Toilet overflow prevention system and method

US8370969B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LIMIT, INC. · US

Inventors

• Kevin Bowcutt · Aliso Viejo, US
• Ahmed Shishegar · Calabasas, US
• Matthew Ibarra · Lakewood, US
• Daniel Corbin · Irvine, US
• Dennis Repp · Newport Beach, US
• Robert M. Connell · Villa Park, US
• Oscar Dufau · San Clemente, US
• Gregory Blake · Irvine, US
• Sam Iravantchi · Willow View Lane, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 27, 2011
• Grant date: Feb 12, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 13, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S4/09
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

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 detectable 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.