US4041557A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Toilet flushing device with overflow inhibitor
Assignee: Bradley Corp
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Filing: 1976-09-29
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Granted: 1977-08-16
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Expires: 1996-09-29
Abstract
Abstract An electrical toilet flushing device is provided which is particularly adapted for use in prisons and similar institutions whereby a toilet cannot be made to overflow by repeated flushing, even if the toilet is clogged. A fail-safe electrical circuit is provided and, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an electrical alarm is provided for toilets, warning when the water reaches a high level.
Inventors
- 👤 Robin L. Ringler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:40
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D11/00; E03D5/00; E03D5/02; E03D5/026; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A10/00; Y02A10/30; Y10; Y10S; Y10S4/00; Y10S4/03; Y10S4/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A toilet having an electrical flushing mechanism includingan overflow inhibiting circuit, comprising in combination: a. a toilet bowl having a water supply pipe leading thereto; b. an electrically-actuated flushing valve for supplying flushing water through said supply pipe from a source of water supply; c. an electric supply including a momentary contact switch for actuating said flushing valve; d. an insulated electrode mounted in said water supply pipe; e. said electrode leading to a detection circuit and means whereby said detection circuit deactivates said electric supply when water is in said supply pipe and completes the circuit between said electrode and ground.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A toilet having an electrical flushing mechanism includingan overflow inhibiting circuit, comprising in combination: a. a toilet bowl having a water supply pipe leading thereto; b. an electrically-actuated flushing valve for supplying flushing water through said supply pipe from a source of water supply; c. an electric supply including a momentary contact switch for actuating said flushing valve; d. an insulated electrode mounted in said water supply pipe; e. said electrode leading to a detection circuit and means whereby said detection circuit deactivates said electric supply when water is in said supply pipe and completes the circuit between said electrode and ground.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein said deactivating means includes an induction relay having a primary and secondary coil wherein said primary coil is connected to said electric supply and wherein said secondary is in series with said electrode, said induction relay having normally closed contacts which are opened upon current flowing in said secondary, the contacts of said relay being in series with said electric supply.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure of claim 1 having in addition a time-delay relay having a time delay greater than the normal flushing time of a toilet, said time-delay relay having means thereon to activate an indicator device.
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) | 1980-08-15 | 1981-02-14 | 1981-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-15 | 1985-02-14 | 1985-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-15 | 1989-02-14 | 1989-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |