Abstract: A drainage device (1) for a waste water outlet (12) includes an outer tubular member (102) adapted to fit within the waste water outlet (12). An inner tubular member (103) is located within the outer tubular member (102). The interior of the inner tubular member (103) provides a first outlet and a second outlet is defined by the external wall of the inner tubular member (103) and the internal wall of the outer tubular member (102). A valve member (108, 109) is movably mounted with respect to the inner and outer tubular members (102, 103) for movement between a first position in which the second outlet is obturated and the first outlet is open to permit a liquid to flow therethrough, and a second position in which the second outlet is open to permit liquid to enter the second outlet.

Abstract: Described is a method for installing a gray water reclamation system in an existing plumbing infrastructure. A flexible conduit 26 is connected to the drain of a gray water source by moving the flexible conduit through an access 36 in the plumbing infrastructure and through the drainage conduit 41 to the drain where one end of the flexible conduit is coupled thereto. The other end of the flexible conduit is located adjacent the access and is in fluid communication with a filtration apparatus 27 and a storage vessel 28 so that the gray water may be filtered and then stored. A plumbing snake may be used to move the flexible conduit through the existing plumbing infrastructure.

Abstract: A water recycling device, wherein gray water from a bathroom sink is reused to flush a toilet. The device includes a gray water reservoir, means for sensing the level of water in the toilet tank, a pump to transfer water from the gray water reservoir to the toilet tank, and a mechanical means to stop the normal potable water supply from filling the toilet water tank as long as sufficient water is being supplied from the gray water reservoir. The mechanical means physically holds the float valve of the fresh water line closed by holding the float in the up position, unless there is no flow of gray water into the toilet's tank, in which case the float is released, allowing the normal potable water supply to fill the tank.

Abstract: A toilet fill valve includes an outlet pipe associated with a wash basin, an outlet tube associated with a wet-bowl configuration and an outlet assembly for filling the tank of the toilet. A blocking device includes a first plug for blocking the pipe in the absence of a wash basin, and a second plug for blocking the outlet tube in the absence of a wet-bowl configuration. An outlet assembly includes a deflector for directing water against a side wall of the tank, and an aerator for adding turbulence to the water in order to minimize noise associated with filling the tank with water.

Abstract: A lavatory fixture having a combination, urinal and hand wash faucet for public restrooms, particularly in high traffic locations such as airports, the lavatory fixture having a urinal and hand sink combined in a single lavatory unit with a self-activated hand faucet being positioned above a urinal catch basin, the hand faucet having an associated proximity sensor to activate a water flow for washing hands, when a user's hands are placed proximate the faucet, and the urinal having an associated proximity sensor for sensing the presence of a user proximate the urinal to flush the urinal when the user moves away from the urinal, the lavatory fixture having a common drain and an optional hand soap dispenser.

Abstract: A water temperature regulator having a closed container that is provided with a cold-water inlet pipe and a hot-water inlet pipe having flow control connected thereto for introducing cold and hot water, respectively, into the container at a desired flow rate, a discharge pipe for guiding water in the container to an external water storage, at least one water service pipe for guiding water in the container to at least one water supply outlet, such as a showerhead or a faucet, at least one control for controlling open/close of the discharge pipe and of the at least one water service pipe, and a water temperature indicator for showing a temperature of water in the container. Instead of being drained, water introduced into the container that has not reached a desired temperature is discharged to and stored in the water storage for reuse later without being unnecessarily wasted.

Abstract: An electrically operated solenoid valve for use on a flush toilet tank, and capable of variable adjustment. This system comprises a float switch mounted on a calibrated bracket secured to a tank, such that the float for the float switch is mounted within the tank and the height of the float above the tank floor can be adjusted utilizing the bracket. The bracket is preferably calibrated, so as to permit variable adjustment to the height of the float within the tank. The float switch is upwardly connected to an electrically operated solenoid valve to permit water to flow into the tank when the float is below a minimum water level, and to close the valve when the float returns to the minimum water level.

Abstract: A lavatory fixture having a combination, urinal and hand wash faucet for public restrooms, particularly in high traffic locations such as airports, the lavatory fixture having a urinal and hand sink combined in a single lavatory unit with a self-activated hand faucet being positioned above a urinal catch basin, the hand faucet having an associated proximity sensor to activate a water flow for washing hands, when a user's hands are placed proximate the faucet, and the urinal having an associated proximity sensor for sensing the presence of a user proximate the urinal to flush the urinal when the user moves away from the urinal, the lavatory fixture having a common drain and an optional hand soap dispenser.

Abstract: A modular bathroom fixture of compact size and serving as a urinal and hand-washing basin, includes a flat rear panel adapted to permit wall-mounting, forwardly directed paired side panels, a horizontally disposed basin embraced by the side panels, and a urinal trough located below the basin. In operation, water from the basin drains by gravity flow into the urinal, thence downwardly again to a sewer discharge conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing gray water for flushing a toilet is provided including a holding tank with a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween thus defining an interior space. The holding tank has an inlet pipe connected to a source of gray water for receiving gray water therefrom. An outlet pipe is connected between the holding tank adjacent to the bottom face thereof and a toilet. A tee is situated on the outlet pipe between the holding tank and the toilet. The tee has an opening coupled to a water supply adapted to supply water of a first pressure. The tee further has a valve having a first orientation for allowing the flow of water only from the water supply to the toilet and a second orientation for allowing the flow of water only from the holding tank to the toilet. A pump is coupled to the outlet pipe between the holding tank and the compression tee.

Abstract: A toilet flushing system that allows use of gray water drained from a sink including a toilet having a bowl, a water tank having a lower drain hole and an inner wall defining an upper compartment and a lower compartment and with the inner wall further having an upper drain hole; a sink having a drain pipe extended within the upper compartment; a connecting channel extended between the bowl and the lower drain hole; a flush tube inserted within the upper drain hole and having an upper end with perforations formed thereon and a lower closed plug end; a flushing mechanism having one orientation for permitting the flush tube to be positioned at a location that allows flow of water from the upper compartment to the lower compartment through the perforations thereof and further prevents flow of water into the connecting channel, the flushing mechanism further having another orientation that prevents flow of water from the upper compartment to the lower compartment and further permits water to flow into the connecti

Abstract: A waste water reuse system comprised of a first holding tank for disposition above the toilet tank of a conventional toilet, the holding tank having a waste water inlet located adjacent a top thereof, an overflow outlet located below the waste water inlet, a removable filter disposed within the holding tank between the inlet and outlet in a position to filter water incoming from the inlet, a gravity fed outlet at the bottom of the tank for connection to a water inlet of the conventional toilet, a water supply inlet at or adjacent the bottom of the tank for connection to a fresh water supply, and a float valve connected to the water supply inlet for controlling inflow of fresh water to the holding tank, the float valve having a float ball for causing shut-off of the supply of fresh water at a level substantially below the overflow outlet, and apparatus connecting the waste water inlet to a bathtub water outlet.

Abstract: A finger wash basin that can be attached to an existing toilet without major modifications. The basin consists of a container which is mounted adjacent or on the existing toilet and has a water supply pipe which is connected to the existing water supply pipe for the toilet bowl. The container also has a drain pipe which leads used water back to the toilet bowl. A gasket is attached to the top of the toilet tank and has a top surface which will securely mount the toilet tank lid. The gasket can be provided with openings that will allow the water supply pipe and the drain pipe to pass through the gasket between the top of the toilet tank and the toilet tank lid.

Abstract: A gray water reclamation system is disclosed. The system includes a gray water filter and a gray water conduit for receiving exclusively gray water from at least one household source and passively delivering the gray water through a water filter to remove impurities therefrom. Filtered water is temporarily stored in an underground tank. A sensing apparatus such as a pressure tank determines when gray water is required by an outside irrigation system, inside toilets or other appliances. Suitable controls direct a pump to transmit water from the storage tank to either irrigation apparatus or, after further filtering, to appliances in need of water.

Abstract: A limited amount of grey water is collected in a storage tank for use in flushing toilets. During use, the grey water in the storage tank is stirred to discharge small particulate solids with the grey water supplied to a toilet. The stirring also prevents the grey water from stratifying and preventing disinfectant from reaching stratified grey water which in the absence of disinfectant and stirring could become stagnant. The stirring action of the grey water also makes the system self cleaning.

Abstract: A system designed for approaching the soapy water being collected in a shower, or other sources for operating the discharge or flushing of the toilet. To this end, the system comprises an auxiliary tank for containing the collected soapy water and the necessary installation for supplying said water first to said auxiliary tank and then from the latter to the primary tank associated with said toilet. The system further comprises a special fixture assembly adapted to be disposed on the primary water storge tank, according to a first embodiment, between the uppermost end thereof and the cover of said tank.

Abstract: A compact, modular gray water recycling system includes a control and reservoir unit for storing gray water, which is received from a source such as a sink drain, and is pumped to the household toilet as necessary. The single unit houses a pump, flow signals, filters, and an overflow, as well as a liquid level actuating device for signaling when the liquid level has fallen to below a designated level. The system also utilizes a second storage reservoir and a second control unit for adding gray water from the second reservoir to the control and reservoir unit in response to a signal indicating low water level therein. The secondary storage units may also be adapted to receive water from an outside source such a rainfall runoff.

Abstract: A waste water recovery system for recycling shower/bath water for use in a tank-type toilet is provided. The system includes a storage tank with a suction pump to draw water into the storage tank. The system also includes a valve which is used to timely shut off the pump when the tank is full. Recovered water from the storage tank is delivered to the toilet tank when needed. A collector which surrounds the floor drain is removably attachable either by adhesive or suction means to the floor of a bath or shower and has an inlet and an outlet. Waste water is drawn by a suction pump from the outlet of a collector to the storage tank.

Abstract: A system for collecting soapy water in a shower, or from other sources for flushing a toilet. The system comprises an auxiliary tank for receiving the collected soapy water and for supplying the water to the primary tank associated with the toilet. The system further comprises, according to a first embodiment, a frame assembly interposed between the upper end of the primary tank and the cover of the tank to provide the necessary operative interconnection between the primary tank and the auxiliary tank. In another embodiment, the frame assembly is integrated into the cover.

Abstract: A sullage diversion valve assembly (10) enables a user to selectively divert sullage to a waste line or to a hose for irrigation or other purposes. The valve assembly (10) is designed to be fitted to the outlet pipe (11) of a laundry tub (12) or other source of sullage, and comprises a rotary valve (20 ) operated by handle (23 ). When the valve is open, sullage flows to a waste pipe (16) as normal. However, when the valve is closed, the passage to the waste pipe (16) is blocked, and the sullage is diverted to an outlet (17) connected to the hose (18 ). An overflow outlet (19 ) is provided to enable sullage to flow to the waste line (16) in the event that the hose (18 ) is obstructed.

Abstract: A modular, retrofittable, and portable drain water recycle system, for installation into, and removal from, an existing host plumbing system having a host water supply, a sink, a tub or shower, a toilet, and a sewer. The modules include a drain fixture module, a system control module, and a storage tank module, all interconnectable. Gray water is collected from a tub, shower, or sink, by a drain fixture module, and is stored in a storage tank module for reuse in flushing a toilet. The drain fixture module and storage tank module are controlled by the system control module. Capacity can be altered by adding or removing storage tank modules. Different host systems can be accommodated by adding or removing drain fixture modules and system control modules. Drain fixture modules replace or are installed nearby existing P-traps, normally accessible. Storage tank modules and system control modules are of such shape and size as to fit under a typical sink inside the sink cabinet.

Abstract: A water conservation system for toilets is provided. The system comprises an auxiliary water supply including a storage tank for collecting and storing recycled or gray water and a water line hydraulically connecting the storage tank to a toilet tank. A dual action valve is disposed in the toilet tank. The valve includes a first valve segment connected to the fresh water supply and a second valve segment connected to the water line from the storage tank. One or two floats, which are responsive to the fill level in the toilet tank, open and close the first and second valves. The dual action valve may further include a pilot valve disposed inline between the fresh water supply and the first valve for switching the fresh water supply regardless of whether the first valve is in a closed or open condition. The pilot valve communicates with the water line from the storage tank and is responsive to pressure in the water line.

Abstract: An installation for heat recovery from warm household drain water produced at household water consumption points, comprising a distributor tank, a first pipeline system which delivers warm household drain water from the consumption points to the distributor tank, a drain water channel, a heat exchange tank, and a second pipeline system which conveys warm household drain water to the heat exchange tank. The distributor tank has a first outlet leading into the drain water channel with a shut-off device which opens when the household drain water is below a predetermined temperature, and a second outlet into the second pipeline system when the household drain water in the distributor tank is above the predetermined temperature. Within the heat exchange tank is a coil containing cold drinking water which is heated by the household drain water.

Abstract: A delivery conduit operative through a valve member directs fluid selectively from the shower conduit to a storage tank in operative communication with a commode, wherein the storage tank permits selective use of water from a primary conduit or from the delivery conduit for the utilization of water therefrom.

Abstract: A gray water recycling system directs gray water from a fixture to either a sewer line or a holding tank. The system includes a drain valve assembly that is controlled at the fixture and that selects between allowing water to flow into a drain pipe and then into the sewer line or allowing water to flow into a holding tank line to a pump and then into the holding tank. The drain valve assembly can be used with conventional fixtures such as sinks, tubs, and showers, using many standard fittings that are readily available. In an embodiment especially useful with sinks having a plug that is raised and lowered, the solid plug of a conventional sink is replaced with a hollow tube that communicates with the holding tank line. In another embodiment especially suited for showers and sinks with rotatable catch cups, the valve assembly includes two, nested valve bodies that rotate relative to each other to align valve body ports that alternately direct water into the sewer line or into the holding tank line.

Abstract: A compact, modular gray water recycling system includes a control and reservoir unit for storing gray water, which is received from a source such as a sink drain, and pumping it to the household toilet as necessary. The single unit houses a pump, flow signals, filters, and an overflow. The system may also utilize a second storage reservoir and separate control unit for added gray water storage. The secondary storage and control units may also be adapted to receive water from an outside source such as rainfall runoff.

Abstract: A modular, retrofittable, and portable drain water recycle system, for installation into, and removal from, an existing host plumbing system having a host water supply, a sink, a tub or shower, a toilet, and a sewer. The modules include a drain fixture module, a system control module, and a storage tank module, all interconnectable. Gray water is collected from a tub, shower, or sink, by a drain fixture module, and is stored in a storage tank module for reuse in flushing a toilet. The drain fixture module and storage tank module are controlled by the system control module. Capacity can be altered by adding or removing storage tank modules. Different host systems can be accommodated by adding or removing drain fixture modules and system control modules. Drain fixture modules replace or are installed nearby existing P-traps, normally accessible. Storage tank modules and system control modules are of such shape and size as to fit under a typical sink inside the sink cabinet.

Abstract: A water saving toilet includes a sink mounted to a fixture base above a toilet tank. A drain opening in the bottom of the sink leads directly into the toilet tank, and a domestic water supply shutoff valve in the tank diverts water from the tank and directs it through a water diverting line leading to a spout adjacent the sink. After the toilet is flushed, domestic water preferentially passes from the supply valve through the water diverting line to the spout on the sink so the water will run continuously through the spout and into the sink for use in washing. Recycled water runs from a drain in the sink into the toilet tank to fill the tank for the next flush cycle. The float ball in the tank shuts off the supply valve after the tank fills which also shuts off the supply of water to the spout, so the volume of water diverted through the sink for washing is regulated to the amount for one flush cycle.

Abstract: A system for recycling water used in a bathtub/shower is disclosed. The system alternatively directs water drained from the shower or bathtub to either a recycled water storage tank or a sewer line. The water in the recyclable water tank is subsequently pumped to a sprinkler system or an outdoor faucet. The water is directed to either the sewer line or the storage tank through the use of a valve with a first inlet for accepting water from the drain of the bathtub, a second inlet for accepting water from the overflow drain of the bathtub, a first outlet leading to the sewer line, and a second outlet leading to the recycled water storage tank. The valve is a modified ball valve that either blocks the first outlet or the second outlet only, and all other parts remain open. The position of the ball portion of the valve is controlled by a lever mounted on the bathtub overflow plate.

Abstract: A toilet system designed to use recycled "gray water". The toilet includes a toilet reservoir positioned above a toilet bowl with a first conduit connecting the reservoir with the bowl. A sinkable sphere, which acts as a discharge valve for the reservoir, seats on an inner surface of a cone-shaped, resilient valve seat positioned on top of the first conduit. A valve lifter is positioned below the sphere to selectively lift the sphere off the valve seat to open the reservoir valve and drain "gray water" into the bowl. The toilet bowl also has a bowl valve for releasing "black water" from the toilet bowl through a second conduit. Controls are provided to permit an operator to independently control both the "gray water" coming into the toilet bowl and the "black water" exiting the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A device used to reclaim shower waste water for flushing toilets and watering gardens. During the course of a shower, several shallow-plastic molded reservoirs are situated intermediately between the shower basin and the feet of the person standing upon them. The top surface forms a sloped recess for collecting water and an open inlet port at the recessed end allows the water to drain into the reservoir. The weight of a person standing upon the top surface is supported by an internal array of posts projecting upwardly from the bottom surface. A dispenser is used in conjuction with an outlet to retain and release the collected water. When the full reservoir is placed in an upright position on top of a toilet set with the outlet at the lowermost position, the dispenser is manually actuated thus releasing water through the outlet with sufficient flow rate to flush the toilet. A shoulder strap and sprinkler accessory may be attached for use as a portable watering container in the garden.

Abstract: A drought relief system employs waste water as normally discharged from an appliance into a plumbing drain. A dual valve assembly is mounted in series within an existing appliance discharge line, usually exteriorly of the appliance and includes a first valve allowing for the distribution of waste water to the normal discharge line. By shutting off this first valve and opening a second valve, waste water is directed into a drought diversion conduit passing through the building wall and communicating with an appropriate distribution line. The latter may comprise a single conduit or a manifold network of conduits such as perforated pipes or hoses and thus permits utilization of water that otherwise would be discharged into the user's septic system or municipal waste system.

Abstract: A whole body cleansing agent for bathing with a small quantity of water in microgravity conditions which consists essentially of a paste comprising an acyltaurate, a skin conditioner, a hair conditioner, and a preservative. Also disclosed is a method of bathing with a small quantity of water which includes the steps of wetting the skin and hair with a small quantity of water, lathering the skin with the paste, rinsing the lather from the skin and hair with a small quantity of water to produce a rinse water containing the cleansing agent, defoaming the rinse water and supplying the defoamed rinse water to a water reclamation unit for recycle thereof.

Abstract: A water conservation device composed of a cup movable relative to an opening for selectively diverting water flow from a main drain pipe to a side tap to conduct water to be conserved to a remote location through a drain pipe.

Abstract: A water recycling system for re-use of gray water to flush toilet wastes is disclosed. Gray water from various sources, after filtration, is reserved in a water storage tank to be delivered to a water closet for flushing purposes. Disinfectant is periodically added to the gray water in the storage tank. Upon flushing, electrical signals are sent for replenishing of gray water from the storage tank to the water closet and supplying the toilet bowl with fresh water at a later time when the water closet is emptied and the wastes are flushed. A syphoning device is provided to further remove the gray water and wastes in the toilet bowl to the septic tank or sewage line. Filling of the water closet terminates the inflow of both gray and fresh water. At the completion of each flushing-filling cycle, the water closet is filled with gray water and the toilet bowl contains largely fresh water.

Abstract: An infant's bidet is provided, which folds out of the way over a toilet. The bidet comprises a container with a drainer platform, inclined surfaces that direct waste into a bowl, an elevated child bearing platform, accessory shelves and height adjustment means.

Abstract: A drain valve is provided for connection to a water supply line for draining water in a vacuum flush aircraft sanitation system. The valve comprises a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing also includes a pressure chamber with a diaphragm that is normally biased to a first position by a spring when the chamber is depressurized. This allows water to flow from the fluid inlet to the drain outlet and ultimately to drain mast of the aircraft. When the chamber is pressurized, however, the diaphragm moves to a second position which operates a linkage mechanism that moves a plug against a seat in the drain outlet to close the drain outlet so that rinse water does not drain from the valve's fluid inlet. A sanitation system also is disclosed, in which grey water from the aircraft lavatory sink is collected and transferred under pressure through a rinse line to flush a toilet bowl when the drain valve is closed.

Abstract: A cleaning station for storing, cleaning and replacing ostomy equipment. The station is mountable on a wall and is further adapted to be positioned over or in close proximity to a toilet. The cleaning station includes a cabinet, a countertop and sink, and a support adapted to support the cabinet on a wall. The sink is fitted with a drain conduit adapted for discharging waste from the sink to a disposal site. The support is adapted to extend laterally whereby the cabinet may be displaced outwardly from its position adjacent a wall to a location above a waste disposal site such as a conventional toilet.

Abstract: A system of conserving water using non-electrically operated, readily available plumbing equipment. The water to be saved with the system is water once heated which has cooled due to heat loss in a hot water line. This normally wasted cold water in the hot water line is often directed down the drain prior to dispensing of the hot water from a fixture. The system is adapted to divert the normally wasted cold water in the hot water line to a remotely positioned storage tank. The diverting process begins upon manual activation of a by-pass valve positioned slightly upstream of the hot water valve of a typical hot water dispensing fixture. The cold water to be saved is diverted by the manual by-pass valve through by-pass piping leading into the storage tank. The storage tank is also plumbed with piping to the water input piping of each toilet tank reservoir of the building.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of waste liquid from an industrial cleaning system, which comprises a waste liquid holding tank designed to fit on a toilet, for receiving waste liquid and automatically emptying the waste liquid from the holding tank into the toilet when the holding tank is full.

Abstract: A building system in which the wet areas are constructed as a module at a construction site and transported to be placed on site for a building to be erected therearound. The modules are constructed to be positioned one on another for multi-storied buildings and incorporated into the floors of the building.

Abstract: A modular bathroom unit is described, coming in a single cabinet, in which an hydraulic system, a drainage system and the system of regulation of different fixtures are integrated, and consisting of a least one equipped washbasin, one toilet with cover and one shower.

Abstract: A tank containing conserved water having a drainpipe connected to a fresh water supply pipe of a toilet, and a valve along the drainpipe being automatically operated by a high pressure valve located along the fresh water supply pipe.

Abstract: A self-contained bathroom unit including a rigid L-shaped tank enclosure and a toilet attached thereto, the enclosure having a sewage ejector pump located therein and float level detection mechanism for actuating the sewage ejector pump, and attachable basin mounting mechanism, and connections for water inlets, sewage outlets, vents and attachment to other appliances.

Abstract: A combination wash basin and toilet water conservation system having at least one wash basin and a toilet having a water tank. The water tank has a fresh water chamber and a gray water chamber. A first outlet connects the gray water chamber with the bowl of the toilet and a flapper valve closes this outlet. A second outlet connects the fresh water chamber and the gray water chamber and a buoyant valve closes this outlet. Piping connects the drain of the wash basin to the gray water chamber. Piping also connects a source of fresh water to the fresh water chamber. A hand lever on the outside of the toilet operates a lever arm within the water tank which when it is raised upwardly actuates structure causing the buoyant valve to rise thereby letting fresh water into the gray water tank. Structure is also actuated in the gray water tank when the lever arm raises upwardly and this structure opens the flapper valve to release water from the gray water chamber into the toilet bowl for flushing thereof.

Abstract: A douche appliance connectable to the pan of a water closet comprises a spray arm assembly including a retractable water conduit having one end attached to a spray head and extending into the water closet pan and another end connected to a pressurized water supply; an instantaneous heating, thermostatically controlled electric heater provided in flow line between the pressurized water supply and retractable conduit; and, an electric body parts dryer selectively coupled to an interior space defined by the pan or to a location suitable for drying a user's hands.