Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
004313000 | With automatic flush responsive means | 32 |
20090031487 | TILTING-BOWL TOILETS - Tilting Bowl Toilet comprises a frame, a toilet basin, and a tilting bowl. The tilting bowl is supported below the toilet basin to receive and hold water/waste delivered from the toilet basin. The tilting bowl tilts to discharge its content to drainage. The tilting bowl at standby is sustained to stay in a horizontal position by forces applied to the tilting bowl creating a resultant sustaining turning moment about its support axis. When the turning moment produced by the tilting bowl with its content becomes larger than the sustaining turning moment, the tilting bowl moves to a tilted position to discharge its content. The effective support axis shifts with respect to the tilting bowl as guided by a motion guide. | 02-05-2009 |
20090077730 | ACTUATOR HAVING A CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - A clutch assembly is provided for coupling a drive shaft with a drive arm of an actuator for use with an automatic toilet flushing system, wherein the drive shaft is adapted for rotation via a motor in the actuator. The clutch assembly includes a rotatable body extending between the drive shaft and the drive aim and having a first engaging member. A clutch disk is secured to the drive shaft and includes a second engaging member adapted for cooperating with the first engaging member of the body. A fastener secures the clutch disk to the drive shaft and a biasing member is provided for biasing the body toward the clutch disk. The body is adapted to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member should a predetermined torque on the drive shaft be exceeded to disengage the first and second engaging members and prevent damage to the drive shaft. | 03-26-2009 |
20090113614 | External Automatic Flush Helper - An external automatic flush helper comprises a housing and fixing means for fixing the housing onto a toilet tank. Within the housing there are provided with a DC power supply, a controller powered by the DC power supply, an infrared sensor and a motor connected with the controller, and an actuating mechanism connected with the motor. An end actuator of the actuating mechanism is arranged in alignment with the button of the toilet tank. The end actuator can be actuated and move out of an opening in the housing when a user status is detected by the infrared sensor, and thus press the button of the toilet tank. Therefore, automatic flushing can be achieved contactlessly. | 05-07-2009 |
20090217446 | Automatic and manual toilet flushing device - A toilet flushing device comprises a valve assembly, an automatic control device and an manual control device. The automatic control device has a control circuit and causes flushing of the toilet upon an external signal. The manual control device allows manual flushing of the toilet. Thus bot automatic and manual flushing of the toilet are possible. A scent box provides disinfection and good odor. | 09-03-2009 |
20090241248 | AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF ASSEMBLY FOR A WATER CLOSET - An automatic shutoff valve and sensor assembly is disclosed to control water supply to a toilet. There is a housing mountable upstream of the toilet and downstream of the room water supply. There is also a shutoff valve, an automated sensor, and a microcontroller in the housing. The sensor is suitable to detect when a potential user is adjacent the water closet. If it detects a user, the sensor can send an output signal that ultimately leads to the opening of the shut-off valve. The shutoff valve then later automatically re-closes when users aren't present. A manual override can be incorporated in the housing as well. This reduces the potential for water leaks and water waste from the toilet. | 10-01-2009 |
20100031431 | DIRECT FLUSHING TYPE AUTO-FLUSHING DEVICE FOR TOILETS - A direct water typed auto-flushing device for toilets is disclosed. The device includes a flush valve, which guides washing water from a water supply to a bidet tank and an actuating unit, and discharges the washing water into a toilet so as to dispose of excrement therein. A sensor is mounted to the underside of a bidet seat, and determines whether excrement is urine or feces according to a user sensing time. An actuating unit opens a solenoid valve and drains washing water, stored in a pressure chamber of the flush valve, through a drain hose into the toilet, thus disposing of excrement in the toilet using washing water fed from a water supply, according to the result of detection by the sensor. The device simplifies a construction by which washing water is fed through the water supply to the bidet tank and the pressure chamber. | 02-11-2010 |
20100146690 | Bathroom flushers with novel sensors and controllers - A 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, and an actuator for actuating operation of the moving member. The bathroom flusher includes one of several novel sensors and is controlled by one of several novel controllers, as described. The controller may execute a novel control algorithm. | 06-17-2010 |
20100146691 | INTELLIGENT FLUSHING SYSTEM - An intelligent flushing system uses odor sensors and cameras to monitor interior conditions of a plumbing product and detect wastes. Recognition of need to activate a flush mechanism is determined by a control unit in accordance with conditions and wastes detected through processed sensor data and camera captured images. Water conservation is achieved by performing diagnostic and preinstalled flush procedures with controlled flush volumes. Flush performance assessment results and related data are stored in a database for statistical analysis and fine-tuning computation for continuous operation betterment. An apparatus with control methods coordinate data and signal processing, flush activation, data storage and communication. All processed information may be transported between various individually operable intelligent flushing systems, information systems of the user, supplier and others via network connection. | 06-17-2010 |
20100269248 | DUAL FLUSH ELECTRONIC FLUSH VALVE - A flush valve utilizes a sensor to determine how close a user is to a toilet to determine whether to utilize a longer flush with more water to remove, typically, solid waste or a shorter flush with less water to remove, typically, liquid waste. If a user is in a zone that is closer to the toilet, a longer flush is deemed necessary and if a user is in a zone farther from the toilet, a shorter flush is deemed necessary. Users sometimes move between one zone or the other and the flush valve determines whether a user spends more or less time in the zones to determine whether to provide a shorter or a longer flush. | 10-28-2010 |
20100275359 | Optical sensors and algorithms for controlling automatic bathroom flushers and faucets - The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation that can be used to control the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, enabling battery operation for many years. An electronic system for controlling fluid flow may include an electromagnetic actuator, a controller and an optical sensor. Preferred embodiments include a control circuit constructed to sample periodically the detector based on the amount of light detected; a control circuit constructed to adjust a sample period based on the detected amount of light after determining whether a facility is in use; a detector optically coupled to the input port using an optical fiber; the input port may be located in an aerator of the electronic faucet; the system includes batteries for powering the electronic faucet. These embodiments may also include a variety of other features. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers. An active optical sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector. The detected signals may be processed using novel algorithms | 11-04-2010 |
20110072568 | Automatic flush actuation apparatus - An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet. | 03-31-2011 |
20110302708 | Passive sensors and control algorithms for faucets and bathroom flushers - An optical system includes one or several passive optical detectors sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling, for example, the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers. The passive optical sensors provide signals to flow controllers, including control electronics and flow valves and require only very small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. To control the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers based on ambient light, the controller executes novel algorithms. | 12-15-2011 |
20120011644 | Programmable Automatic Flushometer - Methods for communicating with an automatic flush valve device. The automatic flush device having a variety of operational modes which can be selected from to control the operation of the device. The communication from the automatic flush device providing a user with information regarding the status of the flush valve device. | 01-19-2012 |
20120222205 | Automatic flush actuation apparatus - An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet. | 09-06-2012 |
20120246814 | SOLAR AUTO-SENSING OUTLET VALVE WITHOUT A USE OF BATTERIES AND ADAPTED CIRCUIT STRUCTURE THEREOF - A solar auto-sensing outlet valve without a use of batteries and adapted circuit structure thereof comprises at least one solar board and an outlet valve body. The solar board is disposed near a light source for converting light into electricity and is electrically connected with the outlet valve body via a guiding line, facilitating to a normal operation of a sensor and an electromagnetic valve inside the outlet valve body. For the outlet valve body, the use of batteries or an electrical connection with any commercial powers is unnecessary for reducing the energy consumption and environmental sufferings. | 10-04-2012 |
20120266373 | Automatic Dual Flush Activation - A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic. | 10-25-2012 |
20120317709 | RETROFIT AUTOMATIC TOILET FLUSH APPARATUS - An automatic flush apparatus for converting a manual flush toilet to an automatic flush toilet, and including a sensor for being mounted on an exterior wall of a tank of the toilet for detecting a condition predetermined to initiate a flush operation of the toilet. A signal transmitter conveys a signal indicating the occurrence of the condition, and a motor is provided for being positioned in the tank for receiving an electric current indicative of the condition from the signal transmitter. A flush valve is positioned proximate a bottom wall of the tank and is operatively connected to the motor for being opened by the motor upon receipt by the motor of the electric current. | 12-20-2012 |
20130061380 | Automatic bathroom flushers - 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. | 03-14-2013 |
20130318699 | WATER CONSERVATION DEVICE - A water conservation device for use within a toilet is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector having a base adapted for connectivity and placement adjacent to a traditional pole assembly and proximate to an opening valve within a tank of the toilet. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a flexible pressure arm integrally formed with the connector base and adapted to couple to the opening valve within the tank of the toilet and adapted to provide a pressure to the opening valve to lessen overall water utilized in each flush of the toilet and thereby conserve water. The water conservation device is adapted for either a total or partial flush of the toilet as selected by a user. | 12-05-2013 |
20140026308 | AUTOMATIC DUAL FLUSH ACTIVATION - A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic. | 01-30-2014 |
20140101836 | PROGRAMMABLE AUTOMATIC FLUSHOMETER - Methods for communicating with an automatic flush valve device. The automatic flush device having a variety of operational modes which can be selected from to control the operation of the device. The communication from the automatic flush device providing a user with information regarding the status of the flush valve device. | 04-17-2014 |
20140182054 | Novel enclosures for automatic bathroom flushers - A bathroom flusher includes a flusher body, a valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a flusher cover. The flusher body includes an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to accommodate the valve assembly that controls water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat providing a sealing action based on applied pressure on the valve assembly. The bathroom flusher also includes an external cover designed for enclosing an electronic control module comprising a battery, a sensor, and an actuator for controlling operation of the flush valve, wherein the external cover includes at least two cover parts separately removable, and wherein the external cover is attachable with respect to the valve body in a manner also allowing removable attachment of the control module. | 07-03-2014 |
20140208496 | AUTOMATIC FLUSHING SYSTEM FOR TOILET AND ELECTRONIC BIDET HAVING THE SAME - An automatic flushing system for toilet and an electronic bidet toilet having the same are disclosed. The automatic flushing system for toilet has as overflow passage connecting an overflow port of a tank or a vacuum breaker to a toilet bowl. The overflow passage includes a first overflow line having a first end fixedly connected to a tank overflow port and a second end fixedly connected to a rim outlet of the toilet bowl, and a second overflow line having a first end fixedly connected to a vacuum breaker overflow port and a second end fixedly connected to a jet outlet of the toilet bowl. According to the present utility model, the overflow problem of the water and vacuum breaker is solved and generation of bubbles in the vacuum breaker during overflowing is eliminated. | 07-31-2014 |
20140237712 | EMERGENCY FLUSH APPARATUS AND METHOD - An emergency flush apparatus for a toilet includes a flush driver module, a battery, and a processing unit operatively connected to the battery and the flush driver module. The emergency flush apparatus further includes a flush switch operatively connected to the battery and the processing unit, and a primary power supply operatively connected to the flush driver module. When the flush switch is activated, the processing unit detects a state of the flush driver module. Power is then supplied to the flush driver module from one of either the primary power supply or the battery in response to the detected state. | 08-28-2014 |
20140245532 | VACUUM BREAKER, AUTOMATIC FLUSHING SYSTEM FOR TOILET AND ELECTRONIC BIDET TOILET - The present utility model relates to a vacuum breaker, an automatic flushing system for toilet having the vacuum breaker, and an electric bidet toilet having the automatic flushing system for toilet. The vacuum breaker comprises a body and a. cover which cooperate to define a cavity, the body being integrally formed with an inlet pipe section which defines a water inlet and an outlet pipe section which defines water outlet, the cover being formed with an air port, wherein a tip portion of the inlet pipe section extends into the cavity in a direction towards the air port. The length of the tip portion of the inlet pipe section which extends within the cavity is greater than half of the height of the cavity. According to the present utility model, because the tip portion of the inlet pipe section extends almost throughout the cavity of the vacuum breaker, the level of the water inlet is elevated, so that the CL (critical level) line is raised. | 09-04-2014 |
20150013054 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SMART TOILET MINIMIZING WATER USAGE - An apparatus and method or a toilet which minimizes water usage and can handle urine and fecal matter. An ultrasonic vibration unit is disposed to clean at least one fecal plate which is rotated into a lower part of a toilet bowl. Occasional and periodic flushing of solid fecal matter results in less water usage than utilizing water flushing for cleaning and carrying away of solid fecal matter. | 01-15-2015 |
20150020299 | SMART TOILET WITH MULTI SENSING ELECTRIC FIELDS - A smart toilet with multi sensing fields comprises a toilet body, two or more proximity capacitive sensing electric field means and a flushing control unit. A toilet body, comprising a bowl face which forms a bowl area, and a and a cavity arranged inside the toilet body. The two or more proximity capacitive sensing electric field means, which are arranged in the cavity; an proximity capacitive sensing electric field is formed around the proximity capacitive sensing electric field means; said proximity capacitive sensing electric field means individually generate proximity capacitive sensing information according to a change of the electric field energy caused by the proximity capacitive sensing electric field corresponding to a sensed object. The flushing control unit, which receives the proximity capacitive sensing information, and controls the bowl area flushing according to one or more logic operation results in the received proximity capacitive sensing information. | 01-22-2015 |
20150074893 | TOILET WITH OVERFLOW PROTECTION - A flush toilet includes a bowl, a tank coupled to the bowl, a flush valve positioned within the tank, and a flush device configured to initiate a flush cycle. The automatic toilet further comprises an electronic sensing assembly having a sensing member positioned on the bowl for detecting an overflow condition of the bowl, an overflow device operably coupled to the flush device, and a controller in electronic communication with the electronic sensing assembly and the overflow device for controlling the flush device in response to a condition of the toilet. | 03-19-2015 |
20150107008 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING A FLUSH TOILET - A system of controlling a flush toilet, which includes a first flushing channel and a second flushing channel, and the system contains: a depressurizing valve including an inlet connecting with an inlet pipe fitting, a first outlet, and a second outlet; a first water-supply pipe fitting employed to supply water from the first outlet toward the first flushing channel; a second water-supply pipe fitting applied to supply the water from the second outlet toward the second flushing channel; a first solenoid valve controlled to start and stop the first water-supply pipe fitting. The system also contains a second solenoid valve controlled to start and stop the second water-supply pipe fitting; a water pressure sensor for sensing a water pressure in the depressurizing valve and transmitting a pressure signal; and a control unit for receiving a flushing signal started by a user and the pressure signal from the water pressure sensor. | 04-23-2015 |
20160017584 | CONTROLLER ASSEMBLY FOR AUTOMATIC FLUSH VALVE - A controller assembly for an automatic flush valve provides economical approach to transforming a manual flush valve into an automatic flush valve. The controller assembly includes a base for holding a battery set and a sensor into a combination, and a cap covering the combination. A solenoid valve and a membrane below the combination are receiving in a socket of a foundation. A ring is rotatably mounted around a bottom of the foundation. A sleeve passing the cap is mounted around the foundation and stands on the ring. The ring allows the controller assembly to be easily assembled with a valve body of any type into an automatic flush valve or to be easily removed from the automatic flush valve and replaced by a manual controller assembly so as to form a manual flush valve. Thereby, the transformation can be economical accomplished without replacing the existing valve body. | 01-21-2016 |
20160145844 | TOILET USAGE SENSING SYSTEM - An actuation system for a toilet including a capacitive sensor received within a toilet tank and including an electrode electrically coupled with water within the toilet tank. | 05-26-2016 |
20170231442 | TOILET SEAT DEVICE AND TOILET DEVICE EQUIPPED THEREWITH | 08-17-2017 |