VENTURI SOURCE FOR VACUUM ASISST FLUSH

Abstract

A toilet includes a water supply input configured to selectively provide water to the toilet, a toilet tank configured to receive water from the water supply input and store the water to flush the toilet, a vacuum chamber at least partially within the toilet tank and connected to a trapway of the toilet, a venturi configured to receive water from the water supply input and provide a negative air pressure to the vacuum chamber, and a fluidic switch configured to selectively connect the water supply input to the venturi.

Claims

1. A toilet comprising: a water supply input configured to selectively provide water to the toilet; a toilet tank configured to receive water from the water supply input and store the water to flush the toilet; a vacuum chamber at least partially within the toilet tank and connected to a trapway of the toilet; a venturi configured to receive water from the water supply input and provide a negative air pressure to the vacuum chamber; and a fluidic switch configured to selectively connect the water supply input to the venturi.

2. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the fluidic switch is configured to selectively connect the water supply input to the toilet tank.

3. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the fluidic switch includes: a first branch connected to the toilet tank; and a second branch connected to the venturi.

4. The toilet of claim 3, wherein the fluidic switch includes: a timing chamber connected to the first branch and the second branch.

5. The toilet of claim 4, wherein the timing chamber has a dimension associated with a flush cycle of the toilet.

6. The toilet of claim 3, wherein the fluidic switch includes: a first inlet fluidly connected to the first branch and/or the second branch.

7. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the fluidic switch includes: a second inlet fluidly connected to a timing chamber.

8. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the fluidic switch includes: a diverter configured to switch a passage through the fluidic switch to an outlet to include a first branch or a second branch.

9. The toilet of claim 8, wherein the diverter provides water flow to the first branch during a first time period and to the second branch during a second time period.

10. The toilet of claim 9, wherein the first time period and the second time period correspond to a flush cycle.

11. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the fluidic switch includes a series of fluidic oscillators.

12. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the fluidic switch comprises at least one fluid capacitor.

13. The toilet of claim 1, wherein water is provided from the tank to at least a rim channel to flush the toilet and a falling water level in the tank cooperates with the venturi to provide the negative air pressure to the vacuum chamber.

14. A toilet comprising: a water supply input configured to selectively provide to the toilet; a toilet tank configured to receive water from the water supply input and store the water to flush the toilet; a chamber at least partially within the toilet tank and connected to a trapway of the toilet; and a venturi configured to receive water from the water supply input and provide negative air pressure to the trapway.

15. The toilet of claim 14, wherein water is provided from the toilet tank to at least a rim channel to flush the toilet and a falling water level in the toilet tank cooperates with the venturi to provide the negative air pressure to the trapway.

16. The toilet of claim 14, wherein filling the toilet tank provides positive pressure to the trapway.

17. The toilet of claim 16, wherein a magnitude of the negative pressure from the venturi is greater than a magnitude of the positive pressure from filling the toilet tank.

18. The toilet of claim 16, wherein a net pressure based on the negative pressure from the venturi and the positive pressure from filling the toilet tank causes an air pocket in the trapway.

19. The toilet of claim 14, wherein the trapway comprises: an upleg weir for a first water seal; and a downleg weir for a second water seal.

20. A method for flushing a toilet, the method comprising: releasing water from a toilet tank to a toilet bowl; providing air pressure to a vacuum chamber from a venturi; providing air pressure from the vacuum chamber to a trapway; and deactivating the venturi after a predetermined time period.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an example toilet for use with a vacuum assistance system.

[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a vacuum assistance system in a first flush cycle stage.

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates the vacuum assistance system of FIG. 2 in a second flush cycle stage.

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates the vacuum assistance system of FIG. 2 in a third flush cycle stage.

[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates the vacuum assistance system of FIG. 2 in a fourth flush cycle stage.

[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a first example fluidic switch.

[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a second example fluidic switch.

[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a third example fluidic switch.

[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a vacuum assistance system in a first flush cycle stage.

[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates the vacuum assistance system of FIG. 9 in a second flush cycle stage.

[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates the vacuum assistance system of FIG. 9 in a third flush cycle stage.

[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates the vacuum assistance system of FIG. 9 in a fourth flush cycle stage.

[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates a vacuum assistant system including a pneumatic valve.

[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates a vacuum assistant system including an electronic valve.

[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates an example controller for any of the vacuum assistance system.

[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates an example flow chart for the controller of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following embodiments include apparatus and techniques for flushing a toilet. The toilet includes a double water seal, which may be formed by a double weir, such that a pocket of air is present in the trapway between the seals. The pocket of air may be connected to a chamber in the water tank. The water tank may include a venturi that is automatically switched on and off using a passive device such as a fluidic switch. Other embodiments may include active switches.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an example toilet (plumbing device) for use with such a vacuum assist system. Referring to FIG. 1, a toilet 1100 with the vacuum assist system is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The toilet 1100 may include a tank (e.g., container, reservoir, etc.), shown as a tank 101, and a pedestal (e.g., base, stand, support, etc.), shown as a pedestal 1104. The tank 101 may be coupled to, and supported by, the pedestal 1104, which may be positioned on a floor. In some embodiments, the tank 101 and the pedestal 1104 may be formed together as a single component. In some other examples, the tank 101 may be mounted nearby on a wall, or within a wall. The tank 101 is configured to receive water (e.g., via a fill valve of the toilet 1100, etc.) and store the water in between flushes. The pedestal 1104 includes a bowl 110 and may be configured to receive the water from the tank 101 to flush contents of bowl into a sewage line. In some embodiments, the pedestal 1104 may be mounted on the wall of a lavatory and the bowl may be configured to receive water from a fluid supply source such as a household water supply.

[0023] The bowl 110 of the pedestal 1104 includes a sump (e.g. a receptacle) and an outlet opening, wherein water and waste is collected in the sump until being removed through the outlet opening, such as when the contents of the bowl are flushed into a sewage line, septic system, or other sanitary system. The toilet 1100 further includes a trapway, and the trapway may be fluidly connected to the bowl via the sump. The trapway fluidly connects the sump to the outlet opening.

[0024] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate the steps or sequence of a flush cycle and additional structural details for a first embodiment of toilet 1100. FIG. 2 illustrates the first step in the sequence where the vacuum assist system is at rest. In other words, the toilet 1100 is ready to be flushed and/or the first step is after at least one iteration of the flush cycle. When the vacuum assist system is a rest, there is a positive pressure in the trapway, as shown in FIG. 2 for Step 1. Just after the flush is activated the refill water starts flowing and air is pulled from trapway, which provides the vacuum assist, as shown in FIG. 3 for Step 2. After the water seal is removed, the vacuum assist ends and the passages are at atmospheric pressure, as shown in FIG. 4 for Step 3. Water continues to flow, eventually replacing the water system, and re-establishing the positive pressure in the trapway, as shown in FIG. 5 for Step 4.

[0025] The first embodiment of toilet 1100 may include the tank 101 including an interior space 102, and a pedestal 1104 including the toilet bowl 110. The tank may include water within the interior space 102 up to a water level 112, at least one vacuum chamber 109, at least one flush valve 111, at least one venturi 120, at least one switch 121, and a least one fill valve assembly 115. The fill valve assembly 115 may include a fill valve 128, a shank 127, a float 114, a water adjustment device, a top cap 118, and a locknut 123 or other clamping device may connect the fill valve assembly 115 to the tank 101. The flush valve 111 illustrates the flush water in the tank 101 and the flush water may fill the tank 101 to the water level 112. The flush valve 111 is configured to release the flush water from the tank 101 into the bowl 110 through one or more rim channels 119. The released flush water washes down the sides of the bowl 110 and provides the volume of water necessary to break the siphon of the trapway 104.

[0026] The shank 127 may include a shaft of any shape that supports the fill valve assembly 115. The shank 127 may include a foot or other device that is pressed against the floor or bottom surface of the tank 101. For example, the locknut 123 may tighten the shank 127 and/or foot against the tank 101. The locknut 123 may fit over the shank 127. The shank 127 may extend through the tank 101 via a seal.

[0027] The float 114 may include an opening through which the shank 127 extends. The float 114 may move freely up and down along the shank 127. The float 114 may be suspended by the water in the tank 101 at a predetermined heigh with respect to the water level 112. The fill valve 128 may selectively open and close a water passage into the tank 101 (e.g., from a utility water supply). The fill valve 128 is a water supply input configured to selectively provide water to the tank 101.

[0028] The fill valve 128 may be operated in response to a position of the float 114. In some examples, the fill valve 128 and the float 114 are integrated (e.g., the fill valve 128 is housed within the float 114). When the float 114 rises to a predetermined level based on the fill level 112, the float 114 causes the fill valve 128 to close. In this way, the fill valve 128 fills the tank 101 with water until the predetermined level is reached.

[0029] A water adjustment device 117 may include a screw or another movable component configured to adjust the predetermined level. The predetermined level may be raised or lowered by turning a screw or otherwise adjusting a leg coupled to the float 114. For example, the distance between a top cap 118 and the float 114 may be adjusted to change the predetermined level for operation of the fill valve 128.

[0030] The trapway 104 may be a compound trapway including an upstream trapway 105 and a downstream trapway 107. Water from the bowl 110 flows through a main sump 103 into the upstream trapway 105 to the secondary sump 129 into the downstream trapway 107. The upstream trapway 105 includes an upstream weir 106 that defines an upstream water seal. The downstream trapway 107 includes a downstream weird 108 that defines a downstream water seal. Between the downstream water seal and the upstream water seal is a trapway cavity 130.

[0031] A vacuum passage 122 connects the trapway 104, specifically the upstream trapway 105, to the tank 101. The vacuum passage 122 may be connected to a vacuum chamber 109 within the tank 101. In some examples, the vacuum passage 122 may be external to the tank 101. The vacuum passage 122 may be mounted to the tank 101. In some examples, the vacuum chamber 109 is hermetically sealed to the vacuum passage 122 such that only air is present in the vacuum passage 122 and the vacuum chamber 109.

[0032] In some examples, a filter (e.g., filter 140 in FIGS. 6-9) is included in the vacuum passage 122 so that air can travel freely through the vacuum passage 122 but no water from the trapway 104 is permitted through the vacuum passage 122 into the vacuum chamber. Examples for the filter may include a synthetic material such as Gore-Tex, a fluoroplastic, or a porous material.

[0033] The vacuum chamber 109 may be connected to an air hose 113 that connected to a venturi device 120. A water supply hose 116 exiting the supply valve 128 provides the water flow to the venturi device 120. The venturi device 120 is configured to generate a vacuum or negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 109 in response to the flow of water from the water supply hose 116. The flow of water passes through a Venturi entrance or input 131, a choke 132, and a venturi exit or output 133. A diameter of the input 131 is larger (e.g., substantially larger) than a diameter of the choke 132. The term substantially larger may mean at least two to ten times larger. A diameter of the output 133 may also be larger (e.g., substantially larger) than a diameter of the choke 132. The diameter of the input 131 may be about the same as the diameter of the output 133. As water travels through the Venturi device 120 from the large diameter of the input 131 to the choke 132, there is a reduction in fluid pressure that results when the water flow speeds up as it flows through the smaller diameter or otherwise constricted section of the choke 132. This Venturi effect causes a vacuum effect in the air hose 113, which lowers the air pressure in the vacuum chamber 109.

[0034] The output 133 of the venturi 120 is positioned at approximately the same horizontal plane as the opening in the vacuum chamber 109. The term approximately the same horizontal plane means that the bottom of the output 133 and the bottom of the vacuum chamber 109 are within a predetermined vertical distance of each other. Example predetermined vertical distances may include 10 centimeters, half the height of the venturi device, and/or the height of the tank 101.

[0035] The input 131 may be closed on a top end. That is, the input 131 may be close to the water in the tank 101. The only water flow provided to the input 131 of the Venturi device 120 may be from the supply line 124. The flow of water from the supply line 124 may be selectively turned ON and/or OFF by a fluidic switch 121. The fluidic switch 121 may be a passive device having no moving components (e.g., no motor, solenoid, mechanical valve). The fluidic switch 121 may include one or more chambers or other water cavities that are sized or arranged in series or in parallel to allow for the flow of water to be temporally controlled.

[0036] Turning now to the operation of the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, FIG. 2 illustrates Step 1 in which the vacuum assisted flushing system is at rest and in a ready state ready to flush. At rest there is positive pressure in the trapway 104. Primarily, the positive pressure may be primarily in the trapway cavity 130. The positive pressure is maintained because the air path through the vacuum passage 122 and the vacuum chamber 109 is airtight or substantially airtight. The positive pressure prevents siphonage of the water from the bowl 110 (e.g., the pressure in the trapway cavity 130 prevents the water from spilling over the upstream weir 106 into the secondary sump 129).

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates Step 2 for the flush cycle of the toilet 1100. The flush valve 111 may be tripped or otherwise opened by a flush lever (e.g., manual lever 135 as illustrated in FIG. 1), which is coupled to a flapper or other device. Other alternatives may include an electronic solenoid for the flush valve. When the flush valve 111 is opened, the water of the tank 101 is emptied through channels 119 to the bowl 110. The float 114 falls to below the predetermined height, and the fill valve 128 opens to release refill water to refill the tank 101. The refill water flows through the supply line 124 and into the venturi device 120. The Venturi effect causes air to be pulled from the vacuum chamber 109, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3.

[0038] Because the vacuum chamber 109 and the trapway 104, or the trapway cavity 130, are open, or connected by the vacuum passage 122, the negative pressure from the venturi device 120 provides suction to the water in the sump 103. The negative pressure assists the water in traveling over the upstream weir 106 to break the siphon and cause the toilet 1100 to flush. Thus, the venturi device 120, the vacuum passage 122, and the trapway cavity 130 provide negative pressure to pull the water and contents from the bowl 110 through the trapway 104 to flush the toilet 1100. When the first water seal is broken, the siphon is broken and the toilet 1100 flushes. The rush of water to the sump 129 also push the downstream water seal down to the outlet and out of the toilet 1100 to the septic system, sewer, filtration or treatment system etc.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4 and Step 3 for the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, the siphon has broken, and the contents have been carried away from the toilet 1100. After the siphon break, there is equal pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure) in the bowl 110, the vacuum passage 122, and the trapway cavity 130. There may be small amounts of water in sump 103 and/or sump 129. The refill of water through the fill valve 128 into the tank 101 as well as through the flush valve 111 and into the bowl 110 continues.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5 and Step 4 for the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, the refill of water into the toilet 1100 is performed. The fluidic switch 121 is configured to disconnect the venturi device 120 from the water supply from the fill valve 128. The refill continues to run (i.e., the fill valve 128 is open), but the fluidic switch 121 has changed the refill path so that no water is supplied to the venturi device 120. The venturi device 120 now has a water seal. With the venturi device 120 disconnected, the water supply from the fill valve 128 provided water directly to the tank 101. Thus, a simple fill is performed, and both the bowl 110 and the tank 101 are filled. The fill valve 128 may be closed according to the float 114.

[0041] The refill of water into the toilet 1100 will eventually reset the vacuum assisted flush system such that the first water seal at the sump 103 and the second water seal at the sump 129 are re-established. Small amounts of water spill over the upstream weir 106 once the water in the bowl 110 level is high enough. This water will establish the second water seal at the sump 129.

[0042] The fluidic switch 121 may be tuned or sized to switch the water supply from the fill valve 128 back to the venturi device 120 after the water seals have been established.

[0043] In some examples, a positive pressure is created in the vertical leg of the trapway after the water seals have been established. A ratio of two or more of a volume of the tank 101, a volume of the trapway 104, heights of the water seals may be selected to create the positive pressure.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an example fluidic switch 121. The fluidic switch 121 includes at least one inlet 150 and at least two outlets corresponding to a first branch 158 and a second branch 159. The inlet 150 may connect to a tapered channel 154 and a vertical neck 151. The vertical neck 151 connects the tapered channel 154 and/or the inlet 150 to a timing chamber 152. The timing chamber 152 is an example of a fluid capacitor. The timing chamber 152 is similar to a capacitor because water is provided to the capacitor for a time before there is any output from the timing chamber 152. A timing bypass channel 153 connects to a diverter chamber 157 via a narrow stem 156. The diverter chamber 157 connects to the tapered channel 154 via another narrow stem 155. The diverter chamber 157 is configured to switch the water flow from the inlet 150 to the outlets.

[0045] For example, water may flow into inlet 150 from the water supply of the toilet, which may be provided by the fill valve 128. The tapered channel 154 restricts the diameter of the flow, which tends to speed up the velocity. The flow rate main remain constant or the flow rate may go down by a small amount. In any example, the velocity of the water through the narrow stem 155. This water is propelled into the diverter chamber 157 and initially travels down the first branch 158. The water may adhere or hug the far interior surface of the first branch 158. The far interior surface may be located farthest away from the second branch 159.

[0046] Simultaneously, at the same time, or concurrently and overlapping at least partially in time, some of the water in the tapered channel 154 backs up until it travels up through the vertical neck 151 and into the timing chamber 152. This flow of water may be relatively slow (e.g., slower than the flow through the narrow stem 155 and/or the first branch). The water level in the timing chamber 152 rises over time to fill the timing chamber 152 after a predetermined amount of time. Eventually the timing chamber 152 will be filled and water spills into the bypass channel 153. The structure in FIG. 6 is only a representative example. The bypass channel 153 may extend vertically above the timing chamber 152. The bypass channel 153 may be arrange so that water fills the timing chamber 152 until a certain point or cliff where a high volume of water pours quickly into the bypass channel 153.

[0047] The water in the bypass channel 153 is also directed into the diverter chamber 157 through a narrow stem 156. The water through the narrow stem 156 may be forced through a taper section to increase in velocity. This fast moving stream of water may be referred to as a switching stream of water. When the switching stream of water collides with the flow of water from the narrow stem 155 to the first branch 158, the switching stream of water causes the majority of water in the diverter chamber 157 to switch to the second branch 159. The flow of water or output of the fluidic switch 121 may remain in the second branch 159 until the supply of water at the inlet 150 is turned off (e.g., the fill valve 128 is turned off).

[0048] The dimensions, shape, or other physical characteristics of the timing chamber 152 may be selected to determine the timing for the switching stream of water. One example is the height H of the timing chamber 152. The greater the height H, the more time that the water needs to fill the timing chamber 152 and eventually cause the switching stream of water to reach the diverter chamber 157.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, when the first branch 158 is connected to the venturi device 120 and the second branch 159 is connected to the tank 101, the flush cycle may be selected so that when the flush starts, water is provided to the venturi device 120 to provide the vacuum assist to the trapway 104. After a predetermined time period, water is no longer provided to the venturi device 120, and water is provided directly to the tank 101, while the tank 101 refills with water.

[0050] The predetermined chamber timing period may be set according to the amount of time break the siphon of the trapway 104. The predetermined chamber timing period may be estimated by measuring the time beginning from the actuation of the flush lever 134 and/or opening the flush valve 111 to release the water of the tank 101 to the bowl 110 and ending at the time when the water seal over the upstream weir 106 is broken. Once this time is measured, the height H of the timing chamber 152 may be selected so that filing the timing chamber 152 from the water from the fill valve 128 fills the timing chamber 152 in the same amount of time. In this way a dimension (e.g., the height H) of the timing chamber 152 has a dimension associated with a flush cycle of the toilet 1100.

[0051] In some examples, other devices such as orifices (a small opening for the water flow) or fill buffers (other chambers for water filling) may be incorporated with the fluidic switch 121 in order to match with the predetermined chamber timing period.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the water flow is switched between the venturi device 120 and the water tank 101 (i.e., outside of the venturi device 120 and inside the water tank 101). So that before the predetermined chamber timing period has passed, water is provided to the venturi device 120 to provide suction to the trapway cavity 130. But after the predetermined chamber timing period has passed, the venturi device 120 is turned off and the water is provided directly to tank 101 when the trapway 104 is opened to atmospheric pressure. Any noises that could be heard from the opened trapway cavity 130 are avoided.

[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates another example fluidic switch 121. A selection of components is illustrated, and other chambers or channels may be present in the fluidic switch 121. The components of the fluidic switch 121 may be formed within a block of material (e.g., resin, plastic, or other synthetic). The fluidic switch 121 may be formed from a 3D printer or similar manufacturing process. As shown, the inlet 150, the diverter chamber 157, the tapered channel 154, the first branch 158 and the second branch 159 are integrated into the single block component. The timing chamber 152 may be an attachment to the single block component such as a cylinder that screws into an opening connected to the diverter chamber 157. The timing chamber 152 may extend vertically such the longitudinal direction of the timing chamber 152 may spans a vertical direction above the first branch 158 and the second branch 159, which are generally in a horizontal arrangement (e.g., coplanar in substantially a horizontal plane).

[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates another example fluidic switch 121 with multiple inlets in another block construction. A first inlet 150 leads to at least one delay chamber 162 and at least one feeding channel 163 connected to the timing chamber 152. A second inlet 160 is connected to a diverter chamber 165 and the outlets including a first branch 158 and a second branch 159.

[0055] In the example of FIG. 8, the water supplied by the second inlet 160 is switched between the first branch 158 outlet and the second branch 159 outlet. The timing of the switching is controlled by the timing chamber 152, which is a closed container. When the timing chamber 152 fills, the flow of water is backed up into backup channel 164, which provides a flow into the diverter chamber 165 and causes the switching from the first branch 158 outlet and the second branch 159 outlet.

[0056] The example of FIG. 8 is a series of fluidic oscillators. In other examples, a series of fluidic oscillators is provided by multiple fluidic switches 121. For example, the fluidic switch 121 of FIG. 6 may be provided in series or parallel to provide more than two switched outputs. In one example, a first output provides water to the venturi 120, a second output provides water to the tank 101, a third output provides water to the rim channel 119, a fourth output provides water to a sump jet at sump 103.

[0057] In some examples, the fluidic switch 121 may be omitted and another type of switch is used. The switch may be an electronic switch including a solenoid and valve controlled by command signals from the controller 100. The switch may be a mechanical switch that is controlled by a float.

[0058] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the steps or sequence of a flush cycle and additional structural details for a second embodiment of toilet 1100. FIG. 9 illustrates the first step in the sequence where the vacuum assist system is at rest. In other words, the toilet 1100 is ready to be flushed and/or the first step is after at least one iteration of the flush cycle. When the vacuum assist system is a rest, there is a positive pressure in the trapway, as shown in FIG. 9 for Step 1. Just after the flush is activated the refill water starts flowing and air is pulled from trapway, which provides the vacuum assist, as shown in FIG. 10 for Step 2. After the water seal is removed, the vacuum assist ends and the passages are at atmospheric pressure, as shown in FIG. 11 for Step 3. Water continues to flow, eventually replacing the water system, and re-establishing the positive pressure in the trapway, as shown in FIG. 12 for Step 4.

[0059] In the example shown in FIGS. 9-12, the fluidic switch 121 is omitted. A vacuum chamber tube 170 is connected to the vacuum passage 122 and extends into a hybrid vacuum chamber 179. The hybrid vacuum chamber 179 is referred to as a hybrid chamber because it includes both water and air. The water level 172 creates a sealed air chamber 173 that is connected to the vacuum chamber tube 170.

[0060] Turning now to the operation of the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, FIG. 9 illustrates Step 1 in which the vacuum assisted flushing system is at rest and in a ready state ready to flush. At rest there is positive pressure in the trapway 104. As described below, the positive pressure is established in Step 4. Primarily, the positive pressure may be primarily in the trapway cavity 130. The positive pressure is maintained because the air path through the vacuum passage 122 and the vacuum chamber 109 is airtight or substantially airtight. The positive pressure prevents siphonage of the water from the bowl 110 (e.g., the pressure in the trapway cavity 130 prevents the water from spilling over the upstream weir 106 into the secondary sump 129).

[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates Step 2 for the flush cycle of the toilet 1100. The flush valve 111 may be tripped or otherwise opened by a flush lever (e.g., manual lever 135 as illustrated in FIG. 1), which is coupled to a flapper or other device. Other alternatives may include an electronic solenoid for the flush valve. When the flush valve 111 is opened, the water of the tank 101 is emptied through channels 119 to the bowl 110. the water level 112 and water level 172 fall as the tank 101 is emptied. The water levels may fall at different rates depending on relative pressures. As the water level 172 in the hybrid vacuum chamber 179 falls the air pressure in sealed chamber 173 is decreased, which creates a vacuum through the vacuum chamber tube 170. The negative pressure from the falling water level 172 and the negative pressure from the venturi 120 combine, add together, or cooperate to assist the trapway 104. Thus, more negative pressure or an increased trapway assistance effect is created through the combination of the venturi 120 and the hybrid vacuum chamber 179.

[0062] Because the vacuum chamber 109 and the trapway 104, or the trapway cavity 130, are open, or connected by the vacuum passage 122, the negative pressure from the venturi device 120 provides suction to the water in the sump 103. The negative pressure assists the water in traveling over the upstream weir 106 to break the siphon and cause the toilet 1100 to flush. Thus, the venturi device 120, the vacuum passage 122, and the trapway cavity 130 provide negative pressure to pull the water and contents from the bowl 110 through the trapway 104 to flush the toilet 1100. When the first water seal is broken, the siphon is broken and the toilet 1100 flushes. The rush of water to the sump 129 also push the downstream water seal down to the outlet and out of the toilet 1100 to the septic system, sewer, filtration or treatment system etc.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 11 and Step 3 for the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, the siphon has broken, and the contents have been carried away from the toilet 1100. After the siphon break, there is equal pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure) in the bowl 110, the vacuum passage 122, and the trapway cavity 130. There may be small amounts of water in sump 103 and/or sump 129. The refill of water through the fill valve 128 into the tank 101 as well as through the flush valve 111 and into the bowl 110 continues.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12 and Step 3 for the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, the refill of water into the toilet 1100 is performed. The fluidic switch 121 is configured to disconnect the venturi device 120 from the water supply from the fill valve 128. The refill continues to run (i.e., the fill valve 128 is open), but the fluidic switch 121 has changed the refill path so that no water is supplied to the venturi device 120. The venturi device 120 now has a water seal. With the venturi device 120 disconnected, the water supply from the fill valve 128 provided water directly to the tank 101. Thus, a simple fill is performed, and both the bowl 110 and the tank 101 are filled. The fill valve 128 may be closed according to the float 114.

[0065] Through the refill process, the venturi device 120 continues to pull air. The vacuum chamber 109, however, remains at atmospheric pressure until both the upstream water seal and downstream water seal have been established or created. In other words, until the trapway cavity 130, which may be referred to as the vertical leg of the trapway cavity 130, is isolated by forming the water seals, the vacuum chamber 109 and at least a portion of the trapway 104 remain at atmospheric pressure (e.g., ambient pressure at the surroundings of the toilet 1100).

[0066] In order to create a positive pressure in the trapway cavity 130, the tank refill process will create a positive pressure faster than the venturi device 120 is providing negative pressure to the trapway cavity 130. A predetermined volumetric and flow rate ratio may be selected to optimize or otherwise establish this effect.

[0067] FIG. 13 illustrates a vacuum assistant system including a pneumatic valve such as flapper 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the downstream trapway 107 and the secondary sump 129 are omitted. Instead only the single trapway 104 is included. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

[0068] The vacuum passage 122 connects the trapway 104 to the tank 101. The vacuum passage 122 may be connected to the vacuum chamber 109 within the tank 101. In some examples, the vacuum passage 122 may be external to the tank 101. The vacuum chamber 109 may be connected to the air hose 113 that connected to the venturi device 120. The water supply hose 116 exiting the supply valve 128 provides the water flow to the venturi device 120. The venturi device 120 is configured to generate a vacuum or negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 109 in response to the flow of water from the water supply hose 116. The flow of water passes through a Venturi entrance or input 131, the choke 132, and the venturi exit or output 133. As water travels through the Venturi device 120 from the input 131 to the choke 132, there is a reduction in fluid pressure that results when the water flow speeds up as it flows through the constricted section of the choke 132. This Venturi effect causes a vacuum effect in the air hose 113, which lowers the air pressure in the vacuum chamber 109.

[0069] The input 131 may be closed on a top end. That is, the input 131 may be close to the water in the tank 101. The only water flow provided to the input 131 of the Venturi device 120 may be from the supply line 124. The flow of water from the supply line 124 may be selectively turned ON and/or OFF by a fluidic switch 121. The fluidic switch 121 may be a passive device having no moving components (e.g., no motor, solenoid, mechanical valve). The fluidic switch 121 may include one or more chambers or other water cavities that are sized or arranged in series or in parallel to allow for the flow of water to be temporally controlled.

[0070] Referring now to the operation of the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, as previously referred to as Step 1, the vacuum assisted flushing system is at rest and in a ready state ready to flush. At rest there is positive pressure in the trapway 104, which is maintained by the seal at the flapper 200 or other pneumatic valve. The positive pressure is also maintained because the air path through the vacuum passage 122 and the vacuum chamber 109 is airtight or substantially airtight.

[0071] As previously referred to as Step 2 for the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, the flush valve 111 may be tripped or otherwise opened by a flush lever or electronic solenoid for the flush valve 111. When the flush valve 111 is opened, the water of the tank 101 is emptied through channels 119 to the bowl 110. The float 114 falls to below the predetermined height, and the fill valve 128 opens to release refill water to refill the tank 101. The refill water flows through the supply line 124 and into the venturi device 120. The Venturi effect causes air to be pulled from the vacuum chamber 109. The vacuum pulled from the trapway 104, the trapway cavity 130, and/or the vacuum passage 122, caused by the negative pressure from the venturi device 120 provides suction to the water in the sump 103. The negative pressure assists the water in traveling over the upstream weir 106 to break the siphon and cause the toilet 1100 to flush. Thus, the venturi device 120, the vacuum passage 122, and the trapway cavity 130 provide negative pressure to pull the water and contents from the bowl 110 through the trapway 104 to flush the toilet 1100.

[0072] In addition, the vacuum pulled from the trapway 104, the trapway cavity 130, and/or the vacuum passage 122, caused by the negative pressure from the venturi device 120 provides suction to open the flapper 200, which provides an opening to the sanitary path (e.g., drain, septic system, sewer system, etc.). The water and contents may flow under gravity to the sanitary path. As referred to as Step 3 for the flush cycle above, the siphon is broken and the contents and water are drained away.

[0073] As referred to as Step 4 for the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, the refill of water into the toilet 1100 is performed. The fluidic switch 121 is configured to disconnect the venturi device 120 from the water supply from the fill valve 128. The refill continues to run (i.e., the fill valve 128 is open), but the fluidic switch 121 has changed the refill path so that no water is supplied to the venturi device 120. The venturi device 120 now has a water seal. With the venturi device 120 disconnected, the water supply from the fill valve 128 provided water directly to the tank 101. Thus, a simple fill is performed, and both the bowl 110 and the tank 101 are filled. The fill valve 128 may be closed according to the float 114.

[0074] As another example for the pneumatic valve 200, an air pinch valve may be used. The air pinch valve may automatically open and close according to the pressure in the trapway passage 130. When air pressure is provided to the air pinch valve, it closes and blocks the flow of water through the trapway 104. When the air pressure is released, such as when the toilet 1100 is flushed, and the siphon is broken, the air pinch valve opens, allowing the water and contents of the bowl to drain or otherwise escape to the sanitary path.

[0075] FIG. 14 illustrates a vacuum assistant system including an electronic valve 210. The electronic valve 210 may included a solenoid or other driving mechanism that operates the valve in the trapway passage 130. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

[0076] In this example, the electronic valve 210 provides a sell to maintain an air tight seal in the trapway cavity 130. As previously referred to as Step 2 for the flush cycle of the toilet 1100, the flush valve 111 may be tripped or otherwise opened by a flush lever or electronic solenoid for the flush valve 111. When the flush valve 111 is opened, the water of the tank 101 is emptied through channels 119 to the bowl 110. The float 114 falls to below the predetermined height, and the fill valve 128 opens to release refill water to refill the tank 101. The refill water flows through the supply line 124 and into the venturi device 120. The Venturi effect causes air to be pulled from the vacuum chamber 109. The vacuum pulled from the trapway 104, the trapway cavity 130, and/or the vacuum passage 122, caused by the negative pressure from the venturi device 120 provides suction to the water in the sump 103. The negative pressure assists the water in traveling over the upstream weir 106 to break the siphon and cause the toilet 1100 to flush. Thus, the venturi device 120, the vacuum passage 122, and the trapway cavity 130 provide negative pressure to pull the water and contents from the bowl 110 through the trapway 104 to flush the toilet 1100.

[0077] In this embodiment of FIG. 14, the controller 100 opens the electronic valve 210. In one example, the electronic valve 210 may be opened at a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be set at a time duration after the electronic flush is started. That is, after an instruction from a remote control, a button, or other actuation by the user. The instruction may also be generated by a sensor (e.g., motion sensor, weight sensor, etc.). Example durations may include 0.5 second, 1 second, and 2 seconds.

[0078] In another example, the electronic valve 210 may be generated in response to sensor data from sensor S. The sensor S may be a pressure sensor that measures the pressure in the trapway passage 130. When the water from the tank enters the bowl, the water may press against the air in the trapway chamber 130, which increases the measured pressure in the trapway chamber 130. The controller 100 may compare the sensor data from the sensor S to a pressure threshold. When the pressure threshold is exceeded, the controller 100 generates and provides an instruction to the electronic valve 210 to open the sanitary path so that the water and contents of the bowl can be drained from the toilet 1100.

[0079] Alternatively, the sensor S may be a water sensor that detects when water from the bowl has entered the trapway passage 130. The controller 100 may compare the sensor data from the sensor S to a water value indicating the presence of water. When the water value is exceeded, the controller 100 generates and provides an instruction to the electronic valve 210 to open the sanitary path so that the water and contents of the bowl can be drained from the toilet 1100. The water value may indicate a portion of the trapway passage 130 that is full of water. One example threshold for thew water value is 90% full of water.

[0080] FIG. 15 illustrates an example controller 100 for any of the disinfection systems. The controller 100 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 may be configured to receive data from the sensors receiving flush commands (e.g., automatic flush), water levels of the tank 101, detecting the presence of a user or gesture, of the devices described herein. The components of the control system 100 may communicate using bus 348. The control system 100 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.

[0081] Optionally, the control system 100 may include an input device 355 and/or a sensing circuit in communication with any of the sensors. The sensing circuit receives sensor measurements from as described above. The input device 355 may include a switch (e.g., actuator), a touchscreen coupled to or integrated with, a keyboard, a remote, a microphone for voice inputs, a camera for gesture inputs, and/or another mechanism.

[0082] Optionally, the control system 100 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 supported by any of the components described herein. The display 350 may be combined with the user input device 355.

[0083] FIG. 16 illustrates an example flowchart for the controller 100 according to any of the embodiments described herein. Additional, different or fewer acts may be included.

[0084] At act S101, water is released from a toilet tank to a toilet bowl. The release may be initiated mechanically through a lever. The release may be initiated electronically through a command generated by the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) in response to sensor data (e.g., user presence or gesture. In response, refill water is added to the tank.

[0085] At act S103, air pressure is provided to a vacuum chamber from a venturi. Water flows through or adjacent to the venturi to draw air from the vacuum chamber.

[0086] At act S105, air pressure is provided from the vacuum chamber to a trapway connected to a trapway. The air pressure in the vacuum chamber pulls at the water and contents in the toilet bowl, which assists the flushing of the toilet bowl. In addition, the air pressure may pull at a flapper or other type of valve in the trapway. When the pressure causes the flapper or other valve to open, the contents of the bowl can freely travel through the trapway to drain.

[0087] In another example, rather than the flapper, an electronic valve may be used in the trapway. The controller 100 may open and close the electronic valve. The opening of the electronic valve may be based on the command to flush the toilet in act S101. In other example, the opening of the electronic valve may be based on sensor data. The sensor data may be collected by a sensor in the trapway. The sensor may detect with the flush operation has started or a predetermined stage of the flush operation.

[0088] At act S107, the venturi is deactivated after a predetermined time period. A fluidic switch may interrupt the water flow to the venturi to facilitate deactivation. The deactivation may be performed electronically by the controller 100.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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, memory 298 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.