Patent Publication Number: US-6907623-B2

Title: Pressurized water closet flush system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of pressure assist water closet systems, and more particularly, to a pressure assist flush system for use with in-wall plumbing that is easy to service. 
     U.S. Federal Law currently requires that water closet systems do not exceed 1.6 gallons per flush (1.6 gpf). This standard has posed certain difficulties for standard gravity flush toilets. A gravity flush toilet relies on a combination of head pressure of the water in the holding tank and siphonic action in the trapway to provide the force to evacuate waste from a bowl. In order to meet the 1.6 gpf standard, new bowls include reduced trap size and reduced standing water surface area. 
     A pressure assist water closet system stores water under pressure to provide thrust to discharge the contents of a bowl during a flush cycle. The pressure is supplied by the pressure in the water supply line itself and no additional power is required. The water enters the storage vessel and trapped air is compressed. Since a liquid is non-compressible and air is compressible, the air will be compressed until the air pressure in the vessel is equal to the water supply line pressure. The pressure in the tank can be set not to exceed a certain value with a pressure regulator. 
     When the bowl is ready to be flushed the water in the vessel is released under pressure into the bowl, thereby thrusting the waste out of the bowl. 
     A pressure assist flush system provides a number of advantages over a traditional gravity flush system. First, the discharge pressure of the water is greater than that achieved in gravity assist units. The increased pressure allows for greater evacuation with less water by thrusting the waste out of the bowl. The pressurized water enables the use of discharge line with a greater diameter and greater surface area of standing water within the bowl. 
     Various pressure assist flush systems and improvements are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,698 entitled “Pressure Flush Tank For Toilets” to Martin; U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,426 entitled “Hydraulically Controlled Pressurized Water Closet Flushing System” to Martin; U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,527 entitled “Pressurized Water Closet Flushing System” to Martin et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,378 entitled “Pressurized Water Closet Flushing System” to Martin; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,387 entitled “Volume Control For A Water Closet” to Beh. Each of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. 
     An increasing desire in plumbing construction is to place the closet water tanks within the bathroom walls. The in-wall system can be serviced through an access panel located on the wall. Any failure of the water tank system requires the ability to access the unit for repair or replacement. The reliability of pressure assist systems and the sealed environment of the vessels of the pressure assist units provide an ideal system for in-wall plumbing. However, since the access panel will provide a limited area in which to service any in-wall unit, it would be desirable to be able to easily access all of the components of the water tank system. Further, since the tank will be supported within the wall it would be desirable to provide a tank or vessel to minimize the pressure placed on the various components to reduce the number of component failures. It would also be desirable to provide a system that would fit within the envelope between the studs and walls of standard construction. It would further be desirable to provide fill and discharge tubes that remain within the vessel when servicing certain components of the pressure assist system. It would also be desirable to provide a controlled pressure relief valve to prevent damage to the device should a repair technician fail to properly depressurize the device prior to servicing the pressure assist unit. Given the tight envelope to service the pressure assist unit, it would be desirable to remove components from the vessel without tools. It would also be desirable to test components of the system outside of the wall environment and independent of the vessel why still hooked up to the in-wall plumbing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to pressurized water closet flushing system comprising a water vessel having at least one opening and a cap covering the opening. A fill tube extends into and is secured to the vessel. The fill tube remains secured to the vessel when the cap is removed. 
     Another embodiment of a pressurized water closet comprises a water vessel having at least one opening and a cap removeably secured to the opening. At least one o-ring seals the cap assembly to the water vessel. The water closet further includes means for releasably securing the cap assembly to the vessel. 
     Still another embodiment of a pressurized water closet flushing system comprises a vessel operatively connected to a water supply line through a first opening and operatively connected to a toilet through a second opening. A cap assembly sealing the first opening and secured to the vessel with a fastener. A pressure relief valve is operatively connected to the interior of the vessel and is closed when the fastener is in a fully engaged position. The pressure relief valve is released prior to the seal being broken as the fastener is moved a predetermined distance from the fully engaged position. 
     Another embodiment of the pressurized water closet flushing system comprises a vessel having a first upper opening and a second lower opening operatively connected to a toilet. A cap assembly operatively connects a water supply to the first opening and includes an actuator. The cap assembly is formed from at least two separate modules. Each module has a separate housing and the housings are releasably secured to each other without tools. 
     A further embodiment of a pressurized water closet for flushing a toilet comprises a vessel including an interior having an upper surface with a first opening operatively connected to a water supply line and a lower surface having a second opening operatively connected to the toilet. A non-pressurized mount is operatively connected to the lower surface. An extension extends from the mount and is secured directly to the toilet. 
     In still another embodiment a pressurized water closet flushing system is located within a wall and includes a pressurized water vessel having at least one opening. A cap assembly is removeably secured to the opening of the vessel. A release mechanism permits the removal of the cap assembly from the vessel without separate tools. 
     Another embodiment includes a method of repairing an in-wall pressurized water flush system having a pressurized water vessel and a cap assembly including an actuator where the vessel and cap assembly are located in a wall cavity. Pressure is released from within the pressurized vessel, a user then removes the cap assembly by reaching through an access opening in the wall and lifts the cap assembly off of the vessel. The cap assembly is then removed from the wall cavity through the access opening in the wall that is too small to remove the vessel. 
     In still another embodiment of a pressurized water flushing system includes a pressurized water vessel having a first opening and a second opening. A cap assembly is secured to a water intake line and to the opening in the water vessel. An electronic actuator is operatively connected to the cap assembly to permit water to exit the water vessel. 
     In another embodiment an in-wall pressurized water flushing system is located within a wall cavity and coupled to a water intake line. A pressurized water vessel has at least one opening and an actuator assembly is coupled to the vessel. A flexible hose connects the water intake and actuator. The cap assembly is removable from the pressurized vessel though an access panel in the wall while still attached to the flexible hose and the flexible hose has a length sufficient to remove the actuator though the access panel. 
     In yet another embodiment, an in-wall pressurized water flushing system is located within a wall cavity and coupled to a water intake line and operatively connected to a toilet. A pressurized water vessel storing water under pressure is located within a wall cavity. A waterproof jacket surrounds at least a portion of the pressurized water vessel. The jacket and vessel form a channel therebetween that is in fluid communication with the toilet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic front view of a water closet system with a front portion broken away. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of the water closet system with a pull pin fully seated. 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of the water closet system with a pull pin partially withdrawn. 
         FIG. 2C  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a portion of line  2 C— 2 C of FIG.  2 A. 
         FIG. 2D  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a portion of line  2 D— 2 D of FIG.  2 B. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of the water closet of FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the water closet system. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial exploded top view of the cap assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  6 — 6  of FIG.  3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines  7 — 7  of FIG.  6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines  8 — 8  of FIG.  6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a partial top view of the vessel. 
         FIG. 10  is the view of  FIG. 1  with a jacket surrounding the vessel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , pressure assist system  10  includes a vessel  12  and a cap assembly  14  secured to the top of vessel  12 . Housed in vessel  12  is a flush valve assembly  16 , a fill tube  18  and a discharge tube  20 . Cap assembly  14  is secured to vessel  12  with a plurality of o-rings and a retaining pin  22 . The o-rings and retaining pin  22  permit easy assembly and removal of cap assembly  14 . Cap assembly includes a vacuum breaker  24 , a pressure regulator  26 , an aerator  28  and an actuator  30 . 
     Vessel  12  is formed from a top section  32  and a bottom section  34 . Top and bottom sections  32 ,  34  are vibration welded to one another to form vessel  12 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , top section  32  includes a top region  36  including a flush valve assembly opening  38 , a fill tube opening  40  and a discharge tube opening  42 . Extending downward from valve assembly opening  38  is a circular wall  44  having a free end  46  distal valve assembly opening  38 . A flush valve cavity  48  is defined as the region between the valve assembly opening  38  and the free end  46  of the circular wall  44 . Each of fill tube opening  40  and discharge opening  42  include a downwardly extending annular wall  47 ,  49  having a lower inwardly extending annular ledge  50 ,  52  respectively. A well  54 ,  56  is defined by annular walls  47 ,  49  and annular ledge  50 ,  52  respectively. Each annular ledge  50 ,  52  includes a key way opening  55 ,  57 . 
     Top region  36  of top section  32  includes an inwardly extending regulator recess  58  configured to receive a portion of vacuum breaker  24 . Top section  32  also includes two semi-hemispherical tower portions  60 ,  62  extending upward from top region  36  to form two air compression chambers., Top section  32  includes two downwardly extending walls,  64 ,  66  that effectively forms two separate regions or chambers  68 ,  70  below each tower portion  60 ,  62  respectively. Additionally, a third region  61  exits between walls  66  and  64 . 
     Extending upwardly and outwardly from the top region  36  of top section  32  are a pair of ears  72 . Each ear includes an opening  74  configured to receive a portion of pull-pin  22 . 
     Turning now to bottom section  34 , an extension  76  extends outward from the lower surface  78  bottom section  34 . Extension  76  is configured to provide the connection between the vessel and the bowl or to a pipe leading to the bowl. Also extending from bottom section  34  within extension  76  is a valve seal surface  80 . Valve seal surface  80  includes a beveled region  82  configured to sealing mate with a lower seal surface  84  of flush valve assembly  16 . 
     Extending inwardly from the inner lower surface  78  of bottom section  34  is a post  86  configured to receive a first or lower end  88  of fill tube  18 . Also extending inwardly from inner lower surface  78  of bottom section  34  is a discharge tube port or hollow tube  90  configured to receive a first or lower end  92  of discharge tube  20 . Hollow tube  90  is in fluid communication with discharge region  94  and the inner region of extension  76 . Bottom section  34  also includes a back pressure door  96  pivotally attached to door opening  98 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3  flush valve assembly  16  includes a hollow lower stem portion  100 , a pressure release valve  102 , and an upper stem portion  104  with an uppermost end  106 . Secured to the lower end of stem portion  100  is valve seal  84  that provides the seal against valve seal surface  80  of bottom section  34 . Pressure release valve  102  includes a seal  108  biased by a spring  110  to seal the opening  112  between the upper stem portion  104  and lower stem portion  100 . When the force coming from the pressure of the flush valve cavity  48  acting downwardly on the seal  108  is greater than the force of the spring acting upwardly on the seal  108 , the seal is moved downward permitting fluid from flush valve cavity  48  to exit vessel  12  through hollow lower stem portion  100 . An outer seal  114  is located about the periphery of the pressure relief valve  102  to create a seal between the flush valve cavity  48  and the rest of the area of vessel  12 . The outer seal  114  includes a downwardly extending flange  116 . Alternatively, flange  116  could include both a downwardly extending portion and an upwardly extending portion. Flange  116  helps to ensure the seal operates effectively. Upper stem portion  104  has a geometry such as an x-shape to permit fluid to enter the pressure release valve  102  from the flush valve cavity  48 . Of course other geometry allowing fluid to enter the pressure release valve may also be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , fill tube  18  includes a hollow tube  118  having an upper end  120  and a lower end  88 . Hollow tube  118  includes an aperture  121  to permit water to enter the interior of the vessel  12 . Aperture  121  is located in bottom section  34  when fill tube  18  is secured within vessel  12 . Hollow tube  118  includes an outwardly extending flange  122  proximate upper end  120 . The outer diameter of the hollow tube  118  is less than or equal to the diameter of an opening  124  defined by the annular ledge  50  in fill tube well  54 . The diameter of outwardly extending flange  122  is greater than the diameter of opening  124 . An external o-ring  126  is located within a recess in the upper flange  122 . O-ring  126  provides a lateral seal between the fill tube and the fill tube opening  40 . A second o-ring  129  is located in the interior of hollow tube  118  to receive a portion of cap assembly  14  as described below. The fill tube  18  includes a key  128  extending outward from the hollow tube portion  118 . 
     Similarly, discharge tube  20  includes a hollow tube portion  130  and an upper outwardly extending flange portion  132 . A key  134  extends outwardly from hollow tube portion  130  proximate flange  132 . Discharge tube  20  provides a path through which water can be discharged from the flush valve cavity  48  to discharge region  94  and through extension member  76  into the bowl as will be described below. A pair of spaced apart o-rings  136  is located within external recesses on flange  132 . The lower o-ring  136  provides the seal between discharge tube  20  and vessel  12 , while the upper o-ring  136  provides the seal between discharge tube  20  and a portion of cap assembly  14 . A third o-ring  138  is located in an external recess located proximate lower end  92  to provide a seal between discharge tube  20  and vessel  12 . 
     As noted above cap assembly  14  includes vacuum breaker  24 , regulator  26 , aerator  28 , and actuator  30 . In the preferred embodiment, vacuum breaker  24 , regulator  26 , aerator  28  and actuator  30  are arranged to fit between towers  60 ,  62  and substantially between a front wall  140  and rear wall  142  of vessel  12 . In one embodiment, vacuum breaker  24 , regulator  26 , aerator  28  and actuator  30  are arranged in a non-linear fashion, with both an inlet  144 , and actuator button  146  being located proximate front wall  140 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , cap assembly  14  is formed from three detachable modules. Each module may be detached from the others without tools. The first module  148  includes the vacuum breaker  24  and part of pressure regulator  26 . Vacuum breaker  24  works in conjunction with inlet  144  to prohibit the back flow of water from vessel  12  into the water supply line if a vacuum is created in the supply line. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , when a vacuum is created in the water supply line, a plunger  150  is moved upward toward inlet  144  effectively permitting air from open end  152  to be introduced into the supply line. Movement of plunger  150  also provides an exit to atmosphere of any residual water within the tank in the event of such a vacuum in the supply line. 
     A water inlet feed line (not shown) is secured to inlet  144 . The connection between the water inlet feed line and the inlet  144  may be any connection known in the art. Preferably, the connection is non-permanent. Since the connection may be located in a wall cavity, ideally, the connection would be a quick release attachment that does not require tools. A threaded connection  154  is shown in FIG.  8 . When the water feed line is pressurized, water flows through inlet  144  and the pressure pushes spring biased plunger  150  downward allowing the water to flow into pressure regulator  26 . An o-ring  151  forms a seal to prevent water from flowing out of open end  152 . 
     Pressure regulator  26  is formed by assembling first module  148  to second module  156 . First module  148  houses a first check valve ball  158  and check valve ball housing  160 . This check valve ball  158  also acts as a seat to the orifice  170  of piston  168  as will be described below. A regulator spring  162  is captured in a preloaded state between first module  148  and the second module  156 . First and second modules  148 ,  156  are secured to one another with a pair of tabs  164  on one module being received within a pair of slots  166  on the other module as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Regulator spring  162  biases a hollow piston  168  away from the first check valve ball  158 . When pressure in vessel  12  causes a force acting on the seal  171  of piston  168  that exceeds the spring force of regulator spring  162  the orifice  170  of piston  168  moves toward check valve ball  158 . The water pressure of the feed line forces check valve ball  158  against piston orifice  170  thereby shutting off the flow of water into the vessel  12 . By selection of the spring force of spring  162 , the maximum pressure within vessel  12  can be set. This ensures that vessel  12  will not be subject to pressure over a given design level, even if the water feed line pressure exceeds the design level. The first check valve ball  158  along with a second check valve ball  172  also serve to prevent back flow of water in the vessel when the pressure in the supply line drops below the pressure of the water in the vessel. When the pressure in the vessel  12  is greater than the supply line pressure, first and second ball valves  158 ,  172  engage seal surfaces  173 ,  174  respectively to prevent back flow of water from vessel  12  into the water supply line. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , second module  156  also includes aerator  28 . With the vessel pressurized, the pressure within the vessel is the same pressure forcing the aerator ball  176  against its seat  180 . During the discharge of water from vessel  12  into the bowl, the pressure drops within the vessel  12  and beneath the aerator ball valve  176 . As soon as the pressure within the vessel  12  begins to drop, water from the supply line begins to flow through the regulator, past the aerator and into the vessel. As the vessel&#39;s internal pressure approaches atmospheric pressure, and incoming water continues to flow through the aerator and into the vessel, the design of the aerator initiates a venturi. Accordingly, ball  178  drops from its seat or sealing surface  180  and air is “sucked” into the vessel  12  along with the water. The aeration of the incoming water ensures that vessel  12  does not become water logged. Sufficient amount of air in system  10  provides sufficient energy to substantially clear vessel  12  of water during each flush. Once the pressure in vessel  12  is greater than the vacuum force of the venturi (i.e.,  ˜ 1.5 psi at 50 psi supply pressure) ball  178  is pushed upward against sealing surface  180  and the flow of air into the tank is stopped. Aerator  28  includes a hollow tube  182  extending downward from aerator ball valve  176  into an inlet cavity  184  and terminating proximate the inlet of a lower portion  186 . Water enters inlet cavity  184  from regulator  26  and flows around hollow tube  182  into lower portion  186  that is in fluid communication with fill tube  18  when cap assembly  14  is installed. The outer diameter of hollow tube  182  is less then the inner diameter of lower portion  186 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  6  and  7 , actuator  30  includes a first opening  188  in fluid communication with inlet cavity  184  of aerator  28 . Actuator  30  further includes an opening  190  in fluid communication with flush valve cavity  48  and another opening  192  in fluid communication with discharge tube  20 . An extension  194  extends downward from actuator  30  proximate second opening  192  to receive discharge tube  20 . 
     As discussed below, vessel  12  is flushed by reducing the pressure in flush valve cavity  48  thereby creating a pressure imbalance between the flush valve cavity  48  and the rest of the vessel  12 . The pressure imbalance results in the flush valve assembly being moved upward off of sealing surface  80 , and permitting water in vessel  12  to exit. In a first closed position illustrated in  FIG. 7  actuator button is biased outwardly and water is prohibited from flowing from flush valve cavity  48  into discharge tube  20 . When actuator button  146  is depressed to a second flush position, a path is created between opening  190  and opening  192 , allowing water in flush valve cavity  48  to flow through actuator  30  and into discharge tube  20 . 
     Actuator button  146  is attached to an actuator stem  196  having a stem base  198  and is located in actuator housing  200 . A spring  202  biases stem  196  outwardly, such that stem base  198  is biased against a seal seat  204 , preventing water from flowing from flush valve cavity  48  through actuator housing  200  and through valve body opening  201  and into discharge tube  20 . When actuator button  146  is pressed inwardly against the force of spring  202 , stem base  198  is moved off of seal seat  204  and water is able to pass through actuator housing  200  and into discharge tube  20 . A pin  206  is attached to stem base  198  and extends through opening  188  that is in fluid communication with inlet cavity  184  of the aerator  28 . In one embodiment the diameter of pin  206  is 0.086 inches and the diameter of opening  184  is 0.089 inches creating a small annular opening between the inlet cavity  184  of the aerator  28  and actuator  30 . This small opening regulates the rate at which water can enter the flush valve cavity  48  to ensure that the flush valve assembly remains in the raised position for a sufficient amount of time to permit full evacuation of vessel  12  when flushed. Of course other diameters or shapes of the components may be employed to regulate the flow of water into flush valve cavity  48 . It is possible to vary the size of the opening, thereby varying the flow rate into the flush valve cavity  48 . Movement of pin  206  within opening  188  further acts as a self-cleaning device to keep opening  188  clear of debris. 
     In another embodiment, actuator  30  includes an electronic or automatic flush device  208  (shown in phantom) that includes a solenoid valve in conjunction with a sensor activator. The electronic device permits fluid to flow from the valve cavity  48  to discharge tube  20  through a first opening located in boss extension  210  and a second opening located in a second boss extension  212 . Bosses  210 ,  212  may also serve to support the solenoid valve. As illustrated, actuator  30  may be manufactured with bosses  210 ,  212  with a solid bottom that could be drilled or punched to create openings, if the electronic actuator option is desired. In this manner a single actuator body may be used for both the manual actuator and electronic actuator. 
     In the embodiment illustrated, actuator  30  along with a cover member  214  form the third module  216 . Cover member  214  covers flush valve cavity  48 . An o-ring  218  is attached to a lower portion of cover  214  and engages flush valve cavity wall  44  proximate opening  38  in vessel  12 . Cover member  214  includes an opening  215  that receives a pressure relief valve  220  to permit release of pressure when cap assembly  14  is removed. Vent release includes a base portion  222  and an upper portion  224  with a tab extending from upper the top of upper portion  224 . When pressure relief valve  220  is in the closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the top of upper portion  224  is flush with the cover  214 , and tab extension  226  overlies a portion of cover  214 . Tab extension  226  serves to prohibit pressure relief valve  220  from falling into flush valve cavity  48 . An o-ring  228  prohibits exchange of water or air from within flush valve cavity  48  and the atmosphere. Pin  22  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2C  overlies the top of upper portion  224  and locks pressure relief valve  220  in place until pin  22  is removed. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2D , once pin  22  is moved outward uncovering pressure relief valve  220 , any pressure in flush valve cavity  48  will move pressure relief valve  220  upward until the base portion  222  hits the underside of cover  214 . In this manner water under pressure within flush valve cavity  48  is permitted to escape into the atmosphere. With this escape bath established, a flush is initiated as if the actuator were opened. Pressure relief valve  220  prevents pin support ears  72  from breaking as pin  22  is pulled outward and cap assembly  14  is force upward off of vessel  12 . 
     The assembly of pressure assist system  10  will now be described in further detail. Top and bottom sections  32 ,  34  are welded together using a vibration welder or by means of an adhesive that can withstand the design pressure of vessel  12 . Fill tube  18 , discharge tube  20 , flush valve assembly  16  and cap assembly  14  are then attached to vessel  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , fill tube  18  is lowered into vessel  12  through opening  40 , such that key  128  extends through key way  55 . Lower end  88  of fill tube  18  is seated on post  86 , and the lower portion of outwardly extending flange  122  is located within well  54  when full tube  18  is fully located in vessel  12 . Fill tube  18  is then locked into place by rotating fill tube  18  until key  128  is moved away from key way opening  55 . In the fully loaded and locked position o-ring  126  effectively seals fill tube  18  from vessel  12 . The location of key  128  below annular ledge  50  prohibits upward movement of fill tube  18 . The upper end  120  of fill tube  18  extends above the top region  36  of vessel  12  to receive the lower portion  186  of inlet cavity  184 . The top region  36  of vessel  12  and fill tube  18  include indicia indicating whether fill tube is in a locked position with key  128  below annular ledge  50  or whether fill tube is in the unlocked position with key  128  in alignment with key way opening  55 . 
     Similarly, discharge tube  20  is inserted into discharge tube opening  42  until lower end  92  of discharge tube  20  is seated within hollow tube  90 . O-ring  138  attached to lower end  92  of discharge tube  20  maintains an effective seal to prohibit fluid flow between vessel  12  and discharge tube  20  or hollow tube  90 . Discharge tube  20  is locked into place by rotating discharge tube  20  until key  134  is moved away from discharge key way opening  57  such that key  134  is under ledge  52 . In the installed position the lower of two o-rings  136  serves to seal discharge tube  20  within opening  42  and the upper o-ring seals extension  194  of actuator  30 . Indicia on both discharge tube  20  and vessel  12  indicate whether discharge tube  20  is locked into place with key  134  below ledge  52  or whether key  134  is in line with key way opening  57  and ready for removal. 
     Flush valve assembly  16  is lowered into vessel  12  through flush valve opening  38  until valve seal surface  84  of flush valve assembly is in contact with lower seal surface  80  of vessel  12 . 
     As discussed above, cap assembly  14  is formed from thee separate modules  148 ,  156  and  216  that can be assembled and separated without the use of tools. In the illustrated embodiment, first module  148  including water inlet  144  and vacuum breaker  24  is formed as one piece with a first portion of regulator  26 . Second module  156  includes the second portion of regulator  26  and aerator  28 . Finally third module  216  includes actuator  30  and flush valve cover  214 . First and second modules  148 ,  156  are attached by placing pair of tabs  164  within slots  166  and rotating the modules relative to one another to snap fit the tabs and slots together. Third module  216  includes a pair of cylindrical extensions  230  that are received within a pair of “L” shaped slots  232  in an extension  234  of second module  156 . Second and third modules  156 ,  216  are attached by snap fitting the cylindrical extensions  230  within the shorter leg of the L-shaped slots  232 . 
     Fully assembled cap assembly  14  is secured to vessel  12  by simultaneously placing lower portion  186  of inlet cavity  184  into fill tube  18 ; placing cover  214  into flush valve cavity opening  38 ; and placing extension  173  of actuator  142  over discharge tube  20 . Internal o-ring  129  on fill tube  18  effectively seals lower portion  186  of inlet cavity  184  to allow water to enter fill tube  18 . O-ring  218  on cover  214  effectively seals the cover  214  to wall  44  of flush valve cavity  48 . Similarly, upper o-ring  136  on discharge tube  20  effectively seals extension member  194  on actuator  30 . 
     Once cap assembly has been attached to vessel  12 , pin  22  is inserted through openings  74  of ears or supports  72  until upper portion  224  of pressure relief valve  220  is covered by pin  22 . A hose connected to the water supply line is coupled to inlet  144  by means of a threaded attachment or any other type of connection know to one skilled in the art. Once the water supply line is secured to inlet  144 , and the vessel is secured to the water closet, vessel  12  is ready to be charged. Water entering inlet  144  under pressure flows through the vacuum breaker  24 , regulator  26 , and aerator  28  into fill tube  18  and finally into vessel  12  through opening  121  of fill tube  18 . Some water also enters flush valve cavity  48  through opening  188  of actuator  30 . As the water flows into vessel  12  the air in vessel  12  is compressed within each of tower  60 ,  62  and region  61 . Water continues to enter vessel  12  until pressure in vessel  12  is equal to the water pressure in the water supply line or until the pressure in vessel  12  exceeds the spring force of regulator spring  162 . 
     When the bowl is to be flushed, actuator button  146  is pressed inward moving stem base off of its seat  204  allowing water in the flush valve cavity  48  to escape through valve opening  201  and into the discharge tube  20  and out of vessel  12  through vessel exit  94 . This escape of water from flush valve cavity  48  creates a pressure imbalance in vessel  12  and flush valve assembly  16  is lifted upward until the top of upper stem portion  104  hits the bottom of the cover  214 . Once lower seat surface  84  of flush valve assembly  16  lifts off of valve seal surface  80 , the water in vessel  12  is discharged through vessel exit  94  under pressure into the bowl. As the pressure in vessel  12  drops below the lower of the supply line pressure or the spring force of regulator  26 , water enters vessel  12  from the water supply line. As discussed above, once the pressure in vessel  12  drops below the aerator pressure rate air is introduced into vessel  12  along with the entering water to prohibit system  10  from becoming water logged. In addition to water being fed into vessel  12  through fill tube  18 , water is fed into flush valve cavity  48  through opening  188  in actuator  30  at a predetermined flow rate so as to cause the flush valve assembly  16  to gradually lower until lower seal surface  84  of flush valve assembly  16  reunites with seal surface  80  of vessel  12 . The predetermined rate of flow through opening  188  in actuator  30  is sufficient such that all water contained within vessel  12  is discharged from vessel and also such that water can enter into the empty vessel and exit through the vessel to sufficiently refill the toilet&#39;s bowl prior to the resealing of lower seal surface  84  to seal surface  80  of vessel  12 . This water continues to enter vessel  12  until pressure in vessel  12  is equal to the water pressure in the water supply line or until the pressure in vessel  12  exceeds the spring force of regulator spring  162 . Once water no longer enters vessel  12 , the system is ready to be flushed again. 
     When the system is to be repaired, the water source is shut off and vessel  12  is flushed to remove the pressure from within vessel  12 . However, if vessel  12  is not flushed by depressing the actuator button  146 , the system is automatically flushes as pin  22  is pulled outward from supports  72 . As pin  22  is pulled outward from supports  72  pressure relief valve  220  is uncovered and pressure in flush valve cavity  48  will be reduced. This reduction in pressure in flush valve cavity  48  will result in flush valve assembly being lifted and water being flushed from vessel  12 . At the point in which pressure relief valve  220  is uncovered, the pin is still within both openings  74 . This prohibits the cap assembly from being pushed upward while the pin is only in one of the supports and possibly breaking it as a result. Once pin  22  is pulled fully from supports  72  the cap assembly  14  can be simply lifted off of vessel  12 . If the line attaching the water line to water inlet is flexible, the entire cap assembly still attached to the flexible line can be removed from the wall and held over the bowl for testing. Alternatively, the cap assembly  14  or any module thereof may be removed for repair and/or replacement. 
     Water closet system  10  described above includes a number of different features that may be used either alone or in combination. Each feature may provide benefits to a water closet system if employed individually or if employed in combination with other features. The benefits of a number of the features outlined above will now be further addressed. 
     Fill tube  18  and discharge  20  both are locked to vessel  12  independently of cap assembly  14 . One benefit of this locking feature is that pressure that would otherwise act on cap assembly  14  acts on fill tube or discharge tube  20  alone or on vessel  12  itself. The reduction of pressure on cap assembly  14  also results from the size difference between the outer o-ring  126  that provides the seal between fill tube  18  and the smaller inner o-ring  129  that provides the seal between fill tube  18  and cap assembly  14 . Pressure in vessel  12  acts on the outer o-ring  126  but only the force from pressure acting on the inner o-ring  129  pushes up on cap assembly  14 . Similarly, the pressure from vessel  12  acts on the outer o-ring  136  but no additional pressure acts on actuator  30  until a flush cycle is initiated. Another benefit of the fill tube  18  and discharge tube  20  remaining fixed to vessel  12  is that tubes  18  and  20  will also remain locked to vessel  12  when cap assembly is removed for repair or maintenance. This feature is a benefit when system  10  is used in an in-wall unit where the access door may be limited in size. 
     The interface between cap assembly  14  and vessel  12  provides a benefit regarding ease of assembly and repair. Prior art devices include components that are secured to the vessel with a separate gasket and a plurality of screws or a vertically mounted cylindrical cartridge requiring multiple rotations by means of a tool to disassemble. The use of o-ring seals and pin  22  for securing cap assembly  14  to vessel  12  permits assembly and disassembly without the use of any additional tools. Since no tools are required, when system  10  is used in an in-wall environment a smaller access panel may be provided in the wall. Pin  22  may be designed with a pre-bend along its length to provide a spring-load to offset the pressure applied to cap assembly  14  that would otherwise tend to push cap assembly  14  off of vessel  12 . Alternatively, pin  22  may include bent portions that provide a downward spring force against cap assembly  14  when fully set within supports  72 . Also the pull pin design could be replaced with a snap-ring style retainer. This allows removal from above which would permit removal of the cap assembly when the vessel is placed in a traditional china tank. The pull pin allows cap assembly to be released from vessel  12  by pulling pull pin  22  in a direction perpendicular to the wall right through the access panel. If the access panel is positioned at the same height of the pull pin, a person wishing to remove cap assembly  14  from within the wall, pull pin is simply pulled directly outward through the access panel in a simple linear motion. To fully remove cap assembly  14  through access panel, cap assembly only need be lifted a sufficient amount for the o-ring seals and lower portions of cap assembly to clear vessel  12 . Since cap assembly may be removed while still attached to a flexible water feed line, cap assembly is simply pulled through the access panel to be inspected, repaired, or replaced. The Access panel may have a bottom portion that is slightly below the pull pin  22  and having an upper edge located a sufficient height to permit cap assembly  14  to be move upward a sufficient distance to clear the vessel. 
     Pressure relief valve  220  on cap assembly  14  minimizes the chance that one of ears  72  will break as pin  22  is removed from vessel  12 . While it is possible to flush the system prior to removing pin  22 , pressure relief valve provides an automatic flush if the user forgets to turn off the water and flush prior to disassembly. Without first removing the pressure from flush valve cavity  48 , the support closer to front wall of vessel  12  may break due to the upward pressure on cap assembly  14  that would be concentrated on the single front support once pin  22  cleared the rear support  72 . If a support  72  broke, the entire vessel would need to be replaced. Alternative securing devices may also be employed to replace the pin. For example, a rotating-pin or pins may be used that rotate into position over a portion of the cap assembly. A snap-ring may also be used, or any other mechanical fastener that can be used in conjunction with the o-ring seals to secure cap assembly to the vessel. 
     The geometry of cap assembly  14  provides a number of advantages. The non-linear arrangement of the components, allows the cap assembly to substantially fit between the front and rear walls of the vessel and between the towers. The geometry also allows the fill tube to be proximate the rear wall, and the discharge tube to be proximate the front wall. Additionally, the actuator button is proximate the front wall conveniently placed for access through the wall. The modular system of the cap assembly also allows for easy service of the components without the need for tools. Access to opening  188  in actuator  30  allows the area to be inspected and cleaned by simply twisting and pulling apart second and third modules  156 ,  216 . Opening  188  provides the flow rate into the flush valve cavity  48  that controls the timing of system  10 . Accordingly, it is helpful to have easy access to opening  188  to ensure it is clear of debris. Additionally, access to opening  188  also ensures more reliable inspection of opening  188  prior to assembly. The combination of vacuum breaker  24  and part of regulator  26  in first module  148  provides for a reduction in the number of parts. Each module is formed from a common unitary housing with additional components added as illustrated. The common unitary housing of the modules also serves to reduce component cost and the cost of assembly and repair. 
     Extension  76  includes a threaded connecting portion  250  that is either directly or indirectly coupled to the bowl via a pipe or the like. Because this extension  76  may be secured by means of a threaded nut to a china tank which is secured to a toilet bowl, any external force applied to the vessel  12  will be transmitted to the zone or mount  252  between the pressurized vessel and the extension  76 . Unlike prior art, this zone  252  is not a pressurized zone. In this manner the failure mode has been eliminated or moved external from a pressurized portion of vessel  12 . If force is applied to the connecting portion  250  either directly or through the bowl sufficient to crack the mount  252  just above the connecting portion  250 , the failure will be in the non-pressurized region external to the pressurized portion of vessel  12 . A failure to this zone  252  may necessitate replacement of vessel, however, the failure will not occur in the pressurized interior of the vessel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10  an outer sheath or jacket  236  may be used to substantially surround vessel  12  such that if a pressurized portion of vessel  12  leaks, water would be collected in jacket  236  and prevented from entering into the in-wall space. Jacket  236  includes an outer wall  248  extending completely around vessel  12  and extending from the bottom  254  of mount  252  toward the top region  36  of vessel  12 . Jacket  236  terminates at an edge  240 . Edge  240  is lower than the top region  36  of vessel  12  to provide free access to pull pin  22  and the cap assembly  14  for inspection, repair and/or removal and replacement. A bottom  242  of jacket  236  extends downward a non-horizontal angle to funnel any water that collects in the region  238  between vessel  12  and wall  248  of jacket  236  toward door  96 . Any water than enters the collection region  238  will exit through door  236  and into the bowl. Jacket  236  includes an opening  246  that fits over connector  250 . The lip around opening  246  sits against bottom  254  of mount  252 . The nut that attaches a connector to a pipe or bowl sealing secures jacket  236  to bottom  254  of mount  252 . Any water that is captured in collecting region  238  between vessel  12  and wall  248  flows though trap door  96  and into the toilet. In this way any liquid that escapes vessel  12  as a result of a leak does not leak within the wall cavity but is directed through trap door directly into the toilet. In one embodiment jacket  236  is formed of plastic and includes inwardly extending ribs or structure to maintain a separation between vessel  12  and wall  248  to form the collecting region  238 . Alternatively, vessel  12  could include outwardly extending structure that would maintain the separation between vessel  12  and jacket  236 . In another embodiment jacket  236  may cover the entire vessel. If jacket  236  covers the entire vessel, jacket  236  may also include either a removable hood portion covering the upper region of vessel  12 , or alternatively an access panel permitting access of the cap assembly. In one embodiment, the access panel in the jacket could be substantially the same size as the access panel in the wall, or four inches by six inches, as one example. Further, jacket  236  may be formed of multiple pieces that interlock or otherwise fit together so long as water that leaks from vessel  12 , or cap assembly  14  or the supply is captured within the jacket and exits through the drain. The height of the jacket as measured from the bottom of the vessel should be a height sufficient to accommodate a full flow of water from the supply line, if the connection between the supply line and cap assembly/vessel should leak given a supply line static pressure of 80 psi. The jacket or sheath acts as a secondary containment vessel and is there to absorb water from a leaking or ruptured supply line flowing unrestricted. In one embodiment, the jacket and drain have a sufficient size that permits an unrestricted flow of water from a supply line of 80 psi to exit through the drain without spilling into the wall cavity. 
     Each of the features described above may be used either alone or any combination with other features described. By way of example, but not a limiting example, the electronic actuator may be used with vessel  12  with or without the jacket  236 . Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited to a water closet system in which all features described must be included in any specific combination. Further modifications may be made in the design, arrangement and combination of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.