US4876751A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic toilet flush control system
Assignee: LINETECH Inc A KY CORP
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Filing: 1987-12-15
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Granted: 1989-10-31
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Expires: 2007-12-15
Abstract
Abstract An automatic flush control system is shown for a toilet of the type employing a first water flow to create a waste slurry in the toilet and a second water flow to cause the waste slurry to be pumped out of the toilet to a sewer connection. An interruptible timer is provided to set the duration of each water flow period. A sensor is provided responsive to an undesired condition of the supply water to interrupt and hold the timing count of the timer in place until the undesired condition is eliminated whereupon the interrupted water flow is continued for the remaining time on the interruptible timer without undesirable prolongation of the water flow period thus avoiding a flooding condition.
Inventors
- 👤 Larry W. Van Meter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 14:04
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D5/00; E03D5/10; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S4/00; Y10S4/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
241 words
An automatic flush control system for a toilet of the type employing a first water flow to slurry the waste contents in the toilet bowl and a second water flow to pump the waste water slurry from the bowl, the system comprising: means for supplying input water from a pressurized supply line; first solenoid operated valve means for initiating and maintaining the first water flow from the input water supply to the toilet for a predetermined slurry cycle time period as required to slurry the waste in the toilet bowl; second solenoid operated valve means for initiating and maintaining the second water flow from the input water supply to the toilet for a predetermined pump cycle time period as required to pump out the waste water slurry from the toilet bowl; control means responsive to a decrease in pressure of the input water supply for interrupting operation of the first and second valve means until the decrease in pressure is eliminated; timing means providing a timing count coupled to the first and second valve means for setting the duration of each of said slurry and pump cycle time periods, said timing means including means responsive to the control means for stopping and holding the timing count in the event of an interruption of one of said cycles and for resuming said timing count when said pressure is restored, whereby the cycle can be completed without prolongation of the predetermined duration thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
241 words
An automatic flush control system for a toilet of the type employing a first water flow to slurry the waste contents in the toilet bowl and a second water flow to pump the waste water slurry from the bowl, the system comprising: means for supplying input water from a pressurized supply line; first solenoid operated valve means for initiating and maintaining the first water flow from the input water supply to the toilet for a predetermined slurry cycle time period as required to slurry the waste in the toilet bowl; second solenoid operated valve means for initiating and maintaining the second water flow from the input water supply to the toilet for a predetermined pump cycle time period as required to pump out the waste water slurry from the toilet bowl; control means responsive to a decrease in pressure of the input water supply for interrupting operation of the first and second valve means until the decrease in pressure is eliminated; timing means providing a timing count coupled to the first and second valve means for setting the duration of each of said slurry and pump cycle time periods, said timing means including means responsive to the control means for stopping and holding the timing count in the event of an interruption of one of said cycles and for resuming said timing count when said pressure is restored, whereby the cycle can be completed without prolongation of the predetermined duration thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The automatic flush control system of claim 1 in which the means comprises slurry and pump cycle timers jointly responsive to said interrupting control means such that interruption of the slurry cycle also causes the timer for the pump cycle to stop and hold its timing count until the slurry resumes operation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The automatic flush control system of claims 1 or 2 in which the control means includes a first pressure sensor switch responsive to a low water pressure condition of the water supply to interrupt the timing means and the flow of water by the valve means to the toilet until the water pressure returns to a desired level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The automatic flush control system of claim 3 in which the control means includes a second pressure sensor switch to maintain the timing means and the valve means in the interrupted condition until the water supply pressure rises to a predetermined level higher than the low pressure level that caused the interruption.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3334359A
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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) | 1992-10-30 | 1993-05-01 | 1993-10-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-10-30 | 1997-05-01 | 1997-10-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-10-30 | 2001-05-01 | 2001-10-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |