Patent US4497076A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4497076A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dual flush system for controlling flush water in water closet
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1983-02-24
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Granted: 1985-02-05
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Expires: 2003-02-24
Abstract
Abstract The invention is an improved, adjustable ball valve closure for use in a dual flush water closet which allows the choice of a regular flush or a water saving flush. The adjustable closure is the type having a buoyancy chamber with a relatively lower drain hole and a relatively higher air bleeder port. It is improved by providing a water inlet port in a position which is above the drain hole when the valve closure is closed and is lower than the air bleeder port when the valve closure is open. The improvement allows a finer, more accurate adjustment of the amount of water discharged for a limited flush.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald E. Sullivan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:05
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D1/00; E03D1/02; E03D1/14; E03D1/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
An improved adjustable discharge valve closure of the type providing a reduced water volume flush for the tank of a water closet, said discharge valve closure including a sealing portion and a buoyancy chamber portion attached to a mounting arm member which in turn is mounted in the tank for pivotal movement of the valve closure into and out of sealing engagement with the discharge valve seat, said buoyancy chamber portion, in the closed operable position of the valve closure, including a relatively lower drain hole and a relatively higher bleeder port formed through a wall of the buoyancy chamber portion below the area of said sealing engagement when said closure is in its closed position wherein the improvement permits improved manual adjustment and control of the water volume of a flush and comprises a water inlet port formed through a wall of said buoyancy chamber and in said closed position of the closure positioned below the area of said sealing engagement and above said drain hole and, in the opened position of said valve closure, positioned lower than said bleeder port.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
An improved adjustable discharge valve closure of the type providing a reduced water volume flush for the tank of a water closet, said discharge valve closure including a sealing portion and a buoyancy chamber portion attached to a mounting arm member which in turn is mounted in the tank for pivotal movement of the valve closure into and out of sealing engagement with the discharge valve seat, said buoyancy chamber portion, in the closed operable position of the valve closure, including a relatively lower drain hole and a relatively higher bleeder port formed through a wall of the buoyancy chamber portion below the area of said sealing engagement when said closure is in its closed position wherein the improvement permits improved manual adjustment and control of the water volume of a flush and comprises a water inlet port formed through a wall of said buoyancy chamber and in said closed position of the closure positioned below the area of said sealing engagement and above said drain hole and, in the opened position of said valve closure, positioned lower than said bleeder port.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A valve closure in accordance with claim 1 wherein an adjustable valving means cooperates with said port for permitting the manual selection of an effective port size.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
A valve closure in accordance with claim 2 wherein said valving means comprises an annular boss extending downwardly from said sealing portion and against the buoyant chamber, said boss having a removed portion forming a window whereby said buoyant chamber may be rotated to selectively cover and uncover said water inlet port by said boss.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A valve closure in accordance with claim 2 wherein a water inlet port is formed, in the opened position of said valve closure, below a horizontal plane extending through the uppermost edge of said drain hole.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A valve closure in accordance with claim 2 wherein said water inlet port comprises a plurality of spaced discrete ports of different sizes which are rotatably adjustable relative to said valving means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
A valve closure in accordance with claim 2 wherein said valving means comprises at least one panel shaped to conform to a wall of said buoyancy chamber and adjustably movable over said water inlet port to vary the effective size of said inlet port.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A valve closure in accordance with claim 2 wherein said buoyancy chamber is formed of a unitary body extending above the sealing portion to permit manual rotation of the chamber from above said closure.
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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) | 1988-02-05 | 1988-08-06 | 1989-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-05 | 1992-08-06 | 1993-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-05 | 1996-08-06 | 1997-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |