Flush-valve Operators Patents (Class 4/249)
  • Patent number: 11686078
    Abstract: A hands-free toilet flushing apparatus includes a mounting bracket, an input gear assembly, an output gear assembly, a flush pedal, an actuator arm, and a toilet handle connector. The input gear assembly and the output gear assembly are rotatably connected to a wall member of the mounting bracket. The flush pedal is operatively coupled to the input gear assembly, wherein the downward movement of the flush pedal rotates the input gear assembly in a clockwise motion. The output gear assembly is rotatably engaged with the input gear assembly, wherein the clockwise motion of the input gear assembly rotates the output gear assembly in a counterclockwise motion. The actuator arm is operatively coupled to the output gear assembly, wherein the counterclockwise motion of the output gear assembly applies a downward force to the actuator arm and the engaged toilet handle connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Reginald Wescott, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11549251
    Abstract: A metal foot pedal for converting a hand flushing toilet to a foot flushing toilet, having a foot shaped plate with an attachment device secured to the foot shaped plate for attaching the foot shaped plate to a hand lever of a toilet, whereby the toilet can be flushed by foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Sean Lindholm
  • Patent number: 10975559
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic flush valve system for tankless water fixtures, comprising a valve housing and a replaceable flush valve module removably secured within the valve housing. The flush valve module is comprised of an independent, self-contained flush valve configured as a replaceable flush valve cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventors: Fadi Shakkour, Manuel Medina, Roaa Nabeel Nacy
  • Patent number: 10732010
    Abstract: The sanitary appliance comprising a receptacle provided with a flow surface and further comprising at least one sensor for sensing flow of urine (a physiological solution) located at a distance from the flow surface of the receptacle, characterised in that the sensor comprises a resonance circuit. Urine flow may be identified at the flow surface in that: (1) a first voltage is provided to a resonance circuit to be modified into a second voltage; (2) the second voltage is sensed and (3) the second voltage is compared with a reference value for identification of urine flow. Furthermore a dirt layer with a thickness at the flow surface may be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: IPEE NV
    Inventors: Victor Claes, Bart Geraets, Werner Dupont
  • Patent number: 10307024
    Abstract: A passenger lavatory unit has an enclosing structure enclosing a lavatory space, and a toilet assembly inside the lavatory space. The toilet assembly has a toilet bowl and a shroud to support the user during use. The toilet assembly serves as a hybrid toilet to be used as a sitting toilet or as a squatting toilet. The shroud includes an upper edge surrounding an upper opening of the toilet bowl. To accommodate a user sitting position, the upper edge is provided as a toilet seat, and a feet-placing area is provided on a floor segment in front of the toilet assembly. The shroud has two lateral tread portions, one on either side of the toilet bowl. To accommodate a user squatting position, the tread portions are provided as elevated rest-platforms arranged on an intermediate level provided above a floor level and below a toilet seat level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Seibt, Jens Wiebalck, Georg Rose
  • Patent number: 10292549
    Abstract: A flush toilet capable of correcting a defecation posture, in which a seat disposed on a toilet main body for a user to sit is inclined on the top thereof such that the front where the user's thighs are placed is higher than the rear where the user's hips are placed. Accordingly, smooth defecation is allowed by preventing bending between the intestine and the anus in the body by correcting the posture of a user into a squatting posture such that an angle between the upper body and the thighs of the user is maintained between 35˜50° as if the user were using a squat toilet. Therefore, defecation time is reduced and the user's legs are prevented from becoming numb, thereby improving satisfaction with defecation. Further, intestinal movement is activated during defecation, so smooth defecation is possible, and constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, cancers, and other colorectal diseases are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Seong Gyu Kim
  • Patent number: 10233624
    Abstract: A toilet tank handle assembly, which includes a connecting rod group, a shaft, an internal fixed base, an external fixed base and a handle, wherein a hexagon connecting portion and a groove are set on the shaft, a hexagon hole and multiple elastic pieces are set on the head stock of the connecting rod group, stoppers are respectively set on the inner side of elastic pieces, so that the stoppers are provided to the groove if the hexagon connecting portion is inserted into the hexagon hole, to thereby achieve the purpose of quick assembly and be common to various toilet tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: So-Mei Huang
  • Patent number: 9745694
    Abstract: The present technology is directed to devices and methods for dyeing a fiber, including pretreatment of the fiber before contacting it with a dye. The present technology is also directed to methods of improving the dyeability of a fiber, as well as increasing the efficiency of the dyeing process and minimizing waste and loss of dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: COLORZEN, LLC
    Inventor: Tony M. Leonard
  • Patent number: 9506232
    Abstract: A toilet bowl lid actuated linkage toilet flushing system wherein a conventional toilet-flushing flapper is actuated by a drain pull chain controlled relative to the positioning of the toilet bowl lid to the toilet. The toilet bowl lid must be moved from an upward position to a downward position to flush the toilet, which a magnetic plastic ribbon actuator mechanism is provided for completion of the toilet flush even when the toilet bowl lid remains in the downward position. Movement of the lid actuates a magnetic flush pull of a plastic ribbon that is linked to a drain pull chain connected to the flapper. An alternate version of the toilet bowl lid actuated linkage toilet flushing system is compatible with flushometer toilets and enables an opening and closing of a valve controlling outflow of a pressurized water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Webster Terry
  • Patent number: 9357889
    Abstract: A toilet seat and/or lid assembly comprising a toilet seat and/or lid and a device (100) for automatically lowering a toilet seat and/or lid, the device (100) comprising activation means including an activation member (170), the activation member (170) depending from the toilet seat and/or lid so as to be positioned, in use, in a toilet basin below the upper surface thereof, the activation member (170) being arranged to be moved by flow of water in the toilet basin from flushing the toilet to activate the activation means to operate closure means to close the toilet seat and/or lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Magnus M. McFarlane
  • Patent number: 9151031
    Abstract: A foot-activated toilet flushing system is a device that can be retrofitted to an existing toilet to transform the flush valve from a hand operated flush valve to a foot operated flush valve to allow hands-free flushing for limiting the spread of pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Daryl Roby
  • Patent number: 8904572
    Abstract: An assembly for initiating flushing of a toilet includes a handle and a bushing. The handle includes an axially extending stem that defines an axis of rotation. The bushing is configured to rotatably couple the handle to a tank of the toilet and includes a passage with the stem of the handle received therein. The handle defines two or more annular handle surfaces that are configured to cooperatively engage two or more annular bushing surfaces for rotation of the handle relative to the bushing about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Robert Scott Davis
  • Publication number: 20140298578
    Abstract: A toilet tank lever, which is consisted of a first lever body, a second lever body and a fastening element, wherein a handle is connected to one end of the first lever body and a first meshing part is set on its another end, a screw hole is set on the first meshing part, a second meshing part is set on one end of the second lever body, a through hole is set on the second meshing part, the second meshing part correspondingly meshes with the first meshing part, the screw hole is correspondingly communicated with the through hole for the fastening element passing through to fasten on; a pair of wings set on the head of the fastening element are provided for the user to rotate the fastening element by fingers, to thereby adjust the operating position of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: So-Mei HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140289946
    Abstract: An operating device of the present invention includes: an operating member configured to be rotationally moved according to a rotational operation performed by a user; a rotary shaft; and a drive unit disposed above a level of flush water within a flush water tank, and configured to displace a coupling member according to a rotational movement of the rotary shaft, the coupling member coupling the drive unit and a water discharge valve together, and capable of opening and closing the water discharge valve by means of its own displacement, wherein the drive unit comprises a rotation mechanism configured to be rotated at a radius of rotation greater than that of the rotary shaft, the drive unit being operable to roll up the coupling member along its own rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki TANIMOTO, Koki SHINOHARA, Kenji HATAMA
  • Publication number: 20140283291
    Abstract: The invention is a self-contained module placed within residential toilet tanks to allow the toilet to be flushed using voiced word command. The existing toilets flush handle remains installed and operable. The device operates the toilet flush valve by lifting the toilets existing flush bar. The device provides a low cost means of converting the majority of existing toilets to operate in a voice/word/phrase activated no-touch flush mode. The device is powered by four (4) AA batteries which will last 2-3 years in residential use. In addition to operation based on voiced words the unit may be set to detect the occupant and flush the toilet when the occupant vacates the bathroom. Vacation mode will flush the toilet automatically at the end of 72 continuous hours of inactivity This device may also be constructed to operate by sensing the presence of your hand using a short range infrared sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Austin
  • Publication number: 20140259347
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a lock assembly to lock a flush valve system, the handle lock assembly configured for placement on a flushing valve handle of a urinal or toilet comprising a top component and a bottom component comprising first and second arm sections and a center support section situated there between, each arm section pivotally connected to the first end of the top component. The arm sections also comprise a locking element for releasably locking with a mating locking element on the top component. A major advantage of the methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein is the savings in water that can be achieved without having to replace the current water-based urinal with a no-water urinal or expensive urinal with automatic flushing devices that control flushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: XELA INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Muderlak, Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Publication number: 20140259343
    Abstract: A flush actuator for engaging a flush valve. The flush actuator provides a mechanism assembly for automatically flushing the flush valve. A sensor provides a presence detection to trigger the automatic flushing. A reduced flush or standard flush cycle may be initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Alfred J. Costa, Joshua D. Anthony, Harald Quintus-Bosz, Klaus H. Renner, Matthew T. Kowalczyk, Joshua P. Kinsley
  • Publication number: 20140259342
    Abstract: A toilet lever assembly, including: (a) a sleeve dimensioned to pass through a toilet tank wall; (b) a rotatable post extending through the sleeve; (c) a toilet flush handle mounted to the end of the rotatable post that is positioned outside of the toilet tank; (d) a nut received onto the end of the sleeve that is positioned outside of the toilet tank; and (e) a lever housing mounted to the end of the post that is positioned inside of the toilet tank, the lever housing comprising: (i) an actuator for moving a toilet lever to cause a flush when the post is rotated, and (ii) a biasing mechanism for rotating the post back to a neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventors: Tuan Van Le, Venkat Mallela, Can (Ken) Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8726427
    Abstract: A commode flushing handle that is attachable to a toilet wherein a horizontal rod section is rotatably disposed upon said toilet and a handle section is disposed endwise upon the rod section, said handle section disposed proximal the toilet bowl, whereby lifting the handle section depresses the flush handle of the toilet to flush the toilet without the user having to turn around or stand up from the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Emigdio Padron
  • Patent number: 8713720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gravity operated mechanical flushing apparatus, which is operated without any external power source. A weight sensing element (1) provided with a tank (T) contains a component part (8) able to move along a vertical path against a spring force and a controlled feeder valve (5) coupled to a water supply system. The weight sensing element (1) has at its lower end an output (6) able to move vertically causing a mechanical operating event, said output (6) is coupled to a ratchet mechanism (3) through a coupling transmission (2). The ratchet mechanism (3) is able to transmit every second mechanical operating event presented by said output (6) and said transmission (2) to a control element of said controlled feeder valve (5) by means of a further transmission (4) in order to transmit an activating mechanical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Bery Intellectual Properties Szellemi Tulajdonjogokat Hasznosito es Kezelo Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag
    Inventor: József Bereznai
  • Publication number: 20140101837
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to multi-port orbital valves for use in controlling the direction of fluids and mixed media, and find particular use in connection with toilet systems, such as vacuum toilet systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MAG AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Razmik B. Boodaghians, TIMOTHY BIRBECK, SEBASTIEN WEBER, NGUYEN TRAM, KEVIN HUANG, DAVID BEACH
  • Publication number: 20140090158
    Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140033418
    Abstract: A flush valve handle assembly and a check valve assembly are provided for use in a flush valve, wherein the flush valve handle assembly and check valve assembly include improved components. The flush valve handle assembly includes a ball member and a plunger rod, one or both of which can be constructed of a polymeric material. An improved flush file retainer is provided which includes at least one ear integrally formed around a circumferential portion thereof. This at least one ear secures the flush file retainer in a snap-fit configuration in the socket-coupling. The check valve assembly includes a piston/seal having a plurality of ribs having a tapered design extending outwardly from a circumferential periphery of the piston/seal. The piston/seal includes a sealing material located on a top surface thereof. This sealing material can be a thermoplastic elastomeric coating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: J. Timothy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8613115
    Abstract: A monitoring device and method are provided for monitoring a vacuum toilet, as well as a personal transport vehicle, in particular an aircraft, which uses a monitoring device for vacuum toilets. The monitoring device has a position detector for detecting the position of a toilet lid, a mechanical latching device and a flushing control unit. The latching device is designed to latch the toilet lid in an open position based on the weight of a person acting on a toilet seat. The flushing control unit is further designed to control the flushing operation based on the toilet lid position, and to block the flushing operation upon detection of the toilet lid in the open position. This makes it possible to improve both the comfort and hygienic conditions for the toilet user while using the vacuum toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Seibt, Matthias Mueller
  • Publication number: 20130291296
    Abstract: An actuation device (1) for a discharge fitting of a flushing device that comprises a full flush lever (2) for initiating a full flush action, and a partial flush lever (3) for initiating a partial flush action. The full flush lever (2) can be moved from a neutral position to a full flush position, and the partial flush lever (3) can be moved from a neutral position into a partial flush position. The actuation device (1) has a motor (4), with an output element (5) that engages the full flush lever (2), or the partial flush lever (3), and provide a movement of the driven lever. The flush levers (2,3) are connected via a coupling element (6) such that the movement of the flush lever (2, 3) driven by the output element (5) can be transferred onto the other flush lever (3, 2) uncoupled from the output element (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Rolf KOSARNIG
  • Publication number: 20130191981
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: DANCO, INC.
    Inventor: DANCO, INC.
  • Patent number: 8397317
    Abstract: A flush actuator assembly for use with a flush valve having a relief post is disclosed. The flush actuator assembly includes a valve actuator having a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending therebetween. The aperture is adapted to surround at least a portion of the relief valve post. Movement of the valve actuator in a first direction engages the relief valve post at a first location on the post and displaces the relief valve post by a first separation distance. Movement of the valve actuator in a second direction engages the relief valve post at a second location on the post and displaces the relief valve post by a second separation distance. The first separation distance and the second separation distance are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, Robert E. Saadi, Jeffrey T. Phillips, Joseph J. Ballachino
  • Patent number: 8286273
    Abstract: The toilet foot flushing apparatus quickly converts a hand-flushed toilet to a foot-flushed toilet, without the need of tools. The included lever of the apparatus replaces the existing toilet lever, by hand. The pedal is about 1 foot in length, thereby providing sufficient leverage to the lever via the cable. The lever is attached to flush mechanism on the exterior of an existing toilet reservoir. The spring-loaded pedal returns to a position slightly above the base when released, thereby releasing lever pressure. The geared pedal to base action provides sturdy long-lived flush function. The apparatus does not require any form of floor invasion, as the base need not be mounted to the floor. The cable retainer provides length adjustment for the cable so that a plurality of toilet reservoirs and flush mechanisms can be successfully converted to foot flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Cory M. Toomer
  • Publication number: 20120233756
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gravity operated mechanical flushing apparatus, which is operated without any external power source. A weight sensing element (1) provided with a tank (T) contains a component part (8) able to move along a vertical path against a spring force and a controlled feeder valve (5) coupled to a water supply system. The weight sensing element (1) has at its lower end an output (6) able to move vertically causing a mechanical operating event, said output (6) is coupled to a ratchet mechanism (3) through a coupling transmission (2). The ratchet mechanism (3) is able to transmit every second mechanical operating event presented by said output (6) and said transmission (2) to a control element of said controlled feeder valve (5) by means of a further transmission (4) in order to transmit an activating mechanical movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicants: KEZELÖ KORLÁTOLT FELELÖSSÉGÜ TARSASAG
    Inventor: József Bereznai
  • Patent number: 8266730
    Abstract: A novel attachment on a toilet system for a male user to raise a toilet seat (100), by depressing a pedal (30) with a foot and then releasing it, while standing well balanced on his second foot, so that he can urinate comfortably with both feet on the floor; and then to lower same seat (100) by depressing same pedal (30) and releasing it; with all these actions done with no startling noise against the water tank (104) or the toilet bowl rim. The dual operation of the same pedal (30) can provide a timely flushing of the toilet automatically when seat (100) is lowered, without hand touching any part of the toilet system. The attachment can add, with a secondary pedal (140), a hands-free flushing system that can be operated without moving toilet seat (100) when it is already in the lowered position. All manual toilet-system operations are preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Tom L. Ricca
  • Patent number: 8070128
    Abstract: A dual function actuator for a flush valve. The actuator contains a sensor for controlling a motor, which in response to a stimulus will move a plunger which actuates the flush valve. The actuator is also configured to allow for manual actuation of the flush valve by tilting a distal portion of the actuator in relation to the remaining portion of the actuator and flush valve, which moves the plunger actuating the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Snyder, John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7975322
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a foot pedal toilet flush device, which comprises a first bar member, a second bar member, a set of hinge members, and a bias system to allow a person to flush a toilet using a foot pedal connected to the toilet's flushing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Allison Heller
  • Publication number: 20110099700
    Abstract: A monitoring device and method are provided for monitoring a vacuum toilet, as well as a personal transport vehicle, in particular an aircraft, which uses a monitoring device for vacuum toilets. The monitoring device has a position detector for detecting the position of a toilet lid, a mechanical latching device and a flushing control unit. The latching device is designed to latch the toilet lid in an open position based on the weight of a person acting on a toilet seat. The flushing control unit is further designed to control the flushing operation based on the toilet lid position, and to block the flushing operation upon detection of the toilet lid in the open position. This makes it possible to improve both the comfort and hygienic conditions for the toilet user while using the vacuum toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Christian SEIBT, Matthias MUELLER
  • Patent number: 7913327
    Abstract: An automatically flushing toilet in which an extension arm is attached to a horizontal bar to which the toilet seat is attached. When the toilet seat is raised, one end of the extension arm moves downward, causing a rod on the end of the inner tube of a telescoping member located primarily inside the tank compartment of the toilet to move so that it is positioned atop a pivoting member located inside a cut-out on the same end of the extension arm. When the toilet seat is then closed, the one end of the extension arm moves upward, pushing the pivoting member against the rod and causing the rod to force the inner tube of the telescoping member upward. The inner tube is pivotally connected to a trip lever, which causes the toilet to flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Donald Lewis Meike, David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Bryan Walthall
  • Patent number: 7861330
    Abstract: A toilet tank lever assembly may be mounted in various toilet tanks by selective positioning of a long lever arm relative a short lever arm. One such lever assembly includes a long lever arm which may be mounted at an infinite degree of adjustment relative a short lever arm as provided by a ball and socket interface between the lever arms. The ability to reverse the short lever arm essentially doubles the number of mounting possibilities. By selecting between a front insert and a side insert, a handle is readily positioned for either front or side tank mounting. Various handles may also be readily attached to the lever post to provide various aesthetic appearances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Brasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scott Tau, Iosif Manga, Billy Ray Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7818823
    Abstract: A combination urinal/toilet flusher and grabber assembly includes a first resilient U-shaped main body having spaced apart side walls connected by a top wall such that an object can be grasped by compression of outer surfaces of the side walls toward each other. A first hollow member extends from one end of the main body for receiving a urinal/toilet flusher handle. A first tongue extends from an opposite end of the main body and has an opening for receiving a flusher handle. An inner member includes a second resilient main body having spaced apart wings connected together by a top wall, and a second hollow member extending from one end thereof and removably fit within the first hollow member for receiving a flusher handle such that the wings can grasp an object when the side walls are compressed toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Clarence Thomas
  • Patent number: 7793363
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to assure that the lid of a toilet is always in the down position when the toilet is flushed. This will prevent the toilet lid being left in an open position. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for connecting the toilet lid to the flushing mechanism of a toilet so that the toilet lid must be in the down position for the toilet to be flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Donald L. Meike
  • Publication number: 20100024895
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually-operated flush valves. A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a manual handle to externally activate the converted flush valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Jean F. Daher, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Yue Zhang, Haiou WU
  • Patent number: 7581263
    Abstract: A toilet flush opening device (10) includes a water cistern (12) that includes a lower discharge aperture (14) and a vertical moveable discharging open/close element (16) for this aperture (14), which is able to occupy a closed lower position to keep the water in the cistern (12) or an open upper position to discharge the water into a toilet bowl. The device is characterized in that the open/close element (16) can be urged from its lower position to its upper position by an electrohydraulic actuator (18) which includes a controlled solenoid valve (20), and an expandable hydraulic device (22) that can be supplied with water at pressure by the solenoid valve (20) to urge the open/close element (16) from its closed lower position to its open upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: CELEC Conception Electronique En Abrege CELEC
    Inventor: Christian Martin
  • Patent number: 7549436
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually-operated flush valves. A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a manual handle to externally activate the converted flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Jean F. Daher, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Yue Zhang, Haiou Wu
  • Publication number: 20090139589
    Abstract: A control disk insert for a one lever mixer valve (20) contains two preferably, planar disks, whereof one fixed control disk (24) has at least one opening zone for hot water and at least one opening zone for cold water. The movable control disk (22) facing the fixed control disk (24) and movable with two degrees of freedom can both completely close and continuously completely open the opening zones in the fixed control disk (24). The opening zones of the fixed control disk (24) and the opening zones of the moveable control disk (22) are constructed in such a way that the control disk (22) can be positioned to divert a non-contaminated fluid stream to a separate outlet for connection to various devices. Or, the opening zones of the fixed control disk (24) and the opening zones of the moveable control disk (22) are constructed in such a way that the control disk (22) can be positioned to send a pressure signal or pressure relief signal to an appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: David Di Nunzio
  • Publication number: 20090007319
    Abstract: A flush actuator assembly for use with a flush valve having a relief post is disclosed. The flush actuator assembly includes a valve actuator having a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending therebetween. The aperture is adapted to surround at least a portion of the relief valve post. Movement of the valve actuator in a first direction engages the relief valve post at a first location on the post and displaces the relief valve post by a first separation distance. Movement of the valve actuator in a second direction engages the relief valve post at a second location on the post and displaces the relief valve post by a second separation distance. The first separation distance and the second separation distance are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, Robert E. Saadi, Jeffrey T. Phillips, Joseph J. Ballachino
  • Publication number: 20090007324
    Abstract: The system for opening and/or closing an inlet valve (10) and/or an outlet valve (30) of a liquid container (24), particularly for water toilets, water tanks or the like, comprises an inlet tube (16) with an inlet valve (10) in the upper portion of the container (24) and an outlet tube (20) with an outlet valve (30) in the bottom portion (25) of the container (24), both valves (10, 30) being provided with a valve body. It is characterized by the use of a bistabile inlet valve (10) having a lag-free opening and closing characteristic without any intermediate opening position of the valve body (14; 38,46), the closing stroke of the valve body being assisted by the flow of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ABERTAX RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Joseph Pule, Joseph Cilia, George Schembri, Werner Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7437778
    Abstract: An automatic bathroom flusher includes a body having an inlet in communication with a supply line and an outlet in communication with a flush conduit, a valve assembly in the body positioned to close water flow between the inlet and the outlet upon sealing action of a moving member at a valve seat thereby controlling flow from the inlet to the outlet, an actuator for actuating operation of the moving member, and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Gregory P. Greene
  • Publication number: 20080047053
    Abstract: A reduced water consumption flush toilet for a motor vehicle includes a bowl assembly, a waste ball valve assembly and a water valve assembly. The bowl assembly defines a bowl and a discharge opening at a lower end of the bowl. The waste ball valve assembly is mounted to the flush toilet for selectively opening and closing the discharge opening of the bowl assembly. The water valve assembly delivers a source of flush water to the bowl. The water valve assembly includes a water valve operable in a water valve open condition and a water valve closed condition. The flush toilet further includes a common actuator for controlling both the waste ball valve assembly and the water valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: THETFORD CORPORATION
    Inventors: George Grech, Michael Fritz, Michael Harris, Jason Smith, Steve Meyer, Craig Karagitz, Eric Krupp, Brian Kelly
  • Patent number: 7302713
    Abstract: A toilet and urinal flushing device comprising a reciprocating pedal attached to a toilet handle with the pedal being reciprocated by means of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventors: Harin G. Bhatt, Gargi H. Bhatt, Parashar H. Bhatt
  • Patent number: 7140050
    Abstract: An automatic flushing actuator that mounts to an overflow pipe in a tank style toilet includes a proximity sensor, a housing enclosing a motor mount and gear assembly, and a rotatably mounted lever on top of the housing. A clamp is adapted to be affixed to the side of the housing and secure the actuator to the overflow pipe. When installing the actuator, the clamp is affixed to the overflow pipe before the housing is mounted onto the clamp. The clamp allows the housing to be removably mounted or locked in position on the clamp. The lever coupled to the top of the housing is rotated to a desired position, and a chain is connected to a handle of the toilet opens the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Technical Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 7063103
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually-operated flush valves. A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a manual handle to externally activate the converted flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fatih Guler, Natan E. Parsons
  • Patent number: 6978490
    Abstract: A toilet room flush valve has a valve handle and an actuator mounted on the valve body to cause either sensor-initiated automatic movement or user-initiated manual movement of the valve handle. The actuator includes a handle assembly pivotally mounted in a housing. The handle assembly has an interface which is normally engaged with the valve handle. A motor driven push rod mounted on the handle assembly is engageable with the handle. A drive motor is mounted on the handle assembly and connected to the push rod to cause movement thereof. A battery for operating the drive motor is connected to a sensor mounted on the handle assembly, with the sensor being capable of connect the battery power to the drive motor. The actuator housing is arranged to allow it to slip over the valve handle and clamp on the valve body without disassembling either the flush valve or the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6968579
    Abstract: In the front of a standard toilet apparatus, left, middle, and right side pedals are mounted over a thin substrate between the toilet base and a floor. The pedals enclose a mechanical apparatus for tensioning cables connected to a junction box at a back end of the toilet. Cables from the junction box to the lid and seat lift and reset the lid and seat upon actuation of the left and right pedals. A cable from the junction box causes the toilet flushing mechanism to actuate upon depressing of the middle pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventors: Richard B. Feinberg, Stanley Hendzel