With Simultaneous Common Actuating Means For Supply And Outlet Valves Patents (Class 4/366)
  • Patent number: 10974804
    Abstract: A service unit including a vessel defining a chamber configured to receive fluid. A first conduit is coupled to the vessel and is in fluid communication with the chamber. The first conduit defines an inlet. A second conduit is coupled to the vessel and is in fluid communication with the chamber. The second conduit defines an outlet. The first conduit, the chamber, and the second conduit define a fluid passageway, and the fluid is unpressurized when in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas G. Baker
  • Patent number: 10246863
    Abstract: A drain valve for low-level water tank flushing includes a drain valve body, a low-level washing ring flushing device and a switch assembly. The switch assembly includes a switch element and a switch sheet. The switch element is connected to the switch sheet by using a lifting rod. When the switch element opens a sealing assembly of the drain valve body under the action of an external force, the switch sheet changes a channel between a water inlet and a water outlet from a small opening state to a big opening state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN AXENT CORPORATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Wenqing Xie, Fusheng Li
  • Patent number: 9499964
    Abstract: A flush water supply device includes: a water supply unit including a water supply valve; a water compartment fittingly attached to the water supply unit; a float provided inside the water compartment; and a swingable member having one end connected to the float and the other end connected to the water supply valve, wherein the water compartment is formed in a flattened shape in which a maximum vertical length becomes less than a maximum horizontal length by a given value, and a ratio of a distance between the fulcrum adjacent to the water supply valve and an effort point defined by the swingable member and the float, to a distance between the fulcrum adjacent to the water supply valve and a load point defined by the swingable member and the water supply valve is set to a given value or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Atsuko Yamasaki, Yuichi Oda, Yukinori Kubozono, Hisashi Koga, Haruki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8707474
    Abstract: Controls for use in association with a toilet conserve water by allowing the amount of water utilized for each flush to be varied. The controls conserve water by minimizing the amount of water lost in the event of either a minor leak or a major leak. The controls may include a magnet to raise a float connected with a water float control valve. The controls may include water level sensor apparatus. The controls may include a force transmission assembly which effects operation of water inlet and outlet valves under the influence of force transmitted from a handle of a toilet. A separate body of water may be maintained in a container in the tank. A pump may be connected in fluid communication with the container and operated under the influence of force transmitted from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Ervin J. Rachwal
  • Patent number: 8424124
    Abstract: A multifunctional toilet comprises a water storage device having a guide rail, a toilet seat and an arm assembly. The water storage device is provided with a water tank having a water inlet and a water outlet. At the water inlet is provided an inlet valve having a float ball, and at the water outlet is provided an outlet valve. The opening and closing of the inlet valve is controlled by a controller. The opening and closing of the outlet valve is controlled by a rope. When the water tank moves to its lowest position, the controller will close the inlet valve, and the rope will open the outlet valve. At the water outlet outside the water tank is provided an expansion discharge pipe. Such a multifunctional toilet is simple in structure and has the advantage of automatically flushing the toilet without the use of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Ming Shan Lee, Ho Fan Lee
  • Patent number: 8132273
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve having a mechanism for preventing leakage from a tank of the toilet between flush cycles. The mechanism includes links that are normally locked to prevent the fill valve from opening. The links are operatively connected to a handle of the toilet such that the links are unlocked and allow the fill valve to open only when the handle of the toilet is purposely operated to initiate a flush cycle. Otherwise, the links do not allow the fill valve to open even if water leaks from the tank and causes a float of the fill valve to be lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Watts Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8117687
    Abstract: A diverter valve including: an inlet port coupled to a refill tube; a first outlet port; a bowl refill tube coupled to the outlet port with its second end adjacent to a toilet tank overflow tube; a second outlet port; a central flow passageway providing a path of fluid communication between the inlet port and the first and second outlet ports, the entrance of the first outlet port and the entrance of the second outlet port being directly opposite one another in the central flow passageway; a poppet in the central flow passageway, the poppet having a raised position obstructing the first outlet port and a lowered position obstructing the second outlet port; an actuating arm, float member and rod coupled to the poppet, wherein movement of the float member translates downward motion of the rod into upward motion of the actuating arm and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Le, Robert Collin
  • Publication number: 20100293706
    Abstract: A quantitative refill device is mounted on the top end of an overflow pipe in a water tank of a water saving toilet and comprises a first pipe, a second pipe and a float device. The second pipe defines a second chamber. Initially, water flows to the overflow pipe to create a water closing through a water flow passage between the second pipe and the float pipe, especially a conical passage defined between a conical surface of the second pipe and a conical portion of the float device. Meanwhile, the float device moves upward along with the rise of the water level of the second chamber to close the conical passage. By the time the conical passage is closed, the water closing is formed, and the refilled surplus water will overflow into the water tank, thus creating a quantitative water refilling effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Lo Tsung-Yi
  • Patent number: 7562399
    Abstract: A tank-type flusher is located in the water storage tank for flushing a toilet. The tank-type flusher includes an intake valve and a flush valve. The intake valve is connected to an external water source and constructed to close water flow to the water storage tank at about a predefined water level in the water tank. The flush valve is constructed to control a flush valve member between a seated state and an unseated state allowing water discharge from the water tank into a toilet bowl. The tank-type flusher may be controlled by a sensor module located at a reference location external to the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, David Hadley
  • Publication number: 20090007324
    Abstract: The system for opening and/or closing an inlet valve (10) and/or an outlet valve (30) of a liquid container (24), particularly for water toilets, water tanks or the like, comprises an inlet tube (16) with an inlet valve (10) in the upper portion of the container (24) and an outlet tube (20) with an outlet valve (30) in the bottom portion (25) of the container (24), both valves (10, 30) being provided with a valve body. It is characterized by the use of a bistabile inlet valve (10) having a lag-free opening and closing characteristic without any intermediate opening position of the valve body (14; 38,46), the closing stroke of the valve body being assisted by the flow of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ABERTAX RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Joseph Pule, Joseph Cilia, George Schembri, Werner Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7464415
    Abstract: A supplemental fill valve for use in a toilet tank, to work in conjunction with a flapper and a typical fill valve having a float cup and a valve body, includes a supplemental float cup forming a recess and at least one opening in the bottom thereof, a vertical member installed through the recess, on which the supplemental float cup freely moves up and down, and a coil spring placed between the top of the vertical member and the top inside of the supplemental float cup. A lifting member extending from the supplemental float cup to the float cup, preferably under the float cup, lifts the float cup. An alternative supplemental fill valve includes a weighted supplemental float cup, and a lifting cam activated by the weighted supplemental float cup, extending from the supplemental float cup to the float cup for lifting the float cup, wherein when water flows out of the tank, the weighted float cup activates the cam, lifting the float cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Ovie L. Randolph
  • Publication number: 20080163413
    Abstract: A metered water control system inlet tube (24) receiving water conducting water into the interior of the tank to a diverter. A diverter (48) channels the flow to cause mechanical motion responsive to the channeled flow. A control valve (66 and 60), responsive to a mechanical switch, opens and closes access of the water from the inlet tube to the diverter. A mechanical switch (124, 112, and 114), responsive to flow of water from the diverter, closes the control valve automatically when a pre-determinable volume of water flows through the diverter. A discharge tube (20 and 24) receives water from the diverter to discharge the water into the tank. An actuator (158 and 162) linked to a flush arm of the toilet and linked to the mechanical switch causes the switch to open the control valve to allow the ore-determined volume of water to flow into the discharge tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: WILLIAM SHAW
  • Patent number: 7171702
    Abstract: A metered water control system inlet tube (24) receiving water conducting water into the interior of the tank to a diverter. A diverter (48) channels the flow to cause mechanical motion responsive to the channeled flow. A control valve (66 and 60), responsive to a mechanical switch, opens and closes access of the water from the inlet tube to the diverter. A mechanical switch (124, 112, and 114), responsive to flow of water from the diverter, closes the control valve automatically when a predeterminable volume of water flows through the diverter. A discharge tube (20 and 24) receives water from the diverter to discharge the water into the tank. An actuator (158 and 162) linked to a flush arm of the toilet and linked to the mechanical switch causes the switch to open the control valve to allow the pre-determined volume of water to flow into the discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: H2O Guard, Inc.
    Inventor: William S. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7082624
    Abstract: A water-separating apparatus for toilet tank bridges a toilet tank and a water supply includes a concentric tube, a distributing tube and a solenoid valve. The concentric tube has a large tube containing a small tube, and an inlet connecting to the water supply and an outlet connecting to the distributing tube. The solenoid valve is connected to an inlet of the small tube of the concentric tube. The distributing tube has a large tube containing a small tube, and an inlet connecting to the concentric tube and an outlet connecting to a tube of the toilet tank. The concentric tube can divide the water supply to a plurality of water flows to meet multiple water supply requirements of the toilet tank and simplify the piping configuration outside the toilet tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Flushtech Corporation
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Yen
  • Patent number: 6934977
    Abstract: Water leak detecting or overflow devices for a toilet may be inserted into or formed integrally with the toilet. The devices include at least one water leak sensor assembly mounted in a position in a toilet tank so as to detect the rise and fall of the water level in the toilet tank and an overflow detector in a toilet bowl. If the water level rises and falls a predetermined number of times, or if water continues to flow to the toilet longer than a measured increment of time, a microprocessor operates a normally-open valve and shuts off flow of water to the toilet tank. The devices also include a second sensor, whereby if a flapper remains open or water reaches a level where it might overflow the bowl or tank and stays there for a predetermined period of time, the microprocessor will also shut off flow to the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Quintana, Devon Niccole
  • Patent number: 6810902
    Abstract: A control circuit for a plumbing device that has a drain line and a water supply line includes a water sensor generating a potential overflow level signal in response to the water level in the plumbing device caused from a restricted drain line, an electrically controlled valve coupled to the drain line, and a controller coupled to the water sensor and the valve. The controller closes the valve in response to the potential overflow level signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony M. Bootka
  • Patent number: 6675398
    Abstract: A diverter valve for selectively passing water from a ballcock valve directly to a water storage tank or to the rim of a toilet. It includes a diverter plunger which places a deflector into the path of water from the ballcock, and a float which removes the deflector from the lumen when the ballcock valve is closed and the water level is sufficiently high, and lowers the plunger when the water level is sufficiently low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 6571401
    Abstract: A flush and tap toilet water saver system is provided for use in the modem 1.6 gallon toilets that can utilize a flapper valve, a water supply valve which is controlled by a float ball, and a conventional operating handle. A main flapper valve has a bleeder valve installed thereon. The operating handle is rotated normally to open the main flapper valve and simultaneously open the bleeder valve thereby venting air from the main flapper valve and causing it to lose buoyancy and close sooner thus allowing only an abbreviated flush cycle in the toilet tank. When the operating handle is first pushed and then quickly tapped, the tap doses the bleeder valve and cuts off the venting air which causes the flapper valve to maintain full buoyancy and only close when the valve pusher mechanism rotates a valve pusher to force the flapper valve closed just when 1.6 gallons of water is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Jack Comparetti
  • Publication number: 20020152548
    Abstract: A pressure actuated fill tube for toilet tanks is taught which is capable of reducing the flow of water into the toilet tank to a minimum rate when a shower or other water use appliance is running, substantially reducing the likelihood of a shower scalding incident if someone flushes the toilet while someone else is in the shower, and allowing the toilet tank to fill over time. Also taught is a means to implement the required pressure sensitive valve as an integral part of the pressure actuated fill tube for toilet tanks. Also taught is a pressure actuated fill system for toilet tanks that is configured with the pressure sensitive valve located inside the toilet tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Howard R. Harrison, Jeffrey Russell Brown
  • Patent number: 6467101
    Abstract: A toilet flushing and cleaning device includes a reservoir with a cylinder and a mixing tube disposed therein. The cylinder communicates with a water source. A plunger is slidably disposed in the cylinder. A plurality of spray nozzles communicate with the mixing tube. When a flush valve is opened to allow water into the cylinder, the piston is driven upwards. The increase in air pressure drives pressurized air and water into the mixing tube such that the spray nozzles clean the toilet with a burst of air-water mixture. In a further embodiment, a funnel is disposed in the toilet bowl and a bucket is suspended at the lower opening of the funnel. When the piston is driven upwards, the bucket is pivoted to release its contents. Additionally, a blower disposed between the funnel and the toilet bowl may be used to drawing air and odors from inside said funnel and directing air into said toilet bowl for release through the existing drain pipe and vent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Jorge Artola
  • Patent number: 6453479
    Abstract: A tank-type flusher including an intake valve, a diaphragm-operated flush valve, a pressure control mechanism. The intake valve is connected to an external water source and constructed to close water flow to a water storage tank at about a predefined water level in the water tank. The diaphragm-operated flush valve is constructed to control a flush valve member between a seated state and an unseated state that allows water discharge from the water tank into a toilet bowl. The diaphragm separates a pressure chamber and a pilot chamber. The diaphragm is arranged to seal the pressure chamber to maintain pressure forcing the flush valve member to the seated state thereby preventing the water discharge from the water storage tank to the toilet bowl. The pressure control mechanism is constructed an arranged, upon actuation, to reduce pressure in the pilot chamber of the diaphragm-operated flush valve thereby reduce pressure in the pressure chamber causing the water discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Kay Herbert
  • Publication number: 20020116754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for flushing a WC bowl, the apparatus allowing reflushing of the bowl soon after the first flushing without filling the water tank to the maximum volume determined by an electric sensor. The movement of a piston part (4) located in a chamber (5) communicating with the water distribution system is controlled by means of a control mechanism (2) operating under the dynamic pressure of supply water and by the force of gravity, this movement, in turn, controlling the movement of the discharge valve (15) and thus regulating the flushing step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Icking, Janne Rautavuori
  • Patent number: 6385787
    Abstract: An inlet valve and a discharge valve are operatively coupled by a coupling element so that when the discharge valve is closed, the inlet valve is open, and when the inlet valve is closed, the discharge valve is open. A biasing element biases the inlet valve closed. Upon closure of the discharge valve, a releasable retaining element retains the inlet valve open and the discharge valve closed against the action of the biasing element, thereby enabling the inlet valve to fill a tank with a fluid. A float responsive to the level of fluid in the tank engages and releases the retaining element when the tank is full, thereby enabling the biasing element to close the inlet valve and open the discharge valve, thereby discharging the fluid from the tank. In one aspect, the retaining element comprises a clamp mechanism that releasably clamps either the coupling element, the inlet valve, or the discharge valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt L. VanVoorhies
  • Patent number: 6109294
    Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve (13) to a toilet flush tank (11) is controlled by an inlet valve control device (14, 14a, 16, 17), and an outlet flush valve (21) is controlled by a flush lever (919). The detent apparatus includes a follower member (28) that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent (25) that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve (26) except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred form of the invention, a primary inlet valve (26) is provided upstream of the usual inlet valve (13) that is controlled by an inlet valve control device, such as a float (14, 14a, 16, 17), and the detent apparatus effectively cooperates with the primary inlet valve to maintain it closed unless a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped (37-42) to provide a timed delay of its movement into the inlet valve closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Lamar R. Ray, Ronald Smelkinson
  • Patent number: 6088846
    Abstract: A water regulation device for toilet flush system which can be mechanically inserted in a flush system to variably control by an adjustable valve member the amount of water that enters a flush operation, which operation is controlled by a cam member in operative mechanical communication with gearing and turbine member, the inlet water flow is initiated by a front arm setting of the cam to a high point to set an inlet valve to an open position to establish a water inlet regulation through turbine rotation and an adjustable valve in the outlet and simultaneously setting an outlet valve through the movement of a rear arm and both arms fall away thereby preventing the replenishment of water to a leaking tank and water for a flush-between-flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Marvin W. Baron
  • Patent number: 5950666
    Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve (13) to a toilet flush tank (11) is controlled by an inlet valve control device (14, 14a, 16, 17), and an outlet flush valve (21) is controlled by a flush lever (19). The detent apparatus includes a follower member (28) that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent (25) that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve (26) except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred form of the invention, a primary inlet valve (26) is provided upstream of the usual inlet valve (13) that is controlled by an inlet valve control device, such as a float (14, 14a, 16, 17), and the detent apparatus effectively cooperates with the primary inlet valve to maintain it closed unless a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped (37-42) to provide a timed delay of its movement into inlet valve closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Lamar R. Ray, Ronald Smelkinson
  • Patent number: 5862538
    Abstract: A toilet flushing device is to be installed in a water supply tank and has a diverter valve which permits the supply of high pressure water to the rim flushing conduit of a toilet bowl when the toilet bowl is flushed. The diverter valve has a valve housing and a valve rod disposed movably in the valve housing in response to increase or decrease of the water level. A passage is formed longitudinally through the valve rod so as to direct high pressure water to the water supply tank, thereby preventing fouling formation in the passage of the valve rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Chung-Yi Ho
  • Patent number: 5862537
    Abstract: A flush lever operated control reservoir and toilet flush system for toilet water storage tanks, for preventing continued flow from a water supply as a result of a flush valve leak or a tank leak, the fill valve is responsive to a water level in a separate reservoir filled by a flood level of storage tank water to shut OFF the fill valve, a drain in the form of a syphon from the reservoir is responsive to operation of a flush handle to empty the reservoir to turn ON said fill valve and simultaneously discharge the storage tank, and a flood preventor refilling the reservoir in the event of a system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: John S. Osmond
  • Patent number: 5842236
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignees: Jean Videau, Laurent Videau
    Inventor: Moise Piat
  • Patent number: 5775366
    Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve to a toilet flush tank is controlled by an inlet valve control device, and an outlet flush valve is controlled by a flush lever. The detent apparatus includes a follower member that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred embodiment, the detent member acts directly on the inlet valve to maintain it closed until a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped to provide a timed delay of its movement into inlet valve closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Lamar R. Ray, Ronald Smelkinson
  • Patent number: 5769111
    Abstract: Leak detector apparatus (40) is provided for use with a toilet inlet valve assembly (12) that includes a float (30) slidable along a vertical post (32), which can be easily installed by a handyman. The leak detector apparatus includes a buoyant body (42) and a mount (44) that pivotally supports the body about a body axis (54) on the float (30). The body has a forward end portion (56) that can engage the post to prevent the float from moving down until a chain device (60) attached to the rear of the body is pulled to pivot the body. The body has a center of buoyancy (80), when immersed in water, which lies forward of the body axis, so when immersed the body urges its forward end portion against the post to prevent the float from moving down. The forward portion of the body can include a metal strip with a sharp edge (74) that "digs" into the inlet valve plastic post. The mount includes a pair of upstanding mount posts (114) that project into air holes (112) on the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph U. Han
  • Patent number: 5715860
    Abstract: An adjustable valve is inserted in a tubular connection extending between an inlet lien and overflow pipe in the flush tank of a flush toilet. By adjusting the rate of flow through the valve, the level of water standing in the toilet is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Sewell D. Horad
  • Patent number: 5652970
    Abstract: A toilet reservoir water dumping valve for sealing the reservoir's water outlet by hydraulic pressure and for controlling the water volume to be flushed. The dumping valve is situated in the toilet reservoir at the water outlet to the toilet bowl, the dumping valve comprising a membrane housing, and a rod connected to a flush valve. In a first position, when the flush lever is in OFF position, the membrane disconnects communication between the supply line and the reservoir. Simultaneously, the rod is pressed by hydraulic pressure, tightly pushing a flush valve against the reservoir exit. In a second position, when the water is flushed, the membrane opens communication between the supply line and the reservoir, reducing the pressure on the rod, such that the rod pulls the flush valve away from the reservoir outlet, permitting water to be flushed down the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Josef Wodeslavsky
  • Patent number: 5608924
    Abstract: A consistent-delivery flush and fill system for a water tank. A vertically movable post with a central passage carries a valve plug to open and close a valve seat for a discharge port from the tank. Buoyancy means on the post respond to the water level in the tank. A tank valve supplies water to the tank. When the tank is full the tank valve is closed. Engagement means on the post prevents the tank valve from opening until the tank is substantially emptied, at which time the valve plug closes the discharge port and enables the tank valve to open, having delivered a substantially constant volume of water from flush-to-flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 5524299
    Abstract: A toilet tank water flow shutoff apparatus for preventing leakage and overflows includes a fill tray mounted on an upper portion of a main frame inside a toilet tank. The fill tray receives water from a water inlet valve in the toilet tank and discharges the water concurrently as it is being received. The apparatus also includes a lever tank mounted on a lower portion of the main frame below the fill tray and undergoes pivotal movement between water retain and release positions. The lever tank operates a water inlet valve independent of the water level in the toilet tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Oronzo Dalfino
  • Patent number: 5464037
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dallah Water Saving
    Inventor: Abd El Rasoul M. Younes
  • Patent number: 5408705
    Abstract: A toilet water reservoir inlet and outlet control valve utilizing a float and hydraulic activator. Both function simultaneously. Whenever the user flushes the toilet he will activate such valve, which will open to fill the reservoir with water, and the hydraulic activator will close the water inlet after a preset amount of time whether or not the reservoir is full of water. Such a valve will cut the water supply to the reservoir either by the float or by the hydraulic activator and such a valve includes a control to disable it partially in case of a bad part within it. Such a valve will enable the control the pressure to itself in order to prolong its life, and such a valve includes an adjustment that will control the cycle of closing such valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Josef Wodeslavsky
  • Patent number: 5351713
    Abstract: An effect-enhancing structure for rinsing a flush toilet includes a plurality of sets of a water-supply device and a floating ball, a trunk duct conducting water into a water case, a distributing duct set transversely and connected to the trunk duct, stop valves connected to the distributing duct to provide a distribution of water supply, and water supply ducts; wherein the stop valves are connected to rods of the floating ball separately to control the switching so as to increase the hydraulic pressure of stored water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Chen Ying Ceramic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan-Yuh Lin
  • Patent number: 5327931
    Abstract: A flush valve leakage prevention and detection device includes a hood for being assembled over a water inlet valve assembly of a toilet tank, a latch for being mounted by the hood for rotation from a locked position wherein a locking arm of the latch holds a float lever of the water inlet valve assembly in a raised position corresponding to a closed position for the water inlet valve assembly and an unlocked position wherein the locking arm is disengaged from the float lever to allow the float lever to move to a lowered position corresponding to an open position for the water inlet valve assembly in response to flushing of the toilet tank and a stop for preventing over rotation of the latch to the unlocked position to permit the latch to automatically return to the locked position upon filling of the toilet tank with water by the water inlet valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Waterguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen E. Royalty, Gerald S. Gelfeld
  • Patent number: 5287882
    Abstract: A toilet tank ball cock is designed for use in a toilet tank having an operating lever, a flush valve controlled by the operating lever and a water supply, with the ball cock regulating the supply of water to the tank. The ball cock includes a vertical riser column communicating with the water supply and a water control valve regulating the flow of water from the water supply to the toilet tank. There is a float movable on the riser column and coupled to the water control valve such that downward movement of the float to a selected level opens the water control valve to fill the toilet tank and upward movement of the float to a selected upper level closes the water control valve to stop filling the tank. The float has openings therein in communication with the tank interior. The openings are located to provide for water flow from the float as the water level in the tank drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Erwin F. Mikol
  • Patent number: 5282280
    Abstract: A water conserving refill valve for a reservoir connected to a pressurized water supply. The valve includes a hollow body divided by a diaphragm into a first and second chamber and a hollow plunger extending through the diaphragm between the chambers. The first chamber communicates with the reservoir through a port and the second chamber selectively communicates with the reservoir through a relief valve. The plunger closes communication between the liquid supply and the first chamber while providing communication between the supply and the second chamber in a first position. In a second position, the plunger provides communication between the supply and the first chamber. The plunger is biased to the first position by a float lever. The reservoir includes a flush valve operated by a movable lever and the relief valve is connected to the movable lever to be opened when the flush valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Josef Wodeslavsky
  • Patent number: 5232011
    Abstract: A flush valve leakage prevention and detection device includes a latch for supporting a float lever of a float controlled water inlet valve assembly of a toilet tank in a raised, latched position corresponding to a closed position for the water inlet valve assembly, with a control arm on the latch being engaged by a flush lever of the toilet tank. A support pivotally mounts the latch within the toilet tank, and the latch is rotationally biased relative to the pivot such that the control arm is urged in supporting engagement upon the flush lever and the latch is positioned to hold the float lever in the raised, latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Waterguard, Inc.
    Inventor: Galen E. Royalty
  • Patent number: 5175894
    Abstract: A toilet flushing device has a diverter valve which permits the supply of high pressure water to the rim flushing conduit of a toilet bowl when the toilet bowl is flushed, thereby enhancing the flushing of the toilet bowl. The diverter valve has provisions for adjusting the level of refill water inside the toilet bowl so as to help reduce water consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Aucera Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Jui-Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 5134729
    Abstract: A device for metering the flow of water into the tank and bowl of any currently known tank toilet and providing a positive shut-off of the flow. When the toilet handle is turned, a linkage rotates a cam to force a stopper from its seat thereby commencing water flow. Water flows through a flow channel to be directed by a flow nozzle past a water wheel imparting a rotation thereto. The water wheel is gearably linked to the cam thereby rotating the cam. When the cam has rotated to position a cam repeat over the stopper stem, the stopper is reseated by the pressure of the water and water flow ceases. The distribution of flowing water between tank and bowl can be changed by altering the structure of a bowl fill assembly. The bowl fill assembly and a tank fill tube are attached to the outlet by a right angle manifold. The amount of water flow permitted is a function of the number of cam notches and flow nozzle size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: William S. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5125120
    Abstract: A toilet water regulator device which prohibits water flow into the toilet system after a predetermined amount of water has entered the system comprising a valve at the water inlet to the system, said valve having a water outlet to the system, wherein the flow of water through said valve is controlled by turbine means associated with the water outlet of the valve and the amount of water predetermined necessary to fill the tank is controlled by adjustable valve means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Marvin Baron
  • Patent number: 5031250
    Abstract: The mechanism comprises an inlet valve assembly which admits water into a toilet tank under the control of a valve plug mounted on the end of a vertical axle having a float on its upper end. The valve plug is unseated, to admit water, when the axle is tilted, and the plug is pulled into seated position by the float when the tank is filled. A drainage buoy, in cooperation with a buoy base, allows discharge of water from the tank when the buoy is pulled from the base. Pull chains are used, from a toilet handle, to tilt the axle and pull the buoy. The inlet valve includes a water pressure reducer, and a non-return valve assembly to prevent return of water to the water supply in the event of a loss of water supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Manuel Garcia De Couto
  • Patent number: 5007452
    Abstract: A tank valve for refilling a toilet tank and simultaneously supplying water to a toilet bowl has a riser, a valve mounted to the riser, a valving chamber in the body of the valve, and a downwardly directed outlet port from the valving chamber. A cuff surrounds the riser. It has a bottom with an aperture to pass the riser, and a peripheral sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom with an upper edge spaced from the body through which water from the outlet port into the cuff flows into the toilet tank. A fill port through the cuff leads by way of a hose to supply water to refill the toilet tank bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 4996726
    Abstract: A fill valve (36) has a main valve (34) with a control chamber (44) for controlling the on and off actuation of the main valve. A tube (58) is in fluid communication with chamber (44) and extends into the water at the fill level (46) in tank (10). The flush valve (64) is connected to tube (58) such that upon actuation it raises tube (58) and lowers the pressure in chamber (44) to turn on the main valve (34) independent of whether the water level in tank (10) drops below its fill level (46) to direct water from the main valve to a rim wash conduit (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Donald C. Schrock, David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 4980932
    Abstract: A flow splitting valve assembly is inserted into the afterfill line of a conventional water closest ballcock valve, the valve assembly including adjustable valves for directing some of the afterfill flow into the watercloset. The adjustable valves provide means for selecting after fill flow rates at various supply pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventor: Robert L. Stemples
  • Patent number: 4965891
    Abstract: A tank valve for a toilet tank is controlled by an axially vertically movable float. A releasable latch holds the float in an upper position which closes the tank valve to flow, and prevents opening of the valve to flow except when an intended mechanical flush operation is made. This prevents refill of the tank to replace water which has leaked out, rather than being released for the flushing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez