Manual Selection Of The Amount Of Flush Patents (Class 4/324)
  • Patent number: 7810178
    Abstract: The dual toilet tank system is toilet flushing system that efficiently uses the water in the tank depending on the waste being flushed. The tank body has a divider separating the tank into two compartments, one compartment has a smaller volume than the other; a flushing valve assembly with two flapper valves, one flapper valve disposed vertically higher than the other with each disposed in respective compartments; and independently operated actuators that flush the water in respective compartments or all of the tank. The smaller volume compartment is mostly used for liquid wastes while the larger volume compartment is used for solid wastes. For larger loads, both compartments are utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: George J. Wajda
  • Publication number: 20100235977
    Abstract: A device (10) for opening a toilet flushing system including a water cistern (12) supplied by a filler valve, and having a bottom discharge orifice (14) and a vertical movable discharge valve element (15) associated with this orifice (14) which is capable of occupying a low closed position for keeping the water in the cistern (12) or a high open position for discharging the water to a toilet pan, a float (18) which, when the cistern (12) is full, is submerged in order to move the valve element (15) to its open position, and a rod (22) for blocking the valve element (15) capable of being blocked or released by a magnetic valve and a finger at two emptying levels of the cistern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: CELEC CONCEPTION ELECTRONIQUE
    Inventor: Christian MARTIN
  • Publication number: 20100229294
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present system invention, there is provided a dividing module positioned in the holding tank of a toilet to separate the holding tank into a main portion and a reserve portion. The dividing module has a height lower than the full water level in the holding tank. The dividing module includes the ability to selectively connect the main portion and the reserve portion in fluid communication of each other. The embodiment allows an operator to press the handle arm an initial time to maintain the main portion and the reserve portion in substantially fluid separation of each other, such that water in the main portion is utilized to flush the toilet and wherein when the operator presses the handle a second time in the same manner as the initial time, the dividing module connects the main portion and the reserve portion in substantially fluid communication with each other, such that water in the reserve portion and the main portion is utilized to flush the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Z-CHOICE INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Weizhi Chen, Suzy Zeng
  • Publication number: 20100212077
    Abstract: A water flushing device includes a membrane engaged onto an upper portion of a housing for blocking the housing, a valve device for selectively blocking or opening a central opening of the membrane, and two or more gaskets selectively engaged into the membrane and having bores of different inner diameters for adjusting the water flushing speed through the membrane and the gaskets and for adjusting the water flushing from an outlet port of the housing to the floor toilet bowl. The membrane includes an inner peripheral rim and an outer peripheral rim each having a blade for reinforcing the membrane, and includes a number of plates engaged in the middle peripheral portion for further reinforcing the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Meng-Meng Chen
  • Patent number: 7743436
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve, toilet, and associated methods are provided with an adjustable bowl fill flow. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a water inlet and a first water outlet configured to supply water to a toilet tank. A bowl fill outlet port extends from a portion of a body of the toilet fill valve, the bowl fill outlet port being operatively coupled to the water inlet. The toilet fill valve includes a bowl fill valve having a bowl fill valve inlet port and a bowl fill valve outlet port, wherein the bowl fill valve inlet port is compatible with the bowl fill outlet port and the bowl fill valve inlet port being coupled to the bowl fill outlet port, the bowl fill valve radially extending from a portion of a body of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill valve is configured to supply an adjustable flow of water out the bowl fill outlet port for filling a toilet bowl during a flush cycle of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Publication number: 20100132103
    Abstract: A flush water volume control arrangement includes a replacement member for interchangeably replacing a conventional pusher member and for being slidably coupled with a valve body, wherein the replacement member has a sized configuration different from a sized configuration of the conventional pusher member and is adapted for being actuated by a flush actuator to push at a flushing shaft so as to complete a flushing operation with a relatively low volume of water lower than the volume of flush water through the conventional pusher member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Publication number: 20100132104
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to toilet tank valve structures and methods of waste treatment. The toilet tank valve structures contain a primary and a secondary valve actuation to support a full discharge for solid waste and a partial discharge for liquid waste. The disclosure is also related to a toilet tank valve structure for providing a limiting device for partial discharge. Further, the disclosure of the toilet tank valve structure is related to limit the physical size of the dual flush actuator by fitting the actuator with a remote, secondary, actuation module, thereby reducing the physical size of the primary actuator for easy retrofit in existing toilet tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Andras Csiki
  • Publication number: 20100083434
    Abstract: A toilet flushing system is provided for both high and low volume flush control. The toilet flushing system comprises a control assembly having an actuator, first link, second link, and swivel member that provide high volume flush control by selectively opening a closure member rotatably attached to the housing. The rotation of a lever mobilizes the actuator such that the first link, swivel member, second link, and closure member are rotated from a closed position to a high volume flush position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: WILLIAM DAVID STEADMAN
  • Publication number: 20100077542
    Abstract: Two levels toilet water flushing unit provides two levels of water flushing, one level to drain smaller amount of water to flush liquid human waste and another level to drain larger amount of water to flush solid human waste. Everybody urinates several times a day and defecates only once a day. If we use the level to drain a large amount of water to flush solid human waste and the level to drain smaller amount of water to flush liquid human waste we can save a very large amount of water to relieve the shortage of water supply in big cities in the States.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Kun Yuan Tong
  • Publication number: 20100058521
    Abstract: The dual toilet tank system is toilet flushing system that efficiently uses the water in the tank depending on the waste being flushed. The tank body has a divider separating the tank into two compartments, one compartment has a smaller volume than the other; a flushing valve assembly with two flapper valves, one flapper valve disposed vertically higher than the other with each disposed in respective compartments; and independently operated actuators that flush the water in respective compartments or all of the tank. The smaller volume compartment is mostly used for liquid wastes while the larger volume compartment is used for solid wastes. For larger loads, both compartments are utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: George J. Wajda
  • Publication number: 20100050331
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for flushing a toilet wherein the duration of the flush, and thus the amount of water used, is selectable by a user. In an embodiment, the system includes a controller and a non-buoyant flush valve that are coupled together via a linkage. The controller opens the flush valve for a time period set by a user. Once the time period has lapsed, the flush valve is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Jae Auk Sim
  • Publication number: 20100043130
    Abstract: A gravity flush toilet system is provides that includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl and a tank, wherein the bowl includes a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowl to a sewage line. The toilet system is capable of operating at multiple flush volumes without loss of siphonic function or significant change in the surface area of the water in the bowl. The multiple flush volumes allow the user to select appropriate water usages for the required waste removal without diminishing the performance of the toilet, resulting in significant water savings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventors: David Grover, Zheng Chen, James McHale
  • Patent number: 7653951
    Abstract: A flushing device comprising an evacuation fitting (6) that is provided with a sealing member (7) within a pressurized container (2). The sealing member (7) is lifted counter to the pressure of a piston (16) in order to initiate the flushing process. A connecting device (39) for a water pipe (24) is disposed on the container (2). The flushing device further comprises a structure (49, 50) for flushing with a partial quantity of the flushing water. For example, the structure (49, 50) is provided with a power-loaded part (50) which moves the valve member (7) down onto the valve seat (5) of the evacuation fitting (6) when the flushing process is interrupted. In an alternative embodiment, two chambers are provided, only one of which is emptied during partial flushing. Flushing water can be conserved by the fact that the flushing process can be interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Albert Gübeli, Mario Von Ballmoos, Peter Schmucki, Stefan Grob
  • Publication number: 20090282610
    Abstract: Controls for use in association with a toilet conserve water by allowing the amount of water utilized for each flush to be varied. The controls conserve water by minimizing the amount of water lost in the event of either a minor leak or a major leak. The controls may include a magnet to raise a float connected with a water float control valve. The controls may include water level sensor apparatus. The controls may include a force transmission assembly which effects operation of water inlet and outlet valves under the influence of force transmitted from a handle of a toilet. A separate body of water may be maintained in a container in the tank. A pump may be connected in fluid communication with the container and operated under the influence of force transmitted from the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: ERVIN J. RACHWAL
  • Publication number: 20090276946
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-level flush assembly that can be retrofitted to virtually any toilet with a tank that provides two different water volumes for toilet flushing with a full tank flush for heavy waste and a partial tank flush for light or liquid waste. The flush assembly may use the existing handle and provide tactile feedback for each of the two flush volumes. The two levels of flushing action may be achieved with two independent detent-latch mechanisms, one on each side of the tower, operating on the single toilet flapper. Two independent floats may be utilized, each connected to a release mechanism on either side of the flapper and the water level that supports the float may determine when the flapper is released to close on its seat. The two floats may be set at two different water depths providing a flushing action releasing different volumes of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Timothy L. Moulton
  • Publication number: 20090260144
    Abstract: A water saving device for a flush toilet comprising a flapper valve limit structure which yieldably limits the upward movement of a toilet tank flapper valve after it has been moved upwardly from its lower closed position towards its upper position thereby reducing the amount of water which will be discharged from the water tank into the toilet bowl during a flushing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Darby J. Vosler
  • Publication number: 20090249536
    Abstract: Two control-levers of toilet water flush system provides two control-levers to control the amount of flush water. User presses downward one control-lever to flush small amount of water enough to flush liquid human waste and then releases it to shut off water. User presses downward another control-lever to flush a large amount of water to flush solid human waste. One person urinates a couple of time a day and only defecate once a day. If we use only small amount of water to flush urine then we can save a large amount of water to relieve the shortage of water supply in big cities in the United States.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Kun Yuan Tong
  • Publication number: 20090178190
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a passively discharging and water-saving toilet bowl having an operation mechanism in which all parts are accurately operated as well as a water supply controlling mechanism by which the water level in a water reservoir can be controlled arbitrarily. The toilet bowl, having an operation mechanism conducted with an operation unit comprising: a first operation unit, operated with a manipulation lever, communicating both with a stool-discharging piston for opening or closing a stool-discharging pipe and with a flap valve for opening or closing a water reservoir; and a second operation unit, operating in response to the position of a float for controlling the water level of the water reservoir in such a manner that the second operation unit is connected to and separated from the first operation unit when the float is situated at an upper position and a lower position, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: 3-LITER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Se Jun
  • Publication number: 20090133186
    Abstract: A flush system includes a valve body, a valve seat, a flushing shaft and a flush water control arrangement which includes a flush actuator and a water control pusher. The flush actuator is adapted to move between a high and a low volume actuating position. The water control pusher includes a low and a high volume pusher member spacedly extended from the flush actuator, in such a manner that when the flush actuator is moved to the high volume actuating position, the high volume pusher member is driven to move to pivotally move the flushing shaft at the higher pushing position for producing a high volume of flush water, wherein when the flush actuator is move to the low volume actuating position, the low volume pusher member is driven to move to pivotally move the flushing shaft at the lower pushing position for producing a low volume of flush water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Publication number: 20090126094
    Abstract: Methods and various devices for conserving water during the process of toilet flushing are disclosed. The method herein emphasizes retrofitting a toilet of the type typically having a reservoir, tank float, overflow tube, flush handle, lever arm, and a means of linkage to a flapper valve. Rigid internal components of the means of linkage are the primary improvements presented herein. The disclosed rigid devices replace the chain as the means of linkage in the toilet reservoir and thereby function, throughout the entire flush cycle, as a direct operator of the flapper valve, giving the user proactive control over the amount of water used in flushing. Devices, or kits, utilized in carrying out the water conserving method are disclosed which are easily installable into existing toilets of older design. The inventive concept empowers the user of a toilet to control the sufficiency of the total flush and consequently, the corresponding volume of water used, while operating the toilet with current flush controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen G. Laube
  • Publication number: 20090089922
    Abstract: A dual flush button assembly includes a unitary button with a full flush surface and a partial flush surface. Pressing the partial flush surface moves the button linearly to active a partial flush. Pressing the full flush surface rotates the button to activate a full flush. An extension member beneath the button is coupled to a link of a dual flush valve. The extension member is moved farther when the full flush surface is engaged. The button is configured to pivot with respect to a housing when the full flush portion is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Le, Bryan Janish
  • Publication number: 20090025130
    Abstract: A flush valve is provided for flushing a toilet bowl. The flush valve includes a center tube having a lug, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, at least one latching mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, and at least one rack configured to have movement controlled by the at least one latching mechanism. The at least one latching mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Le, Bryan Janish, Robert Collin, Bill DeKeyser
  • Publication number: 20090025129
    Abstract: A flush valve is provided for flushing a toilet bowl. The flush valve includes a center tube, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, and at least one timing mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube. The timing mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Le, Bryan Janish, Robert Collin, Bill DeKeyser
  • Publication number: 20080271233
    Abstract: A flush valve is provided for discharging fluid from a tank. The flush valve includes a flapper. The flapper includes a frame portion and a hollow float portion rotatably connected to the frame portion. A relative rotational position between the frame portion and the float portion adjusts at least one opening formed between the frame portion and the float portion, and controls an amount of fluid discharged from the tank by variably adjusting buoyancy of the flapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Han
  • Publication number: 20080216223
    Abstract: A water conservation system is provided public and domestic lavatories. The system includes a distinctive flush mechanism of two features. One of these features entails a “treatment button” which, upon depression, will cause to emit a fluid compound into urinated wastewater decolorizing and sanitizing it and bringing it back to its original, colorless, odorless condition. Accordingly, potable water is not used for flushing. The urinated wastewater is “treated” and, so, remains through subsequent “treatments” until such time when solid waste is deposited necessitating a conventional flush utilizing the flush lever and usual water use. The savings in volume of water is realized upon considering the number of times the “treatment button” is executed and potable water is “not withdrawn.” The system is revolutionary in that it dispenses with a “necessary flush” each time the toilet is used. Moreover, this novel system addresses the recurring local, and national, drought emergency situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Chester White
  • Publication number: 20080120770
    Abstract: A water-conserving blowout toilet (10) includes a valve (14), such as a globe valve, connected to a timing mechanism (16) for determining a volume of water flowing to a toilet bowl (32) independent of water flow, a bowl (32) having a lower portion (36) defining a volume of space such that a minimal amount of the water is sufficient to cover and seal a waste outlet (34), and a distribution manifold (22) for distributing the water into the bowl (32) for maximum effect. In another embodiment, the toilet (10) uses approximately 1.0 gallon of water per flush, with approximately 0.5 gallons being used to flush waste from the bowl (32), and approximately 0.5 gallons being used to cover and seal the waste outlet (34). In one embodiment, upper and lower portions (133,136) of the bowl (132) are constructed separately and then joined together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Audie MURPHY
  • Publication number: 20080072370
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a bowl having an opening. The opening includes a plurality of movable members movable between a first position and a second position. The first position is a closed position in which the movable members are connected and support items in the bowl. The second position is an open position and allows a hand to enter the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Jackson River Phipps
  • Publication number: 20080047052
    Abstract: A flush valve apparatus for a toilet tank includes a float that provides a buoyancy force to a flush valve flapper. The float may be coupled to a chain connecting a lever and the flapper, or directly to the flapper. The float may be selected from a set of floats having a variety of sizes and shapes. Once a selected float is installed, the position of the float is fixed relative to the valve flapper, thus preventing change in the amount of water consumption per flush, which depends upon the buoyancy force on the flapper. For different standards, floats of different shapes and/or sizes may be selected such that the amount of water consumption per flush meets the standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Han
  • Publication number: 20080034488
    Abstract: A flush system for a flush toilet in which an auxiliary tank is positioned in the main tank and which is operated according to a fluid pressure system. The auxiliary tank has a bottom wall which is spaced above the bottom of the main tank and has a fluid port on the bottom wall and a one-way valve in the top wall thereof. With the one-way valve closed, air can flow out of the auxiliary tank but cannot flow into the auxiliary tank. An air conduit is connected at one end thereof to a selector valve on the flush handle on the toilet and is fluidically connected to the auxiliary tank at the other end thereof. When the selector valve is opened, operation of the flush handle will permit air to flow into the auxiliary tank whereby water can flow out of the auxiliary tank during a flush cycle. However, if the selector valve is closed, the auxiliary tank is closed and air cannot flow into the auxiliary tank so water will not flow out of that tank during the flush cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Randall E. Lusch
  • Patent number: 7219375
    Abstract: A flushing arrangement (30) including an opened topped housing (32) surrounding the flush valve (12). An opening (40) is provided in a lower part of the housing (32) with a selectively openable gate (44). The arrangement (30) is configured such that for a low volume flush the gate (44) is closed and only water in the housing (32) or located thereabove will be flushed, and for a high volume flush the gate (44) is open wherein substantially all of the water in the cistern (20) above the lowest part of the opening (40) is flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: David William Steadman
  • Patent number: 7165577
    Abstract: A cleaning valve drive unit constituted to be able to supply water to a toilet by manual rotational operation of a main shaft in which the main shaft is constituted to be able to pull out from a cleaning operation position to a draining operation position. Whereas an operation limiting mechanism with respect to the main shaft enables to carry out cleaning operation to the toilet by rotational operation around an axis line with respect to the main shaft when the main shaft is disposed at the cleaning operation position, when the main shaft is moved to the draining operation position, the operation limiting mechanism permits to drain water by the rotational operation around the axis line with respect to the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation & Inax Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Iwashita, Tsuyoshi Nakasone, Katsunori Tomita, Takanori Idota, Hironao Inoue
  • Patent number: 7159251
    Abstract: A water saver toilet that produces a larger water spot (122) in the toilet bowl (12) and a better flushing, and that enables partial and full flushing. A trapway (14) that extends from the toilet bowl outlet to a drain (16), has upper and lower traps (30, 32) and a trapway passage (34) that extends between and into the traps. The lower trap is constructed to be sealed by water therein prior to each flushing, and a pressured air source (98) applies pressured air to the trapway prior to a flushing. The pressured air in the trapway pushes some upper trap water into the toilet bowl to increase the water spot therein. A first container (40) lies in the water tank, and the water therein can be flushed down from the first container though a coupling region (80) and though a flush valve (24), for a partial flushing. A full flushing is achieved by opening a second valve (62) to pass water lying in the tank around and above the first container, and through the coupling region and the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Philip Hennessy
  • Patent number: 7047574
    Abstract: A toilet system comprises a liquid receptacle and a control element. The control element configured to automatically control an amount of liquid input to the liquid receptacle for each of a plurality of flushes of the liquid receptacle such that an amount of the liquid residing in the liquid receptacle between flushes is substantially varied thereby impeding formation of a chemical deposit ring on an inner surface of the liquid receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Wade C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7028347
    Abstract: A digital electronic volume/flow control sensor toilet includes a bowl, a water storage tank interconnected with the bowl, and a digital electronic volume/flow control sensor flushing mechanism. The flushing mechanism has components including a volume sensor, a shuttle, a plunger assembly, a motor, a water valve, and a control with a power source and volume/flow control sensor circuitry communicatively interconnecting the components. The volume sensor has a plurality of electrically conductive contact points exposed on a surface and at positions along a length of the side of the volume sensor with a recess, the positions of the contact points corresponding to predetermined volume levels of the flushing mechanism. A plurality of VOLUME SELECTION buttons/switches are mounted on an outer surface of the water storage tank, the VOLUME SELECTION buttons/switches being associated with the contact points. A HOLD button/switch can be mounted on the outer surface of the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Dilworth D. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 6962163
    Abstract: A liquid level control apparatus for a flush tank includes a valve mechanism communicating with a fill tube and operable between open and closed conditions, two floats, at least one of which is coupled to the valve mechanism for closing it when the at least one float reaches a predetermined height, and structure interconnecting the floats so as to substantially prevent their vertical movement until a predetermined liquid level is reached corresponding to the predetermined height, thereby causing sudden movement of the at least one float to the predetermined height and sudden closing of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: George S. Cole & Associates, Incorporated
    Inventor: Harry W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6901610
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly includes a valve body with a first cylindrical tube member and a flush cover member that is coaxially and slidably mounted with respect to the valve body so as to create a valve opening therebetween when the flush cover member is removed from the valve body. A guiding means is provided that includes a second cylindrical tube member secured to the flush cover member and slidably fitted over the first cylindrical tube member. The guiding means further includes at least one alignment tab on the flush cover member that engages a corresponding tab recess defined in the valve body. A secondary float assembly pivotably affixed to the valve body has a flotation cup with a resilient member integral therewith. A pawl member includes retention members in combination with each of a primary finger and a secondary finger that engage an integral tab portion along an outside peripheral surface of the flush cover member during reciprocating movement of the flush cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: American Standard International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jensen, Joseph Unkyung Han
  • Patent number: 6874172
    Abstract: A dual discharge valve for immersion in fluid, in a cistern includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. An upwardly movable main valve assembly within the housing forms therewith a variable volume upper chamber and lower chamber. A first vent means is between the upper and lower chambers and an outlet leads down from the lower housing portion, which portion contains a seat for the main valve assembly at the entry to the outlet so that in the lowered position of the main valve assembly the outlet is blocked against the ingress of fluid. A central stem extends upwardly from the main valve assembly and is actuable by a first operating means remotely from the upper housing to raise the main valve assembly off its seat, the wall of the lower portion of the housing above the seat having apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Douglas Robert David Frost
  • Patent number: 6848469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable valve for a toilet in which the valve remains in a lower setting unless it is activated by the user to a higher setting and automatically returns to the lower setting after flushing the toilet. The amount of water used for each flush is dependent on the water level in the toilet tank. The water level in the tank is set by adjusting the height of the valve assembly. The valve assembly can be activated by the user to raise the height of the valve assembly and maintain the height using a release clip, thereby increasing the amount of water in the tank. When the handle is pressed to flush the toilet, the release clip is pulled back by a chain extending from the handle and the adjustable valve springs back to the lower setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Paul Vegliante
  • Publication number: 20040261165
    Abstract: A flushing arrangement (30) including an opened topped housing (32) surrounding the flush valve (12). An opening (40) is provided in a lower part of the housing (32) with a selectively openable gate (44). The arrangement (30) is configured such that for a low volume flush the gate (44) is closed and only water in the housing (32) or located thereabove will be flushed, and for a high volume flush the gate (44) is open wherein substantially all of the water in the cistern (20) above the lowest part of the opening (40) is flushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: David William Steadman
  • Patent number: 6823889
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the toilet fill valve includes a water inlet and a first water outlet configured to supply water to a toilet tank. The toilet fill valve further includes a bowl fill valve having a bowl fill valve inlet and a bowl valve outlet, the bowl fill valve inlet being operatively coupled to the water inlet. The bowl fill valve is integrated with a body of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill valve is configured to supply an adjustable flow of water out the bowl fill outlet for filling a toilet bowl during a flush cycle of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Publication number: 20040194199
    Abstract: The invention discloses a treatment apparatus for the excrement and a bio-toilet using the treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus includes a tank, a reactor basin in the tank for containing the raw material and the excrement and having at least two parallel, concave parts having curved profile in the bottom part of the tank, a temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the basin at a predetermined range; and at least two mixing devices which match with the at least two concave parts, each of them can rotate around a rotation shaft, the helical blade stirrer secured to the rotation shaft by a plurality of spokes. The bio-toilet is waterless, and thus a large quantity of water can be saved and the pollution of the environment due to the drainage of sewage can be avoided. Furthermore, treated by the treatment apparatus of the present invention, the microorganisms and the organic materials are combined and converted into stable loosen soil and the organic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Andy Ming Fen Tung
  • Publication number: 20040168247
    Abstract: A toilet system comprises a liquid receptacle and a control element. The control element configured to automatically control an amount of liquid input to the liquid receptacle for each of a plurality of flushes of the liquid receptacle such that an amount of the liquid residing in the liquid receptacle between flushes is substantially varied thereby impeding formation of a chemical deposit ring on an inner surface of the liquid receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Wade C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6775859
    Abstract: A dual flush toilet includes a handle pivotally mounted to a tank. A water outlet fluidly coupled to the tank has an upper edge defining a primary opening. An overflow tube is fluidly coupled to the water outlet. The overflow tube has a break therein such that a first section and a second section are defined. The first and second sections are positionable in a closed position mated together and an open, spaced position. A pivot assembly mechanically couples the second section to the handle such that the secorid section is removed from the first section when the handle is rotated in a first direction. A primary plug is mechanically coupled to the handle such that the primary plug is removed from the primary opening when the handle is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Seroosh Gorginians
  • Patent number: 6728975
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly for a water tank of a water closet which includes a first valve member which can be secured to the water tank and has a base sleeve position including a radiused inlet to thereby increase the discharge coefficient of the valve opening. A second valve member is coaxially and slidably mounted with respect to the first valve member so that the valve opening is created between the first and second valve members when the second valve member is removed from the first valve member. The second valve member is slidably movable between a first rest position, wherein the second valve member is seated on the base sleeve portion of the first valve member so that water cannot pass through the valve opening, and a second position, wherein the second valve member is removed from the base sleeve portion of the first valve member so that water can pass through the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Unkyung Han
  • Patent number: 6675397
    Abstract: An apparatus for use within toilet tanks is disclosed. The apparatus would be a modified flush system in which a user would be allowed to flush one of two different flush levers attached to the toilet after use. Each of the flush levers would allow a different amount of water to flow from the toilet tank into the toilet to evacuate the contents of the toilet. One of the flush levers could be used in normal water conditions, while the other flush lever could be used in drought conditions or times in which water conservation must be observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Bertalmino
  • Patent number: 6651266
    Abstract: A toilet flushing method causes high-pressure flush water, provided by a flow pipe, to spray along the baffle in the bottom of the trap of a toilet bowl and causes the flush water used for washing the toilet bowl to spray into the toilet bowl. The high-pressure flush water discharges the egesta with water in order to supply sealing water to the trap. A toilet, which uses components for improving the prior art toilet, carries out the flushing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignees: Beijing Zhonglian Huan-Jietong, Water-Saving Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng Liu, Bing Hua Chen, Sili He
  • Patent number: 6643855
    Abstract: A device for controlling the discharging amount of the flush water from toilet tank includes a U-shaped member secured to a lateral wall in the tank and close on two lateral sides by a pair of U-shaped plates, a large rotor, an eccentric wheel and a small rotor disposed into the U-shaped member, a small float ball connected to the eccentric wheel, a trip lever connected to the small rotor, a check plate pivoted to one end of the U-shaped member, a large flush hand connected to a cylindrical body of the large rotor and a small flush handle connected to a positioning rod of the small rotor to be actuated by the large flush handle. When press the large flush handle, a large amount of flush water can be discharged and when press the small flush handle, a small amount of flush water is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jia-Jang Huang
  • Patent number: 6640351
    Abstract: In combination, a cistern and flushing apparatus, the cistern having an outlet (7), and the apparatus comprising a valve (3, 5) for closing the outlet, the valve having a seat (5) and a sealing member (3) movable onto and off the seat, an actuating float (1) constrained to move substantially vertically in the cistern and connected with the sealing member so that the buoyancy of the float acts to press the sealing member onto the seat, means (10) for holding the float against its buoyancy and an actuation mechanism (18, 18, 11) for releasing the float thereby to open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Clorindo Diaz-Perez
  • Patent number: 6584622
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for flushing a toilet are disclosed, the method including actuating a flushing initiator to open a reservoir discharge valve, closing the reservoir discharge valve after a predetermined period of time, and determining that predetermined period of time by means of a hydraulic timer disposed in a water-containing reservoir whereby the water remaining in the water-containing reservoir operating the hydraulic timer. Apparatus for carrying out these methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ninotech HB
    Inventor: Hans Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6581216
    Abstract: A commode shutoff device having a diverter housing, diverter valve within diverter housing, diverter arm, a means for actuating the diverter arm, support bracket, and an alternate water line is disclosed. Water is redirected from the overflow water line to the alternate water line by actuating the diverter arm through manually pulling up on the flush handle. Once the water is redirected, it can no longer flow into the bowl, thus preventing an overflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Halsell