By Radiant Energy Responsive Means Patents (Class 4/304)
  • Patent number: 6671890
    Abstract: An automatic water feed system and method for providing control of water to lavatory appliances upon sensing a user. The system having a control valve for controlling the flow of water, an artificial retina sensor for acquiring two dimensional images of a user adjacent the lavatory appliance, a memory for storing a predetermined characteristic of the acquired two dimensional images, and a comparison unit for comparing a subsequently acquired two dimensional image characteristic with the previously stored two dimensional image characteristic, whereby the control valve is activated when the differences between the previously and subsequently acquired two dimensional image characteristics satisfy a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: San-Ei Faucet Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Nishioka
  • Patent number: 6662382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the automatic release of a flushing process after use of a urinal or similar sanitary appliance. The invention is characterized in that at least one sensor is placed in the trap. When the level of the liquid in the trap changes, the sensor generates a switching impulse which controls a water electrovalve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Rosemarie Brand-Gerhart
    Inventors: Hanns Rump, Rainer Kotte
  • Patent number: 6598245
    Abstract: An automatic water feed mechanism and method is provided by equipping a lavatory with a two dimensional sensor array such as a camera unit for monitoring a target area that a user may enter. An infrared emitter and an infrared detector can also be activated at low light levels. A two dimensional image signal can be processed and compared with a stored reference signal for activating the release of water. At a low ambient light, the infrared emitter unit can be activated to emit infrared rays which can then be detected when reflected by a user by the infrared detector. Such a detection can provide an alternative release of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: San-Ei Faucet Mfg. Co., LTD
    Inventor: Akira Nishioka
  • Publication number: 20030116736
    Abstract: A flexible drive mechanism for a flushing apparatus actuated by movement of a flush handle via an actuation element. The drive mechanism includes a housing and flexible drive system in the housing, the flexible drive system including an actuating element operable to move the flush handle between a non-actuating position and a full stop actuating position. The flexible drive system is maintained in substantial continuous contact with the flush handle as the flush handle moves to its full stop position, and the flexible drive system continues to operate without stalling after the flush handle reaches its full stop position as a support plate for the motor and flexible drive system changes position to provide flexure or “give” between the flush handle and the actuating element to prevent stalling of the flexible drive system. In another embodiment, the flexible drive system includes a cam having a main body part and a flexible body part, with a bias element between the body parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 6581215
    Abstract: A sterilizing and air conditioning electronic urinal includes a power rectifier circuit, a microcomputer control unit, a sensitivity control circuit, time delay circuit, a high voltage generating circuit, an ozone generator, a mixing device, a flushing solenoid valve circuit, an heater, an air pump circuit, and others. By aforesaid components, the electronic urinal can be operated with the internal program of the microcomputer control unit and therefore, the objects of water-saving and foul-removing are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Cheng Tai
  • Publication number: 20030102450
    Abstract: An automatic flusher employs an infrared-light-type object sensor to provide an output on the basis of which a control circuit decides whether to flush a toilet. After each pulse of transmitted radiation, the control circuit pushes a new entry onto stack if the resultant percentage of reflected radiation differs significantly from the last, and it includes in that entry's direction field an indication of whether the percentage change was positive or negative. Otherwise, the control circuit increments the existing top entry's duration field. From the numbers of entries in a row having a given direction and the sums of the values in their duration fields, the control circuit determines whether a user has approached the facility and then withdrawn from it, and it operates the flusher's valve accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Xiaoxiong Mo
  • Patent number: 6568655
    Abstract: A fluid flow device includes an actuator, an RF transmitter, a gated RF receiver, and a processor. The RF transmitter is configured and arranged to produce a plurality of pulses of RF energy spaced apart in time to form a sensor field. The gated RF receiver is configured and arranged to receive RF energy reflected by objects within the sensor field. The processor is coupled to the gated RF receiver for evaluating the reflected RF energy. The processor is also coupled to the actuator and is configured and arranged to activate the actuator in response to the reflected RF energy to control fluid flow. In addition, a new low power radar sensor operates by providing radar pulses that are non-uniformly spaced in time. In operation, a burst of pulses is initiated in the transmitter. Between each burst is a period of rest time in which the transmitter is not transmitting RF energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Kohler Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Paese, Steven M. Tervo, Carter J. Thomas, William R. Burnett, David C. Shafer, Fred Judson Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 6560790
    Abstract: A high flow valve assembly and a low flow valve assembly are in parallel flow relation between an inlet and an outlet of a flush controller. The valve assemblies are opened by solenoid operated pilot valves under the control of a microprocessor based flush control system. A turbine directly measures flow through the low flow valve assembly by providing pulses to the microprocessor, and the control system counts pulses and computes flow through the high flow valve assembly to perform a flushing operation including an initial siphon trap flushing high flow portion and a subsequent trap reseal low flow portion. Corrections are made to the pulse count to correct for partial valve open conditions and other variables. An override switch provides a signal to the control system for a flush operation A user detection system includes a pair of emitters and a pair of detectors defining an array of intersecting detection points in a skewed plane in which the control system can locate the position of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: David A. Saar, Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6499152
    Abstract: A high flow valve assembly and a low flow valve assembly are in parallel flow relation between an inlet and an outlet of a flush controller housing. The valve assemblies are opened by solenoid operated pilot valves under the control of a microprocessor based flush control system. A turbine directly measures flow through the low flow valve assembly and the control system computes flow through the high flow valve assembly to perform a flushing operation including an initial siphon trap flushing high flow portion and a subsequent trap reseal low flow portion. A push button is pressed to one of two override positions either to provide a signal to the control system for a normal flush operation or to open the high flow valve assembly independently of the control system for an emergency flush operation. A user detection system includes a pair of emitters and a pair of detectors defining an array of intersecting detection points in a skewed plane in which the control system can locate the position of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020157176
    Abstract: A lavatory (1), in particular a toilet or urinal, with sensor-controlled flushing is proposed, which eliminates the need to exchange a battery, or at least ensures a considerably longer service life. This object is achieved by providing a solar cell (22, 23) to supply power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Andreas Wawrla, Helmut Buechel
  • Publication number: 20020073484
    Abstract: The invention presents an automatic water feed method in lavatory using artificial retina sensor and an automatic water feed mechanism in lavatory using artificial retina sensor which detects the user of the lavatory securely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Akira Nishioka
  • Patent number: 6385796
    Abstract: This interactive urinal is for improving sales and provides revenue from the restroom, especially in an establishment that sells beverages. The urinal is coin vended to provide amusement and also to provide income from obligatory restroom requirements. The Urinator allows an owner to permit the dispensing of rewards to promote equipment or products for sale elsewhere. It is envisioned that the Urinator may provide tickets for free products upon the attainment of certain amounts of a customer urine output coordinated with appropriate accuracy. Coin operation and anti-cheating devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: David N. Muir, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6219857
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a mounting frame having open front and rear ends, and right and left inner side walls opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction and extending between the front and rear ends so as to define a passage. The mounting frame is adapted to be mounted such that the body of a user of the sanitary apparatus will be sighted by the passage. A sensor body is inserted into the passage, and has a front side proximate to the front end to emit and receive a light signal, and right and left lateral walls that face respectively and spacedly the right and left inner side walls. A pair. of pivotally mounting members are respectively disposed between the right lateral and inner side walls, and between the left lateral and inner side walls such that the pivotally mounting members effect pivotal mountings which are pivotable between angular positions about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Hydrotek Corporation
    Inventor: Shui-Shun Wu
  • Patent number: 6212697
    Abstract: In an automated flush system (10), a control circuit (12) controls a flusher (16) in response to the output of a sensor (14). The vertical sensitivity pattern (24) of the sensor (14) is angled downward. Consequently, radiation that the sensor (14) emits tends to be reflected away from the sensor (14) by relatively specular vertical enclosure surfaces such as that of a stall door (18), while more-diffuse deflectors, such as a user that the sensor (14) is intended to detect, tend to reflect greater percentages of the sensor radiation back to the sensor (14). Similarly reduced sensitivity to enclosure surfaces results from a horizontal sensitivity pattern (40) having a reduced-sensitivity central region. The sensor system can thereby more reliably avoid confusing enclosure surfaces with users, on whose detection the system's automatic flush strategy is based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Haiou Wu
  • Patent number: 6206340
    Abstract: A fluid flow device includes an actuator, an RF transmitter, a gated RF receiver, and a processor. The RF transmitter is configured and arranged to produce a plurality of pulses of RF energy spaced apart in time to form a sensor field. The gated RF receiver is configured and arranged to receive RF energy reflected by objects within the sensor field. The processor is coupled to the gated RF receiver for evaluating the reflected RF energy. The processor is also coupled to the actuator and is configured and arranged to activate the actuator in response to the reflected RF energy to control fluid flow. In addition, a new low power radar sensor operates by providing radar pulses that are non-uniformly spaced in time. In operation, a burst of pulses is initiated in the transmitter. Between each burst is a period of rest time in which the transmitter is not transmitting RF energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Kohler Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Paese, Steven M. Tervo, Carter J. Thomas, William R. Burnett, David C. Shafer, Fred Judson Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 6119285
    Abstract: A lavatory fixture having a combination, urinal and hand wash faucet for public restrooms, particularly in high traffic locations such as airports, the lavatory fixture having a urinal and hand sink combined in a single lavatory unit with a self-activated hand faucet being positioned above a urinal catch basin, the hand faucet having an associated proximity sensor to activate a water flow for washing hands, when a user's hands are placed proximate the faucet, and the urinal having an associated proximity sensor for sensing the presence of a user proximate the urinal to flush the urinal when the user moves away from the urinal, the lavatory fixture having a common drain and an optional hand soap dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Sun Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 5901384
    Abstract: A toilet assembly having an automatic flushing system comprising a toilet bowl having a toilet cover, the toilet cover containing a window disposed therein, a water holding tank operatively associated with the toilet bowl, the holding tank containing structures for storing water, discharging water into the toilet bowl and a replenishing water to the water holding tank, and motion sensing device positioned within the water holding tank and aligned with the window in the toilet cover, when the toilet cover is in a raised position, the motion sensing device being angled in a downward direction from the horizontal, so that any reflection of beams from the motion sensing device against the window in the toilet cover is not received by the motion sensor and thus does not activate the motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Jae K. Sim
  • Patent number: 5862546
    Abstract: A lavatory fixture having a combination, urinal and hand wash faucet for public restrooms, particularly in high traffic locations such as airports, the lavatory fixture having a urinal and hand sink combined in a single lavatory unit with a self-activated hand faucet being positioned above a urinal catch basin, the hand faucet having an associated proximity sensor to activate a water flow for washing hands, when a user's hands are placed proximate the faucet, and the urinal having an associated proximity sensor for sensing the presence of a user proximate the urinal to flush the urinal when the user moves away from the urinal, the lavatory fixture having a common drain and an optional hand soap dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: S. Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 5819336
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically controlling on-off operation of a battery-driven water rinsing system including a water supply system having electrically actuated actuation means for actuation of the water supply system to cause water flow therefrom. The on-off operation is responsive to approach and withdrawal of a user of the water rinsing system. A control circuit including an infrared transmitter, an infrared receiver, and control means is provided. The transmitter transmits infrared energy to a user in the vicinity of the water rinsing system for reflection from the user to an infrared receiver which transmits electric signals to the control circuit and control means for controlling actuation of the water supply system. A visible light sensor is provided for generating an electrical current responsive to the presence of the user, and this generated current is disposed for energizing the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Integrated Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny W. Gilliam, Wade C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5680658
    Abstract: A urinal flushing control device, including a three-way pipe having a first end connected to a water intake pipe, a second end connected to a water outlet pipe through a mixing cylinder, and a third end in the middle mounted with a spring-supported ball valve and connected to an ozonizer. The spring-supported ball valve is drawn inwards by a vacuum suction force when water is discharged from the water intake pipe to the water outlet pipe, to open the passage between the third end of the three-way pipe and the ozonizer, permitting ozone to flow from the ozonizer into the three-way pipe for mixing with water passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Liu Chang International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Yin Ho
  • Patent number: 5651384
    Abstract: An infrared proximity sensing circuit for use with sanitary fixtures to control water flow can have an ambient light proximity sensor which can control the period at which the circuit and the sensor are activated or the amplitude of the transmitted infrared power to conserve battery power when the circuit is a battery powered one. The ambient light sensor detects the ambient brightness and the time period of the circuit and the proximity sensor is changed upon the detected ambient brightness falling below the threshold brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Rudrich
  • Patent number: 5627375
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for controlling a sanitary device in a non-contact manner includes a pyroelectric sensing circuit for detecting a temperature in a predetermined location and outputting a signal, a microprocessor for receiving a signal from the pyroelectric sensing circuit and outputting a triggering signal when the signal received by the microprocessor is judged as a result of body heat, a driving circuit for receiving the triggering signal and actuating a motor-operated control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Chin-Hua Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5594238
    Abstract: A touchless switch using a single detector to measure ambient energy and reflected energy. The detector can detect objects in both the normal unsaturated ambient energy state or when ambient energy is saturating the detector. Discrimination between toggle motion and motion which is not intended to indicate a switch toggle operation is also provided. The detector and the emitter are mounted to a circuit board which is then mounted within a housing which has a window that allows passage of ambient energy and reflected energy. A barrier between the detector and the emitter blocks energy from being directly transmitted from the emitter to the detector. The barrier may be inserted into a groove in the window to prevent energy from the emitter from being reflected off of the inner surface of the window to the detector. Accidental triggering by ambient energy is prevented by requiring that the reflected energy be detected for a minimum amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Albert J. Endruschat
    Inventors: Albert J. Endruschat, Charles W. Staples, Arthur K. Casaday
  • Patent number: 5570869
    Abstract: A self-calibrating fluid flow control apparatus for use with a fluid flow source is provided. A detection area is defined wherein the interposition of an object therein causes a control device to activate the fluid flow source. A calibrating device is configured to continuously define, at a predetermined rate, a steady state boundary of the detection area, wherein the steady state boundary conforms to objects interposed within said detection area so that a new detection area is defined which is free of interposed objects capable of activating the fluid flow source. An object left indefinitely within the detection area will not, therefore, cause the control device to indefinitely activate the fluid flow source nor, after deactivation by a timing mechanism, prevent the fluid flow source's subsequent reactivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: T & S Brass and Bronze, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Diaz, Ronald L. Roush
  • Patent number: 5548119
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for use in a toilet room for detecting the adjacent presence of the user of a toilet room device has a body with a hollow threaded mounting shank extending outwardly therefrom. The body has a platform and there is an upwardly extending wall on the platform which defines a chamber. An infrared transmitter and an adjacent infrared receiver are positioned within the chamber on a P.C. board. There is an electrical cable attached to the mounting board and which extends through the threaded shank. A shroud extends about the transmitter and receiver and has a pair of adjacent openings in alignment with the transmitter and receiver. The wall has an infrared transparent window in alignment with the transmitter and receiver openings in the shroud. A cap extends over the wall, chamber and window and is seated upon the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 5508510
    Abstract: Pulsed infrared sensor including a solenoid to detect the presence of a person or object whereupon the solenoid is activated to regulate fluid flow, including a microprocessor for receiving inputs from a plurality of sources and to provide outputs to a plurality of receivers for the control of the fluid flow, and a collection of inputs receivable by the microprocessor from sources activated in response to infrared rays received after transmission from an infrared transmitter including a remote transmitter associated with the microprocessor to activate a fluid supply control to control the supply of fluid to the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Coyne & Delany Co.
    Inventors: Martin J. Laverty, Jr., Robert N. Capper, Jr., Steve Davis, Gary Hamrick, Timothy Eichblatt, Chuck Tavares, Ryp R. Walters
  • Patent number: 5482250
    Abstract: There is provided a device attached to the flush valve of an existing stool and adapted for automatically carrying out flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Uro Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Kodaira
  • Patent number: 5431181
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed which is adapted to fit existing valve bodies. A flexible diaphragm assembly positioned within the valve body seals against a cylindrical barrel of the valve body. A central tube positioned within the central barrel defines a bypass passage extending from an upper chamber above the flexible diaphragm assembly and communicating with a bypass orifice. A sealing mechanism operated by an automatic control mechanism is adapted to selectively seal the bypass orifice. The automatic control mechanism includes a proximity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Saadi, Brian N. Creager, Harinder Singh
  • Patent number: 5398348
    Abstract: A water urinal has a urinal body which includes a housing with an opening on its upper portion for receiving a valve used to supply flushing water to the urinal. The valve is attractively concealed within the body of the urinal and eliminates the necessity of embedding a valve in the wall surface on which the urinal is mounted. A cover, which covers and provides access to the valve receiving space within the urinal body, allows maintenance of the urinal without having to remove the urinal from the wall or break an opening in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Tashiro, Noriyuki Matsui, Ryuzo Fukuda, Manabu Hirahara, Naoki Tsukamura
  • Patent number: 5377363
    Abstract: An automatic lavatory detergent and perfume dispenser including a control circuit assembly, a detergent dispensing device controlled to send a fixed amount of a detergent into a water container being linked to the flush pipe of a lavatory flushing system, and a DC motor fan operated perfume dispensing device controlled to spray a liquid perfume into the air, and a control circuit assembly to detect the approach of human bodies through an infrared monitor and to actuate the detergent dispensing device and the perfume dispensing device upon the detection of the approach of a human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Snoopy Shieh
  • Patent number: 5251340
    Abstract: This invention provides a flush toilet with an automatic sterilizing device, which can discharge a small volume of flush water first upon sensing a user having used it, and then discharge a large volume with a given volume of sterilizing liquid so as to wash away any urine sediment in a urinal completely. The device comprises a control circuit to control a solenoid valve for controlling a given volume of flush water, and to control a sterilizing unit; the sterilizing unit includes a sterilizing liquid container which is controlled with a liquid pump to discharge liquid. The liquid pump is controlled with the control circuit. During the large volume discharge of water the liquid pump can pump and discharge a suitable volume of sterilizing liquid to mix with the flush water to wash and sterilize a urinal simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Liao Su-Land
  • Patent number: 5251872
    Abstract: There is provided an automatic cleaner for a male urinal comprising: a sensor such as pyroelectric sensor, etc. for detecting that a human body comes close to the urinal or away therefrom to output a first signal, an one-shot multivibrator circuit of the retriggerable type triggered in response to the outputted first signal to output a second signal for a predetermined time, an infrared ray emitting circuit adapted for emitting infrared rays in the form of pulse for a time period during which the one-shot multivibrator circuit is outputting the second signal, and an infrared ray receiving circuit adapted for detecting that the emitted infrared rays are reflected by the human body to output a third signal in the form of pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Uro Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Kodaira
  • Patent number: 5224685
    Abstract: A power-saving controller for toilet flushing includes a passive pyroelectricity detecting device connected to a microcomputer, which is further connected to an active infrared detecting device, and a switch device such that when a user is nearby the toilet in a relatively long distance, the passive detecting pyroelectricity detecting device will respond to generate a first triggering signal to the microcomputer, which in turn generates a second triggering signal to actuate the active infrared detecting device to detect whether a user is using the toilet, if so, then the active infrared detecting device will respond to generate a third triggering signal to feed back to the microcomputer, which in turn enables a timer to count therein, until the user leaves the toilet position, causing the third triggering signal to terminate, which in turn triggers the microcomputer to programmably generate a fourth triggering signal to turn on the switch device, which in turns activates a pumping motor connected thereto to p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventors: Sing Chiang, Chin H. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5218971
    Abstract: A system for automatically measuring a quantity of urine from a plurality of individuals is provided wherein a common urinal can act as both a receptacle for measuring urine from a designated patient and for exhausting the urine in the normal disposal system. A weight scale can measure the amount of urine when appropriate valves are activated as a result of the identification system that can recognize a badge on the individual. A computer system can store data on the quantity of urine measured and can activate valves to dispose of the measured urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignees: Stec Inc., Yoshiteru Minami
    Inventors: Yoshiteru Minami, Kazuhiro Oya
  • Patent number: 5187818
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an improved flushing system for flushing a water closet from a pressurized water line includes sensor which senses an arrival and a departure of a person within a zone proximate the water closet. A controller is connected to the sensor for determining the existence of a low water volume flush condition and the existence of a high water volume flush condition. The low water volume flush condition exists when the sensor senses an elapsed time between the arrival and the departure of less than a preselected time interval. The high water volume flush condition exists when the sensor senses an elapsed time greater than the preselected time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventors: John P. Barrett, Sr., Daniel M. Thorsen, John H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5187816
    Abstract: A water and energy efficient automatic flushing device is used to control water flow from a water inlet pipe to a flushing conduit of a plumbing fixture, such as a toilet bowl. The automatic flushing device includes an electromagnetic valve unit and a control unit to control opening and closing action of the electromagnetic valve unit. The control unit includes a programmed central processing unit (CPU), a transmitter circuit, a detecting unit to detect the presence of a person using the plumbing fixture, a receiver circuit and a valve control circuit. The valve control circuit opens the valve unit to initiate a first flushing action after confirming that the plumbing fixture is in use, and to initiate a second flushing action after verifying that the person using the plumbing fixture has departed. The receiver circuit can distinguish if a received signal was reflected by a person using the plumbing fixture or by a hand that was placed directly in front of the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Chen Chi Electro Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tzeng-Shyang Chiou
  • Patent number: 5175892
    Abstract: The method of controlling operation of a plurality of fixtures comprises the steps of establishing a maximum fluid flow rate and determining which of the fixtures requires operation. A determination is then made of the fluid flow rate of the fixture requiring operation and a calculation is made of whether operation of the fixture requiring operation will cause the maximum flow rate to be exceeded. The fixture requiring operation is caused to operate if the maximum flow rate will not be exceeded and is prevented from operating if the maximum flow rate will be exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Bauer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5133095
    Abstract: An electric power supply system is provided for an automatic water discharge device for discharging water to flush a basin. An object detector detects a person before the basin. A brightness detector, which consumes less electric power than the object detector, detects a brightness surrounding the basin. An electric power is supplied to the object detector on a power supply cycle so as to intermittently render it operative and to the brightness detector on a brightness detect cycle. The brightness detect cycle is longer than the power supply cycle. After a set time period following disappearance of a person from the basin, the electric power is, on one hand, shut off from the object detector to render it inoperative and, on the other hand, supplied to the brightness detector on the brightness detect cycle immediately after the shut off of electric power to the object detector, to detect a brightness surrounding the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Hoxan Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Shiba, Katsuhiro Shida
  • Patent number: 5063622
    Abstract: A water supply control system has a faucet actuating means for actuating a water supply faucet to supply water, a light-emitting means for intermittently emitting light at at least a first period, a light-detecting means for detecting light emitted from the light-emitting means and reflected by a portion of the body of a user of the faucet, and for producing a detected signal indicative of whether the light is detected or not, and a control means for controlling the faucet actuating means to actuate the faucet based on the detected signal from the light-detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tsutsui, Takao Yoshida, Shoji Inoue
  • Patent number: 5062453
    Abstract: An on demand, non-contact sensor controlled flush valve actuation system includes a flush valve between a water supply and a plumbing fixture. An actuator for the flush valve includes a moveable piston in fluid communication with a control water inlet, with a control water conduit carrying water from the flush valve through a solenoid operated control valve to the actuator assembly. A radiation sensing/detecting unit generates a first control signal in response to the return reflection of infrared radiation. A timer receives the first control signal and, in response thereto, generates a second control signal of a predetermined duration which activates the solenoid. When the solenoid is activated, a portion of the pressurized supply water flows into the actuator assembly and against a piston therein, with the piston moving to operate a trip mechanism for the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Saadi, Allen R. Becker, Christopher J. Ball, John Steffan
  • Patent number: 5060323
    Abstract: A modular system for automatically controlling the operation of a water faucet comprises an electrically operable valve for installation in line of a water supply line to the faucet for controlling water flow to the faucet; a sensor for detecting the presence of an individual within a predetermined range of the sensor; a controller for connecting to the valve and the sensor for receiving a detection signal from the sensor and for operating the valve in response to the signal; and releasable connectors for connecting the valve and the sensor to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Bauer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5031258
    Abstract: A wash station comprises a sink and a faucet. A source of water and a source of soap are provided. An electrically operated valve is interposed between the water source and the faucet for selectively supplying water thereto, and a pump and valve are interposed between the soap source and the faucet for selectively supplying soap thereto. An electrically operated roll towel dispenser is disposed proximate the sink. A first infrared sensor is operably associated with the sink for determining the presence of a user. A control mechanism is operatively associated with the valves, the pump, the roll towel dispenser and the sensor for causing water and soap to be selectively supplied to the faucet and for thereafter causing a length of roll towel to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Bauer Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5003643
    Abstract: A flush controller for a toilet bowl which can be readily added to the water reservoir of the currently used toilet bowl, includes a detecting device for detecting that a user has approached the toilet bowl to within a predetermined effective distance, that the user has remained within the predetermined effective distance for a first predetermined period of time, and that the user has left the predetermined effective distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Wilson Chung
  • Patent number: 4984314
    Abstract: A system for controlling liquid flow in bathrooms and the like in response to the presence of the user, which is configuration-adjustable to permit use in preselected sanitary applications. A light emitting device cooperates with a light sensor to detect light reflected from the user. The filtered and amplified output signal from the sensor is demodulated to provide a DC output signal. A first circuit is responsive to the DC output signal acutate fluid flow for a maximum preselected period, to enable use in controlling faucet flow. A second circuit is responsive to the DC signal and includes a device for arming the circuit following the existence of the DC output signal for a first predetermined period; and a device for thereupon generating a flow control signal for a second predetermined period following extinction of the DC output signal to enable use of the system to control flushing of urinals or commodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Water-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Weigert
  • Patent number: 4941219
    Abstract: A low voltage battery energized passive detection system generates a control signal in response to radiated heat from a human body part to open a solenoid operated valve for a predetermined limited time period. In anticipation of a reduction of available DC power, voltage level sensing circuitry disables the valve in the closed position to prevent the valve from remaining in the open position due to an insufficiency of DC power to effect closure of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Cy, S.A.
    Inventor: Karel C. Van Marcke
  • Patent number: 4916613
    Abstract: An arrangement for the control and remote control of a battery driven apparatus is switched on and off upon the approach and withdrawal, respectively, of a user. The arrangement finds particular use in a water-rinsing system, which comprises an electrical adjustment member which can be activated upon the approach of the user. The apparatus transmits infrared detection pulses which are received again after reflection by the user. In response to the reflected pulses a control circuit (2) interrogates the measured charge state of the battery, conditions the adjustment member (7) to be switched on only if the battery (5) has a charge state such that the adjustment member can be switched off again, and transmits infrared state pulses instead of the detection pulses. The state pulses contain information about the charge state of the battery and can be received by an additional remotely located infrared reception unit (12) for evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Jurgen Lange, Ralph A. Von Vignau
  • Patent number: 4914758
    Abstract: The method of controlling operation of a plurality of fixtures comprises the steps of establishing a maximum liquid flow rate and determining which of the fixtures required operation. A determination is then made of the liquid flow rate of the fixture requiring operation and a calculation is made of whether operation of the fixture requiring operation will cause the maximum flow rate to be exceeded. The fixture requiring operation is caused to operate if the maximum flow rate will not be exceeded and is prevented from operating if the maximum flow rate will be exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Bauer Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4883749
    Abstract: A toilet training device for rewarding the toilet user when excrement enters or is placed in an excrement container by the toilet user. The toilet training device includes an excrement container having an entrance area and a plurality of infrared light-emitting diodes are sequentially triggered and sequentially emit infrared light substantially intersecting the entrance area. The infrared light is detected at the other end of the entrance area by a infrared light detector that generates an electrical signal in response to detected infrared light. A width pulse counter is connected to the detector and generates a first signal in response to a narrow electrical signal and a second signal in response to a wide electrical signal. The first and second signals are responsive to liquid or solid excrement deposition and generate, through control logic, one of a sight or sound signals or both for rewarding the user of the toilet training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Pee Patch, Inc.
    Inventors: Freddie R. Roberts, Robert W. Lancette
  • Patent number: 4805247
    Abstract: A flushing system for a sanitary disposal device, such as a urinal or a water closet, including a flush valve, a flush valve actuator and external controls to control the activation of the flush valve to predetermine the time when the flush valve is rendered operative to be activated, and a sensor responsive circuit responsive to the receipt of infrared rays transmitted or reflected from a particular area or volume relative to the sanitary disposal device for activating the sensor responsive circuit to cause the flush valve to be rendered operative to flush the sanitary disposal device, and a control to provide for adjustment in the field of the particular area or volume which is to render the sensor responsive circuit activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Coyne & Delany Co.
    Inventor: Martin J. Laverty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4793588
    Abstract: The invention relates to flush valves in which an external operating handle is eliminated. An electronic sensor, solenoid valve and a solenoid contained within a single unit to operate a flush valve are provided which is either built into the flush valve or can be retrofitted to a conventional flush valve with an external operating handle. The solenoid valve can also be controlled by external means separate and apart from the infra-red sensor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Coyne & Delany Co.
    Inventor: Martin J. Laverty, Jr.