Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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WATER FLOW CONTROLLING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention:
This invention is generally related to water flow control systems, and more
particularly, to a system and method for controlling the flow of water in a
flush of a toilet.
2. General Background and State of the Art:
Water flow systems include flush toilets, each of which includes a toilet
tank,
wherein a flush is created by a flush valve that opens and closes to release
water from the
tank to the bowl to create a flush. Flush valves are buoyant. Therefore, when
a toilet is
flushed, the flush valve floats and remains open for a fixed amount of time,
until the water
in the tank lowers to the point where the buoyant flush valve can no longer
float, at which
time the flush valve closes.
The most common toilet currently found in the home is a gravity flush tank
type
toilet. A tank style toilet includes a tank and a toilet bowl. The tank is
initially filled
through a fill valve. A buoyant flush valve is mounted in the bottom of the
tank, which
releases the water in the toilet tank to flush the toilet bowl. In addition, a
siphon is molded
into the bowl. As water enters the bowl, the extra water spills over the edge
of the siphon
tube and drains away into the sewer pipe. Water enters the bowl at a fast
rate, causing the
siphon tube to fill, whereupon the siphon flushes the fluid and any waste out
of the bowl
into the sewer pipe. The bowl is emptied, air enters the siphon tube, and the
siphoning
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process stops. The toilet tank operates to supply a volume of water to the
bowl at a
sufficient rate to activate the siphon.
The flush valve is mounted in an opening and controls water flow between the
taffl(
and the bowl. The flush valve includes a valve seat and a flap lid. Most flush
valves
operate with a flap lid, also known as a flapper.
There are four common types of flush valves: a flap lid type, an actuator
type, a
cylinder type, which is also known as a Certain Flush valve or Mansfield
valve, and a lift
wire type. These four flush valve types, though appearing different in size
and shape, all
include a flush valve that floats in the open position.
A dual flush toilet has two different flush options for water conservation, a
smaller
water volume which is used for flushing liquid waste, and a larger water
volume which is
used for flushing solid waste. Currently, dual flush retrofit kits, for
enabling two different
flush cycles, have two different flush valves which open and close where water
can exit,
and two different flush levers, so that the user can select a large flush or a
small flush.
They require changing the flush lever and flush valve of an existing toilet.
Installation of
these dual flush retrofit kits typically requires disassembling the entire
toilet, so that the
flush valve and flush handle can be replaced.
Dual flush toilet specifications outlined by the Environmental Protection
Agency
for water conservation call for dual flush toilets to use less than a gallon
(three liters) of
water to flush liquid waste, and approximately one-point-six gallons (six
liters) to flush
solid waste, which equates to an effective flush volume of one-point-two-eight
gallons.
The U.S. Congress mandated that all toilets sold in the U.S. as of January 1,
1994
be Ultra-Low-Flush Toilets (ULFTs) having a maximum average flush volume not
exceeding one- point-six gallons (six liters) per flush. The ULFTs are
significantly more
water efficient then the older toilets which used three-point-five, five, and
seven gallons of
water per flush.
When a dual flush retrofit kit is used with a ULFT toilet, it increases the
amount of
water used during a large flush. In particular, many ULFTs use a high water
capacity tank,
which holds three-point-five gallons, but use an early-closing flapper to
achieve a one-
point-six gallon flush volume. An early closing flapper has a reduced buoyancy
which
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causes the flapper to close the flush valve before the tank is entirely
evacuated of water.
As a result, only a fraction of the water in the taffl( of ULFTs flows through
the flush valve
to the bowl before the flush valve closes. When a dual flush retrofit kits is
installed in a
ULFT that uses an early closing flapper, the result is that all three-point-
five gallons of
water in the taffl( are used during the full flush cycle. ULFTs are designed
to only use one-
point-six gallons per flush. However, water consumption can increase to three-
point-five
gallons per flush during the full flush cycle with dual flush retrofit kit.
Therefore, there has been identified a continuing need to provide system and
methods for controlling the flow of water during the flushing of a toilet, to
conserve water.
Invention Summary
Briefly, and in general terms, in accordance with aspects of the invention,
and in a
preferred embodiment, by way of example, there is provided a system for
controlling the
duration and volume of a flow of water in a flush of a toilet, wherein the
toilet includes a
buoyant flush valve which is non-automated in user actuation thereof to a
raised open
position. The system includes a converting element, for converting the buoyant
flush
valve to a non-buoyant flush valve which is non-automated in user actuation
thereof to a
raised open position. It also includes a programming element, for enabling
programming
of a controlling time, for controlling the duration and volume of flow of
water in a flush of
a toilet.
The system also includes a controlling element, connected to the programming
element and the non-buoyant flush valve, for retaining the non-buoyant flush
valve in a
raised open position upon non-automated user actuation of the non-buoyant
flush valve to
the raised open position, and for releasing the non-buoyant flush valve from
the raised
open position for closing the non-buoyant flush valve, within the controlling
time.
In accordance with other aspects of the invention, there is further provided a
system wherein a toilet includes a flush actuator, which is connected to the
non-buoyant
flush valve, and wherein user actuation of the flush actuator generates non-
automated user
actuation of the non-buoyant flush valve to the raised open position.
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In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the converting element
comprises a weighted element, able to be connected to the buoyant flush valve,
and a
connecting element, for connecting the weighted element to the buoyant flush
valve.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the programming element is
programmable for two controlling times. The two controlling times comprise a
small flush
time and a large flush time. The small flush time comprises a controlling
default flush
time. The system is programmable to enable user actuation of the large flush
time.
In still further aspects of the invention, the programming element comprises a
user
interface module, includes a processor, and is programmable for a time within
the period
of the minimum time required to complete a flush of the toilet to the maximum
time
required to drain all of the water from a toilet tank. It is positionable at a
user-accessible
location.
In still further aspects of the invention, the controlling element comprises a
control
module, which is connected to the programming element and the non-buoyant
flush valve.
The control module retains the non-buoyant flush valve in the raised open
position, and
releases the non-buoyant flush valve from the raised open position for closing
the non-
buoyant flush valve, within the controlling time. The controlling element
further includes
a connecting element, connected at one end to the controlling element and at
the other end
to the non-buoyant flush valve. The controlling element includes electro-
mechanical
elements.
In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the system is able to be
used in
conjunction with a flush valve already in a toilet, including any of the
common types of
flush valves currently in use. It does not require replacement of the toilet
flush valve.
In another aspect of the invention, the system is retrofittable in a standard
toilet
tank with a standard toilet tank lid. The controlling sub-system is able to be
suspended
inside the standard toilet tank, and the programming sub-system is
positionable at a user-
accessible location, for functionality and aesthetic appeal. The system does
not require
replacement of any of the wide variety of sizes and shapes of standard toilet
tanks and
standard toilet tank lids, is not stored inside a specialized toilet tank lid,
and does not
require specialized tools for installation.
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In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the system is able to be
installed in a toilet, without converting non-automated actuation of the flush
handle to an
automated process. Also, the flush valve does not need to be replaced, and the
toilet does
not need to be disassembled for installation of the system.
In a further aspect of the invention, the system is battery operated,
eliminating the
need for a potentially dangerous wall outlet plug, and operates efficiently to
provide long
life and functionality for the batteries.
In still other aspects of the invention, the system enables the connection of
a
connecting element to the toilet flush chain without the need for
disconnecting the flush
chain from the flush lever or the flush valve.
In still another aspect of the invention, the system includes thin mounting
brackets
which mount to all types of lip overhangs of toilet tanks regardless of the
thickness or
shape of the lip of the tank.
In other aspects of the invention, the programming element comprises a user
interface module, and the user interface module includes a sensing element,
for
sensing the presence of a person and the length of time the person has been
using
the toilet, and for automatically determining whether to provide a small flush
time
or a large flush time. The sensing element also includes a time threshold
determining element for enabling the user to program a time threshold for the
sensing element to determine the type of flush to provide.
These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which
illustrate
by way of example the features of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet which includes a programming element
of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cutaway side elevational partly fragmentary view of a toilet and
which
does not include a controlling element and a converting element of the present
invention
for a Flapper Valve type flush valve system;
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FIG. 3 is cutaway side elevational partly fragmentary view of a toilet which
includes a controlling system and a converting element in the present
invention for a
Flapper Valve type flush valve system;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a programming element with the cover closed
including a sensing element in the present invention;
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a programming element with the cover open in
the
present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a controlling element in a toilet taffl( with
the lid off
in the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an underside perspective view of a converting element in the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a partially expanded perspective view of a converting element and
connecting elements, and a flapper valve, in the present invention;
FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a housing and the interior components of a
controlling element, in a retained position for a non-buoyant flush valve, in
the present
invention;
FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a housing and the interior components of a
controlling element, in a released position for a non-buoyant flush valve, in
the present
invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the interior components of a controlling
element in
the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the interior components of a controlling
element in
the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a controlling element including a hanger
section in the present invention;
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FIG. 13A is a perspective partly dashed-lines-housings view of a flush
actuator and
a control module in an embodiment of the present invention when the system is
not
flushing;
FIG. 13B is a perspective partly dashed-lines-housings view of a flush
actuator and
a control module in the embodiment in FIG. 13A of the present invention when
the system
is flushing;
FIG. 14A is a perspective partly dashed-lines-housings view of a flush
actuator and
a control module in another embodiment of the present invention when the
system is not
flushing;
FIG. 14B is a perspective partly dashed-lines-housings view of a flush
actuator and
a control module in the embodiment in FIG. 14A of the present invention when
the system
is flushing;
FIG. 15A is a perspective partly dashed-lines-housings view of a flush
actuator and
a control module in a further embodiment of the present invention when the
system is not
flushing;
FIG. 15B is a perspective partly dashed-lines-housings view of a flush
actuator and
a control module in the embodiment in FIG. 15A of the present invention when
the system
is flushing;
FIG. 16A is a perspective partly dashed-lines-housings view of a flush
actuator and
a control module in a still further embodiment of the present invention when
the system is
not flushing;
FIG. 16B is a perspective partly dashed-lines-housings view of a flush
actuator and
a control module in the embodiment in FIG. 16A of the present invention when
the system
is flushing;
FIG. 17 is a perspective partly dashed-lines-housings view of a dual handle
flush
actuator and a control module in an embodiment of the present invention when
the system
is not flushing;
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FIG. 18 is cutaway side elevational partly fragmentary view of a toilet which
includes a controlling system and a converting element of the present
invention for a
Mansfield type flush valve system;
FIG. 19 is cutaway side elevational partly fragmentary view of a toilet which
includes a controlling system and a converting element of the present
invention for a Lift
Wire type flush valve system;
FIG. 20 is cutaway side elevational partly fragmentary view of a toilet which
includes a controlling system and a converting element of the present
invention for an
Actuator type flush valve system.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The system according to the invention comprises a control system 10, for
controlling the duration and volume of flow of water in a flush of a toilet
12. It constitutes
a programmable multiple flush conversion kit for gravity flush toilets, that
provides
multiple distinct flush options where the exact volume of water used for each
of the
multiple options is programmable. The system 10 controls the way the common
home
toilet 12 works by altering the way a flush valve 14 works, to enable multiple
separate
flush operations where each flush uses a pre-set amount of water per flush. It
is operable
on all gravity flush toilets 12, and with all types of buoyant flush valves
14, which operate
on the principal of water passing beneath a buoyant flush valve 14 via gravity
force.
The control system 10 constitutes a programmable flush valve control system,
which enables control of the operation of the flush valve 14 such that the
flush valve 14 is
no longer buoyant, and the duration of the flush no longer depends on the
flush valve 14
losing buoyancy in order to close. By converting the flush valve 14 to a non-
buoyant flush
valve 16, the control system 10 enables the non-buoyant flush valve 16 to be
closed at any
programmed time, thus controlling the duration of the flush and the volume of
flow of
water used.
The toilet 12 includes a flush actuator 18, and a flush actuator connecting
element
20 for connecting the flush actuator 18 to the non-buoyant flush valve 16.
User actuation
of the flush actuator 18 generates non-automated user actuation of the non-
buoyant flush
valve 16 to the raised open position. The flush actuator connecting element 20
may
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comprise a chain, metal chain links, plastic chain links, rubber straps, metal
ball-bead
chains, plastic ball-bead chain, lift wire, or the like.
Referring in the drawings to FIGS. 1-20, in which like reference numerals
refer to
corresponding components, the control system 10, according to the invention,
enables
control of the duration and volume of flow of water in a flush of a toilet 12.
In FIG. 2, a
toilet 12 is shown which includes a buoyant flapper type flush valve 14 which
is non-
automated in user actuation thereof to a raised open position.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6-7, the control system 10 includes a converting
element 22, for converting the buoyant flush valve 14 to a non-buoyant flush
valve 16
which is non-automated in user actuation thereof to a raised open position. It
further
includes a programming element 24, for enabling programming of a controlling
time, for
controlling the duration and volume of flow of water in a flush of the toilet
12. A
controlling element 26 comprising a control module in the system is connected
by a flat
ribbon cable 76 to the programming element 24. The controlling element 26 is
further
connected by a control module connecting element 28 to the converting element
22 which
connects to the non-buoyant flush valve 16. The control module controlling
element 28
retains the non-buoyant flush valve 16 in the raised open position upon non-
automated
user actuation thereof to the raised open position, and releases the non-
buoyant flush valve
16 from the raised open position for closing the non-buoyant flush valve,
within the
controlling time.
The converting element 22 comprises a weighted element 30, able to be
connected
to the buoyant flush valve 14 or the flush actuator connecting element 20, and
a weighted
element connecting element 32, for connecting the weighted element 30 to the
buoyant
flush valve 14 or the flush actuator connecting element 20.
The weighted element 30 includes a housing 34, weights 36 positionable in the
housing 34, and a main channel 38 for insertion therethrough of the flush
actuator
connecting element 20, The weighted element 30 and provides an anchoring point
40 for
attachment and locking thereto of the control module connecting element 20,
which
anchoring point 40 further includes an opening 42 for extension of the control
module
connecting element 20 thereinto. The weighted element 30 further includes a
clamping
element 44, for enabling clamping thereto of the flush actuator connecting
element 20.
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Alternatively, the weighted element 30 may comprise a solid weight which
includes a slot,
for insertion there thorough of the flush actuator connecting element 20, and
which
provides an anchoring point for attachment and locking thereto of the control
module
connecting element 28.
The weights 36 in the housing 34 of the weighted element 30 may comprise
weight
disks, and the housing 34 for example may hold up to five weight disks
available for a
total weight of about six ounces. Flush valves that are more buoyant may
require most if
not all of the weight disks for non-buoyancy. Flush valves that require more
weight can
have weight disks added, up to the maximum available, while flush valves that
require less
weight can have weight disks removed. Finger members 46 positioned beneath the
bottom
weight disk are able to lock the weight disks in place and prevent them from
coming out.
The clamping element comprises a spring-loaded tab 44, for enabling securing
thereby of the converting element 22 to the flush actuator connecting element
20. The
spring-loaded tab 44 enables the weighted element 30 to slide downward on the
flush
actuator connecting element 20, for positioning thereof, but does not allow
the weighted
element 30 to be pulled back up without pressing down to unlock the spring-
loaded tab 44.
Preferably, the weighted element 30 is secured and locked into place directly
above the
non-buoyant flush valve 16. This arrangement for connecting the weighted
element 30 is
useable for connecting to flapper type flush valves and lift wire type flush
valves.
The control module connecting element 28 may comprise a chain, metal chain
links, plastic chain links, rubber straps, metal ball-bead chains, plastic
ball-bead chain, lift
wire, monofilament, string, or the like.
A weighted element 30 is able to be attached to flush valves such as the
flapper
type flush valve herein, and to an actuator type flush valve, a lift wire type
valve, a tower
type flush valve, and the like.
A programming element 24 in the control system, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 4,
enables
programming of a controlling time, for controlling the duration and volume of
flow of
water in a flush of the toilet 12. The programming element 24 of the control
system 10 is
positionable at a user accessible location, such as on a lid 48 of the toilet
12.
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The programming element 24 includes a microprocessor which is programmable
for a time within the period of the minimum time required to complete a flush
of the toilet
12 to the maximum time required to drain all of the water from a taffl( 50 of
the toilet 12.
The programming element 24 is programmable for two controlling times,
constituting a
small flush time and a large flush time. The small flush time comprises a
controlling
default flush time. The control system 10 is programmable to enable user
actuation of the
large flush time.
The programming element comprises a user interface module 24 which is
programmable. The user interface module 24 includes a top cover 52, which may
be
transparent to enable elements therein to be visible. The top cover 52 may
further include
hinges 54 in the back, to enable opening and closing thereof, and a lock 56,
which is
extendable through a screw hole 58, to prevent tampering with flush time
settings. The
lock 56 may include the top cover 52 being able to snap in place, and a screw
60 for
securing thereof. The user interface module 24 further includes a small flush
control dial
62 for setting the small flush time, and a large flush control dial 64 for
setting the large
flush time, so the user can program the duration of the flush and the volume
of water used
per flush to the minimum amount the particular toilet 12 requires to complete
a flush. As
the small flush control dial 62 is turned clockwise, for example, the duration
of the flush
increases, which increases the amount of water used for the small flush. As
the large flush
control dial 64 is turned clockwise, for example, the duration of the flush
increases, which
increases the amount of water used for the large flush.
The user interface module 24 also includes a low battery light emitting diode
66, a
flush light emitting diode 68, and a large flush select button 70. When the
large flush
select button 70 is pressed, for example, the user interface module 24 is
notified that, if the
toilet 12 is flushed in a time period such as the next ten seconds, a large
flush is to be
provided. The top cover 52 is able to be pressed to enable actuation of the
large flush
select button 70. The user interface module 24 further includes a printed
circuit board, and
a battery compartment 72 which includes a battery cover door and battery
contacts 74.
Rubber feet and tape may be included to prevent the user interface module 24
from
moving or sliding from a location on top of the toilet tank 50. A cable 76,
which extends
from the user interface module 24 to the controlling element 26, comprises for
example a
flat ribbon cable, selected so that the toilet lid 48 can be closed without
any elevation by
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the cable 76. A rubber grommet may be used to relieve strain to support the
cable 76 at a
location where it exits the user interface module 24, and to prevent moisture
from entering
therein.
The control system 10 further includes the controlling element 26, as seen in
FIGS.
3, 5, and 8-12, which is connected to the programming element 24 and the non-
buoyant
flush valve 16. The controlling element 26 retains the non-buoyant flush valve
16 in the
raised open position upon non-automated user actuation thereof to the raised
open position,
and releases the non-buoyant flush valve from the raised open position for
closing the non-
buoyant flush valve, within the controlling time.
The controlling element of the control system 10 comprises a control module
26,
which is connected to the programming element 24 by the cable 76, and to the
non-
buoyant flush valve 16 by the control module connecting element 28. The
control module
26 includes electro-mechanical elements.
The control module 26 retains the non-buoyant flush valve 16 in the raised
open
position upon non-automated user actuation of the non-buoyant flush valve 16
to the raised
open position. It further releases the non-buoyant flush valve 16 from the
raised open
position for closing thereof. Retention and release of the non-buoyant flush
valve 16 by
the control module 26 are effected within the controlling time.
The control module 26 includes a spring cover 78, mounted on a spring cover
shaft
80. It further includes a pulley 82, mounted on the spring cover shaft 80. A
spring is
covered by the spring cover 78, and is wound in a circular direction and
anchored at two
points. When the pulley 82 is rotated in one direction, the spring is wound
up, creating a
tension such that the spring seeks to turn in the opposite direction. This
spring tension
preloads the spring. When the control module connecting element 28 and the
weighted
element 30 locked thereto are pulled out, the preloaded spring gets wound
increasingly
tighter, such that the spring seeks to retract the control module connecting
element 28 and
the weighted element 30. The control module connecting element 28 is able to
be retained
in, and retracted to, wound condition on the pulley 82, and is able to be
released from
wound condition on the pulley 82.
The spring cover 78 has projections including teeth 84 projecting outwardly
from
the sides and spikes 86 extending upwardly from the top thereof. A ratchet
pawl 88 and a
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ratchet pawl spring 90 are included in the control module 26. The ratchet pawl
88 includes
an extending portion 92 and a depending portion 94. The ratchet pawl 88 is
spring loaded
by the ratchet pawl spring 90, so that the extending portion 92 is constantly
being pulled
toward the spring cover projecting teeth 84, and is biased by the ratchet pawl
spring 90
into engagement with the spring cover projecting teeth 84.
The ratchet pawl extending portion 92, upon non-automated user actuation of
the
non-buoyant flush valve 16 to the raised open position, engages a spring cover
projecting
tooth 84, retaining the non-buoyant flush valve 16 in the raised open
position. The spring
cover projecting teeth 84 also enable rotation of the spring cover 78 and the
pulley in the
opposite direction, for enabling retraction of slack in the control module
connecting
element upon such non-automated user actuation thereof to the raised open
position.
The ratchet pawl 88 is able to be pressed out of engagement with the spring
cover
projecting teeth 84, releasing the control module connecting element 28 and
the non-
buoyant flush valve 16 locked thereto by the weighted element 30. In the
released
condition of the non-buoyant flush valve 16, upon disengagement of the ratchet
pawl
extending portion 92 from a spring cover tooth 84, the spring cover 78 and the
pulley 82
are able to rotate in a direction for releasing the control module connecting
element 28
from retained and retracted condition on the pulley 82, and for releasing the
non-buoyant
flush valve 16 from the raised open position for closing the non-buoyant flush
valve 16.
The control module 26 further includes a timing gear 96, which includes a cam
portion 98 and an engageable teeth portion 100, and a timing gear spring 102.
A motor
104 and a worm gear 106 are also included. Depending upon the direction in
which the
motor 104 turns the worm gear 106, as transmitted through the timing gear
engageable
teeth portion 100 to the timing gear 96, the timing gear cam portion 98 is
either pressed
against the ratchet pawl depending portion 94, or is directed away from the
ratchet pawl
88. When pressed against the ratchet pawl depending portion 94, the timing
gear 96
enables release of the non-buoyant flush valve 16 from the raised open
position for closing
the non-buoyant flush valve 16. When directed away from the ratchet pawl 88,
the timing
gear 96 enables retention of the non-buoyant flush valve 16 in the raised open
position,
and retention of the control module connecting element 28 in wound condition
on the
pulley 82.
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The timing gear spring 102 maintains tension on the timing gear 96 to bias the
timing gear 96 in the direction of the timing gear engageable teeth portion
100. The
operation of the timing gear spring 102 allows the motor 104 to overrun
without damaging
the engageable teeth portion 100 of the worm gear 106. It also positions the
timing gear
96 so that it is always in contact with the worm gear 106, so that when the
motor 104 runs
in the either direction, the engageable teeth portion 100 of the timing gear
96 are in contact
with the worm gear 106.
Also, the control module 26 includes a movement detecting element, which
comprises for example a piezo element 108, for detecting movement of the
spring cover
78. The piezo element 108 is a crystal structure which creates an electric
charge when a
small amount of stress is applied, and which sends the electric charge to the
programming
element 24 to signal motion sensing. A piezo housing 110 houses the piezo
element 108.
A piezo spring wire 112 and a piezo spring wire guide 114 are further included
in
the control module 26. The piezo spring wire 112 extends outwardly from the
piezo
element 108 inside the piezo housing 110, extends on top of the piezo spring
wire guide
114, and is flicked by rotation of the spring cover extending spikes 86 as the
spring cover
78 rotates. The piezo spring wire 112 transfers force received during the
flicking thereof
to the piezo element 108. When the piezo spring wire 112 is struck by the
spring cover
extending spikes 86, the piezo element 108 is stressed and sends an electric
signal pulse
for motion detection to the programming element 24. The piezo spring wire
guide 114
directs the piezo spring wire 112 as it gets flicked by the rotating spring
cover extending
spikes 86.
Further, the control module 26 includes a cap 116, a housing 124, and a pulley
housing cover 112. The components of the control module 26 are secured to the
cap 116
which is inserted into the housing 124. A sealing ring creates a water-tight
seal when the
cap 116 is secured to the housing 124. The pulley housing includes the cover
112 for the
pulley 82, which includes an enlarged opening 122 for enabling the control
module
connecting element 28 to exit and enter therethrough in an unobstructed
manner. The
sealing ring creates a water-tight seal around the housing 124 where the
spring cover shaft
80 penetrates the housing 124.
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The control module 26 further includes a bracket portion 126 which attaches to
it.
The housing bracket portion 126 includes a tab portion 128 which is able to
securely
retain the control module 26 on a rim 130 of the toilet taffl( 50. The bracket
portion 126 is
further bendable outwardly to extend over a thicker wall 132 of the toilet
taffl( 50. The
bracket portion 126 further includes a cutout to enable the tab portion 128 to
be pulled
outward for different thicknesses of the toilet tank wall 132. An opening in
the bracket
portion 126 enables exit and entry from under the bracket portion 126 for the
cable 76
which connects the programming element 24 and the control module 26. The
bracket
portion opening is sealed after installation of the cable 76 to prevent water
penetration.
In operation of the control system 10, in a small flush cycle, the user
presses the
toilet flush actuator 18 to flush the toilet 12. The non-buoyant flush valve
16 inside the
toilet 12 rises, which opens the outlet of the toilet tank 50 and water is
released into the
toilet bowl. The control module connecting element 28 is connected to the
weighted
element 30, which is locked into place onto the non-buoyant flush valve 16 or
the flush
actuator connecting element 20. As the non-buoyant flush valve 16 begins to
rise, so does
the weighted element 30, and the control module connecting element 28 is
refracted
thereby. As the weighted element 30 rises, the control module connecting
element 28
slackens, and this slack is retracted onto the pulley 82.
The rotation of the pulley 82, as it winds up the control module connecting
element
28, actuates the piezo element 108. The piezo element 108 is actuated by the
piezo spring
wire 112 that is being flicked by the upwardly projecting spikes 86 on the top
of the spring
cover 78. The spring cover 78 is rotating by operation of the spring therein,
which has
been preloaded by the pulling out of the weighted element 30 when initially
pulled out for
attaching and locking onto the non-buoyant flush valve 16. The spring cover 78
is
connected to the pulley 82 by the common spring cover shaft 80, causing the
entire unit to
rotate as a single assembly. The slack in the control module connecting
element 28 causes
the preloaded spring cover 78 to rotate, and thereby causes the pulley 82 to
rotate and wind
the control module connecting element 28 thereon.
The signal from the piezo element 108, actuated by rotation of the pulley 82,
is
received by the microprocessor in the user interface module 24. The signal
from the piezo
element 108 actuates the microprocessor to generate responsive operations in
the control
system 10. The flush light emitting diode 68 begins to flash. The small flush
timer starts
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to function. The small flush timer consists of time values stored in the
microprocessor.
The time values for the small flush timer are pre-selected by the user by
turning the small
flush dial 62 on the user interface module 24 to program the duration of the
small flush
time. The motor 104 runs forward for approximately fifty milliseconds.
The ratchet pawl 88 is connected to the ratchet pawl spring 90, which is
constantly
pulling the ratchet pawl 88 in the direction of the outwardly projecting teeth
84 around the
spring cover 78. When the timing gear 96 is no longer in contact with the
ratchet pawl 88
due to the rotation of the motor 104, the ratchet pawl 88 moves into the
engaged position,
and locks the assembly of the spring cover 78 and the pulley 82 into the
locked position.
In the locked position, the spring cover 78 can continue to rotate in one
direction but not
the other. This allows the control module connecting element 28 to continue to
be
retracted as more slack is created. The control module connecting element 28
cannot be
pulled back out, which would otherwise allow the weighted element 30 to be
lowered and
the non-buoyant flush valve 16 to be closed. When the ratchet pawl 88 is
engaged with the
spring cover 78, the non-buoyant flush valve 16 will be held in the open
position, such that
water will empty from the tank, and the non-buoyant flush valve 16 will not
close until the
ratchet pawl 88 is disengaged from the spring cover 78.
The microprocessor next waits for the flush timer to reach the small flush
time.
Upon the flush timer reaching the small flush time, the motor 104 runs in
reverse for
approximately fifty milliseconds, and rotates the timing gear 96 in the
opposite direction,
so that the timing gear 96 is fully pressing against the ratchet pawl 88. With
the timing
gear 96 pressing against the ratchet pawl 88, the ratchet pawl 88 is
disengaged from the
outwardly projecting teeth 84 of the spring cover 78, and the weighted element
30 is able
to be lowered, which closes the non-buoyant flush valve 16 and stops the
flush. Because
the weighted element 30 counters buoyancy and the force of the spring in the
spring cover
78, when the weighted element 30 is released from the locking engagement of
the ratchet
pawl 88 with the outwardly projecting teeth 84 of the spring cover 78, the
weighted
element 30 forces the non-buoyant flush valve 16 into the closed position.
Upon the flush timer reaching the end of the small flush time, the flush light
emitting diode 68 stops flashing. At the end of the small flush cycle, all
timers are reset.
The toilet 12 then refills itself as it normally does.
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In operation of the control system, in a large flush cycle, the user presses
the large
flush select button 70. The flush light emitting diode 68 begins flashing for
ten seconds.
The user has ten seconds to flush the toilet 12 if a large flush is desired,
otherwise the
system defaults to a small flush.
The user flushes the toilet 12 by pressing the toilet flush actuator 18. The
non-
buoyant flush valve 16 inside the toilet 12 rises, opening the outlet of the
toilet tank 50,
and water is released into the toilet bowl. The control module connecting
element 28 is
connected to the weighted element 30 which is locked onto the non-buoyant
flush valve 16
, such that, as the non-buoyant flush valve 16 begins to rise, so does the
weighted element
30, and the control module connecting element 28 is refracted. As the weighted
element
30 rises, the control module connecting element 28 slackens, and this slack is
retracted
onto the pulley 82. The rotation of the pulley 82, as it winds up the control
module
connecting element 28, actuates the piezo element 108.
The piezo element 108 is actuated by the piezo spring wire 112 which is
flicked by
the upwardly projecting spikes 86 of the spring cover 78. The spring cover 78
is rotating
by operation of the spring inside the spring cover 78, which has been
preloaded by the
pulling out of the weighted element 30, when initially pulled out for
attaching and locking
onto the non-buoyant flush valve 16. The spring cover 78 is connected to the
pulley 82 by
the common spring cover shaft 80, causing the entire unit to rotate as a
single assembly.
The slack in the control module connecting element 28 causes the preloaded
spring cover
78 to rotate, and thereby causes the pulley 82 to rotate and wind the control
module
connecting element 28 thereon.
The microprocessor in the user interface module 24 receives a signal from the
piezo element 108. The signal from the piezo element 108 actuates the
microprocessor to
generate responsive operations in the control system 10. The flush light
emitting diode 68
starts flashing. The microprocessor starts the large flush timer, which
consists of the time
values stored in the microprocessor which the user pre-selects by turning the
large flush
dial 64 on the user interface module 24 to program the duration of the large
flush time.
The motor 104 runs forward for approximately fifty milliseconds, and rotates
the timing
gear 96 so that the timing gear 96 is no longer pressing against the ratchet
pawl 88.
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The ratchet pawl 88 is connected to the ratchet paw spring 90, which is
constantly
pulling the ratchet pawl 88 in the direction of the outwardly projecting teeth
84 of the
spring cover 78. When the timing gear 96 is no longer in contact with the
ratchet pawl 88,
due to rotation of the motor 104, the ratchet pawl 88 moves into the engaged
position and
locks the assembly of the spring cover 78 and the pulley 82 into the locked
position.
In the locked position, the spring cover 78 can continue to rotate in one
direction
but not the other. This allows the control module connecting element 28 to
continue to be
retracted as more slack is created, while preventing the control module
connecting element
28 from being pulled back out, which would otherwise allow the weighted
element 30 to
be lowered and the non-buoyant flush valve 16 to be closed. When the ratchet
pawl 88 is
engaged with the spring cover 78, the non-buoyant flush valve 16 will be held
in the open
position, so water will empty from the tank. The non-buoyant flush valve 16
will not close
until the ratchet pawl 88 is disengaged from the spring cover 78.
The microprocessor in the user interface module 24 waits for the flush timer
to
reach the large flush time. When the flush timer reaches the large flush time,
the motor
104 runs in reverse for approximately fifty milliseconds, and rotates the
timing gear 96 in
the opposite direction, such that the timing gear 96 is pressing against the
ratchet pawl 88.
With the timing gear 96 pressing against the ratchet pawl 88, the ratchet pawl
88 is
disengaged from the outwardly projecting teeth 84 of the spring cover 78, and
the
weighted element 30 is able to be lowered, which closes the non-buoyant flush
valve 16
and stops the flush. Because the weighted element 30 counters buoyancy and the
force of
the spring in the spring cover 78, when the weighted element 30 is released
from the
locking of the ratchet pawl 88, the weighted element 30 forces the non-buoyant
flush valve
16 into the closed position.
Upon the flush timer reaching the end of the large flush time, the flush light
emitting diode 68 stops flashing. At the end of the large flush cycle, all
timers are reset.
The toilet 12 then refills itself as it does normally.
In an embodiment of the invention, wherein the control system 10 includes a
single
connecting element 148 for the flush actuator and the controlling element, as
seen in FIGS.
13A and 13B, the control module 26 further includes the flush actuator 18, and
the flush
actuator 18 and the connecting element 148 enable user actuation of the flush
actuator 18
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to generate non-automated user actuation of the non-buoyant flush valve 16 to
the raised
open position. In such embodiment, the flush actuator 18 and the connecting
element 148
enable the control module 26 to retain the non-buoyant flush valve 16 in the
raised open
position upon non-automated user actuation of the non-buoyant flush valve 16
to the raised
open position. They further enable the control module 26 to release the non-
buoyant flush
valve 16 from the raised open position for closing the non-buoyant flush valve
16, within
the controlling time.
In another embodiment of the invention, in FIG. 17, the user interface module
24
is programmable for a controlling time which comprises a small flush time
comprising a
controlling default flush time, the flush actuator 18 includes a small flush
handle 136, and
user actuation of the small flush handle 136 generates non-automated user
actuation of the
non-buoyant flush valve 16 to the raised open position. The user interface
module 24 is
further programmable for a further controlling time which comprises a large
flush time, the
flush actuator 18 further includes a large flush handle 138, which is
engageable with the
small flush handle 136. Initial user movement of the large flush handle 138
generates
actuation of the large flush time, and further user movement of the large
flush handle 138
into engagement with the small flush handle 136 generates non-automated user
actuation
of the non-buoyant flush valve 16 to the raised open position.
In a further embodiment of the invention, as seen in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the
flush
handle 140 is mounted on a toilet taffl( 50, with a shaft 142 fixed to the
flush handle 140
and penetrating the toilet taffl( 50 as well as a control module 26. A flush
lever 144 pivots
on the flush handle shaft 142 and is prevented from rotating clockwise
relative to the flush
handle 140 by a finger 146 which is fixed to the flush handle shaft 142. When
the flush
handle 140 is pushed by the user and thereby rotated counterclockwise, the
flush lever 144
will also rotate counterclockwise. This raises a chain 148, which connects to
a non-
buoyant flush valve, and flushes the toilet 12. A ratchet pawl 150 can be
selectively
engaged to teeth 152 which are fixed to the flush lever 144. As the flush
lever 144 rotates
counterclockwise, the movement of the flush lever 144 is detected by a sensor
which
detects movement of the flush handle 140, such detection signaling ratchet
pawl control
means to engage the ratchet pawl 150 to prevent subsequent clockwise movement
of the
flush lever 144. This maintains the open state of the non-buoyant flush valve
until the
flush timer completes its cycle. When the ratchet pawl 150 is holding the
flush lever 144,
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the flush handle 140 is free to move back to its starting position. A spring
154 is
connected to the finger 146 to accomplish this. When the timed flush cycle is
complete,
the ratchet pawl control means act to release the ratchet pawl 150 from
engagement with
the teeth 152, thereby dropping the chain 148, which closes the non-buoyant
flush valve
and stops the flush.
Further, in an embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the flush
handle 140 is mounted on a toilet tank 50. A flush lever 144 is connected to
the chain 148,
which connects to a non-buoyant flush valve 16, to allow the user to flush the
toilet 12. A
mechanism housing 156 is mounted to an overflow tube 158. The chain 148 is
enveloped
by the housing 156, and passes between a wheel 160 and the ratchet pawl 150.
The ratchet
pawl 150 can be selectively engaged to the chain 148. The ratchet pawl 150 in
FIG. 14A
is in a disengaged position, and is in an engaged position in FIG. 14B. When
the flush
handle 140 is depressed by the user, the movement of the chain 148 is detected
by a sensor
which detects movement of the flush handle 140, such detection signaling the
ratchet pawl
control means to move the ratchet pawl 150 to the engaged state wherein it
grips the chain
148, thereby pinching it against the wheel 160 and preventing the chain 148
from moving
down. Since the non-buoyant flush valve 16 is connected to the chain 148, this
maintains
the open state of the non-buoyant flush valve 16 until a flush timer completes
its cycle.
When the timed flush cycle is complete, the ratchet pawl control means acts to
release the
ratchet pawl 150 from engagement with the chain 148, thereby dropping the
chain 148,
which closes the non-buoyant flush valve 16 and stops the flush.
In still another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, a
flush handle 140 is mounted on a toilet tank 50. A flush lever 144 is
connected to a chain
148, which connects to a flush valve 14 to allow the user to flush the toilet
12. The bottom
end of a rack 162 is connected to the chain 148 near the end thereof that
connects to the
flush valve 14. The rack 162 has enough weight that it will counter any
buoyancy that the
flush valve 14 may have. Teeth 164 on the rack 162 engage teeth 166 on a gear
168. A
ratchet pawl 150 can be selectively engaged to the gear 168. FIG. 15A shows
the ratchet
pawl 150 in a disengaged position, and FIG. 15B shows the ratchet pawl 150 in
the
engaged position. When the flush handle 140 is depressed by the user, the
movement of
the gear 168 is detected by a sensor which detects movement of the flush
handle 140, such
detection signaling a ratchet pawl control means to move the ratchet pawl 150
to the
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engaged state, wherein it grips the gear 168, thereby preventing it from
rotating clockwise,
which in turn prevents the rack 162 from moving down. Since the flush valve 14
is
connected to the rack 162 by the chain 148, this maintains the open state of
the flush valve
14 until the timer completes its flush cycle. When the timed flush cycle is
complete, the
ratchet pawl control means act to release the ratchet pawl 150 from engagement
with the
gear 168, thereby dropping the rack 162 which closes the flush valve 14 and
stops the
flush.
In a variation of the embodiment, the ratchet pawl is not present, and the
rack 162
is very light in weight instead of heavy. In this variation, the gear 168 is
driven by a
motor. When a user initiates a flush action by pushing the flush handle 140,
this causes the
chain 148 to rise, which lifts the flush valve 14 and the rack 162. The rack
162 rises and
drives the gear 168. The motor connected to the gear 168 is not energized, and
does not
prevent the rotation of the gear 168. The rotation of the gear 168 is detected
by the sensor
and the timed flush cycle starts. When the timed flush cycle completes, the
motor is
energized such that it drives the gear 168 clockwise which forces the rack 162
down,
closes the flush valve 14, and ends the flush.
Also, in another embodiment of the invention, in FIGS. 16A and 16B, a flush
handle 140 is mounted to a toilet tank 12. A flush lever 144 is connected to a
chain 148,
which connects to a non-buoyant flush valve 16 to allow the user to flush the
toilet 12. A
weighted element is provided to convert a flush valve into a non-buoyant flush
valve 16.
A mechanism housing 156 is mounted near the flush handle 140, and may be
connected to
the flush lever 144 or to a hole in the toilet taffl( 50 which may be provided
for the flush
lever 144 . A cable 170 is connected to the chain 148 near the end thereof
which connects
to the non-buoyant flush valve 16. A bracket 172 is supported at its ends on a
top rim 130
of the toilet tank 12, and provides a rotatable mounting location for a pulley
174. The
pulley 174 is located such that it can redirect the line of operation of the
cable 170 from its
origin at the mechanism housing 156 down to a terminus at the non-buoyant
flush valve
16. When the flush handle 140 is depressed by the user, the movement of the
chain 148
causes the cable 170 to move, which is detected by a sensor which detects
movement of
the flush handle 140, and the mechanism housing 156 operates to hold the non-
buoyant
flush valve 16 open for a timed flush cycle.
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In a variation of the embodiment, the flush select button 70 to select the
flush size
is connected to the mechanism housing 156 but is located outside and in front
of the toilet
taffl( 12, near the location of the flush handle 140. In another variation of
the embodiment,
the flush select button 170 is integrated into the flush handle 140, or takes
the form of a
secondary flush handle.
In a further embodiment of the invention, in an Actuator type flush valve
system,
as seen in FIG. 20, the actuator flush valve 176 includes an actuator 178, and
the control
system 10 includes an actuator adapter 180, which is secured to the actuator
178. The
control system 10 further includes a weighted element 30, which is secured to
the actuator
adapter 180, and to which the control module connecting element 28 is clamped.
The
weighted element 30 is positioned in the section of the actuator adapter 180
distant from,
and in front of, the actuator 178, which enables the control system 10 to
counter and
overcome the force of buoyancy of the actuator flush valve 176. The actuator
adapter 178
includes a thumb screw, which locks the actuator adapter 180 to the flush
actuator
connecting element 20 for connecting to the actuator 178. By locking the
actuator adapter
180 to the actuator flush actuator connecting element 20, the actuator adapter
180 is
securely locked to the actuator 178.
In a still further embodiment of the invention, in FIG. 19, in a Lift Wire
type flush
valve system, the weighted element 30 is able to receive a lift wire 182 in
the main channel
38 thereof, and the spring-loaded tab of the weighted element 30 pinches onto
the lift wire
182.
A Mansfield or Tower type flush valve system is accommodated in another
embodiment of the invention, as seen in FIG. 18, the weighted element 30 is
able to
receive a cable tie 184 through its plastic loops, so the cable tie 184 can
then wrap around
a tower valve to securely attach the weighted element 30 to it.
In a further embodiment of the invention, in FIG. 4A, a sensing element 176
associated with the user interface module 24 may be programmed to sense the
presence of
a person and the length of time the person has been using the toilet 12, and
for
automatically determining whether to provide a small flush time or a large
flush time. The
sensing element 176 further includes a time threshold determining element 178
for
enabling the user to program a time threshold for the sensing element to
determine the type
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of flush to provide. The bathroom habits of the average person require greater
than one
minute at the toilet 12 for a bowel movement.
In such embodiment, if the time threshold determining element is programmed at
one minute and a user is detected at the toilet 12 for longer than one minute,
the user
interface module 24 will run the large flush cycle upon the detection of a
flush of the toilet
12. If a user is not detected at the toilet 12 for more than one minute, a
small flush cycle
will be provided upon the detection of a flush of the toilet 12. The sensing
element
enables the user to use the flush toilet, without modifying toilet flushing
habits, such that
the large flush select button 70 need not be pressed prior to flushing the
toilet 12 when a
large flush is desired. Further, the user need not to be taught how to use the
device, since
there would be no change in operation of the toilet 12 and no user interface
with the
device.
In the sensing element embodiment, the sensing element may be located on the
user interface module 24 so that it can be pointed in a direct line of sight
at a person sitting
on the toilet. The user interface module 24 would include a time threshold
dial to enable
the user to adjust the setting, for example, by turning the time threshold
dial clockwise to
increase the amount of time that the sensing element 176 requires to detect a
user at the
toilet 12 before the time threshold is met. Once the time threshold is met by
a user being
detected at the toilet 12, then the user interface module 24 would provide the
next flush as
a large flush. The large flush select button 70 can still be used in
conjunction with the
sensing element 186. If the large flush select button 70 is pressed at any
time, for
example, a large flush will be provided if the toilet 12 is flushed within ten
seconds of the
large flush select button 70 being pressed.
While the particular water flow controlling system as shown and disclosed in
detail
herein is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages
previously
stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently
preferred
embodiment of the invention, and that no limitations are intended to the
details of
construction or design shown herein.
