WO2023141165A1

WO2023141165A1 - Venturi device to displace air from plumbing fixture trapway

Info

Publication number: WO2023141165A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/011059
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert M. Jensen; Nitin S. KOLEKAR
Original assignee: As America, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-01-21
Filing date: 2023-01-18
Publication date: 2023-07-27

Abstract

A plumbing fixture system comprising a plumbing fixture bowl and a trapway fluidly coupled with the plumbing fixture bowl. The plumbing fixture system further comprises a Venturi device comprising an inlet and an outlet. The Venturi device forms an interior volume. The Venturi device further forming a channel from the inlet to the outlet. The interior volume is fluidly coupled to the channel. Liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet causes a first reduction in pressure in the interior volume. The plumbing fixture system further comprises a conduit extending from the interior volume of the Venturi device to the trapway. The first reduction in pressure in the interior volume of the Venturi device causes a second reduction in pressure in the trapway.

Description

VENTURI DEVICE TO DISPLACE AIR FROM PLUMBING FIXTURE TRAPWAY

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/301,943, filed January 21, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to plumbing fixture trapways, and in particular to Venturi devices to displace air from plumbing fixture trapways.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Plumbing fixtures are connected to plumbing systems to deliver and drain fluids (e.g., deliver potable water and drain waste water). To protect potable water supplies, voluntary and regulatory programs encourage and/or require water efficiency, such as by using water efficient plumbing fixtures.

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-D illustrate plumbing fixture systems, according to certain embodiments. [0006] FIGS. 2A-F illustrate Venturi devices, according to certain embodiments.

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

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method associated with Venturi devices, 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 a Venturi device to displace air from a plumbing fixture trapway.

[0011] Plumbing fixtures are connected to plumbing systems to deliver and drain fluids (e.g., deliver potable water and drain waste water). Plumbing fixtures include bathtubs, bidets, channel drains, drinking fountains, hose bibs, sinks (e.g., mop sinks, janitor sinks, kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, etc.), showers, urinals, toilets (e.g., water closets), etc.

[0012] 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 programs have enacted regulations that reduce the water demand required 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 end of the 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 lower MaP score. Use of conventional toilets that have low gpf and lower MaP scores can lead to multiple flushes per use (e.g., water inefficiency), increased maintenance and replacement of toilets, decreased sanitation, etc. Other types of conventional low usage water fixtures, such as low gpf urinals, may have similar shortcomings.

[0015] The devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure provide a Venturi device to displace air from a plumbing fixture trapway. Removing air from the plumbing fixture trapway helps move fluid and waste in the plumbing fixture bowl to the sewage piping with increased flush performance and without using as much water.

[0016] A plumbing fixture system includes a plumbing fixture bowl and a trapway fluidly coupled with the plumbing fixture bowl. In some embodiments, the plumbing fixture system includes a tank toilet, tankless toilet, or urinal that include a plumbing fixture bowl. In some embodiments, the trapway includes a sump trap, an upstream weir, a lower trap, and a downstream weir. The plumbing fixture system may include a dual trap plumbing fixture, dual seal plumbing fixture, double trap plumbing fixture, double trap siphonic plumbing fixture, etc.

[0017] The plumbing fixture system may include a Venturi device. The Venturi device may be disposed in the tank of a plumbing fixture, in the ceramic of a plumbing fixture, proximate a plumbing fixture, in the wall proximate a plumbing fixture, proximate a sensor or flush valve of a plumbing fixture, etc. The Venturi device includes sidewalls and a flowpath structure. The sidewalls form an interior volume and a port. The flowpath structure includes an inlet and outlet. The flowpath structure forms a channel between the inlet and the outlet and an opening. The interior volume and the channel are fluidly coupled via the opening. Liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet via the channel causes a reduction in pressure in the interior volume.

[0018] The plumbing fixture system further includes a conduit extending from the interior volume of the Venturi device to the trapway. The reduction in pressure in the interior volume of the Venturi device causes reduction in pressure in the trapway. The reduction of pressure in the trapway pulls fluid from the sump trap into the trapway which allows flushing of the plumbing fixture with water (e.g., lower gpf) and a higher performance (e.g., higher MaP). [0019] The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure have advantages over conventional solutions. The present disclosure provides a plumbing fixture that uses less water (e.g., lower gpf) at a higher performance (e.g., higher MaP) than conventional plumbing fixtures. This allows the present disclosure to evacuate the plumbing fixture with less flushes (e.g., one flush) per use (e.g., water efficiency), decreased maintenance and decreased replacement of plumbing fixtures, increased sanitation, etc.

[0020] Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure describe use of Venturi devices with toilets, in some embodiments, Venturi devices of the present disclosure may be used with other types of plumbing fixtures, such as urinals.

[0021] Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure describe plumbing fixture systems that use the Venturi effect to reduce pressure in the trapway, in some embodiments, plumbing fixture systems of the present disclosure may use other ways to reduce pressure in the trap way.

[0022] FIGS. 1A-D illustrate systems 100 (e.g., plumbing fixture systems, toilet assembly, urinal assembly), according to certain embodiments. [0023] System 100 may include a bowl 101, conduit 102, trapway 103, sump trap 104, and/or lower trap 105. System 100 may include a plumbing fixture 120 that includes bowl 101, conduit 102, trapway 103, sump trap 104, and/or lower trap 105. The plumbing fixture 120 may be a toilet (e.g., tank toilet, tankless toilet), urinal, and/or the like. Plumbing fixture 120 may include two traps (e.g., is a dual trap, double trap, double siphonic trap, etc.). A trap (e.g., sump trap 104, lower trap 105) maintains a liquid (e.g., water) barrier between gas (e.g., air) in the bowl 101 and air downstream from the bowl 101 (e.g., air from the sewer piping). Conventional single trap plumbing fixtures may lose the water barrier in the single trap by liquid being poured in the bowl 101 or urination without flushing and then the gas from the sewer piping can enter the room (e.g., restroom, bathroom) via the trap and bowl. A plumbing fixture 120 that has two traps (e.g., sump trap 104, lower trap 105) maintains a liquid barrier between gas (e.g., air) in the bowl 101 and air from the sewer piping even if sump trap 104 loses the liquid barrier (e.g., lower trap 105 continues to maintain a liquid barrier between bowl 101 and the sewer piping).

[0024] System 100 may include a Venturi device 130. Venturi device 130 may be located in the ceramic of the plumbing fixture 120, in a tank of the plumbing fixture, proximate a sensor of the plumbing fixture 120, in the wall proximate the plumbing fixture 120, etc. Venturi device 130 includes sidewalls 132 that form an interior volume 134 (e.g., cylindrical interior volume, rectangular prism interior volume, etc.). Venturi device 130 further includes a flowpath structure 140 that includes an inlet 142, outlet 144, and opening 146. The flowpath structure 140 forms a channel from the inlet 142 to the outlet 144. The channel is fluidly coupled with the interior volume 134 via the opening 146. Liquid (e.g., water) is disposed in the interior volume 134. Liquid flow via the flowpath structure 140 (e.g., entering inlet 142, going through the channel, and exiting outlet 144) causes a reduction in pressure in the interior volume 134 which causes a reduction in pressure in the trapway 103.

[0025] FIG. 1 A illustrates system 100 without liquid flow through the flowpath structure 140. In FIG. 1 A, liquid 122 is in sump trap 104, lower trap 105, and interior volume 134. In some embodiments, gas in the trapway 103 has a positive pressure compared to gas in the bowl 101 (e.g., atmospheric pressure) and gas downstream from the lower trap 105 (e.g., sewer piping pressure). In some embodiments (e.g., if a vent is provided), gas in the trapway 103 does not have a positive pressure compared to gas in the bowl 101 (e.g., atmospheric pressure) and gas downstream from the lower trap 105 (e.g., sewer piping pressure), [0026] FIG. IB illustrates system 100 responsive to starting liquid flow through flowpath structure 140. The liquid flow through flowpath structure 140 causes a reduction in pressure in the interior volume 134 and in the trapway 103. This causes gas from the trapway 103 to flow through the conduit 102 and enter the interior volume 134. Liquid 122 from the interior volume 134 may exit the Venturi device 130 via the opening 146 and then the outlet 144. As gas exits the trapway 103 via conduit 102, the liquid level in the bowl 101 decreases and the liquid 122 from the sump trap 104 moves towards the conduit 102. The liquid in lower trap 105 also moves towards conduit 102.

[0027] FIG. 1C illustrates system 100 responsive to further liquid flow through the flowpath structure 140. Level of liquid 122 (e.g., amount of liquid 122) in the interior volume 134 is further decreased and the liquid from the sump trap 104 and lower trap 105 is further moved towards the conduit 102. The conduit may have a valve (e.g., check valve, etc.) that allows gas to enter the conduit 102 and prevents liquid from entering the conduit 102.

[0028] By reducing the pressure in the trapway 103 (e.g., moving the liquid 122 from the sump trap 104 towards the conduit 102, system 100 provides a flush that can use less water (e.g., less gpf) and has a higher performance (e.g., higher MaP rating). In some embodiments, system 100 (e.g., toilet) operates (e.g., provides a flush) at less than about 1 gpf, less than about 0.9 gpf, or less than about 0.8 gpf (e.g., dual-seal toilet may have an efficient flush at 0.8 gpf).

[0029] Referring to FIG. ID, lower trap 105 is downstream of sump trap 104 and conduit 102 is coupled to trapway 103 at a position between lower trap 105 and sump trap 104. System 100 may include one or more of a rim outlet 106, rim channel 107, jet outlet 108, and/or trapway inlet 109. In some embodiments, system 100 has a rim or is rimless (e.g., rim port as shown in FIG. ID). System 100 may include a deck 110 (e.g., toilet deck). A toilet tank having a flush valve assembly positioned therein (not shown) may be positioned on deck 110. With a flush valve assembly in a closed position, an air volume defined by a combined volume of an upper end of interior volume 134 formed by Venturi device 130, conduit 102, and trapway portion 111 between sump trap 104 and lower trap 105 may be under a positive pressure. Trapway portion 111 may be defined as “portion between sump trap 104 and lower trap 105” (e.g., trapway portion 111 is from a downstream water level of sump trap 104 to upstream water level of lower trap 105). A positive pressure P is shown, which may for example be from about 0.5 cm to about 5.0 cm of water above atmospheric pressure. Pressure P results in the presence of a larger water spot 112 (water seal). Trapway 103 contains first upstream weir 113 and second downstream weir 114. In some embodiments, first upstream weir 113 may be about 3 inches (about 7.62 cm) vertically above trapway inlet 109 highest point 115. [0030] A bowl 101 (e.g., toilet bowl) includes a rim extending at least partially around an upper perimeter of the bowl 101, an interior surface, and a sump area (e.g., of sump trap 104). In some embodiments, a rim may define a rim channel 107 extending from a rim inlet port and around an upper perimeter of the bowl and having at least one rim outlet port (e.g., rim outlet 106) in fluid communication with an interior surface of the bowl 101. Liquid flow through a rim channel 107 may serve to clean the bowl 101. In an embodiment, a bowl 101 may have a rim shelf extending transversely along an interior surface of the bowl 101 from a rim inlet port at least partially around the bowl so that fluid is configured to travel along the rim shelf and enter the bowl 101 interior in at least one location displaced from the rim inlet port.

[0031] A bowl sump area (e.g., sump trap 104) is in fluid communication with a trapway inlet 109. A bowl sump area may define a sump trap 104. In some embodiments, a portion of an interior wall of the bowl 101 in the sump area may be configured to upwardly incline from a jet outlet port (e.g., jet outlet 108) toward the trapway inlet 109.

[0032] The sump area of the bowl 101 in one embodiment has a sump trap 104 defined by the interior surface of the bowl 101 and having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end of the sump trap 104 receives fluid from the jet outlet port (e.g., jet outlet 108) and/or the interior area of the bowl 101 and the outlet end of the sump trap 104 is in fluid communication with the trapway inlet 109; and where the sump trap 104 has a seal depth. An upper surface or uppermost point of the jet outlet port (e.g., jet outlet 108) may be within the sump trap 104 and positioned at a seal depth below an upper surface of the trapway inlet 109 as measured longitudinally (vertically) through the sump area. In some embodiments, a sump trap seal depth may be from any of about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm or about 5 cm to any of about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 11 cm, about 12 cm, about 13 cm, about 14 cm or about 15 cm or more.

[0033] In some embodiments, a system 100 (e.g., plumbing fixture 120, such as a toilet assembly) may include a jet defining at least one jet channel, the jet channel extending from a jet inlet port in fluid communication with a flush valve (e.g., flush valve assembly 344 of FIG. 3A) to a jet outlet port (e.g., jet outlet 108) positioned in a bowl sump area and configured for discharging fluid through the sump area to a trapway 103. In some embodiments, a jet channel, once primed with fluid, is capable of remaining primed before actuation of and after completion of a flush cycle.

[0034] A trapway 103 is in fluid communication with a sump area of a bowl 101 (e.g., toilet bowl) and with a waste outflow line (e.g., sewer piping). In some embodiments, a trapway 103 may have a shape defining a first upstream weir 113 and a second downstream weir 114. A trap way 103 may include a sump trap 104, the sump trap 104 providing a bowl water spot 112 (water seal). A trapway 103 may also include a lower trap 105 positioned downstream of a sump trap 104. A first upstream weir 113 may be positioned in a trapway portion 111 defined from a downstream water level of a sump trap 104 to an upstream water level of a lower trap 105 (between the sump trap 104 and lower trap 105). In some embodiments, a conduit 102 may be coupled to a trapway portion 111 between the sump trap 104 and lower trap 105. In some embodiments, a conduit 102 may be coupled to a trapway portion 111 at or near a first upstream weir 113.

[0035] In some embodiments, a conduit portion (e.g., conduit 102) coupled to a trapway 103 may be integrally formed in chinaware, and may be configured to couple to a conduit portion (e.g., conduit) of a flush valve assembly (e.g., flush valve assembly 344 of FIG. 3 A). In other embodiments, a conduit portion (e.g., conduit 102) coupled to a trapway 103 may include (e.g., may be made of) a thermoplastic. In some embodiments, a conduit 102 running from a flush valve assembly 344 to a trapway 103 may be a unitary structure, or may include two or more separate segments coupled together. A conduit 102 in total includes conduit portions from an upper end to a connection point at a trapway 103.

[0036] In some embodiments, a first upstream weir 113 (a highest point of the weir) may be positioned about 2.0 inches or more vertically above an upper point (highest point) of a trapway inlet 109. In some embodiments a first upstream weir 113 may be positioned from any of about 2.0 inches, about 2.2 inches, about 2.4 inches, about 2.6 inches, or about 2.8 inches, to any of about 2.9 inches, about 3.0 inches, about 3.2 inches, about 3.3 inches, about 3.4 inches, about 3.5 inches, about 3.6 inches, about 3.7 inches, about 3.8 inches, about 4.0 inches, or more, vertically above a trapway inlet 198 upper point 115.

[0037] In some embodiments, a first upstream weir 113 may positioned at a height which is vertically higher than a toilet bowl water seal. This arrangement may prevent inadvertent emptying of the sump trap 104 and the lower trap 105 via a siphon effect. Emptying of the sump trap 104 and the lower trap 105 may occur if a volume of fluid is placed in the bowl 101 without flushing, and would result in an undesired loss of a water seal. In some embodiments, a first upstream weir 113 may be positioned at a height of from any of about 0.2 inches, about 0.3 inches, about 0.4 inches, about 0.5 inches, or about 0.6 inches, to any of about 0.7 inches, about 0.8 inches, about 0.9 inches, about 1.0 inches, about 1.1 inches, about 1.2 inches, about 1.3 inches, about 1.4 inches, about 1.5 inches, about 1.6 inches, about 1.7 inches, or more, above a toilet bowl water seal.

[0038] FIGS. 2A-F illustrate cross-sectional views of Venturi devices 130, according to certain embodiments.

[0039] In some embodiments, FIGS. 2A-B illustrate Venturi acting on piston 210 to displace air from trapway 103 (e.g., toilet trapway). Venturi device 130 may include sidewalls 132 (e.g., cylinder housing) that form an interior volume 134. The sidewalls 132 may be connected to conduit 102 via a port 212 of the Venturi device 130 so that a channel formed by the conduit 102 is fluidly coupled with the interior volume 134. Venturi device 130 may further include a flowpath structure 140 (e.g., lower cylinder) that forms an inlet 142 (e.g., connected to a water supply), a channel 230, and outlet 144. In some embodiments, the inlet 142 has a smaller diameter than the outlet 144. In some embodiments, the inlet 142 has sidewalls that are substantially parallel and the outlet 144 has sidewalls that are tapered from a smaller distance from each other proximate the inlet 142 to a larger distance from each other further away from the inlet 142. In some embodiments, the outlet 144 has flared sidewalls proximate the inlet 142 (e.g., the sidewalls protrude outwards opposite from the interior of the outlet). In some embodiments, the opening 146 (e.g., fluid transfer port) is separate from the inlet 142 and outlet 144. In some embodiments, the opening 146 is formed by the inlet 142 and/or outlet 144. In some embodiments, the flowpath structure 140 and the sidewalls 132 are one integral component. In some embodiments, the flowpath structure 140 and the sidewalls 132 are separate components.

[0040] A piston 210 is disposed in the interior volume 134 of the sidewalls 132. Piston 210 separates gas 220 (e.g., air) from liquid 122 (e.g., water). In some embodiments, the piston 210 is substantially sealed (e.g., via gaskets, such as O-rings) to the interior surface of the sidewalls 132. In some embodiments, piston 210 is floating in the liquid 122 in interior volume 134. In some embodiments, a resilient device (e.g., spring, coil, etc.) pushes the piston 210 towards the conduit 102. The resilient device pushing the piston 210 towards the conduit 102 may cause liquid 122 to enter the interior volume 134 (e.g., via opening 146, from the flowpath structure 140, via inlet 142 and/or outlet 144).

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2A, responsive to no liquid flow 232 (e.g., flow off, steady state condition) through flowpath structure 140, piston 210 is disposed proximate conduit 102, gas 220 is in the conduit 102, and liquid 122 is in the interior volume 134.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2B, responsive to liquid flow 232 through flowpath structure 140 (e.g., activated condition, solenoid activated by controller 364), liquid 122 enters inlet 142 (e.g., from a water supply), flows through channel 230, and exits via outlet 144 (e.g., into tank 343), causing a reduction of pressure in the interior volume 134. The liquid flow 232 generates a vacuum to exhaust water from the interior volume 134 below the piston 210. The interior volume 134 above the piston 210 draws gas 220 from the trapway 103 by the vacuum generated by the falling piston 210. The liquid flow 232 can be activated by an electronic solenoid (e.g., solenoid 360) or other device. The reduction of pressure may cause liquid 122 to exit the interior volume 134, piston 210 to move away from conduit 102 towards flowpath structure 140, and gas flow 222 from trapway 103, via conduit 102, and to interior volume 134 (e.g., to fill an upper portion of interior volume 134 with gas 220).

[0043] After FIG. 2B, the Venturi device 130 returns to FIG. 2A (e.g., reset condition) responsive to the controller 364 turning off the solenoid 360. A resilient device (e.g., spring) in the interior volume 134 between the piston 210 and the flowpath structure 140 may return the piston to the upper position proximate conduit 102, shuttling gas 220 back into the trapway 103 (e.g., causing a positive pressure in the trapway 103).

[0044] Although FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a Venturi device 130 that has an interior volume 134 with a substantially rectangular profile (e.g., a cylindrical interior volume) and a piston 210, the interior volume 134 may be of different sizes and shapes and may not include a piston 210.

[0045] In some embodiments, FIGS. 2C-D illustrate Venturi acting on diaphragm 240 to displace gas 220 (e.g., air) from a trapway 103 (e.g., toilet trapway). Venturi devices 130 of FIGS. 2C-D may include some of the same features as the Venturi devices 130 of FIGS. 2A- B. The sidewalls 132 may form a substantially circular or oval-shaped profile (e.g., spherical or ovoid interior volume 134). A diaphragm 240 may be located in the interior volume 134. The diaphragm 240 may be secured to the sidewalls 132. For example, the sidewalls 132 may include an upper portion and a lower portion and the diaphragm 240 may be secured between the upper portion and the lower portion. Gas 220 may be disposed above the diaphragm 240 and liquid 122 may be disposed below the diaphragm 240.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2C, responsive to no liquid flow 232 (e.g., steady state condition) through flowpath structure 140, liquid 122 may be in the interior volume 134 below the diaphragm 240 and gas 220 may be in the interior volume 134 formed by the sidewalls 132 (e.g., rigid housing) above the diaphragm 240 (e.g., elastomeric diaphragm). The portion of the interior volume 134 between the conduit 102 and the diaphragm 240 may be an air chamber and the portion of the interior volume 134 between the diaphragm 240 and the flowpath structure 140 may be a water chamber. The water chamber may be fluidly coupled to the flowpath structure 140 via opening 146 (e.g., fluid transfer port). Opening 146 may allow liquid 122 to flow between water chamber and the flowpath structure 140. The inlet 142 of the flowpath structure 140 may be connected to a water supply that is activated via an electronic solenoid (e.g., solenoid 360) or other device.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2D, liquid flow 232 (e.g., activated condition, solenoid 360 activated by controller 364) through the flowpath structure 140 may cause a reduction in pressure in the interior volume 134 which causes liquid 122 to move from the interior volume 134 into the flowpath structure 140 and causes diaphragm 240 to move towards the flowpath structure 140. As diaphragm 240 moves towards flowpath structure 140 (e.g., diaphragm is disposed against lower portion of sidewalls 132), gas flow 222 from the trapway 103, through conduit 102, and into the interior volume 134 (e.g., to fill the interior volume 134 with gas 220). The liquid flow 232 via the flowpath structure 140 generates a vacuum exhausting water from the portion of the interior volume 134 between the diaphragm 240 and the flowpath structure 140 and causes gas 220 to be drawn into the portion of the interior volume 134 between the diaphragm 240 and the conduit 102 from the trapway 103.

[0048] After FIG. 2D, the Venturi device 130 returns to FIG. 2C (e.g., reset condition) responsive to the controller 364 turning off the solenoid 360. The diaphragm 240 returns to a neutral or middle position shuttling the gas 220 back into the trapway 103 (e.g., causing a positive pressure in the trapway 103).

[0049] In some embodiments, Venturi device 130 does not have a component separating the liquid 122 from the gas 220 in the interior volume 134. For example, Venturi devices 130 of FIGS. 2E-F may be similar to FIGS. 2A-B without a piston separating liquid 122 from the gas 220 in the interior volumel34. In another example, Venturi devices 130 of FIGS. 2C-D may not have a diaphragm separating liquid 122 from the gas 220 in the interior volumel34. [0050] FIGS. 2E-F illustrate Venturi acting on a body of liquid 122 (e.g., body of water) to displace gas 220 (e.g., air) from a trapway 103 (e.g., toilet trapway).

[0051] FIG. 2E illustrates a steady state condition. The sidewalls 132 (e.g., cylinder housing) contains a volume of liquid 122. The level of the liquid 122 (e.g., water level) may be dictated by the exterior tank water level. A lower portion of the Venturi device 130 includes a flowpath structure 140 and an opening 146 (e.g., fluid transfer port). The Venturi device 130 has an inlet 142 that is connected to a water supply. Liquid flow 232 enters the inlet and exits via outlet 144. The water supply can be activated by an electronic solenoid (e.g., solenoid 360) or other device. [0052] FIG. 2F illustrates an activated condition. A solenoid 360 is activated by a controller 364 to cause liquid flow 232 through the flowpath structure 140 to generate a vacuum exhausting liquid 122 from the interior volume 134. As the level of the liquid 122 (e.g., water level) drops within the interior volume 134, gas 220 is drawn from the trapway 103 by the vacuum generated by exhausting liquid 122.

[0053] After FIG. 2F, the Venturi device 130 returns to FIG. 2E (e.g., reset condition) responsive to the controller 364 turning off the solenoid 360. The level of liquid 122 (e.g., water level) within the chamber is returned to a starting level by liquid 122 flowing into the interior volume 134 through the opening 146 (e.g., transfer port) as the exterior tank refills to a predetermined level. The liquid 122 may flow into outlet 144 and then through opening 146 to the interior volume 134.

[0054] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate systems 100 (e.g., plumbing fixture systems), according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, FIG. 3 A illustrates a tank system and FIG. 3B illustrates a tankless (e.g., flushometer valve, flush valve) system.

[0055] FIG. 3 A illustrates a tank assembly 340 of a system 100 (e.g., plumbing fixture system), according to certain embodiments.

[0056] Tank assembly 340 includes a tank 343 and tank lid 350. Tank 343 forms a tank outlet 345. Tank assembly 340 may include a fill valve 341, a flush valve assembly 344 (e.g., siphon flush assembly), a Venturi device 130, a solenoid 360, a user interface 362, a conduit 102, and a controller 364.

[0057] In some embodiments, tank assembly 340 includes a T-connection providing liquid flow to both solenoid 360 (e.g., independent solenoid valve) and fill valve 341. The T- connection may be outside of the tank 343 or inside the tank 343. In some embodiments, solenoid 360 (e.g., solenoid valve) and fill valve 341 may be in-line (e.g., as shown in FIG.

3 A). Outlet of the fill valve 341 to fill the tank 343 with fluid may be positioned above (e.g., just above) the solenoid 360 (e.g., solenoid valve) along the shaft (e.g., shown between solenoid 360 and fill valve 341 in FIG. 3A) so that the solenoid 360 is under pressure (e.g., always under pressure) and can operate independently of the float mechanism of the fill valve 341.

[0058] Tank 343 includes liquid 122 and a water level W. Conduit 102 is configured to fluidly couple with trapway between a bowl sump trap and a lower trap. A “conduit” may be from an upper end of a conduit to a connection point at a trapway. Tank assembly 340 may be positioned on deck 110 of plumbing fixture 120 (e.g., see FIG. ID). [0059] In some embodiments, system 100 is fully electronic, with the Venturi Device 130 and the flush valve assembly 344 being operated electronically via controller 364. In some embodiments, system is partially manual and partially electronic, where the flush valve assembly 344 is operated manually (e.g., via user interface 362 of a lever) and the Venturi device is operated electronically. For example, a sensor may provide sensor data (e.g., indicative that the flush valve assembly 344 has been manually operated) to the controller 364 and the controller 364 may send a signal to the solenoid 360 to operate the Venturi 130. In some embodiments, system 100 is fully manual. A manual valve may be located at solenoid 360. Actuation of user interface 362 of a lever may cause flush valve assembly 344 to be actuated and may open manual valve (e.g., at the location of solenoid 360). In some embodiments, system 100 may include a manual offset timer that causes flush valve assembly 344 or manual valve to be actuated a predetermined amount of time after the other responsive to the lever of user interface 362 being actuated.

[0060] Conventionally, water supply line to the tank assembly 340 provides liquid 122 to fill valve 341. Referring to FIG. 3 A, water supply line may branch (e.g., via a t-section) to the fill valve 341 and to the Venturi device 130. One or more solenoids 360 may cause the liquid 122 to be selectively provided to the Venturi device 130 and the fill valve 341.

[0061] A control system may include one or more of solenoid 360 (e.g., solenoid valve), user interface 362 (e.g., one or more sensors, button, etc.), controller 364, power source (e.g., battery), etc. In some embodiments, control system includes Venturi device 130. At least a portion of control system may be disposed in tank 343 and/or coupled to tank 343. Controller 364 is in electrical communication with a power source (e.g., battery, etc.), with a user interface 362 (e.g., user input, user input device), and with a solenoid 360 (e.g., solenoid valve). Electrical communication between power controller 364, user interface 362, and/or solenoid 360 may be wired or wireless.

[0062] Controller 364 may cause the solenoid 360 to provide liquid flow 232 through Venturi device 130 and then open flush valve assembly 344 to allow liquid 122 from tank 343 to flow into bowl 101. As the water level W lowers by the liquid 122 flowing into bowl 101, fill valve 341 starts providing liquid flow (e.g., into tank 343 and bowl 101). In some embodiments, an opening of a flush valve 341 and opening of a solenoid 360 to direct fluid through a Venturi device 130 may be simultaneous or one may open before or after the other. [0063] An interior volume 134 of Venturi device 130 may contain liquid 122 (e.g., a toilet tank water portion) and gas 220 (e.g., an air portion) between flush cycles. Water level W represents a toilet water tank level prior to initiation of a flush cycle (between flush cycles), according to an embodiment. Interior volume 134 of Venturi device 130 may hold liquid 122 from tank 343 (e.g., tank water) from level W to a lower surface of Venturi device 130 and may hold gas 220 (e.g., an air portion) from water level W to an upper interior surface when at rest between flush cycles. The Venturi device 130 may be in fluid communication with the tank 343 via outlet 144 (e.g., liquid 122 enters Venturi device 130 from tank 343 between flush cycles).

[0064] The system 100 (e.g., tank assembly 340) 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).

[0065] 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 343 (e.g., positioned over the back of bowl 101) contains liquid 122 that is used to initiate siphoning from the bowl 101 to sewer piping (e.g., a sewage line), after which liquid 122 (e.g., fresh water) refills the bowl 101. User interface 362 may receive user input (e.g., manipulation of a flush lever on the outside of the tank 343 that is connected to a movable chain or lever, actuating a button on the tank lid 350 or proximate tank 343, actuating a sensor proximate tank 343). 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. Upon receiving user input, the flush valve assembly 344 may be actuated (e.g., flush lever moves chain or lever on tank interior, thereby lifting and opening a flush valve of the flush valve assembly 344) and cause liquid 122 to flow from the tank 343 to the bowl 101 to initiate a flush cycle (e.g., toilet flush cycle).

[0066] The liquid 122 may flow directly into the bowl 101 and disperse into a bowl rim. The liquid 122 may release into the bowl rim quickly, with flow from the tank 343 into the bowl lasting about 2 to about 4 seconds. The liquid 122 may flow from the rim, down a channel within the sides of the bowl 101 and into a large hole at the bottom of the plumbing fixture 120 (e.g., siphon jet) which releases liquid into an adjoining siphon tube to initiate a siphon action. The siphon action draws liquid 122 and waste out of the bowl 101 and into the siphon tube. Waste and liquid 122 continues through the siphon tube and throw the trapway 103 and is released into the sewer piping (e.g., wastewater line). Once a tank 343 is emptied of liquid 122, the flush valve assembly 344 closes (e.g., closes the tank outlet 345) and a floating mechanism (e.g., coupled to fill valve 341) that is has now dropped in the tank 343 initiates opening of a fill valve 341. The fill valve 341 provides liquid 122 (e.g., fresh water) to both the tank 343 and the bowl 101 through separate flows. The tank 343 fills with water to a high enough level to cause the float to rise, thus shutting off the fill valve 341. At this point, the cycle is complete.

[0067] A siphon flush assembly may include a flush valve assembly 344 and a Venturi device 130. Venturi device 130 may have sidewalls 132 including a continuous side wall and top wall (upper end). A continuous wall may include side walls of a rectangular-shaped box-like structure, a cylinder-like structure, or an irregular structure. In some embodiments, an upper end may include a cylinder-shaped opening to receive a conduit 102. The opening in the upper end may generally be centered, or may be off-center.

[0068] In some embodiments, Venturi device 130 may have other shapes, for example a cylinder-like shape, pyramid-like shape, a sphere- or spheroidal-like shape, an ovoid shape, a cone shape, an ellipsoid-like shape, partial shapes thereof, and the like.

[0069] In some embodiments, a siphon flush assembly includes a Venturi device 130 having an open lower portion (e.g., outlet 144) and a closed upper portion (e.g., coupled to conduit 102). A conduit 102 runs from the interior volume 134 to a trapway 103, and provides flow communication between the interior volume 134 and the trap way 103.

[0070] In a pre-flush condition (between flush cycles), a water level W (e.g., toilet tank water level) may be positioned at, near, or below a top upper edge of Venturi device 130 and above outlet 144. In some embodiments, a Venturi device 130 may have a closed upper end (e.g., coupled to conduit 102). In a pre-flush condition (e.g., flush valve assembly 344 in a closed position prior to initiation of a flush cycle), a Venturi device 130 may contain a level of toilet tank water in a lower end and an air portion in an upper end. In some embodiments, an upper portion of Venturi device 130 is positioned above a toilet tank water level with a flush valve assembly 344 in a closed position. Conduit 102 may be connected to the Venturi device 130 in the air portion. In some embodiments, a Venturi device 130 may contain substantially no air between flush cycles

[0071] A flush cycle is completed upon re-filling the tank 343, a sump trap 104, and a lower trap 105. Upon completion of a flush cycle, new liquid 122 (e.g., flush water) entering the tank 343 also enters the interior volume 134 of Venturi device 130 via outlet 144. Entry of water into the interior volume 134 may compress gas 220 (e.g., air) into an interior volume 134 upper end, and may return a gas volume defined by an interior volume 134 upper end, a conduit 102, and a trapway portion between a sump trap 104 and a lower trap 105 to atmospheric pressure or a positive pressure (increased pressure) above atmospheric. In some embodiments, a positive air pressure above atmospheric may be from any of about 0.5 cm of water, about 0.8 cm of water, about

1.1 cm of water, about 1.4 cm of water, about 1.7 cm of water, about 2.0 cm of water, about 2.3 cm of water, about 2.6 cm of water, or about 2.9 cm of water, to any of about

3.2 cm of water, about 3.5 cm of water, about 3.8 cm of water, about 4.1 cm of water, about 4.4 cm of water, about 4.7 cm of water, about 5.0 cm of water, or more.

[0072] Upon initiation of a flush cycle, liquid 122 (e.g., flush water) is discharged from the tank 343 and through the flush valve assembly 344 (e.g., via tank outlet 345).

Water flowing through the Venturi device 130 creates a negative pressure on the gas volume defined by the interior volume 134 upper end, conduit 102, and trapway portion between a sump trap 104 and a lower trap 105. Water flowing through the Venturi device 130 may be pressurized water (e.g., tap water pressure). The negative pressure (reduced pressure) may mean a drop to atmospheric pressure or a partial vacuum. The negative pressure helps create a siphon to pull liquid 122 and waste through the sump area and into and out of the trapway 103.

[0073] In some embodiments, a conduit 102 may include a backflow preventer to prevent waste water from entering the conduit 102.

[0074] In some embodiments, a system 100 (e.g., tank assembly) may be configured for an operator to choose (e.g., via user interface 362) 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 example about 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 362) 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 344.

[0075] A flush valve assembly 344 may include a flush valve body extending from a flush valve inlet to a flush valve outlet. In a closed position, a valve cover is positioned with a seal seated on and enclosing a flush valve inlet. In some embodiments, a seal may comprise an elastomer or other flexible polymer, for example flexible silicone or polyvinyl chloride. In some embodiments, a valve cover may be coupled to a chain or lever (e.g., of user interface 362) configured to lift the valve cover and open the valve. [0076] In some embodiments, a flush valve body may include a radiused (rounded) fluid inlet. In some embodiments, a radiused flush valve inlet may have an outer diameter of from any of about 3.7 inches, about 3.8 inches, about 4.0 inches, about 4.2 inches, about 4.4 inches, or about 4.6 inches, to any of about 4.8 inches, about 5.0 inches, about 5.2 inches, about 5.4 inches, or more. In some embodiments, a radiused flush valve inlet may have an inner diameter of from any of about 2.6 inches, about 2.8 inches, about 3.0 inches, or about 3.2 inches, to any of about 3.4 inches, about 3.6 inches, about 3.8 inches, about 4.0 inches, or more.

[0077] In some embodiments, a flush valve body may include an annular base section having a fluid outlet. In some embodiments, an annular base section and fluid outlet may have an inner diameter of from any of about 2.4 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.6 inches, about 2.7 inches, about 2.8 inches, or about 2.9 inches, to any of about 3.0 inches, about 3.1 inches, about 3.2 inches, about 3.3 inches, about 3.4 inches, about 3.5 inches, about 3.6 inches, about 3.7 inches, about 3.8 inches, about 3.9 inches, about 4.0 inches, or more.

[0078] In some embodiments, a flush valve body may have a tapered portion, wherein a flush valve body inner diameter gradually decreases. In some embodiments, a flush valve body may comprise a tapered portion wherein the flush valve body inner diameter gradually decreases from a radiused fluid inlet to an annular base portion. [0079] In some embodiments, when installed in a tank 343 (e.g., toilet tank), a flush valve body may extend from at or about at a toilet tank floor surface to a flush valve outlet. In other embodiments, when installed in a toilet tank, a flush valve body may extend from above a toilet tank floor surface to a flush valve outlet.

[0080] In some embodiments, a flush valve body may have an overflow tube coupled to it. In some embodiments, an overflow tube may be coupled to a flush valve body tapered section. An overflow tube may be in flow communication with the valve body. In some embodiments, a fill valve may be configured to provide fresh flush water to a bowl 101 via an overflow tube after a flush has been performed. In other embodiments, a flush valve assembly 344 comprises no overflow tube. In some embodiments, bowl 101 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 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).

[0081] Suitable flush valve assemblies are shown in US8079095, according to some embodiments. The relevant portions of US8079095 are incorporated by reference.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3B, system 100 may be a tankless system. System 100 may include a flush valve assembly 344 that provides liquid 122 into bowl 101. The flush valve assembly 344 may provide liquid flow 232 through Venturi device 130 to bowl 101. In some embodiments, all of liquid 122 from flush valve assembly 344 to bowl 101 goes through Venturi device 130. In some embodiments, a portion of liquid 122 from flush valve assembly 344 to bowl 101 goes through Venturi device 130. In some embodiments, a solenoid 360 controls liquid flow 232 through Venturi device 130. In some embodiments, controller 264 provides liquid flow through Venturi device 130 (e.g., which goes into bowl 101) to pull gas 220 from trapway 103 and then provides liquid flow directly into bowl 101 (e.g., bypassing Venturi device 130).

[0083] The liquid flow 232 through Venturi device 130 causes a vacuum in the interior volume 134 of the Venturi device 130 which pulls gas 220 from the trapway 103 via conduit 102. The liquid 122 and gas 220 in the interior volume 134 may be separated by a piston 210 or diaphragm 240. The interior volume 134 of the Venturi device 130 may be re-filled by a resilient device (e.g., spring) pushing piston 210 towards the conduit or diaphragm 240 moving towards the neutral position. In some embodiments, a controller 364 may cause piston 210 to be actuated towards the conduit 102 to refill the interior volume 134 with liquid 122. In some embodiments, a valve between outlet 144 and bowl 101 may be controlled by controller 364 to close to allow interior volume 134 to be re-filled with liquid 122.

[0084] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 400 associated with Venturi devices (e.g., Venturi devices 130 of one or more of FIGS. 1 A-3), according to 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 364 of FIG. 3A). [0085] 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.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, at block 402 the processing logic receives user input associated with flushing a plumbing fixture. In some embodiments, the plumbing fixture is a toilet (e.g., tank toilet, tankless toilet) or a urinal. In some embodiments, the plumbing fixture has at least two traps (e.g., sump trap and lower trap). In some embodiments, the user input is via actuation of 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).

[0087] At block 404, the processing logic causes first liquid flow through a Venturi device to reduce pressure in an interior volume of the Venturi device and a trapway of the plumbing fixture. The trapway may be fluidly coupled with the interior volume via a conduit. The processing logic may cause the first liquid flow via actuation of a solenoid. The processing logic may cause the first liquid flow responsive to the user input via user interface 362. The processing logic may cause an amount of liquid flow (e.g., amount of time of opening the solenoid) based on the user input (e.g., type of flush, gpf of flush indicated by the user input). [0088] The first liquid flow may be via a channel formed by the Venturi device (e.g., formed by a flowpath structure of the Venturi device). The channel is fluidly coupled to the interior volume of the Venturi device.

[0089] At block 406, the processing logic causes second liquid flow into a bowl of the plumbing fixture. The processing logic may cause the second liquid flow via actuation of a solenoid. The processing logic may cause the second flow via actuation of a flush valve (e.g., lifting of a flush valve, actuation of flush valve assembly 344). The actuation of the flush valve may cause second liquid flow from a tank of the plumbing fixture to the bowl of the plumbing fixture. In some embodiments, processing logic causes second liquid flow of block 406 a predetermined amount of time after the first liquid flow of block 404. In some embodiments, processing logic provides first liquid flow of block 404 and second liquid flow of block 406 at substantially the same time. In some embodiments, an opening of a flush valve and opening of a solenoid to direct fluid through a Venturi device may be simultaneous or one may open before or after the other.

[0090] In some embodiments, a fill valve provides liquid into tank 343 and/or bowl 101 responsive to block 406. In some embodiments, the processing logic causes fill valve 341 to provide liquid into tank 343 and/or bowl 101. In some embodiments, water level of the tank lowering (e.g., responsive to second liquid flow of block 406), causes fill valve to provide liquid into the tank 343 and/or bowl 101.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 500, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is a controller 364 of FIG. 3A.

[0092] 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 or bridge, 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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) or a 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).

[0095] 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. [0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[00100] 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.

[00101] 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.

[00102] 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 used in 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. [00103] 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.

[00104] 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.

[00105] 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 may be 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.

[00106] 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.

[00107] 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 or B” 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%. [00108] 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.

[00109] Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure. [00110] In a first embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture system comprising: a plumbing fixture bowl; a trapway fluidly coupled with the plumbing fixture bowl; a Venturi device comprising an inlet and an outlet, the Venturi device forming an interior volume, the Venturi device further forming a channel from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the interior volume is fluidly coupled to the channel, wherein liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet causes a first reduction in pressure in the interior volume; and a conduit extending from the interior volume of the Venturi device to the trapway, wherein the first reduction in pressure in the interior volume of the Venturi device causes a second reduction in pressure in the trap way.

[00111] In a second embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the plumbing fixture system comprises a tank toilet, a tankless toilet, or a urinal.

[00112] In a third embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the trapway comprises a sump trap, an upstream weir, a lower trap, and a downstream weir, and wherein the conduit is coupled to the trapway at a position between the sump trap and the lower trap.

[00113] In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the Venturi device comprises a piston disposed between liquid and gas in the interior volume, wherein the first reduction in pressure causes the piston to move towards the channel and causes additional gas to enter the interior volume from the trap way.

[00114] In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the Venturi device further comprises a resilient device disposed between the piston and the channel, wherein the resilient device causes the piston to move away from the channel responsive to fluid not flowing through the channel. [00115] In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the Venturi device comprises a diaphragm disposed between liquid and gas in the interior volume, wherein the first reduction in pressure causes the diaphragm to move towards the channel and causes additional gas to enter the interior volume from the trap way.

[00116] In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a plumbing fixture assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments further comprising a controller configured to cause the liquid flow from the inlet and to the outlet. [00117] In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a Venturi device comprising: sidewalls forming an interior volume and a port, wherein the port is configured to be fluidly coupled with a trapway of a plumbing fixture via a conduit; and a flowpath structure comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the flowpath structure forms a channel and an opening, wherein the interior volume and the channel are fluidly coupled via the opening, and wherein liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet via the channel causes a reduction in pressure in the interior volume and in the trapway.

[00118] In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a Venturi device according to embodiment 8, wherein the plumbing fixture is a tank toilet, a tankless toilet, or a urinal.

[00119] In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a Venturi device according to any of embodiments 8-9, wherein the trapway comprises a sump trap, an upstream weir, a lower trap, and a downstream weir, and wherein the conduit is coupled to the trapway at a position between the sump trap and the lower trap.

[00120] In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a Venturi device according to any of embodiments 8-10 further comprising a piston disposed between liquid and gas in the interior volume, wherein the reduction in pressure causes the piston to move towards the channel and causes additional gas to enter the interior volume from the trapway.

[00121] In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a Venturi device according to any of embodiments 8-11 further comprising a resilient device disposed between the piston and the channel, wherein the resilient device causes the piston to move away from the channel responsive to fluid not flowing through the channel.

[00122] In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a Venturi device according to any of embodiments 8-12 further comprising a diaphragm disposed between liquid and gas in the interior volume, wherein the reduction in pressure causes the diaphragm to move towards the channel and causes additional gas to enter the interior volume from the trapway.

[00123] In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a Venturi device according to any of embodiments 8-13, wherein a controller is configured to cause the liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet.

[00124] In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a method comprising: receiving user input associated with flushing a plumbing fixture; responsive to the user input, causing first liquid flow through a Venturi device to reduce pressure in an interior volume of the Venturi device and a trapway of the plumbing fixture, the trapway being fluidly coupled with the interior volume via a conduit; and responsive to the causing of the first liquid flow, causing second liquid flow into a plumbing fixture bowl of the plumbing fixture. [00125] In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a method according to embodiment 15, wherein the user input is via a lever or a button.

[00126] In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a method according to any of embodiments 15-16, wherein the user input is received via a motion sensor.

[00127] In am eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a method according to any of embodiments 15-17, wherein the causing of the first liquid flow or the second liquid flow is via actuation of a corresponding solenoid.

[00128] In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a method according to any of embodiments 15-18, wherein the causing of the second liquid flow is via actuation of a flush valve.

[00129] In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a method according to any of embodiments 15-19, wherein the first liquid flow is via a channel formed by the Venturi device, and wherein the channel is fluidly coupled to the interior volume of the Venturi device.

[00130] In a twenty-first embodiment, disclosed is a control system comprising: a user interface configured to receive user input associated with flushing a plumbing fixture; and a controller configured to: receive the user input; responsive to the user input, cause first liquid flow through a Venturi device to reduce pressure in an interior volume of the Venturi device and a trapway of the plumbing fixture, the trapway being fluidly coupled with the interior volume via a conduit; and responsive to causing the first liquid flow, cause second liquid flow into a plumbing fixture bowl of the plumbing fixture.

[00131] In a twenty-second embodiment, disclosed is a control system according to embodiment 21 that further comprises a solenoid valve, wherein the controller is to cause the first liquid flow by actuating the solenoid valve.

[00132] In a twenty-third embodiment, disclosed is a control system according to any of embodiments 21-22 that further comprises a power source electrically coupled to the controller, the user interface, and the solenoid valve.

[00133] In a twenty-fourth embodiment, disclosed is a control system according to any of embodiments 21-23, wherein the Venturi device comprises sidewalls and a flowpath structure, the sidewalls forming an interior volume and a port, the flowpath structure comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the flowpath structure forms a channel and an opening, wherein the interior volume and the channel are fluidly coupled via the opening, and wherein liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet via the channel causes a reduction in pressure in the interior volume and in the trapway. [00134] In a twenty-fifth embodiment, disclosed is a control system according to any of embodiments 21-24, wherein the user input is via a lever, a button, or a motion sensor. [00135] In a twenty-sixth embodiment, disclosed is a control system according to any of embodiments 21-25, wherein the controller is configured to cause the second liquid flow via actuation of a flush valve.

[00136] The term “adjacent” may mean “near” or “close-by” or “next to.”

[00137] 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.

[00138] 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.

[00139] 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.

[00140] The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ringlike” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

[00141] 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 may be 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.

[00142] The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the 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 equivalent to “substantially”.

[00143] Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

[00144] 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.

[00145] 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.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A plumbing fixture system comprising: a plumbing fixture bowl; a trapway fluidly coupled with the plumbing fixture bowl; a Venturi device comprising an inlet and an outlet, the Venturi device forming an interior volume, the Venturi device further forming a channel from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the interior volume is fluidly coupled to the channel, wherein liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet causes a first reduction in pressure in the interior volume; and a conduit extending from the interior volume of the Venturi device to the trapway, wherein the first reduction in pressure in the interior volume of the Venturi device causes a second reduction in pressure in the trapway.

2. The plumbing fixture system of claim 1, wherein the plumbing fixture system comprises a tank toilet, a tankless toilet, or a urinal.

3. The plumbing fixture system of claim 1, wherein the trapway comprises a sump trap, an upstream weir, a lower trap, and a downstream weir, and wherein the conduit is coupled to the trapway at a position between the sump trap and the lower trap.

4. The plumbing fixture system of claim 1, wherein the Venturi device comprises a piston disposed between liquid and gas in the interior volume, wherein the first reduction in pressure causes the piston to move towards the channel and causes additional gas to enter the interior volume from the trapway.

5. The plumbing fixture system of claim 4, wherein the Venturi device further comprises a resilient device disposed between the piston and the channel, wherein the resilient device causes the piston to move away from the channel responsive to fluid not flowing through the channel.

6. The plumbing fixture system of claim 1, wherein the Venturi device comprises a diaphragm disposed between liquid and gas in the interior volume, wherein the first reduction

-28- in pressure causes the diaphragm to move towards the channel and causes additional gas to enter the interior volume from the trapway.

7. The plumbing fixture system of claim 1 further comprising a controller configured to cause the liquid flow from the inlet and to the outlet.

8. A Venturi device comprising: sidewalls forming an interior volume and a port; and a flowpath structure comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the flowpath structure forms a channel and an opening, wherein the interior volume and the channel are fluidly coupled via the opening, and wherein liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet via the channel causes a reduction in pressure in the interior volume and in the trapway.

9. The Venturi device of claim 8, wherein the port is configured to be fluidly coupled with a trapway of a plumbing fixture via a conduit, and wherein the plumbing fixture is a tank toilet, a tankless toilet, or a urinal.

10. The Venturi device of claim 9, wherein the trapway comprises a sump trap, an upstream weir, a lower trap, and a downstream weir, and wherein the conduit is coupled to the trapway at a position between the sump trap and the lower trap.

11. The Venturi device of claim 8 further comprising a piston disposed between liquid and gas in the interior volume, wherein the reduction in pressure causes the piston to move towards the channel and causes additional gas to enter the interior volume from the trapway.

12. The Venturi device of claim 11 further comprising a resilient device disposed between the piston and the channel, wherein the resilient device causes the piston to move away from the channel responsive to fluid not flowing through the channel.

13. The Venturi device of claim 8 further comprising a diaphragm disposed between liquid and gas in the interior volume, wherein the reduction in pressure causes the diaphragm to move towards the channel and causes additional gas to enter the interior volume from the trap way.

14. The Venturi device of claim 8, wherein a controller is configured to cause the liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet.

15. A control system comprising: a user interface configured to receive user input associated with flushing a plumbing fixture; and a controller configured to: receive the user input; responsive to the user input, cause first liquid flow through a Venturi device to reduce pressure in an interior volume of the Venturi device and a trapway of the plumbing fixture, the trapway being fluidly coupled with the interior volume via a conduit; and responsive to causing the first liquid flow, cause second liquid flow into a plumbing fixture bowl of the plumbing fixture.

16. The control system of claim 15 further comprising a solenoid valve, wherein the controller is to cause the first liquid flow by actuating the solenoid valve.

17. The control system of claim 16 further comprising a power source electrically coupled to the controller, the user interface, and the solenoid valve.

18. The control system of claim 15, wherein the Venturi device comprises sidewalls and a flowpath structure, the sidewalls forming an interior volume and a port, the flowpath structure comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the flowpath structure forms a channel and an opening, wherein the interior volume and the channel are fluidly coupled via the opening, and wherein liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet via the channel causes a reduction in pressure in the interior volume and in the trapway.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the user input is via a lever, a button, or a motion sensor.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to cause the second liquid flow via actuation of a flush valve.

-SO-