With Automatic Flush Responsive Means Patents (Class 4/313)
  • Patent number: 6226807
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing water consumption in a vacuum toilet on an aircraft. The system and method includes a weight sensing device that is mounted to an aircraft toilet and is responsive to weight applied to the bowl of the toilet. The weight sensing device detects that a toilet user is seated upon the toilet seat when it measures a weight applied to the toilet bowl. On the other hand, the weight sensing device detects that a toilet user is standing when the weight sensing device does not measure a weight applied to the toilet bowl. A flush control unit is connected to the weight sensing device and controls the amount of water utilized in the flushing of the toilet. When the toilet is flushed and the weight sensing device has detected that a toilet user has sat upon the toilet seat, the flush control unit commands that a standard amount of water be used to remove the solid waste of the toilet user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike M. Rozenblatt, Robert G. Ratliff
  • 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: 6202227
    Abstract: An automatic toilet flushing system for use with toilets in either commercial or private dwellings and which comprises a replaceable water tank top or tank lid carrying the major components of the automatic toilet flushing system. In this case, the toilet flushing system is an adaptive system, since it converts a conventional toilet into an automatic flushing toilet. The adaptive system also comprises a pair of infrared light sources and sensors located on forwardly protruding portions of the tank lid. The sensors are located forwardly of the water tank or water chest of the toilet and the timing is adjusted so that raising and lowering of the lid of the toilet seat will not interfere with operation of the sensors. A control circuit is also provided and mounted on the underside of the replaceable water tank cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: John Gurowitz
  • Patent number: 6161814
    Abstract: An electrical control system for operating a toilet flushing device includes an electric operator, a source of power for the operator and a detection system for detecting the presence of a user of a toilet device and upon detection thereof connecting the source of power to the electric operator. The detection system includes an infrared transmitter and an adjacent infrared receiver, with the receiver being sensitive to infrared radiation reflected from a toilet device user. There is a refracting element positioned in front of the transmitter and receiver to bend the transmitted infrared radiation beam to a desired angle relative to the initial direction of the transmitted beam and to bend a reflected beam from a toilet device user to a direction wherein it is generally parallel to the initial transmitted beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Peter J. Jahrling
  • Patent number: 6067673
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling the flow of fluid in fixtures, such as bathroom, restroom, or kitchen fixtures, using a radar detector with a leaky transmission line and fixtures using such methods and devices are provided. A bathroom fixture, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, includes a fluid conduit, a radar detector for detecting one or more characteristics of one or more objects in a sensor field based on reflected electromagnetic signals from the one or more objects in the sensor field, and a controller coupled to the fluid conduit for controlling a flow of fluid in the fluid conduit in response to the detected one or more characteristics. The radar detector in particular includes a leaky transmission line for transmitting electromagnetic signals to form the sensor field and receiving the reflected electromagnetic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Kohler Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Paese, Steven M. Tervo, Carter J. Thomas, William R. Burnett, David C. Shafer, Fred Judson Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 5956779
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive urinal flushing system includes a hydraulic cylinder having a piston reciprocated therein and a piston rod upwardly extended from the piston, a weight sensor mounted on the piston rod outside the hydraulic cylinder, and a valve connected to the hydraulic cylinder by a pipe for controlling the supply of flushing water to a urinal, the hydraulic fluid being forced out of the hydraulic cylinder into the valve to open the valve for letting flushing water pass to the urinal when the user steps on the weight sensor, the hydraulic fluid being returned from the valve to the hydraulic cylinder when the piston is moved downwards from the elevation of the pipe, the hydraulic fluid being forced out of the hydraulic cylinder into the valve to open the valve for letting flushing water pass to the urinal again when the user leaves from the weight sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Ching-Wei Chung
  • Patent number: 5950983
    Abstract: An electrical control system for operating a toilet flushing device includes an electric operator, a source of power for the operator and a detection system for detecting the presence of a user of a toilet device and upon detection thereof connecting the source of power to the electric operator. The detection system includes an infrared transmitter and an adjacent infrared receiver, with the receiver being sensitive to infrared radiation reflected from a toilet device user. There is a refracting element positioned in front of the transmitter and receiver to bend the transmitted infrared radiation beam to a desired angle relative to the initial direction of the transmitted beam and to bend a reflected beam from a toilet device user to a direction wherein it is generally parallel to the initial transmitted beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Peter J. Jahrling
  • 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: 5855027
    Abstract: A new automatic bathroom door and toilet flushing system for automatically raising the door and flushing the toilet when a user is finished. The system includes a housing secured to a ceiling between a pair of walls. The housing has an opening in a lower end thereof. A door is rotatably disposed within the housing. The door is disposed on a central shaft. The central shaft is coupled with an electric motor. The electric motor selectively raises and lowers the door with respect to an opening between the pair of walls. An electric sensor is in communication with the electric motor and an electrical system of an existing toilet. The electric sensor is disposed within one of the pair of walls adjacent to the handle of the manual pulley system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph A. Macedo
  • Patent number: 5802627
    Abstract: A toilet including a frame defining a chamber, a toilet bowl disposed within the chamber between an upper and a lower chamber region, and a tilting bowl in the lower chamber region of the frame. The toilet bowl has a lower discharge opening in communication between the upper and lower chamber regions. The tilting bowl defines a fluid-receiving volume, and is mounted for pivoting movement relative to the toilet bowl between a first position with the fluid-receiving volume at least partially overlapping the toilet bowl and containing the lower discharge opening, and a second position permitting flow of fluid from the toilet bowl, through the lower discharge opening, and from the fluid-receiving volume into the lower chamber region. At standby, the tilting bowl, in first position, retains a first volume of fluid sufficient to engage the lower discharge opening and restrict flow of gas therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Shu-Ki Yeung
  • Patent number: 5771501
    Abstract: A flushing control system for prisons and the like includes a fixture and a source of water. A solenoid operated valve is interposed between the fixture and the source for regulating the flow of water to the fixture. A capacitance sensor is operably associated with the fixture for requesting operation of the valve. A control mechanism is operably associated with the capacitance sensor and with the valve for causing operation of the valve to be delayed for a selected period after the sensor has been operated and for limiting the number of operations of said valve per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5761748
    Abstract: A siphon for use with a flush type toilet having a tank with a drain hole at the bottom. The siphon comprises a vertical tubular discharge portion including a vertical tube which is secured within the drain hole in the bottom of the tank. The siphon also includes a bell shaped inlet portion including a connecting portion having a downwardly extending tubular portion for telescopic insertion into the vertical tube. A hole is defined in the bell shaped inlet portion and an elbow is secured within the hole and extends downwardly, terminating at a height selected to define the desired flush height of the toilet. The flush volume can be automatically set to either a normal or low volume flush with a control that includes a sensor that senses the presence of a user at the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventors: Wade W. Smith, David A. Saar
  • Patent number: 5652968
    Abstract: A toilet fixture automatic flushing device comprising: a sensor means for detecting proximity of a human body, a signal receiving means for receiving externally imparted data, and a control means whereby: after elapse of a first predetermined time, departure of the human body is detected and flushing water is emitted; and said signal received time by said receiving means and a second predetermined time are compared; and if said signal receiving time is shorter, regardless of said sensor detection, flushing water is emitted; and if said signal receiving time exceeds said predetermined time, at a third predetermined time, the flushing water emission is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Uro Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Kodaira
  • Patent number: 5603127
    Abstract: An automatic flushing system for a tank-type toilet. The automatic flushing system includes one or more infrared transmitters that transmit an infrared signal to a sensing area directly in front of a toilet bowl of the toilet. The presence of a user in the sensing area is detected by the system from a reflection of the transmitted infrared beam off of the user. Detection of the user in the sensing area for a predetermined minimal period of time causes an automatic courtesy flush. Once the user has left the sensing area, the automatic flushing system will provide a main flush. The automatic flushing system includes a lift arm operated by a flush motor positioned within the toilet tank. Activation of the motor causes the lift arm to push against a flush arm in the toilet tank to flush the toilet. The lift arm is positioned beneath the flush arm to allow for manual flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Bennie N. Veal
  • Patent number: 5542132
    Abstract: A toilet has a pump to deliver selected quantities of water from a reservoir to a toilet bowl so as to effect a water savings. In one aspect, both the motor and pump are positioned in the reservoir to deliver water to both the rim and bowl portions. In another aspect, there are conduits connected between the basin, the rim and controls which are provided to deliver water to the rim and bowl either independently, simultaneously or in selective sequences. In alternative embodiments, a refill tube is connected to an intake conduit and the rim of the bowl to effect a water seal, a fail safe valve is connected to the supply conduit, a receptacle with a cleaning fluid and a pump is connected to the bowl and there are at least two receptacles for receiving waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Norman J. Jaeckels, Randy O. Mesun
  • Patent number: 5455971
    Abstract: An automatic toilet flushing system which detects when a user sits on the toilet for use and, instead of operating a flush handle for flushing, performs flushing in association with the user's action of standing up to leave the toilet. A forced flushing sensor is also provided so that water can be flowed for flushing through deliberate action of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Inax Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Sakakibara, Shigeru Takagi
  • 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: 5315719
    Abstract: A water closet flushing apparatus provided with a pressure detector mounted along a water supply pipe, an opening and closing apparatus to open and close a water supply passage provided along the water supply pipe and a control apparatus that uses the pressure detected by the pressure detector to control the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing apparatus so that a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the water closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tsutsui, Atsuo Makita, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Shinji Shibata, Noboru Shinbara
  • 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: 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: 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: 5170514
    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. Light emitting means cooperate 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. First circuit means responsive to the DC output signal actuate fluid flow for a maximum preselected period, to enable use in controlling faucet flow. Second circuit means responsive to the DC signal include means for arming the circuit following the existence of the DC output signal for a first predetermined period; and means 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: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Water-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Weigert
  • 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: 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: 5054132
    Abstract: A flush control system for a plumbing fixture is disclosed. The plumbing fixture includes electrical components which electrically operate a flush valve and are housed in the body of the plumbing fixture. A cover, which is normally closed, activates an electrical circuit, operably connected to a flush valve, when the cover is lifted by a user for a predetermined time. After the elapsed period of time, when the cover is lowered to its normal position, the flush valve is actuated and, for a second predetermined time, the flush valve will operate to complete its flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Luigi F. Bartella
  • Patent number: 5036553
    Abstract: A toilet includes a toilet bowl fluidically connected to a water storage tank. A control circuit is mounted on the storage tank and a water level sensor circuit is mounted on the bowl. A control panel is manually set to set the amount of water used in a flush cycle, and a fluid pump is used to move water from a source to the storage tank and to the bowl. Operation of the fluid pump is controlled by the water sensing circuit in the storage tank and the water level sensing circuit in the bowl. A solenoid-like plunger is used to control opening and closing of an outlet valve in the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Dilworth D. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 5027451
    Abstract: A portable animal waste device for use in conjunction with a standard household commode is described. A support structure, mounting a pivoting platform and emplaced over a toilet bowl, is connected to the toilet's flush mechanism. The platform pivots between a lowered position for animal access upon the platform and a raised position following animal exit from the platform. The platform in its raised position forms a washdown enclosure with the support structure. When the platform is in its raised position, the washdown enclosure is washed down and the waste is disposed of by a flushing action. A sensing and electronic control system is provided to activate flushing action only when the animal has exited the platform for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventors: Richard R. Wooten, Anton L. Huger, Philip N. Middleton
  • 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: 4985944
    Abstract: A flushing control system for prisons and the like includes a fixture and a source of water. A solenoid operated valve is interposed between the fixture and the source for regulating the flow of water to the fixture. A capacitance sensor is operably associated with the fixture for requesting operation of the valve. A control mechanism is operably associated with the capacitance sensor and with the valve for causing operation of the valve to be delayed for a selected period after the sensor has been operated and for limiting the number of operations of said valve per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Bauer Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • 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: 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: 4825490
    Abstract: A simple, lightweight device for the automatic flushing of a toilet which works on the principle of displaced air is disclosed. An air bag disposed between the seat and the rim of the toilet bowl communicates with a bellows vertically disposed within the flush tank. A shaft depending from said bellows rises and falls with the contraction and expansion thereof. An angled member pivotally attached to said shaft is caused to rotate by guide means in one direction as the shaft falls, and in the other direction as the shaft rises. In so doing, it first engages, then unseats, then releases the flush tank drain valve apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Mervin C. Benshoof
  • Patent number: 4756031
    Abstract: An automatic toilet flushing system can be used in any existing manual flush toilet and comprises a first sensor for detecting toilet use, a second sensor for detecting filling of the toilet tank to a predetermined level, and a valve actuator linked to the two sensors for opening a toilet water inlet valve in response to a signal from the first sensor and closing the inlet valve in response to a signal from the second sensor. A toilet flush operating device in the tank is connected to the supply of water flowing into the tank and comprises a hydraulic piston and cylinder, the piston moving between a retracted position and an extended position in response to water flow into the cylinder. The piston is arranged to urge a flush lever arm linked to a flush valve in the tank in a direction to open the flush valve when it moves towards its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: John T. Barrett
  • Patent number: 4748700
    Abstract: A portable device adapted for use on a toilet seat to dispose of animal waste comprising, a sensor responsive to the animal's weight to start a timer which activates a first solenoid to release a sanitized fluid into the waste container of said device, and to subsequently activate a second solenoid to flush the toilet containing the waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Inventor: Richard Wooten
  • Patent number: 4742583
    Abstract: A water supply control apparatus includes a flushing device to be supplied with water, a water supply valve for controlling the supply of water to the flushing device, a driving signal generator for selectively generating driving signals of first and second periods, respectively, a sensor responsive to one, at a time, of the driving signals for detecting whether there is a user of the flushing device at one of the first and second periods, to produce a sensor signal selectively including a user-present signal and a user-absent signal of the one period, and a control circuit responsive to the sensor signal for controlling the water supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Yoshida, Kiyoshi Fujino
  • Patent number: 4707867
    Abstract: A toilet-flushing control apparatus comprising a detector, a delay circuit, a judging circuit, a first timer, a second timer, and a flush valve. The detector detects that a person is using a toilet, and outputs a signal. This signal is input to the delay circuit. Upon lapse of a predetermined time after receiving this signal, the delay circuit outputs a signal. The output signal of the delay circuit is supplied to the judging circuit. When the output signal of the detector lasts shorter than a reference time, the judging circuit determines that the toilet user has urinated. Conversely, when this signal lasts for the reference time or a longer time, the judging circuit determines that the toilet user has defecated. In the first case, the first timer is operated, and the flush valve opens for the time set to the first timer, thereby flushing the toilet. In the second case, the second timer is operated, and the flush valve opens for the time set to the second timer, thus flushing the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: F.M. Valve Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Kawabe, Tetsuo Iwasaki, Hiroshi Kozuru, Masashi Yoda, Masakazu Matsunaga, Takesi Takamori, Matao Nakasima
  • Patent number: 4631760
    Abstract: An automatic flushing system for use with toilets or urinals which includes a tank having a siphon outlet and a hollow float which has a water access port and an air access port. There is also provided support means for supporting the float for generally vertical movement within the tank. There is also provided a tank inlet and tank inlet valve means which is operated by the support means for controlling flow of water through the tank inlet. There is also provided air access port valve means for controlling flow of air into the float. The support means is suitably characterized to enable the float to reach the intermediate holding level which is lower than the maximum level within the tank. The air access port valve means may also control flow of air through the air access port in such a manner as to provide a water seal associated therewith and a gas lock in the hollow float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventors: Graham W. Leishman, Bruno Minissale
  • 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: 4575880
    Abstract: An automatic flush cistern, and a device for actuating the flushing action of an automatic flush cistern whereby the cistern of a toilet or urinal is adapted to flush in response to the entry of a person into a predetermined area, such as the entry of a person through the entrance door of a public toilet, or at regular intervals during periods of infrequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignees: Robert Burgess, June Burgess
    Inventor: Robert H. Burgess
  • Patent number: 4520513
    Abstract: An automatic flushing apparatus for vacuum flow system urinals. A pressure ensing switch responds to the hydrostatic pressure resulting from one or two urinations and directs the system vacuum to both a water dispensing valve and the main discharge valve to automatically flush the system with a measured amount of water to prevent odors and soil drain scale buildup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Milton W. Raupuk, Jr., Edward M. Pennington
  • 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: 4338690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic mechanism for flush and raising a toilet seat which permits the seat to be raised automatically to a vertical, non-use position and the wash water to automatically flush the urinal after the occupancy of the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Inventors: Jung H. Hsieh, Jung K. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4333184
    Abstract: This invention, is a multi-function closet stool, which can really serve the purpose of automatic timing, measuring pressure, flushing and saving water. When one sits on the seat of closet stool, the driving piece pulls the driving steel cable to make timing and piston assembly simultaneously actuate and control arm sandwich on top of a movable piece in the sleeve. When one discharges his urine and stands up, the rear part of seat of closet stool will rebound promptly by the spring; meanwhile, the timing unit begins to count time, then, the driving arm makes the control arm release the movable piece in the sleeve by means of the pulling of timing unit and move upwards by the elasticity of spring. A rubber ring compresses air in the sleeve, the high velocity air will instantly rush in air container through a hole passage, pipe joint, filter and pipe. The air will open a movable lid for the purpose of water-flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Inventor: Hsian Wang
  • Patent number: 4329745
    Abstract: An automatic weight operated toilet flushing device capable of being installed in conventional toilets with flush tanks. The device has one end of a long arm secured to the lower portion of the toilet seat assembly the seat and the other end engages a vertical actuating link which is pushed upwardly when the toilet user seats down. The vertical link engages the actuating lever mechanism which is pulled down when the user gets up and the conventional ball type valve is opened allowing the toilet bowl to be flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Inventor: Lazaro Aguero
  • Patent number: 4276663
    Abstract: A sanitary toilet facility for disposal of human solid and liquid waste having a bowl section with a surface contoured to sealingly engage the body of the user. The bowl is connected to a waste disposal pipe to which is connected a vacuum source. Spray nozzles are arranged within the bowl directed toward the exposed body areas of the user and connected to a source of disinfectant and deodorant. Upon initiation of the cycle, which may be manual or automatic, a vacuum cycle is first initiated to withdraw waste. Thereafter, the spray system is initiated and thereafter a vacuum drying system. In another embodiment of the present invention, the facility has a bowl attached to a flexible waste hose for portability. In still another embodiment, the waste system may be in the form of a urinal for disposal of male liquid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Inventor: Walter Gensurowsky
  • Patent number: 4141091
    Abstract: There is disclosed an automated flush system which senses the approach and departure of an object or person and produces control signals indicative of said approach and departure, respectively. A discriminator unit receives and decodes the approach and departure signals to produce a flush control signal which controls a flush valve in the flush system as a result of the occurrence of the departure signal following the occurrence of the approach signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Inventor: Charles F. Pulvari
  • Patent number: 4107795
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application includes a building module having at least one compartment therein in which is contained a toilet system for bacteriologically breaking down solid waste and paper to provide a relatively pure liquid effluent. The toilet communicates with a flush tank into which the effluent is discharged and which communicates with a pump for pumping the effluent to an evaporator for removing excess effluent from the toilet system. Preferably the evaporator utilizes the effluent as a heat exchange medium for heating or cooling air discharged to each toilet compartment which air is circulated back to the atmosphere through a vent opening to help remove odors from the compartment. The evaporator may be arranged to aerate the effluent which is then discharged back to the flush tank so that it can be used to flush the toilet and enhance the biological breakdown of waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: Modular Conceptual Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Edward Carter, Italo Americo Cosentino