Alternate Unicyclic Flush Patents (Class 4/325)
  • Patent number: 5396666
    Abstract: A flush device for toilet comprises within a water tank a support arm, a restricting member and a outlet valve thereof attached in series to an overflow tube, and an actuating assembly including a actuator arm thereof connected with the outlet valve via the support arm by a lift wire or chain thereinbetween. This disclosure has been characterized in a pulley on the top of the support arm, a displaceable and inversible restricting member and a flexible actuating assembly which facilitate a varying the discharge amount of the flush water and a smooth operation in different moods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventors: Pang-Yen Tsai, Chien-Liang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 5392470
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5375268
    Abstract: The ballfloat toilet flush control system comprised of a master flush handle, a discharge valve controlled by the master flush handle, a float pivoted to a float holder on the overflow tube of the ballfloat toilet, an air tube connected between the 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, whereby the air passage control device tops the air passage, permitting water to be completely drawn out of the water tank of the ball float toilet as the master and auxiliary flush handles are simultaneously pressed; the air passage control device opens the air passage to let water enter the air chamber of the discharge valve so that the discharge valve stops the water outlet of the water tank before water is completely drawn out of the water tank when only the master flush handle is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Tsung-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 5341520
    Abstract: A dual capacity toilet flusher for controlling the release of water from a storage tank (25) into a bowl (23) and the refilling of the storage tank and the bowl after a flush. For liquid waste, the user gently presses the flush lever (24), thus rotates an arm (11) to raise a guide (13) and the flap valve (19) and locks a detent (64) in the guide against a locking arm (56). The open flap valve lowers the water level (36) and a float (15) connected to a cam assembly (67). After about 3.8 liters of water has drained out, a cam (39A) on the cam assembly rotates a spring loaded rocker assembly (68) to release the locking arm to allow the guide and flap valve to fall to stop water outflow. A feed tube then refills the tank while a bleed tube refills the bowl through the overflow pipe (16). Valves on the feed and bleed tubes allow manual flow rate adjustments. For solid wastes, the user quickly presses the flush lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Vladimir F. Lazar
  • Patent number: 5319809
    Abstract: An improved dual mode flush mechanism which provides the selection of either a full flush or a partial flush mode, by manipulating one flush control handle. A full flush is obtained by pushing the handle downward, in the conventional manner, which rotates an actuating lever upward to engage and lift a flush valve lift arm to fully open the flush valve. A partial flush is obtained by lifting the flush handle upward, which rotates the actuating lever downward engaging and rotating one end of a double cam downward, causing the opposite end to pivot upward, which engages and lifts the flush valve lift arm, to a limiting stop position, to partially open the flush valve. Releasing the flush handle causes the flush valve to immediately close, allowing a minimum amount of flushing water for light liquid waste. The flush handle can be held upward against the stop position for a longer time, to allow more flushing water as may be required for darker liquid waste, while still using less water than a full flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Ernest J. Testa
  • Patent number: 5305475
    Abstract: A toilet has a pump to deliver selected quantities of water from a reservoir to a toilet bowl so as to effect a water savings. In one aspect, both the motor and pump are positioned in the reservoir to deliver water to both the rim and bowl portions. In another aspect, there are conduits connected between the basin, the rim and controls which are provided to deliver water to the rim and bowl either independently, simultaneously or in selective sequences. In alternative embodiments, a refill tube is connected to an intake conduit and the rim of the bowl to effect a water seal, a fail safe valve is connected to the supply conduit, a receptacle with a cleaning fluid and a pump is connected to the bowl and there are at least two receptacles for receiving waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Norman J. Jaeckels, John A. Fiumefreddo, Michael P. Gray, Anton J. Kolar, Randy O. Mesun, Jeffrey F. Tempas
  • Patent number: 5301373
    Abstract: A flush mechanism for use with a toilet tank is disclosed. The mechanism permits selection between flushing cycles of two different time durations. The tank has a wall with an outlet therein and a valve member. The flush mechanism has a shaft linked at one end to the valve, a float slidably mounted on the shaft, and a cam pivotally connected to the shaft adjacent the float. The cam is rotatable between a short flush position wherein the float is allowed to assume a high position along the shaft and a long flush position wherein the cam member forces the float into a low position along the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Hull, Randy O. Mesun
  • Patent number: 5289594
    Abstract: A toilet flush control system which provides control over the volume of water used in conventional tank-type toilets. The disclosed toilet flush control apparatus and method can be used in existing toilets by easily retrofitting such toilets with said apparatus. The toilet flush control apparatus may also be incorporated into the design of new toilets. The apparatus comprises a flapper-type flush valve which by itself does not have adequate buoyancy to remain open during the flush cycle of a toilet and which is equipped with an eyelet member; a buoyant member capable of imparting the needed buoyancy to the valve during the flush cycle; a flexible line connected at one end to the buoyant member and passing through said eyelet, and mechanism for adjusting the vertical distance between the flush valve and the buoyant member from outside the toilet tank. The volume of water saved during flushing is equivalent to the volume of water between the level of the flush valve and the level of the buoyant member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventors: Tadeusz K. Wiewiorowski, Dwight S. Nunley
  • Patent number: 5265282
    Abstract: The actuating device has a vertically displaceable trigger (9) which is mounted on a hood-shaped housing part (6a) of the drain valve (3). A lever (2), whose horizontal axis of rotation (5) is mounted on a float housing (6b), is pivoted with the trigger (9) in one or the other direction of rotation. To induce flushing, the trigger (9) is moved in the downward direction with a release knob (1) against the restoring force of a spring (24). The trigger (9) now engages a pivotable arm (9b), and the lever (2) is pivoted such that a valve tube (4) connected to the lever (2) is raised, and the valve opening (11i) is thus opened. If the release knob (1) is moved once again in the downward direction after a partial flushing, the trigger (9) will engage another pivot arm (2a), and the lever (2) will again be pivoted into the starting position, in which the outlet opening (11i) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Geberit AG
    Inventor: Peter Schmucki
  • Patent number: 5259074
    Abstract: A flush valve control apparatus selectively operable in a partial flush mode and full flush mode for use with a water closet including a flush drain aperture and a buoyant flapper valve having an air chamber formed therein, the flush valve control apparatus comprises a first and second valve control, the first valve control operatively coupled between the second valve control and the atmosphere includes a first valve actuator movable between a first or closed position and a second or open position and a first valve housing to selectively control the flow of air from the second valve control through the first valve control to the atmosphere, and the second valve control operatively coupled between the first valve control and the buoyant flapper valve includes a second valve actuator movable between a first or open position and a second or closed position and a second valve housing to selectively control the flow of air from the air chamber through the first and second valve controls to the atmosphere to select
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: John R. Battle
  • Patent number: 5249313
    Abstract: A control device including an outlet pipe disposed in a water tank, a valve disposed on top of the outlet pipe, a rod disposed above the valve and coupled to a knob which is disposed on the water tank, a pawl rotatably supported on top of the frame and coupled to the knob, a float slidably engaged on the rod and will be caught by the pawl when the float moves downward so that all of the water can be discharged, and the float will not be caught by the pawl when the knob is released right after the knob is pulled so that the float may move downward to close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Fong-Chyi Chang
  • Patent number: 5249312
    Abstract: A control device including a tube and an outlet pipe disposed in the water tank, a valve disposed on top of the outlet pipe, a pawl rotatably supported on top of the tube, a float slidably engaged on the tube, a pusher disposed below the float, the float will be caught by the pawl when the float moves downward, the outlet pipe will be closed by the valve after all of the water has been discharged, and the float will not be caught by the pawl when the knob is released right after depression so that the float may move downward to push the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Fong-Chyi Chang
  • Patent number: 5243713
    Abstract: A toilet flush mechanism including a cam attached to a flush handle and a pivoting arm for controlling a tank release valve. The cam includes a lower portion engaging the lower surface of the arm, and an upper stop for engaging the upper surface of the arm to limit cam rotation and arm elevation. The arm rests on the cam lower portion such that rotation of the handle and cam in a first direction raises the arm by a first amount to contact a first portion of the stop to provide a full flush, and rotation of the handle and cam in a second direction raises the arm by a second amount less than the first amount to contact a second portion of the stop, thereby to provide a limited, water-conserving flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Robert O. More
  • Patent number: 5237711
    Abstract: An improved toilet flush valve for variable volume toilet flushing systems. The present improvement uses a float adjustable attached to a flapper valve by a rigid stem to vary the flush volume. The stem and flapper valve eliminate the need for a valve item guide to maintain the valve stem vertical as the stem is movably retained through an aperture in the flapper valve. Several embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: La Vaughn L. Mortensen
  • Patent number: 5216761
    Abstract: Flush volume control devices for flush type toilets equipped with a valve which is opened to allow flush water to flow from the toilet into its bowl and then closed. The flush volume control engages a pivotably mounted, flapper valve bracket as the level of flush water in the toilet tank recedes upon the toilet being flushed and thereafter continues downwardly, displacing the valve to a closed position even though a considerable volume of water may remain in the tank. This provides a reduced volume flush of the toilet bowl. A vertically adjustable float component of the control allows the flush volume to be changed between wide limits at will. A full flush--i.e., one of substantially the entire contents of the tank--can be produced merely by holding the existing flush lever in its flushing position until the toilet tank has emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Per G. Isberg
  • Patent number: 5206960
    Abstract: A dual flush toilet control mechanism includes an operating handle and attached actuating cam, a control arm and a control float arm. When the handle is turned in a first direction, the actuating cam moves the control arm to open fully a conventional toilet tank main valve to its buoyant position. When turned the handle is turned in a second direction, the actuating cam moves the control arm to open partially the main valve to a position wherein it is subject to the suction developed by the water exiting the toilet tank. A control cam on the control float arm maintains the control arm in position to maintain the main valve open against the suction until the water level in the tank drops below a predetermined level. When the float on the control float arm reaches the predetermined water level, the attached control cam allows the control arm to drop and the main valve to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Robert L. Hooshley
    Inventors: Robert L. Hooshley, Paul T. Arato, F. William Coffman
  • Patent number: 5205000
    Abstract: A dual water-level toilet flushing apparatus (10) that allows a toilet user to easily and quickly select either a partial or a full toilet flush. The partial flush which is normally preset is recommended for flushing liquid waste while the full flush is recommended for flushing solid waste. The apparatus (10) which is easily installed and requires no modification to the toilet water tank (60) consists of three major elements: an overflow tube sleeve (12) that attaches to an overflow tube (64) and that has swivelly attached the back end of a floating inverted pendulum (20). The front of the pendulum is attached, via a pendulum/flapper valve link (24), to the front of a toilet flapper valve (30) having its back swivelly attached to the bottom of the overflow tube (64). To effect a partial flush, the toilet flush handle (68) is depressed and immediately released; to effect a full flush the handle (60) is depressed and held for a few seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventors: Frank Z. Xia, Mary Z. Luo, Jack Y. Zhang
  • Patent number: 5195189
    Abstract: A pliable hinged nonbuoyant flapper valve having a frusto conical projection for centering the valve in relation to a toilet drain, and for permitting the flapper valve to contact a toilet drain valve along a continuous line of engagement of seal the toilet valve. A chain connects the flapper valve to a toilet control lever. A ball float having a positive buoyancy slightly greater than the mass of the flapper valve is interposed an an adjusted location between the lever and the flapper valve for holding the flapper valve in an opened position to allow a predetermined volume of water to flow through the toilet drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: The Ambusant Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Gibb
  • Patent number: 5191661
    Abstract: A control device including an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe disposed in the water tank, a valve disposed on top of the outlet pipe, a pawl rotatably supported on top of the inlet pipe, a float slidably engaged on the inlet pipe, a pusher extended downward from the float, the float will be caught by the pawl when the float moves downward, the outlet pipe will be closed by the valve after all of the water has been discharged, and the float will not be caught by the pawl when the knob is released right after depression so that the float may move downward to push the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Fong C. Chang
  • Patent number: 5191662
    Abstract: A device for installation in the tank of a standard toilet, which saves a significant quantity of water by limiting the duration of the flush each time the toilet is flushed by normal operation of the flush handle, yet it allows the operator to select a full flush by simply holding the handle down for approximately 3 seconds before releasing it. Since approximately 75% of all flushes are to eliminate liquid waste, and such flushes typically require 50% to 70% of the water needed to eliminate solid waste, this device can substantially reduce the water usage in a household or business. For new installations, the device is constructed as part of a modified overflow pipe. A second embodiment, intended for retrofit in existing toilets, is constructed in such a way as to allow it to be quickly and easily clamped over the overflow tube in the toilet tank, bringing the benefit of water conservation with convenience and at relatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: John A. Sharrow
  • Patent number: 5181282
    Abstract: A semi-flush flapper valve apparatus is provided for use in a toilet and consists of a two position operable flush handle on the toilet tank. A main flapper valve has a bleeder valve pivotally mounted thereto. The operating handle is rotated in a first direction to operate the main flapper valve normally thereby causing a conventional full flush cycle in the toilet tank. The operating handle is rotated in a second direction to open the bleeder valve and operate the main flapper valve together thereby venting air from the main flapper valve so as to make the main flapper valve close faster causing a semi-flush cycle in the toilet tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Joseph Comparetti
  • Patent number: 5153948
    Abstract: A water saver unit for use with a flush toilet having a tank, a flush handle, a tank drain opening and a flapper valve support, with a flapper valve having a flapper element for mounting on the flapper valve support, and a strap for connecting the flapper element to the flapper handle, with the flapper element having a solid disk with upper and lower surfaces, a center section and a rim, with radially extending ribs on the upper surface between the center section and rim, and with the bottom surface tapering downward from the rim toward the center section. A float is positioned on the strap to provide bouyancy to the flapper valve as long as the float is below the water level in the toilet tank. The flapper element solid disk is of substantially uniform thickness between the center section and rim, and the bottom surface taper is in the order of 5 to 20 degrees, preferably about 10 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Toilet Mizer Co.
    Inventors: Richard S. Smith, Victor Strand
  • Patent number: 5142710
    Abstract: A water saver being used in the toilet tank and which includes a discharge control and flapper tank ball for controlling the flow of water from the tank or reservoir to the bowl and with the water saver 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 flapper tank ball and being designed to retain a fill of a certain first quantity of water. Pivotal opening of the water saver while tipping a portion of the water outwardly of the enclosure, will not dischasrge any appreciable amount of water so as to permit a more positive seal of the water saver resting on the top of the flapper tank ball which is upon the discharge drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Olof Olson
  • Patent number: 5140712
    Abstract: A water tank for a flushing system of the type having a flap valve fastened in a siphon tube and alternatively controlled by a main control knob and an auxiliary control knob to discharge different volume of water for washing a lavatory bowl, wherein rotating said main control knob causes a siphon tube to operate so as to let water be completely discharged out of the water tank; rotating said auxiliary control knob causes a float to descend with the flushing water and actuate a siphon interruption in the siphon tube so that a reduced volume of water can be discharged out of the water tank for washing a lavatory bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Kwok Wang-On
  • Patent number: 5111537
    Abstract: A toilet apparatus for use in conserving water is provided. The toilet apparatus includes a toilet tank for water, a conventional fluid supply valve, a low volume discharge valve, and a high volume discharge valve. A first embodiment has a housing having a portion extending through the bottom wall of the toilet tank. A high volume discharge valve is connected to the housing near its bottom end for nearly 100 percent fluid discharge. A low volume discharge valve is connected to the housing near its to end for about 40 percent volume fluid discharge. A handle subassembly having a handle and bent rod and chain for each discharge valve is included. Second, third and fourth embodiments include a toilet tank having an interior partition separating a first compartment from a second compartment. The partition has a gate opening with a gate door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Wenzel Zaruba
  • Patent number: 5105480
    Abstract: A pivoting cup is mounted on the flap valve of a toilet. Two flexible actuating elements control the position of the cup. The amount of water used for a flush depends on the orientation of the cup. If the cup is selectively oriented to hold water, a partial level flush can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventors: Anthony L. Howell, Thomas A. Howell
  • Patent number: 5086524
    Abstract: An actuator tube slidably embraces the overflow tube on a toilet tank and has an actuator flange at the lower end thereof. An actuator sleeve slidably embraces the actuator tube with stops limiting the relative sliding distance. An actuator surface is also mounted on the sleeve so that, when the flapper valve at the bottom of the toilet tank is raised to release flush water, the float descends and with it descend the actuator tube and flange, as well as sleeve and actuating surface. The flange thrusts the flapper valve partway down, and the actuating surface sliding down the tube finally closes the flapper valve before all toilet tank water is released to thereby conserve water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Charles F. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5075907
    Abstract: A flush tank water saver has an elongated semi-circular base fitting around and clamped to the overflow pipe. This base carries an operating lever on pivots close to the flapper valve pivots. This lever engages the flapper valve at its center and pushes it in exactly the direction it is going, eliminating friction losses. The lever is operated to push the valve closed by a float mounted on the other side of the overflow pipe on a vertical guide. The float operates a float lever connected to the valve operator. A stop for the float is brought into place by the flush lever. If the user holds the flush handle down for two seconds the float engages the stop and is inoperative for that flush. This provides a full flush. In the second species the valve operating lever pivot is near the water saver cut-off level and the lever is spring biased downwardly behind the flapper valve to push it closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: John L. Harris
  • Patent number: 5070547
    Abstract: A dual handle semi-flush retrofit kit is provided and consists of a water releasable reservoir cup the weight of which varies the effective buoyancy of the flapper flush valve, connected between the flapper flush valve and double flush handles on a toilet tank, such that if one handle is operated the toilet tank is fully flushed in the conventional way. If the other handle is operated the toilet tank is only half emptied thereby saving many gallons of water. This dual handle semi-flush retrofit kit can be easily installed by the do-it-yourself home owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Joseph Comparetti
  • Patent number: 5020167
    Abstract: An attachment for making existing flush tanks use less water mounts on the overflow pipe and has a valve operator for pushing the flush valve closed at an intermediate water level. The valve operator is controlled by a float which releases a latch allowing the operator to close the valve. The user may obtain a full flush by holding the flush handle down about 11/2 seconds. Provision is made for allowing the user to convert from a partial flush to a full flush simply by flushing again immediately after a partial flush is terminated. This feature utilizes the additional drop in water level below the partial flush level. The invention also includes an improved latch-valve operator relationship having side by side sections allowing a compact construction to give unlimited movement of the valve operator. One form of the invention requires only two moving parts to perform all the functions mentioned above. This is accomplished by a latch construction having two types of relative movement between the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: John L. Harris
  • Patent number: 5004462
    Abstract: A toilet flushing apparatus (10) that conserves water by providing either a low-level water flush for liquid waste or a full-level flush for solid waste. The apparatus (10) consists of a water-level release assembly (12) that is attached to a toilet overflow tube (62) at the desired low water level. The assembly (12) includes an eccentric element (12c) that decreases or increases a hose space (12m) located between the element and the overflow tube. Within this space is located an air vent hose (16) that has its lower end attached to a toilet flapper valve (14) and its upper end to a full- flush device (20). When the water level is above the assembly (12), the space (12m) decreases which occludes the hose (16) allowing the flapper valve (14) to remain buoyant and the flush to continue. When the water level drops to the level of the assembly (12), the space (12m) increases which removes the hose occlusion allowing the air vent hose (16) to vent which then allows the valve to drop and stop the flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Leo M. Mahler
  • Patent number: 5003644
    Abstract: An improved two-stage controllable water discharge mechanism for flush toilet tank, and especially with the type having two float valves, an upper one and a lower one, wherein either the upper valve can be selectively opened or both can be simultaneously operated by simply actuating a couple of control buttons so as to vary the volume of water discharged from a cistern in consideration of economizing the use of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Chin-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 4969218
    Abstract: This semi-flush kit is designed for employment with a simple high buoyancy flush valve toilet tanks. Primarily, it consists of two main floats and each are controlled by a right and left rotation of a toilet tank operator's handle. One float of the combination controls a pre-determined lower water level in the tank, and the other controls a second and higher level of water in the tank that may be discharged as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph Comparetti
  • Patent number: 4953237
    Abstract: A globular flapper valve for use in combination with a conventional toilet tank. The flapper valve consist primarily of a normally submerged lever-actuated plunger valve having connection with two separate but interconnected air chambers. A first and upper air chamber is formed in a pneumatically sealable globular container, the upper chamber having open drain access to a lower chamber which has access to a reservoir drain. The first air chamber is operatively connected to the plunger valve and the entire unit is controlled by an attached lever which may be selectively actuated to obtain a partial and alternatively a full flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Bernard C. Perkins
  • Patent number: 4945581
    Abstract: A flush tank water saver has an elongated semi circular base fitting around and clamped to the overflow pipe. This base carries an operating lever on pivots close to the flapper valve pivots. This lever engages the flapper valve at its center and pushes it in exactly the direction it is going, eliminating friction losses. The lever is operated to push the valve closed by a float mounted on the other side of the overflow pipe on a vertical guide. The float operates a float lever connected to the valve operated by a link. A stop for the float is brought into place by the flush lever. If the user holds the flush handle down for two seconds the float engages the stop and is inoperative for that flush. This provides a full flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: John L. Harris
  • Patent number: 4945580
    Abstract: A buoyant outlet closure, or `flapper` in the preferred embodiment, is vented at a selectively predetermined time in the water closet flushing cycle, causing the flapper to become non-buoyant and to drop and to close the tank outlet, effecting a premature termination of the flushing cycle, and saving the volume of water remaining in the tank. The venting is controlled by turning the externally mounted operating handle in one direction. When the operating handle is turned in the opposite direction, essentially all the water is discharged from the tank, effecting a full flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventors: Marvin M. Schmitt, Richard Sela
  • Patent number: 4941214
    Abstract: A flush tank water saver includes a base clamped to the tank overflow pipe and formed with a mechanism base extending over the flapper valve and having a valve operator pivot. This pivot carries an operator extending downward and toward the overflow pipe to a point behind the flapper valve when open. This same pivot also carries a float lever extending past the overflow pipe and having a float on its other side. The operator is spring biased to close the valve and is held in cocked position by a latch on another pivot. This latch is released by a pin on the float lever when the water level lowers to the water saver level. The float lever has a second pin engaged by a blocking surface on the latch when a full flush is desired. At the start of a flush a link with the flush lever moves the operator to cocked position and also moves the latch to float blocking position. If the flush lever is held up until the pin on the float lever is blocked by the blocking surface, a full flush results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: John L. Harris
  • Patent number: 4937895
    Abstract: A float has a bore which slidably embraces the overflow tube in a toilet tank. The float carries a valve actuator therebelow with structure which permits adjustment of the downward position of the valve actuator. The float and/or valve actuator may be non-round in order to fit closely adjacent the wall of the toilet tank. When the flapper valve at the bottom of the toilet tank is raised to release flush water, the float descends with lowering water level and the actuator closes the flapper valve before all toilet tank water is released, to thereby conserve water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Charles F. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4910812
    Abstract: A semi-flush valve mechanism in a toilet tank is provided with a two way flush operating handle. If the handle is pressed downward the toilet tank is flushed fully in the conventional way. If the handle is pressed upwardly the toilet tank is only half emptied in a semi-flush. A pivotally extended vane on a tilted valve assembly will receive a water stream from a refill tube to sooner help restore the toilet tank valve assembly to its closed upright position causing the semi-flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph Comparetti
  • Patent number: 4908886
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling the flow of a liquid from a liquid pressure line for flushing a toilet bowl comprising a valve interconnecting the liquid pressure line and the toilet bowl. An electrical control generates a first and a second timer period with the second timer period being longer in duration than the first timer period. The electrical control is connected to the valve for opening the valve for the first timer period for flushing a liquid waste from the toilet bowl and for opening the valve for the second timer period for flushing a solid waste from the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: John P. Barrett, Sr.
    Inventors: John P. Barrett, Sr., Daniel R. Schulz, David E. Kent, Robert J. deFasselle, Henry E. Zega
  • Patent number: 4882793
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual flush cistern mechanism in which a hollow central stem functions as a flush valve operating member, a slide for a float and an overflow pipe. The float is retained on the stem by a releasable latch during normal operation. During reduced volume flush operation the latch is released, the float drops with the level of water in the cistern sliding along the raised stem until it strikes a projection thereby lowering the stem and prematurely closing the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Caroma Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4881279
    Abstract: A dual flush mechanism which allows the user to select either a full or partial flush, while using a single flush valve. A full flush is obtained by a first handle which lifts a flush valve actuating arm to unseat the flush valve in a conventional manner. For a partial flush, a second handle rotates and lifts a partial-flush control arm which extends beneath the flush valve actuating arm. Upward movement of the partial-flush control arm is limited. Release of the second handle permits the control arm to rotate downwards until stopped by the engagement of a portion of the control arm with a transversely extending lever extension, thereby keeping the flush valve in an unseated position. As the tank water lever lowers, a partial-flush float also lowers, pulling down the end of a lever which pivots so as to linearly retract the lever extension from engagement with the partial-flush control arm. This permits the control arm to drop, reseating the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Donald E. Harney
  • Patent number: 4864665
    Abstract: An improved dual flush system for toilets to effect a partial or mini-flush of the toilet to carry away liquid waste by partially opening of the main valve situated in the water holding tank of a toilet for a period of time determined by an operator. The described device provides means to limit the upward lifting of the main valve by limiting the rotational movement of the lever arm connected to the main valve by a cord or chain. Upward movement of the lever arm is limited within the flush handle assembly connecting to the lever arm wherein a partial flush handle movement is terminated by striking a modified eccentrically shaped cam situated within a hollowed out cavity in the partial flush handle, and a full flush handle is provided to continue raising the lever arm to effect a full flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: John B. Miller
    Inventor: Randall R. Toltzman
  • Patent number: 4817216
    Abstract: A water-saving flushing device for a toilet tank is presented comprising a hollow casing and a rotatably attached pivot-plate secured inside said casing. A first pin pivotably secures an upper latch arm to said pivot-plate arm while a second pin pivotably secures a lower stop arm. A third pin is attached to the pivot plate. A float arm is attached to the third pin by means of a spring. The float arm rises or falls according to the water level in the toilet tank. To effectuate a partial flush, the flushing lever is pushed downward once. The travel of the flushing arm upward is limited by striking the upper latch arm. This limited path also limits the flapper valve to a partial opening only. When the mechanism is thus tripped, the latch arm rapidly recedes into the casing and a lower stop arm is forced outward to stop the downward travel of the flushing arm. As the water drains and then fills, the mechanism re-cocks itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: David Auman
  • Patent number: 4811432
    Abstract: A flush tank water saver has an elongated semi-circular base fitting around and clamped to the overflow pipe. This base carries an operating lever on pivots close to the flapper valve pivots. One part of this lever engages the flapper valve at its center and pushes it closed. The force causing closure is provided by another part of the lever which extends beneath and generally parallel with a float lever, the two levers being connected by an adjustable chain. The second part of the operating lever is subtantially longer than the flapper valve engaging part giving a mechanical advantage to the float and causing gravity to close the valve. A positive cut off point is provided by a latch holding the operator in open position, this latch being released by the float lever.A second embodiment utilizes a spring for pushing the valve operator. Movement of the flush lever to flush latches the valve operator open. The latch is released by the float lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: John L. Harris
  • Patent number: 4764995
    Abstract: A dual flush mechanism which allows the user to select either a full or partial flush, while using a single flush valve. A full flush is obtained by a first handle which lifts a flush valve actuating arm to unseat the flush valve in a conventional manner. For a partial flush, a second handle rotates and lifts a partial-flush control arm which extends beneath the flush valve actuating arm. Upward movement of the control arm is limited. Release of the second handle permits the control arm to rotate downwards until stopped by the engagement of a portion of the control arm with a transversely extending rack extension, thereby keeping the flush valve in an unseated position. As the tank water level lowers, a partial-flush float also lowers, pulling down the end of a lever which pivots with an attached pinion gear, toothed with a rack to linearly retract a rack extension from engagement with the control arm. This permits the control arm to drop, reseating the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Donald E. Harney
  • Patent number: 4748699
    Abstract: A float is slidably mounted on the upright overflow tube or other upright guide in the toilet tank. As the water level lowers during flushing, the float descends so that a valve actuator on the bottom of the float closes the flapper valve when the water level is partway down the tank, to conserve flush water.When it is desired that the user have a choice between a limited flush for the flushing of liquids and a full flush, a hook is provided so that it can be manipulated to engage the float to hold the float in its raised, non-actuating position. By manipulation of the flush handle, the hook on the flush lever can be moved between the float-engaging and the float non-engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Inventor: Charles F. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4651359
    Abstract: A dual mode flush valve assembly selectively operable in a full or partial flush mode for use with a toilet flush tank assembly including a flush actuator movable between a first and second position interconnected to a buoyant flush valve movable between an open and closed position, the dual mode flush valve assembly comprising a flush valve actuator assembly movable between an upper buoyant position, an intermediate full flush position and a lower partial flush position in combination with a flush valve control assembly movable between a first and second position disposed to selectively engage the flush valve actuator assembly when in the first position such that when the flush actuator is in the first position the flush valve actuator assembly is in the upper buoyant position and the buoyant flush valve is in the closed position, when the flush actuator is moved from the first to second position for less than a predetermined period of time moving the buoyant flush valve to the open position, the flush valve
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: John R. Battle
  • Patent number: 4624018
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively dispensing either of two different volumes of water from a water closet comprises a mechanism for latching a valving member (e.g. a flapper valve) in a position just short of a threshold position at which it would normally "flip" to its full flush position, and for unlatching such member, after a predetermined quantity of water has flowed from the tank, to allow it to return to its closed (sealing) position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventor: John G. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 4620331
    Abstract: This selective flusher for water closets has a horizontal base plate, the front end of which is secured to the top of the flush pipe by the valve seat. This base plate has a corresponding opening at the front end thereof to allow passage of water through the flush pipe, a fulcrum post and fulcrum pin at the midportion thereof, and a tail guide at the rear thereof. A generally S-shaped valve lever is normally seated on the fulcrum pin and a flush valve is secured to the downwardly extending front end thereof to normally close the valve seat. At the front portion of said S-shaped valve lever is adjustably secured a gauge float, while at the midportion thereof is disposed a main-float two-thirds of which is to the rear of the fulcrum pin while one-third thereof is to the front of fulcrum pin. Said S-shaped valve lever has a vertical slot at the midportion thereof into which a catch plate is pivotally mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Inventor: Esteban N. Sagucio