Manual Selection Of The Amount Of Flush Patents (Class 4/324)
  • Patent number: 11873634
    Abstract: A chemical dispensing system for a toilet that includes a container configured to contain a chemical compound that mixes with water to form a cleaning compound; a bracket coupled to the container; a threaded protrusion that extends from the bracket and is configured to extend through a hole in an inside of the sidewall of the toilet; and a fastener having a threaded body and a head, which is larger radially than the threaded body such that the head is configured to contact an outside of the sidewall in a secured position in which the threaded body threads to the threaded protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 11725375
    Abstract: Various embodiments for conserving fluid based on the position of a toilet seat are presented. One example embodiment includes a toilet flushing system having a fluid regulation component and a position detector. The fluid regulation component is configured to regulate an amount of fluid used to flush a toilet during a flush cycle. The position detector is configured to detect whether the toilet seat is in a raised position or a lowered position. The position detector is coupled to the fluid regulation component to communicate whether the toilet seat is in the raised position or the lowered position. The fluid regulation component is further configured to regulate the amount of fluid used during the flush cycle based at least in part on whether the toilet seat is in the raised position or the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: GMAT VENTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Hutchinson, Troy A. Holbrook, Scott A. Holbrook, Christopher J. Knapp
  • Patent number: 11371229
    Abstract: There are provided a flush water tank apparatus capable of accurately setting the amount of flush water to be discharged while opening a discharge valve by a discharge valve hydraulic drive unit. A flush water tank apparatus includes a valve controller, where, in a case where a first amount of flush water is selected, the valve controller causes the timing control mechanism to be engaged with the discharge valve and causes the timing control mechanism to operate such that engagement is released after a lapse of a first period of time, and in a case where a second amount of flush water is selected, the valve controller causes the timing control mechanism to be engaged with the discharge valve and causes the timing control mechanism to operate such that engagement is released after lapse of a second period of time shorter than the first period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Hayashi, Hidekazu Kitaura, Akihiro Shimuta, Masahiro Kuroishi
  • Patent number: 11168470
    Abstract: Various embodiments for conserving fluid based on the position of a toilet seat are presented. One example embodiment includes a toilet flushing system having a fluid regulation component and a position detector. The fluid regulation component is configured to regulate an amount of fluid used to flush a toilet during a flush cycle. The position detector is configured to detect whether the toilet seat is in a raised position or a lowered position. The position detector is coupled to the fluid regulation component to communicate whether the toilet seat is in the raised position or the lowered position. The fluid regulation component is further configured to regulate the amount of fluid used during the flush cycle based at least in part on whether the toilet seat is in the raised position or the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: GMAT VENTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Hutchinson, Troy A. Holbrook, Scott A. Holbrook, Christopher J. Knapp
  • Patent number: 10676905
    Abstract: A flow diverter for diverting flow between a toilet bowl and a toilet tank, having: a body having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; and a flow adjustment mechanism rotatable within the body to selectively divert different percentages of flow between the first outlet and the second outlet; and an air vent and diaphragm in the body to prevent a siphon flow from the first or second outlet back to the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventor: Tuan Le
  • Patent number: 10519640
    Abstract: A discharge valve operating device includes a first linking member and a second linking member, a rotary winding device, and an operation unit configured to rotationally operate the rotary winding device, wherein when the operation unit rotationally operates in a first direction, the operation unit is configured to perform toilet flushing in a full-flushing mode by pulling up the discharge valve by a first length by the rotary winding device winding the first linking member by the first length in the first direction, and when the operation unit rotationally operates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the operation unit is configured to perform toilet flushing in a partial-flushing mode by pulling up the discharge valve by a second length by the rotary winding device winding the second linking member in the second direction by the second length which is the same as the first length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Tanimoto, Tomoyoshi Taketani, Takashi Matsusaki
  • Patent number: 10161122
    Abstract: A twin water-drainage valve inner core tube starting apparatus includes a button seat, main body, half drainage button, full drainage button, half drainage float, full drainage float, inner core tube and lever, the half drainage float, full drainage float and inner core tube being installed inside the main body to form a half drainage structure and full drainage structure, the button seat being configured on the main body, and the half drainage button and full drainage button being mounted on the button seat, where at least two levers arranged symmetrically are mounted inside the main body, one end of the two levers is abutted against the half drainage button and full drainage button, and another end thereof is in connection with the inner core tube through a pull rod. Whereby, the present invention can reduce the water drainage pressing force and decrease the friction between the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: LAB (XIAMEN) SANITARY FITTING INC
    Inventor: Yongmao Liu
  • Patent number: 10145095
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards preventing an overflow of a toilet bowl in the event of, for example, a clogged toilet. A toilet flush handle may be in communication with a toilet flush valve. The toilet flush handle may be configured to rotate in a first direction and in a second direction. By rotating in the first direction, the toilet flush handle may initiate a toilet flush. By rotating in the second direction, the toilet flush handle may interrupt the toilet flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 10119260
    Abstract: A discharge valve apparatus attached to a reservoir tank in a reservoir tank apparatus for storing flush water. The discharge valve apparatus includes a valve body, attached to the top of a discharge opening provided in the bottom surface of a reservoir tank, for opening and closing the discharge opening by up and down movement thereof, a float, attached to the valve body, which drops in tandem with the drop in water level inside the flush water tank; and a variable drop start timing mechanism to make a drop start timing of the valve body variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Koki Shinohara, Hideki Tanimoto, Yukinori Kubozono, Kenji Hatama, Hisashi Koga
  • Patent number: 10072408
    Abstract: A water saving toilet system having a toilet including a toilet bowl having an upper portion and a lower portion, at least one valve interposed between a first water source and a second water source and the toilet bowl for controlling at least one volume of water flowing from the first water source and/or the second water source to the toilet bowl and a timing mechanism connected to the at least one valve for controlling an amount of time that the valve allows water to flow from the first water source and/or the second water source to the toilet bowl, wherein the at least one valve and the timing mechanism cooperate to adjust the flush volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Quang Le Huynh
  • Patent number: 9945110
    Abstract: A double-flush light-touch drain valve and double-flush control method. The valve includes a base, a buoy component and a starting component, a valve body installed on the base, the base provided with an outfall, the buoy component capable of moving relatively to the base and capable of opening or closing the outfall. The starting component includes a first starting switch and a second starting switch, and the buoy component is provided with a flowing channel communicated with the inside and outside of a buoy cavity of the buoy component; and the first starting switch is operable to drive the buoy component to rise, and close the flowing channel to implement a first flush; and the second starting switch is operable to drive the buoy component to rise, and the flowing channel is opened by the starting component, to implement a second flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Xiamen R&T Plumbing Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haibin Chen, Rongyu Zhang, Zhijun Zhong, Ruiliang Chen
  • Patent number: 9938701
    Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability are presented. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. The dual flush mechanism can include a basket structure. A gasket can be attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket can form a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 9915060
    Abstract: An rinsing seat for a rimless toilet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rinsing seat includes a large annular cavity for the purpose of storing and dispensing rinse water. In another embodiment, the rinsing seat includes a smaller annular cavity for the purpose of dispensing rinse water from a pressurized line. Outlet nozzles arranged about the circumference of the rinsing seat and designed to dispense rinse water at varying angles relative to the rinsing seat are disclosed. Rinsing seat supports, hinge assemblies, and seat sensors which offer additional functionality to the rinsing seat are also disclosed and claimed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Dan Allen, Jared Reynolds, Joshua Larsen, Eric Magleby
  • Patent number: 9556600
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for offsetting of flush adapters. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an adapter configured to attach to a flush mechanism configured to provide for a predefined flush capability in a toilet, a gasket attached to adapter, the gasket forming a seal between the flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve, where the flush valve is configured to seat a sealing member, and means for securing the gasket in position with respect to the flush orifice of the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Doug Saunders
  • Patent number: 9540798
    Abstract: An improved flush system as described herein may comprise a reservoir with a drain opening for egress of liquids disposed in the reservoir into a surrounding toilet tank. A lock mechanism is slidably received by the reservoir so that the lock mechanism is translatable between one or more fixed positions on the reservoir. In turn, translating the lock mechanism into the reservoir at increasing depths causes a size of the drain opening to be reduced and therefore adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventors: JunSheng Chen, Joseph Han
  • Patent number: 9506579
    Abstract: A height-adjustable drain fitting for a flushing tank comprises a drain valve housing, a valve body that can be lifted along an actuating axis so as to initiate flushing, an actuating unit that acts on the valve body and controls the movement of the valve body, an actuating member which acts on the actuating unit, an actuating element that acts on the actuating member and by element of which the actuating member can be actuated by the user, and a mounting element having a receptacle for mounting the actuating member. The mounting element is displaceable relative to the drain valve housing and is connected thereto for adjusting the height. The actuating member has the shape of an actuating rod and is designed so as to be height-adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GEBERIT INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventor: Silvo Borsic
  • Patent number: 9476192
    Abstract: A soft-touch double-drain valve includes a full-drain float including a large water sealing plate covering a water discharging opening and a small water sealing plate mounted in an insertion hole. A main body includes an inner tube through hole and an adjustment hole formed therein. A partial-drain weight float includes a partial-drain adjustment press bar and an inner tube penetration hole. A first position-limiting mechanism is mounted in the main body. A second position-limiting mechanism is mounted to a full-drain push button or a partial-drain push button. An inner tube is inserted in the inner tube penetration hole, the through hole, and the insertion hole and is provided with a return spring and has a lower end operable in combination with the small water sealing plate and an upper end operable in combination with the full-drain and partial-drain push buttons to control downward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: LAB (XIAMEN) SANITARY FITTINGS INC
    Inventor: Yongmao Liu
  • Patent number: 9447570
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle control. A rotary handle assembly for a dual flush toilet system includes a flush stop, a handle lever, a handle switch, and a restriction arm. The handle switch is configured to extend through a surface of the handle lever from an unextended position to an extended position. The restriction arm is configured to engage the handle switch at a proximal end and control engagement with the flush stop to restrict rotation of the handle lever based upon the position of the handle switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 9359752
    Abstract: A toilet flush valve that has a moveable buoyant float therein, wherein the float has an open bottom end to trap air therein and wherein the housing includes controls to selectively release air to allow the float to move upwardly therein to permit flushing. By timing when one or two air vents on the housing are open, the duration and volume of the flush can be controlled, with the buoyancy provided by the water lifting the float to open the flush valve. This provides a flushing system with minimal activation energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Le, Steve Cook, Adam Sampson
  • Patent number: 9340962
    Abstract: An operating device of the present invention includes: an operating member configured to be rotationally moved according to a rotational operation performed by a user; a rotary shaft; and a drive unit disposed above a level of flush water within a flush water tank, and configured to displace a coupling member according to a rotational movement of the rotary shaft, the coupling member coupling the drive unit and a water discharge valve together, and capable of opening and closing the water discharge valve by means of its own displacement, wherein the drive unit comprises a rotation mechanism configured to be rotated at a radius of rotation greater than that of the rotary shaft, the drive unit being operable to roll up the coupling member along its own rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Tanimoto, Koki Shinohara, Kenji Hatama
  • Patent number: 9096996
    Abstract: A water-saving system for the management and disposal of liquid, semi-solid and solid wastes is described that comprises an open-rim toilet bowl for allowing the flow of greywater containing food residues, small pieces of soap, soapy water, toothpaste residues, shaving residues, hair and the like, without allowing the formation of obstructions throughout the length of the open rim; an anti-sedimentation tank placed above and connected to the toilet bowl, said anti-sedimentation tank being capable of receiving and storing greywater that will be reused to flush the toilet to clean the toilet bowl and flush the wastes contained therein; a washbasin-shaped tank lid located above and closing the upper part of the anti-sedimentation tank; and mixer valve installed in the washbasin-shaped lid and connected to cold and hot water supplies, where the mixer valve includes a third water supply intake which is also connected to a water outlet of the intake valve of the anti-sedimentation tank by means of a flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Marcelo Gerardo Garza Lagüera Garza
    Inventor: Marcelo Gerardo Garza Lagüera Garza
  • Patent number: 9032560
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism comprising a first handle, a second handle, a housing, a link arm member provided within the housing and pivotally coupled to the handles, and a moveable stop member provided within the housing. The first handle may be mounted to a first side of a toilet tank, and the second handle may be mounted coaxially relative to the first handle on the first side. The housing may be mounted to a second side of the tank. A rotation of one of the first and second handles results in rotation of the link arm member being limited by the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a first amount. Rotation of both the first and second handles results in movement of the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a second amount greater than the first amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Tony L. Lambert, Clayton C. Garrels, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Randy O. Mesun
  • Patent number: 9027584
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly having a handle assembly positioning bushing for spacing a handle assembly within an opening of the flush valve assembly. The handle assembly positioning bushing having an eccentric opening for receiving the handle such that rotation of the handle assembly positioning bushing with regard to the flush valve assembly body alters the height of the handle assembly and, thus, the volume of water passing through the flush valve assembly during a flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9015871
    Abstract: A flush driving device for a toilet includes a mounting bracket, a control panel that includes a sensing window and manual buttons, and a manual operating mechanism that includes bars cooperating with the manual buttons and rotating mechanisms connected with the bars. Rotating shafts of the rotating mechanisms are mounted in the mounting bracket. An automatic operating mechanism includes a driving motor, a rod controlled by the driving motor, and lifting mechanisms cooperating with the rod. The flush driving device also includes pull arms connected to both the rotating mechanisms and the lifting mechanisms for controlling the flush of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng Lin, Weiye Chen
  • Publication number: 20150107008
    Abstract: A system of controlling a flush toilet, which includes a first flushing channel and a second flushing channel, and the system contains: a depressurizing valve including an inlet connecting with an inlet pipe fitting, a first outlet, and a second outlet; a first water-supply pipe fitting employed to supply water from the first outlet toward the first flushing channel; a second water-supply pipe fitting applied to supply the water from the second outlet toward the second flushing channel; a first solenoid valve controlled to start and stop the first water-supply pipe fitting. The system also contains a second solenoid valve controlled to start and stop the second water-supply pipe fitting; a water pressure sensor for sensing a water pressure in the depressurizing valve and transmitting a pressure signal; and a control unit for receiving a flushing signal started by a user and the pressure signal from the water pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chungyu KUO, Mingchia Wu, Xuanzong Chen
  • Patent number: 9003574
    Abstract: A flush water control arrangement includes a water control pusher alignedly extended towards a flushing shaft, and an automated actuation unit which includes a motorized unit and an automated plunger arm movably extended towards the water control pusher. When the motorized unit is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm is driven by the motorized unit to move the water control pusher so as to actuate the flushing shaft between the first and second positions for complete a flushing operation. The water control pusher is actuated to push at the second position of the flushing shaft to complete the flushing operation with a relatively high volume of water. The water control pusher is actuated to push at the first position of the flushing shaft to complete the flushing operation with a relatively low volume of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8997268
    Abstract: A control system for a flush toilet includes a water delivery device for delivering a source of flush water to a bowl. The control system includes a controller and a user interface. The controller is operative to control the toilet through a flush sequence in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a predetermined amount of water to the bowl. In the second mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a user adjustable amount of water to the bowl. The user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting between the first mode and the second mode. Where the toilet is a macerator toilet, the controller monitors current draw unit when the current draw satisfies a predetermined current condition. The controller may operate in a normal mode and a lockout mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Miller, Ricky L. Danks, Julian N. Smith, Daniel Delaney, George Grech, Forrest D. Butterwick
  • Publication number: 20150067955
    Abstract: A flush valve system may comprise a rail guide configured to extend between upper and lower portions of the flush valve system in a toilet tank. A float may be slidably coupled to the rail guide and be configured to be received by a reservoir associated with the float. The float may comprise a closed upper surface with a mating pocket and one or more circumferential walls extending from the closed upper surface. A lock mechanism may be slidably received by the mating pocket of the float. The lock mechanism may comprise one or more bias arms to fixedly engage the lock mechanism to the float and one or more locking members to fixedly engage the lock mechanism to the rail guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventors: Michael LEE, Kokon Zhang, JunSheng Chen, Joseph Han
  • Publication number: 20150067954
    Abstract: An improved flush system as described herein may comprise a reservoir with a drain opening for egress of liquids disposed in the reservoir into a surrounding toilet tank. A lock mechanism is slidably received by the reservoir so that the lock mechanism is translatable between one or more fixed positions on the reservoir. In turn, translating the lock mechanism into the reservoir at increasing depths causes a size of the drain opening to be reduced and therefore adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventors: JunSheng CHEN, Joseph Han
  • Publication number: 20150033461
    Abstract: A water conservation device for use within a toilet is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector having a base adapted for connectivity and placement adjacent to a traditional pole assembly and proximate to an opening valve within a tank of the toilet. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a flexible pressure arm integrally formed with the connector base and adapted to couple to the opening valve within the tank of the toilet and adapted to provide a pressure to the opening valve to lessen overall water utilized in each flush of the toilet and thereby conserve water. The water conservation device is adapted for either a total or partial flush of the toilet as selected by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Shervin Shokouh Ahmady
  • Patent number: 8943620
    Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. A gasket is attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket forms a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20150013055
    Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. A gasket is attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket forms a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8918922
    Abstract: A water discharge valve device includes: a water discharge valve unit which has a valve element for opening and closing a discharge port and a control casing for controlling an up-down movement of the valve element; a casing module which includes a peripheral wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall of a water storage tank while surrounding peripheries of the discharge port and the control casing of the water discharge valve unit, to define an upwardly open space therebetween, an opening formed to penetrate through the peripheral wall, and a switching valve attached to the peripheral wall and adapted to open and close the opening; and a communication port formed in a peripheral plane extending from the control casing of the water discharge valve unit to the discharge port, to provide fluid communication between the casing module and the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kido, Yukinori Kubozono, Haruki Matsuda, Hisashi Koga
  • Patent number: 8904572
    Abstract: An assembly for initiating flushing of a toilet includes a handle and a bushing. The handle includes an axially extending stem that defines an axis of rotation. The bushing is configured to rotatably couple the handle to a tank of the toilet and includes a passage with the stem of the handle received therein. The handle defines two or more annular handle surfaces that are configured to cooperatively engage two or more annular bushing surfaces for rotation of the handle relative to the bushing about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Robert Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 8881319
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for external float extensions. In one embodiment, an external float extension includes an external adjustment rod configured to affix to a quick flush float of a dual flush assembly and an external float configured to be positioned on the external adjustment rod. In another embodiment, a dual flush assembly includes a quick flush float, an external adjustment rod affixed to the quick flush float, and an external float positioned on the external adjustment rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20140289944
    Abstract: A flush toilet apparatus includes a tank and a jet pump unit. The tank includes: a first tank portion; and a second tank portion formed so as to extend part of a bottom wall of the first tank portion downward. The jet pump unit includes a throat pipe provided with a suction port that is an inlet of water, and at least the part of the second tank portion is formed at a position overlapping with the suction port when viewed from the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Hidekazu KITAURA, Ryoko ISHIMARU, Tomohiro IWABATA, Yoshiki OTA, Takashi YOSHIOKA
  • Patent number: 8833727
    Abstract: A handle assembly for providing dual flush functionality to a flush valve. The handle assembly comprising a handle and a plunger engagable with each other. The plunger axially slidable in a bush disposed between the handle and the flush valve. The bushing having a passage for receiving the plunger. The plunger having a first and a second axis along which the plunger may travel through the passage. Movement of the handle moves the plunger from first axis to the second axis wherein actuation of the flush valve by the plunger along the first axis results in a different flush volume than actuation along the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8800070
    Abstract: A flush toilet is configured to permit user control of a flush cycle time and corresponding water usage. The toilet includes a bowl and a tank in fluid communication with the bowl. A flush handle assembly may be carried by the tank and may have a flush handle and a lever arm coupled thereto. In addition, there may be a flapper valve in the tank, and a rigid, adjustable-length, flapper control rod coupled between the lever arm and the flapper valve. Operation of the flush handle in a first direction may open the flapper valve, and operation of the flush handle in a second direction may close the flapper valve. This permits user control of the flush cycle time and corresponding water usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Boyce Hornberger
  • Patent number: 8800955
    Abstract: A dual mode flush valve includes a handle assembly having a handle, a bushing and a plunger. The bushing has a sleeve with a passage therethrough for mounting the plunger for sliding and tilting. The passage is defined by first and second partially overlapping bores that coincide at the inner end of the sleeve and are spaced one above the other at the outer end of the sleeve. The bores define a horizontal plunger travel axis and an angled plunger travel axis. Depending on which direction the user actuates the handle the plunger will travel along one of these axes. Travel along the angled axis will lower the plunger tip, allowing earlier clearance of a relief valve and a reduced flow through the flush valve compared to actuation with the plunger travel along the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8776282
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve assembly for installation into a toilet tank is described, which includes a supply tube, a valve regulating the flow of water, an actuator to open and close the valve; a vertical transmission shaft with upper and lower stops rotatable around its longitudinal axis between first and second positions; a float moveable upwardly under the buoyance force of water entering the tank to engage the lower stop when the shaft is in its first position and the upper stop when the shaft is in its second position, the movement of the float closing valve when the float engages one of the stops; a controller to move the shaft from its first position to its second position, allowing the float to engage the upper stop and increase the volume of water entering the tank between flushes; and a guide rotating the shaft to its first position upon flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: William Matthews Brawner
  • Publication number: 20140165278
    Abstract: Various embodiments for conserving fluid based on the position of a toilet seat are presented. One example embodiment includes a toilet flushing system having a fluid regulation component and a position detector. The fluid regulation component is configured to regulate an amount of fluid used to flush a toilet during a flush cycle. The position detector is configured to detect whether the toilet seat is in a raised position or a lowered position. The position detector is coupled to the fluid regulation component to communicate whether the toilet seat is in the raised position or the lowered position. The fluid regulation component is further configured to regulate the amount of fluid used during the flush cycle based at least in part on whether the toilet seat is in the raised position or the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Primoris Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Hutchinson, Troy A. Holbrook, Scott A. Holbrook, Christopher J. Knapp
  • Patent number: 8650671
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed towards toilet fill valves with adjustable bowl fill flow. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a water inlet, a water outlet, a bowl fill outlet port, and a bowl fill valve. The bowl fill valve has an integrally molded portion that forms a bowl fill valve inlet port. The integrally molded portion of the bowl fill valve inserts into the bowl fill outlet port so that the bowl fill valve inlet port is coupled to the bowl fill outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Patent number: 8615822
    Abstract: An air activated toilet flush system, including: a toilet bowl; a reservoir; a fluid conduit between the reservoir and the toilet bowl; a system for supplying water into the reservoir; and a system for supplying air into the reservoir, wherein a supply of air into the reservoir causes fluid to flow from the reservoir through the fluid conduit and into the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Vargas, Brian Lamb, Tom Stout, Eric Bennett, Tuan Le
  • Publication number: 20130318699
    Abstract: A water conservation device for use within a toilet is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector having a base adapted for connectivity and placement adjacent to a traditional pole assembly and proximate to an opening valve within a tank of the toilet. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a flexible pressure arm integrally formed with the connector base and adapted to couple to the opening valve within the tank of the toilet and adapted to provide a pressure to the opening valve to lessen overall water utilized in each flush of the toilet and thereby conserve water. The water conservation device is adapted for either a total or partial flush of the toilet as selected by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Shervin Shokouh Ahmady
  • Patent number: 8585008
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly having a handle assembly positioning bushing for spacing a handle assembly within an opening of the flush valve assembly. The handle assembly positioning bushing having an eccentric opening for receiving the handle such that rotation of the handle assembly positioning bushing with regard to the flush valve assembly body alters the height of the handle assembly and, thus, the volume of water passing through the flush valve assembly during a flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8584268
    Abstract: A dual flush device is disclosed to provide a full flush for removing solid waste and a water-saving partial flush for removing liquid or light solid waste in a toilet. It includes a first flush handle attached to a shaft to raise a lever to open a flapper valve, and a second flush handle that overlaps the first handle and opens the flapper valve through the first handle. A float assembly is disclosed to be used either with the dual flush device or with the original single flush lever assembly to prematurely close an opened flapper valve and reduce water consumption. Using the original flapper valve in a conventional toilet tank, a dual flush function is achieved by any of the three implementation choices: (1) the dual flush device alone; (2) the dual flush device and a float assembly; and (3) a float assembly alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: James T. Han
  • Patent number: 8561225
    Abstract: A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Peter J. Jahrling
  • Publication number: 20130232677
    Abstract: A control system for a flush toilet includes a water delivery device for delivering a source of flush water to a bowl. The control system includes a controller and a user interface. The controller is operative to control the toilet through a flush sequence in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a predetermined amount of water to the bowl. In the second mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a user adjustable amount of water to the bowl. The user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting between the first mode and the second mode. Where the toilet is a macerator toilet, the controller monitors current draw unit when the current draw satisfies a predetermined current condition. The controller may operate in a normal mode and a lockout mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: THETFORD CORPORATION
    Inventors: James K. Miller, Ricky L. Danks, Julian N. Smith, Daniel Delaney, George Grech, Forrest D. Butterwick
  • Patent number: 8528876
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing flushing fluid at different rates has a valve for controlling flow through a housing, the valve having a reset area to close the valve, a first bleed valve for constantly providing high pressure fluid to the reset area through a first path, a second bleed valve for providing high pressure fluid to the reset area through a second path, and an actuator. The actuator has a first position in which fluid is prevented from escaping from the second path, a second position in which fluid is allowed to escape from the second path and the second bleed valve is activated, and a third position in which fluid is allowed to escape from the second path and the second bleed valve is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Canada Limited
    Inventors: Anthony G. Straatman, Bryan Todd Fisher, Kamran Siddiqul, Frank A. Stauder
  • Publication number: 20130219606
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism comprising a first handle, a second handle, a housing, a link arm member provided within the housing and pivotally coupled to the handles, and a moveable stop member provided within the housing. The first handle may be mounted to a first side of a toilet tank, and the second handle may be mounted coaxially relative to the first handle on the first side. The housing may be mounted to a second side of the tank. A rotation of one of the first and second handles results in rotation of the link arm member being limited by the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a first amount. Rotation of both the first and second handles results in movement of the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a second amount greater than the first amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Kohler Co.