Pneumatic Or Hydraulic Patents (Class 4/407)
  • Patent number: 12037779
    Abstract: A flush water tank apparatus has a reservoir tank, a discharge valve, a discharge valve hydraulic drive portion configured to drive the discharge valve, and a discharge/vacuum break valve device configured to supply the water supplied from the upstream side to the discharge valve hydraulic drive portion on a downstream side. The discharge valve hydraulic drive portion includes a cylinder, and a piston configured to be moved by a pressure of the water flowing into the cylinder to move the discharge valve. The discharge/vacuum break valve device includes a valve body that operates to discharge the water flowing backward from the discharge valve hydraulic drive portion while opening the upstream side to an atmosphere when the supply of the water from the upstream side is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Shimuta, Hidekazu Kitaura, Nobuhiro Hayashi, Masahiro Kuroishi, Hiroshi Hashimoto, Koki Shinohara, Kenji Hatama, Takashi Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 10851531
    Abstract: A drain fitting for a toilet cistern including a drain valve, which is constructed from a discharge nozzle mounted on the cistern and a lift-adjustable overflow tube, which closes a flow passage through the discharge nozzle in its closed position, and having a pneumatic actuator, with the aid of which, upon the application of pressure, the overflow tube is adjustable into its open position, in which a quantity of flush water is able to flow out of the discharge nozzle of the toilet cistern. An underpressure may be applied to the pneumatic actuator to lift-adjust the overflow tube into its open position. The drain fitting includes an, in particular water-conducting, underpressure unit, which is connected to the pneumatic actuator and generates an underpressure acting upon the pneumatic actuator upon activation by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: GROHEDAL Sanitaersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Burkhardt, Christian Koch, Sven Woehler
  • Patent number: 10767766
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a fluid valve assembly with an outlet base dimensioned to be positioned through a drain in a fluid tank, and a float assembly including a moveable float. The moveable float can form a fluid-tight seal at a first end when the moveable float is coupled to the outlet base, and a flow opening when the moveable float is at least partially decoupled from the outlet base. Some embodiments include a housing positioned with the moveable float, where the housing encloses a suction device coupled to a moveable piston. Some embodiments include an actuable diaphragm positioned in the outlet base, and a compressed air tube or passageway coupled to one side the actuable diaphragm. In some embodiments, the actuable diaphragm is configured and arranged to be actuated by compressed air to move the moveable piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventors: Tuan Le, Joseph Han
  • Patent number: 9970185
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a flush tank providing a receptacle with a discharge valve and a triggering mechanism therefore. A first end of an adapter (5) is inserted with a press fit into a discharge projection (3) of the receptacle (2) for the flush water. A discharge tube (7) to discharge the flush water from said receptacle (2) is attached to a second end of said adapter (5), wherein a triggering mechanism (8) is arranged within said tube (7), said mechanism releasing flow of the water out of said receptacle (2). The triggering mechanism comprises a body (16) in which a first hollow piston (22) is slidably arranged whereby lifting the first piston initiates a small flush. A second piston (25) is in turn slidably arranged in the first piston whereby lifting the second piston initiates a large flush. The pistons are both actuated pneumatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Aleŝ Rajŝter
  • Patent number: 9228334
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: DEFOND COMPONENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Kwok Chiu Yu, Kai Chi Chan, Alec Kam Lek Quan
  • Publication number: 20150033463
    Abstract: A toilet system including a bowl and a tank configured to hold water and air and deliver water to the bowl. The tank includes a water inlet and outlet. A valve moves between an open position and a closed position, and the valve closes the outlet when the valve is in the closed position. The system includes a lever positioned to engage the valve and a plunger that is configured to engage the lever. The tank includes a container that holds water and pressurized air above the water. The container is positioned such that the water and pressurized air in the container apply a force to the lever through the plunger which causes the lever to move the valve from the closed position toward the open position in order that water can flush and refill the toilet bowl and air can flow into the tank and container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jack O. Roeser
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20090211009
    Abstract: A toilet tank flush device includes a water feeding tube, a flush valve, a flexible connecting member, and a hydraulic actuator valve assembly. The actuator valve assembly includes a cylinder, a swing rod, a piston rod, and a resilient member. The cylinder includes an inlet portion, and an upright cylinder body formed with a plurality of overflow holes. The swing rod is connected pivotally to the cylinder. The connecting member interconnects the swing rod and the flush valve. The piston rod is movable within the upright cylinder body between first and second positions. When an electromagnetic valve is opened to allow water to be fed from the water feeding tube into the inlet portion, the piston rod is moved from the first position to the second position to pivot the swing rod to thereby open the flush valve. The resilient member biases the piston rod toward the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Yen
  • Patent number: 7225478
    Abstract: A functional electronic toilet and flushing system capable of controlling the amount of flushing water according to the sensed occupancy time compared with predefined normal time durations for urination and bowel movement, in order to use an optimum amount of flushing water and to protect an occupant by detecting the sitting attitude or position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Chang Shik Lim, Hee-Seok Chang
  • Patent number: 7062801
    Abstract: A two stage toilet tank bowl control system includes a tank ball selectively positioned on the valve seat in the water tank. The tank ball is linked to a lifting lever so as to raise the tank ball from the seat when the lifting lever is rotated in its flushing direction. An air outlet tube communicates with the interior of the tank ball to permit air to be exhausted from the interior of the tank ball. The air tube communicates with a passageway in a air flow block mounted to the wall of the water tank. The passageway has a full flush branch and a partial flush branch. A partial flush valve maintains the partial flush branch closed during conditions of full flush. A full flush handle moves the lifting lever in its flushing direction with the partial flush valve maintained in a closing condition against the outlet of the partial flush branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: John F. Oliver
  • Patent number: 6823534
    Abstract: A dual flush toilet and dual flush apparatus for a toilet having a discharge port for flushing water into a toilet bowl includes a buoyant flush valve for releasably sealing a discharge port and having a cavity for trapping air to cause a flush valve to remain open after unsealing of the flush valve from the discharge port. The flush valve has a weight for causing seating of the flush valve on the discharge port after flush the water through the discharge port. A control mechanism monitor the water tank is provided for controlling buoyancy of the flush valve by releasing entrapped air to effect either a full flush or partial flush of water from the water tank through the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Feiyu Li
  • Patent number: 6647559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flushing unit for a toilet which allows water in a flushing tank to be discharged rapidly by means of the change of water pressure and working of a piston, so that only a small quantity of water is required to wash out the toilet and thus consumption of water can be significantly reduced. The flushing unit for the toilet according to the present invention uses only about 15 to 20% of flushing water compared to a conventional flushing unit, but it can satisfactorily and rapidly wash the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jae Mo Lee
  • Patent number: 6584622
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for flushing a toilet are disclosed, the method including actuating a flushing initiator to open a reservoir discharge valve, closing the reservoir discharge valve after a predetermined period of time, and determining that predetermined period of time by means of a hydraulic timer disposed in a water-containing reservoir whereby the water remaining in the water-containing reservoir operating the hydraulic timer. Apparatus for carrying out these methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ninotech HB
    Inventor: Hans Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6421843
    Abstract: A toilet and method for flushing using less than 1 gallon of water, comprising: a toilet body comprising a bowl, support walls, rim, and a waste outlet; a water jet macerator having a waste inlet connected to the waste outlet, a macerator water inlet connected to a second water stream and a discharge opening connected to a first discharge passageway; the toilet body further comprising a water inlet port for receiving water from a water source connected to an inlet valve; a splitter for dividing water from the inlet valve into a first water stream and a second water stream; a rim valve for receiving water from the first water stream; a bowl spud for receiving water from the rim valve; a rim adapted to receive water from the bowl spud; an actuator connected to the inlet valve which permits a user to initiate flushing by actuating the inlet valve causing water to flow to the splitter, a second water stream and a first water stream; a nozzle for receiving the second water stream and expelling water from the secon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Headhunter, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvyn Wayne Mellinger, Mark Wayne Mellinger, Paul C. Mellinger
  • Publication number: 20010028048
    Abstract: A refill ring for a flush valve that is attached to a guide member of a valve assembly and is positioned for contact with a passage of the flush valve is described. The refill ring includes an annular-shaped solid resilient member, such as an O-ring. The refill ring is received on the guide member. Alternatively, the refill ring can be integrally formed on an underside of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 5553333
    Abstract: An apparatus for flushing a water closet bowl includes a pressurizable reservoir, within which is formed a primary and a secondary pressure zone. Formed at the bottom of the reservoir is an exit aperture through which the pressurized fluid is discharged into the bowl. Movably disposed within the reservoir is an elongate piston member. Formed at the top of the piston member is a hollow cup, which is movably disposed within a downwardly extending hollow cylinder within which is formed the secondary pressure zone. Formed at the bottom of the piston is a plug which seals the exit aperture. During a flushing action, pressure within the secondary pressure zone is released by operating a flushing lever, and the piston moves upwardly so as to release the plug from the exit aperture. In one embodiment, the flushing apparatus includes a fluid inlet regulator that controls the amount of fluid that is introduced into the reservoir from a fluid supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Sven E. Andersson
  • 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: 5170514
    Abstract: A system for controlling liquid flow in bathrooms and the like in response to the presence of the user, which is configuration-adjustable to permit use in preselected sanitary applications. Light emitting means cooperate with a light sensor to detect light reflected from the user. The filtered and amplified output signal from the sensor is demodulated to provide a DC output signal. First circuit means responsive to the DC output signal actuate fluid flow for a maximum preselected period, to enable use in controlling faucet flow. Second circuit means responsive to the DC signal include means for arming the circuit following the existence of the DC output signal for a first predetermined period; and means for thereupon generating a flow control signal for a second predetermined period following extinction of the DC output signal to enable use of the system to control flushing of urinals or commodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Water-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Weigert
  • Patent number: 5004462
    Abstract: A toilet flushing apparatus (10) that conserves water by providing either a low-level water flush for liquid waste or a full-level flush for solid waste. The apparatus (10) consists of a water-level release assembly (12) that is attached to a toilet overflow tube (62) at the desired low water level. The assembly (12) includes an eccentric element (12c) that decreases or increases a hose space (12m) located between the element and the overflow tube. Within this space is located an air vent hose (16) that has its lower end attached to a toilet flapper valve (14) and its upper end to a full- flush device (20). When the water level is above the assembly (12), the space (12m) decreases which occludes the hose (16) allowing the flapper valve (14) to remain buoyant and the flush to continue. When the water level drops to the level of the assembly (12), the space (12m) increases which removes the hose occlusion allowing the air vent hose (16) to vent which then allows the valve to drop and stop the flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Leo M. Mahler
  • Patent number: 4833738
    Abstract: A dual push-button control valve assembly which can be mounted on the side wall of a cistern. The assembly includes a housing having an end which is passed outwardly through a hole in the wall of the cistern. Collars are threaded onto the end on opposite sides of the cistern wall to lock the assembly in place. The assembly also includes a cap which is clipped to the outer collar and which has openings receiving side-by-side push-buttons. Selective depression of the push-buttons results in actuation of the valve components situated within the housing and the supply of mains water through one of two outlet ports leading from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Partall Systems (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Errol R. Scott
  • Patent number: 4825490
    Abstract: A simple, lightweight device for the automatic flushing of a toilet which works on the principle of displaced air is disclosed. An air bag disposed between the seat and the rim of the toilet bowl communicates with a bellows vertically disposed within the flush tank. A shaft depending from said bellows rises and falls with the contraction and expansion thereof. An angled member pivotally attached to said shaft is caused to rotate by guide means in one direction as the shaft falls, and in the other direction as the shaft rises. In so doing, it first engages, then unseats, then releases the flush tank drain valve apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Mervin C. Benshoof
  • Patent number: 4809367
    Abstract: A cistern flushing apparatus of the kind which comprises an upright stem carrying a closure member at its lower end which, in a first position of the stem, seats on a cistern outlet and which, in a second position of the stem, is raised off the outlet to permit flushing to take place. The stem is held in its second position by a float-controlled arm which releases the stem to return to its first position with a predetermined volume of flush has taken place. The stem is raised by water at mains pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Partall Systems (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Errol R. Scott
  • Patent number: 4756031
    Abstract: An automatic toilet flushing system can be used in any existing manual flush toilet and comprises a first sensor for detecting toilet use, a second sensor for detecting filling of the toilet tank to a predetermined level, and a valve actuator linked to the two sensors for opening a toilet water inlet valve in response to a signal from the first sensor and closing the inlet valve in response to a signal from the second sensor. A toilet flush operating device in the tank is connected to the supply of water flowing into the tank and comprises a hydraulic piston and cylinder, the piston moving between a retracted position and an extended position in response to water flow into the cylinder. The piston is arranged to urge a flush lever arm linked to a flush valve in the tank in a direction to open the flush valve when it moves towards its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: John T. Barrett
  • Patent number: 4726190
    Abstract: On actuation, each pressure generator at each of a plurality of locations along a conduit develops a pressure rise in the conduit to energize a pressure sensitive device in fluid communication with the conduit. Each pressure generator includes a bulbous member which expels a quantity of fluid (air) into the conduit when depressed and a valve for segregating the volume defined by the bulbous member from the conduit except when the bulbous member is depressed to minimize dissipation by a nonactuated pressure generator of the pressure rise within the conduit and generated by another actuated pressure generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: International Sanitary Ware Mfg. Cy.
    Inventor: Karel C. Van Marcke
  • Patent number: 4682533
    Abstract: A push button assembly for moving a volume of fluid out of and into a port. The assembly has a housing containing a rubber-domed diaphragm. The domed diaphragm is designed so that it is deformable but readily returns to its original shape. The pressing of the push button depresses the diaphragm, thereby forcing air or other fluid out of the exit port. When the button is released, the diaphragm returns to its original shape pulling fluid back through the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Company
    Inventors: V. Walter Hafner, Ron T. Hahn, Keith D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 4631760
    Abstract: An automatic flushing system for use with toilets or urinals which includes a tank having a siphon outlet and a hollow float which has a water access port and an air access port. There is also provided support means for supporting the float for generally vertical movement within the tank. There is also provided a tank inlet and tank inlet valve means which is operated by the support means for controlling flow of water through the tank inlet. There is also provided air access port valve means for controlling flow of air into the float. The support means is suitably characterized to enable the float to reach the intermediate holding level which is lower than the maximum level within the tank. The air access port valve means may also control flow of air through the air access port in such a manner as to provide a water seal associated therewith and a gas lock in the hollow float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventors: Graham W. Leishman, Bruno Minissale
  • Patent number: 4586692
    Abstract: A flushometer valve integrable with a structure to which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Coast Foundry & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James B. Stephens
  • Patent number: 4584726
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated drain valve is interposed in the cleaning fluid path before the spray/rinse outlet. The fluid under pressure activates a piston which operates the drain valve. A precharge reservoir is also interposed in the supply line before the spray rinse outlet to store a measured precharge which drains into the tank after the drain valve has closed. A manual override is provided to open the drain valve in the event of a failure of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Laurence M. Grills, Eugene F. Colditz
  • Patent number: 4428084
    Abstract: This invention relates to a "Water Control Device for Flush Toilet". The water may be flushed in several phases thru the control means, which comprises a hydraulic control assembly, the actuation between the main axle and the actuating axle, a lever, and a actuating rod to control a water stop lid for water saving purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Inventor: Chong-Long Joun
  • Patent number: 4333184
    Abstract: This invention, is a multi-function closet stool, which can really serve the purpose of automatic timing, measuring pressure, flushing and saving water. When one sits on the seat of closet stool, the driving piece pulls the driving steel cable to make timing and piston assembly simultaneously actuate and control arm sandwich on top of a movable piece in the sleeve. When one discharges his urine and stands up, the rear part of seat of closet stool will rebound promptly by the spring; meanwhile, the timing unit begins to count time, then, the driving arm makes the control arm release the movable piece in the sleeve by means of the pulling of timing unit and move upwards by the elasticity of spring. A rubber ring compresses air in the sleeve, the high velocity air will instantly rush in air container through a hole passage, pipe joint, filter and pipe. The air will open a movable lid for the purpose of water-flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Inventor: Hsian Wang
  • Patent number: 4304015
    Abstract: A pneumatic actuating device for a toilet flush valve, comprising a cap emplaced on the flush valve housing and having an integral hemispherical bell member extending laterally therefrom, the bell member containing a resilient membrane. A manual pusher provided with a similar hemispherical membrane is connected to the bell member by a hose. A pipe which carries the flush valve plate is connected to a hood having a piston which extends into the membrane in the bell member. Upon actuation of the manual pusher, air flows through the hose, deforming the membrane in the bell member and causing it to lift the piston, thereby opening the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: Geberit AG
    Inventor: Alex Hubatka
  • Patent number: 4275471
    Abstract: This invention comprises an improved hydraulically operated flush valve for toilet flush tanks and similar devices. Its main components are a cylinder and piston assembly positioned with its longitudinal axis directly above and vertically aligned with the vertical axis of the outlet or flush tube of the flush tank. The moveable piston within the fixed cylinder acts as the moving and sealing element of the flush valve. By means of an inner valve connected to the flush tank operating lever hydraulic force is caused to lift the piston thereby opening the flush valve. There is no direct mechanical connection between the operating arm and the flush valve, and there are no chains or hinges. There is a positive permanent flush valve alignment and a minimum of friction. In addition, the amount of water used per flushing action can be regulated to prevent water and energy wastage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Inventor: Howard W. Becker
  • Patent number: 4196481
    Abstract: A male urinal automatically flushes when the user steps off a foot plate. The foot plate pneumatically sealed is resiliently deformable and is connected by a pneumatic conduit to a normally open switch whose closure completes a circuit that opens an electrically controlled valve to flush the urinal so long as the switch is closed. Release of pressure on the foot plate creates subatmospheric pressure as the foot plate returns to its undeformed condition, which collapses a diaphragm that permits the normally open switch to close. An air bleed restores the pressure in the foot plate to atmospheric at a controlled rate that predetermines the duration of flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Assignee: Richard L. Swanda
    Inventor: Franklin J. Swanda
  • Patent number: RE32750
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated drain valve is interposed in the cleaning fluid path before the spray/rinse outlet. The fluid under pressure activates a piston which operates the drain valve. A precharge reservoir is also interposed in the supply line before the spray rinse outlet to store a measured precharge which drains into the tank after the drain valve has closed. A manual override is provided to open the drain valve in the event of a failure of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence M. Grills, Eugene F. Colditz