Electrically controlled drain and vent system for sinks and the like
OwnerLyle M. Younginventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A deenergized solenoid operated valve normally closes the drain line of a sink, basin, tub or toilet bowl, the valve thus serving as a stopper. When a pushbutton switch is closed, the solenoid is energized to retract the valve and open the drain, a flow responsive switch maintaining the solenoid energized until all of the water has drained from the sink or bowl. A float responsive switch will also energize the solenoid to retract the valve and open the drain if water accumulates from a leaky faucet. Whenever water is drained, the low pressure or vacuum that results produces an accompanying venting action. The invention may be used with a P or S-type drain connection and/or with a conventional stack vent, but does not require that any of these be employed.
Claims17
A drain system for sinks and the like having a drain line associated therewith comprising a movable valve member for closing said drain line when in a first position and opening said drain line when in a second position, means normally biasing said valve member into its said first position, a solenoid for overcoming said biasing means to move said valve member to its said second position when said solenoid is energized, means for energizing said solenoid to move said valve member from its said first position to its said second position, said energizing means including a pushbutton switch for manually effecting energization of said solenoid, and flow responsive means including a normally open switch in parallel with said pushbutton switch so that said solenoid remains energized during the period that water is flowing through said drain line.
A drain system for sinks and the like comprising a tubular member extending vertically downwardly having a cutout in one side thereof, a valve casing having a rectangular cross section, said valve casing being configured at one end so as to fit said cutout, said valve casing being secured to said tubular member so as to extend laterally therefrom, an elastomeric valve member reciprocally disposed in said valve casing, said valve member projecting into said tubular member and having a curved end so as to engage the curved side of said tubular member opposite said cutout, spring means for normally urging said valve member in a direction to cause said curved end to engage the curved side of said tubular member opposite said cutout, a solenoid for overcoming the bias of said spring means, and a pushbutton switch for energizing said solenoid so as to retract said valve member into said casing and said curved end away from said curved side, thereby opening said tubular member for the passage of waste water downwardly therethrough.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.