Electrical Patents (Class 4/406)
  • Patent number: 12031313
    Abstract: A retractable switch mechanism, comprising an intelligent toilet having an inner cavity and a switch assembly arranged in the inner cavity of the intelligent toilet. An avoidance hole communicated with the inner cavity of the intelligent toilet is formed in the side wall of the intelligent toilet, and the switch assembly comprises a switch capable of moving between a first position where the switch extends out of the avoidance hole and a second position where the switch retracts into the avoidance hole. The switch can extend out of the inner cavity of the intelligent toilet when needing to be used and can be accommodated in the inner cavity of the intelligent toilet when not needing to be used, so that the risk that when the intelligent toilet is mounted in a bathroom without dry-wet separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: XIAMEN ANBOLY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiaxu Chen, Zihong Chen, Zheng'er Chen, Ziquan Chen
  • Patent number: 11891787
    Abstract: Proposed is an automatic flushing device for an electronic bidet, in which the automatic flushing device has an automatic flushing function and is for both a water tank toilet and a direct flush valve toilet. In contrast to existing bidets, which are produced separately for the water tank toilet and the direct flush valve toilet in order to enable the automatic flushing function of the water tank toilet and the direct flush valve toilet, the automatic flushing device for the electronic bidet enables a single bidet to be capable of being used in both the water tank toilet and the direct flush valve toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: AIR VOOM INC.
    Inventors: Dong Jin Lee, Jae Tong Lee
  • Patent number: 11892100
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve including: a valve body having a flow path formed therein and a valve chamber recessed from an upper surface of the valve body; a diaphragm that is disposed in the valve chamber and elastically deformable to open and close the flow path and adjust an opening degree of the flow path; a stem for pressing the diaphragm to elastically deform the diaphragm; an actuator for driving the stem; a support mechanism that is fixed to the valve body and supports the stem and the actuator; wherein the stem includes a first stem member connected to the actuator via a displacement transmitting member, and a second stem member held by the support mechanism so as to be movable in the axial direction via a sleeve, the second stem member has an upper end portion which abuts against a lower end portion of the first stem member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kohei Shigyou, Takashi Hirose
  • Patent number: 11866922
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toilet flushing initiating, monitoring and management system initiated by the unlocking of a locking member on a door mounted in a stall typically found in a bathroom such as a public bathroom. Signal patterns from flushing controller and a door housing controller are recorded and analyzed to identify associated fault conditions. Notifications of the associated fault conditions are output and communicated to an authorized user, such as a facilities manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: HYDRAZE, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Dylan Grody
  • Patent number: 10941552
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toilet flushing initiating, monitoring and management system initiated by the unlocking of a locking member on a door mounted in a stall typically found in a bathroom such as a public bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Charles Dylan Grody
  • Patent number: 10774514
    Abstract: A remote control device according to an embodiment includes an operation button, a generator, an electrical storage part, electronic paper, and a controller. The operation button is for remotely operating a wet-area device. The generator generates electrical power by utilizing energy when the operation button is pressed. The electrical storage part stores the electrical power generated by the generator; the electronic paper displays a setting state of the wet-area device. The controller controls a refresh and a display-switching of the electronic paper by utilizing the electrical power stored in the electrical storage part. The operation button is marked with information showing a function of the operation button. The controller performs the refresh in the case where the function is not realized when the operation button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Satoko Morioka, Masami Yamanaka, Masami Tsujita
  • Patent number: 10041239
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Shervin Shokouh Ahmady
  • Patent number: 8984675
    Abstract: An adapter includes an interface module that receives signals from a first sensor that indicate a first fill status of a holding tank. A control module of the adapter generates a control signal based on the first fill status. The toilet is at least partially controlled by a toilet control module that restricts a flush capability of the toilet based on the control signal. An isolation module of the adapter isolates the interface module and the control module from at least one of voltage and current fluctuations that are external to the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: James Miller, Rick Danks, Ian Vivero
  • Publication number: 20150074893
    Abstract: A flush toilet includes a bowl, a tank coupled to the bowl, a flush valve positioned within the tank, and a flush device configured to initiate a flush cycle. The automatic toilet further comprises an electronic sensing assembly having a sensing member positioned on the bowl for detecting an overflow condition of the bowl, an overflow device operably coupled to the flush device, and a controller in electronic communication with the electronic sensing assembly and the overflow device for controlling the flush device in response to a condition of the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Veros, Kurt Judson Thomas, Robert W. Rodenbeck, Garry Robin Marty, Derek Allen Brown
  • Publication number: 20150059075
    Abstract: The inventive embodiments concern a method for flushing a toilet for vehicles, especially for motor homes, buses, recreational vehicles, or watercraft, with a toilet bowl, a control unit for actuating a flushing with a control program, and with a conduit piece for drainage of the waste water from the toilet bowl into a waste-holding tank and a toilet system for implementing the method and a vehicle with the toilet system according to the inventive embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jens Oxenfarth, Tim Jochim, Volker Müller
  • Publication number: 20140123378
    Abstract: A touchless actuation system for a toilet includes a touchless sensor, a motor assembly, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal from the touchless sensor and to detect an object within a detection region based on the signal. The touchless sensor lacks an optical path to the detection region. In some embodiments, the touchless sensor is a projected capacitive sensor. The processing circuit is configured to activate the motor assembly upon detecting the object and the motor assembly is configured to actuate flushing of the toilet when activated by the processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, Peter W. Denzin, Jeffrey C. Hildebrand, Brian D. Renzelman, Clayton C. Garrels, Joseph L. Stauber, Eric M. Plate
  • Patent number: 8695125
    Abstract: An automatic toilet flushing system, for use with conventional toilets, includes a sensor, an actuator and a flushing mechanism. The actuator has a gear train, a motor, a pivotal arm connected to the gear train, and a power source connected to the motor for rotating the shaft of the motor which rotates the gear train for pivotal movement of the arm. The flushing mechanism includes a flapper valve and the pivotal arm is connected to the flapper valve via a bead chain and a handle swivel or a tab mounted on the pivotal arm. The sensor may replace the flush handle or the flush handle and the sensor may both be provided. A kit and a method for converting a manual flushing system to the automatic toilet flushing system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, Jeffrey T. Phillips, Brian Vanhoy, Roy F. Leviner, III
  • Publication number: 20140068850
    Abstract: A driving mechanism of a flush apparatus includes a motorized unit supported by a valve body, a plunger arm driven by the motorized unit for operating the valve body between a sealed position to an unsealed position, and a timer module operatively linked to the motorized unit to set a flush interval for enabling the flushing operation to be completed once every flush interval. The driving mechanism converts the flush apparatus into water efficient fixture by controlling the amount of daily flushes for ultimate water efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8648724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for motivating or prompting persons to wash hands. The system includes a sensor for detecting use of a toilet or a urinal, which sensor creates a first signal indicative of that use, and a signaling arrangement for issuing in response to the first signal at least one second signal reminding or prompting the person to use a cleansing agent dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventors: Lars Forsberg, Peter B. Andersen, Murad Mahmoud, Anders Nuchnua Jørgensen
  • Patent number: 8615821
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided for coupling a drive shaft with a drive arm of an actuator for use with an automatic toilet flushing system, wherein the drive shaft is adapted for rotation via a motor in the actuator. The clutch assembly includes a rotatable body extending between the drive shaft and the drive aim and having a first engaging member. A clutch disk is secured to the drive shaft and includes a second engaging member adapted for cooperating with the first engaging member of the body. A fastener secures the clutch disk to the drive shaft and a biasing member is provided for biasing the body toward the clutch disk. The body is adapted to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member should a predetermined torque on the drive shaft be exceeded to disengage the first and second engaging members and prevent damage to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Funari
  • Publication number: 20130318699
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Shervin Shokouh Ahmady
  • Publication number: 20130174338
    Abstract: A system for controlling the duration and volume of a flow of water in a flush of a Toilet has a converting element, for converting the normally buoyant flush valve to a non-buoyant flush valve. A programming element enables programming of a controlling time for the flush duration and volume of water. A controlling element connects the programming element to the non-buoyant flush valve, for retaining it in a raised open position upon user actuation, and for releasing it to close the flush valve within the controlling time. In a preferred embodiment, the controlling element is mounted to the exterior wall of the toilet tank and has a connecting element connected to the flush actuator outside the tank which is connected to the flush lever and to the non-buoyant flush valve within the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Nasrallah
  • Publication number: 20130152293
    Abstract: A fluid-operated actuator assembly has a valve with an inlet for connection to a pressurized fluid source, a bi-stable electromagnetic device for operating the valve, which has a first state closing the valve and a second state opening the valve, a hydraulic actuator, and an electronic control circuit. The hydraulic actuator has an actuating member in a housing, the housing having a chamber on one side of the actuating member to which an outlet of the valve is connected for receiving fluid from the fluid source when the valve is opened, the actuating member for operation of the hydraulic actuator. The control circuit momentarily energizes the bi-stable electromagnetic device to the hydraulic actuator from the second state, back to the first state, to terminate operation of the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: DEFOND COMPONENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Kwok Chiu YU, Kai Chi CHAN, Alec Kam Lek QUAN
  • Patent number: 8430118
    Abstract: An automatic flush device is provided that is mounted in a water tank. The automatic flush device includes an inlet control module, a lever module for discharging water and a tank module. The inlet control module includes an inlet element linked to the inlet tube and a solenoid valve set at the inlet element. The lever module for discharging water has a cup connected with the solenoid valve by a filling tube. An electronic sensing controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve to fill water into the cup. When the cup is full of water, the lever unbalances and slants to control the flushing of the water tank. Therefore, it is easy to control water current while requiring minimal power, thereby saving electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Def Xiong
  • Patent number: 8407821
    Abstract: An intelligent flushing system uses odor sensors and cameras to monitor interior conditions of a plumbing product and detect wastes. Recognition of need to activate a flush mechanism is determined by a control unit in accordance with conditions and wastes detected through processed sensor data and camera captured images. Water conservation is achieved by performing diagnostic and preinstalled flush procedures with controlled flush volumes. Flush performance assessment results and related data are stored in a database for statistical analysis and fine-tuning computation for continuous operation betterment. An apparatus with control methods coordinate data and signal processing, flush activation, data storage and communication. All processed information may be transported between various individually operable intelligent flushing systems, information systems of the user, supplier and others via network connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Kit Jiun Chan
  • Patent number: 8370969
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectable characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Limit, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Bowcutt, Ahmed Shishegar, Matthew Ibarra, Daniel L. Corbin, Dennis Repp, Robert M. Connell, Oscar Dufau, Gregory Blake, Sam Iravantchi
  • Patent number: 8307470
    Abstract: A toilet bowl system comprising an electric spigot, an electric valve, and a control unit for controlling said electric spigot and said electric valve, and for operatively synchronizing said electric spigot with said electric valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Nir Abadi
  • Publication number: 20120151667
    Abstract: A toilet flushing assembly (500) comprising an actuating device (600) installable within the toilet tank (200) and an initiating device (700) accessible from outside the toilet tank (200). The flush-actuating device (600) comprises an electric motor (610) that converts a passageway (620) between a rest condition and a flush condition. The flush-initiating device (700) initiates operation of the flush-actuating device (600), preferably in either a light-flush mode or heavy-flush mode, depending upon the deposit made in the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Walter G. Berry, Michael J. Keller, Aaron D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 8104741
    Abstract: A water-box toilet sensing flushing system including an inlet loop, loop washer, linking pipe, solenoid valve outer bracket, switch diaphragm, solenoid valve, connector, water bowl assembly, outlet washer wire, and sensor. This is an added device to the original manual structure of the water box. It does not affect the original function; but a sensing control water box automatic flushing device is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen Weigen
  • Patent number: 7805778
    Abstract: A stool flushing device having a control switch and a locking assembly comprises: a casing having a receiving space therein; the casing having an inlet which can be connected to a water source; the inlet being communicated to the receiving space; the casing having a first outlet and a second outlet; a rotary button being a disk like structure; an axial rod being connected to a lower center of the rotary button; a control portion separating the receiving space; the control portion including an upper disk, a valve disk and a lower disk; the upper disk being formed with a first injection opening and a second injection opening; the first injection opening being communicated to the first outlet and the second injection opening being communicated to the second outlet; the lower disk having a third injection opening and a fourth injection opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Song Yang Ltd., Co
    Inventor: Yu-Chang Liao
  • Publication number: 20100064427
    Abstract: A control system for a cistern, the control system comprising a user activated sensor (13), a controller (14), a pump (15) and a pneumatic line (16) connected to the pump (15) and adapted to be connected to the drain valve (11) of a cistern (10), wherein the user activated sensor (13) and controller (14) are adapted to interpret a plurality of signals and operate the pump (15) in a predefined manner associated with a detected signal, thereby enabling a plurality of flushing actions to be effected using a single user activated sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Ahmet Ersal Mehmet
  • Publication number: 20100064424
    Abstract: A flush apparatus includes a solenoid valve, a driving circuit for providing a driving power to the solenoid valve, a battery, a solar cell electrically connected to the battery, and a control module electrically connected to the driving circuit for providing at least one control signal to the driving circuit to control ON/OFF of the driving circuit. The solar cell and the battery are electrically connected to a power output terminal in parallel, and the power output terminal is electrically connected to the driving circuit directly for providing the driving power to the driving circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Yen-Ta Hsu, Ching-Liang Chiu
  • Patent number: 7650652
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet bowl water level gauge and associated methods. In one embodiment, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a gauge assembly having a stem with a float, and a sleeve, wherein the stem is inserted in the sleeve and slides through the sleeve. Also, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a support attached to the gauge assembly, the support being adapted to engage a rim of a toilet bowl. In addition, bowl level sensors are employed for automated calibration of an automated bowl fill system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sustainable Source, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • Patent number: 7581263
    Abstract: A toilet flush opening device (10) includes a water cistern (12) that includes a lower discharge aperture (14) and a vertical moveable discharging open/close element (16) for this aperture (14), which is able to occupy a closed lower position to keep the water in the cistern (12) or an open upper position to discharge the water into a toilet bowl. The device is characterized in that the open/close element (16) can be urged from its lower position to its upper position by an electrohydraulic actuator (18) which includes a controlled solenoid valve (20), and an expandable hydraulic device (22) that can be supplied with water at pressure by the solenoid valve (20) to urge the open/close element (16) from its closed lower position to its open upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: CELEC Conception Electronique En Abrege CELEC
    Inventor: Christian Martin
  • Patent number: 7500277
    Abstract: A toilet (10) having an automatic flush assembly (50) includes a toilet bowl (14), a water holding tank (12) for supplying water to the toilet bowl (14), and a flush valve (22). The holding tank (12) supplies water to the toilet bowl (14) and defines a handle opening (34) for an actuating handle (36) of the toilet (10). The flush valve (22) provides fluid communication between the toilet bowl (14) and the holding tank (12). The automatic flush assembly (50) is mounted in the handle opening (34) and includes a sensor section (54), a control section (56), and an actuating mechanism (58). The sensor section (56) detects the presence of a person in front of the toilet bowl (14). The control section (56) receives a detection signal from the sensor section (54) and initiates a flush signal to the actuating mechanism (58), which actuates the flush valve (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: I-CON Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D Bush
  • Publication number: 20090007324
    Abstract: The system for opening and/or closing an inlet valve (10) and/or an outlet valve (30) of a liquid container (24), particularly for water toilets, water tanks or the like, comprises an inlet tube (16) with an inlet valve (10) in the upper portion of the container (24) and an outlet tube (20) with an outlet valve (30) in the bottom portion (25) of the container (24), both valves (10, 30) being provided with a valve body. It is characterized by the use of a bistabile inlet valve (10) having a lag-free opening and closing characteristic without any intermediate opening position of the valve body (14; 38,46), the closing stroke of the valve body being assisted by the flow of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ABERTAX RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Joseph Pule, Joseph Cilia, George Schembri, Werner Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7415737
    Abstract: An automatic flushing system is equipped with a buoyancy mechanism to unseat a valve set in a tank of a toilet. The automatic flushing system, equipped with battery power, includes sets of sensing, actuating, latching, buoyancy, unseat/seat and valve members. The battery power only provides electrical power to sensing and actuating members to release a float from an engaged position to a release position. Thus, the buoyancy of the float may unseat a valve to open a drain of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventors: Raymond Yinghui Hung, Mark Y. F. Chow
  • Publication number: 20080196151
    Abstract: A flush actuation assembly for flushing a urinal or a toilet, the flush actuation assembly comprising a housing a sensor assembly rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein the sensor assembly detects the presence/absence of a user in a target area and transmits a flush signal based on said detecting a flushing assembly, operatively coupled to the sensor assembly, for receiving the flush signal and causing the flushing of the urinal or toilet; wherein the sensor assembly is rotatable relative to the housing for detecting the presence/absence of a user in differing target areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: WATERBURY COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Samuel W. Oakes Jr.
  • Patent number: 7322054
    Abstract: A toilet (10) having an automatic flush assembly (50) includes a toilet bowl (14), a water holding tank (12) for supplying water to the toilet bowl (14), and a flush valve (22). The holding tank (12) supplies water to the toilet bowl (14) and defines a handle opening (34) for an actuating handle (36) of the toilet (10). The flush valve (22) provides fluid communication between the toilet bowl (14) and the holding tank (12). The automatic flush assembly (50) is mounted in the handle opening (34) and includes a sensor section (54), a control section (56), and an actuating mechanism (58). The sensor section (56) detects the presence of a person in front of the toilet bowl (14). The control section (56) receives a detection signal from the sensor section (54) and initiates a flush signal to the actuating mechanism (58), which actuates the flush valve (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: I-CON Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Bush
  • Patent number: 7140050
    Abstract: An automatic flushing actuator that mounts to an overflow pipe in a tank style toilet includes a proximity sensor, a housing enclosing a motor mount and gear assembly, and a rotatably mounted lever on top of the housing. A clamp is adapted to be affixed to the side of the housing and secure the actuator to the overflow pipe. When installing the actuator, the clamp is affixed to the overflow pipe before the housing is mounted onto the clamp. The clamp allows the housing to be removably mounted or locked in position on the clamp. The lever coupled to the top of the housing is rotated to a desired position, and a chain is connected to a handle of the toilet opens the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Technical Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 7069604
    Abstract: The present invention provides an open/close valve which contributes the stabilization of the operation responsibility. A housing has a water-in port and a water-out port. Furthermore, a piston which is slidably mounted in the housing in an axial direction by means of an external operation of a shaft, and a pressure offset means for offsetting the pressure which the piston receives from water in the water-out port to the other side are provided. The piston is attached to a seat face of the housing by being slided on one side in an axial direction to close the communication between the water-in port and the water-out port, and the piston is detached to the seat face of the housing by being slided on the other side in an axial direction to open the communication between the water-in port and the water-out port. The pressure offset means comprises a pressure offset room which is formed at the other side of the piston, and a passage for communicating one side of the piston with the pressure offset room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: INAX Corporation
    Inventors: Katsunori Tomita, Kenichi Ito, Koji Miwa, Shingo Morikawa, Yasuhiro Shirai, Masataka Mizutani, Shoichi Nakamura, Hideya Koike, Hidefumi Toyoshi, Atsushi Itoh
  • Patent number: 7032256
    Abstract: An arrangement for flushing a toilet of the type that comprises a toilet bowl and a toilet tank. In one embodiment, the arrangement comprises a handle assembly comprising a manually actuatable handle that provides a flush signal to the flush valve flapper lifting assembly in response to manual actuation of the handle. In another embodiment, a flush valve actuation assembly, comprising a handle assembly that comprises at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a user in a target area, is mountable in the aperture through a sidewall through which a conventional handle, comprising a lift arm to lift a conventional chain to pivot a conventional flush valve flapper, is mountable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Waterbury Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl D. Contadini
  • Patent number: 7032257
    Abstract: A flush tank includes an outlet pipe attached to a receptacle for discharging water, a float disposed close to the outlet pipe to selectively block the outlet pipe, and to control an outward flowing of the water through the outlet pipe. A magnetically forcing device may magnetically force the float to block the outlet pipe, and a detecting device may be used to detect users and to actuate the magnetically forcing device to release the float. The magnetically forcing device includes an electromagnetic device supported by a frame to act with the float. A stop may be attached to the frame to limit a movement of the float relative to the outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Kuan Pao Chen
  • Patent number: 7028347
    Abstract: A digital electronic volume/flow control sensor toilet includes a bowl, a water storage tank interconnected with the bowl, and a digital electronic volume/flow control sensor flushing mechanism. The flushing mechanism has components including a volume sensor, a shuttle, a plunger assembly, a motor, a water valve, and a control with a power source and volume/flow control sensor circuitry communicatively interconnecting the components. The volume sensor has a plurality of electrically conductive contact points exposed on a surface and at positions along a length of the side of the volume sensor with a recess, the positions of the contact points corresponding to predetermined volume levels of the flushing mechanism. A plurality of VOLUME SELECTION buttons/switches are mounted on an outer surface of the water storage tank, the VOLUME SELECTION buttons/switches being associated with the contact points. A HOLD button/switch can be mounted on the outer surface of the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Dilworth D. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 6877170
    Abstract: A toilet water measuring and flow control system, including leak and overflow detection and prevention elements. The system has inlet and outlet flow sensors operably connected to inlet and outlet control valves and to water level sensors to measure and control water flow to and from the toilet. Water level sensors held in a toilet tank are connected to the system to control the volume of water fed to the toilet tank and passing through the outlet. The toilet tank may be provided with a movable reservoir to more accurately control the amount of water held in the tank and exiting the tank upon flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Niccole Family Trust
    Inventors: Richard Quintana, Devon Niccole
  • Patent number: 6805330
    Abstract: The present invention is a fluid control switch which includes an adapter element for engagement with a switch housing assembly in a fluid control system. The switch housing assembly has a switch orifice surrounded by a switch orifice rim. The adapter element also includes an activation portion in communication with a signal switch, which creates a analog/digital data signal when the activation portion is activated. When the adapter element is engaged with the switch housing assembly, the activation portion of the adapter element extends at least flush with the switch orifice rim of the switch housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: I-CON Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Bush
  • Patent number: 6757919
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a valve body having a valve for controlling flow between an inlet and outlet. A manual operator assembly includes a nut attached to the valve body. An adapter mounted in the nut has a plunger pin movable to initiate operation of the flush valve. A push member extends through an opening in the nut and has an end thereof in contact with the plunger pin. A sensor housing is attached to the nut and has a drive therewithin to cause movement of the push member against the plunger pin. A sensor connects a battery to the drive to initiate movement of the push member against the plunger pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Jonathan W. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20040040079
    Abstract: A toilet room flush valve for use in flushing toilets and urinals includes a valve body having a water inlet and a water outlet. There is a valve within the body for controlling flow between the inlet and the outlet. A manual operator assembly is mounted to the valve body for initiating movement of the valve within the body. The operator assembly includes a nut attached to the valve body at the manual operator opening and having an adapter positioned therewithin, with a plunger pin movable through the adapter to initiate operation of the flush valve. A spring urges the push pin outwardly from the flush valve body. A push member extends through an opening in the nut and has an end thereof in contact with the plunger pin. A sensor housing is attached to the nut and has a drive therewithin to cause movement of the push member against the plunger pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Jonathan W. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6618864
    Abstract: Automatic flushing, lid raising and seat raising arrangements for toilets include a tank top having optical sensors integral therewith so that standard flush tanks and tops may be used with only the tops being slightly altered to accommodate the optical sensors. The flushing arrangement is readily mountable on standard overflow pipes and provides automatic flushing while also allowing manual flushing. The lid and seat raising and lowering actuators are arranged in a single unit readily attachable to a standard toilet bowl using substantially standard lids and seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Bennie N Veal
  • Patent number: 6568655
    Abstract: A fluid flow device includes an actuator, an RF transmitter, a gated RF receiver, and a processor. The RF transmitter is configured and arranged to produce a plurality of pulses of RF energy spaced apart in time to form a sensor field. The gated RF receiver is configured and arranged to receive RF energy reflected by objects within the sensor field. The processor is coupled to the gated RF receiver for evaluating the reflected RF energy. The processor is also coupled to the actuator and is configured and arranged to activate the actuator in response to the reflected RF energy to control fluid flow. In addition, a new low power radar sensor operates by providing radar pulses that are non-uniformly spaced in time. In operation, a burst of pulses is initiated in the transmitter. Between each burst is a period of rest time in which the transmitter is not transmitting RF energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Kohler Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Paese, Steven M. Tervo, Carter J. Thomas, William R. Burnett, David C. Shafer, Fred Judson Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 6536053
    Abstract: An apparatus for flushing a WC bowl, the apparatus allowing reflushing of the bowl soon after the first flushing without filling the water tank to the maximum volume determined by an electric sensor. The movement of a piston part (4) located in a chamber (5) communicating with the water distribution system is controlled by a control mechanism (2) operating under the dynamic pressure of supply water and by the force of gravity, this movement, in turn, controlling the movement of the discharge valve (15) and thus regulating the flushing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Oras Oy
    Inventors: Thomas Icking, Janne Rautavuori
  • Publication number: 20030019022
    Abstract: A toilet room flush valve for use in flushing toilets and urinals includes a valve body having a water inlet and a water outlet. There is a valve within the body for controlling flow between the inlet and the outlet. A handle is mounted on the valve body for pivotal movement about a handle axis to operate the valve. There is an assembly mounted on the valve body for causing sensor initiated movement of the handle, which assembly includes a motor driven handle interface pivotally mounted on the valve body for movement about the handle axis and having a portion thereof positioned to contact and pivotally move the handle. A drive motor is mounted on the valve body and connected to the interface to cause pivotal movement thereof. A battery for operating the drive motor is connected to a sensor mounted on the valve body, with the sensor being connected to cause the application of battery power to the drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Fatih Guler
  • Publication number: 20020029412
    Abstract: Automatic flushing, lid raising and seat raising arrangements for toilets include a tank top having optical sensors integral therewith so that standard flush tanks and tops may be used with only the tops being slightly altered to accommodate the optical sensors. The flushing arrangement is readily mountable on standard overflow pipes and provides automatic flushing while also allowing manual flushing. The lid and seat raising and lowering actuators are arranged in a single unit readily attachable to a standard toilet bowl using substantially standard lids and seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Bennie N. Veal
  • Patent number: 6349921
    Abstract: A toilet room flush valve for use in connection with urinals or water closets includes a body having a water inlet and a water outlet. There is a valve seat in the body between the inlet and outlet and a valve member is movable toward and away from the valve seat to control the flow of water through the valve body. An electric actuator is mounted on the valve body for causing movement of the valve member. There is a first opening in the valve body and a movable valve element extends in through the first opening into the interior of the valve body. A manually movable member, accessible from outside the valve body is used to cause movement of the valve element within the interior of the valve body. There is a second opening in the valve body and an electronic sensor positioned within the interior of the valve body for detecting movement of the movable valve element and an electrical lead which is connected to the electronic sensor and extends through the second valve body opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Peter J. Jahrling
  • Patent number: 6237165
    Abstract: An electromagnetic control device for controlling a flush valve of a flush tank includes a housing, a lever pivotally coupled to the housing to actuate the flush valve. A casing is secured in the housing for slidably receiving an armature which is coupled to the lever with a spring member. An electromagnetic device may actuate the armature to operate the lever via the spring member. A number of plates and one or more magnets are disposed in the casing for maintaining the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: E. Flush Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuan Pao Chen, Yi Tsung Tsai