Abstract: A marine tank (such as a toilet system holding tank, or bilge tank) pump out system includes a positive displacement pump connectable at the inlet to a marine tank to be pumped out and connectable at the outlet to a discharge tank or area. A pulsation dampener is connected between the pump outlet and the discharge tank or area, preferably directly to the pump so that a pump check valve is within the pulsation dampener. The pulsation dampener has an open chamber extending upwardly from the pump outlet into which pumped fluent material may flow, and has no moving parts (such as a diaphragm). Typically two different outlets from the dampener are provided for versatility and connecting up to discharge tanks or areas, one of the outlets filled with a plug. The dampener may comprise either a substantially L-shaped or C-shaped (when viewed from the dampener inlet) casing, which nests with the pump motor.

Abstract: A discharge hose adapter adapts a standard marine thru hull fitting to a standard sanitation hose enabling discharge of a boat holding tank into a dump station. The adapter preferably includes a first component and a second component. The first end of the first component is frictionally engageable with the standard marine thru hull fitting, a first end of the second component is engageable with the second end of the first component, and a second end of the second component is engageable with the sanitation hose. The first component is preferably PVC injection molded plastic, and the second component is preferably compression molded rubber derived from vinyl monomers.

Abstract: A sewage handling assembly particularly for boats and recreational vehicles with a minimum of components. The waste discharge of a toilet is connected to an inlet for a combined vacuum and holding tank which mounts a vacuum pump, and optionally mounts a sewage discharge pump. A sewage discharge conduit, which may be connected to the optional sewage discharge pump, is connected to a first outlet from the tank, in turn connected to a dip tube terminating in an open end just above the tank bottom. A second outlet from the tank is connected to the vacuum pump (in turn connected to a gas conduit with an end termination penetrating an exterior partition of the boat or RV), and an upwardly extending gas tube inside the tank, having an opening near the interior top of the tank, is connected to the second outlet. The tank is controlled so that a gas volume of about 2 and 1/2-4 gallons is always maintained in the tank, with a vacuum level of between about 8-10 inches of mercury.

Abstract: A particular vacuum tank construction is provided for a vacuum toilet assembly which mounts a vacuum pump, has great versatility and accessibility, and ensures optimized washing effect of water and waste into the vacuum tank. A tank inlet is located at the opposite end of the tank from a sump formed in the tank bottom, and an inlet fitting at the inlet is rotatable at least about 180.degree. about a vertical axis. Connected to a tank outlet is a dip tube assembly including a substantially rigid dip tube which has an oval shaped end termination opening which is above, but spaced from, the sump and positioned so that objects of a size that would harm the vacuum pump connected to the tank outlet cannot enter the dip tube. The tank is of plastic having a nominal wall thickness of about 5/16th inch, and no flat surface area is greater than about 80 square inches. The inlet is connected to a vacuum toilet, and the vacuum pump outlet is connected to a waste (holding) tank.

Abstract: A valve used in a sewage handling system allows outer casing components to be disconnected from each other while both of the fluid transporting or retaining components that are connected to the valve remain sealed from the environment when the valve is in a closed position. Yet, the valve can be operated by simple rotation of a single actuator. For example, the valve connects a conduit connected to a toilet with a sewage holding tank. The valve includes first and second connecting parts of an outer casing which are circular cross section housed cylinders with one end perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the cylinder and the second end forming an oval face disposed at an angle of about 35.degree.-55.degree. to the axis of elongation.

Abstract: A vacuum tank assembly has a low volume configuration so that it can be used in boats and recreational vehicles where space is at a premium. A stack of components, with a waste tank at the bottom, then a vacuum tank with directly connected vacuum pump, and one or more fresh water tanks, is located remote from a vacuum toilet, with a discharge from the toilet (below a vacuum-tight ball valve) connected to the vacuum tank, which is in turn connected to the vacuum pump, in turn connected to the waste tank. A submersible centrifugal pump may be provided mounted to a cap of the water tank, with an anti-siphon device associated with it. The vacuum tank is of high density polypropylene having flat walls, with no continuous flat surface more than 80 square inches. Lipless duckbill check valves are provided on opposite sides of the vacuum pump, the valves of elastomeric material having a ratio of the wall thickness to thickness of the sealing edges of about 1:1.

Abstract: A vacuum toilet system for a vehicle (such as a boat) has numerous advantages. A single pump with valves on opposite sides of it may be used as both the vacuum source and for discharging sewage from a holding tank. Two sets of multiple heads may be selectively connected to two pumps for emergency purposes. The vacuum toilet includes a sealing element with an integral movable valve engaging element including polytetrylflouroethylene and synthetic rubber, and at the same durometer (55-65). The initial passageway provided by movement of the valve with respect to the seal is disposed directly above the center line of an orifice. An an anti-siphon valve assembly has a simple construction of a housing with parallel legs and anti-siphon air passage in alignment with one of the legs. A spray nozzle extends from the other legs of the anti-siphon valve assembly. The toilet funnel/orifice is universally connected to conduits.

Abstract: A sanitation system, particularly for use in vehicles such as marine vessels (boats), trains, planes, etc. Into a holding tank with a sloping bottom containing sewage from a toilet system, such as a vacuum toilet system, about eight ounces of deodorant chemical is automatically injected into the tank approximately every 48 hours. This effectively controls odors while minimizing chemical consumption. A gas vent from the tank passes through a vent filter having a first type of activated charcoal effective against H.sub.2 S, and a minor amount of activated charcoal effective against amino acid gaseous compounds, the vent filter removing odors. A tank cap in the top of the cap supports "high" and "full" level indicator switches and allows for the injection of the chemical and the gas vent. A tank cleaning device comprising a piece of surgical tubing with a nozzle at its free end and connected to a source of liquid under pressure can also be utilized.

Abstract: A level indicating assembly for use in a tank mounted in a vehicle, such as an RV or boat, includes a fitting body for mounting the assembly in the top of the tank, and probes extending through the body into the tank. At least one of the probes has a hollow probe shaft which is of a flexible material such as flexible pvc. One of the probes provides an "empty" indication for the tank, while the other probes provide a "full" indication, and a mid-level indication. A socket or like element with a knock-out plug optionally provides a vent in the fitting body. During installation the position of the probe shafts with respect to the fitting body are adjusted, and any unneeded portion of the probe shaft above the shaft fitting is cut off.

Abstract: A sanitary pump station for removing waste from recreational vehicle and pleasure craft waste tanks is provided. A pump station housing encloses a motor driven pump provided with at least a pair of one-way valve arrangements in both inlet and outlets to the pump. A waste hose is connected to the pump inlet and stored on a reel device within the housing. A water hose connected to an external water source is also provided. The water hose is also stored in the housing on a second reel. The respective hoses may be pulled from the housing, selectively, and after use, may be rewound on the reels by a rewind mechanism selectively engageable with drive pulleys associated with the respective reels. A universal adaptor is also provided to enable connection between the waste hose and the termination valve of the waste tank.

Abstract: A vacuum toilet system for a vehicle (such as a boat) has numerous advantages. A single pump with valves on opposite sides of it may be used as both the vacuum source and for discharging sewage from a holding tank. Two sets of multiple heads may be selectively connected to two pumps for emergency purposes. The vacuum toilet includes a sealing element with an integral movable valve engaging element including polytetrylflouroethylene and synthetic rubber, and at the same durometer (55-65). The initial passageway provided by movement of the valve with respect to the seal is disposed directly above the center line of an orifice. An anti-siphon valve assembly has a simple construction of a housing with parallel legs and anti-siphon air passage in alignment with one of the legs. A spray nozzle extends from the other legs of the anti-siphon valve assembly. The toilet funnel/orifice is universally connected to conduits.

Abstract: A sewage treatment system includes a toilet, vacuum tank, and vacuum pump. The toilet has a discharge portion at its bottom, and a foot operated valve selectively allows, or blocks, passage of water and waste from the toilet bowl into the discharge. When the valve is opened in rushing air forces waste and water from the bowl at high velocity so that the waste fragments. The vacuum tank is connected to the toilet discharge and is disposed directly below it, and has an outlet at its bottom and a dome-shaped baffle, with side openings, covering the vacuum tank outlet. A vacuum switch is operatively connected to the vacuum tank and controls the vacuum pump. The pump is operatively connected by a conduit to the vacuum tank outlet. The vacuum tank outlet has a diameter about half the size of that of the vacuum tank inlet.