RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/326,702, filed April 1, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to plumbing fixtures, and in particular to plumbing fixture boost systems.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Plumbing fixtures are connected to plumbing systems to deliver and drain fluids. For example, plumbing fixtures may deliver potable water and drain waste water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

[0005] FIGS. 1 A-E illustrate components of plumbing fixture systems, according to certain embodiments.

[0006] FIGS. 2A-J illustrate components of plumbing fixture systems, according to certain embodiments.

[0007] FIGS. 3 A-C illustrate plumbing fixture bowls of plumbing fixture systems, according to certain embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method associated with evacuating gas from a liquid pathway formed by a plumbing fixture bowl, according to certain embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Embodiments described herein are related to plumbing fixture boosts systems (e.g., evacuating gas from a liquid pathway formed by a plumbing fixture bowl). [0011] Plumbing fixtures are connected to plumbing systems (e.g., water piping, sewer piping, etc.) to deliver and drain fluids (e.g., deliver potable water and drain waste water). Plumbing fixtures include bathtubs, bidets, channel drains, drinking fountains, hosebibs, sinks (e.g., mop sinks, janitor sinks, kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, etc.), showers, urinals, toilets (e.g., water closets), etc.

[0012] Some plumbing fixtures include a fill valve to provide water to the plumbing fixture and/or a flush valve to drain fluids from the plumbing fixture. For example, a fill valve fills a tank of a plumbing fixture with water and a flush valve separates the liquid in the tank from a bowl of the plumbing fixture. Upon actuation of the flush valve, the liquid from the tank enters the bowl via one or more liquid pathways formed by the bowl to cause a flushing operation.

[0013] Excessive consumption of potable water remains a dilemma for water agencies, commercial building owners, homeowners, residents, architects, engineers, and plumbing fixture manufacturers. Increased usage and waste has negatively affected the amount and quality of suitable water. In response to this global dilemma, many local and federal authorities and voluntary programshave enacted regulations that reduce the water demand required by plumbing fixtures. In the United States, for instance, government agencies that regulate water usage have gradually reduced the threshold for fresh water use in toilets, from 7 gallons/flush (prior to the 1950s)to 5.5 gallons/flush (by the endofthe 1960s) to 3.5 gallons/flush (in the 1980s). The National Energy Policy Act of 1995 now mandates that toilets sold in the United States can only use 1.6 gallons/flush (6 liters/flush). High-efficiency toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less can be certified under the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) WaterSense® program. Other types of plumbing fixtures, such as urinals, have corresponding water usage regulations.

[0014] Different plumbing fixtures have different performance. For example, a flush-toilet may be rated by a Maximum Performance (MaP) score. The low end of MaP scores is 250 (250 grams of simulated fecal matter) and a high end of MaP scores is 1000. The higher the MaP score, the higher the probability that the toilet removes all waste with a single flush, does not plug, does not harbor odor, and is easy to keep clean.

[0015] Conventionally, prior to actuation of a flush valve, the one or more liquid pathways formed by the bowl include air. Upon actuation of the flush valve, water from the tank mixes with the air to perform the flushing operation. Mixing of the water with the air slows the flow rate of the water into the bowl which decreasesthe performance (e.g., lower MaP score) per quantity of water in a flush. [0016] Conventionally, plumbing fixtures may either have a higher water usage and higher performance or lower water usage and lower performance. For example, some conventional toilets that have a low gpf have a low MaP score. Use of conventional plumbing fixtures that have low gpf and/or have low MaP scores can lead to multiple flushes per use (e.g., water inefficiency), increased maintenance and replacement of plumbing fixtures, decreased sanitation, etc.

[0017] The devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure provide plumbing fixture systems that evacuate gas from liquid pathways formed by plumbing fixture bowls (e.g., provide a priming boost). Removal of gas (e.g., air) from liquid pathways (e.g., jet pathway and/or rim pathway) may provide improved performance for plumbing fixture systems. This may be done during flush and/or during priming.

[0018] A plumbing fixture system includes a plumbing fixture bowl that forms a liquid pathway. In some embodiments, the liquid pathway is a rim pathway that provides liquid from the plumbing fixture tank to a rim portion (e.g., upper portion, portion under a lip, portion above the water level) of the plumbing fixture bowl. In some embodiments, the liquid pathway is a jet pathway that provides liquid from the plumbing fixture tank to a jet portion (e.g., lower portion, portion below the water level, the sump) of the plumbing fixture bowl. [0019] The plumbing fixture system includes a plumbing fixture tank that is configured to house liquid. The plumbing fixture system further includes a flush valve assembly disposed in the plumbing fixture tank. The flush valve assembly is configured to provide at least a portion of the liquid from the plumbing fixture bowl via the liquid pathway (e.g., rim pathway, jet pathway) to flush the plumbing fixture bowl.

[0020] The plumbing fixture system further includes an actuator configured to evacuate gas from the liquid pathway. In some embodiments, the actuator is a manual pump that evacuates gas from the liquid pathway responsive to user input (e.g., pressing a button, actuating a lever, squeezing the hand pump, etc.). In some embodiments, the actuator is an electric pump thatis actuated by a controllerto evacuate gas from the liquid pathway (e.g., responsive to user input, responsive to sensor data, etc.). In some embodiments, the actuator is a Venturi device that evacuates gas from the liquid pathway (e.g., responsive to user input, responsive to sensor data, responsive to actuation of the fill valve assembly).

[0021] The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure have advantages over conventional solutions. The plumbing fixture systems of the present disclosure have less mixing of liquid with gas which increases the flow rate of the liquid into the bowl and increases the performance (e.g., higher MaP score) per quantity of liquid in a flush compared to conventional systems. This provides a plumbing fixture system that has a lower water usage (e.g., lower gpf) and/or higher performance (e.g., higher MaP) compared to conventional systems. This also allows evacuating a plumbing fixture system with less flushes (e.g., one flush) peruse (e.g., water efficiency), decreased maintenance and decreased replacement of plumbing fixture systems, increased sanitation, etc. compared to conventional solutions.

[0022] FIGS. 1A-E illustrate components of systems 100 (e.g., plumbing fixture systems, tank assemblies), according to certain embodiments.

[0023] System 100 includes a tank 143 (e.g., plumbing fixture tank) and a tanklid 150. Tank 143 forms a tank outlet l l3. System 100 may include a fill valve assembly 107, a flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., flapper flush valve, siphon flush valve, a tower valve), an actuator 105, a conduit 106, a user interface 162, and a controller 164. In some embodiments, actuator 105 is placed above the water level W. In some embodiments, actuator 105 is disposed under waterlevel W or is atleast partially submerged in liquid 122 (e.g., a waterproofed actuator 105). Tank 143 houses liquid 122 (e.g., water) andincludes gas 124 (e.g., air, air at atmospheric pressure) above liquid 122.

[0024] System includes a bowl 170 (e.g., plumbing fixture bowl). In some embodiments, tank 143 is coupled to (e.g., fastened to, adhered to, disposed on deck of, integral with) a bowl 170. In some embodiments, flush valve assembly 101 provides a portion of liquid 122 from tank 143 to the bowl 170 via liquid pathway 172 (e.g., rim pathway, jet pathway) formed by bowl 170. Liquid pathway 172 has a pathway inlet 174 (e.g., disposed proximate tank outlet 113) and a pathway outlet 176 (e.g., rim outlet,jet outlet).

[0025] Responsive to the float component 116 being in (e.g., floating to) a first position (e.g., upper position responsive to water level W in tank 143 meeting a threshold level), the fill valve assembly 107 does not provide liquid flow to the fill valve outlet. Responsive to the float component 116 being in (e.g., floating to) a second position (e.g., lower position responsive to water level W in tank 143 being below a threshold level), the fill valve assembly 107 provides liquid flow to the fill valve outlet (e.g., and to plumbing fixture bowl of the system 100). The liquid flow enters an inlet of the fill valve assembly 107, passes through one or more components of the fill valve assembly 107, and exits via fill valve outlet of the fill valve assembly 107. In some embodiments, the liquid flow travels up the fill valve assembly 107 towards float component 116 and travels back down the fill valve assembly 107 to the fill valve outlet. In some embodiments, one or more components include one or more of baffle system, vacuum breaker, restrictor, etc. [0026] Tank 143 includes liquid 122 (e.g., water) and a water level W. Conduit 106 is configured to fluidly couple actuator 105 with flush valve assembly 101.

[0027] In some embodiments, system 100 is fully electronic, with the actuator 105 and the flush valve assembly 101 being operated electronically via controller 164. In some embodiments, system is partially manual and partially electronic, where the flush valve assembly 101 is operated manually (e.g., via user interface 162 of a lever) and the actuator 105 is operated electronically. For example, a sensor may provide sensor data (e.g., indicative that a water level in the flush valve assembly, conduit 106, or liquid pathway 172 meets a threshold level) to the controller 164 and the controller 164 may send a signal to actuate the actuator 105. In some embodiments, system 100 is fully manual. Actuator 105 may be a manual pump. Actuation of user interface 162 (e.g., lever, button) may cause flush valve assembly 101 to be actuated and may actuate (e.g., pump) the manual pump. In some embodiments, system 100 may include a manual offset timer that causes flush valve assembly 101 or actuator 105 (e.g., manual pump) to be actuated a predetermined amount of time after the other responsive to the lever of user interface 162 being actuated.

[0028] A control system may include one or more of actuator 105, user interface 162 (e.g., one or more sensors, button, etc.), controller 164, power source (e.g., battery), metering valve, etc. In some embodiments, control system includes a metering valve (e.g., coupled to a fully manual handle/valve arrangement). The metering valve may be a manual valve configured to open on manual actuation (e.g., of a lever, button, etc.) and close after a predetermined amount of time. In some embodiments, control system includes a solenoid valve (e.g., coupled to a controller 164. The controller 164 may cause the solenoid valve to open and then to close after a predetermined amount of time. At least a portion of control system may be disposed in tank 143 and/or coupled to tank 143. Controller 164 is in electrical communication with a power source (e.g., battery, etc.), with a user interface 162 (e.g., user input, user input device), and with an actuator 105 (e.g., electric pump, Venturi device, manual pump, solenoid valve). Electrical communication between power controller 164, user interface 162, and/or actuator 105 may be wired or wireless.

[0029] Controller 164 may cause actuation of actuator 105 to evacuate gas from liquid pathway 172 (e.g., and from below the flapper structure of flush valve assembly 101). In some embodiments, evacuating gas from the liquid pathway 172 causes a higher performance flush operation per amount of liquid 122 provided from tank 143 to bowl 170. In some embodiments, two or more of operating fill valve assembly 107, opening of flush valve assembly 101, or actuation of actuator 105 may be simultaneous or one may actuate before or after the other.

[0030] Water level W of FIG. 1 A represents a toilet water tank level prior to initiation of a flush cycle (between flush cycles), according to an embodiment. The system 100 may be capable of providing a high energy flush with reduced flush water volumes (e.g., low volume and/or high-efficiency toilet having a higher energy flush and a more powerful siphon). [0031] System 100 may use three systems that work together to perform the flushing action: a bowl siphon; a flush mechanism; and a refill mechanism. Working in concert, the three systems allow for and complete a flush cycle of the plumbing fixture. The tank 143 (e.g., positioned over the back of bowl 170) contains liquid 122 that is used to initiate siphoning from the bowl 170 to sewer piping (e.g., a sewage line), after which liquid 122 (e.g., fresh water) refills the bowl 170. User interface 162 may receive user input (e.g., manipulation of a flush lever on the outside of the tank 143 that is connected to controller 164, actuating a button on the tank lid 150 or proximate tank 143, actuating a sensor proximate tank 143). Sensor may include one or more of an infrared (IR) sensor, capacitive sensor, or other motion or presence sensor. User input may be “touchless” with a sensor configured to recognize a user gesture. The actuator 105 may be actuated (e.g., via user input, via sensor data) to cause gas to be evacuated from the liquid pathway 172 prior to a flush cycle (e.g., toilet flush cycle).

[0032] The liquid 122 may flow directly into the bowl 170 and disperse into a bowl rim. The liquid 122 may release into the bowl rim quickly, with flow from the tank 143 into the bowl 170 lasting about 2 to about 4 seconds. The liquid 122 may flow from the rim, down a channel within the sides of the bowl 170 and into a hole (e.g., hole of about 3 millimeters (mm) to about 35 mm diameter,jet hole, large hole for traditional plumbing fixtures, small hole for plumbing fixtures that do not rely on jet push, such as dual-seal type vacuum-assisted plumbing fixtures) atthe bottom of the plumbing fixture (e.g., siphonjet) which releases liquid into an adjoining siphon tube to initiate a siphon action. The siphon action of the bowl draws liquid 122 and waste out of the bowl and into the siphon tube. Waste and liquid 122 continues through the siphon tube and through the trapway and is released into the sewer piping (e.g., wastewater line). Once water level W of liquid 122 in tank 143 is below a threshold level, liquid 122 stops flowing through flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., flush valve assembly 101 closes the tank outlet 113) and a floating mechanism (e.g., coupled to fill valve assembly 107) that is has now dropped in the tank 143 initiates opening of a fill valve assembly 107. The fill valve assembly 107 provides liquid 122 (e.g., fresh water) to both the tank 143 and the bowl through separate flows. The tank 143 fills with water to a high enough level to cause the float to rise, thus shutting off the fill valve assembly 107. At this point, the cycle is complete.

[0033] A flush cycle is completed upon re-filling the tank 143 and one or more traps (e.g., sump trap and/or lower trap) coupled to the bowl 170.

[0034] In some embodiments, a system 100 (e.g., tank assembly) may be configured for an operator to choose (e.g., via user interface 162) for instance a “full flush” of about 1.6 gallons (about 6 liters) of water to eliminate solid waste or a “partial flush” (short flush) of a lower volume or water, for exampleabout 1.1 gallons (about 4 liters), for the removal of liquid waste. In some embodiments, a system 100 (e.g., tank assembly) may be configured for an operator to choose (e.g., via user interface 162) for instance a “full flush” of about 0.8 gallons of water to eliminate solid waste or a “partial flush” (short flush) of a lower volume or water, for the removal of liquid waste. A choice of flush volume may depend on a valve open time of flush valve assembly 101.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1D-E, system 100 may include flush valve assembly 101A, flush valve assembly 101B, and/or overflow tube 178. Each of flush valve assembly 101 A, flush valve assembly 101B, and/or overflow tube 178 may have a corresponding liquid pathway 172 that has a pathway inlet 174 and a pathway outlet 176. In some embodiments, overflow tube 178 is connected to one of the flush valve assemblies 101 (e.g., to a non-primed flush valve assembly, to a rim flush valve assembly, the overflow tube 178 shares a liquid pathway 172 with one of the flush valve assemblies 101). In some embodiments, overflow tube 178 has a separate liquid pathway 172 than the liquid pathways 172 of the flush valve assemblies 101.

[0036] In some embodiments, a flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., rim flush valve assembly) may be coupled to an overflow tube 178. In some embodiments, an overflow tube 178 may be coupled to a tapered section of a flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., rim flush valve assembly). An overflow tube 178 may be in flow communication with the valve body of a flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., rim flush valve assembly). In some embodiments, a fill valve assembly 107 may be configured to provide fresh flush water to a bowl via an overflow tube 178 after a flush has been performed. In other embodiments, a flush valve assembly 101 comprises no overflow tube (e.g., flush valve assembly 101 is not coupled to an overflow tube 178). In some embodiments, bowl refill is accomplished via directing a certain amount of refill water through a jet outlet into the sump area towards the end of a flush cycle. In some embodiments, a fill valve assembly 107 may not be present. A bowl water seal may be formed via timing and water flow from the tank after the siphon has been broken. In some embodiments, there is no jet outlet to aid in siphon formation (e.g., just a small hole in the jet outlet location from which water flows from tank to provide bowl water seal).

[0037] Suitable flush valve assemblies are shown in US8079095, accordingto some embodiments. The relevant portions ofUS8079095 are incorporated by reference.

[0038] System 100 may evacuate gas (e.g., air) from downstream of a flapper structure (e.g., flush valve flapper) of the flush valve assembly 101 to pathway outlet 176 (e.g., an outlet in the bowl 170, such as ajet outlet submerged in the water inside a bowl 170 or a rim outlet that is above the water inside a bowl 170). This can be referred to as a liquid pathway 172 (e.g., jet pathway, rim pathway). Removing of gas from the liquid pathway 172, increases energy (e.g., boost) transfer of liquid 122 from the tank 143, through the liquid pathway 172 and to the pathway outlet 176 (e.g., jet hole, rim hole). Once the liquid pathway 172 is free of gas, performance of system 100 (e.g., toilet performance) is increased. This includes improved MaP scores, improved American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) test performance, and improved customer experience. On a multiple valve tank 143, there may be one or two flush valve assemblies 101 that exit to a corresponding pathway outlet 176 (e.g., submerged in bowl water, above bowl water). For a flush valve assembly 101 to transfer the most power, gas is to be removed from the liquid pathway 172. Under each of the flush valve assemblies 101 is a port, tapped into the side of the valve body of the flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., right below the flapper structure). This port is a pipe, tube, or tap, with an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The port is configured to couple (e.g., fasten, adhere, etc.) to a conduit 106 (e.g., pipe, tube, fitting, etc.). An actuator 105 is fluidly coupled (e.g., via conduit 106) to the port to evacuate gas from the liquid pathway 172 and/or from below the flapper structure of the flush valve assembly 101. The actuator 105 may be an electric pump (e.g., motorized air pump), a manual pump (e.g., a manual hand pump), or a Venturi device (e.g., Venturi system connected to a water supply line).

[0039] An electric pump (e.g., motorized air pump) may include one or more of an electric motor, a pump, an energy source, sealed pathwaysto vacuum air, and/or an interface. The interface may be used to control the electric pump, such as via user input (e.g., boost button, sensor, switch) or via automation (e.g., via sensor data, timer, schedule, etc.). The electric pump can be operated for a period of time to remove gas (e.g., all gas) from the liquid pathway 172 (e.g., jet pathway, rim pathway). [0040] A manual pump (e.g., manual hand pump) may include one or more of an inlet backflow prevention device (BFD) (e.g., entrance BFD), an outlet BFD (e.g., exitBFD), sealed pathways (e.g., conduits), and/or a primer bulb. In some embodiments, the primer bulb is actuated (e.g., squeezed) via user input which pushes gas through the outlet BFD. When the primer bulb expands (e.g. , user releases the primer bulb), gas is suctioned into the inlet BFD and then fills up the primer bulb to the inflated position (e.g., natural position). The gas that is vacuumed into the primer bulb is gas from the liquid pathway 172 and/or from under the flapper structure of the flush valve assembly 101.

[0041] The Venturi device (e.g., Venturi system) includes one or more of a water supply source, passageways for liquid and gas, an inlet Venturi BFD (e.g., inlet check valve), and/or an outlet BFD (e.g., outlet check valve). In some embodiments, water pressure that is used to fill tank 143 is pushed through the Venturi device that is connected to the port (e.g., tap) under the flapper structure of the flush valve assembly 101 via conduit 106. The suction tap on the Venturi device draws gas from the liquid pathway 172. In some embodiments, the Venturi device draws air from the liquid pathway 172 when water is turned onto fill the tank 143 (e.g., responsive to the fill valve assembly 107 being actuated). For example, via user input (e.g., actuating a lever, actuating a button, or interacting with a sensor), a flushing operation is started to that the water level W in the tank 143 drops, turning on the fill valve assembly 107 (e.g., inlet refill valve) and also actuating the Venturi device.

[0042] The actuator 105 may be actuated via a pushbutton, sensor, and/or a preprogrammed device that functions at random or set intervals (e.g., a schedule). A user interface 162 may include an indication (e.g., written, displayed, audible) that is indicative of the boost (e.g., primed) state condition (e.g., no prime/boost, low prime/boost, medium prime/boost, FULL prime/boost, or MAX boost). The user interface 162 may have a color indication displayed for the user to view. The color indication may include red (e.g., low boost), yellow (e.g., average boost), and green (e.g., MAX BOOST). This may be referred to as a boost flush. Boost is pressure measured at the pathway outlet 176 (e.g., jet hole, rim hole). Systems 100 that are fully boosted have no gas in the liquid pathway 172 (e.g., transfer maximum possible energy from water level W of tank 143 to the pathway outlet 176).

[0043] The actuator 105 can be used to prime a bowl 170 (e.g., using VorMax® flush technology), also referred to as removing (e.g., evacuating) gas from the liquid pathway 172 (e.g., jet pathway). If gas is left inside the liquid pathway 172 and a flush operation is actuated, performance of the plumbing fixture system is poor (e.g., due to energy lost when water mixes with air). In some examples, the media in the bowl 170 does not flush and/or a partial flush occurs due to poor performance of the plumbing fixture system. In some embodiments, in-wall tanks 143 are less than 4 inches deep and lack of water available causes conventional flush valves not to release gas from liquid pathway 172 due to reduced water flow. Actuator 105 provides alternative methods of evacuating gas from the liquid pathway 172.

[0044] The present disclosure creates better user experience by being quicker, easier, and consistent to prime the bowl 170 for optimum performance. The Venturi device also allows for gas to be removed during the refill of every flush. The present disclosure also saves water. [0045] User interface 162 may include a boost button and/or an indicator light to provide control to a user and allow direct actions of the user to improve the flush efficiency. In some embodiments, actuation of a boost button removes gas from the liquid pathway 172 (e.g., via an electric pump, a manual pump, or a Venturi device). An indicator light may notify the user of the level of “boost” (e.g., head pressure) is present in the liquid pathway 172. The level of “boost” may be measured through a type of sensor, switch, or instrumentation device. The user may be able to control the system 100 and optimize performance of the system 100 by interacting with user interface 162 (e.g., pressing the boost button). In some examples, responsive to user input interacting with the user interface 162 (e.g., holding down boost button) until 100% boost is reached, this indicates that all gas is vacated from the liquid pathway 172, resultingin maximum head pressure delivered to the pathway outlet 176 (e.g., jet hole, rim hole). In so doing, the most powerful flush possible is being delivered to flush media in the bowl 170 (e.g., satisfying user expectation thatthe media in the bowl 170 will be flushed). The boost button may or may not have to be pressed every time system 100 is flushed. System 100 may stay in 100% boost state or a user may occasionally press the boost button to provide optimal performance. The indicator bar and lights help the user know status of the performance of the system 100.

[0046] In some embodiments, system 100 that includes an actuator (e.g., electric pump or manual pump) is flushed twice to remove gas from the liquid pathway 172. In the first flush, the bowl 170 is filled and then the manual pump is actuated (e.g., via manually pumping) or the electric pump is actuated (e.g., via switching on the pump motor. In some embodiments, the manual pump is squeezed about 60-90 times or the electric pump (e.g., pump motor) is ran for about 40-60 seconds , initially to evacuate gas from the liquid pathway 172 (e.g., jet pathway). The system 100 is flushed a second time to finish off the installation procedure (e.g., priming of the liquid pathway 172, boosting, etc. If system loses priming (e.g., gas is introduced into the liquid pathway 172), installation is repeated. [0047] In some embodiments, a Venturi device uses water pressure that fills the tank 143 to suction gas from the liquid pathway 172. Every time that the system 100 is flushed, water is used to refill the tank 143, usingthe Venturi device to remove air from the liquid pathway 172. This may avoid flushingthe system 100 multiple times for the system 100 to remove air from the liquid pathway 172. The Venturi device may have about a % inch national pipe taper (NPT) fitting.

[0048] The boost button and indicator light may provide a measurable readout indication how system 100 is to perform. This allows users to press a button to increase toilet performance, up to a maximum fully primed state, delivering full head pressure at the pathway outlet 176.

[0049] The present disclosure may be used by systems 100 (e.g., toilets) that have improved performance by removing gas from a liquid pathway 172 used for flush operations. The system 100 may be used for a tank 143 that is installed in-wall or that is exposed. System 100 can evacuate gas in any sealed area, channel, pathway, tank, or reservoir. The user interface 162 (e.g., button and indicator light) can be adapted to fit tank lids 150 (e.g., tank covers) that fit to a tank 143 in any orientation. The boost and/or indicator light may be separate components, wired or wirelessly connected to a controller 164 and mountable to external platforms, such as a wall, bowl 170, tile, and/or the like.

[0050] Variations can include combinations of electrical pump, manual pump, and/or Venturi device. The electrical pump (e.g., air pump motor) can be connected with a manual pump (e.g., manual hand pump). This offers a benefit of an electric system with a manual backup. The Venturi device maybe used with an air pump and/or manual pump to provide consistent air removal each time the system 100 is flushed. The electrical pump, manual pump, and/or Venturi device may be connected to provide alternatives based on environment conditions (e.g., ADA compliant, power availability, etc.).

[0051] In some embodiments, the electric pump (e.g., air pump motor) may be connected to a switch to start and stop the electric pump. The electric pump may be controlled by a controller 164 (e.g., printed circuit board) that includes embedded routines (e.g., schedules) to activate the electric pump.

[0052] The user interface 162 may use both the indicator and boost button combined or separate.

[0053] FIG. IB illustrates components of system 100 (e.g., plumbing fixture system), according to certain embodiments. Features of FIG. IB that have a similar name and/or reference number as features of FIG. 1 A may have similar or the same structure and/or functionality as the corresponding features of FIG. 1 A.

[0054] In some embodiments, bowl 170 forms one or more liquid pathways 172. Examples of liquid pathways 172A-B are illustrated in FIGS. 1D-E. In some embodiments, liquid pathway 172A provides liquid from the flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., responsive to actuation of flush valve assembly 101) to ajet or rim of the bowl 170. In some embodiments, liquid pathway 172A provides liquid from a first flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., responsive to actuation of flush valve assembly 101) to the bowl 170 and liquid pathway 172B provides liquid from a second flush valve assembly 101 to the bowl 170. In some embodiments, liquid pathway 172A or liquid pathway 172B provides liquid from an overflow tube 178 (e.g., responsive to water level W being higher than the inlet of the overflow tube 178) to a rim of the bowl 170. In some embodiments, liquid pathway 172A provides liquid from a rim flush valve assembly 101 to the rim (e.g., pathway outlet 176A) of the bowl 170 and liquid pathway 172B provides liquid from a jet flush valve assembly 101 to a jet (e.g., pathway outlet 176B) of the bowl. Overflow tube 178 may provide liquid via liquid pathway 172 A to the rim, via liquid pathway 172B to the jet, and/or via a separate liquid pathway to the bowl 170. In some embodiments, bowl 170 forms a first liquid pathway 172 to a rim and a second liquid pathway 172 to a jet of the bowl 170. In some embodiments, system lOO includes a first flush valve assembly 101 for the liquid pathway 172 to a rim and a second flush valve assembly 101 for the liquid pathway 172 to ajet.

[0055] Conduit 106 (e.g., air evacuation pathway) may attach to the flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., at a port of the valve body of the flush valve assembly 101) below a flapper structure (e.g., flapper). The conduit 106 may be disposed between flush valve assembly 101 and a branch tee 180. A conduit 182A (e.g., electric pump conduit) may be disposed between the branch tee 180 and actuator 105A (e.g., electric pump. A conduit 182B (e.g., manual pump conduit) may be disposed between the branch tee 180 and actuator 105B (e.g., manual pump). A check valve 184 (BFD) may be disposed before actuator 105B and a checkvalve 184 (BFD) may be disposed after the actuator 105B. In some embodiments, one or both check valves 184 are internal to the actuator (e.g., integral to the actuator).

[0056] Actuator 105 A may be disposed between conduit 182A and discharge conduit 186 A. Actuator 105B may be disposed between conduit 182B (e.g., that includes a check valve 184) and discharge conduit 186B (e.g., that includes a check valve 184).

[0057] Actuator 105 A may include one or more of a pump, battery power, a switch, etc. Responsive to actuator 105 A being actuated, gas is suctioned from the liquid pathway 172 A via conduit 106 (e.g., via valve tap), the branch tee 180, conduit 182A, through actuator

105 A, and to discharge conduit 186A. The discharge conduit 186A may discharge the gas to the tank 143.

[0058] Actuator 105B may include one or more of a check valve 184 disposed at the inlet, a bulb, a check valve 184 disposed at the outlet, etc. Responsive to actuator 105B being actuated, gas is suctioned from the liquid pathway 172A via conduit 106 (e.g., via valve tap), the branch tee 180, conduit 182B, through actuator 105B, and to discharge conduit 186B. The discharge conduit 186B may discharge the gas to the tank 143.

[0059] FIG. 1 C illustrates components of system 100 (e.g., plumbing fixture system), according to certain embodiments. Features of FIG. 1C that have a similar name and/or reference number as features of FIG. 1 A and/or FIG. IB may have similar or the same structure and/or functionality as the corresponding features of FIG. 1 A and/or FIG. IB. [0060] Actuator 105 may be a Venturi device. Conduit 182 may provide liquid to actuator

105. In some embodiments, conduit 182 provides liquid from fill valve assembly 107 to actuator 105. In some embodiments, conduit 182 provides liquid from a separate liquid inlet into tank 143 to actuator 105. Actuator 105 is coupled to flush valve assembly 101 via conduit 106. Conduit 106 may connect to actuator 105 via a throat tap. Conduit 182 may provide liquid to actuator 105 and liquid may exit actuator 105 via discharge conduit 186 into tank 143. In some embodiments, system 100 fills tank 143 with liquid 122 via actuator 105. In some embodiments, actuator 105 has a constricted section that has a smaller diameter than conduit 182 and discharge conduit 186 which causes actuator 105 to suction gas via conduit

106. In some embodiments, a checkvalve 184 is disposed before actuator 105 and a check valve 184 is disposed after actuator 105. Liquid received via conduit 182 and gas received via conduit 106 are discharged via discharge conduit 186 into the tank 143.

[0061] FIGS. 2A-J illustrate components of systems 100 (e.g., plumbing fixture systems), according to certain embodiments.

[0062] FIGS. 2 A-C illustrate a valve body 200 of a flush valve assembly 101. FIG. 2 A is a top perspective view, FIG. 2B is a front view, and FIG. 2C is a side view.

[0063] Valve body 200 includes an upper distal end 202 configured to interface with a flush valve flapper (e.g., flapper structure, flapper). Valve body 200 includes a lower distal end 204 forming a flush valve outlet configured to couple with a liquid pathway 172 formed by a bowl 170. Valve body 200 includes a connection structure 206 disposed between the upper distal end 202 and the lower distal end 204. The connection structure is configured to couple to an actuator 105 via a conduit 106 to evacuate gas from the liquid pathway 172. [0064] FIGS. 2D-G display user interfaces 162 of systems 100, according to certain embodiments.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2D, a user interface 162 may include a button to actuate the actuator 105. The user interface may display “boost” to indicate that actuating the button will increase the efficiency of the flush operation.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2E-F, a user interface 162 may include a boost level indicator (e.g., from low to full in FIG. 2E, from 0% to 100% in FIG. 2F). One or more sensors (e.g., humidity sensor, water level sensor, etc.) maybe located in the conduit 106, in the liquid pathway 172, and/or in the flush valve assembly 101 below the flapper structure. The one or more sensors may provide sensor data indicative of an amount of gas in the liquid pathway 172, flush valve assembly 101, and/or conduit 106. The controller may cause the user interface 162 to indicate a boost level based on the sensor data.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 2G, system 100 may include atank 143 (e.g., disposed in a wall) and one or more user interfaces 162. User interface 162A (e.g., a button displaying “flush”) may be actuated via user input to perform a flush operation. User interface 162C (e.g., a button displaying “boost”) may be actuated via user input to evacuate gas from a liquid pathway 172 via actuator 105 and conduit 106. User interface 162B may display a boost level indicator. Responsive to actuating user interface 162C, user interface 162B displays an updated boostlevel (e.g., higher boost level). System 100 may includetwo flush valve assemblies 101. Flush valve assembly 101A may be coupled to a liquid pathway 172A coupled to a rim and flush valve assembly 10 IB may be coupled to a liquid pathway 172B coupled to a jet. Conduit 106 may be coupled to flush valve assembly 10 IB to provide a primed jet pathway.

[0068] FIG. 2H illustrates an exploded view of a valve cover 210 and a valve body 200 of a flush valve assembly 101, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the valve body 200 includes an upper distal end 202, a lower distal end 204, and a connection structure 206.

[0069] The valve cover 210 is configured to removably seal to valve body 200. In some embodiments, the valve cover 210 is configured to seal to removably seal to upper distal end 202 of valve body 200. The valve cover 210 (e.g., flapper, flapper cover) may include a flexible seal (e.g., seal 270) and rigid lifting portions (e.g., rigid covers 280). The valve cover 210 lifts from the valve body 200 (e.g., valve inlet) in a “peeling” fashion from front to back to open the valve slowly to aid the flush action. The flexible seal (e.g., seal 270) may be an elastomer (e.g., silicone). Valve cover 210 may be used for a primed channel (e.g., primed jet channel, primed rim channel).

[0070] The valve cover 210 has a seal 270 and a rigid cover 280. The seal 270 may have a sealing surface (e.g., lower surface that contacts valve body 200) and a locking surface 272. The locking surface 272 may include locking lugs 273 that may help secure the seal 270 to the rigid cover 280.

[0071] In some embodiments, the rigid cover 280 is capable of bending with the seal 270 for gradual opening of the valve cover 210. In some embodiments, the rigid cover 280 has a peeling section 282 and a lifting section 283 that are transversely separated from each other. In some embodiments, the peeling section 282 has at least one hinged arm 208 configured to connect with the lifting section 283. In some embodiments, the configuration of the connection between the hinged arm 208 and the lifting section 283 is a rotatable connection.

[0072] In some embodiments, the back edge 285 of the peeling section 282 and the front edge 286 of the lifting section 283 are substantially parallel to each other and also substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal plane defined by VP and VP' of the valve cover 210. There may be a transverse separation TS between the back edge 285 and front edge 286. In some embodiments, the distance d _T s from the back edge 285 of the peeling section 282 to the front edge 286 of the lifting section 283 is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm (e.g., this distance may depend on the size of the valve cover 210). Any separation distance d _T s, as well as no separation is also contemplated, so long as the peeling section

282 is capable of lifting from the valve body 200 for some distance without the lifting section

283 moving and there is sufficient clearance to bend the seal 270 without each section interfering with that process.

[0073] A chain may be used to connect the peeling section 282 of the rigid cover 280 to a user interface 162 (e.g., a flush activation bar). Responsive to actuation of the user interface 162 (e.g., lifting of the flush activation bar), the peeling section 282 of the valve cover 210 is capable of lifting from the valve body 200. The peeling section 282 may be associated with the lifting section 283 through one or more hinged arms 208. In some embodiments, the one or more hinged arm 208 are non-movable at their connection with the peeling section 282 and are configured to connect to the lifting section 283 with a rotatable connection. The one or more hinged arms 208 may be integrally formed with the peeling section 282 during the molding process and may have two pegs 215 that extend from the outside of each of the one or more hinged arms 208. In some embodiments, each peg 215 is cylindrical and sized to be inserted into a slot 216 formed by the corresponding hinged mount 209 (e.g., a first peg215 is configured to be inserted in a first slot 216 formed by a first hinged mount 209 and a second peg 215 is configured to be inserted in a second slot 216 formedby a second hinged mount 209). In some embodiments, valve cover 210 has two hinged arms 208. In some embodiments, one or more hinged arms 208 may be used. An elastically deformable support member 217 may be located between two hinged arms 208. In some embodiments, valve cover 210 does not include an elastically deformable support member 217 (e.g., the hinged arms 208 may be sized and shaped to be elastically deformable themselves).

[0074] In some embodiments, the one or more hinged arms 208 connect to the lifting section 283 through hinged mounts 209 with a connection that is rotatable about a line parallel to the front edge 286 of the lifting section 283. In some embodiments, the hinged mounts 209 each form a longitudinally extending slot 216. In some embodiments, each slot 216 has an oval shape. In some embodiments, each slot 216 has a shape that is not oval, such as rectangular, circular, or hexagonal. The pegs 215 on the hinged arms 208 may be inserted within the slots 216 through the use of the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable support member 217. The oval shape allows the pegs 215 to move rotationally, as well as longitudinally within their respective slots 216. This movement permits the peeling section 282 to interact (e.g., optimally interact) with the lifting section 283. Any rotatable connection may be used for the connection of the hinged arms 208 to the lifting section 283 (e.g., that provide longitudinal movement or that provide movement different from longitudinal movement). Possible rotatable connectors may include any hinged-type joint, such as a projection on one element that snaps into an opening on the other element, or the use of a pin inserted into openings located within each element. Other types of connections that are capable of rotation about the same axis are also contemplated, including a ball-and-socket- typejoint.

[0075] In some embodiments, as the peeling section 282 continues to lift, the hinged arms 208 rotate about the connection with the hinged mounts 209, allowing the peeling section 282 to lift from the valve body 200 without moving the lifting section 283 for a short period of time. In some embodiments, once the peeling section 282 has been lifted to a sufficient angle (e.g., by the chain and the flush activation bar), the hinged mounts 209 act on the lifting section 283, causing the lifting section 283 of the rigid cover 280 to open, fully lifting the entire valve cover 210 from the valve body 200. A float may also be attached to the valve cover 210 through the use of a chain, a float assembly, or other connection device. The float may provide buoyancy to reduce the force to be used to open the valve cover 210, and/or to control the time of closure of the valve through the drop in water level in the tank during the flush. A lower positioning of the float along the chain may result in a later closure of the valve and an increase in flush volume.

[0076] Flush valve assembly 101 may include a valve cover as described in US10246865. The relevant portions of US10246865 are incorporated by reference.

[0077] FIGS. 2I-J illustrate side views of a flush valve assembly 101 that includes a valve body 200 and a backflow preventer mechanism 574, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the valve body 200 includes an upper distal end 202, a lower distal end 204, and a connection structure 206.

[0078] Flush valve assembly 101 (e.g., jet flush valve, rim flush valve) includes a valve cover 210 (e.g., flapper cover) and a back-flow preventer mechanism 574 that has a holddown linkage configuration. As shown, the valve cover 210 is fitted with a first front linkage mount 593 for attaching the hold down linkage. The linkage assembly in the back-flow preventer mechanism 574 includes a first front linkage arm 575 having an attachment point P for a chain C to connect to an actuator mechanism to allow lifting of the valve cover 210. Such a chain can include a float.

[0079] The first linkage arm 575 is connected by a hinge pin (e.g., pin 578) to a second linkage arm 576, but other hinge connectors, pins, living hinges, molded pins, rivets or similar mechanisms may be used. Similarly, linkage arm 576 is connected by a similar hinge connector to a third linkage arm 577 which is also pivotally mounted to a back hinge mount 579. In use, if the valve cover 210 (e.g., flapper) is lifted, the back -flow preventer hold-down linkage lifts and bends freely as shown so as to form an angle of less than about 180° between the first linkage arm 575 and secondlinkage arms 576 when fully opened.

[0080] When closed, the back-flow preventer 574 prevents flow from pushing back on the valve cover 210 by positioning of the linkage arms so that the first linkage arm 575 and the second linkage arm 576 are more aligned attheirjoint area R in a more rigid position where they would remain absent action on chain C at point P.

[0081] In some embodiments, other types of backflow prevention mechanism 574 are used. For example, a moveable buoyant poppet hat, a hook back-flow preventer mechanism, a linkage assembly that includes a bridging structure, and/or the like.

[0082] Flush valve assembly 101 may include a back-flow preventer mechanism as described in US10246865. The relevant portions of US10246865 are incorporated by reference. [0083] FIGS. 3A-C illustrate components of systems 100 (e.g., plumbing fixture systems), accordingto certain embodiments. FIG. 3 A is a perspective cross-sectional view and FIG. 3B-C are perspective views.

[0084] FIGS. 3 A-C illustrate a system 100 that includes a bowl 170 and an actuator 105 configured to evacuate gas from at least one of the liquid pathways 172 formed by bowl 170. [0085] Liquid pathways 172 have a pathway inlet 174 (e.g., on a deck of bowl 170) and a pathway outlet 176 (e.g., the rim or the jet). For example, liquid pathway 172A (e.g., rim pathway) has a pathway inlet 174A (e.g., configured to fluidly couple to a first flush valve assembly 101 A) and has a pathway outlet 176A that swirls around the rim of the bowl 170. Liquid pathway 172B (e.g., jet pathway) has a pathway inlet 174B (e.g., configured to fluidly couple to a second flush valve assembly 10 IB) and has a pathway outlet 176 (e.g., jet outlet) that is disposed below the water level (e.g., the sump) of the bowl 170. Liquid pathway 172A may swirl around the rim of the bowl 170. Liquid pathway 172B may include one pathway (e.g., FIG. 3 A) or two pathways (e.g., FIG. 3B) that have a pathway outlet 176B below the water level (e.g., the sump) of the bowl 170.

[0086] One or more actuators 105 may remove gas from one or more of the liquid pathways 172A-B. In some embodiments, about 50% or more of the flush water is directed to the rim (e.g., for cleaning of bowl 170) via liquid pathway 172 A and the remaining flush wateris directed to thejetvia liquid pathway 172B. In some embodiments, about 60% or more of the flush water is directed to the rim via liquid pathway 172A and the remaining flush water is directed to thejetvia liquid pathway 172B. In some embodiments, about 70% or more of the flush water is directed to the rim via liquid pathway 172A and the remaining flush wateris directed to thejetvia liquid pathway 172B.

[0087] Maintaining a primed liquid pathway 172 (e.g., evacuating gas from the liquid pathway, providing a closed liquid path) reduces turbulence and resistance to flow, improves performance of system 100, and enables lower volumes of liquid to be used to initiate a siphon. Gas in liquid pathways in conventional systems can hamper the flow of flush water and can restrict the flowthrough pathway outlet (e.g., jet outlet, rim outlet). Gas, if not purged, can be ejected through the pathway outlet 176B and enter the trapway which can retard the trap siphon and affect flushing of liquid and matter from bowl 170.

[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 400 associated with evacuating gas from a liquid pathway formed by a plumbing fixture bowl, accordingto certain embodiments. In some embodiments, method 400 is performed by processing logic that includes hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, processing device, etc.), software (such as instructions run on a processing device, a general purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium stores instructions that when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform one or more of method 400. In some embodiments, any of the methods described herein are performed by a server, by a client device, and/or a controller (e.g., controller 164 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-C).

[0089] For simplicity of explanation, method 400 is depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations in accordance with this disclosure can occur in various orders and/or concurrently and with other operations not presented and described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed to implement method 400 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that method 400 could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, at block 402 the processing logic receives user input associated with priming (e.g., evacuating gas from) a liquid pathway formed by the plumbing fixture bowl. In some embodiments, the plumbing fixture is a toilet (e.g., tank toilet, wall-tank toilet, etc.) or a urinal.

[0091] In some embodiments, the user input is via actuation ofuser interface (e.g., see user interfaces of FIGS. 2D-G). In some embodiments, the evacuation of the gas is via an actuator. [0092] Responsive to the actuatorbeing a manual pump, user input may be actuation of a button coupled to the manual pump, manually pumping of the manual pump, and/or the like. [0093] Responsive to the actuator being an electric pump, user input may be actuation of a button, providing a schedule of operation of the electric pump to the processing logic, and/or the like.

[0094] Responsive to the actuator being a Venturi device, user input may be causing the fill valve assembly to actuate (e.g., to perform a flush operation), actuating a button, providing a schedule of operation of the Venturi device to the processing logic, and/or the like.

[0095] User input to cause the fill valve assembly to actuation maybe via a lever or a button coupled to the plumbing fixture or proximate the plumbing fixture. In some embodiments, the user input is received via a motion sensor (e.g., detecting motion of a user proximate the plumbing fixture, such as a user moving away from the plumbing fixture). In some embodiments, the user input is via a schedule (e.g., flush the plumbing fixture every threshold amount of time, such as every five minutes). In some embodiments, the user input is received from a client device via a network. In some embodiments, user input indicates a type of flush (e.g., higher gpf flush or lower gpf flush).

[0096] In some embodiments, at block 404, the processing logic causes an actuator to evacuate gas from the liquid pathway. In some embodiments, the actuator includes an electric pump configured to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a solenoid valve configured to cause liquid flowthrough a Venturi device to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a manual pump. The actuator is coupled to the flush valve assembly (e.g., below the flapper) via a conduit to evacuate gas from the liquid pathway.

[0097] At block 406, the processing logic causes actuation of the actuator to stop. In some embodiments, processing logic receives, from one or more sensors, sensor data associated with water level in the conduit, flush valve assembly, and/or the liquid pathway. Processing logic may cause the actuator to stop evacuating gas responsive to the water level meeting a threshold level.

[0098] In some embodiments, controller receives, from a sensor, sensor data associated with a primed liquid level (e.g., water level in the conduit, flush valve assembly, and/or the liquid pathway) and causes the user interface to display a visual representation of the primed liquid level.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 500, accordingto certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is a controller 164 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-C.

[00100] In some embodiments, computer system 500 is connected (e.g., via a network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet) to other computer systems. In some embodiments, computer system 500 operates in the capacity of a server or a client computer in a client-server environment, or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. In some embodiments, computer system 500 is provided by a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a Set-Top Box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch orbridge, or any device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that device. Further, the term "computer" shall include any collection of computers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

[00101] In a further aspect, the computer system 500 includes a processing device 502, a volatile memory 504 (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory 506 (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM) or Electrically -Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)), and a data storage device 516, which communicate with each other via a bus 508.

[00102] In some embodiments, processing device 502 is provided by one or more processors such as a general purpose processor (such as, for example, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) microprocessor, a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor implementing other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor implementing a combination of types of instruction sets) ora specialized processor (such as, for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or a network processor).

[00103] In some embodiments, computer system 500 further includes a network interface device 522 (e.g., coupled to network 574). In some embodiments, computer system 500 also includes a video display unit 510 (e.g., an LCD), an alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device 520. [00104] In some implementations, data storage device 516 includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 524 on which store instructions 526 encoding any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including instructions for implementing methods described herein.

[00105] In some embodiments, instructions 526 also reside, completely or partially, within volatile memory 504 and/or within processing device 502 during execution thereof by computer system 500, hence, in some embodiments, volatile memory 504 and processing device 502 also constitute machine-readable storage media.

[00106] While computer-readable storage medium 524 is shown in the illustrative examples as a single medium, the term "computer-readable storage medium" shall include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of executable instructions. The term "computer-readable storage medium" shall also include any tangible medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by a computer that cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. The term "computer- readable storage medium" shall include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

[00107] In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features described herein are implemented by discrete hardware components or are integrated in the functionality of other hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices. In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features are implemented by firmware modules or functional circuitry within hardware devices. In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features are implemented in any combination of hardware devices and computer program components, or in computer programs.

[00108] Unless specifically stated otherwise, terms such as “receiving,” “causing,” “actuating,” “providing,” “obtaining,” “determining,” “transmitting,” or the like, refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by computer systems that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. In some embodiments, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and do not have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation.

[00109] Examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for performing the methods described herein. In some embodiments, this apparatus is specially constructed for performing the methods described herein, or includes a general purpose computer system selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computer system. Such a computer program is stored in a computer-readable tangible storage medium.

[00110] Some of the methods and illustrative examples described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. In some embodiments, various general purpose systems are usedin accordance with the teachings described herein. In some embodiments, a more specialized apparatus is constructed to perform methods described herein and/or each of their individual functions, routines, subroutines, or operations. Examples of the structure for a variety of these systems are set forth in the description above. [00111] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the present disclosure has been described with references to specific illustrative examples and implementations, it will be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and implementations described. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

[00112] The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[00113] The terms “over,” “under,” “between,” “disposed on,” and “on” as used herein refer to a relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, one layer disposed on, over, or under another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers. Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers maybe directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening layers.

[00114] The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “example’ or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

[00115] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A orB” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and can not necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation. When the term “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within ± 10%. [00116] Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be in an intermittent and/or alternating manner. [00117] Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

In a first embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system comprising: a plumbing fixture bowl forming a liquid pathway; a plumbing fixture tank configured to house liquid; an actuator configured to evacuate gas from the liquid pathway; and a flush valve assembly configured to provide at least a portion of the liquid from the plumbing fixture tank to the plumbing fixture bowl via the liquid pathway to flush the plumbing fixture bowl.

[00118] In a second embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system according to embodiment 1, wherein the flush valve assembly further comprises a flush valve flapper disposed upstream of a flush valve outlet formed by the flush valve assembly.

[00119] In a third embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system according to embodiment 2 further comprising a conduit disposed between the actuator and a portion of the flush valve assembly disposed between the flush valve flapper and the flush valve outlet.

[00120] In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: a sensor configured to provide sensor data associated with a primed liquid level; and a controller configured to control the actuator to evacuate the gas based on the sensor data.

[00121] In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system according to any of embodiment 4, wherein the actuator comprises an electric pump configured to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway.

[00122] In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the actuator comprises a Venturi device configured to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway.

[00123] In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system according to any of embodiment 6, wherein the Venturi device is coupled to a fill valve assembly, and wherein responsive to liquid level of the plumbing fixture tank meeting a threshold level, the fill valve assembly provides liquid through the Venturi device to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway. [00124] In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system according to any of embodiment 6 or 7, wherein the actuator further comprises a solenoid valve, wherein a controller is to actuate the solenoid valve to provide liquid through the Venturi device to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway.

[00125] In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the actuator comprises a manual pump, and wherein the plumbing fixture system further comprises a user interface configured to actuate the manual pump to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway.

[00126] In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly of a plumbing fixture system, the flush valve assembly comprising: a valve body comprising: an upper distal end configured to interface with a flush valve flapper; a lower distal end forming a flush valve outlet configured to couple with a liquid pathway formed by a plumbing fixture bowl; and a connection structure disposed between the upper distal end and the lower distal end, wherein the connection structure is configured to couple to an actuator via a conduit to evacuate gas from the liquid pathway

[00127] In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly of embodiment 10, wherein a sensor is configured to provide sensor data associated with a primed liquid level, and wherein a controller is configured to control the actuator to evacuate the gas based on the sensor data.

[00128] In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to embodiments 11, wherein the actuator comprises an electric pump configured to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway.

[00129] In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the actuator comprises a Venturi device configured to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway.

[00130] In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to embodiment 13, wherein the Venturi device is coupled to a fill valve assembly, and wherein responsive to liquid level of a plumbing fixture tank meeting a threshold level, the fill valve assembly provides liquid through the Venturi device to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway.

[00131] In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to embodiment 14, wherein the actuator further comprises a solenoid valve, wherein a controller is to actuate the solenoid valve to provide liquid through the Venturi device to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway. [00132] In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the actuator comprises a manual pump, and wherein the plumbing fixture system further comprises a user interface configured to actuate the manual pump to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway.

[00133] In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a control system comprising: a user interface configured to receive user input associated with priming a liquid pathway formed by a plumbing fixture bowl; and a controller configured to: receive the user input; and responsive to the user input, cause an actuator to evacuate gas from the liquid pathway, wherein a flush valve assembly is configured to provide liquid from a plumbing fixture tank to the plumbing fixture bowl via the liquid pathway to flush the plumbing fixture bowl.

[00134] In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a control system according to embodiment 17, wherein the controller is further configured to: receive, from a sensor, sensor data associated with a primed liquid level; and cause the user interface to display a visual representation of the primed liquid level.

[00135] In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a control system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the actuator comprises an electric pump configured to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway.

[00136] In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a control system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the actuator comprises a solenoid valve configured to cause liquid flow through a Venturi device to evacuate the gas from the liquid pathway. [00137] Although the foregoing description is directed to embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modificationswill be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be usedin conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

[00138] The term “adjacent” may mean “near” or “close-by” or “next to.”

[00139] The term “coupled” means that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other. [00140] The term “flow communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow there through and may be synonymous with “fluidly coupled”. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate a direction of gas or liquid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

[00141] The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.

[00142] The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ringlike” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

[00143] The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about" used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, "about" may mean the numeric value maybe modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more. All numeric values are modified by the term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term "about" include the specific identified value. For example "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

[00144] The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in thatthe defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalentto “substantially”.

[00145] Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

[00146] Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub -combinations of embodiments.

[00147] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[00148] All U.S. patent applications, published patent applications and patents referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference.