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  Electro-mechanical flush mechanismUSPTO Application #: 20060075546Title: Electro-mechanical flush mechanism Abstract: A toilet for a recreational vehicle, boat or the like is provided, which includes an electro-mechanical flush mechanism. The flush mechanism includes an actuating mechanism for activating either a flush cycle or an add water cycle. The flush mechanism further includes a flush valve, a water inlet valve, a motor, a drive mechanism and a spring. During operation of the flush mechanism, the spring biases the drive mechanism in a direction such that the flush valve rotates. A motor arm connected to the motor moves the drive mechanism in a direction such that the flush valve rotates in an opposite direction. (end of abstract) Agent: Pearne & Gordon LLP - Cleveland, OH, US Inventor: James A. Sigler USPTO Applicaton #: 20060075546 - Class: 004434000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Baths, Closets, Sinks, And Spittoons, Flush Closet, Bowl, Valved Dischage The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060075546. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/617,103 filed on Oct. 8, 2004. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to toilets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a toilet and flush mechanism that is suitable for a boat, recreational vehicle (RV), bus or the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The toilet according to the present invention may either be of the gravity drop through type or of the vacuum type (such as generally shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,924, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference). [0004] There currently exist in the marine and RV industries, vacuum toilets and gravity drop toilets that are foot pedal or lever operated. These are manually operated toilets where a flush valve is opened by the operator and remains open as long as the operator activates the pedal or lever. [0005] In regard to vacuum toilets, if the flush valve is open for too short a period of time, insufficient water may accompany the waste, which may increase the possibility of the system plugging. A short duration flush also limits the amount of vacuum utilized in the flush and reduces the force that macerates the waste, which also increases the possibility of the system plugging. If the flush valve is open for an extended period of time, then excessive water is utilized. Additionally, if a second flush cycle is activated before the full level of vacuum is restored, the reduced level of vacuum may not have sufficient force to macerate the sewage, and system plugging may result. [0006] In regard to gravity drop toilets, if the flush valve is open for too short a period of time, then repeated opening of the flush valve may be required to clear the toilet bowl. If the flush valve is open for an extended period of time, then excessive water is utilized and it increases the possibility that malodor from the holding tank may enter the bathroom via the flush valve. [0007] Because these toilets are manually operated, the timing between the flush valve and water valve is fixed and allows only one residual water level. Further, while "dry camping" or in rough seas, a lower level of residual water is desirable. When water is plentiful or in calm seas, a higher level of residual water may be desired. [0008] Thus, what is needed is a toilet for use in the marine and RV industries that overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] In accordance with one aspect, a flush mechanism for a toilet is provided comprising, a rotatable flush valve, a drive mechanism operatively connected to the flush valve, a motor to move the drive mechanism, and a spring operatively connected to the drive mechanism to bias the drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve. [0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a flush mechanism for a toilet is provided comprising, a frame, a support structure operatively connected to the frame, a rotatable flush valve positioned in the support structure, a rotor shaft operatively connected to the flush valve, a rotor cam coupled to the rotor shaft, a drive arm operatively connected to the rotor cam at a first end and to the frame at a second end, a motor to move the drive arm, and a spring operatively connected to the frame at one end and to the rotor cam at the opposite end to bias the drive arm in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve. [0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of flushing a toilet is provided comprising the steps of activating an actuating mechanism, activating a flush/add water switch, energizing a motor and a water inlet valve, disengaging a motor arm from a drive arm slot, biasing a drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate a flush valve, and re- engaging the motor arm in the drive slot so as to rotate the flush valve to in an opposite direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary toilet according to the invention. [0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of the toilet shown in FIG. 1. [0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the toilet shown in FIG. 1. [0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the flush mechanism in a closed state for the toilet of FIGS. 1-3. [0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the flush mechanism of FIG. 4 in an open state. [0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the flush mechanism of FIG. 4 in a closing state. [0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the flush mechanism of FIG. 4 in an emergency use state. [0020] FIG. 8 shows a timing chart showing the operation of the toilet in accordance with the present invention. Continue reading... Full patent description for Electro-mechanical flush mechanism Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Electro-mechanical flush mechanism patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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