Fluid handling – Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems – Control of outflow from tank
Patent
1998-02-02
2000-09-05
Walton, George L.
Fluid handling
Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems
Control of outflow from tank
137410, 4327, 4395, 4415, F16K 3120, F16K 3300
Patent
active
061127639
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates generally to valves, in one aspect particularly to valves which are immersed in the fluid the flow of which the valves control, and in another aspect particularly to valves for controlling the flow of fluids through the valve. More particularly, the present invention relates to valves for controlling the flow of liquids, particularly water. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to valves suitable for use in cisterns for flushing toilet bowls and the like, such as inlet valves for admitting water to the cistern, and flushing valves, particularly dual flushing valves, located in cisterns for controlling release of water from the cistern. The present invention finds particular applications as the inlet valve and/or as the dual flush cistern valve having two modes of operation in cisterns located in buildings such as office blocks, hotels, domestic houses or the like.
Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to a cistern having a dual flush valve and/or an inlet valve, it is to be noted that the present invention is not restricted to such arrangements and uses but rather the scope of the present invention is more extensive so as to include other arrangements and uses of the valve than those specifically described.
One problem with existing cistern inlet valves is that such valves operate progressively between the two extreme positions. Therefore, there is a variable flow of water being admitted to the cistern which results in undesirable noise such as that described as the "hissing" effect or noise of water entering the cistern after the toilet bowl has been flushed. This noise results from the inlet valve progressively approaching the fully closed position due to the gradually restricting flow of water. In extreme cases the unwanted noise can continue for lengthy periods of time after the cistern has been valved which can be annoying and aggravating, particularly in en suite situations at night when the cistern is valved which may awaken the sleepers in the adjoining bedroom, or in multiple dwelling buildings.
Another problem associated with currently used valves in cisterns is that they are bulky and complex which results in large amounts of space being occupied by the valve in the cistern, particularly the operating mechanism of the valves. This in turn requires that the cistern be of large size. Large size cisterns reduce the places in which the cistern may be located within a building, and reduce the flexibility of stylists in designing the cistern and the room in which the cistern is to be located.
Another problem associated with single flush valves in that they waste water since they have no provision for reducing the amount of water used during a flush even when it is not required.
Another problem associated with existing cistern valves, particularly dual flush cistern valves, is that they are complex in operation and manufacture, having a large number of separate components which interact together. Not only are such arrangements expensive to make, but also over time the components wear, particularly where adjacent components are connected to each other, such as for example about a pivotal joint, pin or similar, and/or where a sealing element is provided. Wear in the operating or actuating mechanism of the valve and/or in the sealing elements leads to sloppiness of excessive clearances between components which in turn results in leakages or other problems, such as poor sealing of the inlets and outlets, which reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of the cistern and results in all too frequent repairs being required. In many instances, after extreme wear, valves more or less continually drip water or allow water to leak from the cistern, particularly into the toilet bowl, with accompanying unwanted noise, including the annoying hissing noise as the cistern is being continually replenished with water as the valve oscillates between a partially opened position and a closed position. In addition, continual leaking of the cis
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Muriel Ann Orbell
Walton George L.
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