Float Connected Or Float Type Valve Patents (Class 4/391)
  • Patent number: 11866920
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly comprising a flush valve comprising a flush valve body extending from a flush valve inlet to a flush valve outlet; a flush valve seal having a top face and a bottom face; and a flush actuator comprising a rigid linkage; wherein the bottom face of the flush valve seal is configured to enclose the flush valve inlet; and wherein the rigid linkage is coupled to the top face of the flush valve seal and is configured to lift the flush valve seal to open the flush valve and to lower the flush valve seal to close the flush valve. A rigid linkage is configured to lift a flush valve seal and to lower a flush valve seal at a controlled rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Kappus, Behnam Heydari, Mahendra Gunawardena, Verne H. Myers, Niloy Talukder, Nitin S Kolekar, Eric B. Soberano
  • Patent number: 11072918
    Abstract: Toilet flappers having an adjustable length cord are disclosed. For example, a toilet flapper may include a frame with a guide structure. A float is connected to a bottom surface of the frame. A cap is connected to a top surface of the frame. A retractable cord reel is housed between the cap and the frame. During installation of the toilet flapper, a user can grab a hook attached to the end of the cord and pull enough of the cord out of the retractable cord reel and through the guide structure so that the user can attach the hook to, for example, a flush lever. In some embodiments, the toilet flapper includes a locking mechanism that impedes the cord from retracting back into retractable cord reel or from being pulled out of retractable cord reel by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: STP INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Sean McCormack, Shijin Komath, Jithin Karukasseril Vijayan, Kushal P, Somnath Hensh
  • Patent number: 10202746
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for use in a water storage tank including: a tube; an inlet valve assembly supported by the tube and including an inlet valve and a valve lever operatively coupled to the inlet valve, the inlet valve being on in a first position of the valve lever, and being off in a second position of the valve lever; a float constrained for axial movement in a direction along the tube and coupled to the valve lever; and a linkage assembly positioned between the valve lever and the tube and pivoting between a first upright position wherein the valve lever is maintained in the first position and a second folded position, the linkage assembly including a pivot axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tube, the float coupled to linkage assembly and constrained from axial movement when the linkage assembly is in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Marsic, Jason A. Sharratt, Tianzhe Wang
  • Patent number: 9695582
    Abstract: A drainage fitting (1) for a cistern, including a valve body (2) with a sealing element (4), which cooperates with a valve seat (3), and a float (5), wherein the valve body (2) is movable with the sealing element (4) from the valve seat (3) along a movement axis (B) from a rest position into a flushing position and from the flushing position into the rest position. Furthermore the drainage fitting comprises a full and a part volume control unit which onto the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GEBERIT INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventor: Alfred Mahler
  • Patent number: 9328494
    Abstract: A flush water tank apparatus for storing flush water for flushing a flush toilet is disclosed. The flush water tank apparatus includes: a reservoir tank for storing flush water, the reservoir tank having a discharge port formed on the bottom surface thereof; a valve body for opening and closing a discharge port to supply flush water to a flush toilet; and a side surface extending in the upward direction from the bottom surface of the reservoir tank so as to surround the discharge port; and includes: a cylindrical body opens at the top and forms an opening portion on the side surface; and switching valves for opening and closing the opening portion on the cylindrical body to enable adjustment of the opening surface area of the opening portion of the cylindrical body so that the volume of flush water supplied from the reservoir tank discharge port to the flush toilet can be obtained in multiple stages, including at least the three stages of large, medium, and small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshioka, Shu Kashirajima, Mitsuhiro Suenaga, Takashi Kanzaki, Yoshikazu Anami
  • Patent number: 8881319
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for external float extensions. In one embodiment, an external float extension includes an external adjustment rod configured to affix to a quick flush float of a dual flush assembly and an external float configured to be positioned on the external adjustment rod. In another embodiment, a dual flush assembly includes a quick flush float, an external adjustment rod affixed to the quick flush float, and an external float positioned on the external adjustment rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8819874
    Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve structure includes a valve base. A float assembly that is adjustable in buoyancy is movable between a sealing position and a flushing position. An overflow tube is attached to the float assembly and extends from a lower end in communication with a water outflow passage of the valve base to an upper end in communication with the interior space of the toilet tank. The upper end of the overflow tube is adjustable relative to the float assembly independently of the buoyancy of the float assembly. A guide member guides movement of the float assembly. A stop member on the guide member limits upward travel of the float assembly from its sealing position. The stop member is adjustable in position lengthwise of the guide member or by extension of the guide member independently of the buoyancy of the float assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Patent number: 8185976
    Abstract: A flush valve is provided for flushing a toilet bowl. The flush valve includes a center tube having a lug, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, at least one latching mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, and at least one rack configured to have movement controlled by the at least one latching mechanism. The at least one latching mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Le, Bryan Janish, Robert Collin, Bill DeKeyser
  • Patent number: 7966676
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet bowl flushing water tank device which can largely open a discharge valve element instantaneously and, at the same time, can ensure a relatively large space in the vicinity of a discharge valve device thus enhancing a discharge capacity with a small power. A push button mounted on a tank lid body of a flushing water tank body is arranged at a position offset to one side from a position where a discharge opening is formed, a leverage device is constituted of a lever which is interlockingly connected to the discharge valve element and a pedestal which pivotally supports a middle portion of the lever. The pedestal pivotally supports a middle portion of the lever at a position closer to a push button side than the discharge valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Ueno, Eiji Fukuzawa, Haruki Matsuda, Yukihiro Muroya
  • Patent number: 7895684
    Abstract: A canister type flush valve has an upright cup-shaped hollow float working under buoyancy forces without a captured air volume that controls the valve during a flush cycle. Hooded bleed openings at a bottom wall of the float can be sized and numbered to selectively control the closuring timing of the valve. Baffles of the hood bleed openings redirect water bleeding into the float to prevent the water from spraying up against the top of the tank. The geometry of a seal retaining groove is designed to reduce leakage at the float/seal interface. For example, the groove has an annular wall with a compound profile forming a non-cylindrical, preferably serpentine, seal contact area. The seal is backed by a slotted flange located just above the retaining groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 7865979
    Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve structure includes a valve base for installation in the outlet hole formed in the floor of a toilet tank and defining a water outflow passage and including a first valve member at the upper end of the water outflow passage. A float assembly is movable relative to the valve base between a sealing position in which a second valve member at a lower end of the float assembly engages the first valve member in sealing relationship and a flushing position in which the second valve member is spaced upwardly from the first valve member. The float assembly includes an outer shell that is open downwards and has a lower edge at which the shell is provided with the second valve member, and a closure member within the outer shell and cooperating with the outer shell to define a float chamber. The closure member is adjustable in position relative to the outer shell, whereby the float chamber is adjustable in volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Patent number: 7634821
    Abstract: A canister type flush valve has an upright cup-shaped hollow float working under buoyancy forces without a captured air volume that controls the valve during a flush cycle. Hooded bleed openings at a bottom wall of the float can be sized and numbered to selectively control the closuring timing of the valve. Baffles of the hood bleed openings redirect water bleeding into the float to prevent the water from spraying up against the top of the tank. The geometry of a seal retaining groove is designed to reduce leakage at the float/seal interface. For example, the groove has an annular wall with a compound profile forming a non-cylindrical, preferably serpentine, seal contact area. The seal is backed by a slotted flange located just above the retaining groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 7185374
    Abstract: A discharge valve for toilet tanks comprising a flexible ringed hose held by a couple covering a center hole of the toilet tank and a handle connecting to a wire wrapping around an upper part of the flexible ringed hose. The wire connected to the handle bends and submerge the flexible ringed hose into the liquid inside the toilet tank when the handle pulls the wire upwards thereby allowing liquid to enter the flexible ringed hose to flush the toilet bowl. The liquid stops flowing to the toilet bowl when the flexible ringed hose goes back to its original vertical position when the pull on the wire is released and when the level of the liquid inside the tank is below the top opening of the flexible ringed hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Edmundo Simental Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7155751
    Abstract: A hollow, open-ended closure for the tank valve which enables a large cross-section area of discharge port to be used, and which can pass bowl-refill water during the flushing sequence. It is especially useful as part of a valve in which it can be tilted to open the tank valve with reduced physical effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 6925658
    Abstract: A flush valve containing a flush drain entrance that while in a rest position is positioned above the water line so that there can be no leakage. When flushed, the entrance falls below the waterline, flushing the toilet bowl and then once again rises to a position above the waterline so that leakage cannot occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Mario Parker
  • Patent number: 6901610
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly includes a valve body with a first cylindrical tube member and a flush cover member that is coaxially and slidably mounted with respect to the valve body so as to create a valve opening therebetween when the flush cover member is removed from the valve body. A guiding means is provided that includes a second cylindrical tube member secured to the flush cover member and slidably fitted over the first cylindrical tube member. The guiding means further includes at least one alignment tab on the flush cover member that engages a corresponding tab recess defined in the valve body. A secondary float assembly pivotably affixed to the valve body has a flotation cup with a resilient member integral therewith. A pawl member includes retention members in combination with each of a primary finger and a secondary finger that engage an integral tab portion along an outside peripheral surface of the flush cover member during reciprocating movement of the flush cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: American Standard International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jensen, Joseph Unkyung Han
  • Patent number: 6785913
    Abstract: A flushing mechanism for a dual flush cistern system comprises a float assembly (1) comprising a hollow valve stemn (2) carrying a sealing valve (3) for sealing the outlet opening of the cistern at or towards one end and being open at each end to define an overflow passage and a float (6) fixedly attached around the valve stem (2), a cylindrical guide member (7) surrounding the float (6) and having at the end adjacent the sealing valve at least one opening to allow liquid to pass to the outlet opening, an operating rod (17) arranged to move vertically upward to raise the float assembly (1) to open the vavle (3), first and second operating means (25, 26) arranged to effect such vertical movement of the operating rod (17), the first operating means (25), an operation, being arranged to raise the float assembly (1) a first distance to a level which the float assembly (1) is buoyant, and the second operating means (26) being arranged to raise the float assembly (1) a second distance, less than the first distance
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cistern Technology Pte., Ltd.
    Inventor: King Chee Ho
  • Patent number: 6728975
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly for a water tank of a water closet which includes a first valve member which can be secured to the water tank and has a base sleeve position including a radiused inlet to thereby increase the discharge coefficient of the valve opening. A second valve member is coaxially and slidably mounted with respect to the first valve member so that the valve opening is created between the first and second valve members when the second valve member is removed from the first valve member. The second valve member is slidably movable between a first rest position, wherein the second valve member is seated on the base sleeve portion of the first valve member so that water cannot pass through the valve opening, and a second position, wherein the second valve member is removed from the base sleeve portion of the first valve member so that water can pass through the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Unkyung Han
  • Patent number: 6715162
    Abstract: A toilet includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl and a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowl to a sewage line. The toilet bowl has a rim channel provided along an upper perimeter portion thereof. In this toilet, the flush water flows through the rim channel in a path which is asymmetric and unidirectional along the entire perimeter portion thereof. The rim channel includes a plurality of rim openings distributed evenly along the perimeter of the rim channel. Flush water passing through the plurality of rim openings pre-wets the entire perimeter of the toilet bowl. The rim channel further includes a pair of water discharge slots which directs water directly into the toilet bowl in two powerful streams. The flush valve allowing passage of water from the water tank to the toilet bowl assembly is in the form of a valve inlet having a radiused port to generate greater energy throughput of the flush water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Unkyung Han, Aleksandr V. Prokopenko, Robert Michael Jensen
  • Patent number: 6640351
    Abstract: In combination, a cistern and flushing apparatus, the cistern having an outlet (7), and the apparatus comprising a valve (3, 5) for closing the outlet, the valve having a seat (5) and a sealing member (3) movable onto and off the seat, an actuating float (1) constrained to move substantially vertically in the cistern and connected with the sealing member so that the buoyancy of the float acts to press the sealing member onto the seat, means (10) for holding the float against its buoyancy and an actuation mechanism (18, 18, 11) for releasing the float thereby to open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Clorindo Diaz-Perez
  • Patent number: 6397404
    Abstract: A toilet flushing system primarily having an actuating assembly, guide housing, funnel assembly and flexible hose. Designed to minimize water utilization, the water inlet is located above the water line in a natural state. With the ability to select the desired amount of water for flushing, the actuating assembly is pushed vertically downward within the guide housing to overcome the upward buoyancy force surrounding the funnel assembly. The flushing cycle may be interrupted by vertically pulling the actuating assembly with sufficient force to overcome the water pressure established over the funnel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Carlos A. Ferreyra, Alejandro L. Ferreyra
  • Patent number: 6381764
    Abstract: A flush tank has a tube fitted to a downwardly open outlet and having an upper end vertically displaceable in the tank. A float fixed to the tube can switch between a low buoyancy insufficient to hold the tube upper end above the liquid level and a high buoyancy capable of holding the tube upper end above a liquid level in the tank. An actuating rod has an upper end and can engage vertically downward against the float to submerge same and changed it from high buoyancy to low buoyancy so the tube upper end sinks below the liquid level and the liquid in the tank flows through the tube out of the outlet. Stops on the tube and on the rod are engageable for limiting downward displacement of the float and tube to an intermediate position and are disengageable to allow downward displacement of the float and tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Grohedal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Stahlhut
  • Patent number: 6199221
    Abstract: A flush tank having a downwardly open outlet and a valve for filling the tank with a liquid has a flush valve having a tube fitted to the outlet and having an upper end vertically displaceable in the tank. A float fixed to the tube upper tube end has a buoyancy changeable between a high buoyancy capable of holding the tube upper end above a liquid level in the tank and a low buoyancy insufficient to hold the tube upper end above the liquid level. An actuator connected to the float can temporarily change the float from high buoyancy to low buoyancy and thereby sink the tube upper end below the liquid level and cause the is liquid in the tank to flow through the tube out of the outlet. The float has a lower part annularly surrounding the tube and an upper part formed as an upper space having a large upwardly open mouth level with the upper end of the tube and a small opening below its mouth opening into the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dal-Georg Rost & Sohne Sanitaramaturen GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Stahlhut
  • Patent number: 6006371
    Abstract: A flush valve has a valve ring defining a downwardly open valve port, an overflow tube centered on an upright axis and having a lower end opening into the valve port, and a valve body at the tube lower end displaceable relative to the port between a closed blocking position and an open position. Mechanism inside the tube lifts the valve body into the open position. A float in the tank adjacent the port cooperates with a latch system connected to the valve body for holding the body in the open position while the float is generally submerged. The tube is internally formed with an inwardly projecting ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: DAL-Georg Rost & Sohne Sanitaramaturen GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Korte
  • Patent number: 5713086
    Abstract: A flushing device has a first pushbutton for triggering a flushing with essentially the total amount of water present in the flushing tank and a second pushbutton for triggering a flushing with part of this amount of water. Both pushbuttons are connected to a valve pipe, which is to be raised during flushing and is mounted in a float housing. A beaker-shaped hollow body, which is raised as an additional weight with the closing element in the case of a partial flushing, is arranged in the flushing tank. The hollow body is raised with the closing element during a complete flushing and during a partial flushing alike. In the case of a complete flushing, the hollow body is opened by an opening such that water contained in the said hollow body flows out at least partially when the closing element with the hollow body is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Alois Diethelm
  • Patent number: 5653252
    Abstract: In a housing to be fastened to the bottom of a flushing tank, a float, which is arranged approximately centrally on a closing member mounted displaceably in the housing, is arranged under a partition extending horizontally in the flush tank. A sealing body is arranged at a lower end of the closing member. The partition forms a unit with a chamber arranged on its underside, and the unit is detachably inserted from the top into the housing, which is open at the top. The present invention simplifies the automatic mounting as well as the inspection of the drain valve and the more universal and therefore less expensive use of the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Marco Steg, Alois Diethelm
  • 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: 5502846
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an operating mechanism for a cistern (1) or flush tank which is able to be used for a wide variety of cisterns, irrespective of their volume to depth profile. The preferred mechanism takes the form of a generally cup-shaped weir (22) which surrounds the flush valve (18) and from which a support frame (7) extends. The height of the rim of the weir is able to be selected or adjusted, for example by the use of a number of rupturable panels (24) located in the walls of the weir (22). A mechanism (26,27) to adjust for height variations between the flush actuators (14) and the flush operating mechanism (15) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Caroma Industries Limited
    Inventors: David Chelchowski, Colin W. Wooldridge
  • Patent number: 5349981
    Abstract: The drain valve (1) has a valve tube (26) as well as an insert (37) with a float (38) in a valve housing (36). The float (38) is connected with the valve tube (26). In the bottom (49) of the insert (37) openings (39, 41a) are provided, which can be made to index by rotating a punched disk (40). For setting or resetting the flush water quantity, the punched disk (40) can be rotated by raising and turning the valve tube (26). Cogs (43) of the punched disk (40) will then engage in corresponding cutouts (45) at the lower end of the valve tube (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Geberit AG
    Inventors: Peter Schmucki, Paul Wey
  • Patent number: 5343572
    Abstract: A flush valve device is described for use in a toilet that includes a pressured water source, which can drain away water in the event of excess pressure with minimal modification to the toilet and which facilitates initial operation of the flush valve device. The flush valve device includes a valve member (16, FIG. 2 ) which lifts off a valve seat (22) at the beginning of a flushing, the valve member carrying a pressure operated relief valve (50) which dumps water at excess pressure through the opening (52) within the valve seat, to avoid the need for additional fluid-tight couplings in the water source. The valve member includes a sealing portion (60) which normally lies against the valve seat and which is lifted completely away from the valve seat during a flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Ament
  • 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: 5329647
    Abstract: A flush valve for a conventional toilet which replaces the conventional flapper valve assembly and seat and operates in conjunction with the standard ballcock valve. A hollow annular drain stopper seat is connected to the upper end of a male threaded cylindrical shank secured in the drain outlet opening of the tank that communicates with the bowl. A stopper fits in a central passage of the drain stopper seat and may be lifted so that water from the tank drains into the bowl through the central passage. At the same time, high pressure water is injected downwardly and tangentially into the central passage through a plurality of circumferentially spaced orifices in the interior cylindrical wall of the drain stopper seat. Water is supplied under pressure from the ballcock valve through a filler hose to an upper pressure chamber in the drain stopper seat that communicates with the orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Rectorseal Corporation
    Inventor: Duane R. Condon
  • Patent number: 5228147
    Abstract: The hood (1) has a tubular duct (2) in axial correspondence with the hole provided in the base thereof and in whose inside the overflow tube (3) is guided. Between the duct (2) and the side wall of the hood (1) the pneumatic chamber (11) in which the float (4) moves is formed.The cock (19) filling the tank with water has in its radial connecting nozzle of the flexible tube (21) some outer axial direction grooves (22) that remain partially covered by said flexible tube (21), thus admitting air that will be provided with the water through the lower area of the hood (1), where the latter incorporates a connecting nozzle, the air raising between the interstices of the float (4) and hood (1) to fill the chamber (11).The hood (1) includes in the bottom thereof a deflector (23) facing the water and air intake, to direct the latter towards the inside of the hood and the deflector (23) having an alternative air venthole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Pablo Fominaya Agullo
  • Patent number: 5023960
    Abstract: A water saver device to be connectable to the flushing mechanism of a conventional toilet. The device causes the conventional flapper valve of the discharge opening of the toilet tank to close prematurely prior to discharge of the entire contents of the tank. The device is to be adjustable so that during the flushing action of the conventional toilet, between fifty to seventy percent of water is used from what would normally be used. There is a second embodiment which permits selecting of either a full flush or a half flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Srinkarn Ratanagsu
  • Patent number: 4945578
    Abstract: A flush control device for use in a toilet tank of the type containing a standpipe and a flap valve pivotally mounted on the standpipe for closing an outlet in the bottom of the tank includes a cylindrical sleeve for slidable mounting on the standpipe and a bulbous float at the bottom of the sleeve. The float is defined by an upwardly opening first cup integral with the bottom end of the sleeve, and an inverted second cup slidably mounted on the sleeve, so that the buoyancy of the device can be changed. Thus, the water level at which the flap valve closes, and consequently the quantity of water discharged through the outlet can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Jomha, Andrew Lazowski, deceased, by Greg C. Empson, administrator, by Jose Vieira, administrator
  • 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: 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: 4604763
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly (10) for a water closet having a reservoir tank (12) with a discharge opening (15). The flush valve assembly (10) incorporates a spud (13) having a tubular body portion (14) which presents an annular groove (55) that extends peripherally of the body portion (14) in close proximity to its axially upper rim (88). The tubular body portion (14) is received in the discharge opening (15) of the tank (12). The radial groove (55) supports a cantilevered diaphragm (51) which extends radially outwardly therefrom. The spud (13) also includes a guide (35) having a vent tube (40) slidably received thereon. The guide (35) extends axially upwardly from the body portion (14) of the spud (13) to be positioned interiorly of the tank (12). The lower portion of the vent tube (40) presents a skirt (45) which extends outwardly and downwardly to define a circular valve seat (49) for selective, sealing engagement with the diaphragm (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Clevepak Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Sprang
  • Patent number: 4486906
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly for use in the water storage tank of a toilet, the closing speed of which can be controlled and adjusted to seal the storage tank as soon as the trap in the toilet bowl has been refilled, thereby preventing water loss from an overfilled trap. A valve cup having a float is rotatably mounted within a housing and has an elongated horizontal slot or the like near the lower edge. The valve cup contains water when the storage tank is full, and upon initiation of a flush cycle, the float engages an abutment which is secured to the valve shaft and retards the rate of descent of the valve shaft by floating downwardly on the water in the valve cup as this water drains from the horizontal slot. The valve cup can be rotated to variably restrict the slot, thereby increasing or decreasing the rate of descent of the valve shaft to seal the tank as soon as the trap has been refilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Geberit Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Meier
  • Patent number: 4483024
    Abstract: An overflow pipe in a water closet supports a valve arm which carries a valve for opening and closing an outlet in the bottom of the tank. A first float is connected to the outer end of the valve arm to maintain the valve in an open position until the water level falls below a predetermined level. A second float is carried on a float arm pivoted intermediate its ends to the support. Cooperating lock means are provided on the end of the float arms opposite the float and in the travel path of the valve arm whereby a horizontally disposed pin on the valve arm is adapted to engage a horizontal surface on the adjacent end of the float arm and move therealong into locking engagement with a vertical shoulder thereby holding the valve in an open position until the water level in the tank falls below a second predetermined lower level thereby releasing the valve arm to return the valve to its closed position. A trip handle is connected to the first float for initially moving the valve to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Inventor: Frederick R. Troeh
  • Patent number: 4435859
    Abstract: Toilet flush tanks run completely empty when the actuating device is actuated briefly. In very many cases this is not necessary. Therefore, a toilet flush tank is proposed where the drain closure part, actuated by a closing force, closes the drain. The closing force can either occur automatically after the water level has dropped accordingly, or it can be released manually when the water level is observed visually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Inventor: Reinhard Barnowski
  • Patent number: 4357720
    Abstract: A flush valve mounting permitting adjustment of water flow to the requirements of different types of toilet bowl comprises a housing in which a float container with a float therein is removably emplaced. The lower portion of the housing has window apertures through which water can flow from the flush tank into a drain upon lifting of the pipe which carries the valve plate. A wall extending downwardly from the floor of the float container abuts the interior of the window openings, and this wall itself has through-flow apertures separated by webs formed by the wall. The openings in the window apertures are diminished by rotating the float container relative to the housing. This permits the water flow to be adjusted to the requirements of the particular toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: Geberit AG
    Inventor: Paul Stahli
  • 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: 4134165
    Abstract: This invention provides an attachment for use with a flush toilet mechanism with the usual stopper and a cylindrical float member horizontally disposed, both being fixed with respect to each other and being swingable about a horizontal axis parallel with the cylinder axis. The attachment effects a saving of water used in flushing, and includes an upwardly open receptacle pivotally mounted with respect to a frame element, the latter being attached to the flush toilet mechanism such that the vertical location of the frame element with respect to the flush toilet mechanism can be selectively adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1979
    Inventors: Clarence F. Phripp, Norman R. Preston