Water Saver Patents (Class 4/415)
  • Patent number: 11866919
    Abstract: An improved and redundant system to prevent leakage from a toilet tank and into a toilet bowl. The device comprises a housing configured to surround a float and including sidewalls and bottom portion with a bore hole. A secondary flop is configured for receipt into and for sealing the bore hole when leakage occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Vance Roy Pencheon
  • Patent number: 11808022
    Abstract: A Cover Box toilet accessory that contributes to preventive medicine, improves global health, reduces the spread of diseases, and fights the environmental pollution caused by the emission of infectious and polluting bioaerosols during toilet flushing. The Cover Box is designed to fit over the Water Flushing Button of a conventional toilet and includes a Fixed Base and a Sliding Top with transparent or translucent parts. The Fixed Base includes Fitting Guides and a tension spring. By obstructing the direct access to the Water Flushing Button, this Cover Box forces the user to close the toilet lid before flushing, since the movement of the Sliding Top to reveal the button also indirectly closes the toilet lid, reducing the emission of bioaerosols that can spread diseases and cause environmental pollution. The system has a high global impact and can be used in various settings, having a significant impact on public health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventors: Ariel Arnaldo Perez, Nicolás Martín Biach
  • Patent number: 11702832
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed towards vacuum-assisted toilet systems and methods of using the vacuum-assisted toilet systems. An example vacuum-assisted toilet system includes a toilet bowl defining an outlet and a flush valve fluidly coupled to the outlet. The vacuum-assisted toilet system also includes at least one water source fluidly coupled to the toilet bowl. The water source is configured to supply water to the toilet bowl. The vacuum-assisted toilet system also includes at least one water actuator coupled to the water source. The water actuator is configured to control the amount of water that is supplied by the water source to the toilet bowl. The vacuum-assisted toilet system also includes a controller that is configured to at least partially control the operation of one or more components of the vacuum-assisted toilet system, such as at least one of the flush valve or the water actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kent L. Gee, Scott D. Sommerfeldt, Scott L. Thomson
  • Patent number: 11460222
    Abstract: An automatic hygienic hot water expediter device for the hastening of the delivery of warm/hot water to a spigot for purposes of hygiene and comfort. The automatic hygienic hot water expediter device generally includes a controller, tubing or piping composed of code-appropriate materials, and flow control components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Chris Lee Nelson
  • Patent number: 11193265
    Abstract: A siphonic flush toilet system and method of priming the same having a toilet bowl assembly comprising at least one jet flush valve assembly and at least one rim valve; and bowl having a rim and a jet defining at least one jet channel. The bowl has a closed jet pathway to maintain the jet channel in a primed state with fluid from the jet flush valve assembly to prevent air from entering the closed jet pathway. Flush valves may have back-flow preventer mechanisms and/or at least partly flexible valve covers, including specific valve cover structures. Flush activation assemblies may have a flush activation bar connected to the pivot rod and/or an adjustable flush connector located between the pivot rod and the flush activation bar. A kit providing one or more flush activation elements is included. The kit elements may be usable with the toilet systems and methods described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Grover, Daigo Ishiyama, Christophe Bucher, Tuan Le, James McHale
  • Patent number: 11168471
    Abstract: A method of flushing a toilet that includes opening a first valve to introduce a first supply of grey water into a passage to prime a siphon; opening a second valve to introduce a second supply of water into a bowl from a tank, the bowl having an outlet that is in fluid communication with an inlet of the passage; closing the first valve to shut off the first supply of water; evacuating the contents of the bowl through an outlet of the passage by way of the siphon generated by the introduction of the first supply of water and the introduction of the second supply of water; and closing the second valve to shut off the second supply of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, William C. Kuru, Randy S. Graskamp
  • Patent number: 11124957
    Abstract: A siphonic flush toilet system and method of priming the same having a toilet bowl assembly comprising at least one jet flush valve assembly and at least one rim valve; and bowl having a rim and a jet defining at least one jet channel, the at least one jet channel having an inlet port and a jet outlet port configured for discharging fluid to a sump area, wherein the sump area is in fluid communication with a trapway. The bowl has a closed jet pathway including the jet channel and extending from the jet flush valve assembly outlet to the jet channel outlet port to maintain the jet channel in a primed state with fluid from the jet flush valve assembly so as to assist in preventing air from entering the closed jet pathway. Flush valves are also disclosed having back-flow preventer mechanisms and/or at least partly flexible valve covers for use with the toilet systems and methods herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: James McHale, Christophe Bucher, David Grover
  • Patent number: 10633849
    Abstract: A flush toilet includes a shelf formed on the top edge of a bowl-shaped waste receiving surface, and a rim forming an inner wall surface rising from the outer edge of the shelf. The bowl includes a front side region and a rear side region, respectively, formed on the front side and the rear side of a center axis extending horizontally in the left-right direction so as to divide the bowl equally in the front-rear direction. The inner wall surface includes an overhang portion protruding toward inside of the bowl obliquely from the bottom end of the overhang portion. The ratio between the overhang amount and the width of the shelf is set smaller than 1.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Shu Kashirajima, Masaaki Momoe, Yuuki Shinohara
  • Patent number: 10329743
    Abstract: A system for collecting and accumulating excess water from one or more in-building sources and delivering it to one or more flushing toilet tanks and possibly also to one or more other in-building consumption devices, such as washing machines or utility faucets. The in-building sources may include any of condensate from an air conditioner, cool water in a hot water supply pipe emerging during initial flow, treated waste water and collected rain- or snow water. At the heart of the disclosed system is an accumulation tank of large capacity, having at least two inlets and at least one outlet. One of the inlets is connected to the main water supply system and includes a valve, configured to let fresh water flow into the main tank whenever the level of the water stored therein falls below a given height. Each outlet is connected to a conduit, conveying water from the accumulation tank to one or more toilet flushing tanks, as their only source, and possibly to other water consumption devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Izchak Gago Mimone
  • Patent number: 10280602
    Abstract: A bowl flushing control device of low tank type toilet has a water supply pipe with a working chamber; a waterway switch component used to open and close the waterway of the water supply pipe; a first floater being floatable in the toilet tank, the first floater takes action when the water level in the water tank is lower than the working level; a control rod being movable up and down, the first floater is movably coupled to the control rod; the control rod is movably connected to the waterway switch component to move downwardly and drive the waterway switch component to close the waterway of the water supply pipe when the first floater takes off restriction on the control rod; a activation component used to control the control rod to move upwardly to reset and coupled to the control rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN R&J PRECISION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yaping Tang
  • Patent number: 9745730
    Abstract: A toilet tank structure is formed by a primary-secondary water tank set, a tap water inlet control valve, a secondary water tank inlet control valve and a flush control module, and the tap water inlet control valve, the secondary water tank inlet control valve and the flush control module are provided for controlling the flushing and water supply to minimize the waste of water resources effectively, so as to achieve the effects of saving water and improving functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Shun-Jie Chang
  • Patent number: 9739042
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water disposable system comprised of a connecting member having first side connected to at least one unwanted water source and one valve to control the flow of an unwanted water. A toilet water tank is connected a second side of the connecting member, wherein the water tank comprises: a strainer in a stand pipe; a two float system, wherein a first float is set at a minimum tank volume water line, and a second float set at maximum tank volume water line. A button is coupled with a second float allowing the intake of the fresh water from the fresh water pipe upon actuation. A transparent window or gauge is positioned on the front wall of the tank for determining the volume of water in the toilet tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Kim Gavin
  • Patent number: 9644357
    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 detectible 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: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: LIMIT, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Bowcutt, Ahmed Shishegar, Matthew Ibarra, Daniel Corbin, Dennis Repp, Robert M. Connell, Oscar Dufau, Gregory Blake, Sam Iravantchi
  • Patent number: 9045888
    Abstract: A toilet has an electronic flush assembly operable in either a short or long flush sequence selectable by a user. The long flush sequence includes a pre-rinse cycle and a rinse cycle in which the a supply valve and a flush valve are both opened and closed twice, once each first during the pre-rinse cycle and again during a subsequent rinse cycle. The rim supply valve and the flush valve are opened during the pre-rinse and rinse cycles but are closed at the start and end of each cycle. An electronic control controls operation of the valves as well as water supply control components. Level sensors can also be included to provide feedback to the controller, for example, to prevent overflow conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Joseph Stauber, Peter W. Denzin, Benjamin Marotz
  • Patent number: 9038207
    Abstract: A kit for calibrating an amount of water required by a toilet with an amount of water to be supplied to the toilet has a first recorder for determining an amount of water in a toilet bowl, a second recorder for determining an amount of water in a toilet tank if the water in the toilet bowl reaches a determined level, and a valve for setting an amount of water delivered to the tank if the water reaches a determined level in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Brass Craft Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mahesh Cheerla, Timothy David Mulligan, Mordechai Lev
  • Patent number: 9032561
    Abstract: A lever control mechanism of a drain valve of a toilet tank has a lever assembly assembled in the wall of the toilet tank and a lever linked to the revolving shaft of the lever assembly. The lever assembly is connected to a deviator, which is disposed with a drive arm; the drive arm is connected to the revolving shaft. The deviator is disposed with a joint portion and at least a leading hole to limit the lever revolving vertically. One end of the lever is run through the leading hole to rotationally connect to the joint portion; the drive arm is revolved by the driving of the revolving shaft to drive the lever revolved in the fan shaped vertical surface limited formed by the joint portion and the leading hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: R&T (Xiamen) PLUMBING TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Meijuan Chen, Xingdong Wang, Bing Wang
  • Publication number: 20150089730
    Abstract: A flush toilet has a reservoir tank, a toilet main unit, a water supply apparatus, a water discharge apparatus, and a control device for controlling flushing of the bowl portion of the toilet main unit; wherein this control device includes a time measurement device for measuring the time after the water discharge apparatus has been driven for a predetermined time to discharge flush water, until the water level rises from a dead water level inside the reservoir tank with the water discharge apparatus in an off state to a predetermined stopped water level prior to start of flush; and the driving time of the water discharge apparatus responsive to pressure losses in the toilet main unit is adjusted by comparing the water level rise time measured by the time measurement device with the water level rise time in a standard toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Makoto BEKKI, Masaaki INOUE, Yu YAMASAKI, Hiroyuki HARA
  • Publication number: 20150047115
    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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • Publication number: 20150013056
    Abstract: The present invention concerns technology relating to a sit-down toilet wherein the toilet is flushed using a dramatically reduced amount of flushing water, and relates to a water-saving sit-down toilet wherein the pressure of flushing water discharged from a cistern into the toilet is raised and a straight discharge pipe is used such that the toilet is flushed clean using a small amount of water, and, at the same time, excreta is smoothly discharged as the direct discharge tube is opened and closed automatically by means of the water pressure and a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, and an appropriate amount of residual water is supplied to the toilet bowl such that odors are blocked from rising from a foul-water port into the toilet, and an odor removing unit sucks in odors emanating from the excreta and discharges same through the foul-water port such that the user can use the sit-down toilet without feeling any embarrassment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Jae Mo LEE
  • Patent number: 8931510
    Abstract: A rail vehicle contains a sanitary system which has a waste water tank and a fresh water tank which are each equipped with associated filling level sensors. A control device is provided for establishing a link in terms of control between the filling levels in the fresh water tank and waste water tank. The control device monitors the filling level in the waste water tank by associated sensors and controls the filling level in the fresh water tank as a function of a measured filling level in the waste water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralph Gaertner, Torge Kamphausen, Walter Lindermuth
  • Patent number: 8918923
    Abstract: A switching device for rim water in a low tank toilet, in which toilet water in a toilet tank is drawn and supplied to the rim of a toilet bowl by the pressure of water that is supplied from a filler valve to the rim through a water supply tube and a supply water switching unit is rotated according to a reduction in the water level of the toilet tank, so that the water supplied from the filler valve is charged into the toilet tank and, at the same time, some water supplied from the filler valve is supplied to the rim through a fill-up water inlet hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Watos Corea Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae Gwang Song
  • Patent number: 8904573
    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: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • Patent number: 8881319
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for external float extensions. In one embodiment, an external float extension includes an external adjustment rod configured to affix to a quick flush float of a dual flush assembly and an external float configured to be positioned on the external adjustment rod. In another embodiment, a dual flush assembly includes a quick flush float, an external adjustment rod affixed to the quick flush float, and an external float positioned on the external adjustment rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8783289
    Abstract: A secondary toilet reservoir water shutoff system and method for use in the water tank of a toilet assembly. The secondary toilet reservoir water shutoff having a beneficial use with toilets to prevent the wasting of water in a failing system. The secondary toilet reservoir water shutoff being activated by a toilet flush handle causing rotation of a timing device thereby opening of a secondary valve for a period of time allowing for the passage of water, the time determined by the degree of rotation of the timing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Evan Daniell, Brian Thomas Alexander
  • Patent number: 8776282
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve assembly for installation into a toilet tank is described, which includes a supply tube, a valve regulating the flow of water, an actuator to open and close the valve; a vertical transmission shaft with upper and lower stops rotatable around its longitudinal axis between first and second positions; a float moveable upwardly under the buoyance force of water entering the tank to engage the lower stop when the shaft is in its first position and the upper stop when the shaft is in its second position, the movement of the float closing valve when the float engages one of the stops; a controller to move the shaft from its first position to its second position, allowing the float to engage the upper stop and increase the volume of water entering the tank between flushes; and a guide rotating the shaft to its first position upon flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: William Matthews Brawner
  • Patent number: 8707474
    Abstract: Controls for use in association with a toilet conserve water by allowing the amount of water utilized for each flush to be varied. The controls conserve water by minimizing the amount of water lost in the event of either a minor leak or a major leak. The controls may include a magnet to raise a float connected with a water float control valve. The controls may include water level sensor apparatus. The controls may include a force transmission assembly which effects operation of water inlet and outlet valves under the influence of force transmitted from a handle of a toilet. A separate body of water may be maintained in a container in the tank. A pump may be connected in fluid communication with the container and operated under the influence of force transmitted from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Ervin J. Rachwal
  • Patent number: 8672233
    Abstract: A water saving device includes a housing having a hot water inlet chamber connectable to a hot water supply, a temperature sensing chamber having a cold water outlet connectable to a water storage system, and a hot water outlet chamber having a hot water outlet. The inlet and outlet chambers are interconnected by a first port. The inlet and temperature sensing chambers are interconnected by a second port. The temperature sensing and hot water outlet chambers are interconnected by a third port. The device includes a water-pressure actuated piston that is displaceable upon a drop in water pressure in the hot water outlet chamber. The temperature sensing chamber has a temperature-sensitive valve assembly that closes the third port when the temperature of water is below a predetermined level and opens the third port and closes the cold water outlet when the temperature of water is above a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Derick Sinclair
  • Patent number: 8650672
    Abstract: A water leakage protecting device includes a ratchet, a pawl and an auxiliary floater. The ratchet is formed on an outer wall of a floater of a water inlet valve. The auxiliary floater has a floating cavity and a weight cavity therein. The weight cavity has a water drain hole at a bottom thereof. The auxiliary floater is coupled to the water inlet valve through a rotating shaft. The pawl corresponds in position to the ratchet and is connected to one side of the auxiliary floater close to the floater of the water inlet valve. The water leakage protecting device can avoid water waste and ensure toilet safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lab (Xiamen) Santitary Fitting Inc.
    Inventor: Yongmao Liu
  • Patent number: 8650671
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed towards toilet fill valves with adjustable bowl fill flow. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a water inlet, a water outlet, a bowl fill outlet port, and a bowl fill valve. The bowl fill valve has an integrally molded portion that forms a bowl fill valve inlet port. The integrally molded portion of the bowl fill valve inserts into the bowl fill outlet port so that the bowl fill valve inlet port is coupled to the bowl fill outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Patent number: 8590067
    Abstract: Various systems and methods of controlling the flow of water from a fill valve in a toilet tank to a toilet bowl of a toilet using a bowl fill valve are provided. An inlet of the bowl fill valve is coupled to a bowl fill outlet of the fill valve and the outlet of the bowl fill valve is channeled to the toilet bowl. In illustrative embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of determining when the toilet tank has been substantially drained of water during a flush cycle, and opening the bowl fill valve for a predefined period of time after the toilet tank has been substantially drained of water to fill the toilet bowl of the toilet with water. The predefined period of time is less than a total time of the flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • Patent number: 8584268
    Abstract: A dual flush device is disclosed to provide a full flush for removing solid waste and a water-saving partial flush for removing liquid or light solid waste in a toilet. It includes a first flush handle attached to a shaft to raise a lever to open a flapper valve, and a second flush handle that overlaps the first handle and opens the flapper valve through the first handle. A float assembly is disclosed to be used either with the dual flush device or with the original single flush lever assembly to prematurely close an opened flapper valve and reduce water consumption. Using the original flapper valve in a conventional toilet tank, a dual flush function is achieved by any of the three implementation choices: (1) the dual flush device alone; (2) the dual flush device and a float assembly; and (3) a float assembly alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: James T. Han
  • Patent number: 8561225
    Abstract: A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Peter J. Jahrling
  • Publication number: 20130198945
    Abstract: A fluid displacement device (2) comprises a flexible plastics container (4). The container (4) is formed from a single sheet of PET/PE which is folded over to create a pocket, and heat sealed along the seams 8a,b,c formed by the edge of the sheet. The container (4) is substantially rectangular in shape, and measures approximately 130 mm by 200 mm. The container is placed in a toilet cistern and suspended above a bottom part thereof. Water flows into the flexible container (4) from the cistern (20) through the holes (6) and comes into contact with the water-swellable polymer. The water-swellable polymer absorbs the water and swells to approximately (400) times its original weight to displace approximately 500 ml water from the cistern (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: DRY PLANET LIMITED
    Inventor: Nigel McGowan
  • Publication number: 20130198944
    Abstract: A water leakage protecting device includes a ratchet, a pawl and an auxiliary floater. The ratchet is formed on an outer wall of a floater of a water inlet valve. The auxiliary floater has a floating cavity and a weight cavity therein. The weight cavity has a water drain hole at a bottom thereof. The auxiliary floater is coupled to the water inlet valve through a rotating shaft. The pawl corresponds in position to the ratchet and is connected to one side of the auxiliary floater close to the floater of the water inlet valve. The present invention can avoid water waste and ensure toilet safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Yongmao Liu
  • Patent number: 8499369
    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: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Shervin Shokouh Ahmady
  • Publication number: 20130185859
    Abstract: Disclosed are a self-closing water saving device, method, and toilet. The self-closing water saving device for mounting in a tank of a toilet bowl is used for supplying water to the tank, and is characterized by comprising: a water inlet adapted to be connected to an external water source, a water outlet adapted to provide water to the tank, and a jet-propelling port for jetting water to the bottom of a water trap of the toilet bowl or the bottom of a sewer; wherein, when the tank discharges water to the water trap, the water jetted from the jet-propelling port is used to propel the water which is discharged from the tank and flows into the water trap, the bottom of the water trap, or the bottom of the sewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CHAOAN WANTONG SANITARYWARE CO, LTD.
    Inventor: Jiwei Yu
  • Publication number: 20130180040
    Abstract: A toilet leak preventing system comprising a conventional toilet, having attached thereto a sensing device able to detect sound or vibration from a leaking toilet, and having means to close the water supply to the toilet after a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Hans D. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20130111658
    Abstract: A switching device for rim water in a low tank toilet, in which toilet water in a toilet tank is drawn and supplied to the rim of a toilet bowl by the pressure of water that is supplied from a filler valve to the rim through a water supply tube and a supply water switching unit is rotated according to a reduction in the water level of the toilet tank, so that the water supplied from the filler valve is charged into the toilet tank and, at the same time, some water supplied from the filler valve is supplied to the rim through a fill-up water inlet hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: WATOS COREA CO., LTD
    Inventor: Watos Corea Co., Ltd
  • Publication number: 20130111657
    Abstract: A switching device for rim water in a low tank toilet, in which even when a channel pipe is closed according to a change in the level of water that is discharged to the rim through a water supply tube, some water that is supplied from a filler valve is supplied to the rim through a fill-up water inlet hole and the water level in the toilet tank can be controlled by selectively controlling the height of a float, so that the water can be economically and efficiently used, and in which a water level control unit can be lifted up according to the change in the level of water that is discharged to the rim, so that the channel pipe can be closed and the toilet tank can be filled with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: WATOS COREA Co., Ltd
    Inventor: WATOS COREA Co., Ltd
  • Patent number: 8397319
    Abstract: A water-saving flush valve control mechanism is formed as a single unit that can easily be retrofitted onto existing toilet architectures with only one fixed attachment point. Water usage is reduced by providing the user full control in opening and closing the buoyant water valve. Control is achieved by a vertical rigid spine that is attached between the toilet handle arm and the valve. An adjustable lateral extension is included and placed between the toilet handle arm and the vertical rigid spine to ensure that the spine is properly positioned over the valve. Pivotable attachment of the spine to the lateral extension accommodates the arcing pathway of the buoyant valve. A float arm may be added and used to counterbalance the additional weight associated with the flush valve control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Peter Senderak
  • Patent number: 8387652
    Abstract: An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes a pressure compensating drip emitter that allows water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8387172
    Abstract: A system for controlling the duration and volume of a flow of water in a flush of a Toilet, which includes a buoyant flush valve which is non-automated in user actuation thereof to a raised open position. The system includes a converting element, for converting the buoyant flush valve to a non-buoyant flush valve which is non-automated in user actuation thereof to a raised open position. A programming element enables programming of a controlling time, for controlling the duration and volume of flow of water in a flush of a toilet. A controlling element is connected to the programming element and the non-buoyant flush valve, for retaining the non-buoyant flush valve in a raised open position upon non-automated user actuation thereof to the raised open position, and for releasing the non-buoyant flush valve from the raised open position for closing the non-buoyant flush valve, within the controlling time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Prodius LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Nasrallah
  • Publication number: 20130047327
    Abstract: A water-saving management system for a sanitary facility and a water-saving management method for a sanitary facility are provided. A control device is connected to flush valves corresponding to sanitary facilities of one or more sanitary spaces. The control device outputs flush-associated data to a local server via a transmission network. The local server receives the flush-associated data and transfers mode setting data via the transmission network. The control device sets a flush mode according to the mode setting data, so as to flush the sanitary facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Alliance Service International Corporation
    Inventors: Yuan-Ye CHIU, Ching-Hsien Ying, Heng-Yen Liu
  • Patent number: 8316475
    Abstract: A siphonic, gravity-powered toilet is provided that includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl. The toilet bowl has a rim channel provided along an upper periphery thereof and a direct-fed jet channel that allows fluid, such as water, to flow from the inlet of the toilet bowl assembly to the direct-fed jet outlet port into the interior of the toilet bowl, in the sump of the bowl. The rim channel includes at least one rim channel outlet port. In this toilet, the cross-sectional areas of the toilet bowl assembly inlet, the inlet port to the rim channel, and the outlet port to the direct-fed jet channel are configured so as to be optimized to provide greatly improved hydraulic function at low flush volumes (no greater than about 6.0 liters per flush). The hydraulic function is improved in terms of bulk removal of waste and cleansing of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Grover
  • Patent number: 8310369
    Abstract: Water is conserved by detecting unintended inflow of water into the tank of a flush toilet. A sensor acoustically and/or vibrationally coupled to the flush toilet detects sound and/or vibration generated due to turbulence in water flowing into the toilet tank. An electronic circuit analyzes the sensor output to detect cyclical water inflow not intended by a user. The electronic circuit generates an alert such as an audible and/or visual indication that the toilet is leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: nth Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Eric L. Canfield, Edward P. Cheslock
  • Patent number: 8296871
    Abstract: The toilet water tank refilling system includes an inlet pipe adapted for installation within the toilet water tank and adapted for connection to a water supply, a valve connected to the pipe, a float operably connected to the valve to open the valve when the water level falls below a predetermined level and to close the valve when the water level in the tank reaches the predetermined level, and a valve outlet discharging water from the water supply into the tank when the valve is open. The system does not have a valve outlet discharging water from the water supply through the overflow tube directly into the toilet bowl. The only paths for discharging water from the water supply to the toilet bowl in the toilet water tank refilling system are through the tank's flush valve when the toilet is flushed and through the overflow tube when the water level in the tank exceeds the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: George J. Wajda
  • Publication number: 20120227172
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of apparatus and methods, a control valve suitable for use with a gravity-assisted flush toilet is presented providing means for automatically controlling the supply of mains water to the bowl. In accordance with some embodiments, the control valve supplies at least a portion of the mains water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir until the tank water level is at a predetermined height in the tank reservoir, at which time, the control valve diverts at least a portion of the mains water supplied by the fill valve bowl outlet to the overflow pipe, and therefore to the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Hadd
  • Patent number: 8239982
    Abstract: A twin tank flush device of multi-outlets, which comprises a first upper tank adapted for collection of wash water, and a second lower tank which is positioned to receive and store used wash water from the first tank, the first tank being arranged to receive water and having at least one outlet to discharge water into said second lower tank. The lower tank is arranged to selectively discharge the stored water either to a toilet to flush the toilet, or to a public drainage system, either manually or by timed discharged, to avoid overflow in the lower tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Hassan Mohammed S. Fryan
  • Patent number: 8242920
    Abstract: A leak detector is disclosed. The optical leak detector may include a sensor module for transmitting and receiving signals corresponding to the surface level of a monitored fluid and include leak detection logic for detecting a leak signature. The leak detection logic may be configured to determine if fluid contained in a tank is in a non-full state outside of a normal state and activate an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: D2M International Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Darius Mostowfi, Brian Lamb, Jackie Lai, Andrew Butler
  • Patent number: RE44783
    Abstract: Toilet flapper valves with multiple volume flush capability which can be quickly and easily installed to replace existing flapper valves in old or new toilets to give such toilets the capability of providing selectable amounts of flushing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donald E. Scruggs