Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
- l - 2101~13
WORKING PRINCIPLE FOR BASIC SYSTEM : - -
WATER EJECTION : Directioned beams of water ejected from jet-heads
(nozzles with small opening) is used for sanitary cieaning instead
of traditional flushing. Fig 1. There may be one or more than one,
in any optimum number, of jet-heads used in one cleaning system.
The jet-heads may be fixed in position and/or direction, or may be
movable, rotatable, circulating, swival, or travel along specially
assigned loci for optimum cleaning effects. Each jet-head may consists
of one or several openings. The jet-heads, together with related
pipings and holding fixtures, in cases that apply, may be concealed
inside housing, or may be externally visible; or may be extendable
to certain positions for optimum ejection, then return to standby
positions after cleaning. The jet-hea,ds may start ejecting water
simultaneously, in se~uential order,rspecially programmed ejecting
orders, selectable or non-selectable by user.
Connections will be provided for connecting the jet-heads, through
valves, and/or controls in case apply, to water sources such as
taps, water pipes etc.
As jet-head openings are of fairly small diameters, only as fraction
of ordinary tap pipes, and as water pressure is basically inversely
proportional to cross-sectional area of flow, strong ejected beams
of water are available through the jet-heads for cleaning. Further,
as the jet-heads are directional and movable, much better cleaning
effects can be achieved with minimum volume of water.
~: :
CONFIDENT_A= 21019 1~
-
Patent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG
WASTE DISPOSAL : The bowl in ordinary flushing toilet is, in this
invention, divided into a fixed basin with an opening of cylindrical
or other appropriate shapes, at the bottom, plus a hinged, movable
bowl below it Fig 2. The hinge-joint is connected to, or forms
part of the underside of the basin~ or the toilet frame.
BOWL OPERATION DESIGN I : This bowl is to be made with light-weight
durable material, such as nylon, polycarbonate etc and has a short
stem next to the hinge-joint Fig ~. The stem carries a weight,
which can also be the stem itself made heavy enough, so that the
weight of the bowl plus its content, together with the hinge-joint,
and the stem with weight form a lever system. The hinge-joint forms
the pivot point of the lever with the 2 weights on the 2 sides.
The total weight of the stem + weight is such assigned that it
assures to maintain the bowl in its uppermost position until the bowl
is about 3/4 full of water + waste. A stopper of the rubber type or
equivalent is located at the other side of the bowl as a shock-
absorber whenever the bowl returns to its uppermost position. In
its standby uppermost position, the bowl carries a thin layer of
clean water which just seals the basin cylindricasl opening to
prevent bad smell from the drainage escasping to the toilet room,
and which also serves for moisturing purposes.
After the user has finished using the toilet, the water valve will
be switched ON (open) either manually as described in VERSION I
following, or automatically as versions following. Water is then
ejected from the jet-heads in strong narrow beams for thorough
cleaning of basin + bowl. This water + waste goes through the basin
bottom opening and are collected by the bowl. When the content of
the bowl reaches about 3/4 full, the lever moment from the bowl side
begins to balance the lever moment from the stem side. Further
incoming water begins to lower and tilt the bowl as its total weight
increases. The shape of the bowl is so designed that as the bowl
tils, its content tends to flow farther away from the hinge-joint,
which means the centre of gravity of the bowl + content simultaneously
move farther away from the hing-joint, creating a longer moment arm
for the bowl side, which in turn accelerates tilting of the bowl.
This keep accelerating shifting of centre of gavity and tilting of
bowl consequently results in rapid pouring of bowl content to
drainage. Fig 3. After the bowl empties its content, the stem weight
moment will restore the empty bowl to its uppermost position. As
may prefer or may omit, the jet-head ejection may continue for
further cleaning of the basin + bowl, so as to effect a second stage
operation of the bowl which pours away the second stage cleaning water
before returning to its uppermost standby position. The valve
is such timed that it will suffice to supply a further thin layer of
water to the standby bowl before the valve closes.
CONFIDENTIAL FEB, 8, 1994
============ ~101~3
~OWL OPERATION DESIGN II : Basic design is same as in DESIGN I,
except that the stem end is gear-toothed to match a geared-cam
pressed against the stem by a balance force from pressure spring
or equivalent. The gear teeth of both stem and cam are such shaped
and spaced that they match the movement locus of the stem-end. Fig4
The stem weight is lighter in this design, as its only purpose is
to assure bringing back the bowl to its uppermost standby position.
As the bowl collects urine and other waste, its weight increase.
As the total bowl weight begins to create a lever moment that
exceeds the stem moment, which is in this design much smaller due
to a lighter stem, the bowl begin to tilt. However, this tilting is
counter-balanced by the spring force through the geared contact.
Any further increase in weight of the bowl side will tilt the bowl
further, but at the same time will press the spring harder, resulting
in a larger spring counter-balance force, serving to maintain the
bowl in its new position. Consequently, the water level inside the
basin will be maintained practically same at different weight of
waste inside bowl. After the user finishes using the toilet, and the
water supply valve is switched open, either manually or automatically,
the bowl begins to collect more and more water ejected by the jet-heads,
and will tilt further and further until the stem-end goes out of the
gearing with the cam, thus releasing the spring balance force totally.
Consequently, the bowl pours its content to the drainage rapidly.
The stem weight will then pull the empty bowl back to its uppermost
position. The cam-spring construction is such designed that when
the stem end returns, the spring will bend slightly down to allow(Fig5
the return of the stem without getting into gearing. After the
stem returns to standby position, the cam-spring will resume its
stretched status with its gears just above the stem gears. A second
stage cleaning may or may not be employed before the bowl resumes
its standby position with a thin layer of clean water a$ DESIGN I.
In this design, the bowl shape may or may not has centre gravity of
its content shift away from the hinge -joint before gearing is
released. The benefit of this design is that since the water level
can be maintained always at a minimum inside the basin, the total
basin height can be reduced, leaving more space for bowl operation.
Instead of a geared matching, cam with specially curved contact locus
Fig 7 or stepped surface may also be used Fig 8, though the latter
alternatives will likely result in faster wear and tear.
CONFIDENTIAL FEB, 8, 1994.
P~tent Petitioner : MR. SHU-KI YEUNG ~1 019~ 3
BOWL OPERATION DESIGN III
In this design, basin with cylindrical or appropriately-shaped
bottom opening is similar to DESIGN I. The bowl, however, is splitted
into 2 basically symmetrical halves Fig 6. Each half has its own
hinge-joint connected to the underside o- the basin. Both bowl-halves
are made of heavier material such as metal and are hinged at such a
position of the halves that the centre of gravity of each will tend to
force each to move toward the other forming a pressed contact in the
standby status. The rims of the 2 halves in contact are stepped for
matching Fig 7 . A lining of soft water-proof material such as nylon,
rubber of epoxy etc is adhered or fixed to each rim for contact.
The -weight of the halves is so chosen that they will press the water-
proof linings so hard that there will be little or practically no
water leakage from the assembled bowl. The bowl halves are designed
with hooks or other means on them that they can be driven apart by
electric motor or solenoids. When the electric motor or solenoids
are activated by the electronic control unit, as described in following
appropriate versions, the 2 bowl halves are pulled apart simultaneously
for a pre-determined period of time, and the bowl content is thus
quickly emptied to the drainage below. After the time period, the
motor or solenoids will be de-energised, and the 2 halves will, forced
by their own weights, return to the assembled positions. A second
stage cleaning as in DESIGN I may also be employed before the bowl
retains its standby status with a thin layer of clean water. Electric
valves similar to the solenoid type will be used for jet-head ejection,
and the open/close timings are determined by the electronic control unit.
One significant benefit of this split-bowl operation is that the bowl
travel locus will not go lower than the assembled bowl, resulting in a
reduced total height of the toilet.
BOWL OPERATION DESIGN IV :
This design is similar to DESIGN III, except that both bowl halves are
so hinged that their C.~.tend to move each away from the other. At
standby status, the 2 bowl halves are pressed together to form an
assembled bowl by external forces e.g. pressure springs, from chosen
appropriate directions Fig 8 . When the electronic control unit calls
for emptying the bowl content, the forces will be temporarily removed
or reduced by electric motor or solenoids, and the 2 bowl halves will
separate and quickly empty its content to the drainage below. After
a pre-determined time period, the motor or solenoids will be de-energised
and the restored pressing forces will push the 2 halves together to
form an assembled bowl again. DESIGN IV is actually a reciprocation
of DESIGN III, but has the advantage of better water-leakage prevention
as the bowl halves are pressed together by stronger external forces.
CONFIDENTIAL FEB, 8, 1994.
=========
Patent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG 21~1913
The toilet system versions described below utilises the JET-HEAD
EJECTION and one or more of the BOWL OPERATION DESIGN stated above
VERSION I : This is a totally mechanically operated version. its
operation is illustrated by the following diagram Fig 9.
Common valve with pre-specified flow period is used to control
water supply to the jet-heads. Alternatively, special valve which
is triggered ON (open) by single-action ON manual switch, and close
after a desired period of watering time, controlled by Cam action,
through stepped down gears if necessary, can be designed.Fig 14.
BOWL OPERATION DESIGN I or II will be used for this version.
Adaptor for addition of disinfectant/detergents etc may or may not
be provided as an option.
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Fig 9
VERSION II : This is a basic electrical-power-operated version, where
energy may come from Electricity Mains Supply, Batteries, or Solar
Cells or a combination of the~. Fig 10.
Commonly available solenoid type of valve or equivalent is used.
Manual switch is simple push-on single action type that serves only
for sending signal to the electronic control unit to start operation.
The electronic timing control unit control open~,close of valve with
prescribed time periods; controls on/off for motor/solenoid for
movable jet-heads for models with movable jet-heads; and control
on/off of motro/solenoids for splitable bowls for models that employs
Bowl Operation Designs III & IV.
All Bowl Operation Designs I II III IV may be used for this version.
Adaptor for addition of disinfectant may or may not be provided as
an option.
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Fig 10
CONFIDENTIAL FEB , 8, 1994.
l~tent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG 21Q191 3
VERSION III : This is extended design of VERSION II with added options
of Automatic Operation; option of Warming of Seat-pad; option of
Automatic Cleaning/Disinfecting of Seat-Pad; and option of
electrically-operated accessories, e.g. shaver, telephone etc. Fig 11
Manual ON-switch is added for~ option without Automatic Operation,
and also for option with Automatic Operation as a safeguard against
failure of the latter. Selectable switch for Manual/Automatic may or
may not be provided for user selection.
The Electronic Unit in this version includes also all timing/delay
controls and ON/OFF controls for electrically-powered components
and options.
Automatic Operation :-
2 separate sensors will be used to detect presence of user.The first sensor will either be pressure-contact switch immediately
under the seat-pad, or proximity switch / infra red detector or
equivalent , located in appropriate position to locate the presence
of a sitting user. The second sensor will either be a pressure mat
placed in front of the toilet, or proximity sensor etc located near
the floor to detect the presence of a standing user (male).
Whenever user presence is detected by either first sensor or second
sensor, the electronic control unit will be triggered to STANDBY
status. If such detection discontinues within a prescribed false-
signal-prevention period, e.g. 1 minute for the first sensor, e.g.
5 seconds for the second sensor, the Standby status will be cancelled.
If the detection continues over the false-signal-prevention period,
and then discontinued, a delay circuitrywill be triggered. After
the delay time, e.g. 1 minute has elapsed, automatic operation will
start. If, however, before the delay time has elapsed a user
detection signal returns, the delay circuit triggering will be
cancelled and the control unit returns to standby status. This is
for screening out false signal due to user movements temporarily
out of detection.
Whenever a signal from the first sensor is confirmed, all previous
signals from second sensor will be cancelled, and all subsequent
signals from second will be bypassed. That is, the signals from
first sensor alway~ supersedes signals from second sensor. This
supersession is necessary as a siting user may first trigger the
second sensor.
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CONFIDENTIAL FEB, 8, 1994.
============ 2~L01913
Patent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG
VERSION IV : This is a Portable Toilet using the Jet-Head Ejection
principle and Bowl Operation Design I or II. Fig 12.
Toilet Body -- includes a frame structure, foldable or non-foldable
holding the jet-heads, valve + ON-switch, the basin
and the bowl, all or any of them may be fixed to the
frame or easily detachable.
Foldable Water Containers -- an option for use with stream water,
sea-water etc in places where no tap water is available.
Waste Storage -- In form of disposasble plastic bags, or other
foldable containers which may be disposable or non-
disposable.
Adaptor for disinfectant addition may or may not be included as option.
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Fig 12 ~S~ c~ p
VERSION V : This is an electrically-operated Portable Toilet similar
to Version IV. The valve, jet-heads, bowl and other options may
possibly be electrically operated. Bowl Operation Design I II III
or IV may be employed. Electronic Control Unit is also included
in the Toilet Body Block Diagram. Fig 13.
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CONFINDENTIAL FEB,8, 1994.
P-2tent Petitioner : MR. SHU-KI YEUNG 2101~13
SPECIAL VALVE FOR USE IN VERSION I ~ VERSION IV :
Fig 14 illustrates a design for a special valve with timing, for
sequential jet-head water ejection. This valve is water-driven ,
and with external handle for manual triggering.
When the external handle is pressed down, a small cork-stopper is
pulled up by a chain connected to the handle-bar, ~ , letting water
start to go through a special pipe opening leading to the first
jet-head, and, simultaneously the stopper on the main wheel is released.
With its fangs pressed by incoming water from the tap source, Fig 15,
the water-propelled wheel starts to rotate, and in turn, drives a set
of step-down gears, connecting to the main wheel, Fig 16, which is,
in turn, driven to rotate. The main wheel has on it one or more
perforated hole(s) of circular or other appropriate shapes. As the
main wheel rotates, its perforated hole(s) soon begin to travel
above a pipe-opening(s) leading to the jet-head(s), which thus starts
to eject water. Being continually pressed by tap water pressure,
the water-propelled wheel keeps on rotating, and so does the main
wheel, with motion transmitted to it through the gears. Before the
perforated hole(s) totally leaves the pipe-opening(s), it begins to
travel above the next opening(s); this is made possible with proper
spacing of the pipe-opening(s) and/or shape of the perforated hole(s).
Hence, water is ejected in sequential order of the jet-heads. As
water keeps on flowing out through one or more of the jet pipes,
rotation continues although the small cork-stopper returns to block
the first pipe-opening as the handle returns to its original standby
position. Rotation continues until the stopper on the main ~heel is
stopped by the handle-bar, and the perforated hole(s) simultaneously
returns to its original position(s) where no pipe-opening is left
open. As the main wheel is driven by step-down gears, which is also
specially ratioed to render the desired total ejection time, only a
small water pressure from the tap source is required to start and to
maintain the rotation, as force delivered to the main wheel is
proportional to the gear ratio.
Alternatively, manual handle + stopper may be incorporated on the
water-propelled wheel to block incoming water at standby status.
Also, the chain can be omitted if the cork-stopper is directly
connected to the manual handle bar and forms part of the specially
shaped bar.
CONFIDENTIAL FEB,8,1994.
Patent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG 019~3
The following designs are applicable to and will be used in any
existing or future toilets with swival top-cover and swival seat-pad,
including, but not limited to inventions described in this Patent
Application.
AUTOMATIC DISINFECTING/CLEANING OF SEAT-PAD
ESIGN I : The top-cover and seat-pad are similar to traditional
designs basically in shape and in capability of staying in
Fi 17 seat-position or lifted-up position by swival action.
g Cleaning devices,cleaning tools, cleaning agents, either or
both, or all of them, will be embedded in the top-cover.
When the seat-pad is lifted up and in close contact with
the top-cover, or the top-cover pulled down, the seat-pad
surface will be automatically cleaned and/or disinfected.
Cleaning device can be but not limited to supersonic waves,
electrical voltage, heat, infra-red/ultra-violet lights,
micro-wave, laser, air current, freezer etc.
Cleaning tools can include, but not limited to brushes,
cloth, detergent-applier, rubber, dirt-remover, wiper,
detergent applier, scratchers, vibrator, sha~ker etc.
Cleaning agent include, but not limited to detergents,
disinfectants, fluid, gases, soap, oil, chemical etc.
ESIGN II : Similar to DESIGN I above. Instead of cleaning, adhesive
sheets of paper, vinyl or other suitable material will be
Fig 18 embedded inside the top-cover. Each time the seat-pad is
lifted up to touch the top-cover, or top-cover pulled down,
a disposable adhesive sheet will be attached to the seat-
pad surface. So, a user can simply remove the origianl sheet,
then lift up the seat-pad or pull down the top-cover, his
seat-pad will be completely covered against infection with
a new clean sheet. As options of this design, instead of
adhesive sneets, electrostatic sheets, stickers, or sheets
cut to special shapes and curvatureimatching the seat-pad
may be used. As a further option, studs or other fixing
means may be added to the seat-pad margin, so that sheets
will be fixed automatically to these studs when seat-pad
gets in contact with top-cover. As a still further option,
the sheet may be formed from a layer of chemical or vinyl
coating received from, or ejected from the top-cover. The
coating quickly hardens to become a sheet which is easily
removable after use.
ESIGN III : Similar to DESIGN I, except that the cleaning device/
cleaning tool and/or cleaning agent will be embedded on the
or in the upper rim of the main toilet basin, on which the
Flg 19 seat-pad rests, and that the seat-pad is double-surfaced,
and that the seat-pad can be easily detachable and reversed
by user. Each time when the seat-pad is held down in contact
with basin rim, its under-surface is cleaned/disinfected.
user need only reverse the seat-pad to get a clean surface.
1~
CONFIDENTIAL FEB , 8, 1994.
~atent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG 2 ~ Q ~ 91
DETACHABLE SEAT-PAD / TOP-COVER :
ESIGN A : Rotary end-caps with proper side slot will be used as
hinge-joint to hold the seat-pad / top-cover to the toilet.
Fig 20 Fig # , When the end-cap is rotated such that its side slot
co-incides with the slot opening of the joint on the toilet
body, the seat-pad /top-cover studs can be released, and
therefore the seat-pad / top-cover can be taken out or
inserted in. Rotation of the end-caps to cover the slots
will lock the seat-pad / top-cover in position.
Separate sets of end-caps may be used for seat-pad and for
top-cover respectively; alternatively, one set of end-caps
may be used for both. Hence user can easily disassemble
seat-pad and/or top-cover for thorough cleaning, or for
DESIGN III automatic disinfection, and easily reassemble
them into position.
DESIGN B : Similar to DESIGN A, except that instead of using end-caps,
Fig 21 a removable cover will be used to cover the slot openings.
ESIGN C : Similar to DESIGN A, but the end-caps are without slots.
Instead these end-cap are user retractable and replacable.
ARMING OF SEAT_PAD : Heating elements (electrical) are embedded inside
top-cover or inside upper rim of toilet basin, or~ combination
of either or both so that the seat-pad can be maintained
at a warm temperature by heat transfer from contact with
top-cover and/or basin rim.
