Electric Flushing Patents (Class 4/DIG3)
  • Patent number: 6161814
    Abstract: An electrical control system for operating a toilet flushing device includes an electric operator, a source of power for the operator and a detection system for detecting the presence of a user of a toilet device and upon detection thereof connecting the source of power to the electric operator. The detection system includes an infrared transmitter and an adjacent infrared receiver, with the receiver being sensitive to infrared radiation reflected from a toilet device user. There is a refracting element positioned in front of the transmitter and receiver to bend the transmitted infrared radiation beam to a desired angle relative to the initial direction of the transmitted beam and to bend a reflected beam from a toilet device user to a direction wherein it is generally parallel to the initial transmitted beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Peter J. Jahrling
  • Patent number: 6098211
    Abstract: This invention concerns a process for actuating a physical/technical process, particularly in toilette facilities, which employs a sound sensor (M) with signal analysis which is located in close proximity to a liquid inlet (8). In a device for automatic cleaning of toilette seats (4), the sensor (M) is built in next to the flushing water inlet. The flushing noises are selected using a signal analysis circuit and cleaning of the seat (4) and evacuation of odors (G) via a ventilator (15) is only triggered if the flushing process has been clearly detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: CWS International AG
    Inventors: Markus Ehrensperger, Hans-Peter Meier
  • Patent number: 6061843
    Abstract: In a method for automatically triggering flushing of a urinal with water an electrically actuatable shut-off valve is arranged in the water inlet line for shutting off water flow. A temperature sensor is positioned at a siphon of the urinal. Signals generated by the temperature sensor are sent to an electronic control and computing device. A temperature gradient is determined with the electronic control and computing device based on the signals generated by the temperature sensor. The shut-off valve is opened for flushing the urinal when the temperature gradient exceeds a preset limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Keramag Keramische Werke AG
    Inventors: Hans Rump, Norbert Pieper, Jorg Hiller, Jan Schwarze
  • Patent number: 5950983
    Abstract: An electrical control system for operating a toilet flushing device includes an electric operator, a source of power for the operator and a detection system for detecting the presence of a user of a toilet device and upon detection thereof connecting the source of power to the electric operator. The detection system includes an infrared transmitter and an adjacent infrared receiver, with the receiver being sensitive to infrared radiation reflected from a toilet device user. There is a refracting element positioned in front of the transmitter and receiver to bend the transmitted infrared radiation beam to a desired angle relative to the initial direction of the transmitted beam and to bend a reflected beam from a toilet device user to a direction wherein it is generally parallel to the initial transmitted beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Peter J. Jahrling
  • Patent number: 5943712
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a water valve in response to the presence of a human body part by providing a passive detecting apparatus to produce a human-presence-indicating signal in response to variation in radiation by the body part, detecting with a first level detector circuit having an input coupled to the passive detecting apparatus whether the human-presence-indicating signal is between a first upper threshold level and a first lower threshold level, producing with a first circuitry responsive to the first level detector circuit a first active mode signal if the human-presence-indicating signal is either higher than the first upper threshold level or lower than the first lower threshold level, opening the water valve with a second circuitry responsive to the first active mode signal, after production of the first active mode signal, further detecting with a second level detector circuit more sensitive to the presence of a human body part than the first level detector circuit and having an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Cy, S.A.
    Inventor: Karel Carl Van Marcke
  • Patent number: 5901384
    Abstract: A toilet assembly having an automatic flushing system comprising a toilet bowl having a toilet cover, the toilet cover containing a window disposed therein, a water holding tank operatively associated with the toilet bowl, the holding tank containing structures for storing water, discharging water into the toilet bowl and a replenishing water to the water holding tank, and motion sensing device positioned within the water holding tank and aligned with the window in the toilet cover, when the toilet cover is in a raised position, the motion sensing device being angled in a downward direction from the horizontal, so that any reflection of beams from the motion sensing device against the window in the toilet cover is not received by the motion sensor and thus does not activate the motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Jae K. Sim
  • Patent number: 5855027
    Abstract: A new automatic bathroom door and toilet flushing system for automatically raising the door and flushing the toilet when a user is finished. The system includes a housing secured to a ceiling between a pair of walls. The housing has an opening in a lower end thereof. A door is rotatably disposed within the housing. The door is disposed on a central shaft. The central shaft is coupled with an electric motor. The electric motor selectively raises and lowers the door with respect to an opening between the pair of walls. An electric sensor is in communication with the electric motor and an electrical system of an existing toilet. The electric sensor is disposed within one of the pair of walls adjacent to the handle of the manual pulley system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph A. Macedo
  • Patent number: 5819336
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically controlling on-off operation of a battery-driven water rinsing system including a water supply system having electrically actuated actuation means for actuation of the water supply system to cause water flow therefrom. The on-off operation is responsive to approach and withdrawal of a user of the water rinsing system. A control circuit including an infrared transmitter, an infrared receiver, and control means is provided. The transmitter transmits infrared energy to a user in the vicinity of the water rinsing system for reflection from the user to an infrared receiver which transmits electric signals to the control circuit and control means for controlling actuation of the water supply system. A visible light sensor is provided for generating an electrical current responsive to the presence of the user, and this generated current is disposed for energizing the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Integrated Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny W. Gilliam, Wade C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5771501
    Abstract: A flushing control system for prisons and the like includes a fixture and a source of water. A solenoid operated valve is interposed between the fixture and the source for regulating the flow of water to the fixture. A capacitance sensor is operably associated with the fixture for requesting operation of the valve. A control mechanism is operably associated with the capacitance sensor and with the valve for causing operation of the valve to be delayed for a selected period after the sensor has been operated and for limiting the number of operations of said valve per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5680879
    Abstract: An automatic flush handle actuation apparatus is provided for replacing a manually-activated flush handle of a flush mechanism of a sanitary facility. The apparatus includes an enclosure containing a drive mechanism and a self-contained power source for the drive mechanism. The apparatus also includes means for sensing use of the sanitary facility and means for interconnecting the drive mechanism and power source when the means for sensing detects a use of the sanitary facility. An adaption having first and second ends is included rigidly engaging the enclosure at the first end and a plunger pin having first and second ends slidably extending through the adapted, engaging the drive mechanism within the enclosure of a first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Technical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky Sheih, Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 5625294
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting seated condition for toilet seat which detects whether the change in input voltage of determining circuit, over predetermined time, in response to electrostatic capacity is existed or not. When the change is existed, the present apparatus computes and renews the set value 1 for detecting un-seated condition and the set value 2 for detecting seated condition based on the changed input potential.Accordingly, the present apparatus is the apparatus for detecting whether a human is seated or un-seated on a toilet seat using electrostatic capacity and the present invention can reduce the error in detection caused by the change in electrostatic capacity owing to a person, temperature and humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Inax Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Kawai, Mitsugu Nonomura, Yuji Yamaguchi, Seiji Tanaka, Akira Takamata
  • Patent number: 5603127
    Abstract: An automatic flushing system for a tank-type toilet. The automatic flushing system includes one or more infrared transmitters that transmit an infrared signal to a sensing area directly in front of a toilet bowl of the toilet. The presence of a user in the sensing area is detected by the system from a reflection of the transmitted infrared beam off of the user. Detection of the user in the sensing area for a predetermined minimal period of time causes an automatic courtesy flush. Once the user has left the sensing area, the automatic flushing system will provide a main flush. The automatic flushing system includes a lift arm operated by a flush motor positioned within the toilet tank. Activation of the motor causes the lift arm to push against a flush arm in the toilet tank to flush the toilet. The lift arm is positioned beneath the flush arm to allow for manual flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Bennie N. Veal
  • Patent number: 5588636
    Abstract: A fixture provided with proximity sensing for operation of the valve and contactless setting of the parameters of the control circuit for operating the valve of the fixture, can have a nonvolatile memory which is effective independently of the power supply for the control circuit so that the set parameters are maintained in the memory even on battery failure and are available to restore operation with the set parameters when power is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz-Dieter Eichholz, Hans-Peter Rudrich
  • Patent number: 5469586
    Abstract: A toilet bowl flushing device controls the rate of flow of flushing water supplied to a toilet bowl so that the toilet bowl can be washed out with a minimum amount of flushing water for a maximum flushing effect. The toilet flushing device includes a water supply system for supplying flushing water through a water supply pipe to a toilet bowl, a flow rate control valve disposed in the water supply pipe, for varying the rate of flow of flushing water supplied to the toilet bowl through control of the opening of the valve, an actuator for actuating the flow rate control valve, and a controller for controlling operation of the actuator. The controller controls operation of the actuator to vary the opening of the valve stepwise with time in one flushing cycle according to a predetermined flow rate pattern so that the flushing water is supplied toilet bowl at a flow ate which varies stepwise with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tsutsui, Hisato Haraga, Atsuo Makita, Hirofumi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 5455971
    Abstract: An automatic toilet flushing system which detects when a user sits on the toilet for use and, instead of operating a flush handle for flushing, performs flushing in association with the user's action of standing up to leave the toilet. A forced flushing sensor is also provided so that water can be flowed for flushing through deliberate action of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Inax Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Sakakibara, Shigeru Takagi
  • Patent number: 5448784
    Abstract: A urinal assembly is disclosed for use in a toilet apparatus having a toilet bowl, a tank communicably connected to and located generally above the toilet bowl and a supply conduit for delivering water under service line pressure to the tank. The toilet assembly comprises a urinal bowl for mounting within the toilet bowl. An inlet conduit is interconnected between the supply conduit and the bowl. A valve is interconnected to the inlet conduit for controlling the flow of water under service line pressure therethrough. An electrical solenoid is employed to selectively open and close the valve to introduce water to the urinal bowl through the inlet conduit. A discharge conduit is provided for discharging water from the urinal bowl when the bowl is flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Everett J. Smiley
  • Patent number: 5438714
    Abstract: A fresh water control system comprises a fresh water supply line having a plurality of spaced outlets. At least first and second fresh water manifolds are provided. Each manifold comprises an inlet in flow communication with an associated one of the outlets and at least a first remotely operable valve for selectively supplying fresh water to a remote fixture. At least first and second check valves are provided. The check valves are intermediate the supply line outlets. Each of the check valves permits fresh water to flow therebeyond in a first direction while preventing water from flowing therebeyond in an opposite second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Bauer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5432959
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an electro-mechanical flushing system for a residential toilet. A powered valve is controlled by a timing circuit to pass one of a plurality of water flow volumes from a toilet tank to a toilet bowl. The same system also establishes an adjustable toilet bowl water level. A manual override feature permits the toilet to be operated in the absence of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Dakota Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Robert S. Ellsworth, John P. Durban
  • Patent number: 5431181
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed which is adapted to fit existing valve bodies. A flexible diaphragm assembly positioned within the valve body seals against a cylindrical barrel of the valve body. A central tube positioned within the central barrel defines a bypass passage extending from an upper chamber above the flexible diaphragm assembly and communicating with a bypass orifice. A sealing mechanism operated by an automatic control mechanism is adapted to selectively seal the bypass orifice. The automatic control mechanism includes a proximity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Saadi, Brian N. Creager, Harinder Singh
  • Patent number: 5398348
    Abstract: A water urinal has a urinal body which includes a housing with an opening on its upper portion for receiving a valve used to supply flushing water to the urinal. The valve is attractively concealed within the body of the urinal and eliminates the necessity of embedding a valve in the wall surface on which the urinal is mounted. A cover, which covers and provides access to the valve receiving space within the urinal body, allows maintenance of the urinal without having to remove the urinal from the wall or break an opening in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Tashiro, Noriyuki Matsui, Ryuzo Fukuda, Manabu Hirahara, Naoki Tsukamura
  • Patent number: 5342024
    Abstract: An automatic flushing device for a urinal has a sensor, a valve assembly for water supply and a control circuit board. The valve assembly comprises a housing having a chamber for receiving a valve, and a chamber for receiving a valve drive. The housing also has an inlet socket and an outlet socket. The valve has a sleeve with an upper portion of a small diameter and a lower portion of a large diameter and an open bottom. The sleeve has inlet port in the upper side wall and a inlet hole in the top portion. A piston is arranged in a reciprocating manner within the upper portion of the sleeve. The piston has an upper piston section provided with a plurality of inlets and a lower piston section provided with an outlet. A relief valve is mounted within the outlet of the piston. A truncated cone spring presses the relief valve down into its closed position. A coil spring installed between the upper piston section and the top portion of the sleeve biases the piston in a downward direction against a bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Dong J. Kim
  • Patent number: 5341839
    Abstract: A battery-operated flushing system (10) comprises a flushing valve (34) of the pilot-operated self-closing type having a pressure chamber (46) connected to a pilot conduit (52) controlled by a solenoid valve (50) of the non-latching type. A pressure control valve (48) is disposed between the pressure chamber (46) and the solenoid valve (50) for limiting the static water pressure applied to the solenoid valve (50) when the solenoid valve is closed. The provision for the pressure control valve (48) enables considerable reduction in the power consumption required to lift a solenoid valve plunger against the action of the static hydraulic pressure. Once the plunger is lifted, the non-latching type solenoid valve is energized with a reduced electric current sufficient to hold the valve in its open position. In total, energy consumption per cycle of operation is reduced. Use of the non-latching type solenoid valve permits to avoid malfunction inherently involved in the solenoid valves of the latching type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Ryosuke Hayashi, Shoji Inokuchi, Yukihiro Muroya
  • Patent number: 5313673
    Abstract: A sensor for a flushing device having an electric solenoid operated flush valve. The sensor includes a control box, a first radiation emitting source mounted in the control box, a radiation detector adapted to detect reflected radiation from the first radiation emitting source mounted in the control box, a lens cover attached to the control box and adapted to permit radiation to pass therethrough and a control circuit contained within the control box responsive to the sensing unit and connected to the solenoid for initiating operation of the flush valve. The control circuit includes a magnetically activated device for bypassing the sensing unit to initiate operation of the flush valve and deactivate the flush valve for a fixed period of time. Also disclosed is a method of operating the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Saadi, Christopher J. Ball, Makoto Kodaira
  • Patent number: 5251872
    Abstract: There is provided an automatic cleaner for a male urinal comprising: a sensor such as pyroelectric sensor, etc. for detecting that a human body comes close to the urinal or away therefrom to output a first signal, an one-shot multivibrator circuit of the retriggerable type triggered in response to the outputted first signal to output a second signal for a predetermined time, an infrared ray emitting circuit adapted for emitting infrared rays in the form of pulse for a time period during which the one-shot multivibrator circuit is outputting the second signal, and an infrared ray receiving circuit adapted for detecting that the emitted infrared rays are reflected by the human body to output a third signal in the form of pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Uro Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Kodaira
  • Patent number: 5235706
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flushing of a toilet device detects use of the toilet device and compares the actual number of uses against a preset number of uses which are permitted before flushing of the toilet device. When the actual number of uses equals the predetermined number of uses, the toilet device is flushed. At the first use of the toilet device after flushing, a timing cycle is initiated and the timing cycle will cause flushing of the toilet device unless there is the predetermined number of uses of the device within the period of the timing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Allen, Nhon T. Vuong
  • Patent number: 5228146
    Abstract: A tank toilet with a ball cock, flap valve, or other type of flush valve that is opened manually by lever operating a chain or the like is retrofitted and also made to operate electrically by installation in the tank of the toilet of a float that rides on a substantially vertical shaft that constrains motion of the float. The float is connected by a floating chain to the flush valve. When the flush tank is empty or nearly empty, the float sinks near the bottom of the shaft, where it is held in place by a sear as the tank fills. A solenoid located above the water level is connected to the sear by a lever. When the solenoid is energized, the sear is withdrawn, permitting the float to rise on the shaft, pull the plastic chain, and operate the flush valve. The electrically-operated flushing system does not interfere with manual operation of the flushing lever of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Steve Martell
  • Patent number: 5224685
    Abstract: A power-saving controller for toilet flushing includes a passive pyroelectricity detecting device connected to a microcomputer, which is further connected to an active infrared detecting device, and a switch device such that when a user is nearby the toilet in a relatively long distance, the passive detecting pyroelectricity detecting device will respond to generate a first triggering signal to the microcomputer, which in turn generates a second triggering signal to actuate the active infrared detecting device to detect whether a user is using the toilet, if so, then the active infrared detecting device will respond to generate a third triggering signal to feed back to the microcomputer, which in turn enables a timer to count therein, until the user leaves the toilet position, causing the third triggering signal to terminate, which in turn triggers the microcomputer to programmably generate a fourth triggering signal to turn on the switch device, which in turns activates a pumping motor connected thereto to p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventors: Sing Chiang, Chin H. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5204999
    Abstract: A flush water supply system comprising a passageway valve mounted in a pipeline for supplying flush water to a toilet stool, and a control circuit for controlling the closing and opening of the passageway valve. A constant flow valve is mounted in the pipeline for keeping a predetermined amount of discharge flow, irrespective of water supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuo Makita, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Shinji Shibata, Noboru Shimbara
  • Patent number: 5201082
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rockwell
  • Patent number: 5195720
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body having a water inlet and a water outlet. There is an inner cover mounted on the body and with portions of the flush valve defines a chamber which is in communication with the flush valve inlet. A sensor for detecting the presence of an object adjacent the flush valve is mounted on the inner cover, as is an electrical circuit for causing operation of the flush valve. There is an outer cover which encloses the inner cover, sensor, and electrical circuit. The outer cover is formed of a plastic which will transmit radiation from the sensor whereby the sensor can detect the presence of an object adjacent the flush valve. The inner and outer cover have interfitting lugs which restrict relative rotation therebetween and provide a means for attaching the covers to the flush valve body through the use of a ring which applies a load only to the inner cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Richard Nortier, John F. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 5187818
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an improved flushing system for flushing a water closet from a pressurized water line includes sensor which senses an arrival and a departure of a person within a zone proximate the water closet. A controller is connected to the sensor for determining the existence of a low water volume flush condition and the existence of a high water volume flush condition. The low water volume flush condition exists when the sensor senses an elapsed time between the arrival and the departure of less than a preselected time interval. The high water volume flush condition exists when the sensor senses an elapsed time greater than the preselected time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventors: John P. Barrett, Sr., Daniel M. Thorsen, John H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5175892
    Abstract: The method of controlling operation of a plurality of fixtures comprises the steps of establishing a maximum fluid flow rate and determining which of the fixtures requires operation. A determination is then made of the fluid flow rate of the fixture requiring operation and a calculation is made of whether operation of the fixture requiring operation will cause the maximum flow rate to be exceeded. The fixture requiring operation is caused to operate if the maximum flow rate will not be exceeded and is prevented from operating if the maximum flow rate will be exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Bauer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5169118
    Abstract: A sensor-operated battery powered flush valve for a toilet device includes a valve body having a water inlet and a water outlet. A diaphragm valve movable within the valve body controls the flow of water between the inlet and the outlet. A latching solenoid is mounted within the valve body and controls movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions. A battery is mounted to provide the power for the latching solenoid. An infrared sensor connects the battery to the latching solenoid to cause the solenoid to move the diaphragm to a valve open position. A magnetically-operated switch is positioned within the valve body and a magnet carried by the diaphragm will cause the switch to close when the diaphragm moves to a valve open position. Closure of the magnetic switch causes the solenoid to move to a position in which the diaphragm will close flow between the inlet and the outlet of the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John F. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 5155870
    Abstract: A water closet flushing apparatus provided with a pressure detector mounted along a water supply pipe, an opening and closing apparatus to open and close a water supply passage provided along the water supply pipe and a control apparatus that uses the pressure detected by the pressure detector to control the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing apparatus so that a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the water closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tsutsui, Atsuo Makita, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Shinji Shibata, Noboru Shinbara
  • Patent number: 5125621
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus (50) for converting a manual flush mechanism to automatic operation includes a partition base (76) secured to a replacement cap (68) that forms two spaced-apart openings (96 and 98). A valve operator (58) is so mounted on the replacement cap (68) as to form with the upper surface of the replacement cap (68) a chamber (100) with which both of the openings (96 and 98) communicate. The partition base (76) separates a pilot chamber (26) from a relief chamber (94) that the partition base (76) and replacement cap (68) form. A replacement pilot valve member (102) controlled by the valve operator (58) in turn controls flow through the passage that comprises the openings (96 and 98) and the common chamber (100) with which they communicate. It thereby controls flow between the pilot chamber (26) and the relief chamber (94). The partition base (76) includes a wall (86 ) that is flexible so as to permit a main valve diaphragm (24) to flex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Recurrent Solutions Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Joel S. Novak
  • Patent number: 5084920
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: James L. Kimball
  • Patent number: 5060323
    Abstract: A modular system for automatically controlling the operation of a water faucet comprises an electrically operable valve for installation in line of a water supply line to the faucet for controlling water flow to the faucet; a sensor for detecting the presence of an individual within a predetermined range of the sensor; a controller for connecting to the valve and the sensor for receiving a detection signal from the sensor and for operating the valve in response to the signal; and releasable connectors for connecting the valve and the sensor to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Bauer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5052060
    Abstract: A flush water supply system comprising a passageway valve mounted in a pipeline for supplying flush water to a toilet stool, and a control circuit for controlling the closing and opening of the passageway valve. A constant flow valve is mounted in the pipeline for keeping a predetermined amount of discharge flow, irrespective of water supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuo Makita, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Shinji Shibata, Noboru Shimbara
  • Patent number: 5036553
    Abstract: A toilet includes a toilet bowl fluidically connected to a water storage tank. A control circuit is mounted on the storage tank and a water level sensor circuit is mounted on the bowl. A control panel is manually set to set the amount of water used in a flush cycle, and a fluid pump is used to move water from a source to the storage tank and to the bowl. Operation of the fluid pump is controlled by the water sensing circuit in the storage tank and the water level sensing circuit in the bowl. A solenoid-like plunger is used to control opening and closing of an outlet valve in the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Dilworth D. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 5031258
    Abstract: A wash station comprises a sink and a faucet. A source of water and a source of soap are provided. An electrically operated valve is interposed between the water source and the faucet for selectively supplying water thereto, and a pump and valve are interposed between the soap source and the faucet for selectively supplying soap thereto. An electrically operated roll towel dispenser is disposed proximate the sink. A first infrared sensor is operably associated with the sink for determining the presence of a user. A control mechanism is operatively associated with the valves, the pump, the roll towel dispenser and the sensor for causing water and soap to be selectively supplied to the faucet and for thereafter causing a length of roll towel to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Bauer Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5014368
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for monitoring liquids ischarged intermittently from a discharge receptacle having a siphon. The liquids originate in a facility in which personnel work with open radioactive substances. Measurements are made of the radioactive charge of discharged liquids in the region of the siphon of each discharge receptacle to prevent contamination of the discharge path into the drainage system. If a radioactive limit value of radiation is detected which is above a specific threshold, discharge of the liquid into the drainage network is prevented. The discharge receptacles are then emptied individually and upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Wiederaufarbeitung von Kernbrennstoffen mbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Lehmann
  • Patent number: 4989277
    Abstract: A toilet bowl flushing device washes out a toilet bowl while controlling the flow rate of flushing water supplied to the toilet bowl for a maximum flushing effect. The toilet bowl flushing device includes water supply apparatus for supplying flushing water to the toilet bowl, the water supply apparatus including a flow rate control valve for controlling a rate of flow of flushing water to be supplied to the toilet bowl, an actuator for actuating the flow rate control valve, and a control subsystem operable according to a predetermined flow rate pattern program for controlling operation of the actuator to vary the rate of flow of flushing water in one flushing cycle with respect to time from a time to start flushing the toilet bowl to a time to finish flushing the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tsutsui, Hisato Haraga, Atsuo Makita, Hirofumi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 4985944
    Abstract: A flushing control system for prisons and the like includes a fixture and a source of water. A solenoid operated valve is interposed between the fixture and the source for regulating the flow of water to the fixture. A capacitance sensor is operably associated with the fixture for requesting operation of the valve. A control mechanism is operably associated with the capacitance sensor and with the valve for causing operation of the valve to be delayed for a selected period after the sensor has been operated and for limiting the number of operations of said valve per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Bauer Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4941215
    Abstract: An automatic flushing device for a flush toilet comprising an infrared sensor which can sense when the toilet has been used and then give out a signal to command the water in the tank to be flushed out for a pre-set period of time automatically. The infrared sensor is implanted in a cap covering recess centered in the tank lid which houses an electric coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: Su-Haw Liu
  • Patent number: 4941219
    Abstract: A low voltage battery energized passive detection system generates a control signal in response to radiated heat from a human body part to open a solenoid operated valve for a predetermined limited time period. In anticipation of a reduction of available DC power, voltage level sensing circuitry disables the valve in the closed position to prevent the valve from remaining in the open position due to an insufficiency of DC power to effect closure of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Cy, S.A.
    Inventor: Karel C. Van Marcke
  • Patent number: 4918764
    Abstract: An electrically operated toilet wherein a toilet bowl is coupled to an electrically operated water valve which selectively flows water into the toilet bowl. An electrically operated waste valve is coupled to the discharge opening of the toilet bowl for selectively allowing waste material to pass out of the toilet bowl. A control unit is coupled to the water valve and to the waste valve for operating the water valve and the waste valve is a synchronous manner so that water is allowed to flow into the toilet and subsequently out of the discharge opening, while ensuring that the waste valve closes off the discharge opening after the flush cycle is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Microphor, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon W. Haselswerdt, John M. Mayfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4876751
    Abstract: An automatic flush control system is shown for a toilet of the type employing a first water flow to create a waste slurry in the toilet and a second water flow to cause the waste slurry to be pumped out of the toilet to a sewer connection. An interruptible timer is provided to set the duration of each water flow period. A sensor is provided responsive to an undesired condition of the supply water to interrupt and hold the timing count of the timer in place until the undesired condition is eliminated whereupon the interrupted water flow is continued for the remaining time on the interruptible timer without undesirable prolongation of the water flow period thus avoiding a flooding condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: LineTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Van Meter
  • Patent number: 4802246
    Abstract: A flush valve operating arrangement in which a pair of tubes extends between a flush valve actuator assembly and a remotely controlled operated unit, and a third tube is under supply line pressure and connected between the flush valve and the remotely controlled operated unit, the remotely controlled operated unit being connectable with the supply line pressure from the third tube with the pair of tubes; the pair of tubes and a fixture being connected with the flush valve with a water level control for controlling the water level in the fixture effective to prevent actuation of the flush valve actuator assembly by the remotely located operated unit to thereby prevent overflow of the fixture and flooding of a surrounding area; and a remote control for control of the actuation of the flush valve to render the same selectively operable separate from the water level control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Coyne & Delany Co.
    Inventor: Martin J. Laverty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4793588
    Abstract: The invention relates to flush valves in which an external operating handle is eliminated. An electronic sensor, solenoid valve and a solenoid contained within a single unit to operate a flush valve are provided which is either built into the flush valve or can be retrofitted to a conventional flush valve with an external operating handle. The solenoid valve can also be controlled by external means separate and apart from the infra-red sensor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Coyne & Delany Co.
    Inventor: Martin J. Laverty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4756030
    Abstract: A fluid controller for a fluid supply system such as the plumbing supply system for a bathroom comprises hot and cold fluid temperature sensors and flow sensors which are installed in respective ones of the hot and cold fluid supply pipes upstream of the fluid discharge outlet. Hot and cold fluid flow control valves operated by valve motors are also installed in such pipes. The sensors and motors are connected to a microprocessor including a comparator means which is operative to compare values programmed in a memory means with signals received from the sensors so as to generate control signals for the motors so as to obtain a desired fluid temperature and flow rate at the discharge outlet. The controller can be installed in an existing plumbing system without disturbing the existing faucets and manual control valves. Alternatively, the controller can be used in a new installation with or without manual control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: Steven J. Juliver