Swinging Patents (Class 4/392)
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Patent number: 11008743Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: AS AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Patent number: 10961693Abstract: A dual flush flapper valve apparatus for converting a standard toilet to a dual flush system includes a valve body having a lower rim and an upper rim. The lower rim is configured to selectively engage a tank valve of a toilet. A valve top is coupled to the valve body and is selectively engageable with the upper rim to seal and alternatively unseal a top aperture. A first chain and a second chain are configured to attach to a trip lever of the toilet to move the valve top between a closed position. The first chain and the second chain are arranged such that a partial depression of a handle of the toilet lifts the trip lever to move the valve top to the open position and a full depression of the handle lifts the trip lever further to move the valve body to the lifted position.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Inventor: Steven Lazar
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Patent number: 10808389Abstract: A device for adapting a flusher for toilet tanks to a flush valve base provided with a lateral overflow pipe, includes a fastening element for fastening to the overflow pipe, the fastening element having a ring or cylinder shape with a low height and which includes a pair of cut-outs able to house lugs arranged in the overflow pipe; and a support element of a casing of a flusher of toilet tanks, including a fastening arrangement with the casing of the flusher, and may include a part for adapting the diameter of the fastening element to the diameter of the overflow pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: H & H Idrospania Technic, S.L.Inventors: Naji El Halabi Sirdar, José Mario Quesada Martinez
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Patent number: 10612224Abstract: A drain valve includes a valve body provided with a drain outlet in the lower portion, a first valve element arranged in the valve body to open or close the drain outlet, dividing the valve body into an inner cavity and an outer cavity and provided with a water outlet communicated with the drain outlet, a second valve element located in the inner cavity to open or close the water outlet of the first valve element, and a lifting component having an end connected with the second valve element and provided with a floating body assisting the lifting component in lifting the second valve element with a buoyancy force. Compared with traditional drain valves, the drain valve realizes the same draining effect with a short lift stroke, is convenient and fast to use, and improves the comfort level for users.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: WDI (Xiamen) Technology Inc.Inventors: Jinxing Peng, Youfen Chen
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Publication number: 20140289945Abstract: A flush water tank assembly includes: a flush water supply device for switching between a water supplying state and a water stopping state with respect of an inside of the water storage tank in terms of flush water; a small tank attached to the flush water supply device and configured to hold therein flush water; an openable and closable valve for opening and closing an opening in the bottom wall of the small tank; a float movable upwardly and downwardly according to change in water level within the small tank; and a water discharge valve device for opening and closing a water discharge port of the water storage tank, and the openable and closable valve has an auxiliary float element configured to be moved upwardly and downwardly according to change in water level within the small tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Atsuko YAMASAKI, Yukinori KUBOZONO
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Publication number: 20130318699Abstract: A water conservation device for use within a toilet is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector having a base adapted for connectivity and placement adjacent to a traditional pole assembly and proximate to an opening valve within a tank of the toilet. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a flexible pressure arm integrally formed with the connector base and adapted to couple to the opening valve within the tank of the toilet and adapted to provide a pressure to the opening valve to lessen overall water utilized in each flush of the toilet and thereby conserve water. The water conservation device is adapted for either a total or partial flush of the toilet as selected by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: Shervin Shokouh Ahmady
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Patent number: 8590066Abstract: An offset outlet flush valve has a valve body, the valve body having an inlet comprising an inlet aperture, an overflow tube socket comprising an overflow tube aperture, and an outlet comprising an outlet aperture. The outlet aperture of the valve body, and the wall that defines it, intersects a portion of the inlet aperture and a portion of the overflow tube aperture and the walls that define them. In this way, a water flow continuum is created between the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture and between the overflow tube aperture and the outlet aperture. A number of alternative embodiments of an overflow tube socket and overflow tube are also provided depending upon OEM or after-market application of the offset outlet flush valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.Inventors: Alberto C. Torres, David Nichols-Roy, Dennis D. Woods
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Publication number: 20130212794Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventor: TOTO LTD.
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Patent number: 8510876Abstract: A drain valve device and a drain valve for a cleaning water tank are disclosed. A drain valve device for a cleaning water tank which stores a cleaning water for cleaning a toilet bowl, comprises a drain valve main body including a supporting shaft extending in a horizontal direction and a valve seat attached to a draining port formed at a bottom surface of the cleaning water tank, and a drain valve including an engaging portion which engages with the supporting shaft and is capable of swinging in a vertical direction, and a valve body, connected with the engaging portion through an extending portion, for carrying out a water discharge and a water stop when contacting with or separating from the valve seat by swinging in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Koji Sakemi, Yoshihiko Morokuma
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Patent number: 8250681Abstract: A flush valve is provided for discharging fluid from a tank. The flush valve includes a flapper. The flapper includes a frame portion and a hollow float portion rotatably connected to the frame portion. A relative rotational position between the frame portion and the float portion adjusts at least one opening formed between the frame portion and the float portion, and controls an amount of fluid discharged from the tank by variably adjusting buoyancy of the flapper.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Han
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Patent number: 8230532Abstract: The device of the present invention comprises a limiting face configured to limit a movement of a stop arm of a toilet flush system actuator unit, that may be mounted to a toilet flush valve body by at least one retention piece. A fulcrum piece may also be provided, the fulcrum piece including a fulcrum hole adaptably sized to receive a fulcrum pin of a toilet flush system actuator unit, such that when the device is installed on a broken toilet flush valve the device will substitute, or provide support, for the support arms with fulcrum holes and stop tab for the toilet tilt valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventors: Win Htay, Michael Lin
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Patent number: 8104103Abstract: A flapper flush valve assembly includes a pair of laterally movable mounting arms which may be adjusted to vary a width therebetween to accommodate overflow tubes of different sizes. The flapper valve assembly is coupled to pivot members connected to an overflow tube. Mounting ears on the pivot members may include projections to provide spacing between the rotating mounting arms and adjacent sidewall of a toilet tank, thereby preventing jams.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Han
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Patent number: 7891028Abstract: An improved water-saving toilet flapper valve (20) that calls for an end to automatic toilet flushing; instead it is operated manually. By manually depressing the toilet flush handle (72) for a desired amount of time, the user regulates the amount of water flushed down the toilet in a single session, thus saving water. A short flush interval or full flush interval can be achieved. This is accomplished by designing the flange body (50) of the toilet flapper valve to house a solid inner core (54) containing a weighted mass (56). This allows the toilet flapper valve to become non-buoyant when submerged underwater in a toilet tank (60). The flange body design is an improvement on prior-art since it acts as a flange to create a positive seal with the valve seat (68) of the toilet tank; thus preventing water leakage. This improved toilet flapper valve design can replace a standard toilet flapper valve without the need of additional tools or costly modifications.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventors: Anthony Camargo, Rocky Caleb Camargo
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Publication number: 20100077545Abstract: A drain valve device and a drain valve for a cleaning water tank are disclosed. A drain valve device for a cleaning water tank which stores a cleaning water for cleaning a toilet bowl, comprises a drain valve main body including a supporting shaft extending in a horizontal direction and a valve seat attached to a draining port formed at a bottom surface of the cleaning water tank, and a drain valve including an engaging portion which engages with the supporting shaft and is capable of swinging in a vertical direction, and a valve body, connected with the engaging portion through an extending portion, for carrying out a water discharge and a water stop when contacting with or separating from the valve seat by swinging in a vertical direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Koji SAKEMI, Yoshihiko MOROKUMA
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Publication number: 20040172747Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid through a discharge outlet. A flapper assembly moveable between an open position, at least one intermediate position, and a closed position. In the open position fluid is able to flow substantially unrestricted by the flapper assembly through the discharge outlet. In the closed position fluid is prevented from flowing through the discharge outlet. In the at least one intermediate position fluid is partially restricted, but not prevented, from flowing through the discharge outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventor: Mauro Sirizzotti
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Patent number: 6651264Abstract: A flush valve is connectable to a blind hole in a vertical wall of a toilet tank. An overflow member is in fluid communication with a flush valve housing. The flush valve housing is wider than it is higher, and fits into a blind hole in the tank wall of similar cross sectional shape. The tank is formed with an attachment ear. A clip mounted on the housing holds the housing against the tank wall, while the non-circular nature of the housing and blind hole prevent relative rotation there between.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Daniel N. Halloran, Andrew H. Matznick
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Patent number: 6615415Abstract: A tank valve for a lavatory has a body having a plug with a hollow. A flange is formed on a top edge of the plug. A pair of arms is formed on the flange and extends outwards. An upper ring made of a metal is mounted on a top surface of the flange. A lower ring made of a metal is mounted on a bottom surface of the flange. When a user releases a handle, the valve is immediately pivoted downwards to close a water outlet. Thus, a flow-out capacity of water can be controlled by a time of holding a handle, and a lot of water can be saved.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: A-Pi Lai
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Patent number: 6339882Abstract: A flush valve is adapted for placement through a hole in the bottom of a toilet tank. The valve seat has an axis with a lower section adapted to extend through the hole and an upper section defining an opening generally perpendicular to the axis. A first sleeve communicates with a central channel in the upper section. A valve elbow has a second axis with an overflow section and a second sleeve registerable with the first sleeve to provide fluid communication between the overflow section and the (central channel) an associated method includes injection molding steps wherein first and second core pins are removed laterally and the second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve to provide fluid communication between the overflow section of the valve elbow in the central channel of the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventors: Kent Goessling, John McKay
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Patent number: 5966749Abstract: A pivotable toilet flush valve member (10) is provided, of the type that includes a float (40) with a pair of holes (44, 52) that allow the float to fill with water during a flushing to close early, and where the float can be turned to vary the amount of water used during a flushing, wherein the float is constructed for easy and loose mounting on a frame (12) and for low friction rotation about a primarily vertical axis (60), and where the flush valve member has a simple detent mechanism to hold the float at any rotational position to which it is turned. The frame has an aperture (74) lying along the primarily vertical axis, and the float has a small diameter upwardly extending projection (70) that projects upwardly through the frame aperture and that is held by the walls of the aperture, for low friction turning. The detent mechanism includes an upstanding wall (100) with an upwardly-open vertical groove (102) that has a plurality of teeth on at least one side of the groove.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventors: Kent Goesling, Oscar R. Dufau, John McKay, Steven E. Maple, Adolf Schoepe
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Patent number: 5794279Abstract: A water saver attachment for toilets being pivotally connected to selectively cover a drain pipe within a flush tank of the toilets. The water saver attachment includes a hollow L-shaped water weight box having a horizontal section with an open top side and a vertical section connected thereto. A support arm is connected to the hollow L-shaped water weight box and a cover is connected to the support arm. The water saver attachment is pivotally connected within the flush tank by a connection device. The water saver attachment is pivotable between a first at rest position in which the cover seals the drain pipe to prevent water from flowing therethrough and a second flushing position in which the water saver attachment is pivoted whereby the cover is pivoted to selectively allow water to flow through the drain pipe. The water saver attachment automatically pivots back to the first at rest position upon completion of flushing of the toilet to limit an amount of water flowing through the drain pipe.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Inventor: Shirley Schwartz
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Patent number: 5341522Abstract: A water conservation device for use in toilet tanks which have a valve movable between an open and a closed position. The valve is connected to a flush linkage which draws the valve to the open position upon activation of a flushing lever. The water conservation device consists of an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongate body is indirectly linked to the valve. The second end of the elongate body is indirectly suspended within the toilet tank, such that the elongate body is disposed at an angle to the valve. As the elongate body pivots, the weight of the elongate body pulls the valve into the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1993Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Assignee: The Enviro Shop Corp.Inventor: James Munro
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Patent number: 5218725Abstract: A flush valve water accelerator having a top opening of increased height to reduce the amount of water used by a toilet, and which accelerates the flow of water to increase the efficacy of the water in the toilet bowl. The device is comprised of an entry tube and an exit tube, with the exit tube having a minimum inside diameter of approximately fifty (50) percent of the median inside diameter of the entry tube to accelerate the flow of water into the toilet bowl without causing cavitation from the vacuum created by the restriction of the exit tube. A connecting tube, having a decreasing inside diameter, connects the entry tube and the exit tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1992Date of Patent: June 15, 1993Inventor: Wilfred E. Lipman
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Patent number: 5173971Abstract: An assembly is provided for replacing part or all of a toilet flush valve, which facilitates mounting in a variety of toilets and which enables saving of water. The assembly includes an adapter (30, FIG. 6) for mounting on older types of overflow tubes, which includes a ring member (70) having a gap (72) and a leaf spring (80) extending across the gap. After the adapter is moved down along the overflow tube and lies at its base, the spring is pushed in to cause a hook (84) at one end to ride along a ramp (90) from a second tooth (88) to a third tooth (92) and engage the third tooth, to tightly clamp the ring member in place to prevent turning. A closing delay cup (116, FIG. 9) that can be used on a valve member, includes a plurality of holes and at least one plug (126) that is molded to the cup and can be cut off and used to plug one of the holes (120) to adjust the amount of water saved in each flushing. A valve member includes a tank ball having an enlargement (160, FIG.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1991Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.Inventors: Adolf Schoepe, Kabir Siddiqui
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Patent number: 5157796Abstract: A double flush toilet valve apparatus and method for permitting full and partial flushes of a toilet water tank by providing a vent hole in the toilet flush valve float which can be opened by an extended additional force actuation of the toilet flush handle to permit flooding of the float valve and premature closing of the discharge outlet of the toilet tank which is regulated by a float which is attached to the actuation chain of the toilet valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1991Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Inventors: Jacques F. Boyer, Pierre J. Boyer
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Patent number: 5153948Abstract: A water saver unit for use with a flush toilet having a tank, a flush handle, a tank drain opening and a flapper valve support, with a flapper valve having a flapper element for mounting on the flapper valve support, and a strap for connecting the flapper element to the flapper handle, with the flapper element having a solid disk with upper and lower surfaces, a center section and a rim, with radially extending ribs on the upper surface between the center section and rim, and with the bottom surface tapering downward from the rim toward the center section. A float is positioned on the strap to provide bouyancy to the flapper valve as long as the float is below the water level in the toilet tank. The flapper element solid disk is of substantially uniform thickness between the center section and rim, and the bottom surface taper is in the order of 5 to 20 degrees, preferably about 10 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1991Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Assignee: Toilet Mizer Co.Inventors: Richard S. Smith, Victor Strand
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Patent number: 4953237Abstract: A globular flapper valve for use in combination with a conventional toilet tank. The flapper valve consist primarily of a normally submerged lever-actuated plunger valve having connection with two separate but interconnected air chambers. A first and upper air chamber is formed in a pneumatically sealable globular container, the upper chamber having open drain access to a lower chamber which has access to a reservoir drain. The first air chamber is operatively connected to the plunger valve and the entire unit is controlled by an attached lever which may be selectively actuated to obtain a partial and alternatively a full flush.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1990Date of Patent: September 4, 1990Inventor: Bernard C. Perkins
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Patent number: 4698859Abstract: A flapper valve assembly including an adapter member and a flapper valve member. The adapter member includes a collar portion, a pair of trunions projecting radially outwardly from diametrically opposed locations on the collar portion, and a mounting portion extending rearwardly from the collar portion and defining an elongated slot. The flapper valve member includes a sealing disc for sealing coaction with the valve seat of the outlet passage of the tank, a float bowl extending integrally and centrally downwardly from the sealing disc for positioning within the outlet passage, and a pair of arms extending rearwardly from the sealing disc and including mounting apertures sized to button over the trunions on the adapter member to mount the valve member for pivotal movement on the adapter member between opened and closed positions relative to the valve seat of the outlet passage.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1986Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignee: Brass-Craft Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Marvin Freed
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Patent number: 4639951Abstract: A reliable, inexpensive wear plate attachment for conventional toilet flush valve assemblies which is easily attached to the same for repair of a broken or worn pivoted valve stop wall portion, or, for attachment prior to breakdown in a program of preventative maintenance, thereby obviating expensive and more complex replacement of a major portion of the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1986Date of Patent: February 3, 1987Inventor: Jerzy Lamot
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Patent number: 4497076Abstract: The invention is an improved, adjustable ball valve closure for use in a dual flush water closet which allows the choice of a regular flush or a water saving flush. The adjustable closure is the type having a buoyancy chamber with a relatively lower drain hole and a relatively higher air bleeder port. It is improved by providing a water inlet port in a position which is above the drain hole when the valve closure is closed and is lower than the air bleeder port when the valve closure is open. The improvement allows a finer, more accurate adjustment of the amount of water discharged for a limited flush.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1983Date of Patent: February 5, 1985Inventor: Donald E. Sullivan
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Patent number: 4433446Abstract: A flush valve connectable to a wall of a toilet tank is disclosed. In one embodiment, there is a non-circular outlet formed in the bottom wall of the tank. There is also a resilient seal bearing against an upper surface of the bottom wall, the seal surrounding the outlet and having a central bore aligned therewith. A flush valve is provided having a housing that extends through the seal bore and outlet. The housing also has an outwardly extending flange above the seal to trap the seal against the bottom wall, and a radially outwardly extending projection below the bottom wall. The housing is rotatable between a first position in which the projection can pass vertically through the outlet, and a second position where the projection can catch under the bottom wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1983Date of Patent: February 28, 1984Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventor: Ronald N. Grimstad
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Patent number: 4419773Abstract: A discharge valve closure of the type which has a bleeder port to permit the conservation of water by causing the closure to shut the discharge valve prior to the draining of all water from the water tank. The discharge valve closure features an adjustment which permits at least a portion of the buoyancy chamber to be pivoted about the axis of the closure to position the bleeder port at a selected angular spacing from its top dead center position. This adjustment allows the tank water level at which the closure shuts off the discharge valve to be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1982Date of Patent: December 13, 1983Inventor: Donald E. Sullivan
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Patent number: 4365365Abstract: A flush valve adapted to be mounted to the bottom of a tank. The flush valve has a body with a drain conduit and an opening which can be opened and closed by a movable plug. The body has an internal thread in the drain conduit. A mounting seal has a flange that bears against the tank bottom and a skirt that fits in the drain port in the tank. An expander has an external thread which engages the internal thread, and also has a tapered expander section that enters and diametrally enlarges the skirt when the threads are progressively engaged. Enlargement of the skirt makes a fluid-tight seal and exerts a force which holds the body of the tank. Torque-tool engagement surfaces are formed in the expander so it can be turned.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1981Date of Patent: December 28, 1982Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
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Patent number: 4365364Abstract: A demand type flush tank control for saving water by the utilization of a water release valve of the flapper type in the water storage tank of a toilet, with such flapper valve being non-buoyant such that it will close off the flow of water from the tank into the toilet the instant the flush handle has been released by the user. In this way, the use of the entire contents of the tank is prevented, except on those occasions where a full tank is actually needed. My novel flapper valve has no air pocket below the sealing area, as do conventional flapper valves, and it is non-buoyant in that a cavity is provided in the upper part of the valve, through which water can enter a part of the valve body. Accordingly, my novel flapper valve readily returns to its seat the moment the toilet handle is released, thereby effecting a daily savings of many gallons of water.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1981Date of Patent: December 28, 1982Inventor: Rudolph T. Riedel
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Patent number: 4155128Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve assembly including a vinyl foam valve closure element is disclosed. A guide element is attached to the bottom of the valve closure element and extends into the flush pipe when the valve closure element is seated for guiding the seating of the valve closure element. A linkage element links the bottom of the valve closure element to the inside of the flush pipe below the valve seat for limiting upward vertical movement of the valve closure element and for limiting revolution of the valve closure element about the overflow pipe when the valve closure element is lifted off of the valve seat so that the bottom extremity of the guide is not moved horizontally to a position that is not within the valve seat.A vinyl foam disc-shaped buoy is attached to the top of the valve closure element by a ball chain and is restrained from moving more than a predetermined length of the chain from the valve closure element.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1978Date of Patent: May 22, 1979Inventor: Arthur M. Dyer
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Patent number: 4134165Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 20, 1978Date of Patent: January 16, 1979Inventors: Clarence F. Phripp, Norman R. Preston