IP Library Granted Patent US 12662803
Granted Patent B2
US 12662803 · App. 18/238,129 · Granted Jun 23, 2026

Programmable flush valve controller

Inventors: Joseph F. Smies (Sheboygan, WI); John McCray Wilson (Howards Grove, WI); Timothy John Waack (Manitowoc, WI)
Assignee: Kohler Co.
E03D5/105F16K37/0083
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12662803
App. No.
18/238,129
Granted
Jun 23, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A control device for a flush valve of a toilet includes at least a communication interface, a sensor, and a processor. The communication interface is configured to wirelessly receive at least one flush configuration setting for the toilet. The sensor is configured to generate sensor data for at least a presence of a user. The processor is configured to generate a control signal for the flush valve of the toilet based on the wirelessly received at least one configuration setting for the toilet or in response to the sensor data.

Claims (31)

1 . A control device for a flush valve of a toilet, the control device comprising:

a communication interface configured to wirelessly receive at least one flush configuration setting for the toilet;

a sensor configured to generate sensor data for at least a presence of a user; and

a processor configured to generate a control signal for the flush valve of the toilet based on the wirelessly received at least one configuration setting for the toilet or in response to the sensor data, wherein the processor generates and the communication interface sends a plurality of flush options to a mobile device or a network, and the at least one flush configuration setting is based on the plurality of flush options and received from the mobile device or the network.

2 . The control device of claim 1 , wherein the configuration setting includes a detection time period for the sensor to detect at least the presence of the user.

3 . The control device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of flush options includes flush cycle sequences, time periods, or flush volumes.

4 . The control device of claim 1 , wherein the communication interface is further configured to advertise a state of the flush valve.

5 . The control device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of flush options includes flush commands.

6 . The control device of claim 1 , further comprising:

a solenoid connector electrically connected to the flush valve.

7 . The control device of claim 1 , wherein a communication device is connected to the control device through the communication interface.

8 . A control device for a flush valve of a toilet, the control device comprising:

a sensor configured to generate sensor data for an operation of the flush valve; and

a processor configured to compare the sensor data for the flush valve to at least one fault value and identify a fault experienced by the flush valve in response to the comparison; and

a solenoid coupled to the flush valve, wherein the sensor data includes at least one electrical property of the solenoid,

wherein the fault experienced by the flush valve includes an abnormal current draw in the solenoid, an abnormal water pressure, unresponsiveness of the flush valve, a position of the flush valve, or a lost connection with the flush valve.

9 . The control device of claim 8 , further comprising:

at least one indicator configured to display the fault experienced by the flush valve.

10 . The control device of claim 8 , further comprising:

a communication interface configured to wirelessly receive at least one flush configuration setting for the toilet.

11 . The control device of claim 10 , wherein the at least one flush configuration setting includes the at least one fault value.

12 . The control device of claim 10 , further comprising:

a user sensor configured to generate sensor data for a proximity of a user, a presence of the user, or a gesture from the user, wherein the processor is configured to generate a control signal for the flush valve of the toilet based on the wirelessly received at least one configuration setting for the toilet and in response to the sensor data.

13 . The control device of claim 12 , wherein the at least one flush configuration setting includes a setting for detection of the proximity of a user, the presence of the user, or the gesture from the user.

14 . A control device for a flush valve of a toilet, the control device comprising:

a sensor configured to generate sensor data for an operation of the flush valve; and

a processor configured to compare the sensor data for the flush valve to at least one fault value and identify a fault experienced by the flush valve in response to the comparison; and

a communication interface configured to wirelessly receive at least one flush configuration setting for the toilet, wherein the at least one flush configuration setting includes the at least one fault value.

15 . The control device of claim 14 , further comprising:

a user sensor configured to generate sensor data for a proximity of a user, a presence of the user, or a gesture from the user, wherein the processor is configured to generate a control signal for the flush valve of the toilet based on the wirelessly received at least one configuration setting for the toilet and in response to the sensor data.

16 . The control device of claim 15 , wherein the at least one flush configuration setting includes a setting for detection of the proximity of a user, the presence of the user, or the gesture from the user.