By Electric Condition Responsive Means Patents (Class 4/305)
  • Patent number: 11739514
    Abstract: An automated urinal comprising a basin configured to receive a fluid; a wall; a trapway in fluid communication with the basin; a flush valve; and an automatic flush system; wherein, the automatic flush system comprises one or more sensors and a controller; the one or more sensors are selected from a group consisting of a first sensor coupled to an exterior of the trapway, a second sensor coupled to a rear surface of the wall, and a third sensor coupled to an underside of the basin; the controller is in electrical communication with the one or more sensors and is in electrical communication with the flush valve; and wherein the automatic flush system is configured to detect introduction of fluid into the basin and to send a flush signal to the flush valve to initiate a flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra Gunawardena, Verne Myers, Behnam Heydari, Niloy Talukder, Nitin S. Kolekar
  • Patent number: 11259953
    Abstract: A female smart wearable system for management of urine incontinence comprising of a female urinary external catheter to allow urine to drain without obstruction, provided with a stabilizer for supporting and bounding/confining the external catheter in the contour of female genitalia and a urine collection device which is either having a plurality of vertical chambers for collecting urine as well as supplying fluid to keep the subject clean in a more convenient and hygienic way or is having a disposable pad for female subject with moderate or low urinary incontinence. The female smart wearable system is worn by the female subject in an underwear integrated with plurality of sensors that provide data to help in understanding and preventing the problem of urine incontinence. The female smart wearable system integrates provision of washing inside the device and use of disposable pads makes it cost effective and reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Amine Staali, Souheil Guessoum
  • Patent number: 10107665
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toilet that includes a liquid level sensor on the surface of a flush jet fill tube. The liquid level sensor is a noncontact electrical impedance sensor that is an electrical capacitor. The capacitor may be used alone or with other volume sensors to detect volume of materials added to a toilet bowl. Some embodiments include a processor which records data and provides reports that may be clinically useful to assess the user's health status. The temporal nature of the liquid level sensor measurements is particularly useful because urination or defecation may be measured over time. Not only are total volumes detected but rates at which waste is deposited into the toilet during the entire excretion event are detected. These measurements are particularly useful in assessing certain health conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Dan Allen, Jared Reynolds, Joshua Larsen, Stephen Davis, Jared Wagner, Terrece Pearman
  • Patent number: 10064774
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a drop-type automatic excrement processing device configured so that the degree of restraint on the body of the objective person to whom the device is fitted is made less. The device comprises the following: a diaper cover 1 that covers the buttocks and loins of a objective person for use such as an aged person; a feces receiver 2 and a urine catching pad 3 which are fitted to the diaper cover 1; a feces and urine intake pipe 5 for receiving feces or urine discharged through the feces receiver 2 and guiding the received matter into a wastes container 4; a valve unit 6 interposed in the intermediate part of the intake pipe 5; a washing-water tank 7 for storing washing water for washing the buttocks and the like; a warm wind generating means 8 for generating a warm wind used for drying the buttocks and the like after washing; and a control means 9 for controlling the operation of each of the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Kouboh Risyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshimitsu Onoda
  • Publication number: 20150020298
    Abstract: A smart urinal with multi sensing fields comprises a urinal body, two or more proximity capacitive sensing electric field means and a flushing control unit. A urinal body, a urinal facade which forms a basin, and a cavity arranged inside the urinal body. The two or more proximity capacitive sensing electric field means, which are arranged in the cavity; an proximity capacitive sensing electric field is formed around the proximity capacitive sensing electric field means; said proximity capacitive sensing electric field means individually generate proximity capacitive Sensing information according to a change of the electric field energy caused by the proximity capacitive sensing electric field corresponding to a sensed object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: CHING-YEN HSU
  • Patent number: 8739829
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Advance Modern Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8713721
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a conductive sensor and a urinal having conductive sensor. Said conductive sensor is installed in the sewer pipe of the urinal or toilet, which comprises an insulating body and a detecting electrode used for detecting the electric conductivity of the liquid in the sewer pipe. Said conductive sensor also comprises a self-cleaning device used for cleaning the end of the detecting electrode. Said self-cleaning device comprises a housing, a piston unit and a brush head unit. A water inlet pipe connected with the tap water pipe and a water outlet pipe connected with the sewer pipe are installed to said housing. Said brush head unit comprises a brush head used for cleaning the end of the detecting electrode. Thus, the detected result of conductive sensor and the urinal having conductive sensor are more reliable and the device is easy to be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaojing Zhang, Lin Wan, Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 8479324
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a urinal with a conductivity sensor, which includes the conductivity sensor arranged at the location where a reservoir of the urinal is curved and adapted to detect urine, a control unit (MCU), a power battery, and an electromagnetic valve adapted to control a discharge of water, wherein the conductivity sensor is adapted to detect a conductivity to determine whether urine is present. After the conductivity sensor detects presence of urine, the control unit opens the electromagnetic valve. The conductivity sensor includes electrodes dipped inside the location where the reservoir is curved to contact urine. The conductivity sensor further includes an anti-polarization-of-electrode circuit based upon the principle of an alternating power supply. Thus, the sensor can achieve more reliable sensing and a longer lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhongmin Chen, Pengcheng Gao, Lin Wang
  • Patent number: 8387171
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microflush urinal that includes a piece of chinaware in fluid communication with a pre-existing water supply and a waste removal conduit. A valve means in electrical communication with each of a sensor means and a fluid manifold effects delivery of incoming fluid to a water delivery means. The water delivery means is desirably a nozzle means selected from one of a plurality of fluidic nozzles that delivers pressurized water through an ingress defined in a rear wall of the chinaware. The nozzle desirably oscillates water for full coverage of the urinal's rear and side walls. A tarp portion that aesthetically obstructs the ingress assumes a generally scalloped shape to optimize the water distribution along the urinal's rear and side walls. At least one trough is integrated into one or more urinal sidewalls to guide water from the nozzle toward the waste removal conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Farber, Alan Romack, Greg Russell, Aland Santamarina, Keith Schloer, Steven Crockett
  • Patent number: 8281422
    Abstract: A hidden sensing device and its urinal are disclosed. The hidden sensing device, which is attached on some sanitary installations, comprises a conductivity sensor for detecting urine and a Micro-programmed Control Unit (MCU) for processing signals, wherein said conductivity sensor has electrodes extending into urine. The device further includes a microwave sensor controlled by the MCU to detect human's movements. When the conductivity sensor has detected urine, the MCU will turn on the microwave sensor to detect the human's presence or departure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhongmin Chen, Pengcheng Gao, Lin Wang, Jingwen Wu
  • Patent number: 8185977
    Abstract: A system for flushing a vacuum toilet, includes a drain that is connected to a drain conduit, which vacuum toilet is connectable to a vacuum system by way of a suction valve. With the use of a combined valve including, for example, a flow-optimised intermediate storage device, inflow nozzle, bypass conduit with silencer and hose odor seal, the flow noises at the urinal bowl drain, urinal bowl overflow and upper end of the bypass conduit can be effectively suppressed. With the combination disc valve or the shut-off valve and suction valve, during the suction process the air stream is only drawn through the bypass conduit with a special odor seal and silencer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Seibt
  • Patent number: 8113225
    Abstract: A flush valve actuator includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and a passage therebetween. A diaphragm is disposed within the passage and is movable between two positions so as to control a flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet. A variable flow control is positioned between the inlet and the diaphragm and adjusts a flow rate of fluid through the passage. A filter is positioned between the inlet and the variable flow control and removes debris from fluid flowing through the passage. A solenoid is activated for a certain time period so as to cause the diaphragm to move between the two positions. The flow rate and the activation time are defined so as to allow approximately one-eighth of a gallon of water to enter the outlet per activation of the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Funari
  • Patent number: 7797769
    Abstract: A flushing system with a sensing module, having at least one sensor and a controller circuit having a sensor detection and trigger sub-circuit operatively coupled to the at least one sensor, and a flushing mechanism operatively coupled to the motion sensing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Debra Lynn Ozenick
  • Publication number: 20100125937
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a urinal with a conductivity sensor, which includes the conductivity sensor arranged at the location where a reservoir of the urinal is curved and adapted to detect urine, a control unit (MCU), a power battery, and an electromagnetic valve adapted to control a discharge of water, wherein the conductivity sensor is adapted to detect a conductivity to determine whether urine is present. After the conductivity sensor detects presence of urine, the control unit opens the electromagnetic valve. The conductivity sensor includes electrodes dipped inside the location where the reservoir is curved to contact urine. The conductivity sensor further includes an anti-polarization-of-electrode circuit based upon the principle of an alternating power supply. Thus, the sensor can achieve more reliable sensing and a longer lifetime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Zhongmin CHEN, Pengcheng GAO, Lin WANG
  • Publication number: 20090070922
    Abstract: A urinal includes: a urinal body; a high-frequency sensor which radiates a radio beam obliquely passing through an upper surface of the urinal body toward a bowl and receives a reflected wave from an object so as to generate a detection signal; and a valve which discharges or stops flushing water to the urinal body in response to the detection signal. An angle formed between a first plane including the upper surface of the urinal body and a second plane including a radiation surface of an antenna of the high-frequency sensor is in a range of more than 0 degree to less than 90 degree. A cross line where the first plane and the second plane intersect with each other is substantially parallel to a horizontal direction of the urinal body. The radio beam is a linearly-polarized wave. An excitation direction of the radio beam intersects with the cross line. An intensity of the radio beam passing through the urinal body is larger than that of the radio beam reflected by the upper surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Kensuke MURATA, Masayuki NAGAISHI, Tomoyuki ABE, Hiroshi TSUBOI
  • Patent number: 7437778
    Abstract: An automatic bathroom flusher includes a body having an inlet in communication with a supply line and an outlet in communication with a flush conduit, a valve assembly in the body positioned to close water flow between the inlet and the outlet upon sealing action of a moving member at a valve seat thereby controlling flow from the inlet to the outlet, an actuator for actuating operation of the moving member, and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Gregory P. Greene
  • Publication number: 20080216222
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microflush urinal that includes a piece of chinaware in fluid communication with a pre-existing water supply and a waste removal conduit. A valve means in electrical communication with each of a sensor means and a fluid manifold effects delivery of incoming fluid to a water delivery means. The water delivery means is desirably a nozzle means selected from one of a plurality of fluidic nozzles that delivers pressurized water through an ingress defined in a rear wall of the chinaware. The nozzle desirably oscillates water for full coverage of the urinal's rear and side walls. A tarp portion that aesthetically obstructs the ingress assumes a generally scalloped shape to optimize the water distribution along the urinal's rear and side walls. At least one trough is integrated into one or more urinal sidewalls to guide water from the nozzle toward the waste removal conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Jason Farber, Alan Romack, Greg Russell, Aland Santamarina, Keith Schloer, Steven Crockett
  • Publication number: 20080216896
    Abstract: A flush valve actuator includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and a passage therebetween. A diaphragm is disposed within the passage and is movable between two positions so as to control a flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet. A variable flow control is positioned between the inlet and the diaphragm and adjusts a flow rate of fluid through the passage. A filter is positioned between the inlet and the variable flow control and removes debris from fluid flowing through the passage. A solenoid is activated for a certain time period so as to cause the diaphragm to move between the two positions. The flow rate and the activation time are defined so as to allow approximately one-eighth of a gallon of water to enter the outlet per activation of the solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Michael A. Funari
  • Patent number: 7127749
    Abstract: An infrared sensor flushing control method and the plumbing fixture flushing system. The realization of flushing with two different jets is achieved by using the infrared sensor and MCU to control the electromagnetic-controlled valves. The MCU preinstalled with three different solid waste flushing procedures and one liquid waste flushing procedure, providing the water-saving consumption according to the requirements of each individual and the automatic discrimination of the usage. The integrated design also accomplishes the purpose of convenient installation and space saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Ligong Ling
  • Patent number: 6795982
    Abstract: A flush toilet comprises a toilet body, a water supply pipe connected to supply wash water, a discharge port connected to discharge wash water, a valve disposed between the water supply pipe and the discharge port, a valve switching device connected to switch the valve, a spring operably connected to drive the valve switching device, a mechanical timer and a starter operably connected to supply the spring with strain energy. The spring releases the strain energy accumulated in it to drive the valve switching device, and the mechanical timer consumes a part of the strain energy released from the spring to regulate duration of the operation of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Shimbara Noboru, Tsukada Ryoichi, Watanabe Kazuyuki, Hirakawa Tomohiro, Uchimura Yoshinobu
  • 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: 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
  • 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: 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: 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: 5625294
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting seated condition for toilet seat which detects whether the change in input voltage of determining circuit, over predetermined time, in response to electrostatic capacity is existed or not. When the change is existed, the present apparatus computes and renews the set value 1 for detecting un-seated condition and the set value 2 for detecting seated condition based on the changed input potential.Accordingly, the present apparatus is the apparatus for detecting whether a human is seated or un-seated on a toilet seat using electrostatic capacity and the present invention can reduce the error in detection caused by the change in electrostatic capacity owing to a person, temperature and humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Inax Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Kawai, Mitsugu Nonomura, Yuji Yamaguchi, Seiji Tanaka, Akira Takamata
  • Patent number: 5535781
    Abstract: A flush mechanism is provided for a urinal, wherein the working components are provided within a two-part, sealed housing. A button is provided on the cap portion of the housing to flush the urinal. Depression of the flush button signals a battery-powered solenoid to open for a preset amount of time, allowing water into the mechanism from a supply line. The flow of water in each flush is further regulated by an adjustable flow-control valve. All working components can be accessed for replacement or maintenance with only a minimum of disassembly of the flush mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Speakman Company
    Inventors: Graham H. Paterson, Willard A. Denham
  • 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: 5313673
    Abstract: A sensor for a flushing device having an electric solenoid operated flush valve. The sensor includes a control box, a first radiation emitting source mounted in the control box, a radiation detector adapted to detect reflected radiation from the first radiation emitting source mounted in the control box, a lens cover attached to the control box and adapted to permit radiation to pass therethrough and a control circuit contained within the control box responsive to the sensing unit and connected to the solenoid for initiating operation of the flush valve. The control circuit includes a magnetically activated device for bypassing the sensing unit to initiate operation of the flush valve and deactivate the flush valve for a fixed period of time. Also disclosed is a method of operating the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Saadi, Christopher J. Ball, Makoto Kodaira
  • Patent number: 5269028
    Abstract: An automatic flushing apparatus includes an electromagnetic valve, an electrical controlling apparatus in conjunction with the electromagnetic valve for effecting an automatic flushing operation. A first closed tank communicates to the outlet tube of the electromagnetic valve. An upright cylindrical tank is connected to the first closed tank and has a tube member extending inwardly from a central opening at the top end of the cylindrical tank. A piston member is slidably received in the tube member and is biased by a coil spring. A second closed tank contains an antiseptic solution and communicates to the tube member of the cylindrical tank by means of a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe has a branch pipe with an elastic rubber nipple member connected to the first closed tank. A check valve assembly is provided in the connecting pipe, which permits the antiseptic solution to flow from the second closed tank into the connecting pipe when the piston member is moved downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Su-Lan Liao
  • Patent number: 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: 5235706
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flushing of a toilet device detects use of the toilet device and compares the actual number of uses against a preset number of uses which are permitted before flushing of the toilet device. When the actual number of uses equals the predetermined number of uses, the toilet device is flushed. At the first use of the toilet device after flushing, a timing cycle is initiated and the timing cycle will cause flushing of the toilet device unless there is the predetermined number of uses of the device within the period of the timing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Allen, Nhon T. Vuong
  • Patent number: 5195558
    Abstract: An automatic/manual double-function urinal flush valve comprising a first flush port sealed by an electromagnetic valve controlled diaphragm, a second flush port sealed by a press rod controlled oscillating rod, wherein the press rod is pressed down, during power failure, to oscillate the oscillating rod in opening the second flush port, through which a flow of water is discharged to flush a urinal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Wen Liang
  • Patent number: 5133089
    Abstract: In a water closet flushing apparatus of the type in which the flushing water from a flushing water supply source is fed through different flushing water feed lines to a bowl portion and a trap discharge passage defined adjacent to the bottom portion of the bowl portion, a water jet injector is provided so as to inject the flushing water jet toward the trap discharge passage, an opening-closing valve is disposed in each of different feed lines, and the operation of the opening-closing valve is controlled by a control unit. The flushing water is flushed into the bowl portion so as to clean the same while the jet of flushing water is injected into the trap discharge passage to cause the same to act as a siphon, whereby waste matter is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tsutsui, Atsuo Makita, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Shinji Shibata, Noboru Shinbara
  • Patent number: 4918762
    Abstract: The conductivity of the flushing water in the two siphons is measured by means of two electrodes (16, 17, 18, 19) in each siphon. Whenever the conductivity exceeds a predetermined limit, the flushing operation is triggered after a delay time predetermined by an electronic control device. If the two urinals are used at the same time, one of them is blocked by means of an electronic circuit (30) while the other is flushing so that both urinals are prevented from flushing simultaneously. This has the advantage that the same diameter of pipe can be used for the main water supply line as in a single-urinal installation. Whenever the conductivity of the flushing water in the siphon drops below a certain minimum or exceeds a certain maximum after a predetermined number of flushes or a predetermined length of time, flushing is interrupted by means of electronic circuits (28, 29). Such trouble is displayed on the front panel of the control unit by LED's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Bieri Pumpenbau AG
    Inventor: Fritz Uhlmann
  • Patent number: 4815150
    Abstract: The conductivity of the flushing water in the two siphons is measured by means of two electrodes (16, 17, 18, 19) in each siphon. Whenever the conductivity exceeds a predetermined limit, the flushing operation is triggered after a delay time predetermined by an electronic control device. If the two urinals are used at the same time, one of them is blocked by means of an electronic circuit (30) while the other is flushing so that both urinals are prevented from flushing simultaneously. This has the advantage that the same diameter of pipe can be used for the main water supply line as in a single-urinal installation. Whenever the conductivity of the flushing water in the siphon drops below a certain minimum or exceeds a certain maximum after a predetermined number of flushes or a predetermined length of time, flushing is interrupted by means of electronic circuits (28, 29). Such trouble is displayed on the front panel of the control unit by LED's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Bieri Pumpenbau Ag.
    Inventor: Fritz Uhlmann
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 4688277
    Abstract: An automatic faucet apparatus comprises a drive control means wherein an intermediate drive section coupled to a motor as normally resiliently biased toward the original position is interlocked to a driving shaft coupled to a valve member with a play involved in the interlocking, so that, when the motor is energized to provide an actuating torque to the intermediate drive section and is thereafter deenergized, the intermediate drive section can reset to the original position without requiring any motor output, while the driving shaft is prevented from being affected by the resetting of the intermediate drive section due to the play involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kakinoki, Kazuhiko Hirata
  • Patent number: 4624017
    Abstract: A flushing system for controlling the flushing operation of a urinal having one or more remotely controllable valves arranged in a flow path of fluid to the urinal, one or more sensors for detecting the presence of a user and controlling means including a timer for receiving the output from the sensor to actuate the valve(s) for a predetermined period of time and then turn the valve off to terminate the supply of fluid to the urinal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventor: John D. Foletta
  • Patent number: 4616368
    Abstract: A sanitary cleaning apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a cleaning water discharge device, a functional device including another cleaning water discharge device or a private parts dryer, a member for turning on and off the cleaning water discharge device, and a human body (presence or absence) detector. Only while the human body detector produces a human body detection signal, the on-off member for the cleaning water discharge device or the functional device is turned on, thereby selectively actuating a corresponding device. One of the devices thus turned on as selected above is de-energized by (a) the turning off of the on-off member of the selected device, (b) the turning on of the on-off member of the other device not selected, or (c) extinction of the human body detection signal of the human body detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Nagai, Hirofumi Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 4604764
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system can be alternately manually or automatically controlled. The system comprises a body for directing fluid to a desired location. Means for supplying fluid to the body are also provided. A regulator manually controls the flow of fluid through the body. A releasable lock secures the regulator in an open position so that fluid can flow through the body. An electrically operated valve in the fluid supply has an automatically controlled fluid flow circuit and a manually controlled fluid flow circuit. Sensing means detect the presence of an object proximate the body and provide an electrical signal in response thereto. A controller is provided for opening and closing the valve. Transmitting means transmit the electrical signal from the sensor to the controller for opening the automatically controlled fluid flow circuit in the valve. When the manually controlled fluid flow circuit in the valve is closed, the lock for the regulator is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Inventor: Fava Enzo
  • Patent number: 4598726
    Abstract: A water faucet is disclosed that is automatically turned on and off in response to the proximity of the user's hand or other object to the faucet. An ultrasonic transducer is located in the faucet near the water outlet and transmits bursts of ultrasonic waves. When a wave reflects off a user's hand and creates an echo signal, the echo is detected by the ultrasonic transducer. Circuitry connected to the ultrasonic transducer determines when an object is within a predetermined distance of the faucet by measuring the time elapsed between the transmission of the burst and the reception of the echo. Once an object is within this predetermined distance, the circuitry causes a valve to open and water is supplied by the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Inventor: Robert B. Pepper
  • Patent number: 4570272
    Abstract: A toilet bowl flushing device capable of discharging automatically a large amount of flushing water to the bowl immediately after termination of use of the bowl and a small amount of water continuously from the beginning of the use until a predetermined time has elapsed after the large amount discharge. Valve means for controlling the amount of water provided to the bowl includes a small-amount water discharging means and a large-amount water discharging means, and is coupled to a control means including a timer means suitably energizing the small-amount and large-amount water discharging means so that an auxiliary bowl flushing is performed with a small amount of flushing water to prevent sticking of filth to the bowl during the use, a main bowl flushing is realized with a large amount of flushing water immediately after the use, and a small amount of flushing water is kept discharged still after the main flushing to avoid any generation of water hammering phenomenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shojiro Kawaguchi, Kuniyuki Odaka
  • Patent number: 4531939
    Abstract: A vacuum suction type urinating device includes a urine receiver provided with a urine suction opening to be applied to a urinating region, with an air suction hole and with a urine outlet. A urine transport tube is connected, at one end, with the urine outlet and is connected, at the other end, with a urine tank. A vacuum suction tube communicating to a vacuum suction device and is connected to the upper part of the urine tank. The vacuum suction device controlled by a control circuit provided with a start switch and a off delay timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Kimura Bed Mfg. Company Limited
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Izumi
  • Patent number: 4471498
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the flushing of a lavatory, for example in a mens urinal, comprises a source of water for flushing, a flush control valve SV wherein the valve is actuated in response to the usage of the lavatory, for example by means of door switch DS. In order that over-use of the device should be prevented in busy periods, a delay circuit D1 is provided to prevent a second actuation of the water supply solenoid valve within a preset period from a first actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Laycock Bros. Limited
    Inventor: Derek Robertshaw
  • Patent number: 4443898
    Abstract: YAn improved automatic flushing device for valve actuated toilets that is capable of being housed inside the toilet's water tank, out of the user's sight. The conventional water supply valve system is not altered and the flush valve assembly is actuated through floating means arranged in such a way that, depending on the water levels inside the tank, will urge the opening of the flush valve. When enough water has been drained out, the action of the floating means ceases and a tripping mechanism engages locking the floating means thereby preventing it from opening the flush valve again until the tripping mechanism is triggered in response to the users removing his or her weight from the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Inventor: Lazaro Aguero
  • Patent number: 4443217
    Abstract: A suction type urinating aid comprises a urine transport tube connected at one end through a urine detecting cylinder with a urine receiver provided with an air suction hole and a urine suction opening to be applied to a urinating region, and connected, at the other end, with a urine tank. A suction tube communicating to a vacuum device, is connected to the upper part of the urine tank. This urine detecting cylinder is composed of a pair of electrodes placed at an interval inside an electrically insulating cylinder. Wires connected to the respective electrodes are connected to a control device of the vacuum device, so that when urine exists in said urine detecting cylinder, electric current flowing through the urine between the electrodes may be detected by the control device, to start the vacuum device by the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Kimura Bed Mfg. Company Limited
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Izumi
  • Patent number: 4402095
    Abstract: A water faucet is disclosed that is automatically turned on and off in response to the proximity of the user's hand or other object to the faucet. An ultrasonic transducer is located in the faucet near the water outlet and transmits bursts of ultrasonic waves. When a wave reflects off a user's hand and creates an echo signal, the echo is detected by the ultrasonic transducer. Circuitry connected to the ultrasonic transducer determines when an object is within a predetermined distance of the faucet by measuring the time elapsed between the transmission of the burst and the reception of the echo. Once an object is within this predetermined distance, the circuitry causes a valve to open and water is supplied by the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Inventor: Robert B. Pepper