The disclosed technology includes a tank system including a gravity tank configured to contain water at atmospheric pressure, a rigid pressurized tank positioned within the gravity tank and configured to contain water at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, and a piston assembly positioned below the rigid pressurized tank and configured to open and close the rigid pressurized tank. The gravity tank is configured to channel water at atmospheric pressure into a toilet bowl at a first velocity and the rigid pressurized tank is configured to channel water at the pressure greater than atmospheric pressure into the toilet bowl at a second velocity. The second velocity is greater than the first velocity.

A plumbing system for generating electrical power, including a hydroelectric generator assembly configured to generate power, a power source arranged in parallel with the hydroelectric generator assembly, and an interconnecting power harness in communication with the hydroelectric generator assembly and the power source. The plumbing system additionally includes a plumbing fixture in communication with the interconnecting power harness. The plumbing fixture includes a valve and a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user. The hydroelectric generator assembly is configured to provide power to the valve.

A siphonic flush toilet system and method of priming the same having a toilet bowl assembly comprising at least one jet flush valve assembly and at least one rim valve; and bowl having a rim and a jet defining at least one jet channel, the at least one jet channel having an inlet port and a jet outlet port configured for discharging fluid to a sump area, wherein the sump area is in fluid communication with a trapway. The bowl has a closed jet pathway including the jet channel and extending from the jet flush valve assembly outlet to the jet channel outlet port to maintain the jet channel in a primed state with fluid from the jet flush valve assembly so as to assist in preventing air from entering the closed jet pathway. Flush valves are also disclosed having back-flow preventer mechanisms and/or at least partly flexible valve covers for use with the toilet systems and methods herein.

A siphonic flush toilet system and method of priming the same having a toilet bowl assembly comprising at least one jet flush valve assembly and at least one rim valve; and bowl having a rim and a jet defining at least one jet channel, the at least one jet channel having an inlet port and a jet outlet port configured for discharging fluid to a sump area, wherein the sump area is in fluid communication with a trapway. The bowl has a closed jet pathway including the jet channel and extending from the jet flush valve assembly outlet to the jet channel outlet port to maintain the jet channel in a primed state with fluid from the jet flush valve assembly so as to assist in preventing air from entering the closed jet pathway. Flush valves are also disclosed having back-flow preventer mechanisms and/or at least partly flexible valve covers for use with the toilet systems and methods herein.

Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet.

A flush valve assembly comprising a flush valve comprising a flush valve body extending from a flush valve inlet to a flush valve outlet; a flush valve seal having a top face and a bottom face; and a flush actuator comprising a rigid linkage; wherein the bottom face of the flush valve seal is configured to enclose the flush valve inlet; and wherein the rigid linkage is coupled to the top face of the flush valve seal and is configured to lift the flush valve seal to open the flush valve and to lower the flush valve seal to close the flush valve. A rigid linkage is configured to lift a flush valve seal and to lower a flush valve seal at a controlled rate.

A timed pressure equalization member for use in a siphonic toilet to reduce water loss at the end of a flush cycle is disclosed. The equalization member functions to equalize the pressure in a pressurized chamber after a set period of time and consequently alleviates negative pressure within a pressurized trapway system at or near the end of a flushing cycle via a conduit, to help break the siphon at the end of the flush cycle, thereby reducing the amount of water drained from the water bowl/spot while the bowl is being refilled. At a resting state, the equalization member in the pressurized chamber is partially filled with water. The equalization member empties of water after a set period of time during a flush cycle and allows atmospheric air to enter the pressurized chamber (in fluid communication with the pressurized trapway) at or near the end of the flush cycle.

This invention applies to household appliances, specifically the common household toilet. Current conventional toilet design contains a metal Toilet Lift Chain which easily tangles and causes an unintended and continuous flow of water. By using a (1) rust-proof, (2) erosion resistant and (3) tangle resistant material such as silicone, the Silicone Toilet Lift Chain prevents tangles, thus preventing unintended and continuous flow of water.

This invention applies to household appliances, specifically the common household toilet. Current conventional toilet design contains a metal Toilet Lift Chain which easily tangles and causes an unintended and continuous flow of water. By using a (1) rust-proof, (2) erosion resistant and (3) tangle resistant material such as silicone, the Silicone Toilet Lift Chain prevents tangles, thus preventing unintended and continuous flow of water.

A pneumatic valve control device includes an air cylinder. The air cylinder includes a first piston; an air outlet; and a locking and releasing mechanism configured to lock and release the first piston when the first piston is pushed up. The device also includes a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder includes a second piston; an air vent disposed on a first side of the second piston; and a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet disposed on a second side of the second piston. The device also includes a partition disposed between the hydraulic cylinder and the air cylinder; a partition channel disposed on the partition; a piston rod connected to the second piston and configured to pass through the partition channel; and a tappet valve connected to the piston rod and configured to leave the partition channel in response to an upward movement of the piston rod.