US4471498A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flush control
Assignee: LAYCOCK BROS A CORP OF GREAT BRITAIN
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Filing: 1982-01-08
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Granted: 1984-09-18
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Expires: 2002-01-08
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for controlling the flushing of a lavatory, for example in a mens urinal, comprises a source of water for flushing, a flush control valve SV wherein the valve is actuated in response to the usage of the lavatory, for example by means of door switch DS. In order that over-use of the device should be prevented in busy periods, a delay circuit D1 is provided to prevent a second actuation of the water supply solenoid valve within a preset period from a first actuation.
Inventors
- 👤 Derek Robertshaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:09
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D5/00; E03D5/10; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S4/00; Y10S4/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus for controlling the flushing of a lavatory which comprises a source of water for flushing, a flush control valve responsive to an electrical signal for actuation, means, including lavatory entrance detection means, for developing an electrical signal for actuating said control valve, a valve actuation delay circuit included in said valve actuating means and settable to actuate the valve for a period sufficient to ensure adequate flushing, and an over-use prevention delay circuit included in said valve actuating means, the latter delay circuit being actuated by the entrance detection means and serving to prevent actuation of the former delay circuit until the set delay time of the latter delay circuit has elapsed, and actuation of the former delay circuit serving to re-set the delay period of the over-use prevention delay circuit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus for controlling the flushing of a lavatory which comprises a source of water for flushing, a flush control valve responsive to an electrical signal for actuation, means, including lavatory entrance detection means, for developing an electrical signal for actuating said control valve, a valve actuation delay circuit included in said valve actuating means and settable to actuate the valve for a period sufficient to ensure adequate flushing, and an over-use prevention delay circuit included in said valve actuating means, the latter delay circuit being actuated by the entrance detection means and serving to prevent actuation of the former delay circuit until the set delay time of the latter delay circuit has elapsed, and actuation of the former delay circuit serving to re-set the delay period of the over-use prevention delay circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the valve is an electrically actuated solenoid valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the delay period of the over-use prevention delay circuit is from 5 minutes to 60 minutes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the delay period of the valve actuation delay circuit varies between 0 and 5 minutes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the delay circuits include integrated circuit timing chips and variable resistance circuits associated therewith settable for providing the delay periods.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-09-18 | 1988-03-19 | 1988-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-09-18 | 1992-03-19 | 1992-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-09-18 | 1996-03-19 | 1996-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |