With Simultaneous Common Actuating Means For Supply And Outlet Valves Patents (Class 4/366)
  • Patent number: 4922556
    Abstract: An improved flushing means is disclosed for use in water tanks such as are for flushing toilets. The flushing means has a water inlet with an improved two-stage valve using inlet line pressure for operating the two stages. A float is movably mounted on the inlet for controlling the valve with a lever operatively coupling the float to the first stage of the valve. A cooperating vertical hollow and floating overflow tube including an adjustable bowl filling siphon controls the tank discharge to the bowl. These improvements to the tank discharge to the bowl are also to be incorporated into the commonly used flapper-type flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignees: Elwyn V. Harp, Glen H. Baron
    Inventor: Vernon D. Roosa
  • Patent number: 4918763
    Abstract: A water closet is disclosed having a bowl with rim wash outlets and a tank connected thereto containing flushing water at a level where most of the water will not flow by gravity through the bowl rim outlets. A tank water withdrawing device is mounted in the tank and is automatically activated when flushing is initiated to withdraw water from the tank and direct it to the bowl rim outlet to supplement the volume of water flowing from a water supply inlet connected to the tank to conserve water usage and provide proper rim wash at low water supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Canaceramic Limited
    Inventor: John J. Brotcke
  • Patent number: 4916762
    Abstract: A device for metering the flow of water into the tank and bowl of a toilet and providing a positive shut-off of the flow. When the toilet handle is turned, a linkage rotates a cam to force the stopper from its seat thereby commencing water flow. Water flows through a flow channel and past a water wheel imparting a rotation thereto. The water wheel is gearably connected to the cam thereby rotating the cam. When the cam has rotated to position a notch over the stopper stem, the stopper is reseated by the pressure of the water and water flow ceases. The amount of water flow permitted is a function of the number of cam notches and flow nozzle size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: William S. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4791689
    Abstract: Apparatus for filling a toilet tank with water and discharging the water therefrom has a valve base for supplying water to the toilet tank. A valve is in a hollow passage of the valve base for closing the hollow passage to the supply of water when pulled vertically. An axle is connected at one end to the valve plug. An axle floater is on the opposite end of the axle for pulling the valve vertically when the toilet tank is full of water. A buoy base discharges water from the toilet tank. A discharge buoy closes the buoy base until pulled from the buoy base, and then floats on the water in the toilet tank back to the buoy base as the water is discharged. A pulling chain connects the discharge buoy to a command lever which is tiltable by a command handle on the outside of the toilet tank to pull the discharge buoy from the buoy base with the pulling chain. The command lever also engages the axle, to tilt the axle when the command lever is tilted, which opens the valve for supplying the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Inventor: Manuel Garcia De Couto
  • Patent number: 4764996
    Abstract: A water saving device is provided in the form of a plastic compressable flow control tube with a pinch clamp which may be installed as a substitute for the refill tube for the toilet bowel of a water closet, and which may be adjusted to establish the proper amount of refill water to flow into the toilet bowl after each flush so as to avoid wastage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Charles W. Pino
  • Patent number: 4730639
    Abstract: A two function tank valve according to this invention includes a vertically oriented supply tube or conduit with an upper opening. A valve seat surrounds the opening, and a valve seal is movable against it and away from it. Water level responsive means determines this valve setting so the valve can be opened to fill the tank, and can be closed when the tank is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 4703653
    Abstract: Improved ballcock float structures are provided including a molded, plastic, hollow body formed of cup-like lower and reverse cup-like upper parts. The parts are retained together by snap engagement between the extremities of the parts with positioning abutments for additional stability. A float guide extends vertically through the body having a vertical opening for receiving a ballcock or the like to be controlled by the float. Control of the float for controlling the ballcock is provided by two, tubular liquid vents secured in and extending upwardly from the lower part bottom wall and a similar liquid vent projecting downwardly through and from the upper part top wall. The liquid and air vents project into the interior of the body, but terminate spaced apart and the relative positions thereof determines the performance of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Adolf Schoepe, Oscar R. Dufau, Kabir Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 4615056
    Abstract: A flushing cistern includes a flushing device which is located in a liquid-containing cistern. The device includes a hollow tube and a closure member carried by the tube. The tube can be moved in the cistern between open and closed positions in which the closure member is clear of, and seals the cistern outlet. A float is mounted on the tube to hold the tube in the open position while flushing takes place and which causes the tube to resume its closed position at the end of the flush. The device also includes a float arm carrying a float. The float arm is pivoted to a control arm of the inlet valve to the cistern, and there is a detent on the tube which engages the float arm and pulls it downwardly when the flush is over, so operating the control arm and opening the inlet valve to admit further liquid to the cistern. When the cistern has again filled up, the float arm detaches itself from the detent, and permits the inlet valve to close again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Max Rudman
    Inventor: Rixwell S. Grant
  • Patent number: 4499615
    Abstract: A flush and refill device for use with a tank having an outlet and a means for refilling the tank with the liquid. The device includes a pair of floats and a guide means for guiding the floats for vertical movement. One of the floats serves as a valve for the tank outlet and the float controls operation of the refilling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Inventor: Everett S. Radovsky
  • Patent number: 4471798
    Abstract: An auxiliary float chamber is provided for use in a cistern. A float operating in the chamber controls a valve allowing water into the cistern. In the floor of the chamber there is a syphonic tube. The chamber is held to the cistern wall by means of the valve which is of the type comprising a sliding tube sealing against a washer in a sealing cap so that the seal is not against the pressure of the inlet water. The auxiliary float chamber is mounted below the normal level of liquid in the cistern. As the cistern is discharged, the valve remains closed until water has drained from the auxiliary chamber. Water flowing into the cistern is thus not short-circuited through the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Marley Plumbing (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Erling M. Johannesen
  • Patent number: 4454614
    Abstract: A water toilet has a valve arrangement of the integrated type, i.e. the float and all valves form a unit which in its mounted position is connected to the outlet pipe of the flush water container. According to the invention the unit is loosely connected to said pipe and mechanically retained at its top end by means cooperating with the inner surface of the top portion of the water container wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: Ifo Sanitar AB
    Inventors: John H. Gustafsson, Tord E. H. Froberg
  • Patent number: 4438536
    Abstract: A tank containing conserved water having a drainpipe connected to a fresh water supply pipe of a toilet, and a valve along the drainpipe being automatically operated by a high pressure valve located along the fresh water supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Alfredo Rivera
  • Patent number: 4420845
    Abstract: A valving system capable of maintaining a substantial flow rate to a low profile toilet bowl during bowl wash, bowl flush and refill, and storage tank refill. The system includes a tank refill tube and a bowl wash tube, with an adjustable restriction in one of them to balance the flow between them. When the toilet is flushed, water from the storage tank is emptied into the toilet bowl, causing the bowl contents to start to siphon out. A level-responsive valve opens when the tank level lowers, and supplies water both to the tank to refill it, and to the rim. It flows from the rim to wash the walls, to continue the flush, and to refill the bowl. A flow control can usefully be placed upstream from the valve so that a substantially constant flow rate results which is able to be accurately divided between the tank and the bowl, so that all functions are completed by the time the tank is refilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 4351071
    Abstract: A water-saving device for use in the tank of a flush toilet has a movable latch member for supporting the inlet valve float in an elevated position upon initiation of a flush cycle. A secondary float within the tank controls the latch member and releases the main float to allow opening of the inlet valve only after the tank water level has dropped by a predetermined amount. The delay in opening the inlet valve reduces the amount of water used in the flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Inventor: Milton Clar
  • Patent number: 4348778
    Abstract: An apparatus combining a flush toilet including a toilet bowl and water supply tank and a device for preventing the flow of water into and out of the supply tank. The supply tank includes a ball float and an outlet water control plunger which is located adjacent to a vertically extending pipe mounted at the base of the tank. A tubular sleeve is installed over the pipe and includes thereon an outer sleeve and a control arm that is pivotedly attached to the tubular sleeve and positioned below and generally opposite to the ball float. A plunger is mounted onto and extending out from the tubular sleeve and is positioned above and generally opposite to the water control plunger. A triggering device is provided to activate the control arm and the plunger to contact the ball float and water control plunger to stop the flow of water into and out of the supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Inventor: Joseph P. Rau
  • Patent number: 4341238
    Abstract: An improved flushing device is disclosed for use in tanks such as are used for flushing toilets. The flushing device has an inlet means including an improved two-stage valve which uses inlet line pressure in operating each of the two stages. A float is movably mounted on an inlet fixture for use in controlling the tank filling operation with a lever operatively coupling the float to the first stage of the valve. A vertical hollow overflow tube including a bowl filling aperture cooperates with a liquid operated variable buoyancy means on the float and alternatively a tube connects the inlet means with an overflow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Inventors: Vernon D. Roosa, Peter V. Roosa
  • Patent number: 4318194
    Abstract: A water closet flushing system of a type employing a float-controlled valve through which water is supplied to refill the tank after the water in the tank has been dumped into the bowl to flush the bowl. A diverter valve is interposed in the line leading from the ballcock valve through which the tank is refilled and is operable to divert this flow of water under line press to outlets or nozzles disposed around the upper rim of the bowl as soon as the flushing process begins to provide a complete pressurized washing of the bowl. After the tank empties, the diverter valve automatically shifts to a position which directs the water to refill the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Pinkston
  • Patent number: 4312083
    Abstract: A flush valve for a toilet having a tank and a bowl including a valve housing connected to a source of water, a valve stem operatively connected to a float and a piston operatively connected through a cam to a flush lever, the valve stem and piston movable independently to provide a valve for the admission of water to the tank and bowl together with a syphon having a tube therein for breaking the syphon action at a predetermined level of water in the tank, a float operatively connected to the valve stem which automatically varies the float level action and an arm connected to the cam for actuation by the float to return the flush lever to an inoperative position and another valve operated by the piston to interrupt the flow of water into the valve housing to prevent back syphonage of tank water into the water supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Inventor: Carl E. Imler
  • Patent number: 4240168
    Abstract: An improved combination commode construction including a water closet common to a plurality of commodes, a plurality of separate commode control assemblies on the water closet, each of which assemblies is associated with a respective commode and is actuatable for effecting flushing of the commode with which it is associated, and flushing apparatus to control the amount of flush water used in the flushing of each commode, the flushing apparatus including a refill water construction for providing refill water to the water closet and the commodes, the flushing apparatus also including a refill control assembly responsive to actuations of each of the separate commode control assemblies for directing and supplying refill water from the refill water construction to the respective commode with which the actuated separate commode control assembly is associated, the refill control assembly being further responsive to actuations of the separate commode control assemblies to inhibit supply of refill water to commodes no
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Inventor: James I. Duke
  • Patent number: 4196482
    Abstract: A water tank is disclosed suitable for connection to the bowl of a toilet device, the tank being provided with a flush valve actuated from the top end by an actuating device; an inlet valve of the up-closing type, connected to the water supply system; buoyant pulling mechanism for the inlet valve to carry the closing element onto the up-closing seat, to prevent the further entrance of water into the tank, when a predetermined level has been reached; and a rocking lever, mechanically connected to said flush valve actuating device, suitable to push the closing element of the inlet valve downwardly, against the buoyant mechanism and water pressure forcing it upwardly, so as to open the inlet passage of the valve, in order to replenish said tank, upon the flushing thereof, until said predetermined level is again reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Inventor: Juan Martinez Mendez
  • Patent number: 4193145
    Abstract: A flushing mechanism is disclosed for use in the tank of a toilet, utilizing a spool valve to accommodate various fluid pressures and to accomplish accurate control of volumetric flow. A housing is provided in the toilet tank, defining an inlet port which is adapted to be connected to the source of flushing fluid, e.g. water, and also defining a vertical valve chamber extending somewhat transverse to the inlet port and connected to control the discharge of water from the valve and out of the tank to the toilet bowl. The spool valve is provided in the valve chamber such that the facing surfaces of lands on the spool are subjected to the pressure of the flushing water source, to maintain a balance. Manual means is disclosed for displacing the spool valve to supply flushing water from the source while activating a hydraulic timer which, in due course, resets the spool valve. In the disclosed embodiment, the hydraulic timer involves a bleed tube for supplying water to the tank which contains a float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Assignee: Garon Processing Co.
    Inventors: Gary Gross, James F. Thies
  • Patent number: 4171547
    Abstract: A device for converting a single volume cistern into a cistern allowing both low-volume and high-volume flushes. The device includes a hollow vessel inserted in the cistern and at least partially surrounding the flushing mechanism and water outlet. An opening at the upper end of the vessel for the entry of water and at least one selectively openable port comprising a hinged door having a retaining lever arm attached at one of its ends to the door are provided. The arm and door are movable between a first closed position to a second displaced open position. The vessel forms an open ended water column extending above and around the water outlet to exclude a portion of the water in the cistern from passing through the outlet while the door is in the first position for low volume flushes. The door and the lever arm move to the second displaced open position with the lever held and restrained by interaction with a standard water-level responsive part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Inventor: Zeev Raz
  • Patent number: 4143433
    Abstract: A water closet of the tank type in which air is entrapped in the tank creating pressure to assist in expelling flushing water to a bowl during the flushing cycle. The flushing cycle is activated by a disc valve and piston connected to a domestic water supply for dislodging a float and valve from a valve seat. The water closet is constructed with a minimum of moving parts by employing a piston for dislodging the float which temporarily cuts off the flow of water to the bowl and utilizes the water pressure for returning the piston to the static position. The system also employs a vacuum breaker assembly having a ball in an angled pipe maintained by gravity against a seat in the flushing water line. The force of the water flowing into the bowl forces the ball from the seat during flushing. The ball returns to the seat by the force of gravity on the completion of flushing, preventing back pressure from any vacuum in the domestic water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Inventor: E. Chris Skousgaard
  • Patent number: 4128906
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for converting a single volume cistern into a selective volume cistern adapted to selectively allow both low volume and high volume flushes wherein the single volume-cistern is of the type having a water inlet, a water outlet, a valve mechanism operationally linked to a float lever arrangement for controlling the amount of water flowing into the cistern, a flush actuating means and a flushing mechanism operationally linked to said water outlet, said device comprising a hollow vessel provided with an opening at its upper end for the entry of water therethrough and being adapted to be inserted into the flushing cistern in a first normally closed rest position which at least partially surrounds the flushing mechanism and forms an open ended water column extending above and around said water outlet to exclude a portion of the water in said cistern from passing through said water outlet while said vessel is in said first position for low volume flushes and wherein at least a section
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Inventor: Zeev Raz
  • Patent number: 4120055
    Abstract: A flushing apparatus for a toilet includes means for positioning the float for the conventional water control valve in either a first, lower position at which a low water level is maintained or a second, higher position at which a higher water level is maintained. Partial rotation of the conventional flushing handle releases the float from the first position to permit the water level in the toilet tank to rise to the higher level controlled by the float in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1978
    Inventor: Paul F. Mormile
  • Patent number: 4114208
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ballcock type flush valve that has all moving parts above the water line of the tank, thereby eliminating corrosion. The valve configuration is such that it is designed to shut-off the flow of water, thereby providing a positive shut-off, and further it is unique in that it has no seat or seal to leak that is below the water line. Fail safe features include a flush mechanism that will remain inoperative until the tank has regenerated its water supply, thereby providing a full flush. Anti-syphon means are included in addition to prevent back flow of bowl water into the water system. The ballcock flush valve combination is so constructed that ingress of additional water due to a faulty seal is impossible thereby conserving water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Inventor: Carl E. Imler
  • Patent number: 4108202
    Abstract: An end of an inlet tube communicates through a tank wall with a water supply and an inner end of the inlet tube communicates through a float controlled valve with a generally vertically downwardly extending outlet tube. Thus, the tank water level through the float controls closing and opening of the valve admitting water through the inlet tube, through the valve and down the outlet tube flowing into the tank from the outlet tube lower end. The outlet tube is selectively vertically adjustable to adapt to various depths of tank by being formed of telescoped parts normally retaining a determined telescoping by a projection of one part being radially interengaged in a groove of the other part. Depending on the particular construction, the tube part telescoping may be selectively varied by either relative rotation between the parts or by disengaging and reengaging the interengagement between the parts. Through a slot and lock collar arrangement, the tube parts may be totally telescopically separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Inventor: Adolf Schoepe
  • Patent number: 4080986
    Abstract: An essentially closed hollow body of the float receives liquid in a lower portion for ballast and air in an upper portion for floatation with a vertical guide sleeve therethrough being offset at one side of the hollow interior slightly spaced inwardly of a part of the body sidewall. A liquid and air flow opening is formed through the body sidewall part horizontally centered relative to the guide sleeve so that flow paths are created segregated approximately one half around either side of the guide sleeve. By arcuately forming the body interior and the guide sleeve, not only are the flow paths smoothly arcuate, but the circuitous nature thereof muffles echoing sounds created within the hollow body from passing outwardly of the body through the flow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1978
    Inventor: Adolf Schoepe
  • Patent number: 4079748
    Abstract: An automatic stop valve mounted in a liquid supply port of a container to be supplied with pressurized liquid, which valve ensures that liquid supply is automatically and instantaneously stopped when the liquid surface reaches a predetermined level. The valve comprises a hollow valve body with at least one liquid supply port formed at one end and one or more liquid discharge ports formed in the vicinity of the other end, a valve cylinder loosely engaged with the valve body and adapted to be movable axially of the valve body as the level of the pressurized liquid supplied into the container rises and a valve release mechanism for opening the valve by pressing the valve cylinder downwardly. The valve body has a pair of axially spaced seal members secured on the periphery of the valve body with the liquid discharge ports positioned between the seal members, and wherein the valve cylinder may contact the seal members liquid-tightly at both axial ends when the liquid level reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Assignee: Masuda Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Masuda