Toilet overflow prevention system and method
US11306470B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 2020 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S4/09
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.