Abstract: A black tank arrangement is provided having a selectively operable macerator for recirculating fluid adjacent the black tank outlet back toward the black tank inlet, so as to flush or spray waste from that inlet toward the outlet. Selecting the fluid transfer components to be mountable adjacent the end face of the black tank near the black tank outlet allows the invention to be retrofit into previously installed black tanks in vehicles. Operation of the macerator can be manual, via a remote switch held down by the user for a given time period, and/or automatic, in sequence with toilet operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a filter system for filtering water or wastewater. The apparatus preferably includes at least one underdrain lateral having at least an inner chamber, a first outer chamber and a second outer chamber. The first outer chamber and the second outer chamber are preferably in fluid communication with the inner chamber. The inner chamber, the first outer chamber and the second outer chamber are preferably formed by an inner liner and an outer liner. The outer liner is a separate piece from the inner liner and surrounds the inner liner. The inner chamber is preferably configured to simultaneously receive a liquid and a gas during a washing procedure including simultaneous use of a liquid and gas to clean a filter bed to create a liquid and gas interface in the inner chamber.

Abstract: A recycling flush toilet has a receptacle for human waste, a liquids holding tank, a base, a toilet pipe whose upper end is in fluid communication with the base of the toilet and extends downwards, a waste separation pipe extending out from the lower end of the toilet pipe, having a first end, wherein the lower end of the toilet pipe extends into the separation pipe near the first end, a filter at the lower end of the toilet pipe for separating solids and liquids, a solids container axially aligned, and in fluid communication, with the toilet pipe, and a liquids container in fluid communication with the separation pipe and adjacent to the solids container. The filter separates the waste into liquid and solid components that are disposed into the liquids and solids containers, respectively. Liquids within the liquids container are used to flush the toilet.

Abstract: A toilet, wherein: the toilet has an aperture (110), which, in use, would be located in an upper part of the toilet; the toilet comprising or adapted to receive a dispensing means arranged beneath the aperture for dispensing a tube (12) of collection bag material in a downward direction; wherein the toilet is adapted such that, in operation, while the tube is moved downward, the toilet creates a divide in the tube by pressing the sides of the tube together.

Abstract: A self-contained, oil flush medium toilet system is provided having a largely rectangular enclosure that separates the flush medium from collected waste and preprocesses the waste for subsequent removal. The device requires no connection to sewage or water lines, and can be installed with only electrical connections for continual operation. Waste is first received through a toilet bowl, whereafter it is consumed by the oil and falls under the surface thereof. The waste is then circulated below the oil, whereby it is continually aerated to promote aerobic digestion of the waste until it reaches a certain volume, where the processed waste exits the enclosure for further processing or storage. The oil flush medium is pumped through a particulate and carbon filter to maintain its condition, wherein the oil is immiscible with the waste to first consume it and remain above the waste within the enclosure during operation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device (C) for recycling grey water, particularly for a transportation vehicle equipped with a tank (D) of clean on-board water, said device (C) being intended for providing recycled water for the emptying of at least one toilet mounted in said vehicle, said device comprising a vessel (2) for collecting grey water, a pump (4) to make at least at a part of the grey water stored in the vessel (2) circulate towards filtering means (8) and a tank (12) for storing filtered grey water useable for washing the toilets. said filtered grey water being stored under pressure in said tank (12). According to the invention, said filtering means (8) comprise an ultrafilter.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus of a circulating flush toilet recycling drain water having used for washing the inside a toilet bowl is disposed between a water-receiving tank and a water-pumping tank of the flush toilet so as to solve problems such as clogging of a pipe and a pump failure. The filtering apparatus includes a casing, a toothed gate formed in a part of the casing, close to the water-receiving tank, and a filtering unit which filters water overflown from the water-receiving tank and passing through the gate, in multiple stages, and which causes the filtered drain water to flow into the water-pumping tank.

Abstract: A waterless urinal that can be flushed with liquid consists of a urinal with a flushing liquid and urine separator and a flushing liquid recycling system; the flushing liquid and urine separator having three flow barriers which can guide urine to down-and-up type flow paths to a drain; two of the three flow barriers being able to serve as weirs; the flushing liquid recycling system being able to send flushing liquid from the lower portion of the urinal to the upper portion of the urinal; the flushing liquid recycling system being optionally a foot-operated pumping system which optionally having a paddle which connects to a bucket which can be tilted up or down by operations of the paddle; the foot-operated pumping system of the flushing liquid recycling system optionally having two paddles; the flushing liquid recycling system optionally being a pump, motor and piping system which has sensors, timer and power control and supply system.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for treating a waste water waste-product mixture from a toilet by coupling the toilet to a waste product mixture to a waste product holding tank, connecting the tank with a vacuum container having a stirring member for breaking up the waste product and a heating system for drying the waste product to an ash, introducing water from a water holding tank that communicates with the toilet to the ash to form a gel, separating the water from the gel, returning the water to the water holding tank, and discharging the gel residue.

Abstract: A water treatment and recycling system is provided having an aeration chamber, a reaction chamber, a water tank, and a plurality of pumps. The water tank houses the treated water and is the supply source for supplying water to different water needs. The first pump receives waste water from a waste source, such as a toilet, and pumps it into the aeration chamber. The aeration chamber initially treats the water and passes the contents therein via a second pump to the reaction chamber. The water is secondarily treated by the reaction chamber and thereafter pumped into the water tank. The first pump also receives a continual supply of treated water from the water tank. The aeration chamber and reaction chamber contains therein a plurality of specially treated wood chips, and a bio-colony consisting of different microbes and bacteria introduced into the wood chips.

Abstract: A water treatment and recycling system is provided having an aeration chamber, a reaction chamber, a water tank, and a plurality of pumps. The water tank houses the treated water and is the supply source for supplying water to different water needs. The first pump receives waste water from a waste source, such as a toilet, and pumps it into the aeration chamber. The aeration chamber initially treats the water and passes the contents therein via a second pump to the reaction chamber. The water is secondarily treated by the reaction chamber and thereafter pumped into the water tank. The first pump also receives a continual supply of treated water from the water tank. The aeration chamber and reaction chamber contains therein a plurality of specially treated wood chips, and a bio-colony consisting of different microbes and bacteria introduced into the wood chips.

Abstract: A water treatment and recycling system is provided having an aeration chamber, a reaction chamber, a water tank, and a plurality of pumps The water tank houses the treated water and is the supply source for supplying water to different water needs. The first pump receives waste water from a waste source, such as a toilet, and pumps it into the aeration chamber. The aeration chamber initially treats the water and passes the contents therein via a second pump to the reaction chamber. The water is secondarily treated by the reaction chamber and thereafter pumped into the water tank. The first pump also receives a continual supply of treated water from the water tank. The aeration chamber and reaction chamber contains therein a plurality of specially treated wood chips, and a bio-colony consisting of different microbes and bacteria introduced into the wood chips.

Abstract: A water treatment and recycling system is provided having an aeration chamber, a reaction chamber, a water tank, and a plurality of pumps. The water tank houses the treated water and is the supply source for supplying water to different water needs. The first pump receives waste water from a waste source, such as a toilet, and pumps it into the aeration chamber. The aeration chamber initially treats the water and passes the contents therein via a second pump to the reaction chamber. The water is secondarily treated by the reaction chamber and thereafter pumped into the water tank. The first pump also receives a continual supply of treated water from the water tank. The aeration chamber and reaction chamber contains therein a plurality of specially treated wood chips, and a bio-colony consisting of different microbes and bacteria introduced into the wood chips.

Abstract: In fuller detail, the present invention relates to a thermo-evaporative type toilet system designed so that the excrement collected from the toilet is treated with effective microorganisms and heated for evaporation to generate vapors, with the stench being removed from said vapors and the water recovered from the vapors being purified for reuse as purified water.

Abstract: A toilet housing and waste collection and treatment system purify wastewater to a satisfactory level. When solid wastes are conveyed from individual toilets (31)-(33) into an active circulation chamber (16) in a toilet housing (10), the solid wastes are subjected to air exposure treatments in the active circulation chamber (16). The wastewater exposed to air in the active circulation chamber (16) is then purified through a three-phase flowing structure in first and second active water chambers (51) and (52), with the three-phase flowing structure including water, air, and carrier particles containing aerobic microorganisms. The wastewater so treated flows into first and second sediment separation chambers (53) and (54) where solid wastes are settled down and separated from the wastewater. The treated water is then supplied to a water reservoir (56) which in turns supplies the water to the respective toilets (31)-(33).

Abstract: A flushing system is provided for an outdoor portable toilet of the type having a cabana containing a waste material storage tank upon which a toilet structure is positioned for the deposit of toilet waste material into the tank by gravity. A separate fresh water tank is removably positioned outside the cabana against its rear wall and is connected, through a pipe, to a control valve, which, in turn, is connected to a flushing mechanism and a pump which conveys liquid to the flushing mechanism when actuated. In addition, a waste tank pipe extends into the waste tank and a filter through which waste liquid may be drawn from the waste tank to the valve and then pumped to the flushing mechanism. The valve may be set to draw liquid either from the fresh water tank or the liquid from the waste water holding tank or, alternatively, from neither tank, so that the unit may be operated without flushing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of fecal matter from a toilet system in a fast moving vehicle during travel of the vehicle. The liquid components of the fecal matter are dehydrated to recover water. The water is disposed of by either discharging the water to the environment of the vehicle or by re-using the water in systems of the vehicle. The remainder of the fecal matter is introduced into a collection vessel of in the vehicle.

Abstract: A flush toilet of the present invention has a toilet stool and an incinerating pot, they are connected to each other by a vertical drain pipe. A shutter is provided which opens the drain pipe during discharge of waste material and closes after completion of the discharge. The shutter is positioned approximately midway of the drain pipe. Raw sewage can be delivered to the incinerating pot, and flush water can be introduced to another location. By introducing flush water to another location, only raw sewage or other waste material can be efficiently incinerated. The flush water used can be reused as flush water after filtration with a filtering apparatus.

Abstract: A recirculating toilet water system includes: a toilet, a main water tank for storing water and receiving waste matters from the toilet, a filtered water supply means for supplying filtered water as filtered through a screen from the main water tank for flushing the toilet and an air supply means for delivering compressed air for boosting the filtered water for flushing the toilet, wherein the water supply means includes a feed water valve which is normally opened to fludically communicate a flushing water tank with the main water tank to lead water into the flushing water tank and is operatively closed when boosting the water for flushing the toilet by the compressed air, and is further provided with a purging perforation therethrough to eject a partial stream for purging the screen for preventing the clogging of particulate matters on the screen when boosting the water.

Abstract: A fluid flow fill valve (10) has an elongated strainer member (40) with a plurality of axially extending flanges (44) each having alternating notches (48) and comb-like elements (46) which abut a complementarily tapered supply conduit wall (25) to provide an elongated strainer member along the conduit. The upstream end of the strainer member (40) has a nub (64) which is placed within an aperture (74) of flexible fluid flow restrictor member (66) to provide for a restrictive annular inlet to the strainer member (40). Strainer member (40) can be easily flushed by depressing and axially moving the strainer member downwardly such that a clearance (84) is formed between the comb-like element (46) and the tapered wall (25) of conduit (24).

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.

Abstract: A self-contained sewage waste disposal system including a housing structure and a toilet bowl adapted to receive human waste and fluid for diluting the waste, transporting the waste and rinsing the bowl. A removable filter cassette is in the housing in communication with the toilet bowl. The bowl is flushed and the contents are dumped into the filter cassette and the bowl is subsequently refilled. Filters in the cassette separate the coarse and fine particles of solid material from the fluid received from the bowl. The solid material is stored in the cassette in a compact manner for subsequent disposal upon removal of the cassette. Fine filtering and decoloring is accomplished by a carbon canister. A reservoir is provided for storage of fluid after removal of solid material therefrom in the cassette.

Abstract: A water closet system comprising a lavatory which is connected to a collection tank or mouldering chamber (2) over a discharge piping (3), and a liquid separator (4) interconnected in said discharge piping (3) adjacent and above the tank or chamber (2). The liquid separator (4) comprises an inlet pipe (8) having a widened bottom portion (13), an outlet pipe (9) preferably having a widened top portion (14) and a liquid container which sealingly encloses at least the end portions (13, 14) of said inlet and outlet pipes (8, 9). The diameter (D2) of the top end (14) of the outlet pipe (9) is equal to of larger than the diameter (D1) of the non-widened portion of the inlet pipe (8), and the said diameter (D3) of the bottom end (13) of the inlet pipe (8) is larger than said diameter (D2) of the top portion (14) of the outlet pipe (9).

Abstract: A self-contained sewage waste disposal system including a housing structure and a toilet bowl adapted to receive human waste and fluid for diluting the waste, transporting the waste and rinsing the bowl. A removable filter cassette is in the housing in communication with the toilet bowl. The bowl is flushed and the contents are dumped into the filter cassette and the bowl is subsequently refilled. Filters in the cassette separate the coarse and fine particles of solid material from the fluid received from the bowl. The solid material is stored in the cassette in a compact manner for subsequent disposal upon removal of the cassette. Fine filtering and decoloring is accomplished by a carbon canister. A reservoir is provided for storage of fluid after removal of solid material therefrom in the cassette.

Abstract: A self-contained sewage waste disposal system including a housing structure and a toilet bowl adapted to receive human waste and fluid for diluting the waste, transporting the waste and rinsing the bowl. A removable filter cassette is in the housing in communication with the toilet bowl. Structure is provided for flushing the bowl and dumping the contents into the filter cassette and for subsequent refilling of the bowl. A filter is in the cassette for separating the particles of solid material from the fluid received from the bowl. The solid material is stored in the cassette in a compact manner for subsequent disposal upon removal of the cassette. Pumps and interconnected conduits are in the housing to transport fluid directly from an external source to fill the bowl after a flush, to transport and recirculate filtered fluid through the system for further waste disposal treatment, and to direct the effluent fluid from the system thereafter.

Abstract: A self-contained sewage waste disposal system is provided including a housing structure and a toilet bowl adapted to receive human waste and fluid for diluting the waste, transporting the waste and rinsing the bowl is provided in the housing structure. A removable filter cassette is placed in the housing structure in communication with the toilet bowl. The bowl is adapted to be flushed to dump the contents into the filter cassette and to be subsequently refilled. The coarse and fine particles of solid waste material are separated from the fluid received from the bowl by filter material in the cassette. The solid material is stored in the cassette in a compact manner for subsequent disposal upon removal of the cassette from the housing.

Abstract: A waste disposal system is disclosed which includes apparatus for treating water which has been used for cleaning, washing and for flushing toilets and for disposing of waste products by incineration. The total output of the system to the environment is then reclaimed wash water of tertiary treatment quality plus CO.sub.2 and the ash resulting from the incineration of solid wastes. In alternative embodiments, systems designed for ships, multiple unit dwellings or small communities can operate on a substantially continuous duty cycle with full utilization being made, if desired, of the heat energy required for the incineration process, and for substantially reducing fresh water quantity requirements in all such installations through the use of recirculating toilets.

Abstract: A waterless flush toilet system comprising a toilet and a gravity fed waste holding tank. The system utilizes a recirculating nonaqueous flushing fluid which is stored within the holding tank. The fluid, which is lighter than the waste material and insoluble therein, forms a stratified layer on the surface of the material. A float having a flushing fluid inlet floats within the layer of fluid, separated from solid waste matter by a tubular screen member, the float being suspended from the top of the tank by a flexible coiled hose which is coupled to the fluid inlet. The coiled hose contracts as the waste level in the tank rises, thereby permitting the float to remain within the flushing fluid layer regardless of the waste material level. When the toilet is flushed, an air-powered pump draws a fraction of the fluid into the fluid inlet of the float, through the flexible hose and finally to the toilet. The fluid serves as a medium for transporting the waste material from the toilet to the holding tank.

Abstract: A quick-change toilet system capable of being readily converted between a non-flushing toilet and a recirculating flushing toilet is disclosed. The system includes a waste holding tank with an open frame member mounted on the top thereof. The system utilizes a non-flushing toilet cover and a flushing type toilet cover, both of which have a similar locking pin arrangement which permits either type of cover to be removably secured to a locking bar permanently affixed to the frame member. The non-flushing toilet cover includes an opening having a conventional toilet seat and toilet seat cover disposed thereover. The flushing toilet cover, which is of the recirculating variety, is similar to the non-flushing cover but additionally includes a toilet bowl having a flushing fluid outlet. A manually operated pump draws flushing fluid from the waste holding tank through a filter and delivers a quantity of filtered flushing fluid to the toilet bowl for flushing purposes through the flushing fluid outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for disposing of human waste comprising in combination a bowl, a treating chamber connected to the bowl for receiving the contents of the bowl together with a predetermined quantity of flush water, a macerator in the treating chamber for effecting hydraulic attrition of the solid matter to a predetermined slurry which is pumpable, and a pump for removing the slurry from the treating chamber, and a method of reducing the solid matter in human waste by hydraulic attrition.

Abstract: A waterless flush toilet system comprising at least one toilet and a gravity fed waste holding tank. The system utilizes a recirculating nonaqueous flushing fluid which is stored within the holding tank. The fluid, which is lighter than the waste material and insoluble therein, forms a stratified layer on the surface of the material. A float having a flushing fluid inlet floats within the layer of fluid, the float being suspended from the top of the tank by a flexible coiled hose which is coupled to the fluid inlet. The coiled hose contracts as the waste level in the tank rises, thereby permitting the float to remain within the flushing fluid layer regardless of the waste material level. When the toilet is flushed, an electric or air-powered pump draws a fraction of the fluid into the fluid inlet of the float, through the flexible hose and finally to the toilet. The fluid serves as a medium for transporting the waste material from the toilet to the holding tank.

Abstract: A combination of a biological dry toilet and a biological waste water purifying plant. The combination comprises a tank for composting waste, a means for change of air in the tank, and a sludge sedimentation tank. A biofilter is provided through which the water to be purified is circulated. The combination comprises in addition a means for change of air in the biolfilter, a means for circulating the water to be purified in the biofilter, a means for removing the purified water from the sludge sedimentation tank, a means for removing the sludge from the lower part of the sedimentation tank, a means for feeding the water to be purified through the dry toilet, and a means for mechanically purifying said water in the dry toilet. An equalizing basin is included in the waste water purifying plant, the dry toilet being at least partly submerged in said basin.

Abstract: A water economizing system for new or existing buildings where the waste lines of lavatory sinks, showers and clothes washing machines are connected to a storage reservoir for accumulation of water therein. This accumulated water is filtered and treated and thereafter used for the operation of water closets of toilets, the storage reservoir providing for the removal of solids and foam by flushing action at the top and subsequently by the gravitational separation of solids which are periodically flushed from the bottom of the reservoir into the sewer. The pumping action which delivers the accumulated water to the water closets of toilets may optionally be hydraulically operated by a portion of the water drained to the storage reservoir.

Abstract: A back-washable filtering element, especially for use with pumps, and more particularly for use with pumps that handle liquids with solid material entrained therein, consists of a helical coil spring disposed in a flow path for the liquid to be filtered. A movable element in the flow path is mechanically connected to the spring and compresses it axially under the effect of the back washing liquid to automatically reduce the flow capacity. The resultant "shrugging" of the spring also permits it to clear itself of filtered material to facilitate the back-washing.

Abstract: A system to be incorporated in new or in existing buildings where the waste lines of lavatory sinks, showers and clothes washing machines are connected to a storage reservoir for accumulation of water therein. This accumulated water is filtered and treated and thereafter used for the operation of water closets of toilets, the storage reservoir providing for the gravitational separation of solids from the water which are periodically flushed from the reservoir into the sewer. The pumping action which delivers the accumulated water to the water closets of toilets may be hydraulically operated by a portion of the water drained to the storage reservoir.

Abstract: A sewerless recirculating toilet and human waste storage system wherein human waste products and a flushing fluid of a specific gravity less than water are received from a commode, the waste products are separated from the flushing fluid, the separated waste products are stored indefinitely without additional treatment in a state of suspended animation for possible subsequent by-products recovery therefrom and the separated flushing fluid is stored on top of the separated waste products until a portion thereof is recycled back into the commode in a purified state for flushing the commode.