Alternate Unicyclic Flush Patents (Class 4/325)
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Patent number: 6044500Abstract: A flushing cistern includes a reservoir with an outlet opening, the opening and closing of which is controlled by a cistern bell. The cistern bell is connected to an activator for lifting the cistern bell when the flushing is initiated. The cistern bell has a cavity and a circumferential seal cooperating with the area about the outlet opening in the reservoir. At least a portion of the cavity in the cistern bell forms a buoyancy-adjusting chamber which is open downwardly inside the seal and communicates upwardly with a control, through an air-escape pipe.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Bornholms Plastvarefabrik ApSInventors: Ib Madsen, Keld A. Nielsen
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Patent number: 5960482Abstract: A device for controlling different amounts of flushing water out of a toilet tank includes a casing having a through-hole defined therein and a pair of channels formed on both sides thereof; a shaft rotatably arranged in the casing with the front end extending out through the through-hole, the shaft being spring-loaded to define a rotationally initial position and so as to urge itself to return to the initial position after rotation; a disk secured to the shaft and having a pair of posts spaced apart at a predetermined angular distance; a reel having a peripheral recess for receiving a string, the string being fixedly attached to the reel; a pair of trigger members pivotally connected to the casing, each trigger member being pivotal to a first position in which one of the posts is retained by the trigger member after the shaft is rotated away from the initial position through a respective angle, and to a second position in which the post is released to return to the initial position; a pair of poles movable tType: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventor: I-Yao Chang
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Patent number: 5956781Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual flush cistern. The cistern incorporates a flushing valve 12 located in the base of the cistern, the flushing valve 12 having a stem 11 able to be lifted to open the flushing valve 12. Float 30 is fixed to stem 11 and is mounted within float housing 13. Float housing 13 is mounted relative to the cistern such that it is below the normal water level when the cistern is full and above the normal water level following a partial flush. The closure of flushing valve 12 is dependant on float 30 which falls with the water level within float housing 13. The drainage rate of water from float housing 13 is controllable in response to the type of flush desired.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: James Hardie Research Pty LimitedInventor: Donald Grant
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Patent number: 5943708Abstract: An adjustable tank ball assembly mounted in the water tank of a ballfloat toilet controlled by two trip handles to close/open the water discharging outlet of the valve seat of the water tank of the ballfloat toilet between a full-discharge flushing mode and a water-saving flushing mode, the adjustable tank ball assembly including a ball shell having a bottom center hole, a valve rod coupled to the ball shell and pulled by a first trip handle to lift the ball shell from the valve seat so as to achieve the full-discharge flushing mode, and an actuating plate driven by a second trip handle to force down the valve rod in opening the bottom center hole of the ball shell so as to achieve the water-saving flushing node.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Ching-Tse Chen
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Patent number: 5924143Abstract: The refill device is used with water-saving flush valves which retrofit into existing toilet tanks. These valves normally do not allow enough time to refill the bowl to its proper level. This diminishes their effectiveness and efficiency. The refill device is depicted here on a two-level valve of the inventor's previous patent. It comprises a chamber (40) between a valve (20) and a plate (34) which rotate up off of an outlet (22). As the valve is lifted the chamber contracts. After upper float (28) or lower floats (66) allow the valve to drop, water pulling down on the valve draws water into the chamber. The water pulls a flap (54) shut over a hole (56) in the plate. The plate then supports the chamber which holds the valve slightly open, permitting a predetermined amount of water to flow under it to refill the toilet bowl. Water seeps under the flap at a controlled rate allowing the valve to completely close.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Inventor: John Stanley Harrison
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Patent number: 5913611Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Norman J. Jaeckels, John A. Fiumefreddo, Michael P. Gray, Anton J. Kolar, Randy O. Mesun, Jeffrey F. Tempas
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Patent number: 5867844Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Norman J. Jaeckels, Randy O. Mesun
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Patent number: 5855024Abstract: 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 in 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Water Management Services Inc.Inventor: Wade W. Smith
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Patent number: 5842236Abstract: Device for a lavatory cistern including: a) a flush valve opened by the lowering of a horizontal cam (13) pushing on a horizontal valve (11) which separates a ball (10) from its sealing seat; and b) a dual flushing volume mechanism, with an emptying tube (25) carrying a base floater (31), an intermediate floater (32) and, at its upper portion, a horizontal projecting element (33) which is optionally locked in its ascending stroke according to whether a weak or heavy flushing is selected.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignees: Jean Videau, Laurent VideauInventor: Moise Piat
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Patent number: 5819329Abstract: A retrofit toilet flush system with an externally mounted variable control air valve that will precisely regulate the amount of water used in each flush cycle. A gallon indicator numbered one through six, in increments of no less than forty indexed portions, can be set. The air valve works in combination with a self-purging flapper to control condensation in the tube and air valve. The air valve consists of two simple bi-part molded custom parts assembled together with one of each of the following standard parts: a snap pin, o-ring, washer, and a lubricated wiping pad. All parts are made of non-metallic, corrosion-proof materials. No tools or special skills are required for the less than two minute installation time with no water shut-off.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1995Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventors: Dennis W. Doney, Millard G. Lee
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Patent number: 5819330Abstract: A toilet enhancement which utilizes a flush handle having push-button settings for light and heavy flushes, the heavy setting fully raising the flush lever in the toilet tank, the lever in turn fully raising the flap valve at the bottom of the tank and allowing all of the water to flow out into the bowl of the toilet, the light flush setting shifting a cam connected to the flush handle so that the handle rotates slightly before coming into contact with the flush lever, thereby raising the lever and the flap valve to positions which are lower than their fully raised positions, the flap valve being connected to a timing gear mechanism which controls the rate at which the valve returns to its seated position, so that the flap valve closes from its partially raised position in an amount of time which allows approximately half of the water in the tank to flow out to the bowl.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventor: Don Yokel
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Patent number: 5813059Abstract: A two-stage water-saving flushing device adapted to be fixed in a toilet tank includes an overflow tube made up of one outer tube and one filter tube extensibly connected with the outer tube to be applied to different-sized toilet tanks. The flushing device further has a pressing unit which has a base plate with a cylinder for housing a pressing tube and a function rod inserted through the pressing tube. The function rod is pressed down to flush a large amount of water, and pulled up to flush a small amount of water, by a first arm pulled up to lift a valve of a low-level exit tube connected with the first arm with a chain, and by a second arm pulled up to lift a valve of a high-level exit tube connected with the second arm with a chain.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventor: Kuo-Hsin Wang
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Patent number: 5761748Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 1997Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Inventors: Wade W. Smith, David A. Saar
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Patent number: 5720053Abstract: The quantity of water which is discharged from a flushing tank into a toilet bowl is regulated by accelerating or decelerating the descent of a float in a housing which is installed in the tank. The float carries an actuator which is provided with a valving element serving to seal an outlet of the tank when the float descends in the housing to a selected level as a result of flow of water from the housing into the tank through one or more openings in the housing. Each opening is controlled by a discrete valve which can be closed or opened to a selected extent by the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Inventor: Heinrich Menge
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Patent number: 5713086Abstract: A flushing device has a first pushbutton for triggering a flushing with essentially the total amount of water present in the flushing tank and a second pushbutton for triggering a flushing with part of this amount of water. Both pushbuttons are connected to a valve pipe, which is to be raised during flushing and is mounted in a float housing. A beaker-shaped hollow body, which is raised as an additional weight with the closing element in the case of a partial flushing, is arranged in the flushing tank. The hollow body is raised with the closing element during a complete flushing and during a partial flushing alike. In the case of a complete flushing, the hollow body is opened by an opening such that water contained in the said hollow body flows out at least partially when the closing element with the hollow body is raised.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Geberit Technik AGInventor: Alois Diethelm
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Patent number: 5711039Abstract: A dual power-flush toilet (20) which has a water closet (22), a water tank (24), a ball cock (26), and a first lever arm (28). A dual acting flush valve (30) is disposed within the tank and modified to incorporate an overflow opening (44), a refill elbow (46) and a beveled washer (32). A second tank lever arm (50) is installed into the tank and lifts the flush valves vertical tube (36) causing a partial flush of the water in the tank. The first tank lever arm is attached to the flush valves float assist arm (38) beneath the second lever arm lifting both the vertical tube and float assist (40) delaying the opening until a complete flush of the water from the tank is achieved. A pressure increasing riser (56) is added between the water closet and the water tank to boost the water pressure and more efficiently flush water from the tank into the water closet.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Inventor: Israel Mizrahi
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Patent number: 5704076Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve for use in the demand mode, and which includes a discharge control and closure valve for controlling the flow of water from the tank or reservoir to the bowl, and with the valve further having a generally cylindrical configuration with an open top and a closed bottom defining a water retaining chamber, with the chamber extending upwardly above the discharge drain opening and being designed to retain a fill of a certain first quantity of water. Pivotal opening of the valve, while tipping a portion of the water outwardly of the enclosure, will not discharge more than about 70% of the volume of water retained within the enclosure so as to permit a more positive seal of the valve onto the discharge drain opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Inventor: Olof H. Olson
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Patent number: 5699563Abstract: A dual flush valve that can be operated in a partial flush mode to release only about half of the tank water to the toilet bowl, or in a full flush mode to release almost all of the tank water, is of simple and reliable construction. For a partial flushing a chain device (64, FIG. 2) connected to the outer end of the flush member, is pulled to raise the flush member only a small amount (to 14C), and a release mechanism (90) is connected to a separate location on the flush member to keep it up until a float (110) senses that about half of the tank water has been released. The float pivots an arm (102) to disengage a latch 94 on the arm from a catch (96) on the yoke of the flush member to release it. The float slides along the refill/overflow tube (26).Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventor: Richard C. McClure
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Patent number: 5685025Abstract: The ballfloat toilet flush control system includes a master flush handle, a discharge valve controlled by the master flush handle, a float slidably mounted to a float holder, an air tube connected between an air chamber of the discharge valve and an air passage on the float holder, an auxiliary flush handle, and an air passage control device controlled by the auxiliary flush handle. The auxiliary flush handle has an axle spaced from the bottom end of a control member of the passage control device, and moved upwards to force the control member of the air passage control device into engagement with a retaining groove on the supporting frame of the float holder when the auxiliary flush handle is depressed.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Inventor: Tsung-Ming Chen
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Patent number: 5680659Abstract: A toilet flush mechanism for use with a toilet including a water tank and a water outlet for conducting water out of the tank. The flush mechanism includes a valve element positioned at the outlet for closing and opening the outlet, and a first actuator for moving the valve element between a fully closed position and a fully open position. A stop member is provided located adjacent to the valve element for engaging the valve element and limiting movement of the valve element to an intermediate position between the fully closed and fully open position during a first mode of operation. A second actuator is provided for moving the stop member away from engagement with the valve element during a second mode of operation whereby the first actuator is operable to move the valve element to the fully open position.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Inventor: Robert A. Gessaman
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Patent number: 5673440Abstract: A unit for conserving water when flushing the toilet bowl, the unit comprising a vertical back strip from each end of which extends a collar adapted to be clamped about corresponding ends of the overflow pipe of toilet bowl flushing mechanism. To each collar is pivoted a forked end of a dual-forked hinge, and an opposite forked end of each hinge is pivoted to corresponding ends of a vertical bar overhanging the outlet valve of the tank. The bar is adapted to be carried up or down relative to the valve, accordingly as a connected weight floats with the level of water in the tank. In the use of the assembled unit, actuation of the flush handle raises the valve into abutment with the bar, and momentary release of the handle after actuation causes the weighted bar to float down with the level of escaping water to reseat the valve. A small amount of water empties from the tank with this action for a flush of liquid waste. The handle is held actuated to allow emptying of the tank for a flush of solid waste.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Inventor: Angel Garcia Carmona
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Patent number: 5669082Abstract: A flush control device for toilet comprises a water discharging member, a control member and a stepped check member disposed at their relative position in a water tank. The stepped check member is composed of a plurality of damper plates in different size and co-axially engaged in a lug means adjacent a water outlet. The damper plates each has a first shoulder of different heights at their front sides toward a outlet valve. So that the damper plates rotate in accordance with the variation of the water level in the tank to check the outlet valve to open a different span so as to discharge a selective amount of flush water into a toilet bowl.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Inventor: Feng-Chi Sun
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Patent number: 5659903Abstract: A flushing device which permits flushing with two different amounts of flushing fluid. The bottom valve member of the device comprises two float rods which are each connected to a float. The float rod for the small flushing amount is fixedly connected to the bottom valve member, whereas the float rod for the large flushing amount is connected to the bottom valve member via a lost-motion coupling to make it possible for the bottom valve member to move upwards and downwards relative to this float road. In the resting position, the float rod for flushing with the large amount of flushing fluid is locked by means of a lock, such that the float connected to this float rod does not affect the lowering of the bottom valve member towards its valve seat during flushing. The flushing with the small amount of flushing fluid will thus be determined completely by the movements of the other float rod and its associated float.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1995Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Ifo Sanitar ABInventor: Curt Lennart Hammarstedt
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Patent number: 5657494Abstract: The flushing device has an actuating device for optionally triggering a complete or partial flushing. A valve body of drain fittings is raised for this purpose. In the case of a partial flushing, the valve body is raised with a weight body, which loads the valve body with the valve body raised and brings same prematurely into the closed position against the lifting force of a float after a flushing process has been triggered. A coupling device has a switching member mounted on the weight body in its lower area. This switching member automatically connects the weight body to the valve body during the raising of the weight body with a pulling element connected to the weight body.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Geberit Technik AGInventor: Alois Diethelm
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Patent number: 5647068Abstract: A trapway reseal device for a toilet tank where the toilet tank includes an overflow tube and a water control. The trapway reseal device includes a float slidably supported along the overflow tube to move with the changing level of water in the tank as the tank is flushed and refilled. A reseal hose receives water from the water control and includes a free end coupled to the float. The reseal hose selectively directs water into at least one of the tank in the overflow tube dependent upon the position of the float as determined by the level of water in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Patent number: 5647067Abstract: The apparatus includes control mechanisms which are rotatably secured to the front of the toilet tank for operation and control by a user. The control mechanisms include a first short flush handle adapted for rotation about a horizontal axis and a second normal long flush handle adapted for rotation independent of the rotation of the short flush handle and about the same axis of rotation. A rod in the upper extent of the tank is coupled at its inboard end to the short flush handle with a first mechanism coupled to the remote and thereof coupled to the aperture of the flush plug for raising the flush plug upon the rotation of the short flush handle. A long rod is secured to the flush handle for rotational movement with respect to the normal flush handle and with an exterior end which has an aperture and a second mechanism. The upper end of the second mechanism is secured to the exterior end of the normal flush handle.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1996Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Inventor: Patrick E. Boyle
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Patent number: 5642533Abstract: A water saving toilet comprising a water assembly and a bowl assembly. The tank assembly includes a water tank, a lid for the water tank and a water supply control mechanism provided in the water tank, a water trap control mechanism and a water flushing control mechanism. The bowl assembly includes a bowl and a water flushing system having a primary and a secondary water discharging lines.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Inventor: Andy Y. Young
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Patent number: 5625906Abstract: A gravity flush toilet system includes a fixture with a water sealed trap and a tank having an overflow tube, a flush valve and a fill valve. A control assembly includes a float assembly with a member for pushing the flush valve toward its closed position as the water level descends. A full volume or a reduced volume flushing operation is selected by alternatively filling or emptying a bias chamber of the float assembly. Water pressure variations are compensated for by increasing the weight of the float with part of the flow through the fill valve as the tank is emptying. A regulated volume of reseal water is carried in a chamber on the float and is discharged into the overflow tube to refill the fixture trap after each flushing operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Hunter Industries IncorporatedInventor: Dwight N. Johnson
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Patent number: 5608923Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Norman J. Jaeckels, Randy O. Mesun
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Patent number: 5603128Abstract: A multiple volume flush control apparatus for controlling a flush valve in a bottom of a flush tank, comprises a flush valve having a ventable buoyancy air chamber, a vent control assembly having a venting chamber communicating with the air chamber, a first valve for selectively activating the venting chamber for venting the air chamber at a first rate, and a second valve for selectively activating the venting chamber for venting the air chamber at a second rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Hunter Plumbing ProductsInventor: David Nichols-Roy
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Patent number: 5555573Abstract: A toilet flushing mechanism includes a dual flush device for effecting both a short flush cycle and a long flush cycle in a toilet tank including a flush valve actuated by an actuation arm. A cam operable by a handle is rotatably supported adjacent the actuation arm. When rotated in a first direction, the cam acts to press against and pivot the actuation arm to effect the long flush. When rotated in the second direction, the cam acts to press against and pivot said actuation arm to effect the short flush. A lever is pivotably supported with respect to the actuation arm and pivots between a first position out of blocking contact with the actuation arm and a second position where the lever blocks return of the actuation arm for a predetermined period of time when the cam is rotated in the second direction. A float is coupled to the lever for determining the predetermined period of time. The float acts to pivot the lever into the second position when the cam is rotated in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Patent number: 5548849Abstract: A method of conserving water in a toilet tank. Firstly, provide a line having a first end and a second end. Secondly, secure the first end of the line to adjacent a peripheral edge of a flapper valve. Attachment can either be made to the flapper valve itself or to the base of the pull chain that extends from the flapper valve to the flush mechanism. Thirdly, secure the second end of the line to a float floating in the toilet tank. Fourthly, use a plurality of direction altering line guides to orient the line such that when the flapper valve is in the open position and the water level falls, the lowering of the float exerts a force upon the line thereby pulling the float into the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Inventor: Antonio M. Sulit
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Patent number: 5544368Abstract: A two-stage flush device for a toilet tank comprising a cylindrical bolt adapted to be fixed in a hole of a side wall of a toilet tank and partly exposed out of the side wall, a rotatable button having a shaft portion fitting in a center hole of the cylindrical bolt and also firmly connected with a first actuating arm connected with a low-level valve by means of chain, a push rod having a push button at an outer side and extending through the center hole of the rotatable button to protrude through the center hole to operate a second actuating arm connected with a high-level valve by means of a chain, the first actuating arm lifted by the rotatable button for flushing a larger volume of water, and the second actuating arm lifted by the push rod for flushing a smaller volume of water.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1995Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Inventor: Kuo-Hsin Wang
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Patent number: 5524297Abstract: The Two-Level Flush Valve retrofits into standard toilet tanks replacing the flush valve and pull cord. Depressing the toilet handle through the usual first resistance lifts a non-buoyant valve (20) open. It is held open by an upper float (28) fastened onto a pull cord (24). When water lowers to the level of upper float (28) the float drops, allowing the valve to close. This accomplishes a short-duration flush that clears liquid waste from the toilet bowl and saves about a half tank of water. Depressing the handle through a second resistance causes valve (20) to pull a carriage (32) up and out of a latch (52). Lower floats (40) on carriage (32) hold valve (20) open until the tank is almost empty. This accomplishes a full flush that ensures that solid waste is flushed out without leaving dirty water in the toilet bowl. A valve delayer (62) holds valve (20) slightly open for a few seconds to allow complete refilling of the toilet bowl.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Inventor: John S. Harrison
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Patent number: 5519898Abstract: A bidirectional two-volume flush control mechanism which permits a part of the water to be suddenly driven out of the water tank when the trip handle is pulled upwards and, which permits the whole volume of the water to be completely driven out of the water tank when the trip handle is pushed downwards to move an actuating rod over a roller, which is mounted on the top end of a cylindrical float that is coupled to a swivel rod.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventors: Jeng-Yeou Guo, Shyan-Dyi Guo
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Patent number: 5515553Abstract: An improved toilet tank flush control system provides a spring member which engages a rear surface of the flap control valve of the tank to apply a pressure to the flap tending to close it, which allows the user to control the amount of water discharged in the flushing action from a minimum up to the full quantity within the tank. Two alternative embodiments of the flush control mechanism are described herein, the first being for use with American standard type toilets in which the spring is mounted on a bracket fastened to the base of the tank and stands upwardly therefrom at an angle of the order of 45 degrees to engage a base surface of the float control of the flap valve, and the second being for use with a Crane type toilets in which the spring is mounted on the overflow duct and faces downwardly to engage an upper surface of the flap valve as it pivots upwardly.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: M.A.L. Enterprises Ltd.Inventors: Lucien L. Charriere, Aldo Cipolla, Mario Tuzi
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Patent number: 5511253Abstract: A dual flush system for a toilet tank, to choice a desired flush volume of water from said tank to flush solids or liquids, depending on the operation of a two-position flush lever, comprising: a latching plate coupled to the overflow tube, having a latching aperture and a tilting gate connected to the flush lever mechanism; a secondary buoyant float slide retained by the overflow tube, having a latch member coupled thereto and connected to the flush lever, passing through the aperture of the latching plate; and a shoe rod coupled to said secondary buoyant float to push the stopper when it is discharging a first volume of water to flush liquids from the toilet bowl. For flushing solids, the flush lever is operated to a first intermediate position, lifting only the stopper causing a total flush of water because the latch member is latched by the tilting gate of the latch plate and the buoyant float as well as the shoe rod remain inoperative.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Sanitarios AztecaInventors: Mario-Rodolfo Zamudio-Castillo, Francisco Vazquez-Acosta, Francisco-Javier Melendez-Rodriguez
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Patent number: 5502846Abstract: The present invention discloses an operating mechanism for a cistern (1) or flush tank which is able to be used for a wide variety of cisterns, irrespective of their volume to depth profile. The preferred mechanism takes the form of a generally cup-shaped weir (22) which surrounds the flush valve (18) and from which a support frame (7) extends. The height of the rim of the weir is able to be selected or adjusted, for example by the use of a number of rupturable panels (24) located in the walls of the weir (22). A mechanism (26,27) to adjust for height variations between the flush actuators (14) and the flush operating mechanism (15) is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Assignee: Caroma Industries LimitedInventors: David Chelchowski, Colin W. Wooldridge
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Patent number: 5500961Abstract: A flush control mechanism including a first trip handle turned to lift the tank ball of the water tank of a ballfloat toilet for allowing the full volume of water to be drawn out of the water tank, a second trip handle turned to lift the tank ball for allowing a half volume of water to be drawn out of the water tank, a float ball assembly controlled by a swivel block and the second trip handle to force down the tank ball when a predetermined volume of water is drawn out of the water tank after the second trip handle is operated.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1995Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Inventor: Jin-Bo Tsai
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Patent number: 5495624Abstract: An apparatus and a method for conserving the volume of water consumed during the flushing of waste deposited in the bowl of a toilet. A secondary water reservoir is mounted externally on the primary water reservoir of a conventional toilet. The primary water reservoir holds a first body of water whose volume is greater than a second body of water held by the secondary water reservoir. The first body of water may be discharged from the primary water reservoir directly into the bowl. Alternatively, the second body of water may be discharged from said second water reservoir into a water feed member which is mounted externally on the rim of the bowl and which directs said second body of water into said bowl along its perimeter in a slight downwardly direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Inventors: Ira M. Lisook, Edward Lombardi
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Patent number: 5487194Abstract: A device to restore the water level in a toilet bowl is disclosed wherein bleed water issued by the float actuated valve in a toilet tank reservoir is used to prime a syphon tube so that additional water from the toilet tank reservoir is shuttled down the overflow pipe to the toilet bowl to restore the toilet bowl water level during shortened partial flush operations of the toilet. The syphon tube consists of an inverted "U" shaped tube having one leg situated interiorly the overflow pipe and the other leg reaching down into the water of the toilet tank. The syphon tube operation is commenced by the bleed water injected into the base of the syphon tube through an initiator tube intersecting the syphon tube base so as to direct bleed water into the leg residing in the overflow pipe. An air vent opening situated in the initiator tube is effectively covered by water running through the initiator tube so no air is permitted to enter the syphon tube to disrupt the syphon operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Inventor: Paul E. Kightlinger
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Patent number: 5483706Abstract: A flush device for toilet comprises within a water tank a support arm including a check member, a restricting member and a outlet valve attached in series to an overflow tube, and an actuating assembly including a actuator arm connected with the outlet valve via the support arm by a lift wire or chain. The check member facilitates varying the discharge amount of the flush water and smooth operation in different modes.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1995Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Inventors: Pang-Yen Tsai, Chien-Liang Hsiao
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Patent number: 5465432Abstract: An improvement for a dual flush mechanism which permits a partial flush of a toilet in addition to the full flush. When the operator pushes the partial flush handle down, the partial flush mechanism lifts the flapper valve off the annular valve seat a small distance by raising the connected flush lever arm a similarly small distance. The improvement is a flush lever arm holder adapted to suspend the flush lever arm in the slightly raised partial flush position after the operator has released the partial flush handle. More particularly, a rotatable cam resides on a plate secured to the toilet tank wall, the cam, operably attached to a float, engages the underside of the flush lever arm such that the float holds the rotatable cam under the flush lever arm to secure it in the raised position during the partial flush. As the water level in the toilet tank falls, the float begins to fall with the water and lowers the cam holding up the flush lever arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1993Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Inventor: John B. Miller
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Patent number: 5464037Abstract: There is disclosed a level control valve arrangement preferably for use in a water closet cistern for controlling the liquid level in the cistern or container. The arrangement has a liquid inlet (3) feeding an inlet chamber (1) and a movable valve member (7,10) mounted on a seating (11,12) and movable between an open position in which liquid flows from the inlet into the cistern and a closed position in which liquid is prevented from flowing into the cistern. The movable valve member is biased preferably by a float arm into the closed position in response to liquid in the cistern rising to a predetermined level. The movable valve member (7,10) is mounted in the inlet chamber into which water is fed from the inlet (3) and in the closed position the valve is acted upon by a head of water in the inlet chamber to maintain the movable valve member in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1992Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Assignee: Dallah Water SavingInventor: Abd El Rasoul M. Younes
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Patent number: 5459885Abstract: A flush control mechanism for a toilet and associated method that enables the toilet to be flushed with either a long flush cycle for solid wastes or a short flush cycle for liquid wastes. The present invention includes a nonbouyant flush valve that controls the duration of the flush cycle. A handle assembly is provided that is rotatably manipulative around its longitudinal axis from a set orientation to a rotated orientation. The handle assembly is also reciprocally manipulative along its longitudinal axis from an extended position to a retracted position. A first mechanism is coupled to the handle assembly and the flush valve for temporarily maintaining the flush valve in an open condition when the handle assembly is rotated into its rotated orientation. The flush valve remains open until the tank drains to a first level.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1994Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Inventor: Stanley E. Gaw
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Patent number: 5459884Abstract: A system for controlling and saving water to be used with a toilet flushing apparatus permitting adjustable partial flush and full flush capabilities. A control housing having a pin inserted therethrough has a pointed tip portion entering an aperture formed in a bottom end of the control housing providing an adjustable needle valve. The effective size of the needle valve determines the rate at which water expels from the housing. A flexible tube attached to the control housing leads to a cavity in a flapper valve. The flapper valve covers a drainage port in a holding tank of a toilet when the toilet is unflushed. When the toilet is flushed, air is drawn from the cavity of the flapper into an inner chamber of the control housing as water leaves the control housing, thereby causing the flapper to change from a positive to a negative buoyancy state. The flapper can therefore be reseated upon the port before all the water has left the holding tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Inventor: Charles L. Wesolowsky
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Patent number: 5414877Abstract: A flush device for water closets comprising an overflow tube, a flush lever, a handle connected to a first end of the flush lever, a flapper ball, a connecting device and a lever restraining device. The connecting device comprises a support guide having a rod member having its first end connected to a ring member which is affixed to the overflow tube, and its second end connected to a pulley, a long robe is looped onto the pulley having at first end connected to the flapper ball and the second end connected to a second end of the flush lever via the pulley, a short robe having at first end connected to the flapper ball and the second end connected to the second end of said flush lever. The lever restraining device being in a form of an angular restrainer has a ring connector attached to the overflow tube, a right-angled stop rod at a first side of the ring connector, and a positioning screw at a second side of the ring connector. This device controls the amount of the flush water discharged.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Inventors: Pang-Yen Tsai, Chien-Liang Hsiao
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Patent number: 5400445Abstract: There is disclosed a mechanism for initiating and controlling a toilet: flush mechanism of the type which permits selection between two flush cycles which use different volumes of water end which, to do that, requires that the flush valve be lifted to either of two levels. Each of two rotating handles drives a shaft which rotates a flush lever arm. The shafts are concentric. One of flush lever arms has a longer crank portion than the other so that points on the lever portion move a greater vertical distance for a given angular rotation than move corresponding points on the flush lever arm with the shorter crank portion. A single blocking member limits the rotation of both flush lever arms to the same range of angular motion. Tabs on a bushing for the shafts supplement the blocking member by stopping rotation of the handle approximately when the blocking member contacts the flush lever arm driven by that handle.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventor: Douglas A. Hull
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Patent number: 5400444Abstract: A double flush toilet valve apparatus for permitting full and partial flushes of a toilet water tank by providing a vent hole in the toilet flush valve float which can be opened by an extended additional force actuation of the toilet flush handle to permit flooding of the float valve and premature closing of the discharge outlet of the toilet tank which is regulated by a float which is attached to the actuation chain of the toilet valve. The vent hole is regulated by a flapper seal and flapper seal actuator disposed within the flush valve float.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1992Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Inventors: Jacques E. Boyer, Pierre J. Boyer
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Patent number: 5396665Abstract: A flush valve mechanism for controlling the flushing action of water through the water outlet of a flush cistern, comprising, in combination: (a) a water outlet valve to effect the flushing action; (b) a buoyant device, at least indirectly engaging the outlet valve, to exert a maintaining force thereon at the completion of the lifting thereof and to hold it open while the cistern is emptying and until the completion of a predetermined flushing action; and (c) a shock damping device attachable to the outlet valve and, comprising an inverted cup-shaped member and a body member, the body member being configured to freely move within the inner surface of the cup, the cup-shaped member and the body member defining therebetween a changeable volume of substantially surrounded space and having restricted openings for the passage of water into and out of the space, whereby upon attachment of the device to the valve, any vertical movement of the water outlet valve will also be affected by the device, whereby, upon theType: GrantFiled: September 1, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Plasson Maagan Michael Industries Ltd.Inventors: Benjamin Raz, Zeev Raz