and a generally horizontal upper edge, the edges together forming a continuous bearing surface. A removable panel is shaped generally as a mirror image of the toilet between the upper and lower edges of the cutout and has a continuous bearing surface positionable to overlie the bearing surface of the cutout. Mating flanges are on the panel and the toilet adjacent to the bearing surfaces. Bolts with nuts extend through the holes in the flanges to allow separating the panel from the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Price
  • Patent number: 8201281
    Abstract: A trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths in a toilet bowl is disclosed. The trapping device comprises a strap, a plurality of hooks, and an adjustment buckle. The trapping device may be installed in a trapway of the toilet bowl. The strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, wherein the second end includes a plurality of adjustment holes, and the middle portion is rounded. The plurality of hooks is attached to an inner wall of the strap, wherein the hooks extend at approximately 45-60 degrees away from the strap. The adjustment buckle is attached to the first end of the strap, wherein the second end of the strap slides through the adjustment buckle to adjust the diameter of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hanifl, Jeff Steffens, Tim Moran
  • Patent number: 8201280
    Abstract: An arrangement for protecting a waste water line from plugging due to debris includes a pipe with spikes projecting upstream toward the oncoming waste water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Harry Barnett Nally, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110030132
    Abstract: A multi-function cleanout plug and check valve for basements or other enclosed areas housing sewer cleanout plugs. An automatic drain discharge and check valve assembly housed entirely in the previously used cleanout plugs, used in sewer or other drainage systems is provided. In the event of water or other liquid accumulation due to bad weather, water line break, electrical outage, sump pump failure etc. a check valve built into a clean-out plug acts as an automatic drain through the sewer line while preventing back flow of unwanted liquid or sewer gasses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Ladislau Biro
  • Publication number: 20110023219
    Abstract: A trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths in a toilet bowl is disclosed. The trapping device comprises a strap, a plurality of hooks, and an adjustment buckle. The trapping device may be installed in a trapway of the toilet bowl. The strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, wherein the second end includes a plurality of adjustment holes, and the middle portion is rounded. The plurality of hooks is attached to an inner wall of the strap, wherein the hooks extend at approximately 45-60 degrees away from the strap. The adjustment buckle is attached to the first end of the strap, wherein the second end of the strap slides through the adjustment buckle to adjust the diameter of the strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hanifl, Jeff Steffens, Tim Moran
  • Patent number: 7861329
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable drain filter comprising a central shaft having a first end region and second end region, and a plurality of snaring discs having a central opening to accommodate the shaft. The snaring discs having radially emanating fins that form a fin snaring disc, wherein each fin is defined by a flat upper wall and a pair of side wall surfaces that meet at a single point, the flat upper wall having a plurality of upwardly projecting protrusions placed at the junction of the upper wall and side walls, to further grip materials. The fin has a narrow first end region affixed to the hollow tube, and a wide second end region. The second end regions of adjacent fins are separated by a 0.25 inch gap. A barb snaring disc is placed sequentially after each fin snaring disc, thereby forming an alternating sequence of snaring discs, wherein the barb snaring discs have radially emanating bristle extensions with barbs to further grip materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Viktor Markaj
  • Patent number: 7856676
    Abstract: A capsule-type medical device collector has a cylindrical net member (61a) whose mesh size is formed so as to be able to collect a capsule endoscope (3), slits 61d and (61d), an INSULOCK binder (61e), and handle members 61f and (61f). By binding the other end of the cylindrical net member (61a) with the INSULOCK binder (61e) to form the cylindrical net member (61a) in a bag shape and sandwiching ear members (61a1) and (61a1) of the cylindrical net member (61a) between a toilet stool (7) and a toilet seat (71), the cylindrical net member (61a) is fixed on the toilet stool (7). After excretion, the cylindrical net member (61a) is taken out and only a capsule endoscope (3) is collected. In such a manner, a capsule-type medical device discharged from a subject to the outside is easily collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimasa Akagi, Masami Kurihara
  • Patent number: 7725960
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable drain filter comprising a central shaft having a first end region and second end region, and a plurality of snaring discs having a central opening to accommodate the shaft. The snaring discs having radially emanating fins that form a fin snaring disc, wherein each fin is defined by a flat upper wall and a pair of side wall surfaces that meet at a single point, the flat upper wall having a plurality of upwardly projecting protrusions placed at the junction of the upper wall and side walls, to further grip materials. The fin has a narrow first end region affixed to the hollow tube, and a wide second end region. The second end regions of adjacent fins are separated by a 0.25 inch gap. A barb snaring disc is placed sequentially after each fin snaring disc, thereby forming an alternating sequence of snaring discs, wherein the barb snaring discs have radially emanating bristle extensions with barbs to further grip materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Viktor Markaj
  • Patent number: 7216377
    Abstract: A siphon for a sink or similar element includes an upper part, a lower pivoting part, and a connection device disposed between the parts and a gasket. The connection device includes: at least one hinge which is used to pivot and guide the lower part around the axis of the hinge and which can be uncoupled such that the lower and upper parts can be completely separated; and a locking mechanism disposed between the lower and upper parts and which have at least one clip. The connection device can be used to align the lower part of the siphon and the upper part thereof and to compress the gasket when the two parts are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Carmelo Nocera, Vito Cecconi
  • Patent number: 7120949
    Abstract: The purpose of this multi-purpose drain is to prevent foreign matter from intruding into the down stream drainage system while providing a means to maintain the flow of liquid through the system should the primary path of flow become clogged. This invention has a wide variety of uses in all industries and can help individuals of diverse backgrounds maintain their drain piping system. The breakthrough and background of this invention relates directly to the beverage service and hotel service industries. I contend that this product can significantly reduce the labor and maintenance costs of drainage systems of all types. It can be used universally by the homeowner and maintenance professional alike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert George Wilburn
  • Patent number: 7107634
    Abstract: A conduit cleaning or clearing apparatus and method has a housing assembly connectable to a pipeline. The housing has an inlet and outlet leg joined by a bight portion. A cleaning member is rotatably disposed within the housing and may be rotated from a first unobstructing position to a second cleaning position. In the cleaning position, a plurality of spaced apart blades are able to contact and loosen any build-up in the bight portion. A wiping paddle on the cleaning member urges the loosen build-up out the outlet leg and through the drain line. The paddle cooperates with a locator seat on the housing to retain the cleaning member in an unobstructing position when not cleaning or clearing the bight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Shamrock Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Baird
  • Patent number: 7096516
    Abstract: A plumbing screen is provided having an annular seal that is adapted to fittingly conform to the internal surface of a toilet drain. The annular seal circumscribes a central screen that provides free fluid communication down the toilet drain but provides physical impingement for obstructions. At least one contact switch is located in the outer seal wall and controls an annunciator module that will provide an audible alarm upon removing the contact between the switch and the toilet sidewall. This audible alarm will indicate tampering with or removal of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Allen Moore, Jr., John Haddock
  • Patent number: 7005077
    Abstract: A method and system for separating human waste solids from liquid for a shipboard toilet system that allows for the separation of solid waste, compaction of the solid waste and storage of solid waste. Wastes are deposited into a shipboard toilet system that uses vacuum toilets to flush waste into a large, inclined solid waste separation tank. A vacuum pump is attached to the separation tank to maintain negative pressure within the tank and system and to move the separated liquid stream. The separation tank has a separating screen disposed across its entire width to retain solid wastes while allowing liquid to flow through. After separation from liquids, solid waste material is compacted and dewatered with a helical screw through an inclined tube, and packaged for later removal as landfill or burned in the ship incinerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Samuel L. Brenner, John D. Vincent
  • Patent number: 6880178
    Abstract: The invention is drawn to a retractable guard for use in a sewerage or drainage line having a plurality of prongs with hooked ends are disposed within a sewage pipe downstream of a toilet. The opposite ends of the prongs are connected to a tubular member which, in turn is slidable within a housing connected to the pipe. These prongs can be used to trap articles which can then be easily removed to rectify stoppage problems or prevent contraband from being distributed through the drainage lines. For convenience in cleaning, the guard device can also be provided with a quick-release connection which separates from the pipe with a simple twist. The prongs can also be magnetized to trap metal objects. The prongs may also be mounted on a pivoting shaft to enable mounting within an angled pipe. For convenience in inspection, the guard device can be provided with a clear portion to enable visual inspection of the interior of the guard device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: W. J. Sonny Pino
  • Publication number: 20040175289
    Abstract: A medical capsule is taken into the human body to collect biomedical information about the human body. When the medical capsule is discharged from within the human body, a medical capsule retrieval device detects the medical capsule using a magnet or a sensor, and catches the medical capsule with a net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hironobu Takizawa, Takeshi Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6787210
    Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed incorporates a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: R. Dean Stickler
  • Patent number: 6721965
    Abstract: A toilet bowl screen is provided for use in connection with a typical toilet bowl. The toilet bowl screen comprises a razor wire screen, a circular plastic ring connected to the perimeter of the razor wire screen, and a plastic handle connected to the plastic ring, wherein the top part of the handle is configured to rest on the rear upper surface of the toilet bowl, thereby allowing quick and easy removal of the toilet bowl screen. The toilet bowl screen has particular utility in connection with trapping large items while cutting through waste and toilet paper with razor wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Richard C. Alston
  • Patent number: 6668389
    Abstract: A vacuum toilet comprises a toilet bowl (1) and a vacuum pipeline (3) which opens out into said toilet bowl. In the region of the opening (2), the vacuum line (3) has a cross-sectional narrowing in the form of a foreign-body barrier (5) which projects radially into the line interior. Alternatively provided is an insert pipe part (6) which can be inserted into the vacuum pipeline (3) in the region of the opening (2) and has an above-described foreign-body barrier (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Lufthansa Technik AG
    Inventors: Uwe-Michael Steinmetz, Karlheinz Steinmüller, Thomas Dittmar, Steffen Zang
  • Patent number: 6494325
    Abstract: A toilet water-line filter (10) that is designed to protect a toilet's fill valve (62) from the intrusion of potentially damaging debris such as rocks, vegetation, etc. The filter (10) is comprised of a housing (12) and an internal filter (34) which consists of a mesh staining element (36). The filter (10) is attached between the toilet's fill valve (62) and a typical, flexible, water line (66). Debris that would normally pass into the fill valve (62) becomes trapped in the mesh staining element (36), from where the debris is easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Israel Mizrahi
  • Patent number: 6385799
    Abstract: A plumbing sink trap having a rotatable actuating knob for rotating a sweeper bar through 360°. The sweeper bar forms a part of the U-shaped path for waste water. Rotation of the sweeper bar removes obstructions in the U-shaped path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Liming Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Doyen
  • Patent number: 6265084
    Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a, pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: R. Dean Stickler
  • Patent number: 6212696
    Abstract: An improved toilet bowl construction for providing access to a siphon or trap therein comprises a toilet bowl which defines an opening positioned in communication with the siphon. The toilet bowl construction further includes an annular cover member coupled to a resilient sealing member. The cover member includes a lever pivotally coupled thereto and movable by a user between a first position and a second position displaced from the first position. The lever bears against the resilient sealing member when placed in the second position. The pressure against the sealing member decreases the diameter of the sealing member such that the sealing member can be inserted into the access opening. Returning the lever to the first or non-bearing position allows the diameter of the sealing member to increase and seal tightly within the access opening. Removal of the sealing member is accomplished by again placing the lever in the second or bearing position and withdrawing the sealing member from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Robert C. Ray