US3720962A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flush toilet and method
Assignee: Microphor Inc
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Filing: 1971-01-29
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Granted: 1973-03-20
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Expires: 1991-01-29
Abstract
Abstract A system (apparatus and method) for reducing the amount of water required for flushing conventional and portable toilets. The system makes use in a toilet combination of a bowl portion and a gas-tight base portion and employs water flush means for the bowl portion in conjunction with air flush means for the base portion. Movable valve means between the bowl and base portions are controlled to retract while water is introduced to flush the bowl portion and to return while a charge of compressed air is introduced to discharge the contents of the toilet to a waste discharge line. This system is effective in conjunction with conventional toilets or waste treating systems or compact biological or chemical waste treating systems.
Inventors
- 👤 R Harrah
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 09:52
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D3/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S4/00; Y10S4/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A flush toilet characterized by reduced water requirements comprising: a bowl portion, means for water flushing said bowl portion, a base portion in fluid communication with said bowl portion, means for air flushing said base portion, said air flush means including means to introduce a predetermined quantity of air under pressure to said base portion, movable valve means between the bowl and base portions of said toilet, and control means to initially open said valve means and to activate said water flush means to effect water flushing of said bowl portion of the toilet and thereafter to close said valve means and to acTivate said air flush means to effect air flushing of said base portion of the toilet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A flush toilet characterized by reduced water requirements comprising: a bowl portion, means for water flushing said bowl portion, a base portion in fluid communication with said bowl portion, means for air flushing said base portion, said air flush means including means to introduce a predetermined quantity of air under pressure to said base portion, movable valve means between the bowl and base portions of said toilet, and control means to initially open said valve means and to activate said water flush means to effect water flushing of said bowl portion of the toilet and thereafter to close said valve means and to acTivate said air flush means to effect air flushing of said base portion of the toilet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A flush toilet as in claim 1 wherein said means for water flushing said bowl portion of the toilet includes valve means adapted to introduce a predetermined quantity of water to said bowl portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A flush toilet as in claim 1 wherein said means to introduce a predetermined quantity of air under pressure to said base portion of the toilet includes a time delay mechanism including a bleed valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A flush toilet as in claim 3 wherein said time delay mechanism and bleed valve is pneumatically operated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A flush toilet as in claim 3 wherein said time delay mechanism and bleed valve is hydraulically operated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A flush toilet as in claim 1 wherein said movable valve means comprises a slide valve mechanism and means normally biasing said slide valve mechanism into a closed position separating said bowl and base portions of the toilet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A flush toilet as in claim 1 wherein said control means comprises a control lever mechanically linked to said movable valve means and to said means activating said water flush and said air flush means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A flush toilet as in claim 7 wherein said control lever is a foot lever positioned adjacent the base portion of said toilet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A flush toilet as in claim 7 wherein said control lever is a hand lever positioned adjacent the bowl portion of said toilet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
143 words
A combination water and air flush toilet including means to reduce the amount of water required for flushing, comprising: a toilet bowl, a source of water, means introducing a predetermined amount of water from said water source to said toilet bowl to effect water flushing of the same, a toilet base including a substantially airtight chamber, a source of air under pressure, means introducing a predetermined amount of air from said air source to said base chamber to effect air flushing of the same, reversible valve means between said toilet bowl and said base chamber, control means to operate said reversible valve means, and actuating means responsive to said control means to initially activate said means to introduce a predetermined amount of water to said toilet bowl, and thereafter to activate said means introducing a predetermined amount of air to said base chamber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
143 words
A combination water and air flush toilet including means to reduce the amount of water required for flushing, comprising: a toilet bowl, a source of water, means introducing a predetermined amount of water from said water source to said toilet bowl to effect water flushing of the same, a toilet base including a substantially airtight chamber, a source of air under pressure, means introducing a predetermined amount of air from said air source to said base chamber to effect air flushing of the same, reversible valve means between said toilet bowl and said base chamber, control means to operate said reversible valve means, and actuating means responsive to said control means to initially activate said means to introduce a predetermined amount of water to said toilet bowl, and thereafter to activate said means introducing a predetermined amount of air to said base chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
A flush toilet as in claim 10 wherein said actuating means includes cam means associated with said control means to sequentially energize said respective means for introducing predetermined amounts of water and air to said toilet bowl and base chamber.
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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) | 1976-03-19 | 1976-09-18 | 1977-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-19 | 1980-09-18 | 1981-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-19 | 1984-09-18 | 1985-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |