Wash Receptacle Water Empties Into Toilet Facility Patents (Class 4/665)
  • Patent number: 11649617
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for water saving by retrofitting an institutional plumbing fixture having a combination of an integral lavatory basin and a toilet bowel integrally attached thereto by inserting into the fixture a urinal-type collection receptacle having a water inlet opening on its top side and a water outlet opening on its bottom side; and fluidly interposing the receptacle via the inlet and outlet openings between the lavatory drain pipe and the drain trap provided for the plumbing fixture. Also disclosed is an institutional plumbing fixture retrofit for water saving, and a retrofit urinal-type receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: William G. Pendleton
  • Patent number: 11306468
    Abstract: The commode having a catch basin attached to the water reservoir tank at a position above the water reservoir tank water line. A pressurized water line is used to supply fresh water to a nozzle mounted in the catch basin. An actuator allows water to be dispensed through the nozzle for the purposes of moistening toilet paper. The catch basin includes a lower drain hole in fluid communication with the flush tank to drain water therein at a predetermined rate, and an upper opening draining into the flush tank to prevent overflowing of said catch basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Kenneth Harrison
  • Patent number: 11149424
    Abstract: A restroom system includes a sanitation station configured for hand washing and a waste station configured to receive a waste material from a user. A suds mixture is flowable through the sanitation station and the waste station and is configured for hand washing and to receive the waste material. The suds mixture includes a fluid layer and a suds layer positionable between the fluid layer and the user so that when the suds mixture receives the waste material the suds layer changes from an original shape to absorb energy and allow passage of the waste material through the suds layer into the fluid layer and then returns toward the original shape to form a protective barrier between the user and the waste material in the fluid layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Floyd Fitzgibbons
  • Patent number: 10774509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for recycling domestic greywater. Greywater is drawn from a greywater waste pipe through an overflow pipe of a sanitary fixture, thereby, permitting greywater to be collected for reuse without the need for complicated and expensive retrofitting and/or reconfiguration of existing plumbing infrastructure. The system and method of the present invention can easily operate independently or be integrated with domestic utility systems to supply these utility systems with grey-water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Marrett Alexander Green
  • Patent number: 10754357
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides a systems and methods for conserving liquids. The system detects, via sensors, if an object is interrupting the liquid flowing between a faucet and a drain. If the system detects an object is interrupting the flowing liquid, then the system routes the flowing liquid to a first destination using a diverter valve associated with the drain. The diverter valve is controlled by a microprocessor and connected to the sensors. However, if there are no object interrupting the flowing liquid, then the system routes the flowing liquid to a second destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ramratan Vennam, Spencer T. Reynolds, Belinda M. Vennam
  • Patent number: 10704236
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a water saving mechanism. In one aspect, a reservoir is provided to collect cold water while hot water is being heated. Once a desired temperature is reached, a valve is actuated to allow water to bypass the reservoir and be dispensed through a shower head. The reservoir can be used to dispense the cold water at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Zachary James Hamilton
  • Patent number: 9902497
    Abstract: A method of removing wastewater contained in a water retention tank of a grey-water management system for an aircraft toilet. The method removes the wastewater via a diaphragm pump having an undulating diaphragm. The diaphragm pump includes an inlet pipe connected to the retention tank, the diaphragm of the pump is actuated by electromagnetic or magnetic actuation so as to remove wastewater present in the retention tank through the inlet pipe of the pump to an outlet pipe of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Razmik Boodaghians, Kevin Huang, Christina Ortolan
  • Patent number: 9103103
    Abstract: The present invention features an automatic flushing urinal integrated with a hand washing sink. The hand washing sink is located right above the urinal with a sink drainage fluidly connected to the urinal. The urinal has a sensor located in the internal wall of the urinal to detect urine flow. When urine stops flowing, the sensor would trigger an automatic flushing to open a water valve for a predetermined period. The water valve is fluidly connected to a water spout disposed on the hand washing sink such that the water flowing from the water faucet is able to be used for hand washing first and then for urine flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Edward J. McCann
  • 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: 8931122
    Abstract: The grey water toilet uses only grey water generated from an adjacent sink in order to operate said toilet in an effort to lessen fresh water usage. The toilet includes a toilet tank that includes a baffle separating said toilet tank into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is in direct fluid communication with the drain line of an adjacent sink, and which is responsible for flushing the toilet upon use of either a flush handle or pop-rod located on the adjacent sink. The faucet of the adjacent sink is supplied water from two sources, a hot water line and a cold water line that are both located under said sink, and a toilet water line that extends from the fill valve inside of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Donald Cerce
  • Publication number: 20140230141
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are water conservation methods and apparatuses that comprise optionally directing drainage water from a sink by a valve to either a toilet storage tank or the sewer or septic system. The drainage water diverted to the toilet storage tank can then be recycled by being used to flush the toilet. The valve may be easily manipulated by a user to provide a convenient option to recycle water for flushing the toilet, a use that is currently a major factor in the overconsumption of water in a household.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Hein Werner Erdmann
  • 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: 8640269
    Abstract: An installation for the intermediate holding and storage of sewage and effluent, said installation comprising a sealable housing 9 having an inlet 1 for receiving said effluent and an outlet for discharging said effluent, a holding reservoir 2 pivotally mounted and positioned within said housing to receive and temporarily store a quantity of said effluent, wherein said holding reservoir is an asymmetrically shaped open bucket adapted to automatically move about said pivot from a first position adapted for receiving and storing said effluent to a second invented position where stored effluent is emptied into said housing under the influence of gravity once the accumulated effluent reaches a sufficient mass wherein said housing includes an effluent race 11 incorporated into the floor of said housing to divert said effluent directly to said outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ducane Research and Development Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Quintin Davenport, David Fisher
  • Patent number: 8613117
    Abstract: There are provided sanitary assemblies (101) comprising a toilet cistern (103) and conveying means, including a pump (107), for conveying waste water into said cistern (103) from an article of sanitary ware such that said waste water can be re-used. Also provided are toilet assemblies comprising such sanitary assemblies and methods for their use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Lisa Collins
  • Patent number: 8607377
    Abstract: The invention relates to a grey water reclamation system and methods therefor. Grey water is captured from a source, such as a sink, and stored in a main body containing a pump. The grey water is transported to a flush tank for use with a toilet. The system provides for use of a mixture of fresh water and grey water without interrupting the service to the user. Usage of grey water is maximized without completely eliminating the fresh water as a component that ensures service when grey water is unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Dustin Borg, Mark Gutting-Kilzer, Xu Wang
  • Patent number: 8424557
    Abstract: A downspout water collection and overflow system employs a downspout water diversion and overflow device which includes a body displacing a downspout section, and a plate supported in the body. The body, being hollow, has upper, lower and side portions defining top, bottom and side openings. The plate is inclined to extend laterally across the body between the upper and lower portions and through the side opening of the side portion. The plate blocks flow of water directly from the top to bottom opening of the body, diverting water flow through the side opening to a storage tank. The plate divides the side opening into upper and lower passages which allows inflow of water from the upper body portion through the upper passage above the plate to the tank and overflow of water from the tank through the lower passage below the plate to the lower body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Donald J. Russell
  • Publication number: 20130081202
    Abstract: Disclosed is a folding bathroom sink toilet system that saves space and water. The folding sink has the same width as the toilet tank and is not visible when in folded position. This system can be installed on top of the lid of any toilet on the market. The system includes: a sink made of different materials with or without art design; a semicircle drain outlet and sink overflow assembly with elastic and bendable head coupling the sink and toilet tank; a collapsible cabinet and washing platform to hold toothbrushes and other items; an adjustable hinge to hold the sink in the folding or deployed position; a dual-float water valve with pipe tee to control sink water supply to toilet tank; a water level indicator with three adjustable floating switches showing toilet tank's water in full, half full or empty; push-button switches for adding water to the toilet and flushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Lizhong Shen
  • Patent number: 8375481
    Abstract: A shower water recycling system for toilet flushing that includes a storage tank having a water pipe inlet operationally controlled by means of a float valve, the float valve maintaining a reserve volume of water within an interior cavity of the storage tank, and a pump to pump water from an outlet of the storage tank to an extant toilet cistern, the storage tank having a rotatable plug disposed in a centrally draining top surface, said plug moveable between a first drain position and a second drain position whereby a drainage collar alternately sealingly engages and disengages with a drainage pipe disposed bypassing the interior cavity, and a flush arm slidingly activates and deactivates a flush valve to drain the storage tank, as desired, whereby shower water is conserved and recycled for use in an extant toilet, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Joshua Gibbins
  • Publication number: 20130019398
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of a urinal with a hand washing facility. Therein, the waste water from the hand washing facility is used for flushing the urinal. The hand washing facility and the urinal are in close proximity to each other and/or in physical contact with each other. The hand washing facility is offset relative to the urinal so that the imaginary plane as defined by the center plane miming vertically through the urinal is positioned at an offset angle relative to the imaginary plane as defined by the central vertical plane of the hand washing facility. Said angle is between 20° and 80°, preferably between 30° and 75°, further preferably between 40° and 70°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Per Selvaag
  • 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: 8141185
    Abstract: A sanitary device for autonomous operation for a conveyance. The sanitary device has a sanitary module and a supply system. The sanitary module is set up replaceably in a cabin area of the conveyance. The supply system is set up in the sanitary module to supply it. The sanitary module is autonomously operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hansgeorg Schuldzig, Heinz-Detlef Naeve, Juergen Friedrich Haastert
  • Patent number: 8104106
    Abstract: A free-standing urinal (1) having: a housing (2); a trough (3) for urine; a urine collection tank (4) located within the housing (2); a drain (7) and waste trap (8) arrangement extending between the trough (3) and the tank (4); a valved outlet (28) from the tank (4); a hand wash sink (9); a drain (10) extending between the sink (9) and the trough (3); a fresh water dispenser for dispensing water into the sink (9); a paper towel dispenser (60); a paper towel waste container (70); and lifting fixtures (35, 36, 37) for moving the urinal (1) by forklift, hand or crane; The drain (7) and waste trap (8) arrangement has an “S bend” (30) containing an oily sealant (31). The urinal (1) is portable, it is freestanding and need not be mounted to a wall or other fixture, and it need not be connected to a mains water supply and sewerage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Fredrick Noel Anderson
  • Patent number: 7954182
    Abstract: Washroom designed for taking a shower which comprises a water intake and a drain for wastewater, and includes an accessory representing a removable bathtub wall. A mechanism is provided for locking and for pressing on the outer surface of the accessory when in a bathtub wall configuration to ensure that it is strong and watertight. The locking mechanism is an element which takes up a horizontal position on the floor in a shower configuration of the washroom, and a substantially vertical position in a bathtub configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Virgile Habegger
  • Patent number: 7937785
    Abstract: A pumped shower draining device for a shower installation, comprises a housing having a waste water inlet and a waste water outlet, a pump element provided within the housing, a pump driving device for driving the pump element, and a variable-engagement clutch for providing variable driving engagement between the pump driving device and the pump element. An amount of engagement imparted by the in use clutch is determined by an amount of waste water flowing from a shower unit of the shower installation. Preferably, the clutch is self-regulating, so that the amount of engagement is determined by an amount of water in or at the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: DLP Limited
    Inventors: Robert William Stimpson, Ian Felmeri
  • Patent number: 7913331
    Abstract: An integrated domestic utility system is used to recycle grey water in a domestic house as a means to divert treated potable water away from non-potable uses, and in particular, toilet flushing. The system comprises a rainwater tank for storing rainwater collected from a roof top and a grey water tank to store grey water collected from a shower or bathtub. The rainwater is used to augment the grey water supply through a self regulating valve. Domestic water can also be used to replenish the grey water tank. A demand amount of grey water is pumped from the storage tank to at least one toilet tank. The system is controlled by a controller using pressure sensors and temperature sensors. The invention may include a solar heating circuit coupled to a domestic water heater. In one example of the invention, the system stores grey water in a bathtub and supplies it to toilet tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Reinoud Jacob Hartman
  • Publication number: 20110047694
    Abstract: A plumbing fixture is disclosed which may include a wash basin positioned above a bodily waste. A transition compartment may be connected between the wash basin and the bodily waste basin for directing flow of fluid from the wash basin into the bodily waste basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: CHUONG MICHAEL V. DANG
  • Patent number: 7854852
    Abstract: Device inserted into a drain so that the top surface of the device is positioned and supported at the drain surface by means of a flange at the top surface of the device and sealing the drain by means of a gasket between the flange and the drain perimeter surface. Waste water, referred to as “gray water”, directed to the drain enters the device by passing first through a thin horizontal plate perforated with numerous small holes to remove hair and debris and then passes through larger openings in the surface plate directly beneath the hair and debris guard. The water accumulates in the collection chamber and is extracted through means of a pick-up tube within the collection chamber having a fitting extending through the top of the device for connection to a fluid conduit attached to a suction pump. The extracted gray water is diverted or stored for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Martin Reavis
  • Publication number: 20090113620
    Abstract: A twin tank flush device, 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 discharge, to avoid overflow in the lower tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Hassan Mohammed Fryan
  • Patent number: 7443305
    Abstract: An identification badge worn by an individual is sensed when that individual enters a lavatory. The individual is also provided with an indication device which is worn on or about the hands. Inside the lavatory, there is also provided a hand cleaning station which includes a sensor that determines whether the indicating device is in close proximity and dispenses soap on the individual's hands, then provides an appropriate indication to a computer system. Should the badge sensor sense the individual's departure from the lavatory without an appropriate indication being generated by the indicator sensor, a warning signal is generated, which is sent to the computer system and to an appropriate officer, who can then address the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent L. Verdiramo
  • Publication number: 20080141455
    Abstract: A system for redirecting clean water that would otherwise go down the drain is disclosed. The system can save both water as well as energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Todd M. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7305724
    Abstract: A baby changing, cleansing and bathing station with a basin hinged at the rear to pivot away from the wall overtop an existing toilet, a shower wand with adapter for connection to an existing faucet or shower, a front leg assembly for automatically deploying upon pivoting down of the basin, and a fold-down drain for automatically deploying upon pivoting down of the basin to drain water from the basin into said toilet. The automatic legs and drain allow for easy one-hand deployment while carrying a baby. The baby changing, cleansing and bathing station is adaptable to a freestanding configuration with either a cabinet enclosure or rear leg assembly for freestanding support, or a wall-mounted configuration with or without a cabinet enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Baby Wize, LLC
    Inventors: Arkadiy I. Rozental, Mikhail Ruvinskiy, James E. Fay
  • Publication number: 20070261166
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for selecting a drainage aperture for draining wastewater. The device includes a surface having drainage outlets including a first drainage outlet and a second drainage outlet, and a selection means which is actuable to allow selection of one of the drainage outlets for draining the wastewater. The present invention also provides a method of installing and operating the device, and a kit for assembling the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventor: Amanda Burns
  • Publication number: 20070174959
    Abstract: A water recycling system utilizes gray water from a gray water source, such as a bathroom sink, to flush a toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Golightly Sanders, Thomas F. Reynolds, Gerald Cox, Wayne Streble
  • Patent number: 7121292
    Abstract: A method for providing a gray water reclamation system includes connecting one or more gray water sources and one or more black water sources to a main drain line. A collection valve is also connected to the main drain line, the collection valve having (i) an inlet connected to the main drain line down stream from at least one of the black water sources, and (ii) an outlet connectable to either a gray water drain line or a black water drain line. A black water flow sensor is configured to detect water flow from a black water source, wherein the black water flow sensor is operable to transmit a black water event signal upon detecting water flow from the black water source, and wherein the collection valve is operable to connect the outlet to the black water drain line if the black water event signal is received thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Water Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Peter G. Aylward, Joseph A Casali, Brandon D. Porter, Robert G. Perkins
  • Patent number: 6904926
    Abstract: A gray water collection and distribution system includes a main drain line, one or more black water sources connected to the main drain line, one or more gray water sources connected to the main drain line and a collection valve located down stream from at least one of the one or more black water sources. The collection valve includes an inlet connected to the main drain line, and an outlet connectable which can be switched to either a black water drain line or a gray water drain line, depending upon which type of water flow is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Southwest Water Resources, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Peter G. Aylward, Joseph A. Casali, Brandon D. Porter, Robert G. Perkins
  • Patent number: 6889395
    Abstract: A rainwater collection system for supplying water to a toilet includes a gutter, water reservoir tank, excess water output conduit, toilet, and water bypass assembly for diverting water out through the water output conduit when the water reservoir tank is sufficiently full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: George Anthony Hodges
  • Patent number: 6848126
    Abstract: A mobile, portable washing bowl or bidet, sink bowl and shower primarily for use indoors. The system uses running water and there is no need for electronic pumps. The entire device is easily transported and meets the personal hygiene needs of people with limited mobility. The washing bowl and sink bowl are mounted to a vertical support riser and washing bowl support plate. The entire frame is mounted to a pneumatic height adjuster assembly, which in turn is mounted to a five-legged caster base. Each leg of the wheelbase terminates with locking casters. There is a water tank which allows water to flow, via gravity, through three sets of flexible hoses to the sink, then the washing bowl and finally through the draining hose. Each hose has a shut off valve so that water can either be contained or released in each of the holding places —the water tank, the sink bowl or the washing bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Saint-Ange Marcellus
  • Patent number: 6804843
    Abstract: A flush tank includes a water entrance to receive water from a water reservoir, a water outlet for discharging the water and controlled by a valve member, and a water inlet disposed in the upper portion to receive waste water from waste water suppliers. A valve device is attached to the lower portion of the tank member, to control and to allow little water to flow into the tank member via the water entrance. Another valve device is attached to the upper portion of the tank member, to control and to allow the waste water to flow into and to fill the tank member via the water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Sheng Fu Hung
  • Patent number: 6802090
    Abstract: This lavatory-toilet combination allows the user to immediately recycle hand and other lavatory sink water to flush the toilet or to drain in the traditional manner. Besides choosing flush or drain, the user chooses the amount of water over 1.6 gallons and the temperature of that water. This combination eliminates the toilet tank with it's many parts needing repair and replacement. REFERENCES 1,935,779 21 Nov. 1933 Kemach 2,860,348 18 Nov. 1958 McClenahan 3,588,922 29 Jun. 1971 Carfora 3,995,327  7 Dec. 1976 Hendrick 5,228,152 20 Jul. 1993 Fraley 5,522,096  4 Jun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Vicki Lee Martin
  • Publication number: 20040187205
    Abstract: A flush tank includes a water entrance to receive water from a water reservoir, a water outlet for discharging the water and controlled by a valve member, and a water inlet disposed in the upper portion to receive waste water from waste water suppliers. A valve device is attached to the lower portion of the tank member, to control and to allow little water to flow into the tank member via the water entrance. Another valve device is attached to the upper portion of the tank member, to control and to allow the waste water to flow into and to fill the tank member via the water inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Sheng Fu Hung
  • Publication number: 20040123381
    Abstract: A washstand unit 10, a waste storage compartment 11, a mirror 12, an upper cabinet 13 and a lighting equipment 14 are disposed on a side panel 5. Fitting concave portions 15 and 16 are formed on the washstand unit 10 for receiving portions of the waste storage compartment 11 and lighting equipment 14. Fitting portions 19, 20 and 21, 22 are formed on the mirror 12 for receiving portions of the upper cabinet 13 and lighting equipment 14. The washstand unit 10, the waste storage compartment 11, the mirror 12, the upper cabinet 13 and the lighting equipment 14 are mounted independently on the side panel 5 without assembling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: JAMCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichi Kitade, Ryoichi Itakura, Toshihisa Kasuya
  • Patent number: 6581220
    Abstract: A method for aromatherapy including recirculating shower water on a body of a bather, the shower water including at least one aromatherapy substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: David Yekutiely, Barak Yekutiely
  • Patent number: 6516477
    Abstract: A shower apparatus for a seated occupant includes a tub having a body compartment for receiving the torso of an occupant in a seated position and a foot compartment for receiving the feet of the seated occupant. A seat is provided with a through opening positionable over a through opening in the bottom of the body compartment, both through openings being positionable over the bowl of a stationary floor toilet. A shower head/sprayer is provided to introduce a flow of water into the tub for showering the seated occupant. The shower head/sprayer is attached to one end of a water conduit with the other end of the water conduit having a fitting for attaching the conduit to a source of water, such as an existing faucet. Water is drained from the body compartment by gravity feed through the body compartment through opening and into the toilet bowl. Water is drained from the foot compartment by use of a pump which moves the water along a pump conduit and into the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: David B. Storm
  • Patent number: 6477719
    Abstract: A low tank of a flush toilet capable of receiving either of clean water and recycling water, wherein two sets of ball taps are fixed into the low tank, two sets of ball valves are connected directly to the inlet sides of the ball taps, and a lever handle is changed from 0 to 90 degree by a changeover lever capable of alternately switching between the two sets of ball valves, whereby the two sets of ball valve shafts are rotated so that the opening and closing operation can be performed simultaneously in the ball valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Katsuji Ando
  • Patent number: 6425148
    Abstract: A water-saving device for a toilet comprises a tank, a tank lid mounted on top of the tank, a sink formed on the sink and communicated with a chamber in the tank via a hole in the sink, and an output tube having a lower end communicated with an inlet tube and an upper end for supplying water into the sink. A guide tube is mounted in the tank and comprises an upper end communicated with the hole of the sink and a lower end immersed in the water in the chamber of the tank such that drainage of water in the sink via the hole of the sink and the guide tube into the chamber of the tank is almost silent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Jung-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 6408460
    Abstract: A device for collecting unused water is placed underneath all kinds of taps and collects the pure unused water which escapes during the intermediate intervals of use of the tap. The device comprises two spherical sections connected to each other for collecting clean water and preventing the entry of used water into the head of the collector. The device has a flexible pipe which drives the water outside the place of use to a drain which leads it to a storage area. The collection of the water is achieved by taking advantage of the concentrated energy of the column of the water at one point, such as the moment the tap is turned on and the water is not yet being used. The opposite prevents the entry of the used water. The device may be used both household uses (kitchen, bathroom) and places of personal hygiene for the personnel of factories and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Dimitrios Naoum
  • Patent number: 6355160
    Abstract: A gray-water recycling system for reclaiming gray-water for use in toilets and lawn care. The system includes a reservoir adapted to treat gray-water and includes an intake pipe, an outlet pipe and an overflow pipe. An inlet coupled to the intake pipe supplies gray-water to the reservoir. A filter is fluidly coupled to the outlet pipe for filtering gray-water to define processed gray-water. A pump is fluidly coupled to the by a pipe. A first valve (24) controls flow of the processed gray-water from the pump. The first valve is fluidly coupled to the pump, a fresh water inlet and a processed gray-water outlet. The first valve is adapted to open the fresh water if the water pressure from the processed gray-water falls. Also included is a pressure valve (52) adapted to manually adjust the pressure of the processed gray-water outlet and to allow a flow of fresh water in the event the solenoid of the first valve fails to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventors: Cecil A. Wiseman, Christopher Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20020026666
    Abstract: A washing water supply apparatus 1 for supplying washing water to a toilet has valve members A and B opening/closing an opening leading to the toilet from a washing water source, a cam members 8 and 9 opening/closing the valve members A and B directly, and a driving source 2 driving the cam members 8 and 9 rotatably. By opening/closing the above-mentioned opening of each of valve members A and B gradually corresponding to cam face shapes of the cam members 8 and 9, generation of water hammer phenomenon is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: INAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsunori Tomita, Kenichi Ito, Shigeru Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6328882
    Abstract: A system for recycling waste water from showers, bath tubs and lavatories to provide flush water for toilets and urinals. The system includes a receiving tank A, an overflow conduit 4, a make-up water conduit 16, a pump B, and a hydro-pneumatic tank C. The system ensures that a sufficient supply of flush water is available at a required pressure to meet the toilet flushing demand. Preferably, the distribution piping for the recycled waste water is of a different size or color in order to in order to avoid accidentally connecting the non-potable flush water supply to a potable use. Mechanisms are also provided so that the flush water can be scented, colored, filtered, or disinfected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Joel Hl. Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: RE41761
    Abstract: A gray-water recycling system for reclaiming gray-water for use in toilets and lawn care. The system includes a reservoir adapted to treat gray-water and includes an intake pipe, an outlet pipe and an overflow pipe. An inlet coupled to the intake pipe supplies gray-water to the reservoir. A filter is fluidly coupled to the outlet pipe for filtering gray-water to define processed gray-water. A pump is fluidly coupled to the by a pipe. A first valve (24) controls flow of the processed gray-water from the pump. The first valve is fluidly coupled to the pump, a fresh water inlet and a processed gray-water outlet. The first valve is adapted to open the fresh water if the water pressure from the processed gray-water falls. Also included is a pressure valve (52) adapted to manually adjust the pressure of the processed gray-water outlet and to allow a flow of fresh water in the event the solenoid of the first valve fails to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventors: Cecil A. Wiseman, Christopher Wiseman