U.S. patent application number 13/550839 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for valve-controllable urinal drain line and plumbing component rinse management system for very low water and/or non-water use urinals.
The applicant listed for this patent is Darrell Metcalf, Clyde LeRoy Tichenor. Invention is credited to Darrell Metcalf, Clyde LeRoy Tichenor.
Application Number | 20140020166 13/550839 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49945324 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140020166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Metcalf; Darrell ; et
al. |
January 23, 2014 |
Valve-Controllable Urinal Drain Line and Plumbing Component Rinse
Management System for Very Low Water and/or Non-Water Use
Urinals
Abstract
A water-conserving system equipped to periodically rinse ultra
high-efficiency urinal drainage plumbing of corrosive waste liquid
and reduce associated gaseous odor is provided. A
valve-controllable rinse-cycle supply of water is provided which
can selectively be directed into a single drainage conduit which
receives waste water from one or more ultra high-efficiency
urinals. The system provides embodiments having mechanical valves,
or electro-mechanical valves configured responsive to
control-signals provided from one or more electronic components, or
one or more types of microprocessor-enabled devices, networked
devices or computer apparatus.
Inventors: |
Metcalf; Darrell; (Fillmore,
CA) ; Tichenor; Clyde LeRoy; (Somis, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Metcalf; Darrell
Tichenor; Clyde LeRoy |
Fillmore
Somis |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49945324 |
Appl. No.: |
13/550839 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/301 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 5/10 20130101; E03D
13/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/301 |
International
Class: |
E03D 13/00 20060101
E03D013/00 |
Claims
1. A water-conserving system equipped to periodically rinse ultra
high-efficiency urinal drainage plumbing of corrosive waste liquid,
the system comprising: one or more ultra high-efficiency urinals
installed for typical use; a single drainage line, mounted below
the one or more ultra high-efficiency urinals at a sloped angle
conducive to draining urinal liquids, and adapted between an
upstream portion and a downstream portion to receive one or more
urinal liquids conveyed via a urinal drain conduit of each of the
one or more urinals; each of the one or more ultra high-efficiency
urinals of a type equipped to operate in a waterless mode and
drain, via a urinal drain conduit, an undiluted waste liquid volume
having no water into said single drainage line; or, of a type
equipped to provide an ultra high-efficiency urinal-flush mode of
no more than two ounces of misted-water, and drain, via a urinal
drain conduit, a diluted waste liquid volume into said single
drainage line; a downstream portion of the single urinal drainage
line configured to convey waste liquid into a conduit communicating
with a sewer, or septic system, or suitable waste liquid managing
means; a water-receiving portion of the single urinal drainage
line, upstream from each urinal drain conduit of the one or more
urinals, configured to receive a valve-controllable,
periodically-conveyed rinse-cycle supply of water sufficient in
frequency and volume to substantially and cumulatively rinse said
corrosive waste liquid from the single drainage line; and,
rinse-water periodic control means, configured to periodically
convey said rinse-cycle supply of water into an upstream portion of
the single drainage line and to prevent an upward flow of said
supply of water into a generally upward-facing receptacle portion
of any of the one or more urinals during a periodic rinse-water
cycle.
2. The water-conserving system of claim 1 wherein said one or more
ultra high-efficiency urinals comprise at least one ultra
high-efficiency urinal configured to receive and drain a waste
liquid volume per use-cycle accompanied by no water.
3. The water-conserving system of claim 2 wherein said one or more
ultra high-efficiency urinals comprise at least one of the ultra
high-efficiency urinals configured to operate during use-cycles as
a waterless urinal, and further equipped with at least one very low
water usage mister nozzle mounted adjacent to an upper portion of
the urinal and configured valve controllable to periodically
provide between one or more urinal use-cycles, single digit ounces
of a misted-spray of water directed generally downward onto a
surface of the urinal which receives waste liquid during a
use-cycle, to at least substantially and cumulatively rinse the
surface of waste liquid and/or waste liquid residue and convey the
surface-rinsed contents into said single urinal drainage line.
4. The water-conserving system of claim 1 wherein said one or more
ultra high-efficiency urinals comprise at least one ultra
high-efficiency urinal equipped with at least one very low water
usage mister nozzle mounted adjacent to an upper portion of the
urinal and configured valve controllable to emit a misted-spray of
no more than two ounces of water during a typical urinal use-cycle,
the misted-spray directed generally downward onto, and sized to
cover, a surface of the urinal which receives waste liquid during a
use-cycle, to at least substantially and cumulatively rinse the
surface of waste liquid and/or waste liquid residue and convey the
waste liquid into said single urinal drainage line.
5. The water-conserving system of claim 1 further comprising said
rinse-water periodic control means mounted at a height, relative to
the height of a receptacle drain of each of the one or more
urinals, sufficient to prevent an upward flow of said rinse-cycle
supply of water into a generally upward-facing receptacle portion
of any of the one or more ultra high-efficiency urinals during a
periodic rinse-water cycle.
6. The water-conserving system of claim 1 wherein said rinse-water
periodic control means further comprises, a valve configured to
periodically release a rinse-cycle supply of water into said
upstream portion of said single drainage line, the rinse-cycle
supply of water provided from a pressurized, pressurizable or
storable supply of water via a valve-controllable conduit in fluid
communication with said single drainage line; and said water
comprising one or more of the following water types: fresh, rain,
grey, saline.
7. The water-conserving system of claim 1 further comprising, a
liquid-free check valve mounted in the urinal drain conduit of each
of the one or more ultra high-efficiency urinals equipped to
prevent said upward flow of any of the rinse-cycle supply of water
into a generally upward-facing receptacle portion of any of the one
or more urinals.
8. The water-conserving system of claim 7 further comprising, the
liquid-free check valve mounted in the urinal drain conduit of each
of the one or more ultra high-efficiency urinals further equipped
to prevent an upward flow of odor-causing gas from entering into a
receptacle of an ultra high-efficiency urinal.
9. The water-conserving system of claim 1 further comprising, a
liquid-free check valve mounted in a lower end portion of a urinal
drain conduit of each of the one or more ultra high-efficiency
urinals equipped to prevent said upward flow of any of the
rinse-cycle supply of water into a generally upward-facing
receptacle portion of any of the one or more urinals.
10. The water-conserving system of claim 6 wherein said rinse-water
periodic control means further comprises, a sink drainage grey
water receptacle mounted at a height relative to one or more sinks
and one or more ultra high-efficiency urinals, such that, (a.) a
maximum water level retainable within the receptacle does not
exceed the height of the receptacle drain of each of said one or
more ultra high-efficiency urinals, (b.) a grey water inlet of the
receptacle fluidly communicates with a downstream end of a sink
drainage line configured to receive grey water from a sink-specific
drain conduit of each of the one or more sinks, and, (c.) a lower
portion of the receptacle is selectively in fluid communication
with a upstream end of said single drainage line, wherein, a
periodic opening of said water valve causes a release of said
rinse-cycle supply of water from the sink drainage grey water
receptacle into said upstream portion of the single drainage line
to substantially and cumulatively rinse said corrosive waste liquid
from at least the single drainage line.
11. The water-conserving system of claim 10 wherein, said water
valve is a mechanical float valve arrangement operable within said
sink drainage grey water receptacle, configured, when grey water
within the receptacle reaches a predetermined volume level, to
cause an opening of a rinse-water valve sufficient in duration, to
release said rinse-cycle supply of water into said single drainage
line.
12. The water-conserving system of claim 6 wherein, said water
valve is an electro-mechanical valve configured operable within an
upstream end of said single drainage line configured selectively in
fluid communication with a lower portion of said sink drainage grey
water receptacle; the electro-mechanical valve configured
responsive to control signal causing a temporary opening of the
electro-mechanical valve sufficient in duration, to release said
rinse-cycle supply of water into said single drainage line.
13. The water-conserving system of claim 6 further comprising, an
upper portion of said sink drainage grey water receptacle equipped
with a water overflow outlet in fluid communication with a water
receiving end of a water overflow conduit which is configured at an
opposite end to direct overflow water into said upstream portion of
said single drainage line.
14. The water-conserving system of claim 1 wherein each of the one
or more ultra high-efficiency urinals are of the type equipped to
dispense a urinal surface-rinsing misted-spray and further
comprise: (a.) a liquid-free mechanical or electro-mechanical
valve-trap mounted in a urinal drain conduit of each of said one or
more ultra high-efficiency urinals, (b.) a sensor equipped to
detect the presence of a nearby user and provide control signal
pertaining thereto, and (c.) a mist-spray controlling
electro-mechanical valve mounted in a urinal water supply conduit
of each of said one or more ultra high-efficiency urinals.
15. The water-conserving system of claim 14 wherein, said
electro-mechanical valve-trap mounted in a urinal drain conduit of
each of said one or more ultra high-efficiency urinals, and said
mist-spray controlling electro-mechanical valve mounted in a
distinct urinal water supply conduit of each of said one or more
ultra high-efficiency urinals, are each configured responsive to
control signal communicated from a respective said sensor, such
that a sensor, while detecting the presence of a nearby user,
communicates a first valve-open control signal to a respective
mist-spray controlling electro-mechanical valve, and a second
valve-open control signal to a respective electro-mechanical
valve-trap, and, following a predetermined delay period after no
longer detecting the presence of the user communicates a first
valve-close control signal to the mist-spray controlling
electro-mechanical valve, and a second valve-close control signal
to the electro-mechanical valve-trap.
16. The water-conserving system of claim 1 wherein said rinse-water
periodic control means further comprise ultra high-efficiency
plumbing fixture monitoring and reporting means equipped to (a.)
monitor control-signals communicated from one or more
control-signal communicating components of the system pertaining to
one or more controllable valve components, (b.) determine one or
more usage related parameters and/or conditions based on one or
more communicated control-signals, and, (c.) record control-signal
related information in a storable data-file format readable and
displayable by a microprocessor-equipped device or computer
apparatus having a display screen and configurable to execute one
or more executable software routines pertaining to the
control-signal information.
17. The water-conserving system of claim 16 wherein, said
microprocessor-equipped device is mounted in the vicinity of said
one or more ultra high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, is equipped to
communicate with one or more of said controllable valve components,
and is configurable, following authentication of an authorized
user, to provide the authorized user, in view of at least some
recorded control-signal related information, control of one or more
system settings, parameters or control-signals.
18. The water-conserving system of claim 16 wherein, said
microprocessor-equipped device further comprises Near Field
Communication `NFC` apparatus equipped to provide authorized access
to a user having, and to communicate Radio Frequency Identification
`RFID` data via, a Near Field Communication card or object.
19. The water-conserving system of claim 16 wherein, said
rinse-water periodic control means further comprises a transceiver
accessible to the Internet, and said computer apparatus comprises a
browser-equipped device configured to communicate over the
Internet, and equipped via a browser accessible web site or a
downloadable software application, following authentication of an
authorized user, to provide the authorized user, in view of at
least some recorded control-signal related information, control of
one or more system settings, adjustments, parameters or
control-signals.
20. The water-conserving system of claim 19, wherein said
browser-equipped device is one of the following: a desktop
computer, a wireless browser-equipped apparatus, a wireless
handheld device, a cell phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a portable
computing device.
21. The water-conserving system of claim 10, wherein said one or
more ultra high-efficiency urinals and said one or more sinks, are
installed in a same room, or on a same wall, or on adjacent
walls.
22. The water-conserving system of claim 1 wherein said one or more
ultra high-efficiency urinals comprise at least one ultra
high-efficiency urinal equipped with at least one very low water
usage mister nozzle mounted adjacent to an upper portion of the
urinal and configured valve controllable to emit a misted-spray
comprising a disinfectant in between one or more typical urinal
use-cycles, the misted-spray comprising the disinfectant directed
generally downward onto, and sized to cover, a surface of the
urinal which receives waste liquid during a use-cycle, to at least
substantially and cumulatively rinse the surface of waste liquid
and/or waste liquid residue and convey the waste liquid into said
single urinal drainage line.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application which
relies on U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/508,610
filed on Jul. 16, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to the field of
water and energy conserving plumbing products, fixtures and
systems. More specifically the invention relates to a
valve-controllable urinal drain line and plumbing component rinse
management system equipped to periodically convey a controllable
supply of water or water solution (e.g., fresh, saline,
alkali-enriched, rain water, grey water or water with one or more
cleaning agents) as needed for rinsing the plumbing drainage line
(and optionally one or more other plumbing components) of systems
equipped with non-water urinals using no flush water per use-cycle,
and/or ultra-high efficiency urinals (`Ultra-HEU`) using less than
8 oz of fluid per use-cycle, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Water is a precious natural resource subject to increased
demand and a commensurate decreasing supply. By the end of 2012
over two-thirds of the fifty states in the U.S. will face water
shortages. It is projected that over 800 million people worldwide
will not have a sufficient supply of water. As the awareness of
these realities has become more understood new measures have begun
to emerge to assist in reducing the amount of water being used or
unnecessarily wasted each day. For example, in recent years
water-conserving efforts made by manufacturers of plumbing fixtures
have lead to significant decreases in the amount of water needed to
flush toilets and urinals. Where previously a `low-flush standard`
for urinals had been 1.5 gallons per flush (`gpf`), then 1 gpf,
newer approaches showed that a 0.5 gpf (64 ounces) `low water use`
standard was quite attainable. And as of mid-2011 innovations
achieved by a number of these same manufactures have produced an
0.125 gpf high efficiency urinal `HEU` (an 1/8.sup.th gallon or 16
ounce/1 pint per flush) achieving an 8.times. improvement over the
1 gpf models commonly used in a multitude of restrooms today. While
such improvements have come relatively quickly and have contributed
to significant reduction in water usage, they do not represent the
best in what is attainable in urinal related water
conservation.
[0004] In an issued patent, and in co-pending patent applications
of one or both of the present applicants, ultra high efficiency
urinals or `Ultra-HEUs` are described, which by incorporating one
or more misters directing a cone-shaped mist into a urinal
receptacle provide a highly efficient `micro-droplet wetting` which
achieves a two-ounce per flush (1.64 gpf) and self-rinsing (per
half-minute use-cycle) representing yet another 8.times.
improvement over the current/leading 0.125 gpf high efficiency
urinal/`HEU` models. To illustrate what this means in terms of
water savings one need only consider that the average toilet
currently used in the homes of U.S. citizens uses over 200 times
more water per flush than a flush urinal using two ounces per flush
(per half-minute use-cycle avg.). This of course means that such
Ultra-HEU 2-oz urinals could be used over 200 times for each single
time the average U.S toilet is used. Or, the amount of water
consumed by an average U.S. toilet for 3-4 days could provide
enough water to operate an Ultra-HEU 2-oz per flush urinal for a
full year. It should also be noted that water is a heavy substance
and thus requires significant energy for its conveyance. Additional
energy is required to treat water before it is conveyed and after
it is used in a restroom or bathroom. For example, one leading
urinal manufacturer reports that the state of California uses 17%
of its energy resources just on water management. Thus, plumbing
fixtures providing significant or substantial reductions in water
usage also provide a respective degree of reductions in energy
resources and therefore can provide significant cost-savings to
municipalities, government or military agencies, institutional
facilities, commercial buildings, businesses, residential users,
and the like. Thus any fixture using 1/200.sup.th of the water of
an average U.S. toilet, or 1/8.sup.th of the water of a leading
Ultra-HEU can be expected to provide a commensurate reduction in
energy usage and water-related costs, which would be desirable to
any of the aforementioned types of users.
[0005] As there are hundreds of millions of toilets in use today in
the United States and the average water use of these toilets is
still highly impacted by a substantial number of high water-use
toilets, it can readily be seen that billions of gallons of water
could be saved, even daily, by a deliberate and thoughtful planning
which incorporates into restrooms, lavatories and bathrooms urinals
(whether Ultra-HEU or Non-Water urinals) using about 1/200.sup.th
of water than the current status quo toilets.
[0006] In addition to the concerns focused on water and energy
usage is that of maintenance of plumbing fixtures and systems. For
example non-water urinals, initially thought to be an ideal
solution to reducing urinal water use, have been shown to have some
undesirable outcomes. One concern is a much higher and more costly
degree of maintenance overhead than was initially predicted. A
second, more serious concern was finding that water free urinals
retrofitted to, or newly installed with copper drainage plumbing
did not have sufficient flushing of waste liquid to purge their
copper pipes, which in turn produced urine-related corrosion and a
much unwelcomed odor. Remedial measures were conceived that pushed
maintenance labor, non-water urinal cleaning and odor treatment
costs significantly beyond that which had been initially
forecasted. In a number of cases where non-water urinals had been
installed they had to be entirely removed (due to unacceptable
odor) and replaced with conventional water-flushing urinals.
[0007] In the case of a retrofitting of non-water urinals where
there was existing copper plumbing, all copper drainage plumbing
had to either be bypassed, or entirely removed and replaced with
new plumbing (such as PVC plumbing) which was not, or less, subject
to urine-related corrosion and its associated odor.
[0008] Thus there is a need to effectively address urinal related
corrosion and odor problems and to reduce the costs associated with
the operation of non-water urinals, and to do so in a manner that
is cost-effective for retrofit and new installations, and for the
ongoing maintenance of non-water and/or ultra low water-use
urinals. It is among the objects of the present invention to
address this need and to additionally provide a water and energy
conserving system for economically rinsing urinal drainage plumbing
of corrosive waste liquid which may also be advantageously applied
to flushing and mist self-rinsing ultra-HEUs.
[0009] As it is desirable to continue to advance the design of and
to produce plumbing systems, fixtures and products which
substantially reduce the consumption and/or unnecessary waste of
water; and to provide reductions in water-related conveyance,
treatment and energy related overhead, while also reducing
urinal-related maintenance, labor, construction, retrofitting,
material, cleaning and treatment costs, it is among the objects of
the present invention to provide new and improved solutions which
address each of the aforementioned issues, needs and concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The objects of the present invention are achieved through a
valve-controllable urinal drain line and plumbing component rinse
management system configured for periodically rinsing, flushing or
purging non-water urinal drainage plumbing or ultra high efficiency
urinal (ultra-HEU) drainage plumbing, or both, and doing so in a
water and energy conserving manner. In one of the embodiments, the
system incorporates one or more non-water or ultra high efficiency
urinals, or both, e.g., wall-mounted or otherwise configured for
use by a user, each having a urinal drain pipe or conduit
preferably configured to pass liquid in a single or urinal-exiting
direction e.g., by incorporating a one-way valve or check valve, or
by having a drain conduit-length sufficient, to prevent a back flow
or up-swelling of valve-controllable rinsing, flushing or purging
water (hereinafter referred to simply as `rinse` or `rinsing`
water) into a urinal receptacle. When thus configured, the system
instead channels the rinse water into an inlet of an upstream
portion of a urinal drainage line so that, in taking a path of
least resistance, it passes a lower portion of one or more urinal
drain pipes (e.g., one for each urinal in the system) each attached
between an upstream end and a downstream end of the urinal drainage
line and directs the water out of the downstream end of the
drainage line.
[0011] The urinal drainage line upstream from one or more non-water
urinals or ultra-HEU urinals, or both, is configured to communicate
with a valve-controllable supply of water such as a pressurized,
pump-pressurizable or storable, supply of water or a solution
comprised mostly of water, for example, one or more of the
following types of water or water-rich solutions: fresh, potable,
sea, ocean or saline water, captured rain water, alkali-enriched,
disinfectant-enriched, fragranced water, grey water, sink water, or
any combination thereof, and so on). A downstream end of the urinal
drainage line is configured to direct waste liquid into a sewer
conduit or other suitable waste liquid managing means (e.g., into a
waste liquid receptacle, container, bag, pit, gravel pit and the
like). For example, a downstream end of a urinal drainage line may
be configured to direct fluids into waste liquid managing means
comprising a receptacle incorporated into, or with, a portable
restroom or outhouse.
[0012] The supply of water is configured controllable by one or
more water valves such as one or more valves selectable from among
the following: manually operated valve(s), float valve(s), check
valves, butterfly valves, and the like. Alternatively, or
additionally, one or more electronically actuated valve(s) or
solenoid valve(s) may be employed, configured responsive to a
communicated control signal. In each case, the one or more valves
are configured to be periodically opened, long enough to dispense a
volume of water sufficient to rinse at least the urinal drainage
line of corrosive waste liquid, and may additionally or optionally
include a volume of water also facilitating a rinsing of one or
more other urinal-related or plumbing components, for example, a
rinsing of plumbing connected between the downstream end of the
urinal drainage line and a sewer conduit, or other suitable waste
liquid or septic managing means.
[0013] In electronically automated embodiments of the system one or
more electronically actuated valves, solenoid valves or the like
can be configured to receive control signal communicated from
periodic rinse-water control means (or timing and control
apparatus) wherein the one or more valves are periodically opened
at predetermined or configurable intervals, for a time period
sufficient to dispense a volume of water which rinses at least the
urinal drainage line of corrosive waste liquid. Optionally,
alternatively or additionally, the periodic rinse-water control
means can be configured responsive to one or more, or a
predetermined number of, control signals communicated to the
control means from urinal use-cycle monitoring means, wherein one
or more non-water urinals or Ultra-HEU urinals of the system, or
both, or from one or more user proximity sensors thereof, are
equipped to communicate a valve-actuated or sensor
proximity-detection signal when, or during a time that, a water
inlet valve is turned on, or a user is proximate to a proximity
sensor of a urinal. In each case, the urinal use-cycle monitoring
means detects each use-cycle of a urinal in the system and
communicates use-cycle control signal to the periodic rinse-water
control means, whereby one or more valves of the system can be
opened at predetermined or configurable intervals long enough to
dispense as needed a volume of water sufficient to rinse, purge or
flush at least the urinal drainage line of corrosive waste liquid,
and optionally rinse one or more other urinal related
components.
[0014] For example, one or more Ultra-HEU urinals of the system can
each be equipped with a proximity sensor (e.g., selectable from
proximity sensor types that are made commercially available)
equipped to communicate a valve-state signal, such as a
valve-actuated or valve momentarily-opened signal simultaneously to
a respective urinal water inlet valve and to urinal use-cycle
monitoring means. Thus configured, one or more predetermined or
configurable use-cycle counting parameters or thresholds monitored
and determined by microprocessor-equipped circuitry of the
monitoring means can in turn cause a communicating of a use-cycle
monitoring means control signal to one or more electronic switch or
solenoid equipped valves of the system and/or to the periodic
rinse-water control means, or a control means further comprising an
electronic timer configurable to communicate one or more electronic
valve control signals at controllable periodic or use-cycle
dependent intervals.
[0015] When the system is equipped with periodic rinse-water
control means having circuitry including one or more processors or
microprocessors, the control means can be configured responsive to
predetermined or configurable timer control means in the circuitry,
or responsive to urinal use-cycle monitoring means, or both,
whereby suitable AC or DC electrical power means (e.g., low
voltage) provided to operate the circuitry, is also configured to
provide power and/or transmit control to the one or more valves of
the system, and optionally provide any additional electrical power
required by the system. The timer control means of the circuitry
when configured adjustable, preferably includes one or more
software instructions provided in a storable format executable by
the one or more processors or microprocessors, which may be
predetermined or configurably set by an authorized installer, user
or individual when installing, maintaining or servicing the system.
Additionally, the periodic rinse-water control means may be further
equipped with a user interface such as a display screen for
indicating system settings and configurable parameters as well as
one or more user input means for adjusting such settings and/or
parameters, and may also be equipped to set and/or receive a user
password or control signal, for example entered by, or transmitted
from a wireless handheld device, or RFID equipped card or apparatus
of an authorized user. For example, a rinse cycle may be
implemented by an authorized user employing an RFID card or
apparatus in a near field communication `NFC` manner by tapping the
RFID sensing user interface with the card, or by bringing the card
or apparatus within a 4 cm range of the user interface.
Alternatively, periodic rinse-water control means may be equipped
for communicating wirelessly via a transceiver or via a physical
coupling (e.g., by Ethernet.RTM., USB.RTM., Firewire.RTM., serial,
parallel or optical cable, and the like) with a handheld device of
an authorized user, or may alternatively be equipped for
bi-directional communication made with a portable wireless handheld
device equipped to communicate with the control means over the
internet or a network (e.g., LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, BlueTooth.RTM., NFC,
TCP/IP, FTP and the like). For example, the periodic rinse-water
control means can be configured for communicating by one or more of
the aforementioned communication protocols and/or networks,
including receiving control signal(s) and/or input(s) from, a
wireless handheld device, such as a cell phone, Smartphone, tablet,
portable computing device, or the like (for example, equipped with,
or having a downloadable application executable by, an
Apple.RTM.-iOS, Google.RTM.-Android or Windows.RTM.-Mobile
operating system, and the like). Preferably such wireless handheld
devices or apparatus are equipped with a user interface employable
within a browser, or within a downloadable user interface and/or
software application, configured for displaying and accepting one
or more system settings or configurable parameters made by a
password identified (or otherwise identified) authorized user,
wherein the device and the control means are configured to
wirelessly communicate one or more system settings, parameters or
control signals when made by an authorized user and when
communicated via the Internet, or a network, or to a transceiver in
communication with the control means.
[0016] It is noted, that in some embodiments of the system one or
more urinals may each be equipped with a water inlet valve that is
electronically actuated or solenoid actuated, or a manually
operated having a valve-actuated electronic switch. When so
configured, a valve is positionable between closed and opened or
valve-actuated states manually, or in response to receiving a
control signal for example, communicated from a proximity sensor,
or manually positioned valve switch. Alternatively or additionally
a urinal a water inlet valve may be configured responsive to
control signal communicated from urinal use-cycle monitoring means,
such that the one or more urinal water inlet valves, or mister
nozzle water inlets, are periodically opened long enough to
dispense a volume of water into a respective urinal receptacle,
sufficient to rinse the receptacle while also rinsing or
contributing to a rinsing of, a urinal drainage line, or add to
water also being conveyed from the aforementioned supply of water
into an upstream end of the urinal drainage line.
[0017] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly features and
advantages of the present invention so that those skilled in the
art may better understand the detailed description of the invention
that follows. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter adding to a basis on which subsequent
claims of the invention can be made. Those skilled in the art
should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the
specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or
designing other high-efficiency water-conserving and drainage
flushing systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention, while also being aware that such equivalent
constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
invention in its broadest form.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a bock diagram depicting a preferred embodiment of
the system and optional components which may be incorporated into
one or more other embodiments of the system.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a two-dimensional front view depiction of a user
interface of a parameter setting or adjusting apparatus mountable
in a room in which one or more urinals of the system reside, and
adjustable by an individual authorized by a PIN, password or other
identity-verifying means.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a two-dimensional front view depiction of a Near
Field Communication or NFC card in which is embedded at least one
RFID chip or element wireles sly employable for implementing one or
more interactions with a transceiver means of the system.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a two-dimensional front view depiction of a
handheld wireless device such as a browser equipped or downloadable
application equipped cell phone, either of which is made
configurable to wirelessly adjust or control one or more parameters
of the system.
[0022] FIGS. 5A-5C are a series of three two-dimensional side views
with a urinal drain pipe and drain pipe chamber shown in
cross-section, having a combination water/gas check valve pivotally
configured within the chamber. In FIG. 5A the valve is depicted in
a normally-closed state. The dashed-lines with arrow-heads pointing
downward in FIGS. 5B indicate the flow/direction of waste-water
during a use-cycle (or optional rinse/cleaning cycle), in 5C the
dashed-lines with arrow-heads pointing upward indicate the
flow/direction of rinse-water provided from the supply of water or
grey water receptacle or both, during one of the periodic rinsings
of the urinal drain line.
[0023] FIGS. 6-10 are each diagrammatic/graphical representations
depicting in more detail aspects of the system diagrammed in FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] In reference to FIG. 1, a representation of one of the
preferred embodiments of the system (and one or more optional
components) is depicted in a block diagram illustrating the
managing of a flow of water as employed by the water and energy
saving and plumbing component rinsing system (the flow of water is
diagrammatically depicted by the broader parallel-lined arrows).
For example, a flow of water in the system preferably passes
through a filter 80 or line filter, and includes a supply of water
30 which is configured periodically controllable by a water supply
control valve 34. Optionally or additionally the system also
provides a controlling of some of the supply of water 30 with a
water valve 18 e.g., when the system includes one or more ultra-low
water use urinals or non-water urinals 12 (or both) configured with
a urinal receptacle that can be advantageously rinsed at periodic
intervals, other than when an individual is employing a urinal
during a typical use-cycle. As depicted in another of the drawing
figures in more detail, the system is optionally configurable to
incorporate a grey water receptacle 130, for example connected by a
conduit coupling downstream from and with the drains or drain
line(s) of one or more sinks near to, or in a restroom or lavatory
shared by, one or more urinals 12. Alternatively, the grey water
may be provided by one or more other grey water sources, such as
one or more types of water indicated in block 30 (or other grey
water source e.g., supplied from one or more two-stage toilets
equipped to direct liquid waste water into the receptacle or into
urinal drain line 40A). When a grey water receptacle 130 is
employed, the receptacle preferably is equipped with a grey water
overflow outlet (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to channel excess
grey water directly into an upstream portion of urinal drainage
line 40A through the drain line (40B) and downstream portion 40C,
which facilitates a periodic rinsing of the drain line when there
is excess grey water. Downstream from the supply of water 30, or
grey water receptacle 130 (or both) is a water supply control valve
34 equipped with a valve controller. The valve controller of
control valve 34 may be configured manually operable (or manually
positionable from a locked state to an unlocked state e.g., by an
authorized service person) or configured responsive to periodic
rinse-water control signal 38B (of 38A) received from periodic
rinse-water control means 36. As previously described control means
36 can be configured to communicate a control signal at
predetermined or authorized user-adjustable intervals and
durations. Alternatively or additionally periodic rinse-water
control means 36 can be configured responsive to communications
received from optional urinal use-cycle monitoring means 44 which
is configured to electronically monitor the usage or use-cycles of
each urinal employed in the system in a storable data format. Based
on at least some of the storable urinal usage data, monitoring
means 44 is configurable to communicate one or more monitoring
means control signal(s) 46 to water supply control valve 34, for
example, to periodically provide rinse water to an upstream portion
of urinal drain line 40A based on data pertaining to the usage of
one or more of the urinals 12 of the system. Accordingly, a
sufficient volume of rinse water or grey water or both can be
optimally provided to the drain line in accordance with a full
range of zero or minimum usage to maximum usage of one or more
urinals. Optionally or additionally, periodic rinse-water control
means 36 may be configured to provide, as needed, a control signal
which actuates one or more water valves 18 (each corresponding to a
respective urinal 12) or control signals electronically actuating a
pressurized supply of a cleaning solution or disinfectant (e.g.,
fragranced or non-fragranced) injectable into the supply of water
30 provided to the water valve(s) 18 (not shown), whereby one or
more ultra-low or non-water use urinal receptacles, or both (and
other urinal components e.g., urinal drain pipe 26) can
advantageously and optimally be periodically rinsed, cleansed
and/or disinfected in an automated manner.
[0025] FIG. 1 also depicts the option to configure one or more
urinal drain pipes with a controllable valve, such as a manually
operated or electronically actuated valve 28, for example, a valve
selectable from one of the following, a: solenoid valve, stop
valve, liquid and gas stop valve, float valve, check valve,
butterfly valve, flap valve, hinged valve (and the like). Whereby,
the valve when positioned to a closed state prevents an overflow or
upward surge of rinse water (and optionally prevents the passage of
gases when incorporating a gas stop valve component), as rinse
water controlled by water supply control valve 34 is channeled into
upstream portion of urinal drain line 40A at a volume sufficient to
purge, flush or rinse at least the drain line (40A, 40B and
40C).
[0026] As previously described, the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1
can further include one or more components enabling wireless
bi-directional communication with the system over the Internet, a
network, or with one or more one or more transceivers, and
employing one or more types of wireless handheld devices, NFC
and/or RFID equipped apparatus or cards, and the like. The system
alone, or in combination with one or more types of the foregoing
communications, can further comprise (as previously described) a
user interface `UI` with one or more types of typical UI input
means, optionally including a display screen, or touch screen,
equipped to display, present or represent information in a 2D or 3D
manner. To further reduce display screen power requirements a
display screen may be configured normally-off and equipped with a
proximity sensor or authorized user password code that turns on the
display screen as needed. Further still, the display (or portion
thereof) may be of the type incorporating bi-state pixels which
when positioned to one of the two states does not draw any power
unless and until one or more pixels are changed to a new state from
a previous state.
[0027] FIG. 1 also depicts the option to equip the urinal drain
line with one or more vent pipes 78, and an outlet end of a
downstream portion of urinal drain line 40C is depicted being
configured to channel waste fluids and/or rinse-water to a sewer
pipe 102 or into other liquid waste managing means (e.g., a liquid
waste receptacle).
[0028] The dashed-line rectangle in the upper right portion of FIG.
1 encompasses devices equipped to communicate wirelessly (or via a
physical coupling such as a cable) each configurable, through
suitable I/O communication means, to access and communicate with
one or more control means or monitoring means components of the
system (or both) interfaced with one or more networked computers 98
which in turn are configured to communicate over the Internet or
other network 116, for example, via one or more secured websites or
web pages (e.g., https site, or cloud location offering encrypted
bi-directional communication), or via a downloadable application.
Device 80, 88 and 90 and their operation are described in more
detail in the sections pertaining to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a two-dimensional front view depiction of a
parameter displaying, setting and adjustment apparatus 80 and user
interface, for example, mountable on a wall or other vertical flat
surface in a room in which one or more urinals of the system are
installed, and configured adjustable preferably by an individual
authorized by a PIN, password or other identity-verifying means.
The apparatus may be equipped with one or more physical user
interface input means 84, and a display screen or touch display 82
that accepts authorized user input made with one or more
fingertips. For example, the apparatus can be configured such that
information displayable on the screen can be configured scrollable
up or down or from side to side in response to inputs made by the
simultaneous movement of two fingertips (e.g., up or down or side
to side). Similarly displayable content can be increased or
decreased in size by increasing or decreasing the space between two
fingertips contacting the touch screen, and so on. Accordingly it
is possible to accommodate a displaying of a number of adjustment
parameters and to make inputs selecting parameters with just touch
inputs being made by one or more fingertips of a user on the screen
of the apparatus, including real-time adjustments to one or more
urinal system components as needed. Optionally, the apparatus may
be further equipped with a proximity sensor 86 to detect when a
user is present within a predetermined proximity or range, for
example to activate the display only when a user or authorized user
is present and nearby.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a two-dimensional front view depiction of a Near
Field Communication or NFC card 88 in which is embedded at least
one RFID chip or element (not visible) which is wireles sly
employable for implementing one or more interactions with a NFC
transceiver communicably linked to the system such that the system
is made responsive to communicated RFID data of a NFC card (or
other object transportable by) an authorized user. Thus configured,
one need only bring the NFC card 88 into a range of <4 cm, or
for example, lightly tap the NFC transceiver with the NFC card in
order to instantly transmit the data in the RFID chip or element to
the system. It is noted that such RFID data may also include a
password code or user identifying data permitting access to the
apparatus described in reference to FIG. 2 for example by
incorporating RFID sensing and reading means in apparatus 80.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a two-dimensional front view depiction of a
handheld wireless device 90 and user interface, such as a
browser-equipped, or downloadable application-equipped, cell phone,
wherein the browser or downloadable application is configurable to
wireles sly adjust or control one or more parameters of the system
over the Internet, or by communication made between device 90 and a
network, or between the device and a transceiver of the system 10.
In the case of communicating over the Internet, the device 90 is
configured to accept a request for an accessing of the system, or
access to an adjusting of one or more selectable parameters of the
system, e.g., when the request is made by an authorized user (for
example, following the entry of a user access PIN, code or
password). Each request or parameter adjustment is communicable via
a server to a networked computer communicably linked with the
system, or linked with one or more components of the system 10
e.g., periodic rinse-water control means 36. Thus configured,
entries and/or parameter adjustments made by the user (employing a
browser equipped apparatus) are communicated to system 10, or one
or more system components such as control means 36, or both. In a
data receiving mode, a wireless handheld device 90, or other
apparatus configured to communicate over the Internet (e.g., a
desktop computer or workstation, laptop computer, notebook
computer, netbook computer, PDA, tablet computer, and the like), is
configurable to receive data communicable from the system via one
or more servers (i.e. via Internet communication means) and present
or display the data in a browser or downloadable application user
interface installable on the device. The system data is acquired
from one or more monitoring means or control signal/event
communicating components (or both) that are, or that can modularly
be, incorporated into the circuitry of, or otherwise made
accessible to, the system (e.g., a pin equipped component
insertable into a circuit socket). Each component employed is
equipped to report one or more monitored system conditions or
control signals/events (or each) in one or more storable and
updatable data formats communicable via a server (Internet
communication means) and compatible with the browser or
downloadable user interface of wireless handheld device 90. For
example, such data can include a reporting from one or more flow
meter monitoring component 96 or other instrument(s) incorporated
into the system for monitoring, measuring, or recording the rate of
flow, pressure, or discharge of a fluid, and may optionally include
a reporting from one or more other condition and/or signal/event
monitoring and reporting components of the system. It is noted that
although the term `monitoring` means is being used herein, it
should understood that any of such means may additionally include
reporting means (i.e., to provide mentoring and reporting
functions). Components modularly insertable into the system can
also include or one or more conduits of the system being configured
with one or more component sockets for mounting or releasably
mounting a component. For example, another monitoring and reporting
component that can be incorporated into the system (and the
circuitry of the system) is gas monitoring means 98 insertable into
a conduit socket e.g., equipped to monitor one or more gases. Sewer
gases can pose serious risks to public health (and in homes) from
toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methane (CH4), carbon
dioxide (CO) and ammonia (NH4), consequently it could be
advantageous to have a system configurable to monitor one or more
gases, or to monitor a reduction in one or more ambient air gases,
to determine when a urinal drain line is approaching or exceeding a
predetermined threshold, for example, one considered or determined
to be unsafe (or likely to be a result of corrosive activity). Such
monitoring, whether performed during a brief test (wherein the gas
monitoring component is removed from the socket following the test
and replaced with a socket plug), or performed over an extended
period of time, can provide data that could be quite useful, for
example, in determining a frequency of rinse-water cycles and
volumes of rinse-water that would be effective in reducing unwanted
gases, and in thus determining the extent periodic rinse-water
allocated from a supply of water 30 and/or grey water from a
receptacle 130, or both, in view of at least the one or more
monitored gases.
[0032] It is noted that an alternative or additional,
gas-attenuating approach can be achieved by equipping the one or
more urinal drains of a system 10 with a combination gas-and-water
check, float, stop or butterfly valve. For example, wherein a
hinged valve and float member, or a vertically positionable float
valve member, of a valve operable within a sealed valve chamber, is
configured to remain in, or is spring-biased into, a
normally-closed state between use-cycles, until a small volume of
water (e.g., <10 grams) accumulates on the top of the hinged or
float valve member sufficient in weight to urge the member downward
into an opened state while waste-liquid is flowing through the
urinal drain and over the top of the valve member. When no more
water or waste water is available to accumulate on, or flow over
the upper surface of the hinged or float member (or has drained
sufficiently therefrom), the member is able to pivot or slidably
move back upward into its normally-closed state, thereby creating a
normally-closed gas seal in the drain pipe. With either valve
approach (pivotally or slidably mounted), the valve is also
equipped to function as a one-way water flow, check valve, wherein
water attempting to flow upward in the urinal drain pipe contacts a
lower float portion of the valve which in turn causes a valve
diaphragm or seal of the valve to return back to, or remain in, a
normally-closed state preventing the rinse-water from passing the
diaphragm or seal. The water/gas check valve approach is described
in more detail in the descriptions pertaining to FIGS. 5A-5C
below.
[0033] Returning to the descriptions pertaining to FIGS. 2-4, the
system circuitry is configurable to incorporate data file-storing
apparatus and data-file managing means (e.g., a database and I/O
access to databased files) whereby any one or more monitorable
conditions, signals and/or events, and configurable or user-set
system parameters of the system can be stored as a time-dated file
(including files acquired over an ongoing period of time), such
that requests, including requests made remotely, can be made by an
authorized user, for one or more reports, or system performance
reports, pertaining to system settings and/or monitored data
acquired during one or more specified period of time. Preferably
the system is configured to provide reports that are presentable,
displayable or printable in an easily understood format, and in one
or more file formats compatible with various computing devices.
[0034] Accordingly, some embodiments of the system are configurable
to provide regular and/or comparative status, usage and
operation-related reports for each plumbing drain line (and
optionally one or more plumbing component) rinse system that an
authorized user wishes to access and know about.
[0035] In reference to FIGS. 5A-5C a series of three side views of
a water-tight urinal drain pipe 26 and drain pipe chamber 102 are
shown in cross-section, having a combination water/gas check valve
100 operably mounted within the chamber. For purpose of
illustrating a water/gas check valve operable in the system for
preventing an upward flow of periodic rinse-water and/or gases
through an upper portion of the urinal drain pipe, a pivotally
mounted valve approach is depicted. However, it is noted that other
valve configurations are alternatively employable for such
purposes, for example a slidably positionable valve and float
member could be employed, or an electronically actuated drain pipe
valve of the system can be kept in a normally-closed state e.g.,
and opened as, or following, an valve actuating control signal
being sent to a water valve 18 (equipped for electronic actuation)
controlling a water inlet 16 of a urinal 12 having the same drain
pipe (see 12, 16 and 18 depicted in FIG. 1 and other FIGS.). In
FIG. 5A a water/gas check valve 100 is depicted being pivotally
mounted on a valve pivot mount 104 optionally equipped with a
spring or other resilient member configured with sufficient spring
tension to keep the valve in a normally-closed state (not
illustrated). Valve 100 is shown having a lower float portion 108,
a valve diaphragm or seal 110 preferably having a small water
passageway 114 exiting from a side of the diaphragm or seal and
having an inlet located at a lower portion of a an upper valve
water cavity 112. Thus configured, the water/gas check valve is
capable of providing conventional sink plumbing trap-like functions
without any grey water being proximate to an upper portion of the
drain. In FIG. 5B the downward pointing arrows (depicted with
dashed lines) indicate a flow/direction of waste-liquid during a
urinal use-cycle (or optionally during an input of rinse-water
e.g., employable during a schedulable cleaning cycle), wherein a
small volume of fluid sufficient to overcome the closed-state
positioning of the valve 100 first contacts, and preferably is
collected in an upper valve water cavity 112, until the weight of
initially accumulated water combined with incoming use-cycle
fluids, moves the valve to the position depicted in FIG. 5B.
Preferably, the upper water cavity is shaped to retain a small
volume of fluid during a use-cycle sufficient in weight to
facilitate a retaining of the valve in an open state during a
use-cycle, and may be further equipped with one or more water
cavity drains 114 having a cavity located fluid inlet and a fluid
outlet for directing fluid into chamber 102. Alternatively, one or
more portions of valve 100 may or configured with a porous or fluid
permeable material. In either case, when the downward flow of fluid
flowing over the upper portion of valve 100 ceases, the one or more
water cavity drains 114 sized to permit, or one or more portions of
the valve incorporating a porous material having a porosity
permitting, a slow passage of fluid therethrough, cause a reduction
in the volume of water in cavity 112 sufficient to permit a
valve-pivot spring tension and/or counter-weight 106 to move the
valve into a normally-closed state. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the
water/gas check valve 100 (or waterless `trap`) when in a
normally-closed state, serve as a check valve for gases and/or
rinse-water. The upward pointing arrows in FIG. 5C (each having
dashed lines) indicate an upward flow of incoming periodic
rinse-water, which is prevented from going into an upper portion
urinal drain pipe 26 by the closed state of a check valve (such as
valve 100) incorporated into the drain pipe. It is noted that any
one among a variety of other valves may alternatively be
incorporated for use in a urinal drain pipe of the system, wherein
the valve is in a normally-closed state between use-cycles (which
prevents the passage of rinse-water) and an opened state during a
use-cycle. For example, an electronically-actuated drain-pipe valve
can be configured responsive to valve control signals provided by
(or communicated to) the system, wherein a communicated valve
opening control signal occurring at the beginning of, or during, a
use-cycle e.g., initiated or sustained by a control signal provided
from periodic rinse-water control means 36, or provided from a
proximity sensor associated with a urinal, causes a positionable
member of the valve to be moved to an opened state while the urinal
is in use, or as long as the proximity sensor is sensing a user
during a use-cycle. Thereafter, the positionable valve member is
moved to a closed state at the end of, or following a predetermined
delay after the use-cycle, or following the sensor no longer
sensing a user at the urinal.
[0036] In reference to FIGS. 6-10, each figure is a
diagrammatic/graphical representation depicting in more detail
aspects of the system 10 diagrammed in, and first introduced, in
the descriptions pertaining to FIG. 1. To assist in maintaining a
continuity of understanding and context between one or more of the
drawing figures, several reference numerals are repeated in one or
more of FIGS. 6-10.
[0037] In FIG. 6, a plurality of four low water-use urinals 12 are
shown each having a urinal receptacle 14, a urinal drain pipe 26 or
conduit (with an optional valve or check valve), water dispensing
means 16 (such as one or more mister nozzles) configured to receive
water provided through a urinal water supply conduit 24 which is
attached to a urinal water main 22. It is noted that one or more
valves of the system can be selected from a variety of valves, for
example, a solenoid operated valve placed in the conduit leading to
the mister(s) configured responsive to one or more control signals
sent from one of the aforementioned control means or monitoring and
timing means (or time switch) arranged for the control of the
valve. In one of the preferred modes of the system, each low
water-use urinal 12 is equipped with a proximity sensing means 20
and is configured (as depicted in FIG. 6) to communicate valve
controlling control signals to a urinal water supply valve 18, for
example, an electronic-actuated or electronic solenoid-actuated
valve, configured responsive to the control signals. Whereby, a
user coming within a predetermined degree of proximity to sensing
means 20, causes normally-closed valve 18 to open, and in the
embodiments of the system having a normally-closed
electronic-actuated valve 28, to open valve 28, so that water being
channeled under pressure to water dispensing means 16 can
effectively rinse receptacle 14 and freely flow with any
waste-liquid down urinal drain pipe (or conduit) 26 into urinal
drainage line 40. When so configured, it is noted that the lower
valve 28 can be left in a normally-closed state when its respective
urinal is not in use (to serve as a water or water/gas check
valve), and when each urinal of a system is likewise configured,
each valve prevents rinse-water from traveling up a respective
urinal drain pipe 26. Accordingly, the system can periodically
dispense rinse-water, for example when directed from supply of
water 30 in response to a control signal 38 being communicated from
periodic rinse-water control means 36 to rinse-water valve 34
(configured responsive to the signal) and direct the water only
through the urinal drainage line 40 without an overflow of water
entering the urinal receptacles 14. Alternatively, as can be seen
in FIG. 9, the upper end of each urinal drain pipe 26 can be
configured at a height higher than the supply or water provided,
for example, from a water storing receptacle (such as a sink
drainage/grey water receptacle 66), in which case, the lower valves
28 of a system may be omitted, or optionally employed e.g., as a
gas check valve, `waterless trap.` It is noted that the system can
alternatively or additionally be configured such that an adjustment
made to a lower valve 28 during a use-cycle is provided by a valve
control means equipped for opening a lower valve only to an extent
necessary to allow the passage of waste-liquid based on (i) the
volume of water provided from an opening of a previous valve 18 of
the same urinal, and (ii) an estimate of a volume of waste-liquid
occurring during a period of time a user is determined to be sensed
by a sensor 20. In some embodiments of the system, a liquid-sensing
means 104 (e.g., a water sensor) can be provided above lower valve
28, for sensing (via a testing for an electrical conductivity of
present fluids, or via an optical sensing of the presence or
absence of fluids) and by determining when a fluid is present or
not, provide a control signal to a controller of lower valve 28
which opens or keeps the valve in an opened-state when the presence
of fluid is sensed, and positions lower valve 28 to a closed-state
when fluid is absent or almost absent, or until urinal water supply
valve 18 subsequently is opened and providing water into urinal
drain pipe 26. In each case, the system provides valve control
means for minimizing the exposure of any urinal drain pipe 26 (and
thereby, that of any users breathing air in the vicinity of the
urinals) to unwanted, unpleasant and/or potentially harmful
gases.
[0038] As previously described, the system provides the option to
include means for introducing a soap, cleaning agent, disinfectant
and/or fragranced material, and the like, into a urinal water
supply conduit 24 (or urinal water main 22) under pressure. It also
noted, that in a co-pending application filed by the applicants of
the present invention, a new type of mister nozzle is disclosed,
having water and energy saving properties associated with the
mister nozzle being equipped to provide heat-on-demand water. As it
is well known that various forms of bacteria can be killed by water
heated above a certain threshold, and that cleaning can be improved
by the use of heated water, the urinals of the present invention
may therefore be advantageously equipped with the heat-on-demand
mister nozzles, whether configured manually controllable or
switchable, or equipped for automated control, with components and
control circuitry configured responsive to control signals
communicated by the system, and in each case provide warm or hot
water on demand as needed, for cleaning, rinsing, odor-reducing
procedures, and the like.
[0039] Accordingly, when any one or more urinals of the system 10
are equipped with both a urinal water supply valve 18 and a lower
valve 28, the valves can be configured controllable independently,
simultaneously, or in time-delayed manner wherein one is adjusted
advantageously based on, or in view of, one or more functions being
provided by the other. It can also be seen in FIGS. 6-10 that a
double-valve approach per urinal can be employed advantageously for
each urinal, or in combination with one or more additional urinals
in the same system e.g., to substantially reduce the aforementioned
gases, and also provide for water and energy conserving control of
urinal plumbing components during periodic rinse-water cycles (for
rinsing urinal drainage line 40), and optionally during a periodic
rinsing or cleansing of one or more urinal receptacles 14 either
separately from, or in combination with, a rinse-water cycle.
[0040] Preferably rinse-water supplied to a urinal drainage line 40
occurs upstream from each urinal 12 in a system 10 which is then
channeled through the drainage line to a downstream portion of the
line, past each urinal drain conduit 26, into, for example to a
sewer pipe 76 (or other waste-liquid managing means). A drainage
line or sewer vent pipe 78 is shown attached to a downstream end of
the urinal drainage line 40 in each of FIGS. 6-10. Preferably, a
water line filter is also provided to filter water going to or
coming from supply of water 30 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 of FIG.
9).
[0041] It is noted that the proximity sensing means of each urinal,
may comprise any among a variety of proximity sensors such as those
made commercially available, including those incorporating at least
one of the following: a photo cell or light-sensitive sensor, a
heat sensor, a motion sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a sound sensor,
and the like.
[0042] In reference to FIG. 7 two optional components are depicted
in addition to the components depicted in FIG. 6, a valve-use
monitoring means 44 equipped to communicate valve control signal(s)
46. As previously mentioned, valve-use monitoring means 44 may also
include timing means, whereby, control signal(s) 46 communicated to
rinse-water valve 34, can be determined from or sent in view of
control signal, event or message data communicated to one or both
valves, and/or from a proximity sensor (or associated with a manual
valve-switch on or off state) of, each urinal 12 in the system 10.
For example the four leftward pointing arrows adjacent to
monitoring means 44 (and the dashed-line associated with each),
indicate control signal or data communicated to means 44 from a
proximity sensor of each low water-use urinal 12 e.g., control
signal determining the state or valve condition of urinal water
supply valve 18 or lower valve 28, or both valves. Based on such
data, valve-use monitoring means 44 can communicate a control
signal to periodic rinse-water control means 36 according to
monitored valve-use conditions e.g., a predetermined number of use
cycles of any one or more urinals 12 of the system 10 or in
accordance with cumulative usage of any one or more valves.
Alternatively or additionally, when valve-use monitoring means 44
also includes timing means (e.g., predetermined or equipped
programmable by an authorized user) a control signal can be
communicated to periodic rinse-water control means 36 to send a
control signal 38 to rinse-water valve 34 to release rinse-water
into urinal drainage line 40 according to preset or programmable
intervals and for optimal durations. During optional rinsing and/or
cleaning cycles of urinal receptacles 14, control signal
communicated to periodic rinse-water control means 36 can in turn
send control signal(s) to one or both valves of a urinal, or of
each of the urinals, for facilitating the rinsing and/or cleaning
of the receptacle(s) 14. Including the option to close a lower
valve 28 of a urinal, in order to fill and soak each urinal
receptacle 14 (based on components having fixed or known water flow
rates) with at least one of the following types of rinse-water:
cold water, warm water, hot water, water with soap and/or
disinfectant (or fragranced material), and the like, for a
predetermined optimal duration, and then open lower valve 28 until
the (each) receptacle 14 and urinal drain conduit 26 is emptied and
any rinsing thereafter is completed.
[0043] By the system incorporating water managing components having
fixed or known water flow rates, it is possible to determine ratios
between such components, for example, one or more components
dispensing water in one part of the system (or for one system
function) relative to water that is dispensed in another part of
the system simultaneously or at different times (e.g., for a
different purpose), and to adjust the ratios to establish
effective, or most effective rinsing and/or cleaning water
management. For example, during a time period when one or more
urinals of a system are receiving little or no use, and therefore
monitored control signals for positioning a valve member to a
opened state are few, it may be necessary to increase the ratio of
rinse-water coming from supply of water 30 (and/or grey water),
relative to the reduced water passing through the urinal plumbing,
in order to maintain the urinal drainage line 40 in an adequately
rinsed condition. During a different time period, when a monitoring
of the urinal components indicates a high degree of urinal usage
(at fixed or known water flow rates), the ratio of rinse-water
provided from the supply of water may be decreased relative to the
increased water passing through the urinal plumbing, and so
forth.
[0044] In reference to FIG. 8, each urinal 12 depicted in system 10
is a non-water or `waterless` urinal equipped with a lower valve
28, configured to operate in manner the same as or similar to valve
28 in FIGS. 5A-5C, or to operate in an automated manner such as the
valves 28 responsive to periodic rinse-water control means 36
and/or monitoring means 44 described in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
In either case, each valve 28 employed in a system incorporating
one or more non-water urinals, is configured to operate as a
rinse-water or rinse-water/gas check valve (e.g., when in a
valve-closed state) including during each channeling of rinse-water
through urinal drainage line 40 to rinse the drainage line (or
waterless one or more urinals) to facilitate a purging or reduction
of corrosive fluids, and unhealthy or unpleasant gases, as needed.
It is noted that the valves 28 of each non-water urinal 12 are
preferably located proximate to the urinal drainage line to
minimize exposure of each urinal drain conduit 26 to at least
unhealthy and/or unpleasant gases. FIG. 8 also depicts each
non-water or waterless urinal, preferably being equipped with
proximity sensing means 20 to facilitate the aforementioned
acquiring of urinal usage data including how often and how long
each urinal is used in each use-cycle or for use-cycles occurring
over a given period of time. And based on the flow/amount of water
through the urinal plumbing of the system 10 and that of the
rinse-water channeled into urinal drainage line 40 (both calculated
from fixed or know water flow rates) the ratio between the two can
be adjusted by the system to optimize the water management of the
system.
[0045] Accordingly, non-water or waterless urinals can be
accommodated in new or retrofitted installations, wherein the
ongoing, unmet problems heretofore associated with corrosion,
harmful gases and unpleasant odors resulting from waterless urinal
usage (particularly with drainage lines or plumbing downstream
therefrom, made of, or incorporating copper material), are reliably
and repeatably overcome in a water and energy conserving manner, by
providing the valve-controllable periodic water rinsing or
grey-water rinsing arrangements, or both, of the present invention
described herein.
[0046] It is noted that the present system can provide the option
to configure a hybrid type of non-water use urinal for
incorporation into a system 10, for example, incorporated into any
of the system references illustrated in the aforementioned drawing
figures and descriptions concerning a urinal 12, wherein the hybrid
non-water use urinal is configured to operate in a customary
waterless urinal manner (e.g., during a number of use cycles),
while also being equipped with one or more mister nozzles (such as
those previously described in reference to very low water
dispensing means 16). Thus configured, the hybrid urinal mister
nozzle(s) are periodically employable to facilitate a cleaning
and/or rinsing of the interior surface of a receptacle 14. For
example, by performing such cleaning and/or rinsing in accordance
with any of the aforementioned cleaning and/or rinsing procedures
or techniques.
[0047] In reference to FIG. 9, system 10 is shown equipped with a
plurality of urinals 12 configured for use downstream from a
plurality of nearby sinks 58, for example located in the same room,
or sharing a same wall (or back to back on the same wall), and in
each case urinal drainage line 40 is configured to receive grey
water provided from a sink drainage line, such that water used by
one or more sinks is directed through a sink drain 60 into a sink
drainage line 62 leading to urinal drainage line 40. Optionally or
additionally, the arrangement may further comprise a sink
drainage/grey water receptacle 66 having a receptacle grey water
inlet 68 an optional receptacle water filter 70 (preferably
removable for cleaning or replacement), an optional receptacle
overflow outlet 74, and a lower receptacle water outlet 72 for
directing receptacle stored water to a rinse-water valve 34 which
can be configured controllable in several ways, for example:
manually controllable; mechanically controllable e.g., by a
float-valve arrangement wherein water having reached a certain
height in the receptacle 66 causes the float valve to open a
rinse-water valve 34; or, controllable in an automated manner in
accordance with one or more of the previous descriptions pertaining
to control signals communicable by the system, from control means
36 and/or monitoring means 44 (not shown in FIG. 9). It is noted
that the upper ends of urinal drain pipes 26 can preferably be
located at a height above the highest water level attainable in
receptacle 66 in which case the lower valves 28 of the urinals
could be omitted, or optionally employed for one or more purposes
(e.g., as previously described), other than as a check valve for
preventing unwanted rinse water from entering into a respective
urinal receptacle.
[0048] As depicted in the portion of FIG. 6 showing the plurality
of urinals, sensing means 20 can be configured to send a
simultaneous control signal to valves 18 and 28 e.g., during a
use-cycle, or control the valves independently from one another
when it is advantageous to do so (e.g., either as previously
described). For example, it may be advantageous to allow a certain
or predetermined volume of water to first accumulate in receptacle
66 before it is channeled into the drainage line 40, for example,
so that much of the inner diameter of drainage line 40 receives
rinsing water, as opposed to only a small flow of water that might
otherwise be coming from one or more sinks. It is noted that
optionally one or more of the 58 sinks may be fitted with faucets
incorporating faucet proximity sensing means 52 (or electrical
switch), and incorporating a faucet 48 equipped with a faucet
outlet 54 optionally having one or more very low water use mister
nozzles (as described in a co-pending application of the applicants
of the present invention), or a mister nozzle equipped to provide,
or selectively provide, heated water on demand (as previously
described). Additionally it is noted that any of the monitoring
means 44, or monitoring and timing means, previously described may
be configured to additionally monitor sink sensor and sink valve
related usage in a manner similar to that employed with the
aforementioned urinal valves and sensors. It is noted that some
efforts have been made to significantly reduce water use in
restrooms used by females, and some developments have occurred in
the making of handheld apparatus that are employable by females at
a urinal. Accordingly, it is possible with the present invention to
provide female restrooms having one or more very low water use, or
waterless urinals (or the aforementioned hybrid urinals), mounted
for use on one or more walls, or in one or more private stalls of
the restroom. Such water and energy reducing urinals and/or sinks
may be further equipped with the aforementioned heat-on-demand
mister nozzle arrangement whereby, any re-usable apparatus brought
by a female to a restroom could be hygienically cleaned and rinsed,
selectively on demand with warm or hot water (or warm or hot soapy
water) provided from the mister, for example by pressing a button
on or near the mister element that causes an on-demand heating of
the misted water. It may also be found that such arrangements can
significantly reduce waiting time at female restrooms, periodically
having long lines, due to female restrooms equipped with only so
many stalls to serve females. Paper towel dispensers or cleaning
wipes, of foaming soap dispensers, and the like, made available
near the urinals or faucets, could further expedite a serving of
females wanting faster service and concerned about conserving water
and energy.
[0049] Accordingly, a system is provided wherein all major plumbing
fixtures and components of an entire restroom system can be
effectively monitored, controlled and/or managed, to optimally
conserve water (and thereby save energy), improve air quality and
safety, extend the longevity of plumbing drainage lines and
components (especially those made entirely or partially of copper
material), reinvigorate retrofit opportunities, and so on.
[0050] In reference to FIG. 10, system 10 is depicted in an
arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 9, with the exception
that FIG. 10 has a plurality of non-water or waterless urinals 12
(instead of very low water use urinals), each urinal having
proximity sensing means configured to communicate urinal usage or
use-cycle information to valve-use monitoring means 44 (or
valve-use and timing means), which in turn is configured to
communicate with periodic rinse-water control means 36 to
advantageously communicate control signal(s) 38 to rinse-water
valve 34 as needed (and/or in a manner previously described).
[0051] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand
that they can make various changes, substitutions and alterations
herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention
in its broadest form.
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