EFFICIENT FLUSH TOILET

Abstract

A toilet flushing assembly includes at least a spiral trapway and a drive mechanism. The spiral trapway includes an upstream portion coupled to a toilet bowl, a curved portion, and a downstream portion coupled to a waste outlet. The drive mechanism is coupled to the spiral trapway and configured to rotate the spiral trapway from a first orientation to a second orientation. The first orientation evacuates contents from the toilet bowl and the second orientation advances the contents from the spiral trapway to the waste outlet.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to toilets and other plumbing fixtures with water efficiency structure and operative with water efficiency techniques.

BACKGROUND

In consideration of environmental and economic concerns, it is advantageous to reduce the amount of fresh water used during a flush cycle of a toilet. Water is used to perform several functions during each flush cycle, for example, water is used to perform seal recovery, odor prevention, waste removal, bowl rinse, and drain line carry. Reducing an amount of water used with each flush may negatively impact one or more functions of the water during the flush cycle. Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods for reducing an amount of fresh water used during a flush cycle, while maintaining performance of the several functions performed by water during the flush cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example toilet operable with any of the flushing assembly embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example toilet operable with any of the flushing assembly embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example sequence for a first embodiment of a spiral trapway flushing assembly.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrates an example sequence for a second embodiment of a spiral trapway flushing assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example sequence for a third embodiment of a spiral trapway flushing assembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example sequence for a fourth embodiment of a spiral trapway flushing assembly.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flush lever for the spiral trapway flushing assembly.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example two-tiered flush valve.

FIG. 11 illustrates another view of an example two-tiered flush valve.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example partially buoyant two-tiered flush valve.

FIG. 13 illustrates a trip mechanism for an example two-tiered flush valve.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example treadle mechanism for the spiral trapway flushing assembly.

FIG. 15 illustrates a first example coupling of the treadle mechanism and a trip mechanism.

FIG. 16 illustrates a second example coupling of the treadle mechanism and a trip mechanism.

FIG. 17 illustrates a first example coupling of the treadle mechanism and a trip mechanism.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example flow chart for operation of the spiral trapway flushing assembly.

FIG. 19 illustrates a first example trapdoor flushing assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 20 illustrates the first example trapdoor flushing assembly in an open position.

FIG. 21 illustrates a second example trapdoor flushing assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 22 illustrates the second example trapdoor flushing assembly in an open position.

FIG. 23 illustrates a third example trapdoor flushing assembly.

FIG. 24 illustrates a fifth example trapdoor flushing assembly.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example trapdoor flushing assembly.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example holding tank flushing assembly.

FIG. 27 illustrates another example holding tank flushing assembly.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example flow chart for the trapdoor or holding tank flushing assemblies.

FIG. 29 illustrates a first view example peristaltic pump flushing assembly.

FIG. 30 illustrates a second view example peristaltic pump flushing assembly.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example flush sequence for the peristaltic pump flushing assembly.

FIG. 32A-F illustrate example alternative embodiments for the peristaltic pump flushing assembly.

FIG. 33 illustrates an example flow chart for the trapdoor or holding tank flushing assemblies.

FIG. 34 illustrates a first example embodiment of a sump compartment flushing assembly.

FIG. 35 illustrates a second example embodiment of a sump compartment flushing assembly.

FIG. 36 illustrates a third example embodiment of a sump compartment flushing assembly.

FIG. 37 illustrates an example flow chart for operation of the sump compartment flushing assembly.

FIG. 38 illustrates a first embodiment of an example manual pump flushing assembly.

FIG. 39 illustrates example check valves.

FIG. 40 illustrates a second embodiment of an example manual pump flushing assembly.

FIG. 41 illustrates a third embodiment of an example manual pump flushing assembly.

FIG. 42 illustrates an example manual pump including an external water source.

FIG. 43 illustrates an example flow chart for the manual pump flushing assembly.

FIG. 44 illustrates an example pressurized air trap flushing assembly.

FIG. 45 illustrates another example pressurized air trap flushing assembly.

FIG. 46 illustrates another example pressurized air trap flushing assembly.

FIG. 47 illustrates an example flow chart for the pressurized air trap flushing assembly.

FIG. 48A-B illustrate example conveyor flushing assemblies.

FIG. 49 illustrates an example waste ram flushing assembly.

FIG. 50 illustrates an example manual vacuum flushing assembly.

FIG. 51 illustrates an example vertical turntable flushing assembly.

FIG. 52 illustrates an example horizontal turntable flushing assembly.

FIG. 53 illustrates an example manual pressure flushing assembly.

FIG. 54 illustrates an example controller for any of the electronic flushing assembly embodiments.

FIG. 55 illustrates an example flow chart for the operation of the controller of FIG. 54.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “plumbing fixture” refers to an apparatus that is connected to a plumbing system of a house, building or another structure. The term “plumbing fixture” may include toilets, faucets, shower heads, bathtubs, urinals. The term “bathroom fixture” may more specifically refer to individual types of plumbing fixtures found in the bathroom such as toilets and urinals. The following embodiments are described with respect to a toilet but also may be applied to urinals, any type of bathroom fixture, or any type of plumbing fixture.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate toilets according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a skirted toilet 10 that includes a tank 11, a pedestal 21 (or base), a seat assembly 17 and a coupling or mounting assembly. The tank 11 may include a hollow container 12 for storing the water used during operational (or flushing) cycles, a lid (or cover) 13 for providing selective access into the container 12, and an actuator 14 that is configured to initiate an operational cycle when activated. The actuator 14 or flush mechanism may be a button configured to activate when depressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or when touched, a lever configured to activate when rotated a predetermined angular travel, or any suitable device configured to activate based upon an input manipulation by a user. The actuator 14 may include multiple buttons, levers, or inputs, such that multiple flush types may be selected. The flush types may include a low volume flush and a high volume flush. A medium volume flush may also be included.

It should be noted that the shapes and configurations of the tank, pedestal, seat assembly, and the internal components (including the trapway and other features) may vary from the embodiments shown and described herein, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended as limitations. Various components of the toilet may be made of vitreous china. Various components of the toilet may be polymeric and/or over molded or otherwise fixed to the toilet. It should be noted, for example, that although the exemplary embodiment of the toilet 10 is shown configured with the tank 11 formed separately from the pedestal 21 and later coupled to the pedestal, the tank may be integrally formed with the pedestal as a one-piece design. In other words, the toilet may be a one-piece design, a two-piece design, or have any suitable configuration. The toilet disclosed herein may have a wide variety of skirted toilet configurations, and all such configurations are intended to be encompassed herein. The following description of various toilet features is therefore intended as illustration only of one possible embodiment, and it should be understood by those reviewing the present description that similar concepts or features may be included in various other embodiments.

The tank 11 may include an inlet opening configured to receive water from a coupled water supply, such as from a hose (e.g., line, tube). The tank 11 may also include an inlet valve assembly or other device configured to control the flow of water from the water supply into the tank 11 through the inlet opening. Within the tank 11 may be provided a float device for controlling the inlet valve assembly, such as by opening the valve to refill the tank 11 of the tank 11 after an operational cycle and closing the valve when the water in the tank 11 reaches a preset volume or height. The tank 11 may also include an outlet opening configured to transfer (e.g., conduct) the water stored in the tank 11 of the tank to the pedestal 21 upon activation of the actuator 14. The pedestal 21 may include toilet bowl 23. The tank 11 may include an outlet valve assembly or other device configured to control the flow of water from the tank into the pedestal 21 through the outlet opening.

The pedestal 21 (or base) of the toilet 10 may include a wall 22 having any suitable shape that is configured to form a bowl 23 having an opening formed by an upper rim at the top of the opening. The pedestal 21 may also be configured to include a plurality of walls having varying shapes that together form a bowl having an opening formed by a rim. The wall 22 of the pedestal may extend downward and/or rearward from the bowl 23 to form a lower portion 25 configured to support the pedestal 21 and the toilet 10. The lower portion 25 may be formed by the end (e.g., lower rim) of the wall 22, or may include a member that extends generally in a horizontal plane from one or more than one end of the wall. The pedestal 21 may also include a top member 24 that extends between two sides of the wall 22 (or between two opposing walls) and is provided rearward (or behind) the bowl 23, wherein the top member 24 forms a plateau for supporting the tank 11, such as the bottom surface of the tank 11 of the tank 11. The top member 24 may include an inlet opening that may be aligned with the outlet opening of the tank 11, such as when the tank 11 is coupled to (or resting above) the pedestal 21, wherein water is selectively transferred (e.g., conducted) from the tank 11 through the outlet opening of the tank to the pedestal 21 through the inlet opening of the pedestal 21, when the toilet is activated through the actuator 14. The outlet valve assembly may control the flow of water from the tank to the pedestal. The toilet may also include a gasket or seal that is provided between the tank 11 and the pedestal 21 to prohibit leaking. For example, a gasket may be provided between the outlet opening of the tank and the inlet opening of the pedestal to prohibit leaking between the tank and the pedestal.

The plateau formed by the top member 24 of the pedestal 21 may also provide for coupling of the seat assembly 17 to the pedestal 21 of the toilet 10. For example, the top member 24 may include one or more than one opening, wherein each opening is configured to receive a fastening device (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) to couple (e.g., attach) the seat assembly 17 to the top member 24 of the pedestal 21. As another example, the top member 24 may include one or more than one fastening device (e.g., bolts, recessed nuts, etc.) integrally formed therein (i.e., already provided connected or coupled to the pedestal 21), wherein the fastening device may be used to couple or secure at least a portion of the seat assembly 17 to the pedestal 21.

The bowl 23 of the pedestal 21 may be configured to include a receptacle (e.g., sump) and an outlet opening, wherein the water and waste is collected in the receptacle until being removed through the outlet opening, such as upon activation of the actuator 14. The pedestal 21 may also include a pedestal internal passageway, such as a trapway, that connects the outlet opening or discharge outlet of the bowl 23 to a drain or soil pipe. The passageway, or trapway, generally includes a first portion, a second portion, and a weir separating the first and second portions. The first portion of the passageway may extend from the outlet opening of the bowl 23 at an upwardly oblique angle to the weir. The second portion of the passageway may extend from the weir downwardly to the exiting device, such as the drain or soil pipe.

Between operational cycles (e.g., flush cycles) of the toilet 10, the water (and waste) is collected in the first portion of the trapway (in addition to the receptacle of the bowl), such that the weir prohibits the water from passing past the weir and into the second portion of the trapway. A flushing cycle may begin upon activation of the actuator 14. Upon activation of the actuator, additional water (e.g., fresh water and or grey water) may be discharged into the bowl 23 of the pedestal 21, resulting in the flushing action and waste removal through the soil pipe. The flushing cycle may include generation of a siphon to assist the flushing action and waste removal.

The seat assembly 17 may include a cover member 18 (e.g., lid), a seat member 19 (e.g., ring member), and a hinge. The seat member 19 may be configured to include an annular member that encircles an opening, wherein the annular member provides a seating surface for the user of the toilet 10. The seat member 19 may also be pivotally coupled (e.g., attached) to the hinge, wherein the seat member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or seated position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 18 may be configured to be round, oval, or any other suitable shape. Typically, the profile or shape of the outer surface of the cover member will be configured to match (i.e., to be substantially similar) to the profile of the outer surface of the seat member to improve the aesthetics of the seat assembly and toilet. The cover member 18 may also be coupled to the hinge, wherein the cover member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first down lowered or down position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 18 may be provided above the seat member 19 in the down position to thereby cover the opening of the seat member 19, as well as to conceal the inside of the bowl 23 of the pedestal 21. The cover member 18 may be configured to rest against the outside surface of the tank 11, when the cover member 18 is in the upright position, such that the cover member 18 remains in the upright position in order for a user to sit upon the seat member 19.

As described below, the seat member 19 and/or the cover member 18 may be coupled to a sensor and/or a drive mechanism for initiating a flush cycle or a particular portion of the flush cycle, which may involve release of water from the tank 11 or actuation of a component of the flushing assembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates a non-skirted toilet 20 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Throughout this disclosure “toilet 10” may be used to refer to the toilet 10 of FIG. 1 or the toilet 20 of FIG. 20 in the alternative. In other words, any of the following embodiments may be applied to both toilet 10 and toilet 20. The internal components, including the trapway 15, are visible in the pedestal 21 of non-skirted toilet 20. It should be noted that the devices, methods, and systems described herein may include and/or be used with both skirted and non-skirted toilets.

FIG. 2 also includes flush lever 26, which is configured to receive input from a user for activation of a flush cycle. The flush lever 26 may be physically connected to an outlet valve, such as a flapper, for discharging water from the tank 11 into the toilet bowl 23. The flush lever 26 also may be electrically connected to a controller such that a sensor associated with (e.g., within) the flush lever 26 may generate data indicative of detection of the user or movement of the flush lever 26. The controller, in response, may generate a command to open the outlet valve.

The actuator 14 or the flush lever 26 may also be connected or in communication with any of the flush assemblies described herein. That is, in addition to operation of the outlet valve, user input to the actuator 14 or the flush lever 26 may cause one or more operations to occur in the following flush assemblies. In some examples, the user input to the actuator 14 may first operate the flush assembly and then cause operation of the outlet valve. In other examples, the flush assembly and the outlet valve are actuated simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Substantially simultaneously may mean within a time period such that the time period is relatively small relative to the time of the flush cycle. Example time periods may include 1 seconds, 100 milliseconds, or 10 milliseconds. The operation of the flush assembly may cause water collected in the first portion of the trapway (in addition to the receptacle of the bowl), to pass past a weir and into the second portion of the trapway.

The flush lever 26 or actuator 14 may include or be replaced with a variety of other sensor types configured to produce an output signal indicative of a user input for a flush cycle. A magnetic sensor may be incorporated into the flush lever 26 or the actuator 14 to generate an electronic signal (e.g., sensor data) in response to actuation. The magnetic sensor may be imbedded into the flush lever 26 or the actuator 14 (e.g., hall-effect sensor) to detect movement. An optical sensor may detect nearby movement of a user (e.g., hand gesture, presence of a hand or user). The flush lever 26 or the actuator 14 may be tied to a reed sensor or other mechanical sensor that detects movement.

The flush lever 26 or the actuator 14 may include a button or multiple buttons that the user may depress to generate the output signal. In addition or in the alternative to the flush lever 26 or the actuator 14, a touch screen may receive user input and generate the output signal. In some examples, the touch screen may be capacitive. Other capacitive sensors may be incorporated directly onto the toilet 10.

The flush lever 26 or actuator 14 may include communication with another input device such as a remote control. The remote control may be a standalone device that is battery operated and communicates with a controller or with the flush lever 26 or the actuator 14. The external input device may be a smartphone, tablet, computer, or other mobile device.

The following embodiments describe alternative flush assemblies that perform an efficient flush for the toilet 10. In some example, the efficient flush may consume 1 liter of water or less. Various volumes of flush are possible.

In some flushes, water is released in two phases: flush water to break the siphon of the trapway and rinse water to clean the bowl and/or fill the bowl for a subsequent flush. Both phases of water may be provided to toilet bowl 23 through rim channels but different channels may be used. In some of the following applications of the flush assemblies to toilet 10, the flush water is not used. That is, the flushing assembly performs the flush and only rinse water is used. In some of the applications of the flush assemblies to toilet 10, the flush water is reduced, and rinse water is also used. In some of the applications of the flush assemblies to toilet 10, neither flush water nor rinse water is needed. In some of the applications of the flush assemblies to toilet 10, both the rinse water and flush water are reduced. In combination with any of these examples, a sump jet may provide water directly to the sump. Thus, some examples may include sump jet water and rinse water but no flush water, with the siphon break or other type of flush being performed by the flush assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example sequence for a first embodiment of a spiral trapway flushing assembly for a toilet bowl 23 including a spiral trapway 33 (helical trapway). Any of the described embodiments, including the spiral trapway flushing assembly may be applied to the toilets 10, 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The toilet may include a rim 32 and rim channel 31 to supply water from a tank to the rim 32 to wash the toilet bowl 23. A flush cycle involving rotation of the spiral trapway 33 may also include a release of water from the tank to the rim channel 31. The spiral trapway 33 includes an upstream portion coupled to a sump 37 of the toilet bowl 23, a curved portion, and a downstream portion coupled to a waste outlet for the sewer pipe for the building. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The spiral trapway 33 is configured to rotate between multiple positions or orientations. FIG. 3 illustrates a spiral trapway 33 that rotates to the multiple positions through a single rotational direction. FIG. 3 illustrates an example sequence of the spiral trapway 33 rotating from a first position, labeled (1), where water and other contents of the sump 37 remain in the sump 37 because there is no gravity fed path into the spiral trapway 33. As the spiral trapway 33 is rotated from the first position to the second position, labeled (2), the water and other contents of the sump 37 are provide a gravity fed path into the spiral trapway 33 (e.g., into an upstream portion 83 of the spiral trapway 33). Thus, the sump 37 of the bowl 23 has been evacuated by the spiral trapway 33.

As the spiral trapway 33 is rotated from the second position to the third position, labeled (3), the contents of the bowl 23 in the upstream portion 83 of the spiral trapway 33 are advanced to the downstream portion 84 of the spiral trapway 33. As the spiral trapway 33 is rotated from the third position to the fourth position, labeled (4), the contents of the bowl 23 in the downstream portion 84 of the spiral trapway 33 are rotated to the waste outlet 85 of spiral trapway 33 and into the sewer pipe to lead out of the building to a sewer or to another location (e.g., septic system, storage tank).

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate another example sequence for a second embodiment of a spiral trapway flushing assembly. The embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 includes at least one fewer bend that the embodiment of FIG. 3. The spiral trapway 33 includes an upstream portion 36 coupled to a sump 37 of the toilet bowl 23, a curved portion 35, and a downstream portion 34 coupled to a waste outlet for the sewer pipe for the building.

FIG. 4 illustrates an initial position of the spiral trapway 33. In the initial position, the spiral trapway 33 includes an incline at the upstream portion 36 to that the water and contents remain in the sump 37 (e.g., the water is at the highest level). In addition, the initial position of the spiral trapway 33 creates a predetermined water seal from the top of the water in the bowl 23 to the top of the spiral trapway 33. The predetermined water seal may have a height of at least 2 inches.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first flushing position of the spiral trapway 33 for flushing the toilet bowl 23 using the spiral trapway 33. In the first flushing position, the spiral trapway 33 rotates to provide a path for the water and contents of the sump 37 to travel into the spiral trapway 33, causing the water in the sump to go down (e.g., the water is at a medium level, approximately a first distance below the original water seal). In addition, the first flushing position of the spiral trapway 33 the predetermined water seal is broken.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second flushing position for the spiral trapway 33. In the second flushing position, the spiral trapway 33 is declined from the sump 37, allowing all of the water and other contents of the sump 37 to fall into the spiral trapway 33. In the second flushing position of the spiral trapway 33, the toilet bowl 23 is flushed. The spiral trapway 33 may continue to rotate to the initial position. First, this allows the auger motion of the spiral trapway 33 to continue to advance the water and contents of the flush to the downstream portion 34 and waste outlet for the sewer pipe for the building.

The spiral trapway 33 may be rotated in a variety of techniques using the drive mechanism 39 and/or user input 38. The term “drive mechanism” may refer to any component of a variety of drive structures to facilitate the operation of the flushing assembly. The drive mechanism 39 examples may be applied to any of the flushing assemblies described herein.

The drive mechanism 39 may include a manual lever. For example, a handle and lever may be mounted to the toilet such that when the user pushes or pulls the handle, the lever is rotated, and a resulting force is applied to the flushing assembly. The drive mechanism 39 may include a pedal (e.g., foot pedal). When the user pushes the pedal, the lever may be rotated, and the resulting force is applied to the flushing assembly.

The drive mechanism 39 may include a motor. A power supply for the drive mechanism 39 may include a battery and/or be connected to a wall outlet. The motor may rotate the flushing assembly. Alternatively, the motor may rotate a gear or another intermediate drive member to rotate the flushing assembly. The drive mechanism 39 may include a solenoid. The solenoid may be coupled to a rack gear that drives a pinion to rotate the flushing assembly. The drive mechanism 39 may include, or otherwise be controller by, a controller. For example, the solenoid or the motor may receive a drive command from the controller to rotate the flushing assembly.

The drive mechanism 39 is coupled to the spiral trapway 33 and configured to rotate the spiral trapway 33 from the first orientation to the second orientation. For example, the controller may send a command to the motor or solenoid to move the spiral trapway 33 to evacuate contents from the toilet bowl and also advance the contents from the spiral trapway 33 to the waste outlet. The command may be a continuous rotation. The command may include multiple commands for piecewise or segmented rotations. The commands may include a first command in a first direction (e.g., clockwise motion of the spiral trapway 33) and a second command in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise motion of the spiral trapway 33).

When the drive mechanism 39 includes a lever, the lever may be operable between a first position and a second position such that the first orientation of the spiral trapway 33 corresponds to the first position and the second orientation of the spiral trapway 33 corresponds to the second position. When the user input 38 is a handle, the user may grip the lever directly. When the user input 38 is a pedal, the user may press the pedal to rotate the gear or otherwise cause the spiral trapway 33 to rotate.

The controller may generate the flushing command in response to a detection input or motion of the user (e.g., user input 38). The user input 38 may correspond to the flush lever 26 or the actuator 14. For example, the controller receives a signal from the user input 38 indicative of intent of the user to flush the toilet 10. The controller generates the flush command and sends the flush command to the drive mechanism. Thus, the motor or solenoid may be caused to actuate by the flush command, which, in this example, causes the spiral trapway 33 to rotate. The user input 38 may be applied directly to the drive mechanism 39.

The drive mechanism 39 may cause the spiral trapway 33 to rotate in the same direction for one or more revolutions (e.g., 1, 2, 3 revolutions). In other examples, the drive mechanism 39 may cause the spiral trapway 33 to first rotate one direction and subsequently rotate in the other direction. The directions may be counter clockwise and clockwise in either order. The first rotation may be ½, 1.5, 2.5 or another number of rotations. The second direction may be ½ or another number of rotations. The flushing assembly may include a springback device that causes the spiral trapway 33 to rotate in the second direction. Thus, the drive mechanism (e.g., lever, motor, solenoid) 39 may cause the spiral trapway 33 to rotate in the first direction and the spiral trapway 33 causes the spiral trapway 33 to return to its original position. The springback device may include a spring. The spring may store energy under the force of the drive mechanism 39 moving the spiral trapway from the first orientation to the second orientation and release the energy as a force to rotate the spiral trapway 33 from the second orientation to the first orientation.

The drive mechanism 39 may also release water from the tank 11 by opening the outlet valve. The drive mechanism 39 may release the water as part of the flush cycle with the spiral trapway 33. The drive mechanism 39 may open the valve after rotating the spiral trapway 33 from the first orientation to the second orientation. In some example, the water is released before the spiral trapway 33 is rotated. In other examples, the water is released after the spiral trapway 33 is rotated the first direction but before the spiral trapway 33 is rotated the second direction.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of a spiral trapway flushing assembly. In this example, the spiral trapway in includes two spirals configured to create two water seals between the sump 37 of the bowl 23 and the waste outlet. The two spirals form two weirs 734 and 735. In the condition 733, the pressure P is less than zero, a siphon occurs and is controlled by height H. If more air is ingested from the bowl 23, the toilet moves from condition 733 to condition 734. In the condition 734, the pressure P is greater than zero, a siphon does not occur. The double seal may be used to prevent or cause siphoning by controlling the height H.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a spiral trapway flushing assembly. In this example, the spiral trapway 33 includes a single loop (or nearly a single loop). That is the from the upstream portion 36 the spiral trapway 33 follows one circular path around the periphery to the downstream portion 34. This embodiment may have a smaller footprint than other embodiments with longer spiral trapways with more revolutions. The drive mechanism 39 may rotate the spiral trapway 33 approximately halfway then back during the flushing cycle. For example, a manual lever may achieve such an operation with a forward then backward movement. The manual lever may also cause the outlet valve to release water between the forward and backward movements. Thus, the manual lever may be pushed forward, causing the spiral trapway 33 to rotate, until it reaches a predetermined position, where another lever is actuated to open the outlet valve in the tank 11, and then pulled backward, causing the spiral trapway 33 to rotate back to the original position.

FIG. 8 further illustrates that the spiral trapway 33 may be positioned at a predetermined angle alpha. That is, a line connecting the center of the downstream portion 34 and the center of the upstream portion 36 may be angled from a horizontal line by the angle alpha. Examples for the angle may include 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 degrees.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flush mechanism for the spiral trapway flushing assembly 33. The flush mechanism may include a flush lever 209 coupled a flush shaft 211 (drive shaft) and a flush gear 213 (drive gear). The flush shaft 211 may also include a flush lever rod 215 coupled to a link 219 for actuating a flush valve 221 (e.g., cannister valve). The link 219, as well as other links herein, may include a chain, a cord, a wire, or a cable. The link 219, as well as other links herein, may include a sheath with a wire that runs through the sheath. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The flush lever 209 is an example flush trigger that applies a rotation force and rotation motion to the flush shaft 211. Other examples, described herein, may include a push rod or button for the flush trigger. The flush valve 221 is trippable by the flush shaft 211. That is, the flush shaft 211 causes the flush valve 221 open by applying a force to the flush valve 221. While a cannister for the flush valve 221 is shown, a flapper (pivoted disc with a seal that opens and closes an opening between the tank and the bowl) may be used.

The flush shaft 211 may also rotate the spiral trapway 33 according to any of the embodiments herein. The flush shaft 211 is coupled to or integrated with flush gear 213 to rotate the spiral trapway 33 to evacuate contents from a toilet bowl. The spiral trapway 33 may include a gear 223 or pinion so that motion of the flush shaft 211 is applied or translated to the spiral trapway 33. The spiral trapway 33 includes an upstream portion coupled to the bowl and a downstream portion coupled to a waste outlet. In some examples, rotation in a direction (e.g., clockwise) of the flush lever 209 causes the spiral trapway 33 to trapway to rotate from a first orientation or position to a second orientation or position to evacuate contents from the toilet bowl, and rotation in another direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) of the flush lever 209 causes the spiral trapway 33 to trapway to rotate away from the second orientation advances the contents from the spiral trapway 33 to the waste outlet. This rotation away from the second orientation may be to a third orientation or back to the first orientation. In another embodiment, rotation in a direction (e.g., clockwise) of the flush lever 209 causes the spiral trapway 33 to trapway to rotate both from the first orientation to the second orientation and away from the second orientation to either the first orientation or the third orientation. In some of these examples a single rotational direction of the flush lever 209 is converted to back and forth rotational directions of the spiral trapway 33 using a gear box, a planetary gear, or another device.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example two-tiered flush valve 221. The valve 221 may include a refill portion 220, a first cannister 224 including a first ring 226 and a first seal 236, and a second cannister 225 including a second ring 227 and a second seal 237. The first cannister 224 may be connected to a link or flush trigger by a first connector 231. The first cannister 225 may be connected to a link or flush trigger by a second connector 233. The valve 221 may be coupled to the toilet 10 via a gasket and/or coupling unit 229. Additional, different, or fewer components may be used.

The flush valve 221 is a combination valve operable as two valves. The first cannister 224 is a first valve, and the second cannister 225 is a second valve. The first cannister 224 is separable from the second cannister 225 at the first ring 226 to reveal a path for water in the tank to flow through an opening in the tank to the bowl (e.g., through the center of coupling unit 229). The second cannister 225 is separable from the bottom of the tank at the second ring 227 to reveal a path for water in the tank to flow through the same opening in the tank to the bowl (e.g., through the center of coupling unit 229).

FIG. 11 illustrates another view of an example two-tiered flush valve including tank 240 and water levels W1, W2. The first cannister 225 and first valve may correspond to a first volume of water between water level W2 and water level W1. Other arrangements for the flush valve 221 (e.g., a different number of valves, cannisters, etc.) may provide other water levels and divisions for tank water. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The first volume of water is released from the tank 240 when the first valve opens when the first cannister 224 separates from the rest of the flush valve 221. The first cannister 224 is caused to separate through a force applied by the first link (e.g., cord, chain, cable) at connector 231. The force may originate with the flush lever 209, the flush shaft 211, or the other mechanisms described herein. The first flush valve corresponds to a first portion of the tank 240 and the first predetermined volume of water. The second cannister 225 is caused to separate through a force applied by the second trip link (e.g., cord, chain, cable) at connector 233. The force may originate with the flush lever 209, the flush shaft 211, or the other mechanisms described herein. The second valve corresponds to a second portion of the tank 240 and a second predetermined volume. The first predetermined volume of water and the second predetermined volume of water may be different volumes or the same volume and add to a total flush volume. In one example, the total flush volume is 1.0 liter and both the first and second predetermined volumes are 0.5 liters. In another example, the first volume is 0.4 liters and the second volume is 0.6 liters.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example partially buoyant two-tiered flush valve 221 including the first flush cannister 224 and the second flush cannister 225. One or both cannisters may include a buoyant member to aid in the separation from the rest of the flush valve 221 when the first or second valve is opened. One or both cannisters may include a hydrostatic member to provide a downward force onto the flush valve 221 when the first or second valve is closed. The flush valve 221 may include a centering device to maintain alignment of the flush cannister 224 and the second cannister 225 with respect to each other and/or with respect to the rest of the flush valve 221. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The buoyant member in either cannister or both may include an air chamber 234. The air chamber may be hermetically sealed from the water in the tank 240 and/or from the water flowing through the flush valve 221. The air chamber 234 applies an upward force on the corresponding cannister. When the cannister receive a force from the link and flush trigger, the air chamber 234 aids in lifting the cannister to open the corresponding valve.

The buoyant member in either cannister or both may include a Styrofoam section or internal float 235. Alternatives to Styrofoam may include balsa, foam, or plastic. The internal float 235 applies an upward force on the corresponding cannister. When the cannister receive a force from the link and flush trigger, internal float 235 aids in lifting the cannister to open the corresponding valve.

The centering device may include a centering spoke 230. The first cannister 224 or the second cannister 225 may be aligned by the centering spoke 230. The spoke 230 may be threaded through the center of the first cannister 224 or the second cannister 225. The spoke 230 may be tall enough so that the first cannister 224 can open the first valve and the second cannister 225 can open the second valve while maintaining engagement with the centering spoke 230.

One or both cannisters may include a hydrostatic member such as ring 226 or ring 227 to provide a downward force onto the flush valve 221 when the first or second valve is closed. The water in the tank 240 places a downward force on the hydrostatic member in order to maintain the seal of the flush valve. In this way the water in the tank 240 causes to seal of each valve to remain closed until the flush trigger causes the flush link to apply an opposing force on the valve.

FIG. 13 illustrates a trip mechanism for an example two-tiered flush valve 221. In this example, the first cannister 224 is connected to a flush link 241 to the flush trigger and the second cannister 225 is connected to an intermediate link 242. The intermediate link 242 may be connected to a pivot arm 244. The pivot arm is connected by a shafter or other rotatable element to an extension member 243. The extension member 243 is coupled to the flush valve to extend above the water level in the tank 240. A floating sink 245 extends from the pivot arm 244 via a sink link 246. The floating sink 245 may float on the water and provide a force to the pivot arm 244 ad the floating sink 245 falls at the water level decreases. The intermediate link 242 and the sink link 246 may include a chain, a cord, or a cable. The intermediate link 242 and the sink link 246 may be a single cable that extends across or through the pivot arm 244. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

FIG. 13 illustrates a sequence for the flush valve in frames 1, 2, 3, and 4. In frame 1, the water level W is at the highest point in the standby state (i.e., the tank 240 is filled at a first equilibrium). At frame 2, the flush trigger applies trip force via link 241 to the first cannister 224 to open the first valve. The first cannister 224 may open to a first gap while being held in alignment by the spoke 230 and/or the pivot arm 244. The water level W decreases as water empties to the bowl in response to the first valve opening.

At frame 3, the floating sink 245 lowers with the water level W and provides a downward force to one side of the pivot arm 244. The downward force translates to an upward force on the other side of the pivot to lift the second cannister 225 via the intermediate link 242. The second cannister 225 may open to a second gap while being held in alignment by the spoke 230 and or the first cannister 224. The water level W decreases (e.g., to zero) as the remaining volume of water empties into the bowl in response to the second valve opening, as shown in frame 4. A fill valve may fill the tank to return to frame 1. The fill valve may be controlled by a timer or a fill float. The fill float may be combined with the floating sink 245. Through this process, the first second valve is dependent on the first flush valve because the first valve is opened before the second valve can be opened.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example treadle assembly for the spiral trapway flushing assembly. In this embodiment, a drive shaft 261 is configured to receive motion from a flush trigger (e.g., a handle or end portion of the drive shaft 261). The flush valve 221 may be tripped (is trippable) by the drive shaft 261 through a flush rod 263. The flush rod 263 also helps maintain and guide a treadle mechanism 262 connected to the drive shaft 261. A drive gear 233 on the spiral trapway 33 is rotated by the treadle mechanism 262 through the force applied by the drive shaft 261 and configured to rotate a spiral trapway to evacuate contents from a toilet bowl.

FIG. 15 illustrates a first example coupling of the treadle mechanism and a trip mechanism 272. The treadle mechanism 262 and/or the flush rod 263 is connected to the trip mechanism 272 to provide rotational forces to a first link 273 to apply a force to the first cannister 224 to open the first valve and a second link 274 to apply a force to the second cannister 225 to open the second valve. The first link 273 and the second link 274 may be connected to opposite sides of the trip mechanism 272 so that the forces are applied at different times and in succession according to the flush sequence of the toilet. A pulley 271 or other guide may guide the first link 273 and the second link 274 to life the first cannister 224 and the second cannister 225, respectively.

FIG. 16 illustrates a second example coupling of the treadle mechanism and a trip mechanism 272 in combination with the floating sink 245. In this example, the trip mechanism 272 pulls the first link to lift the first cannister 224 and the sinking float pulls the second link to lift the second cannister 225.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example coupling of the treadle mechanism and a trip mechanism 272. In this example, two independent and separate valves are used such as first valve 281 and second valve 282. A tank divider 285 may separate the first flush valve and 281 the second flush valve 282. The first volume of water is on one side of the tank divider 285 and the second volume of water is on the other side of the tank divider 285. The position of the tank divider 285 may be moved to set the predetermined volumes. In addition or in the alternative to position, the height of the tank divider 285 may be selected to set the predetermined volumes.

Various flush triggers and flushing mechanism may be used. In the example of FIG. 17, a treadle mechanism and/or flush rod applies a rotational motion or force to the trip mechanism 272. The trip mechanism rotates to pull a first trip link 284 and a second trip link 284 at different times. Alternatively, the first trip link 283 and the second trip link 284 may have different lengths. As the trip mechanism 272 rotates the first valve 281 is opened, emptying a first volume from the tank 240, and then second valve 282 is opened, emptying a second volume from the tank 240.

The examples of FIGS. 9-17 are described with manual flush triggers. However, a motor operated by user inputs and/or a controller may replace any of the manual systems. The motor may cause the spiral trapway 33 to rotate as described. The motor may cause the flush valve 221 to open a first valve and second valve in sequence.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example flow chart for operation of the spiral trapway flushing assembly. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.

At act S101, the drive mechanism rotates the spiral trapway 33 from a first orientation to a second orientation. The drive mechanism may receive a flush trigger motion from a flush lever or a push rod.

At act S103, contents (e.g., wastes and water) are evacuated from the toilet bowl 23 into the spiral trapway 33. In addition, water may be released into the toilet bowl 23, through a first flush valve, in act S104.

At act S105, the spiral trapway 33 is rotated from the second orientation to the first orientation.

At act S107, the contents are advanced from the spiral trapway 33 to a waste outlet. In addition, water may be released into the toilet bowl 23, through a second flush valve, in act S108.

At act S109, a water seal is created or otherwise provided by rotating the spiral trapway 33 back to the home position. Thus, the spiral trapway is positioned so water in the bowl is held in the bowl at a predetermined depth.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate a trapdoor flushing assembly. FIG. 19 illustrates the trapdoor flushing assembly in a closed position. FIG. 20 illustrates the trapdoor flushing assembly in an open position. The trapdoor flushing assembly may include a trapdoor compartment 40 and a trapdoor 41. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

The trapdoor compartment 40 is coupled to the toilet 10. The trapdoor compartment 40 may be coupled to the sump 37 but may also be above the boundary of the sump 37. The trapdoor compartment 40 may be formed of vitreous china. The trapdoor compartment 40 may be integrally formed with the toilet 10. The trapdoor compartment 40 may be joined with the toilet 10 during the manufacturing process. In another example, the trapdoor compartment 40 may be separate from the toilet 10. The trapdoor compartment 40 may be formed of plastic, resin, or another material. The trapdoor compartment 40 may support the toilet 10. For example, the trapdoor compartment 40 may be a pedestal that rests on the floor. The trapdoor compartment 40 may also directly connected to the toilet anchor bolts on the floor.

The trapdoor compartment 40 may include an upper opening that mates with the toilet 10. The trapdoor compartment 40 may include a lower opening or a drain opening 42, which serves as a waste outlet.

The trapdoor 41 is housed in the trapdoor compartment 41 and configured to selectively block the sump 37 of the toilet bowl 23 and hold waste from the toilet bowl 23 (e.g., within the toilet bowl 23). The trapdoor 41 overlaps the toilet bowl 23 and the trapdoor compartment to make a water seal over a predetermined vertical displacement (e.g., height s shown in FIG. 19). The water seal may extend from the top surface of the water to the bottom of the trapdoor 41.

The trapdoor 41 may include at least one physical seal 49. The seal 49 may be circular or toroidal and maintain a seal between the trapdoor 41 and the toilet bowl 23 when the trapdoor 41 is closed. The seal may be formed from a foam or resin.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a second example trapdoor flushing assembly. FIG. 21 shows the flushing assembly in a closed position, and FIG. 22 shows the trapdoor flushing assembly in an open position. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

In addition to components described previously, the trapdoor flushing assembly may include a counterweight 47 and a latch 44. The counterweight 47 may be coupled to the hinge 45 or directly to the trapdoor 41. The counterweight 47 provides a force, due to gravity on the trapdoor 41 to hold the trapdoor 41 in the closed position or tending to move the trapdoor 41 to the closed position. The trapdoor 41 may open under the force of gravity, which may be caused by the weight of contents (e.g., water, urine, feces, paper) in the bowl 23. Once the trapdoor 41 opens, the contents flow down the outlet 42. The trapdoor 41 no longer has the weight of the contents acting down on the trapdoor 41 and can be lifted back into the home position by the rotation of the counterweight.

The trapdoor 41 may be held in the closed position by the latch 44. The latch 44 may be magnetic, a cam latch, a lever latch, or another type of latch. To initiate the flush sequence (i.e., opening the trapdoor 41), the user may open the latch 44 to allow the trapdoor 41 to fall. The drive mechanism (e.g., lever, motor, solenoid) may apply a force to the latch 44 or directly to the trapdoor 41.

The latch 44 may be electromagnetic such that it can be secured and released by a control signal from a controller. The user input 38 (e.g., button, actuator 14, flush lever 26) may send a signal to the controller, which generates a flushing command to open the latch 44. The latch 44 may be opened by actuating a solenoid that pushes the latch 44 open (e.g., against a magnetic force or a mechanical connector). The latch 44 may be opened by turning off a magnetic field that holds a magnetic tab of the latch 44.

In response to disengagement of the latch 44, the trapdoor 41 may lower under the force of gravity. The trapdoor 41 may have a weight that translates to a trapdoor torque T1 at the hinge 45. The contents of the toilet bowl 23 to the extend they flow into the trapdoor 41 or place force on the trapdoor 41 have a weight that translates to a waste torque T2, which may be variable. A weight of the counterweight 47 translates to a counterweight torque T3. In one example, T3 is greater than T1 and T2 combined. In addition, the latch 44 should have a holding force that exceeds the difference between T3 and the sum of T1 and T2.

Thus, after the trapdoor 41 is emptied, the counterweight 47 causes a rotation of the trapdoor 41 into the original position. The latch 44 secure the trapdoor 41 even when contents are placed into the toilet bowl 23 and onto the trapdoor 41. When the latch 44 is released, the weight of the trapdoor 41 and the contents exceeds that of the counterweight 47, causing the trapdoor 41 to open.

The counterweight 47 may extend out of the trapdoor compartment 40, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. In some examples, the counterweight 47 may also serve as manual handle and lever for opening and closing the trapdoor 41. In other examples, as shown by FIG. 23, the counterweight 47 is inside the trapdoor compartment 40 and may rotate with the trapdoor compartment 40.

FIG. 24 illustrates another example trapdoor flushing assembly. In this example, a sprayer 48 is also mounted on the side or within the trapdoor compartment 40. The sprayer 48 is configured to provide water to the trapdoor 41 and or the trapdoor compartment 40 to washing and rinsing the surfaces.

The sprayer 48 may be connected to a direct water line. The line pressure propels the water from the sprayer 48 and onto the trapdoor 41 and or the trapdoor compartment 40. A separate sprayer reservoir may supply the water to the sprayer 48 and a pump may provide the water pressure to propel the water onto the trapdoor 41 and or the trapdoor compartment 40. The sprayer 48 may be connected to the tank 11. One or more channels from the tank 11 through the toilet 10 may provide the water to the sprayer 48. In another example, the water from the tank 11 fills the sprayer reservoir and a pump provides pressure to the sprayer 48.

In any of these examples, the water may be released as part of the flush cycle. The sprayer 48 may be activated in response to the outlet valve of the tank being opened. The sprayer 48 may be activated in response to a sprayer command from the controller. In one example, a sensor may detect operation of the latch 44 or movement of the trapdoor 41. In response to the sensor data, the controller generate the sprayer command. In another example, the user input 38 initiates the flush cycle, which includes the sprayer command at predetermined timing. The sprayer 48 may be activated after the rinse water is released or at a set time after the rinse water is released. The sprayer 48 may be activated at a specific time of day or after a set number of flushes. In another example, the user input 38 may include a specific button or other input only for the sprayer 48.

FIG. 25 illustrates another view of an example trapdoor flushing assembly including a trapdoor compartment 40 supporting a trapdoor 41 and counterweight 47. The bowl 23 may be modular and removable from the toilet. The bowl 23 may be supported by the trapdoor compartment 40.

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate an example holding tank flushing assembly. In this example, below the trapdoor 41 is a holding tank 51. When the trapdoor is opened according to any of the examples herein using driving mechanism 39 (e.g., solenoid, latch, motor, manual movement, controller command), the contents of sump 37 including water and waste is emptied into the holding tank 51. The holding tank 51 is configured to rotate about an axis such as on a shaft 57. At times, the holding tank 51 is rotated about the shaft 57 in order to provide the contests to the waste outlet 53. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The holding tank 51 may be tipped over in a variety of techniques. FIG. 26 includes a tipping device 59, which may be a button or lever that extends from the trapdoor compartment 40. The user may directly apply a force or movement to the tipping device 59 to cause the holding tank 51 to empty contents to the waste outlet 53.

Alternatively, any of the drive mechanisms described herein may replace the tipping device 59. The tipping device 59 may also be activated by the controller. The controller may activate the tipping device 59 after a predetermined number of flushes or a particular time of day.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example in which the holding tank 51 is automatically tipped over to empty the contents to the waste outlet 53. A spacer 55 is positioned opposite the waste outlet 53. The spacer 55 is filled with air or otherwise made of a material lighter than water. The spacer 55 is a cavity sealed from the rest of the holding tank.

In the example shown in FIG. 26, the center of gravity of the holding tank 51 is in the center (e.g., near shaft 57). However, in the example shown in FIG. 27, the center of gravity is to the left of the center or shaft 57. Thus, the force due to gravity will tend to cause the holding tank 51 to rotate when the contents reaches a predetermined height. When the water and waste fill the waste portion 54 of the holding tank to the predetermined height, the holding tank 51 will rotate and empty the contents to the waste outlet. The holding tank 51 may also include a sprayer as described herein in other embodiments.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example flow chart for the trapdoor or holding tank flushing assemblies. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.

At act S201, generate a latch command. The latch command may be generated by a controller. The latch command may be generated in response to the end of a flush cycle. The user may manually latch the trapdoor 41.

At act S203, apply a force to the trapdoor 41 in response to the latch command. The force may be a magnetic force, a mechanical force. The force may oppose gravity. The force may include the weight of a counterweight.

At act S205, contents are provided to the toilet bowl 23. The contents may include water from the tank or from a supply line. The contents may include human wastes.

At act S207, a release command is generated and provided to the latch. The release command causes the force to be deactivated. The release command may cause a magnetic field to be turned off. The release command may cause a solenoid to push a mechanical coupling.

At act S209, the trapdoor 41 is released in response to the release command.

FIG. 29 illustrates a first view example peristaltic pump flushing assembly. The peristaltic pump 60 is configured to displace fluid through a flexible fluid passage. The peristaltic pump 60 may be referred to as a roller pump. The peristaltic pump 60 may include a flexible tube 62 that is coupled to the sump 37 of the toilet bowl 23 using a fastener 61. The flexible tube 62 is mounted on a curved track 63, which is supported by support 64. The peristaltic pump 60 includes at least one roller 65 and a rotor 66. The curved track 63 has a curvature parallel corresponding to a path of the rotor 66. The roller 65 may be automatically adjustable in a radial direction via sliding support frame 67. As the rotor 66 rotates the rollers 65 against the tube 62 contents of the tube 62 are advanced from the toilet bowl 23 to the waste outlet. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The at least one roller 65 may rotate with respect to the sliding support frame 67. The at least one roller 65 may be an example lobe. Other lobes may be stationary, and rather than the sliding support frame 67, a rigid support may be used. The lobes may be round, triangular, square or another shape in cross section. In some examples, a combination of a roller 65 and a rigid member may be used. There may be one, two, three, or any number of lobes or rollers. The at least one roller 65 may be rotated by the rotor 66 and a drive mechanism. Any of the examples of the drive mechanism described herein may be applied to the peristaltic pump 60. A motor, a solenoid, or a manual pump may be coupled to the rotor 66 for rotating the at least one roller 65.

FIG. 30 illustrates an example for the peristaltic pump 60 where the rotor 66 is driven by a crank 68 (e.g., crankshaft) and a handle 68. The rotor 66 configured to rotate the at least one roller about 65 a rotor axis and against the tube 62. The handle 68 may be manually rotated by the user to operate the flush cycle of the toilet 10. Alternatively, a drive mechanism including a motor, or a solenoid may rotate the crank 68.

The at least one roller 65 is configured to contact and at least partially compress the tube 62. As the roller 65 contacts and compresses the tube 62, the fluid contained in the tube 62 is pushed or advanced through the tube. The direction of the roller 65, as it is rotated by the rotor 66, causes the fluid to be advance in the same direction.

The peristaltic pump 60 may be housed within a sealed chamber. The sealed chamber is configured to prevent odors and materials from escaping into the environment even if the tube becomes damaged.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example flush sequence for the peristaltic pump flushing assembly. The sequence includes stages labeled as stage (1), stage (2), stage (3), and stage (4). The flexible tube 62 is an example trapway. Before stage (1), the contents of the bowl 23 are released into the tube 62. There may be a trapdoor or a valve that releases the contents into the tube 62. The example of FIG. 31 includes two rollers 65, including a first roller and a second roller.

In stage (1), as the rotor 66 rotates the rollers, the first roller comes in contact and compressed the tube 62, advancing the contents downstream through the tube 62. In addition, the roller 65 rolls along the tube 62, as shown in stage (2), which further advances the contents downstream through the tube. As the first roller reaches the waste outlet end of the trapway, the second roller comes in contact with and compresses the tube 62, as shown in stage (3). The second roller rolls along the tube 62, as shown in stage (4) which further advanced the contents through the tube toward the waste outlet. A predetermined number of rotations may be used for the rollers 65.

FIG. 32 illustrates example alternative embodiments for the peristaltic pump flushing assembly. In some example, three rollers are configured to contact and compress the tube. In some examples, multiple sets of rollers are used. That is, the peristaltic pump 60 may include two rotors each having at least roller. In some examples, the rotor axis is below the tube 62 and in others the rotor axis is above the tube 62 (e.g., in the direction of gravity). In pump 121, the rollers are positioned below the trapway such that the rollers press the bottom of tube 62. In pump 122, the rollers are above the trapway such that the rollers press the top of tube 62. The rollers may extend above the top of the trapway. In pump 123, the rollers are above the trapway such that the rollers press the top of tube 62 and do not extend above the top of the trapway. In pump 124, the tube 62 and trapway extends around the circumference of rotational path of the rollers. In pump 125 two roller assemblies are on opposite sides of the tube 62. In pump 126 two roller assemblies are on the same side of the tube 62.

FIG. 33 illustrates an example flow chart for the trapdoor or holding tank flushing assemblies. Additional, fewer, or different acts may be included.

At act S301, a flush signal is received. At act S303, a command for the peristaltic pump 60 is generated in response to the flush signal. The flush signal may be triggered by the user input 38, which may correspond to the flush lever 26 or the actuator 14. The flush signal my also cause the release of water from the tank 11 into the toilet bowl 23 and subsequently into the sump 37 and the tube 62. The command for the peristaltic pump 60 causes the rotor 66 to rotate the rollers 65 and at least one of the rollers 65 to contact and compress the tube 62.

At act S305, the contents of the tube are advanced using the peristaltic pump 60 as the rollers sequentially contact and compress the tube 62 and roll along the tube 62 in the downstream direction.

At act S307, the peristaltic pump 60 is stopped. The peristaltic pump 60 may be stopped after a predetermined number of rotations or after a predetermined amount of time. The peristaltic pump 60 may be stopped based on sensor feedback. The sensor may detect fluid flow through the tube 62.

FIG. 34 illustrates a first example embodiment of a sump compartment flushing assembly including one or more compartments 71 formed in a rotating sump 70. The rotating sump 70 flushes the toilet by rotating the one or more compartments 71 holding water in the toilet bowl 23 to emptying the water and contents down the waste outlet. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The rotating sump 70 may supported by a shaft 75. In this example, the rotating sump 70 may be cylindrical. The rotating sump 70 may be spherical and rather than be supported by the shaft 75, the rotating sump 70 is supported by one or more ball bearings placed around the periphery of the rotating sump 70. The one or more compartments 71 may be hemispherical. The hemispherical compartments may be referred to as chamber bowls. In another example, the one or more compartments 71 may be shaped to approximate the shape of the sump 37 of the toilet bowl 23.

In either example, one or more seals may seal the compartments 71 at the junction with the toilet bowl 23 and/or the waste outlet 78. The seals may be circular or toroidal. The seals may rotate along with the rotor such that each of the compartments 71 is paired with a seal mounted with the rotor 70. Alternatively, the seals may be paired with the stationary structure such that a first seal is coupled with the toilet bowl 23 and a second seal is coupled with the waste outlet.

The rotating sump 70 may be referred to as a rotor. The rotor (e.g., through shaft 75) may be connected to the drive mechanism 39. The drive mechanism 39 may include a motor, a solenoid, a lever, or any of the other mechanisms described herein. As shown in FIG. 25, the rotating sump 70 may include a first compartment 72, a second compartment 73, and a third compartment 74. Different numbers of compartments may be used such as one or two compartments. In the example shown, the first compartment 72 corresponds to the home position or sump position, the second compartment 73 corresponds to the empty position or wash position, and the third compartment 74 is an idle position or transition position. The rotating sump 70 may include a ratchet defining an angular position of each of the compartments 71. For example, the rotating sump 70 may rotate freely under the motion of the drive mechanism 39 until the next position is reached at the ratchet temporarily locks the rotating sump 70 into place. The ratchet may lock every 120 degrees in the case of three compartments 71 spaced evenly around the rotating sump 70.

At the first position 72, the compartment 71 receives water, which may be supplied from a tank 11 or from a supply line. The compartment 71 holds the water. Additional water may be supplied at a predetermine time interval to replace water lost to evaporation.

The rotating sump 70 may be rotated as part of a flush cycle, which moves the compartment 71 from the first position 72 to the second position 73 in a clockwise direction. The user may directly apply the motion to the rotating sump 70 through a lever or a crank. The crank may be connected to the rotating sump 70 by a gear train or a belt. The rotating sump 70 may be rotated by a motor or a solenoid that is actuated by a controller.

For example, the flush cycle may be initiated electronically through a push button, flush lever, or other external input.

In another example, the rotating sump 70 may be powered by water. For example, the rotating sump 70 may include a water turbine. The water turbine receives a flow of water from the tank 11 or the supply line and converts the flow of water to a rotational force to rotate the rotating sump 70.

In any of these examples, the flush cycle may also trigger a cleaning water through tube 77 and sprayer 79, which may be referred to as a trailing chamber washer because the chamber that is behind the chamber in use as the sump is cleaned by the sprayer 79.

FIG. 35 illustrates that the flush lever 26 may trigger rotation of the rotating sump 70. That is, the flush lever 26 may cause rotation of the rotating sump 70 through the drive mechanism and at a predetermined time delay or simultaneously, the flush lever 26 may also supply water through tube 77 to the sprayer 79.

The flush lever 26 may be electronically or physically coupled to an activator configured to activate the trailing chamber washer (sprayer 79) in response to a position or actuation of the flush lever 26. The flush lever 26 may open a valve coupled to the tube 77 to provide water to the chamber at the second position 73. The valve may connect the tube 77 to a water supply line, a dedicated tank for the sprayer 79, or the tank 11. Alternatively, water may be provided at third position 74. As opposed to a valve, the activator may be a pump that pumps water through the tube 77.

In one example, the sprayer 79 and the activator are operated only in certain types of flushes. For example, the actuator 14 may include two buttons for a dual flush wash down toilet. One button corresponds to a low volume flush, and one button corresponds to a high volume flush. The low volume flush may be primarily associated with urine. The high volume flush may be primarily associated with feces. The activator may only activate the sprayer 79 with the flush signal from the actuator 14 indicates the high volume flush is selected.

FIG. 36 illustrates that a fill valve 80 may supply water from the tank to both a rim channel 81 and the tube 77. The fill valve 80 may be connected to a split 82 that divides the water supply input between the tank 11 and the tube 77. The split 82 may divide the water flow at a predetermined ratio or percentage such that a first percentage of the water supply input is provided to the tank 11 and a second percentage of the water supply input is provided to the tube 77. The water may be provided to tube 77 as the tank is filing at the end of the flush cycle.

FIG. 37 illustrates an example flow chart for operation of the sump compartment flushing assembly. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.

At act S401, the flushing assembly receiving a flushing input from a user. The input may be an electronic signal sent to a controller. The input may be mechanical movement provided to the rotor component 70. At act S401, the rotor component 70 is in the first position and provides the sump compartment to the toilet bowl 23.

At act S403, the flushing assembly rotates the rotor component 70 from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the sump compartment is provided to the waste outlet.

At act S405, the flushing assembly empties the sump at the second position to the waste outlet.

At act S407, the sump compartment is rinsed with a supply of water. Act S407 may be performed at the second position or another position.

At act S409, the flushing assembly rotates the rotor component 70 from the second position back to the first position. Alternatively, the rotor component 70 may be rotated to an intermediate position.

FIG. 38 illustrates a first embodiment of an example manual pump flushing assembly for the toilet bowl 23 of toilet 10. The manual pump flushing assembly may include a handle 104 coupled to a piston that is received in a pump cylinder 103 (pump compartment). The manual pump flushing assembly include an inlet connected to a sump chamber 101 of the toilet bowl 23 and an outlet connected to a trapway 105. The sump chamber 101 may include an inclined surface 102 that aids in directing the contents of the bowl 23 to the pump cylinder 103. The inlet may include a check valve 107 between the sump chamber 101 and the pump cylinder 103. The outlet may include a check valve 106 between the pump cylinder 103 and the trapway 105. The manual pump flushing assembly may include the pump cylinder 103 and/or the trapway 105, or these may be external components. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

As the handle 104 is manually (e.g., by hand, by a user) pulled away from the pump cylinder 103, the piston internal to the pump cylinder 103 creates a low pressure within the pump cylinder 103. Because check valve 106 blocks flow from the trapway 105 into the pump cylinder 103 and check valve 107 does not block flow from the sump chamber 101 to the pump cylinder 103, the low pressure pull the contents from the sump 101 into the pump cylinder 103. The check valve 107 is upstream of the check valve 106. The check valves 106 and 107 may be within the pump cylinder 103. Alternatively, the check valve 106 may be within the trapway 105 and/or the check valve 106 may be within the sump chamber 101.

FIG. 39 illustrates various forms of the check valve 106 and 107. A multiple slit valve 151 may include multiple corners with multiple slits therebetween. The slits may open in unison to create a large opening. A duckbill valve 152 may include one slit. A flapper valve 153 may include a base that is secured to the pump cylinder 103 and a plate that moves with respect to the base to allow contents to pass therethrough.

As the handle 104 is manually pushed back into the pump cylinder 103, the piston internal to the pump cylinder 103 creates a high pressure within the pump cylinder 103. Because check valve 106 allows flow from the pump cylinder 103 into the trapway 105 and check valve 107 blocks flow from the pump cylinder 103 into the sump 101, the high pressure will push the contents from the pump cylinder 103 into the trapway 105.

The trapway 105 may include a P-trap. The P-trap may be configured to maintain a water seal having a predetermined heights extending from the bottom of the P-trap to the top of the pump cylinder 103. The P-trap may be positioned above the pump cylinder 103 and/or the handle 104. In one example, the direction of the handle 104 (and piston internal to the pump cylinder 103) extends and moves in a first direction and the P-trap extends (e.g., direction of check valve 106) in a second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the second direction. The term substantially perpendicular may be withing a predetermined range (e.g., 5 degrees or 10 degrees) of perpendicular.

FIG. 40 illustrates a second embodiment of an example manual pump flushing assembly. In the second embodiment, the manual pump assembly is mounted to opening 112 which is on an opposite side of the sump chamber 113 from the trapway 105. The sump chamber 113 is a vertically arranged sump chamber 113 because it is substantially below the toilet bowl 23. The sump chamber 113 may include one or more mounting holes or other fasteners to connect the manual pump flushing assembly to the toilet bowl 23. In this example, the check valve 106 may be positioned between the trapway 105 and the sump chamber 113 (the check valve 107 may be omitted).

The handle 104 draws contents into the pump cylinder through the opening 112 as the handle 104 is pulled away from the opening 112. The handle 104 pushes the contents into the trapway 105 as the handle 104 is pushed back into the pump cylinder toward the opening 112. In another example, an air vent is included in the pump cylinder to draw air into the pump cylinder and the check valve 107 prohibits the contents of the sump from being drawn into the pump cylinder. The air is expelled through opening 112 to push the contents into the trapway 105 to the flush the toilet 10.

FIG. 41 illustrates a third embodiment of an example manual pump flushing assembly. The sump chamber 114 is a horizontally arranged sump chamber 113 because it is substantially adjacent (e.g., not directly below) the toilet bowl 23.

FIG. 42 illustrates an example manual pump including an external water source 120, a water input 117, a water switch 116, and a lock 118. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The lock 118 is configured to restrict the motion of the manual pump handle 104 or prevent back flow through a check valve (e.g., check valve 106 and/or check valve 107). The lock 118 may lock the handle 104 when rotated a first direction and release the handle 104 to freely move when rotated a second direction.

The water switch 116 is connected to a valve that selectively opens water inlet 117 connected to the water source 120. The water source 120 may be seawater, a tank, or a water supply line. The water switch 116 is configured to open an auxiliary passage to provide water to the manual pump. The water may be used to rinse the toilet bowl 23, the pump compartment 103 or the trapway 105.

FIG. 43 illustrates an example flow chart for the manual pump flushing assembly. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.

At act S501, a handle 104 for a manual pump is actuated in a first direction (suction stroke) to move contents from the sump 37 of the toilet bowl 23. Before act S501, the handle 104 may be rotated to unlock the manual pump.

At act S503, material from the toilet bowl 23 is drawn into the pump compartment 103. A check valve may prevent backflow back into the sump 37.

At act S505, the handle 104 for the manual pump is actuated in a second direction (compression stroke). The actuation may break a siphon in the trapway 105.

At act S507, the material from the pump compartment 103 is pushed into the trapway 105. A check valve may prevent backflow back into the pump compartment 103. After act S507 or during act S507, a valve may provide a water flow to the pump compartment 103. The valve may be coupled with water switch 116. Alternatively, the valve may be coupled with the handle 104 such that rotating the handle 104 to a first position locks the manual pump and rotating the handle 104 to a second position to rinse the pump compartment 103.

FIG. 44 illustrates an example pressurized air trap flushing assembly. The toilet 10 may include a gate valve 131, and a trapway including an air chamber (air chamber portion) 130 and a seal chamber (seal chamber portion). The air chamber 130 may be connected to an air reservoir 132 through an air valve 133. Pressure may be supplied to the air reservoir 132 using a pump 140. A water seal is formed from the air chamber 130 to a bottom of the trapway 134. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The pressurized air trap flushing assembly may be coupled to a manual input 135. For example, the drive mechanism 39 may include a handle. The handle may be coupled to one or more gears, belts, levers, or other drive train components that actuate one or more portions of the pressurized air trap flushing assembly.

The handle is configured to open the gate valve 131. The handle may apply a horizontal force to a gate of the gate valve 131. The horizontal force may be applied by a rod or valve stem connecting the gate valve 131 to the handle. The horizontal force may be applied by a motor or solenoid that is activated in response to actuation of the handle. The gate valve 131 may include a gate (e.g., a plate) that slides in and out to selectively block the sump of the toilet 10.

The handle is configured to open the air valve 133. The handle may apply a rotation or a torque to a screw that moves a valve plate into (and out of) the air passage 143. The handle may rotate the screw directly. The handle may trigger a motor or solenoid to rotate the screw or otherwise move the valve plate into the air passage 143.

In some examples, the handle may open the gate valve 131 and the air valve 133 simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Substantially simultaneously means within a predetermined amount of time that is brief with respect to the actuation of the handle. Examples may include 1 second, 100 milliseconds, or 10 milliseconds. In other examples, the handle may be operable at a first position corresponding to the gate valve 131 and a section position corresponding to the air valve 133. The first position and the second position may be spaced so that smooth or continuous motion of the handle first opens the gate valve 131 to release contents from the bowl 23 into the trapway 134 at the first position and subsequently release air through the air valve 133 into the trapway at the second position.

FIG. 45 illustrates another example pressurized air trap flushing assembly including a sump jet 142. The sump jet 142 is coupled to the trapway 134 at a sump jet port. The sump jet 142 may be connected to a pressurized water tank or a supply line. Water from the sump jet 142, along with air from the air valve 133 provided to the trapway at the air port 143, may combine to push the water 138 in the trapway downstream and break the siphon in the trapway in order to flush the toilet bowl 23.

In some examples, a second air port 139 may be provided. The second air port 139 may be coupled to the same reservoir 132 through another air valve. A different air reservoir may be used for the second air port 139.

The handle may be operable at a third position that corresponds to the sump jet 142. When the handle is placed at the third position, the sump jet 142 is activated through opening a sump jet valve or another mechanism. The sump jet 142 may be activated by the handle simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the gate valve 131 and the air valve 133.

FIG. 46 illustrates another example pressurized air trap flushing assembly including a vent 141 to release excess air pressure.

The drive mechanism may be coupled with a controller that includes a gate valve driver 146 and an air valve driver 136. The controller may receive one or more input for a flush cycle. The input may be an electrical signal received from the flush lever 26 or actuator 14. The input may be sensor data that detects a gesture of the user or motion of a user.

The controller may generate one or more commands in response to the input. The gate valve driver 146 may generate a command for the gate valve 131. The command may open the gate valve 131 in response to the input starting the flush cycle and subsequently close the gate valve 131 after a predetermined time, which gives the contents of the bowl 23 time to fall into the trapway 134. The air valve driver 136 may generate a command for the air valve 133. The command may open the air valve 133 after the gate valve 131 has been closed. The air that escapes into the trapway at the air chamber 130 pushes the contents along the trapway 134 toward the drain.

FIG. 47 illustrates an example flow chart for the pressurized air trap flushing assembly. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.

At act S601, a flush command or flush actuation is received. The flush command may be received at the controller. The controller may perform a combination of operations in response to the flush command. The controller may cause closure a gate valve 131 between the toilet bowl and a trapway 134 coupled to the toilet bowl by way of a gate valve instruction. The controller may cause generation of the air valve instruction in response to a flush command. The controller may cause generation of a rinse valve command in response to the flush command.

At act S603, the air reservoir 132 is pressurized. The air reservoir 132 may be pressurized before or after act S601. In some examples, the air reservoir 132 is pressurized after a flush cycle ends before the subsequent flush cycle. In some examples, the air reservoir 132 is pressurized in response to the air valve instruction. In some examples, the air reservoir 132 is pressurized at a predetermined time (e.g., every hour). The air valve instruction may cause the pump 140 to be turned on for a predetermined time or until the air pressure in the air reservoir 132 reaches a predetermined pressure as measured by a pressure sensor.

At act S605, the gate valve 131 is opened in response to the gate valve instruction. The gate valve 131 may be opened by operating the drive mechanism to rotate a stem of the gate valve 131.

At act S607, the air valve 133 is opened. The air valve 133 may be opened by operating the drive mechanism to rotate a stem of the air valve 133. When the air valve 133 is opened, air is injected into the air chamber 130 of the trapway 134 coupled to the toilet bowl 23. The air breaks a siphon seal in the trapway 134 to flush the toilet bowl 23.

At act S609, the contents of the trapway 134 is drained. During or after act S609, water from the tank 11 is released to the toilet bowl 23.

In some examples, a float or a sensor in the tank 11 may causes the air valve 133 to be opened and/or the gate valve 131 to be opened. For example, the flush cycle may be initiated using flush lever 26, which is connected to a flapper between the tank 11 and the bowl 23. As the water level in the tank 11 goes down, a float moves and provides a trigger to the controller or the drive mechanism to actuate the air valve 133 and/or the gate valve 131. Alternatively, a sensor may detect the water level in the tank 11 and send a signal or sensor data to the controller indicative of the water level. When the water level passes a predetermined level, the controller sends the gate valve instruction and/or the air valve instruction.

FIG. 48A illustrates example conveyor flushing assemblies. A screw conveyor 161 may include a thread that encircles a shaft inclined in a direction from the sump 37 of the toilet bowl 23 to the top or peak of the trapway 134. As the screw conveyor 161 rotates, the contents of the sump 37 or trapway 134 are moved in the downstream direction. A water seal is formed by the trapway at predetermined height s.

FIG. 48B illustrates helical conveyor 162. The helical conveyor 162 may include an eccentric rotor that is configured to rotate to move contents of the 37 up the trapway toward the drain or sewer outlet of the trapway 134. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The screw conveyor 161 or the helical conveyor 162 may be coupled to the drive mechanism 39 (e.g., motor, solenoid, or hand crank). The drive mechanism 39 may be directly actuated by the user. The drive mechanism 39 may be automatically actuated in response to instructions from the controller in response to sensor data. The screw conveyor 161 or the helical conveyor 162 may be turned in response to the flush lever 26 or actuator 14. The screw conveyor 161 or the helical conveyor 162 may be turned in response to presence of the user (e.g., motion sensor, weight sensor). The screw conveyor 161 or the helical conveyor 162 may be turned in response to user input 38.

FIG. 49 illustrates an example waste ram flushing assembly. A ram 163 is sized to fit within the trapway 134. The ram 163 is configured to push the contents of the sump 37 up and over the trapway 134, breaking the siphon seal to flush the toilet bowl 23. The ram 163 could be manually operated. That is, a user may grip a handle coupled to the ram 163 and push the ram into the trapway 134. Alternatively, the ram 163 may be drive by the driven mechanism. The waste ram 163 may be supported by a guide track. One or more gears coupled to the waste ram 163 may ride along the guide track. The ram 163 may be coupled to a solenoid that pushes the ram 163 along the guide track. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

FIG. 50 illustrates an example manual vacuum flushing assembly. The manual vacuum flushing assembly may include a vacuum passage 171, a piston 172, a handle, and a check valve 173 (e.g., duck bill valve). Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The trapway 134 forms a water seal s with a sump 37 of the toilet bowl 23. As wastes are deposited into the sump 37 and trapway 134, the waste falls into the water. The handle is pulled up to draw the waste and water at least partially into the vacuum passage 171. In other words, the vacuum passage 171 is configured to introduce a low pressure to the trapway 134 against the check valve 173 to remove water from the water seal with the sump 37 of the toilet bowl 23.

A hardstop in the vacuum passage 171 may prevent the piston 172 from travelling past a predetermined point. At the predetermined point, the user beings to push the handle back downward and drive the waste and water out of the vacuum passage 171 and through the trapway 134 to the check valve 173, which flushes the toilet bowl 23.

In one alternative, the drive mechanism 39 may move the piston 172 through the vacuum passage 171 using a drive train including one or more gears, solenoids, or motors. The drive mechanism 39 may operate the drive mechanism 39 based on a user input 38 or sensor data indicative of a usage of the toilet 10. As described in other examples, the actuation of the manual vacuum flushing assembly may be in response to the flush lever 26 or actuator 14 and may be in coordination with rinse water from the tank 11 or the supply line. In some examples, rinse water is provided after the piston 172 draws waste into the vacuum passage 171. In other examples, rinse water is provided after the piston 172 pushes the water through the trapway 134 and/or the check valve 174.

FIG. 51 illustrates an example vertical turntable flushing assembly. The vertical turntable flushing assembly may include a turntable 181 rotatable on an axis. The axis is horizontal so that the axis is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. In a first position, a first side 1 faces the toilet bowl 23. After waste is deposited at the first side, the turntable 181 is rotated so that a second side 2 faces the toilet bowl 23 and the wastes on first side 1 are provide to the sump. Any of the drive mechanisms described herein may be applied to the turntable 181. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

FIG. 52 illustrates an example horizontal turntable flushing assembly. The horizontal flushing assembly may include a turntable 182 rotatable on an axis. The axis is substantially vertical or includes a vertical component. The axis may be perpendicular to the trapway 134. The turntable 182 may include first side 1 as a first compartment coupled to second side 2 as a second compartment. In a first position, a first side 1 faces the toilet bowl 23. After waste is deposited at the first side, the turntable 181 is rotated so that a second side 2 faces the toilet bowl 23 and the wastes on first side 1 are provide to the sump. Any of the drive mechanisms described herein may be applied to the turntable 181. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

FIG. 53 illustrates an example manual pressure flushing assembly. A toilet lid may operate as a manually actuated seat pump 191. One or more seals are placed between the manually actuated seat pump 191 and the toilet bowl 23. The manually actuated seat pump 191 is formed from a flexible material. The user may place downward pressure on the manually actuated seat pump 191 to apply a force on water in the toilet bowl 23 and the trapway 134 to break a siphon of the trapway 134 and flush the toilet bowl 23. The trapway 134 or the sump may include a check valve configured to prevent the flush from locking. That is, the user may pump the manually actuated seat pump 191 multiple times. In addition, a tank such as tank 11 that is configured to refill the toilet bowl may release water into the toilet bowl 23 in response to the flush from the manually actuated seat pump 191.

FIG. 54 illustrates an example controller 800 for any of the disclosed embodiments. The controller 800 may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a communication interface 353 for interfacing with devices or to the internet and/or other networks 346. In addition to the communication interface 353, a sensor interface 354 may be configured to receive data from the sensors described herein or data from any source. Feedback or output indicative of the operation of the flushing assembly may be provided by the display 350 or the speaker 351. The components of the control system may communicate using bus 348. The control system may be connected to a workstation or another external device (e.g., control panel) and/or a database for receiving user inputs, system characteristics, and any of the values described herein.

The processor 300 may receive input data and initiate operation of the drive mechanism 39 for the flushing assembly in response to the input data. The processor 300 may receive input data and initiate operation of one or more valves. The processor 300 may generate a valve command in order to operate the solenoid or the motor to open or close the valve 202.

The input data may be indicative of a flush cycle. In one example, the processor 300 may control the flush cycle (e.g., operation of a flush valve). The input data may be received from a user input. For example, the flush lever may be electronically or wirelessly connected to the processor 300. In response to turning the flush lever (or a predetermined time thereafter), the processor generates the valve command so that water is dispensed for the flush cycle.

The input data may be received from a dedicated button, switch, keypad, or other input device 355 through which the user directly instructs the processor 300 to actuate the flushing assembly. The input data may be received wirelessly from a remote control, a smartphone, a tablet or another mobile device.

The input data may be received from a sensor interface 354. The sensor interface 354 may detect the presence of the user such as by a proximity sensor or a weight sensor. The sensor 354 interface may detect a gesture made by the user.

FIG. 55 illustrates a flow chart for operation of a flushing assembly performed by the controller 800. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.

At act S701, a flush instruction is received at the controller 800.

At act S703, the controller 800 determines a flush parameter in response to the flush instruction. The flush parameter may be directly specified by the flush instruction. The flush parameter may be a volume for the flush (e.g., high volume, low volume). The flush instruction may include sensor data indicative of whether the user was standing or sitting. The flush instruction may include sensor data for the weight of the user. The flush instruction may include the identity of the user, and users may specify flush volume preferences.

At act S705, the controller 800 generates a flushing assembly command in response to the flushing parameter. The flushing assembly command may include a number of rotations of a motor to drive the flushing assembly in any of the examples described herein. The flushing assembly command may include an actuation distance for a solenoid. The flushing assembly command may include a time to actuate the flushing assembly.

At act S707, the flushing assembly operates in response to the flushing assembly command.

Optionally, the control system may include an input device 355 and/or a sensing circuit 356 in communication with any of the sensors. The sensing circuit receives sensor measurements from sensors as described above. The input device may include any of the user inputs such as buttons, touchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone for voice inputs, a camera for gesture inputs, and/or another mechanism.

Optionally, the control system may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading non-transitory computer media 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to perform instructions 342 stored in memory 352 for executing the algorithms described herein. A display 350 may be an indicator or other screen output device. The display 350 may be combined with the user input device 355.

Processor 300 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor 300 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 352 or received from other computer readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk storage, local ROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.). The processor 300 may be a single device or combinations of devices, such as associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.

Memory 352 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory 352 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may be communicably connected to processor 300 via a processing circuit and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 300) one or more processes described herein. For example, the memory 352 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, shower configuration files, or other resources for use in generating graphical user interfaces for display and/or for use in interpreting user interface inputs to make command, control, or communication decisions.

In addition to ingress ports and egress ports, the communication interface 353 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface 353 may be connected to a network. The network may include wired networks (e.g., Ethernet), wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network, a Bluetooth pairing of devices, or a Bluetooth mesh network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.

While the computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. The computer-readable medium may be non-transitory, which includes all tangible computer-readable media.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

Claims

1. A toilet flushing assembly comprising: a spiral trapway having an upstream portion coupled to a toilet bowl, a curved portion, and a downstream portion coupled to a waste outlet; anda drive mechanism coupled to the spiral trapway and configured to rotate the spiral trapway from a first orientation to a second orientation, wherein the first orientation evacuates contents from the toilet bowl and the second orientation advances the contents from the spiral trapway to the waste outlet.

2. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism includes a lever operable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first orientation corresponds to the first position and the second orientation corresponds to the second position.

3. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism includes a gear configured to rotate the spiral trapway between the first orientation and the second orientation.

4. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 3, wherein the drive mechanism includes a pedal to rotate the gear.

5. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 3, wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor or a solenoid to rotate the gear.

6. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the spiral trapway from the second orientation to the first orientation in order to create a water seal in the spiral trapway.

7. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a tank; anda valve configured to open a flow of water from the tank to the toilet bowl.

8. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to open the valve after rotating the spiral trapway from the first orientation to the second orientation.

9. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to open the valve after rotating the spiral trapway from the second orientation to the first orientation.

10. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a springback device coupled to the spiral trapway and configured to apply a force to rotate the spiral trapway from the second orientation to the first orientation.

11. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism includes a manual lever.

12. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism rotates the spiral trapway in response to a flush input.

13. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 12, wherein the flush input includes a flush lever, a remote control, a touchscreen, a button, a capacitive switch, or a sensor.

14. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the spiral trapway causes a siphon break of a water seal.

15. The toilet flushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the spiral trapway includes a plurality of water seals.

16. A toilet comprising: a toilet bowl;a tank connected to the toilet bowl via a water channel;a spiral trapway having an upstream portion coupled to the toilet bowl, a curved portion, and a downstream portion coupled to a waste outlet; anda drive mechanism coupled to the spiral trapway and configured to rotate the spiral trapway from a first orientation to a second orientation and opens the water channel to the toilet bowl, wherein the first orientation evacuates contents from the toilet bowl and the second orientation advances the contents from the spiral trapway to the waste outlet.

17. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the drive mechanism includes a lever operable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first orientation corresponds to the first position and the second orientation corresponds to the second position.

18. The toilet of claim 17, further comprising: a valve for the water channel between the tank and the toilet bowl, wherein the second position of the lever, or movement from the first position to the second position, causes the lever to open the water channel.

19. The toilet of claim 17, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the spiral trapway from the second orientation to the first orientation in order to create a water seal in the spiral trapway.

20. A method for flushing a toilet bowl with a spiral trapway, the method comprising: rotating a spiral trapway from a first orientation to a second orientation, wherein the first orientation evacuates contents from the toilet bowl and the second orientation advances the contents from the spiral trapway to a waste outlet; androtating the spiral trapway from the second orientation to the first orientation to create a water seal in the spiral trapway for a subsequent flush.

21-148. (canceled)