c

CENTRIFUGAL AIR SEPARATORS

Centrifugal air separators, systems including the same, and methods of separating gas are disclosed. Centrifugal air separators include a separation section configured to separate an input air stream into a clean air stream emitted from an exit port of the separation section and a waste stream emitted from a waste port of the separation section. The separation section includes a coiled duct and is configured to transmit through a duct entrance port a duct input air stream that is at least a portion of the input air stream and to at least partially separate the duct input air stream according to a molecular weight of gaseous components of the duct input air stream into a duct clean air stream that is at least a portion of the clean air stream and a duct waste stream that is at least a portion of the waste stream.




c

COMPRESSED-AIR DRYING DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMPRESSED-AIR DRYING DEVICE, AND VEHICLE

A compressed air drying device that dries compressed air discharged from a compressor includes a dryer and a controller. The dryer includes a drying container, which is filled with a desiccant, and a discharge valve arranged in a discharge port that discharges drainage produced by regeneration of the desiccant. The controller obtains an ambient temperature and controls opening and closing of the discharge valve. When the ambient temperature is a temperature at which freezing occurs, the controller moves the compressed air, which is discharged from the compressor and heated, into the dryer and restricts opening of the discharge valve.




c

COLUMN FOR THERMAL TREATMENT OF FLUID MIXTURES

The present invention relates to a column (1) for thermal treatment of fluid mixtures, having a cylindrical, vertically aligned column body (2) which forms a column cavity (3), having a sequence of vertically spaced-apart dual-flow mass transfer trays (8) which are mounted in the column cavity (3) and which have orifices for passage of liquid and gas in countercurrent, and having at least one gas entry orifice (5) disposed below the lowermost of the sequence of dual-flow mass transfer trays (8). It is a characteristic feature of the column of the invention that a gas distribution tray (9) which is disposed between the lowermost of the sequence of dual-flow mass transfer trays (8) and the gas entry orifice (5) has orifices (32) for vertical passage of gas which can be introduced into the column cavity (3) via the gas entry orifice (5), the orifices (32) being formed so as to bring about equal gas distribution over the column cross section. The invention further relates to a process for thermal treatment of fluid mixtures in such a column (1).




c

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDENSING MOISTURE IN A BIOREACTOR GAS STREAM

Disclosed herein is a system and method for condensing moisture in a gas stream entering or leaving a bioreactor, the system comprising: a contact condenser container fluidically coupled to the bioreactor through an exhaust line; a condensate accumulator fluidically coupled to the contact condenser container through at least a first condensate line and a second condensate line; the condensate accumulator further fluidically coupled to the bioreactor through a condensate overflow line; a first condensate control device disposed on the first condensate line and configured to control a flow of condensate leaving the contact condenser container and entering the condensate accumulator; and a second condensate control device disposed on the second condensate line and configured to control a flow of condensate leaving the condensate accumulator to be mixed with the gas stream.




c

METHODS FOR PRODUCING OZONE

A method for producing ozone is disclosed. The ozone is separated by an adsorbent separation system from a mixture of oxygen and ozone. The adsorbent separation system operates by adsorbing ozone at higher pressures, then desorbing the ozone at normal pressures. Increased ozone concentrations result from these steps while the oxygen component can be recovered and used in producing the mixture of oxygen and ozone.




c

FACILITY AND METHOD FOR PURIFICATION BY ADSORPTION OF A GASEOUS FLOW COMPRISING A CORROSIVE IMPURITY

The invention relates to a facility for purification by adsorption of gaseous flow comprising at least one impurity which has a corrosive effect on carbons steel, comprising a radial adsorber comprising a housing with an outer envelope made of carbon steel; a vertical perforated inner grating consisting of a corrosion-resistant material, a vertical perforated outer grating, an adsorbent which is held vertically by the outer grating and the inner grating, and allows at least partial blockage of the corrosive impurity, and a means for allowing a centrifugal circulation of the gaseous flow.




c

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING TARGET COMPONENT FROM GAS

Provided is an apparatus for capturing a target component from a gas including a rotating packed bed and a packed bed. The rotating packed bed has a first absorbent inlet, a first absorbent outlet, a first gas inlet and a first gas outlet. The packed bed has a second absorbent inlet, a second absorbent outlet, a second gas inlet and a second gas outlet. The first absorbent outlet is in connection with the second absorbent inlet to form an absorbent flow path that sequentially passes through the rotating packed bed and the packed bed. The second gas outlet is in connection with the first gas inlet to form a gas flow path that sequentially passes through the packed bed and the rotating packed bed.




c

FLOW MANAGEMENT AND CO2-RECOVERY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE

An apparatus and method for flow management and CO2-recovery from a CO2 containing hydrocarbon flow stream, such as a post CO2-stimulation flowback stream. The apparatus including a flow control zone, a gas separation zone, a pretreatment zone, and a CO2-capture zone. The CO2-capture zone is in fluid communication with the pretreatment zone to provide CO2-capture from a pretreated flowback gas stream and output a captured CO2-flow stream. The CO2-capture zone includes a flow splitter to direct a first portion of the pretreated flowback gas stream to a CO2-enricher to provide an enriched CO2-stream for mixing with a second portion of the pretreated flowback gas to form a mixed stream. The CO2-capture zone further includes at least one condenser to output the captured CO2-flow stream.




c

CARBON DIOXIDE SEPARATION AND CAPTURE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING OPERATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE SEPARATION AND CAPTURE APPARATUS

A carbon dioxide separation and capture apparatus includes an absorption tower configured to cause an absorbing liquid to absorb a carbon dioxide gas contained in a process gas and a regeneration tower configured to cause the absorbing liquid from the absorption tower to release the carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide separation and capture apparatus further includes an inlet concentration meter configured to measure concentration of an acid component in the process gas supplied to the absorption tower and an outlet concentration meter configured to measure concentration of the acid component in the process gas discharged from the absorption tower. Also included in the carbon dioxide separation and capture apparatus are a supplementary absorbing liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a supplementary absorbing liquid to the main unit and a controller configured to control an amount of the supplementary absorbing liquid supplied to the main unit by the supplementary absorbing liquid supply mechanism based on the concentrations of the acid component measured at the inlet concentration meter and the outlet concentration meter.




c

CARBON DIOXIDE ADSORBENTS

A carbon dioxide adsorbent including a hierarchical zeolite. The hierarchical zeolite defines micropores having a pore width between about 0.4 nm and about 2 nm, and at least one of: mesopores having a pore width between about 2 nm and about 50 nm; and macropores having a pore width greater than about 50 nm.




c

DUCTLESS FUME HOOD GAS MONITORING AND DETECTION SYSTEM

A ductless fume hood suitable for the removal of various chemical materials including toxic and non-toxic gases, vapors, particles, dust and unpleasant odors from a fluid stream. The ductless fume hood uses electronic devices and software to enable real time monitoring of gas levels in parts per million.




c

CAPPED CARBON FILTER ASSEMBLY

A carbon filter is disclosed. Such a carbon filter includes a carbon-based core having a central cavity, a layer of a polymer-based filter material surrounding the carbon-based core, and at least one end cap fixedly attached to the carbon-based core.




c

METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORK-BASED SORBENTS AND METHODS OF SYNTHESIS THEREOF

A carbon dioxide capture and release method of forming a MOF matrix material including at least one metal-organic-framework crystal that includes at least one metal ion or metal ion cluster coordinated to polydentate organic ligands. The method includes forming a positive moisture swing CO2 host by application of at least a portion of the MOF matrix material to at least a portion of a good, and exposing the good to a feed gas. The method also includes altering the absorption and desorption of CO2 in the CO2 host through a swing absorption/desorption process of moisture content, where an equilibrium pressure of CO2 over the CO2 host is based at least in part on the moisture content. The metal-organic-framework crystal can be UIO-66 including Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by terephthalate acid ligands, and/or Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by amino-terephthalic acid ligands, and/or Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by nitro-terephthalic acid ligands.




c

POLYHYDRIC ALCOHOL COMPOSITIONS FOR GAS DEHYDRATION

The present invention relates to a dehydration composition and method of use thereof for drying gas streams, in particular natural gas streams, wherein the dehydration composition comprises one or more polyhydric alcohol. Said polyhydric alcohol preferably has a hydroxyl content equal to or greater than 31 percent and equal to or less than 75 percent of the formula weight of the compound. Said polyhydric alcohol dehydration compositions are particularly suitable for dewatering and desalting gas stream comprising water and one or more salt.




c

DEVICE FOR EXTRACTING WATER FROM THE ENVIRONMENT

The present invention corresponds to a device for extracting water from the environment by means of a liquid desiccant. The device comprises a means for capturing water from the environment using a liquid desiccant, an extraction chamber, a first duct through which liquid desiccant with water flows from the capture means to the extraction chamber, a second duct through which liquid desiccant flows from the extraction chamber to the capture means, a reservoir for depositing water extracted from the liquid desiccant in the extraction chamber, a third duct through which water flows from the extraction chamber to the reservoir, a means to create a vacuum within the extraction chamber, and a control device that controls the heating element. The extraction chamber comprises a container located at the bottom of the extraction chamber, in which the water captured by the liquid desiccant is extracted and a heating element located within the container




c

Toilet lid closure apparatus

A toilet closure apparatus mounts on a toilet having a base assembly defining a bowl and a bowl ledge, a tank assembly, a toilet lid and a toilet seat. A tank mounting bolt has a tank mounting bolt bore extending axially therethrough. A cable housing is sealedly affixed within the tank mounting bore and disposed to allow a cable to move axially through the tank mounting bore. A hinge assembly includes a frame defining a downwardly extending cable run and an internal cavity including a cylindrical bearing surface having a horizontally extending axis. A hinge member is supported by the bearing surface for rotation about the axis. A hinge pin extends outwardly of the frame, and is fixedly engaged with the toilet seat to effect toilet seat rotation in common with rotation of the hinge member about the axis, the hinge member having at least one camming surface.




c

Means for covering the flange of a waste water strainer

A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.




c

Manual-automatic flush driving device

A flush driving device for a toilet includes a mounting bracket, a control panel that includes a sensing window and manual buttons, and a manual operating mechanism that includes bars cooperating with the manual buttons and rotating mechanisms connected with the bars. Rotating shafts of the rotating mechanisms are mounted in the mounting bracket. An automatic operating mechanism includes a driving motor, a rod controlled by the driving motor, and lifting mechanisms cooperating with the rod. The flush driving device also includes pull arms connected to both the rotating mechanisms and the lifting mechanisms for controlling the flush of the toilet.




c

System for flushing a vacuum toilet

A system for flushing a vacuum toilet in an aircraft, with a bowl drain for removing toilet waste water from a bowl, a drain line, a bypass flow line for feeding-in air, a drainage valve and a waste water line. The bowl drain and the bypass flow line are connectable to the drain line, and the drainage valve on the input side is connectable to the drain line, and on the output side is connectable to a waste water line. In an implementation of the vacuum toilet as a vacuum urinal, the system may provide either water flushing or waterless flushing.




c

Clamping device, systems, and methods

A clamping device for mounting a sink to a counter, includes a clamp having a clamp body and a binding tab, a binding post for insertion through a first opening in the clamp body and into a hole in a surface of the sink adjacent to a clamped article, the clamp and binding tab connected to the post and extending away therefrom at least partially over an edge of the clamped article, and a clamp screw for insertion through a second opening in the clamp body and against a solid portion of the binding tab interposed between the clamp screw and the edge of the clamped article.




c

Cover and method for covering the flange of a waste water strainer

A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.




c

Automatic air evacuation appratus for swimming pool and spa filters

The present invention is an air evacuation apparatus that prevents the accumulation of air inside a swimming pool or spa filter by allowing any air to be removed from inside the filter every time the swimming pool pump is turned on. By allowing air to be removed from the filter, the present invention prevents the build-up of dangerous levels of potential energy caused by compressed air inside the filter that can lead to the violent separation of the filter. More important, the air evacuation apparatus of the present invention allows air to be safely and automatically removed from inside of the filter without interfering with the functionality of the filter.




c

Method and apparatus for controlling odors

Methods and apparatus for controlling odors in an enclosed space, such as a pit latrine, include providing an oxidizer, such as a catalytic heater and an optional mechanical ventilation unit, such as an inline fan, both flow connected to a vault (pit) of the latrine. The heater is also connected to a source of fuel, for example, propane. Fresh air is drawn through vents in the latrine housing and thereafter through toilets in the latrine and through the vault, providing oxygen for the reaction. The fan and/or oxidation process draws both fresh air and accompanying odorous compounds directly from the latrine and into the oxidizer wherein the odorous components are substantially destroyed.




c

Cantilevered brace assembly for wall-mounted toilet

A brace for a wall-mounted toilet, particularly useful for wall-mounted porcelain toilets in hospitals and other health care facilities. The brace a weight receiving structure supported by cantilevered struts that attach the brace to the wall, preferably using the same bolts that attach the toilet to the wall. The weight receiving structure may be seat portion that overlies the rim of the toilet bowl, so that the weight of the user is transmitted from the toilet seat to the seat structure and then to the walls through the struts. Alternately, the weight receiving structure may include an under-bowl support that extends underneath the toilet bowl so that the user's weight is transmitted from the bowl to the wall through the struts. Thus, the cantilevered brace increases the weight-bearing capacity of the wall-mounted toilet. A plastic shroud may be included for enclosing the brace and toilet bowl.




c

Flush toilet device

There is provided a flush toilet device capable of being configured in a compact size and supplying a sufficient flow amount of water to a toilet to reliably flush and discharge waste. According to the flush toilet device, a straight pipe portion of a throat which is arranged inside a tank is arranged in a state where a center axis thereof inclines with respect to a front-back direction of the tank when viewed from an upper side.




c

Device for preparing shower water for a water closet having an under-shower and method for operating such a device

The device has a line arrangement (2), which possesses an inlet (3) connectable to a supply line and an outlet (4) connectable to a shower arm (5). A heating element (6) serves for the provision of warm water. An energy store (7, 8) is provided, with which the power range for the provision of shower water can be extended. The heating element (6) for the provision of warm water is, in particular, a continuous-flow heater. The energy store (7, 8) is, in particular, a thermal, electrical, electrochemical or chemical energy store. During the shower process, the energy store is available as an additional energy source for the preparation of shower water.




c

Lavatory pan device and non-water lavatory flushing system with the device

A lavatory pan device for separating stool and urine includes a stool and urine tray, a supporting device, and a moment force producing device. The stool and urine tray consists of a flat plate and the rib inclining upward and extending outward from the whole or partial edge of the flat plate. The lavatory pan has an opening or an entry way at the longitudinal side and is connected on the supporting device. Through the moment force produced by the prescribed moment force producing device, the stool and urine tray can roll over on the supporting device. The described moment force producing device is set on the stool and urine tray and it is between tow supports of the above supporting device and the opening or entry way.




c

Domed swimming pool cover

A pool cover for above ground swimming pools includes a cover with an elevated central area, a plurality of rods to support the cover, and a plurality of clip assemblies to couple the rods to the swimming pool. The cover is a waterproof textile having a plurality of sleeve members allowing for insertion of the support rods to secure and support the cover. Each clip assembly includes hook which removably attaches to an upper perimeter edge of the pool and a pocket to receive an end of the support rod. When assembled, the support rods form a dome-like structure circularly arranged about the edge of the pool.




c

Tension rod with threaded end cap

We provide a tension adjustment assembly including an externally threaded support member and an at least partially hollow cylinder that is threaded internally. The threads of the cylinder and the threads of the support member are mated, allowing the cylinder to rotate about and travel along the threaded portion of the support member. The cylinder further comprises a ridge about an outer diameter of the cylinder. The tension adjustment assembly also includes an end cap retained on the cylinder by said ridge and able to rotate freely about said cylinder independently of any rotation of the cylinder about the support member. Finally, the tension adjustment assembly includes a foot attached to the end cap. When placed on the end of a tension rod this assembly allows the fit of the rod to a wall to be adjusted by turning the cylinder.




c

Drain, in particular for floor level showers

The invention relates to a drain (1'), in particular for floor level showers, the drain comprising a pot shaped drain housing (1.1) including a shell or pot shaped base component (1.2) without a pipe connection, a laterally disposed pipe connection (1.5) and an inlet opening (1.3) at a top side of the base component, and an immersion pipe (2) which is insertable into the drain housing through the inlet opening (1.3) and defines a stench trap with the drain housing. In order to be able to adapt such a drain to various installation conditions in a flexible manner, so that the installation height, water lock height and drain output of the drain is variable, the invention provides a solution wherein the base component (1.2) is connected in an elevation-adjustable and liquid-tight manner with the drain housing (1.1).




c

Device and method for use in a shower system

Provided is a device for use in a shower system and a related method. The device may include an appliance for adding a medium to shower water. The appliance may be designed such that it works according to the principle of a water jet pump. Advantageously, the medium added to the shower water may contain one or more fragrance media.




c

Trap and drain assembly for draining waste liquids while blocking odors

The invention provides a flush free drain trap system. The trap of the invention may be used in any trap system intended to block a back flow of odors from the waste line. A sealant liquid floats on top of the waste liquid in the trap to block odors. The trap uses one passageway to pass liquids to the sewer line, similarly to a conventional drain system, for preventing overflow and allowing cleaning. A second passageway allows the trap to dispose of small amounts of the waste liquid though an opening and a valve operated by the buoyancy caused by the accumulation of waste liquid in the trap. In normal use, waste liquid is passed to the sewer line without loss of sealant liquid. Furthermore, the performance of the trap is not affected by the evaporation of the waste liquid when the trap is unused.




c

Drain valve core

Various embodiments of a device for regulating a fluid flow are described that can include first and second downwardly-sloping valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the device. The device can also include first and second downwardly-sloping valve seats, and configured such that an end portion of the first valve can be seated beneath the first valve seat and an end portion of the second valve can be seated beneath the second valve seat when the first and second valves are in a closed position, respectively.




c

Toilet training devices for small children

A toilet training device includes an odor remediation system for absorbing or masking odors that may be created during toilet training. The odor remediation system may include a modular odor remediating insert that may be releasably positioned within a recess that is provided within the toilet training device. The odor remediating insert may include an odor absorbing substance such as sodium bicarbonate, an odor masking substance such as a fragrance or a combination of an odor absorbing substance and an odor masking substance. The toilet training device also includes a system for dispensing wipes that may utilize a recess that is defined in a side wall of the main body portion of the toilet training device. A wipes cartridge is designed so that it can be used to conveniently dispense wipes regardless of whether it is separated from the toilet training device or mounted within the recess of the toilet training device.




c

Pool spring cover

Provided is a pool spring cover having an elongate tubular member with openings on first and second sides, respectively. The first and second sides span a longitudinal axis. An attachment member extends generally along the longitudinal axis from a first portion of the second side to a free end. A fastener comprised of a first fastener element and a second fastener element is provided. The first fastener element is associated with the attachment member at the free end and the second fastener element is associated with the tubular member at a second portion of the second side. The first and second fastener elements are adapted to fasten to each other such that the attachment member forms a loop. The first fastener element and the second fastener element may form a one-time use fastener. Also provided are related systems and methods.




c

Method for controlling automatic head care system and automatic hair washing system, and automatic head care system

Provided is an automatic head care system and an automatic hair washing system for caring a person's head in a safe and effective manner without applying a straining force on the person's neck. In order to achieve the object, the following steps are performed in turn: a head receiving step in which a pair of arms 114L, 114R are placed at positions for receiving a person's head 10 on a suppotring body 112; a water washing step in which water ejected from a plurality of nozzles 110 is poured to the head 10 while the pair of arms 114L, 114R are swung; a shampoo step in which washing liquid ejected from the plurality of nozzles 110 is poured to the head 10 while the pair of arms 114L, 114R are swung; and a head care step in which the head 10 is cared by performing the push-rotating of the pair of arms 114L, 114R in the direction of approaching the head 10 so as to bring the plurality of contacts 109 into contact with the head 10 and by swinging the pair of arms 114L, 114R while moving the plurality of contacts 109.




c

Shower door assembly with an integral directional draining system

A shower door assembly with an integral directional draining system including a shower door frame having a frame body defining a horizontal drain channel and a plurality of drain holes, at least one side panel having a first end and a second end, the first end of the side panel being sized and configured to be fixedly attached to the frame body and the second end of the side panel further including a hinge mount, and at least one door defining a hinge mount rotatably connected to the hinge mount of the side panel and a door drain channel, the door having an upper portion and lower portion. The door of the present invention flares upward and bows outward such that the upper portion of the door is farther away from the shower door frame than the lower portion of the door.




c

Apparatus for waterfall effect

An apparatus that includes two separate reservoirs wherein the first reservoir is molded into the body of the larger artificial body of water and filled using a standard pump from the main body of water. From the larger body of water, the water is then moved upward through the apparatus through the manual opening of a valve assembly. Once the valve assembly is opened, the water moves through the valve assembly and through a grate and into a second reservoir. From this second reservoir, the water is pulled by the force gravity over the spillway into the main body of water, creating a clean, sheer waterfall effect.




c

Expandable rack for a sink




c

Lever control mechanism of a drain valve of a toilet tank

A lever control mechanism of a drain valve of a toilet tank has a lever assembly assembled in the wall of the toilet tank and a lever linked to the revolving shaft of the lever assembly. The lever assembly is connected to a deviator, which is disposed with a drive arm; the drive arm is connected to the revolving shaft. The deviator is disposed with a joint portion and at least a leading hole to limit the lever revolving vertically. One end of the lever is run through the leading hole to rotationally connect to the joint portion; the drive arm is revolved by the driving of the revolving shaft to drive the lever revolved in the fan shaped vertical surface limited formed by the joint portion and the leading hole.




c

Valve control system, bidet using the same, and valve control method

There are provided a valve control system, a bidet using the same, and a valve control method. The valve control system includes a latch valve controlling a stream of water in a pipe; a flow rate sensor measuring a flow rate in the pipe; and a valve control device controlling the operation of the latch valve. The valve control device determines whether or not the latch valve is malfunctioning upon analyzing a flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor. When the latch valve is malfunctioning, the valve control device controls the latch valve to re-operate.




c

Apparatus and method for treating excreta

Apparatus and method for automatically receiving and treating excreta. The apparatus for treating excreta according to the present invention includes: a port with an excreta-receiving portion for receiving the excreta of patients; an excreta storage unit which suctions and stores excreta from the excreta-receiving portion; an excreta suctioning unit which is connected to the excreta storage unit; a wash water supply unit which supplies wash water to the port, wherein the port has an air spray nozzle and an air intake port connected to an air intake line; and a flow channel switching unit, one side of which is selectively connected either to the excreta suctioning line or to the air intake line which are connected through the excreta storage unit, and the other side of which is connected to the excreta suctioning unit.




c

Integrated electronic shower system

An integrated bathroom electronic system including a plurality of sensors to detect conditions within a bathroom and to provide signals indicative thereof to a controller. A plurality of distinct and exclusive modules or subsystems are illustratively provided for integration into the system. Such modules may include a quick hot water module, a roman tub module, a custom shower module, a hands free faucet module, and a tub shower module. In certain illustrative shower modules, a user interface includes a plurality of user defined presets, each preset including a shower setting stored in memory.




c

Touchless faucet assembly and method of operation

A faucet assembly includes a base for mounting adjacent a basin of a sink and a spout projecting upward and outward away from the base and terminating at a water outlet. A light emitter is mounted to one section of the spout and emits a beam of light directed toward another section of the spout, wherein the beam of light does not intersect a region beneath the outlet. A light sensor, mounted to the spout, produces a signal indicating whether the beam of light is striking the light sensor. A control circuit responds to the signal by opening a valve that thereby conveys water to the spout.




c

Combination sink and countertop with a drawer

A vanity assembly is provided. The vanity assembly can comprise a base, side walls, and a combination sink and countertop. The sink can have a drainage section located near a back side of the sink. The vanity assembly can further comprise a drawer configured to move relative to the sink, the drawer extending in front of the sink and utilizing a substantial portion of the space in front of the sink's drain section for storage. The drawer can have side wall sections and a bottom section configured to facilitate storage of common household items.




c

Sink covering assembly

A sink covering assembly for selectively concealing the contents of a sink includes a screen with a peripheral edge. A plurality of suction cups is coupled to the screen adjacent to the peripheral edge of the screen. Each of the suction cups is configured for engaging a surface adjacent to a sink whereby the screen extends over and covers the sink.




c

Universal commode processing unit

A waste collection unit includes a motor supported by a housing. A fan is coupled to the motor by a first member configured to provide a rotational input speed. A liquid-gas separator is coupled to a second member configured to provide a rotational output speed. A speed reduction device is coupled to the first and second members. The speed reduction device is configured to provide a rotational output speed that is less than the rotational input speed. In another embodiment, the fan is arranged in the housing and is directly coupled to the motor by the first member. The fan includes first and second sides respectively including first and second pumping elements. A first waste collection line fluidly connects a urinal to the first side. A second waste collection line fluidly connects a fecal storage container to the second side.




c

Shower curtain rod assembly

A shower curtain-rod assembly is arranged to have distinct and structurally separate gravitational and torsional load bearing capabilities. The shower curtain may be formed with folded pockets to receive shower curtain stays. The pockets are made by creating overlapping layers of the shower curtain and then ultrasonically welding the overlapping layers together. The shower curtain-rod assembly includes a shower rod having an internal track, a shower ring coupled to a shower curtain stay, and rollers supported on the internal track and coupled to the stay. The internal track generally supports the weight of the shower curtain, the rollers, the stays, and the shower ring. In one embodiment, a channel formed in an outer wall of the shower rod cooperates with a torsional restraint tab extending from an inner surface of the shower ring, which is located over the shower rod.




c

Shower curtain incorporating entertainment system

A shower curtain is provided with two pockets adapted to receive spaced apart stereo speakers and a third pocket adapted to receive a personal entertainment system. The third pocket is provided with a clear inside window pane facing the inside of the shower and adapted for finger-touch control through the window pane. A closure system integral with the shower curtain is provided for external access to the pockets. In one embodiment, the closure system for access to the pockets is a tongue-in-groove fastening arrangement that provides external access to a personal entertainment system as well as a channel through which wires run to couple the entertainment system to the speakers.




c

Integrally formed water and space saving lavatory-toilet fixture

This integrally formed water and space saving lavatory-toilet fixture enables hand washing with potable water from an existing toilet, recycles effluent completely, and provides sanitary, seamless, one-piece, full perimeter tank closure. A flexible hose re-directs supply away from the overflow through an interior fixture cavity and top cast opening toward a basin, that drains back into the reservoir as effluent; supplementing the required volume of water to complete one flush cycle. A cast sidewall basin opening is formed allowing potential drainage to flow through an internal hollow cavity directly into the tank reservoir below. The integrally formed fixture also includes a sloped front wall allowing additional hand washing space, vertically aligned space saving side and rear walls, and, an integrally formed perimeter rim conforming to the shape of the toilet tank edging below, providing hygienic, continuous tank containment and secure, detachable mounting.