PISTON TOILET

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to and incorporates by reference India Application No. 202411094189 filed Nov. 30, 2024.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to toilets, especially to toilets with low water consumption in a flushing cycle. More particularly, it relates to a piston operated flushing mechanism for a toilet.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to provide information relating to the field of the invention and thus any approach or functionality described below should not be assumed to be qualified as prior art merely by its inclusion in this section.

Conventional toilets use significant water per flush, a minimum of 3 liters per flush, thereby straining water consumption pattern and causing environmental concerns. The usage of high volume of water is associated with the action of water requiring to transport the waste through the trapway. Some existing solutions, which propose usage of lesser water with alternate modes of flushing, may not guarantee a water seal in case of malfunctions.

SUMMARY

This section is intended to introduce certain objects of the disclosed method and system in a simplified form and is not intended to identify the key advantages or features of the present disclosure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a piston flush toilet which replaces the traditional flush mechanism by utilizing minimal volume of water for a flush cycle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a piston flush toilet comprising a piston mechanism to effectively eliminate the waste through the trapway of the toilet.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for a piston flush toilet comprising a mouth valve to act as a seal between the bowl and the piston mechanism, to prevent leakage of water or waste.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for a piston flush toilet comprising a reserve tank which automatically maintains the water seal even during malfunction of the main valve, thus ensuring odor control and efficient waste removal with eco-friendly water usage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. These and other details of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front enlarged view of the piston flush toilet, identifying a sectional view of the bowl and the components of the toilet,

FIG. 2 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a first state of flushing or in unflushed or unused state S1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a second state S2 of flushing.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a third state S3 of flushing.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a fourth state S4 of flushing.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a fifth state S5 of flushing.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for the first through fifth states of FIGS. 2-6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the piston flush toilet, identifying a reserve tank and a sump jet.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying a float within a reserve tank at a position P1.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying a float within a reserve tank at a position P2.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of both the reservoir tank and the bowl, identifying the water level within the said components.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the piston flush toilet, identifying a state of dysfunction of the mouth valve.

FIG. 13 is a depiction of a spring actuated embodiment of the piston.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example water powered piston flush toilet.

FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed view of a water powered piston.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart for the first through fifth states of FIGS. 17-21.

FIG. 17 illustrates the water powered piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a first state of flushing or in unflushed or unused state S11.

FIGS. 18A-B correspond to a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a second state S12 of flushing.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a third state S13 of flushing.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a fourth state S14 of flushing.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the piston flush toilet, identifying the toilet in a fifth state S15 of flushing.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example spring actuated embodiment of the water powered piston flush toilet.

FIG. 23A illustrates a worm gear piston activator.

FIG. 23B illustrates a magnetically coupled rodless cylinder with lead screw mechanism.

FIG. 24A illustrates a cable activator.

FIG. 24B illustrates a magnetically coupled rodless cylinder with linear actuator.

FIG. 25 illustrates a controller for operation of the piston flush toilet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

The present disclosure proposes to address this drawback by introducing a toilet with a piston mechanism utilizing only minimal water for flushing and a backup water seal through a reserve tank. The present disclosure proposes to significantly reduce water consumption without compromising performance and meeting all the codes and standards, and represents a sustainable solution for modern sanitation needs.

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a piston flush toilet, to replace traditional flush mechanism, with a piston-powered flushing mechanism which offers an effective flush cycle with minimal water usage.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuation power of a piston mechanism is harnessed to effectively eliminate waste, while utilizing only about a single liter of water per flush. By significantly reducing water consumption without compromising performance, and as well meeting all the codes and standards, the embodiment provides a sustainable solution for existing sanitation needs. To have an effective flush cycle, it is a prescribed standard that a water seal of about 2.07-inch depth be maintained. Other water seal depths may be used.

In a preferred embodiment, a reserve tank is configured to automatically maintain the water seal even if the main valve fails, ensuring odor control and efficient waste removal with eco-friendly water usage.

The following embodiments related to toilets and related systems. One or more related systems may also be applied to any plumbing fixtures. The term “plumbing fixture” refers to an apparatus that is connected to a plumbing system of a house, building, or another structure. The term “plumbing fixture” may include toilets, bidets, faucets, showerheads, bathtubs, urinals, and dishwashers. For each of the example toilets describes herein, it should be noted that the shapes and configurations of the tank, pedestal, seat assembly, and the internal components (including the trapway and other features) may vary from the embodiments shown and described herein, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended as limitations. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be made of vitreous china. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be polymeric and/or over molded or otherwise fixed to the toilet. It should be noted, for example, that although the exemplary embodiment of the toilet is shown configured with the tank formed separately from the pedestal later coupled to the pedestal, the tank may be integrally formed with the pedestal as a one-piece design. In other words, the toilet may be a one-piece design, a two-piece design, or have any suitable configuration. The toilet disclosed herein may have a wide variety of skirted toilet configurations, and all such configurations are intended to be encompassed herein. The following description of various toilet features is therefore intended as illustration only of one possible embodiment, and it should be understood by those reviewing the present description that similar concepts or features may be included in various other embodiments.

FIG. 1 discloses a piston flush according to an embodiment. It discloses a piston flush toilet 10 comprising a toilet bowl 101 with a rim 102 to supply a flush water to the bowl 101, in a first source of water supplied to the toilet 10. There is provided a reserve tank 103 connected by a sump jet or refill tube 104 to the toilet bowl 101. The reserve tank 103 serves as a secondary source of water supplied to the toilet 10. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

Further disclosed is a mouth valve 105 to act as seal for the toilet bowl 101. The trap way of the piston flush toilet 10 is a modified construction comprising an upward trap upleg cylinder 107 positioned angularly and wherein the mouth valve 105 acts as the inlet for the upleg cylinder 107. The upleg cylinder 107 and the trapway 109 are connected by a bent shaped trapway connection 108, which facilitates easy evacuation of the contents of the bowl 101. In any of the disclosed examples the cylinder 107 may have a volume or capacity of approximately 0.5 and 2.0 liters. Other sizes may be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the mouth valve 105, the trap upleg cylinder 107 and the trapway 109 are made of plastic. Preferably, the mouth valve 105 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with the seal being made of Buna-N rubber with a gate of Glass-Filled Polypropylene. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the trapway upleg cylinder 107 is made of extruded PVC. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, trapway 109 is made of a plastic selected from PP 20GF or PVC.

In a preferred embodiment, the upleg cylinder 107 is manufactured by extrusion molding. The bent trapway connection 108 is manufactured by injection molding. During the assembly process, both the parts may be joined by a process such as ultrasonic welding or spin welding. The method of manufacture and the method of joining are exemplary methods identified for the purposes of the present disclosure and is not a limitation for other methods to be implemented.

The cylinder 107 is a tubular construction configured to contain a piston arrangement within itself and which acts as a conduit to transfer water and waste contents of the bowl 101 into an outlet 110 via the trapway 109. The piston 106 is positioned at a lower end of the cylinder 107 at the start of a flushing cycle and is actuated when a flushing cycle is initiated by a user post usage of the toilet 10.

An actuator 150 may be configured to initiate a flush sequence or flush cycle of the toilet 10. The actuator 150 may be an electronic button that causes actuation of the mouth valve 105 and/or the piston 106. In either case of the mouth valve 105 and the piston 106, a solenoid may be electronically driven in response to the actuator 150. In some examples, the actuator 150 may be on a power supply circuit with the mouth valve 105 and/or the piston 106 such that pressing the actuator completes the power circuit to deliver electrical power to the mouth valve 105 and/or the piston 106. In other example, the actuator 150 may send an electrical signal to a controller (e.g., controller 100 described below), and the controller, in turn activates the mouth valve 105 and/or the piston 106. An example actuator 150 is described below for controller 100 as user input device 355.

In another alterative, the actuator 150 may be a handle (e.g., flush lever) connected to a mechanical drive train that moves one or more components of the piston toilet 10 to operate the flush. The actuator 150 may be connected to a lever or rod that operates the mouth valve 105 and/or the piston 106.

In addition, the actuator 150 may be configured to operate one or more pumps. The pump may pump water from the reserve tank 103 to the toilet bowl 101 according to set durations or volumes as described herein.

In addition, the actuator 150 may be configured to operate one or more valves. For example, a valve may open the supply of flush or rinsing water from a utility supply to the rim 102.

While actuators to initiate flush cycles may not be described in each embodiment, all of the examples herein may include an actuator or another type of flush mechanism such as a button configured to activate when depressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or when touched, a lever configured to activate when rotated a predetermined angular travel, or any suitable device configured to activate based upon an input manipulation by a user. Any of the embodiments described with regard to toilets and/or the trapway of a toilet may be applied to the structure of a urinal.

In addition, or in the alternative, the toilet 10 may include a sensor S. As described below (e.g., sensor 356) the sensor may detect the presence of a user, a gesture of a user, a condition of contents in the bowl 101, or an ambient condition near the toilet 10. The sensor S may generate sensor data that is the controller to (e.g., controller 100 described below), and the controller, in turn activates the mouth valve 105 and/or the piston 106.

Seats and lids may also be sometimes omitted in the discussion of each embodiment. However, each of the following examples may include a toilet seat assembly including a cover member (e.g., lid), a seat member (e.g., ring member), and a hinge. The seat member may be configured to include an annular member that encircles an opening, wherein the annular member provides a seating surface for the user of the toilet. The seat member may also be pivotally coupled (e.g., attached) to the hinge, wherein the seat member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or seated position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member may be configured to be round, oval, or any other suitable shape. Typically, the profile or shape of the outer surface of the cover member will be configured to match (i.e., to be substantially similar) to the profile of the outer surface of the seat member to improve the aesthetics of the seat assembly and toilet. The cover member may also be coupled to the hinge, wherein the cover member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first down lowered or down position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member may be provided above the seat member in the down position to thereby cover the opening of the seat member, as well as to conceal the inside of the bowl 101. The cover member may be configured to rest against the outside surface of the tank, when the cover member is in the upright position, such that the cover member remains in the upright position in order for a user to sit upon the seat member.

Referring to FIG. 2, it discloses the toilet 10 in a first state of flushing or in unflushed or unused state, as referenced in act/state S1 of FIG. 7. At this state, the bowl 101 is configured to contain a predetermined amount of water (e.g., about 0.5 liters of water), and during this state, the mouth valve 105 remains shut. The water level 112 in the bowl 101 is maintained or sealed by the mouth valve 105 which prevents leakage of water into the cylinder 107.

Referring to FIG. 3, it discloses the toilet 10 in a second state of flushing, as referenced in act/state S2 of FIG. 7 or a post use state, wherein a user activates a flushing mechanism post defecating or urinating. Upon activating the flush, a predetermined amount of water (e.g., approximately 0.4 liters of water) is released into the toilet bowl 101 via the rim jet 102 or the first source of water. This influx of water serves to cleanse the surface of the toilet bowl 101 before ultimately settling in the sump water.

In this state, the mouth valve 105 remains sealed or shut preventing leakage of the bowl contents into the cylinder 107. Similarly, the piston 106 is in its retracted or original state, as that of the unused state S1.

Referring to FIG. 4, it discloses the toilet 10 in a third state of flushing as referenced by act/state S3. In this state, once the bowl rinsing is done and the water settles down in the sump of the toilet bowl 101, the mouth valve 105 is unlatched, directing all the water and waste into the upleg cylinder 107. To ensure proper cleaning or removal of the contents of the toilet bowl 101, additionally, an additional amount of water (e.g., approximately 0.1 liter of water) is introduced through the sump jet via sump tube 104 into the cylinder 107.

During this process, the mouth valve 105 remains in its retracted position. However, the piston still remains in the original state as that of the state/act S1.

Referring to FIG. 5, it discloses the toilet 10 in a fourth state of flushing, as referenced by act/state S4. After the influx of additional water from the reserve tank 103 through the sump jet or sump tube 104 into the cylinder 107, the mouth valve 105 returns to initial state or closing position. After the mouth valve 105 has been closed, the piston 106 travels upwards in the cylinder 107 to an open state 113 and pushes the water and waste from the cylinder 107 upwards and into the plastic trapway 109, from where it is then drained out through the outlet 110.

Referring to FIG. 6, the toilet 10 is in a fifth state of flushing as referenced by act/state S5. In this state, after the discharge of the waste, the piston 106 retracts to its original position and the mouth valve 105 is also in a closed position. Then, the reserve tank 103 may dispatch the initial amount (e.g., approximately 0.7 liters of water) into the sump of the toilet bowl 101. When the desired water level 112 is reached in the bowl 101, the toilet 10 is considered to be ready for the next cycle of usage and flushing.

In a preferred embodiment, the piston is operated by a water powered telescopic cylinder. However, the piston 106 to have various activation methods such as manual operated cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, cable operated cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, and electric actuators. These alternate apparatus and methods may be implemented in an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, without departing from the scope of the use of piston 106.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for the first through fifth states of FIGS. 2-6. The flow chart depicts a method for flushing a piston toilet. Additional, different or fewer acts may be included.

The flushing cycles, as described via the FIGS. 2-6, represented by the flushing acts/states S1-S5 represent one cycle of usage and flush in the piston flush toilet 10, according to a preferred embodiment. In comparison to the existing toilets, the present disclosure uses less water. In some examples, only 0.9 liters or less of water are used per cycle for flushing.

At act/state S1, water is provided to the toilet bowl 101. The water may be provided from a water supply (e.g., line pressure of the water utility), The water may be metered (e.g., measured) by a valve and timer, as implemented by the controller 100. Alternatively, the water may be provided by the reserve tank may provide the water, which also may be metered (e.g., measured) by a valve and timer, as implemented by the controller 100. In yet another example, the water may be provided by one or more rim nozzles.

At the same time or after the water is provided to the bowl 101, the mouth valve 105 is closed to seal the toilet bowl 101 from the cylinder 107.

At act/state S2, an activation is received from a flushing mechanism. The flush mechanism may be the actuator 150 (e.g., button or handle lever). The flush mechanism may generate an electrical signal that is supplied to the controller 100 or otherwise directly operates a valve to rinse the sides of the bowl 101.

The water may be provided from a rim nozzle as rinse water that flows down the sides of the toilet bowl 101. The rim nozzle may be a single nozzle that released water into a rim channel. The water follows the rim channel and gradually rinses the sides of the bowl in a swirling motion or vortex. Alternatively, multiple rim nozzles may be provided around the circumference of the toilet bowl 101.

At act/state S3, the mouth valve 105 is opened in order to release contents from the toilet bowl 101 into the piston cylinder 107. The contents of the bowl may include the rinse water along with feces or urine deposited by the user. The flush mechanism may generate an electrical signal that is supplied to the controller 100 or otherwise directly operates the mouth valve 105.

At act/state S4, the piston 106 is advanced. Advancement of the piston 106 may be according to any of the examples described herein (e.g., telescoping cylinders, magnetic drive, worm gear drive, linear actuator). The flush mechanism may generate an electrical signal that is supplied to the controller 100 or otherwise directly operates the piston 106. Advancement of the piston 106 pushes the contents from the bowl 101 through the cylinder 107 and into the trapway. In some examples, the trapway may be omitted, and the contents are pushed directly to a drain or outlet.

A delay may be implemented by the controller 100 or by the actuator 150 so that a predetermined time elapses between the opening of the mouth valve 105 and the advancement of the piston 106.

In addition, during or subsequent to act/state S4, the mouth valve 105 is closed.

At act/state S5, the piston 106 is retracted. That is the controller 100 or a sequence of the signal from the flushing mechanism causes the direction of the piston 106 to be reversed and move downward towards the original seated position.

In addition, during or subsequent to act/state S5 an indicator may indicate that the flush cycles have been completed. The controller 100 may also provide instructions or commands to one or more indicators. An indicator may include a light, display, audio emitter or speaker, LED, or other device configured to convey a status of the toilet 10. The process may return to act/state S1 to reset the toilet 10.

From the flushing cycles described above, the present disclosure involves usage of two sources of water, i.e., a primary source of water released through the rim 102 and a secondary source of water or the reserve tank 103 releasing water through the sump jet 104. The reserve tank 103 or the secondary source of water is a tank or a storage structure fitted at a side of the toilet 10.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the reserve tank 103 attached to the bowl at sump jet 104 via a hose or tube. The reserve tank 103 may be a plastic structure of variable dimensions, customizable according to requirement. The reserve tank 103 may be produced either as blow-molded tank or integrated into the toilet bowl 101 using the drain cast process. In an embodiment, the reserve tank 103 is connected to the toilet bowl 101 using a hose pipe.

In a preferred embodiment, the reserve tank 103 is customized to hold certain volume of water, and the dimensions of the reserve tank 103 may be designed with such dimensions to support the volume.

In an example embodiment, the reserve tank 103 may be configured to hold a volume of 5 liters of water.

The reserve tank 103 is directly linked to the water supply (e.g., a plumbing fixture coupled a water supply at line pressure), and it contains a fill valve attached to a float 114. The position of the float 114 at the initial stage or the unfilled stage of the reserve tank 103 is indicated by its position P1 in FIG. 9. Water enters the reserve tank 103 through the inlet 111 and the float 114 rises upwards causing simultaneous water level rise in the tank 103. When the desired level of water is reached, as indicated by the position P2 in FIG. 10, the valve is closed and prevents further inlet of water into the tank 103.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the reserve tank 103 reaches a filled position P2, the water level 115 in the tank and the water level 112 of the bowl are similar, i.e., the water levels are at the same level.

The reserve tank 103 is also connected to the bowl 101 through the sump jet 104. When the reserve tank 103 is being filled with water, correspondingly, the bowl 101 is also filled up with water by the sump jet 104. At the end of the water inlet cycle, the water levels 112, 115 are at the same level, indicating that the bowl 101 is in operative compliance for usage and flushing cycles.

Referring to FIG. 12, it discloses the operative mechanism of the toilet 10 in the event of dysfunction of the mouth valve 105. In an example embodiment, in the event the mouth valve fails to close or function appropriately, the reserve tank 103 starts releasing water into the bowl 101 to fill the upleg cylinder 107, till it reaches the same water level as that of the bowl. This process occurs naturally, without the need for any additional valves or mechanical devices. This mechanism ensures that the seal depth is maintained inside the bowl, which prevent any undue release of sewer gases from the outlet 110 through the trapway 109 and into the bowl 101.

In another example embodiment, in the event of the rim inlet water feeding system malfunction, the reserve tank will function in a similar manner to fill the cylinder 107.

Referring to FIG. 13, it discloses an alternate embodiment of the piston mechanism. It discloses a spring actuated mechanism, wherein the actuation mechanism is by a spring 1061, which moves the piston 106. A cable or belt 1062 is used to compress the spring during the actuation process. As alternate methods of implementation, the cable/belt may be wound by a cable winder 1064 connected to an electric motor or a manual lever 1063, to provide the compression to the spring.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example water powered piston flush toilet 200 and FIG. 15 illustrates a more detailed view of the water power cylinder 210 incorporated in the water powered piston flush toilet 200. The water powered piston flush toilet 200 may be contained with a housing or frame casing 20. The water powered piston flush toilet 200 includes a toilet bowl 101, a rim 102, a reserve tank 103, a refill tube 104, a mouth valve 105, a trapway connection 108 (e.g., trapway connection joint), a trapway 109, an outlet 110, a mouth valve housing having cavity 121, a flange 122, a cylinder inlet hose 124, a reservoir tank 125 (e.g., lower tank), and a reservoir pump 126 (e.g., lower pump). Additional, different or fewer components may be included. The description of similar components described herein may be applied to the water powered piston flush toilet 200.

The water power cylinder 210 includes a piston 106, a housing 130, an outer cylinder 131, inner cylinder 132, a trap upleg cylinder 133, a cylinder housing flange 134, and a cylinder inlet 135. The cylinder housing flange 134 supports the trap upleg cylinder 133 to support the cylinder housing. The top end of the cylinder is connected to the trapway 109 via trapway connector 108, which directs the waste out of the water powered piston flush toilet 200 through the trapway 108 and into a sanitary path via the outlet 110. The sanitary path may provide a partially pressure driven and partially gravity driven path to a sewer or septic system. The sanitary path may also connect to grey water or water treatment devices. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

The external frame of the water power cylinder 210 may include two portions: the housing 130 and the trap upleg cylinder 133. The housing 130 may encompass the lower half, or lower proportion, of the water power cylinder 210 where the outer cylinder 131, the inner cylinder 132, and the piston 106 are nested, or overlap each other, when the water power cylinder 210 is in standby (i.e., no flushing operation is being performed). The housing 130 may be molded from plastic or another synthetic material. The trap upleg cylinder 133 may encompass the upper half, or upper proportion, of the water power cylinder 210 where the outer cylinder 131, the inner cylinder 132 and the piston 106 extended into when the water power cylinder 210 is in the flushing operation.

The movable parts of the water power cylinder 210 operate in three stages. First, the outer cylinder 131 moves upward. In the second stage, inner cylinder 132 follows. For the third stage, once the outer cylinder 131 and the inner cylinder 132 have reached their full stroke length, the piston 106 activates and pushes out the waste and water from the cylinder.

The housing 130 may form a water chamber. The water chamber may be connected to the reservoir tank 125 via the cylinder inlet hose 124. The pump 126 is configured to pump the water in the reservoir tank 125 through the cylinder inlet hose 124 into the water chamber at the cylinder inlet 135. As the water chamber is filled, a forced is placed on the inner cylinder 132, outer cylinder 131, and the piston 106 to advance into the trap upleg cylinder 133. The trap upleg cylinder 133 may have a capacity of about 1.5 to 1.6 liters, which may correspond to about 1 liter of water and about 500-600 grams of waste.

Reverse operation may also be performed according to the operation of the pump 126. The pump 126 may be operated in the reverse direction to pull or suction the water into the reservoir tank 125 through the cylinder inlet hose 124 from the cylinder inlet 135, which draws water from within the housing 130 to pull the inner cylinder 132, outer cylinder 131, and the piston 106 from the extended position back to or toward the original position in the housing 130.

In this way, the water powered cylinder 210 and the reservoir tank 125 may reuse or recycle the same water through multiple or many flushing operations.

The inner cylinder 132, outer cylinder 131, and the piston 106 may include seals such as O-rings that minimize or prevent water leakage. Any combination to all joints between components, or at least moving components, may include a seal.

In some instance, some leaking from the water power cylinder 210 and/or the reservoir tank 125 may occur. Instances of leaking may occur during installation, when the water powered piston flush toilet 200 is placed at an angle or on its side. Leakage may also occur when seals or O-rings become worn, dislodged or otherwise need replacement. In this instance, the reservoir tank 125 may be refilled to a predetermined level. The refilling may occur automatically under the operation of the controller to open a valve to the utility water supply to add water to the reservoir tank 125 at refill port 141. The refilling may occur manually through a manual valve to the utility water supply. The refilling may occur manually through pouring water into the refill port 141 on the reservoir tank 125.

Another fluid besides water may be used. Thus, the water chamber may be any type of hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic fluid may remain in a pressurized state. The force generated by the hydraulic fluid, under Pascals law, applies a force proportional to the displacement of the hydraulic fluid out of the reservoir tank 125 to the hydraulic chamber. One or more valves may be actuated in the hydraulic circuit to facilitate the hydraulic operation to life the piston 106 and cooperating cylinders into the trap upleg cylinder 133. Replacement hydraulic fluid may also be added automatically or manually through refill port 141.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart for the first through fifth acts/states of FIGS. 17-21 of the flushing sequence. Additional, different or fewer acts/states may be included. The controller 100 may send control signals to any of the pumps, valves, motors or solenoids described herein to facilitate the flushing sequence of acts/states described. As described above, the flushing sequence may be triggered through an actuator 150 (e.g., button), a sensor S (e.g., user presence or hand/foot gesture), or wireless communication with a remote control or mobile device.

FIG. 17 illustrates the water powered piston flush toilet 200 in a first state of flushing or in unflushed or unused state S11. The water powered piston flush toilet 200 of FIG. 17 may be considered a standby state or ready state. A predetermined amount of water has been loaded into the toilet bowl 101. The mouth valve 105 is closed to maintain the seal between the toilet bowl 101 and the water power cylinder 210.

The mouth valve 105 may include a plate or disk that selectively moves in and out of an opening between the toilet bowl 101 and the water powered cylinder 210. The plate of the mouth valve 105 may be operated through a solenoid that is selectively energized by the controller 100 or directly through the actuator 150. The solenoid may push or pull the plate into a cavity 121. In another example, the plate is spring loaded (e.g., normally opening) such that the spring biases the plate away from the opening but a latch holds the mouth valve 105 in a retracted position to cover the opening. The controller 100 or directly through the actuator 150, the latch may be released so that the spring opens the mouth valve 105. When the plate is inside the cavity 121, the mouth valve 105 has opened the opening between the toilet bowl 101 and the water powered cylinder 210. When the plate is outside of the cavity 121, the mouth valve 105 has closed the opening between the toilet bowl 101 and the water powered cylinder 210.

The water in FIG. 17 may be loaded into the toilet bowl 101 via the reserve tank 103 and refill passage 104 as part of the first act/state S11. Alternatively, the end of the flush sequence, may reload the water from the reserve tank 103 to the toilet bowl 101 to place the water powered piston flush toilet 200 in the ready or standby condition. The amount of water for the ready or standby condition may be referred to as a first predetermined amount, which may be about 0.5 liter, for example.

FIG. 18A is a front view of the water powered piston flush toilet 200 in a second act/state S12 of flushing in which the rim jet provides water to rinse the toilet bowl 101. FIG. 18B is a zoomed in portion of FIG. 18A illustrating details hidden in the view of FIG. 18A. The rim jet water may be provided from the reserve tank 103 via a pump 142 through a rim jet tube 143 that is connected to the rim passage of the toilet bowl at a rim jet inlet 144. The toilet bowl 101 may be integrally formed with the rim 102 to form the rim jet passage around the circumference of the toilet bowl 101 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 18, which supplies flush water that rinses the toilet bowl 101 during the flushing operation. The amount of water for the rim wash may be referred to as a second predetermined amount, which may be about 0.4 liter, for example.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the water powered piston flush toilet 200 in a third act/state S13 of flushing. The mouth valve 105 is opened. As described above, the mouth valve 105 may be opened by opening a latch, which releases the mouth valve 105 into cavity 121 under a bias force from a spring. Alternatively, the mouth valve 105 may be moved via a solenoid.

Additional water may be introduced through the sump jet to the toilet bowl 101. For example, the pump 142 of the reserve tank 103 may pump water to the sump jet or tube 104. The pump 142 may be operated by the controller 100 or directly from the actuator 150 to provide water to the sump jet or tube 104. The pump 142 may include independently operating chamber to distinguish between the sump jet and the rim jet. In another examples, separate pumps may be used for the sump jet and the rim jet. The amount of additional sump water may be referred to as a third predetermined amount, which may be about 0.1 liter, for example.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the water powered piston flush toilet 200 in a fourth act/state S14 of flushing. In this state, the piston 106 is moved to travel upwards in the cylinder assembly from an original position to an open state in order to flush the contents from the toilet bowl 101 through the cylinder assembly to be drained through the trapway 1009 and the outlet 110.

As described above, the piston 106 may operate according to a water powered cylinder 210. That is, water may be pumped into the cylinder to push the piston 106 upward and move the water and waste into the trapway 109. In this example, multiple sleeves or cylinders having varying diameters may fit together so that they overlap and telescope outward when placed under pressure. The telescoping cylinder may have any number of segments (e.g., three or more segments). Other driving techniques for the piston 106 are described below.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the water powered piston flush toilet 200 in a fifth act/state S15 of flushing. In this act, the piston 106 is retracted. For the water powered cylinder 210, water is removed from the cylinder to pull or retract the piston 106. Other driving techniques for the piston 106 are described below.

Optionally, this act may also include dispatching the first predetermined amount of water into the sump of the toilet bowl 101 to place the water powered piston flush toilet 200 into the ready state.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example spring actuated embodiment of the water powered piston flush toilet 200 including a cylinder 167, a spring 160, a belt or cable 161, a winder 163, and a motor 162. The spring actuation system is an alternative to the water powered cylinder. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

In the standby or ready state, the piston 106 rests at the bottom of the cylinder 167. The spring 160 is compressed and stores potential energy that can be used to propel the piston 106 through the cylinder 167 to move waste and water from the bowl 101 through the cylinder 167 toward the trapway 109 which empties into outlet 110.

The release mechanism to release the spring 160 to push the piston 106 through the cylinder 167 may be performed by releasing the winder 163. Either from the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to the cable winder 163 to open during the flush to release the spring to push the piston 106 toward the trapway 109. When flushing starts, the winder 163 is triggered and releases the cable 161 that was holding the spring 160 in a compressed state. As the tension is released, the spring 160 pushes the piston 106 upward, forcing the waste and water through and out of the cylinder. The winder 163 may include a ratchet mechanism (e.g., one-way mechanism) that helps in both releasing and locking the spring 160 in its compressed position, ensuring smooth and controlled operation.

These actions may be replaced for a fourth act/state S14 above. In other words, the water supply and mouth valve 105 operation may be unchanged.

After flushing, or at the end of the flush sequence, the spring 160 is reset using the motor 162 and the winder 163 (one-way cable winder). Either from the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to the motor 162 to operate the winder to retract cable 161 which depresses the spring 160, storing energy for a subsequent flush. To bring the piston 106 back down, the motor 162 rotate the winder 163 again. This winds the belt or cable 161 back in, pulling the piston 106 downward and compressing the spring 160 at the same time. Once the spring 160 is fully compressed, the motor 162 stops, and the winder 163 locks in place to hold the spring 160. Alternatively, hand operation may be used to manually operate a handle or lever to wind up the cable 161 and compress or reset the spring 160.

FIG. 23A illustrates a worm gear piston activator to drive the piston 106. The worm gear piston activator may include a motor 170, a drive wheel 171, a worm wheel 172, a worm gear 173. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

The motor 170 may be a servo motor commanded by the controller 100 to certain positions or to operate in certain directions. Operation of the motor 170 turns worm gear 173. The worm gear 173 is meshed with one or more worm wheels 172. The worm wheels 172 may be a spur gear or cylindrical gear. This worm gear 173 is linked to the worm wheel 172, which changes the direction of rotation-from horizontal to vertical. So, when the motor 170 rotates, it turns the worm gear 173, which then rotates the worm wheel 172.

The worm wheel 172 operates a drive wheel 171 that moves the cylinder 107 from the inside. The worm wheel 172 may be meshed or otherwise connected to the drive wheel 171. As the worm wheel 172 rotates, it also turns the drive wheel 171. This drive wheel 171 is in contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 107 and move the piston 106 up or down.

The drive wheel 171, the worm wheel 172 and/or the worm gear 173 may be supported by and mounted to the cylinder 107. The cylinder 107 may include two worm wheels 172 and drive wheels 171 on opposite sides. Other quantities of worm wheels 172 and drive wheels 171 may be used. The worm gear piston activator is a drive system supported by the cylinder 107.

In one example, when the motor 170 rotates clockwise, the drive wheel 171 pushes the piston 106 upward. When the motor 170 rotates counterclockwise, the piston 106 moves downward. This movement is used to push the waste and water out of the cylinder 107 to the trapway 109 during flushing and then return the piston 106 to its original position afterward.

In the idle state, the piston 106 remains at the bottom of the cylinder 107. Inside the piston 106, the motor 170 may be connected to the worm gear 173. Either from the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to the motor 170 to push the piston 106 toward the trapway 109 during flushing. These actions may be replaced for a fourth act/state S14 above. In other words, the water supply and mouth valve 105 operation may be unchanged.

After flushing, or at the end of the flush sequence, the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to reverse the motor 170 to pull the piston 106.

FIG. 23B illustrates a cylinder 107 (magnetically coupled rodless cylinder) magnetically coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a motor 170, a coupling (drive train) 181, a lead screw 182, a lead nut 183 and a drive magnet 184, which is aligned with a driven magnet 185 of the piston 106. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

The driven magnet 185 mounted to the piston 106 and may be secured with an adhesive or fastener. The driven magnet 185 may be a neodymium magnet. The drive magnet 184 may be mounted to the lead nut 183 and may be secured with an adhesive or fastener. The drive magnet 185 may be a neodymium magnet. Other types of magnets may be used for the driven magnet 185 and/or the drive magnet 195.

These two magnets may be magnetically coupled two each other, meaning the magnets move together without direct contact. When the lead nut 183 moves upward, the piston 106 follows along due to this magnetic connection.

The lead nut 183 is mounted on the lead screw 182. The lead nut 183 may include internal threads that mate with the lead screw 182 When the lead screw 182 rotates in one direction (e.g., clockwise), the lead nut 183 moves upward so that the piston 106 moves in the direction of flushing or advancing the water and waste through the cylinder 107 to the trapway 109. When the lead screw rotates in the other direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the lead nut 182 moves downward so that the piston 106 is returned to the original position.

The motor 170 drives the lead screw 182 and can rotate the lead screw 182 in both directions depending on the requirement. The motor 170 is connected to the lead screw 182 through the drive train 181 or coupling. The drive train 181 may include one or more gears that establish a gear ratio or torque ratio so that the motor 170 rotating at a first speed (faster) rotates the lead screw 182 at a second speed (slower).

In the standby state, the piston 106 stays at the bottom of the cylinder 107 in the original position. When flushing begins, the motor 170 rotates the lead screw 182 in the first direction. This causes the lead nut 183 to move upward, and the piston 106 moves along with it, pushing waste and water out of the cylinder 107. Either from the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to the motor 170 to push the piston 106 toward the trapway 109 during flushing. These actions may be replaced for a fourth act/state S14 above. In other words, the water supply and mouth valve 105 operation may be unchanged.

After flushing, or at the end of the flush sequence, the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to reverse the motor 170 to pull the piston 106. To return the piston 106 to its original position, the motor 170 rotates the lead screw 182 in the opposite direction, bringing the lead nut 183 and piston 106 back down.

FIG. 24A illustrates a cable activator. In this embodiment, rather than magnets, a cable and pulley system is driven with a lead screw mechanism to drive the piston 106. The cable activator includes a first pulley 191, a second pulley 192, and a cable 193 that is held tight between the first pulley 191 and the second pulley 192. The cable 193 is affixed to the piston 106.

In this example, the lead nut 183 is connected to the cable 193. The two pulleys 191 and 192 guide the cable 193 and maintain the piston 106 centered inside the cylinder 107.

When the lead screw 182 moves downward under the operation of the motor 170, the lead screw 182 pulls the cable 193 in such a way that the piston 106 moves upward. When the lead screw 182 moves upward, the cable 193 allows the piston 106 to move downward. This movement helps push waste and water out of the cylinder 107 during flushing and then returns the piston to 106 its original position.

In the idle state, the piston 106 stays at the bottom of the cylinder 107 in the original position. When flushing begins, the motor 170 rotates the lead screw 182 in the first direction. This causes the lead nut 183 to move upward, and the piston 106 moves along with it, pushing waste and water out of the cylinder 107. Either from the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to the motor 170 to push the piston 106 toward the trapway 109 during flushing. These actions may be replaced for a fourth act/state S14 above. In other words, the water supply and mouth valve 105 operation may be unchanged.

After flushing, or at the end of the flush sequence, the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to reverse the motor 170 to cause the lead nut 183 to move downward and pull the piston 106. To return the piston 106 to its original position, the motor 170 rotates the lead screw 182 in the opposite direction, bringing the lead nut 183 and piston 106 back down.

The cable embodiment provides a simple and effective way to control piston movement using mechanical linkage through cables and pulleys, without needing direct contact or magnets.

FIG. 24B illustrates a magnetically coupled rodless cylinder with a linear actuator 180 configured to move the piston 106 upward and downward.

The piston 106 is connected to the actuator 180 using the drive magnet 184 and the driven magnet 185. The drive magnet 184 and driven magnet 185 are magnetically coupled and move together without direct contact. When the actuator 180 moves, the piston follows due to this magnetic connection.

The linear actuator 180 is configured to convert the rotation motion of the motor 170 into linear motion that moves the piston 106 through the magnetic coupling.

In the idle state, the piston 106 stays at the bottom of the cylinder 107 in the original position. When flushing begins, the motor 170 advances the actuator 180 in the first direction. This causes the piston 106 to move through the magnetic coupling along with the linear actuator, pushing waste and water out of the cylinder 107. Either from the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to the motor 170 to cause the linear actuator 180 to push the piston 106 toward the trapway 109 during flushing. These actions may be replaced for a fourth act/state S14 above. In other words, the water supply and mouth valve 105 operation may be unchanged.

After flushing, or at the end of the flush sequence, the controller 100 or directly through actuator 150, commands are sent to reverse the motor 170 to cause the linear actuator 180 to move downward and pull the piston 106. To return the piston 106 to its original position, the motor 170 moves the magnetic coupling in the reverse direction to return the piston 106 to the original position in the standby or ready.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example controller 100 for any of the embodiments, and which may be used in any examples herein such as for toilet 10 and/or water powered piston flush toilet 200. The controller 100 may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a communication interface 353 for interfacing with devices or to the internet and/or other networks 346. In addition to the communication interface 353, a sensor 356 or sensor interface may be configured to receive data from the sensors described herein or data from any source. The components of the control system may communicate using bus 348. The control system may be connected to a workstation or another external device (e.g., control panel) and/or a database for receiving user inputs, system characteristics, and any of the values described herein.

Optionally, the control system may include an input device 355 and/or a sensing circuit 356 in communication with any of the sensors. The sensing circuit receives sensor measurements from sensors as described above. The input device may include any of the user inputs such as buttons, touchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone for voice inputs, a camera for gesture inputs, and/or another mechanism.

The input device 355 may receive instructions for entering the flush sequence as described herein. The input device 355 may receive configuration or calibration information for resetting the position of the piston 106 or the water levels in the tanks described herein. After an error or malfunction, the input device 355 may receive an input to reset the system (e.g., purge the cylinder and refill water levels).

Optionally, the control system may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading non-transitory computer media 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to perform instructions 342 stored in memory 352 for executing the algorithms described herein. A display 350 may be an indicator or other screen output device. The display 350 may be combined with the user input device 355.

Processor 300 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor 300 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 352 or received from other computer readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk storage, local ROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.). The processor 300 may be a single device or combinations of devices, such as associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.

Memory 352 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory 352 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may be communicably connected to processor 300 via a processing circuit and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 300) one or more processes described herein. For example, the memory 352 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, shower configuration files, or other resources for use in generating graphical user interfaces for display and/or for use in interpreting user interface inputs to make command, control, or communication decisions.

In addition to ingress ports and egress ports, the communication interface 353 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface 353 may be connected to a network. The network may include wired networks (e.g., Ethernet), wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network, a Bluetooth pairing of devices, or a Bluetooth mesh network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.

While the computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. The computer-readable medium may be non-transitory, which includes all tangible computer-readable media.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

When a component, device, element, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being “configured to” meet that purpose or to perform that operation or function.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

It is an advantage that piston flush toilet uses only a single liter of water per flush, which is significantly less than traditional toilets. This feature would be greatly desirable for consumers, as it may be implemented in areas where users face water shortage or water cuts. The toilets described herein may use about 1.0 liter per flush or less or between 0.6 and 1.2 liters per flush.

It is another advantage that piston flush toilet does not compromise on performance, as it is compliant of all the standards.

It is yet another advantage that piston flush toilet that the design of the toilet ensures that it remains clean and hygienic after each flush, enhancing user experience.

It is yet another advantage that piston flush toilet is configured with a durable piston mechanism, which provides consistent and reliable performance of the toilet. Additionally, the reserve tank provides a fail-safe mechanism, enhancing reliability of the piston flush toilet.

It is yet another advantage that piston flush toilet is sleek and modern in design and improves the aesthetic value to any bathroom setting.

Although, particular embodiments have been disclosed herein in detail, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended in any way to limit the intended scope of the invention. Variations and adaptions of the system as described herein do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention and is within the expertise of a person skilled in the art.