US3716870A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Valve control mechanism
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-01-18
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Granted: 1973-02-20
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Expires: 1991-01-18
Abstract
Abstract The invention herein disclosed relates to a valve control mechanism particularly designed for use with toilet flush tanks. This mechanism includes an open end cup type float, wherein air is compressed as the liquid level in which the open end of the float is immersed rises, together with means for releasing such compressed air to permit rapid dropping of the float and complete opening of a liquid supply valve controlled thereby.
Inventors
- 👤 J Ducey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:13
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D1/00; E03D1/30; E03D1/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
267 words
In a control mechanism for controlling the addition of liquid to a toilet flush tank having a discharge passage with a valve seat to receive a valve member to close said passageway, said valve member being moved toward the seat by the force of gravity and actuating means connected to said valve member and connected to the exterior of the tank for moving the valve member from the seat to initiate discharge of liquid from said tank, a conduit for supplying liquid to the tank having an inlet valve for controlling the flow of liquid in the conduit, said inlet valve being normally opened and being closed by the control mechanism which has a float to actuate the mechanism to close the inlet valve as the liquid in the tank has attained a predetermined level, the improvement in the control mechanism comprising the float being an open end cup wherein air entrapped in said cup by a rising water level in the tank closing the open end compresses said air therein, and means for releasing compressed air from said cup comprising an air conduit connected to the interior of the cup and extending to an air release valve for releasing the air pressure therein, and means connected to the actuating means for opening said air release valve when the actuating means is operated to discharge liquid from the tank so that the air is immediately released from the cup to permit the cup to rapidly descend and to rapidly open the inlet valve to immediately begin adding water to the tank as liquid is being discharged therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
267 words
In a control mechanism for controlling the addition of liquid to a toilet flush tank having a discharge passage with a valve seat to receive a valve member to close said passageway, said valve member being moved toward the seat by the force of gravity and actuating means connected to said valve member and connected to the exterior of the tank for moving the valve member from the seat to initiate discharge of liquid from said tank, a conduit for supplying liquid to the tank having an inlet valve for controlling the flow of liquid in the conduit, said inlet valve being normally opened and being closed by the control mechanism which has a float to actuate the mechanism to close the inlet valve as the liquid in the tank has attained a predetermined level, the improvement in the control mechanism comprising the float being an open end cup wherein air entrapped in said cup by a rising water level in the tank closing the open end compresses said air therein, and means for releasing compressed air from said cup comprising an air conduit connected to the interior of the cup and extending to an air release valve for releasing the air pressure therein, and means connected to the actuating means for opening said air release valve when the actuating means is operated to discharge liquid from the tank so that the air is immediately released from the cup to permit the cup to rapidly descend and to rapidly open the inlet valve to immediately begin adding water to the tank as liquid is being discharged therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
267 words
In a control mechanism for controlling the addition of liquid to a toilet flush tank having a discharge passage with a valve seat to receive a valve member to close said passageway, said valve member being moved toward the seat by the force of gravity and actuating means connected to said valve member and connected to the exterior of the tank for moving the valve member from the seat to initiate discharge of liquid from said tank, a conduit for supplying liquid to the tank having an inlet valve for controlling the flow of liquid in the conduit, said inlet valve being normally opened and being closed by the control mechanism which has a float to actuate the mechanism to close the inlet valve as the liquid in the tank has attained a predetermined level, the improvement in the control mechanism comprising the float being an open end cup wherein air entrapped in said cup by a rising water level in the tank closing the open end compresses said air therein, and means for releasing compressed air from said cup comprising an air conduit connected to the interior of the cup and extending to an air release valve for releasing the air pressure therein, and means connected to the actuating means for opening said air release valve when the actuating means is operated to discharge liquid from the tank so that the air is immediately released from the cup to permit the cup to rapidly descend and to rapidly open the inlet valve to immediately begin adding water to the tank as liquid is being discharged therefrom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
267 words
In a control mechanism for controlling the addition of liquid to a toilet flush tank having a discharge passage with a valve seat to receive a valve member to close said passageway, said valve member being moved toward the seat by the force of gravity and actuating means connected to said valve member and connected to the exterior of the tank for moving the valve member from the seat to initiate discharge of liquid from said tank, a conduit for supplying liquid to the tank having an inlet valve for controlling the flow of liquid in the conduit, said inlet valve being normally opened and being closed by the control mechanism which has a float to actuate the mechanism to close the inlet valve as the liquid in the tank has attained a predetermined level, the improvement in the control mechanism comprising the float being an open end cup wherein air entrapped in said cup by a rising water level in the tank closing the open end compresses said air therein, and means for releasing compressed air from said cup comprising an air conduit connected to the interior of the cup and extending to an air release valve for releasing the air pressure therein, and means connected to the actuating means for opening said air release valve when the actuating means is operated to discharge liquid from the tank so that the air is immediately released from the cup to permit the cup to rapidly descend and to rapidly open the inlet valve to immediately begin adding water to the tank as liquid is being discharged therefrom.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
In a control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said air conduit is a flexible conduit having an end attached to a fitting on said cup and movable with the float.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said actuating means for said valve member comprises a rotatably mounted shaft having a level for applying a lifting force on said valve member and wherein said air release valve includes a housing having at least one air port, a valve member normally biased to close the air port, and having a stem engaged by a lever carried by said shaft so that turning of such shaft causes simultaneous venting of the float and opening of the discharge passage.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-20 | 1976-08-21 | 1977-02-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-20 | 1980-08-21 | 1981-02-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-20 | 1984-08-21 | 1985-02-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |