Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a graywater line which is in communication with the surroundings of the rail vehicle directly or by way of a collecting container. The graywater line is equipped with a pressure protection valve, which protects a graywater line section upstream of the pressure protection valve from pressure surges occurring in the surroundings of the rail vehicle. The pressure protection valve is constructed as a pinch valve which is controlled by a control device in order to protect the graywater line section from pressure surges.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interlock mechanism (71) for a toilet (1) for vehicles, in particular for busses, mobile homes, caravans, and yachts, having an upper part (2) with a toilet bowl (7) and a support part (3) with a cassette compartment (14), wherein a cassette (15) can be inserted into the cassette compartment (14). A passing part (4) is disposed between the toilet bowl (7) and the cassette (15) in the inserted state (EZ). The passing part (4) can be closed by a passing part closure (5). According to the invention, the interlock mechanism (71) can be coupled with the passing part closure (5) and the cassette (15). The invention further relates to a toilet having such an interlock mechanism and a method for operating it.

Abstract: A modular potable water distribution manifold for an aircraft water supply and drainage system includes a tubular element with a first manifold quick connector adapted to mate with a flexible hose connector and having a flow control poppet, a second manifold quick connector having a flow control poppet, the second manifold quick connector adapteded mate with a terminating self-venting/self-draining device, and a rotating ferrule that mates the second manifold with the self-venting/self-draining device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a flow control unit for controlling liquid flow in a vacuum waste system. In one embodiment, the flow control unit provides a series of valves that direct liquid flow. The unit may also have an intermediate transfer tube that holds a portion of the liquid to be directed, prior to delivery of the liquid to left and right transfer tubes. In one embodiment, the unit may be installed on board a passenger transport vehicle. A particularly beneficial use of the flow control unit is on a private aircraft for use as a shower control unit.

Abstract: The invention is for a toilet and drainage assembly comprising a bowl having an outlet pipe having an axis, and a waste depository pipe coaxial with the axis with an inlet opening. A water trap is located between the outlet pipe and the inlet opening of the waste depository pipe, and comprises a bowl connector section connectable to the outlet pipe, a waste depository connector section connectable to the inlet opening of the waste depository pipe, and an intermediate section having a nonlinear component between the bowl connector section and the waste depository section. A mechanism moves the water trap between a first position in which the nonlinear component of the intermediate section is above the axis and a second position in which the nonlinear component of the intermediate section is substantially at the axis.

Abstract: Provided is a water-saving type toilet stool including an intermediate reservoir whereby water used in a toilet stool may be saved. In detail, provided is a water-saving type toilet stool including an intermediate reservoir, whereby excrement may be effectively discharged while using a small amount of water. Accordingly, water usage may be remarkably reduced by using the water-saving type toilet stool including an intermediate reservoir, compared to the conventional toilet stools.

Abstract: A control device is provided with a switching valve mechanism and first and second actuators. The switching valve mechanism is provided with a valve element for switching which is located within a casing. The valve element can linearly move between an open position at which first and second pressure change chambers of the casing are communicated with each other and a closed position at which the communication is interrupted. The valve element is held at the open position and the closed position by a first holding mechanism (toggle spring). When a float ascends to a first water level, the first actuator moves the valve element from the closed position to the open position. When the degree of vacuum within a pressure detection chamber becomes a second degree of vacuum or less, the second actuator moves the valve element from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to multi-port orbital valves for use in controlling the direction of fluids and mixed media, and find particular use in connection with toilet systems, such as vacuum toilet systems.

Abstract: A wastewater drainage system for a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle (RV), is provided. The system includes a pump, such as a macerator pump, in selective fluid communication with the black water tank and the gray water tank, and a drainage hose connected to the exit end of the pump for directing wastewater to a wastewater storage area. The system allows the RV user to clean the black water tank using water from the gray water tank, and allows gray water to be stored in the black water tank so that less time is spent draining the tanks and more time is spent enjoying the RV experience.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a grey water flush system for use with vacuum toilets. One embodiment of the system provides a two-stage flush that uses a transient tank in between the toilet bowl and the main aircraft waste tank, which reduces the noise level associated with the flush process because a lesser vacuum is demanded for the first stage of the flush. Embodiments of the system further capture grey water from a sink basin in a reservoir and use that water in the toilet flush process. There is further provided a lavatory odor removal system option that is activated during the second stage of the flush.

Abstract: A sanitary system for a motor vehicle includes a bowl assembly, a base coupled to the bowl assembly and a mobile holding tank removably coupled to the toilet for receiving waste from the toilet and stowable within a storage area defined by the base. The sanitary system further includes a pumping arrangement having a first portion carried by the base and a cooperating second portion carried by the mobile holding tank. The first portion engages the second portion when the mobile holding tank is positioned within the storage area so as to define a fluid path from the mobile holding tank to a remote waste storage tank for pumping of waste from the mobile holding tank to the remote waste storage tank.

Abstract: A control system for a purge valve that can be actuated by low pressure, which can be used for a low pressure or vacuum waste water system, encompassing a first valve and a second valve. The purge valve can be actuated as a function of its position, and the accumulated waste water can be drawn off via the sewage system.

Abstract: Vacuum sewer system comprising a source of sewage (101), sewer piping (102), a discharge valve (103) between the source of sewage and the sewer piping, means (104) for generating partial vacuum in the sewer piping, and a control means for controlling the operation of the discharge valve. The control means comprises a control mechanism (105) with a body part defining a series of chambers including a first end chamber and a second end chamber, wherein the first end chambers is provided with an activating means (106). The body part (12) is provided with a first port (8) for communication with a source of vacuum (102), a second port (9) for communication with the discharge valve (103) and a third port (10) for communication with an aeration means.

Abstract: A tank-type flusher is located in the water storage tank for flushing a toilet. The tank-type flusher includes an intake valve and a flush valve. The intake valve is connected to an external water source and constructed to close water flow to the water storage tank at about a predefined water level in the water tank. The flush valve is constructed to control a flush valve member between a seated state and an unseated state allowing water discharge from the water tank into a toilet bowl. The tank-type flusher may be controlled by a sensor module located at a reference location external to the water storage tank.

Abstract: A tank-type flusher is located in the water storage tank for flushing a toilet. The tank-type flusher includes an intake valve and a flush valve. The intake valve is connected to an external water source and constructed to close water flow to the water storage tank at about a predefined water level in the water tank. The flush valve is constructed to control a flush valve member between a seated state and an unseated state allowing water discharge from the water tank into a toilet bowl. The tank-type flusher may be controlled by a sensor module located at a reference location external to the water storage tank.

Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve structure, for use with a toilet tank having a floor formed with an opening, includes a base for installation in the opening formed in the floor of the toilet tank. The base defines a water outflow passage having an upper end at which the passage has an area A1 and a lower end at which the passage has an area A2 and includes a valve seat at the upper end of the water outflow passage. A flush valve is movable relative to the base between a sealing position in which the valve engages the valve seat in sealing relationship and a flushing position in which the valve is spaced upwardly from the valve seat. The area A1 is substantially greater than the area A2.

Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating items. The system includes a circulation system for circulating a microbial decontamination fluid through a deactivation chamber that forms a part of the circulation system. A container for holding items to be deactivated is provided. The container has a sealable cavity in which the items to be deactivated may be placed, and at least one valve element that is movable between an open and a closed position to regulate fluid flow into the cavity. An actuator in the deactivation chamber is operable to move the valve element to an open position when the container is disposed within the deactivation chamber, wherein the cavity within the container is in fluid communication with the circulation system when the valve element is in the open position.

Abstract: A sewage system for vehicles that includes a waste hose that is extendable and retractable.

Abstract: A Recreational Vehicle tank flush system is provided in which the existing vent pipe to the blackwater tank is modified by attaching an introduction tee which provides a hookup to a source of flushing water and to a hose and sprayer which may be hung just inside the top of the tank.

Abstract: A floor level pumping system, that is non-disruptive to the existing flooring, including a conventional rear outlet toilet, a floor level tank for receiving waste and fluid from the outlet of the toilet including a tank chamber containing a designated area with a sensing system which activates a discharge pump when the level or quantity of the waste and fluid within the tank chamber reaches a predetermined level, wherein the chamber further includes one or more baffles extending upward from a floor of the tank chamber, which baffles at least partially segregate the designated area from the remaining area of the tank chamber, wherein at least one of said baffles contains a curved surface, and a discharge pump for pumping waste from the floor level tank out through a discharge pipe, wherein the discharge pump is secured to the floor level tank.

Abstract: A toilet system which can be rinsed by a rinsing device. A pipe is connected to the toilet pan and leads to a sanitation pipe. Means are provided for transporting a suction material from the toilet pan into the pipe and into the sanitation pipe. Said means comprise two valves which are arranged in the pipe and a pressure chamber is disposed in-between. In order to suction the suction material from the toilet pan, low pressure is produced in the pressure chamber and used to transport said suctioned material. The pressure chamber is embodied as a piston cylinder and the piston is connected to a controllable drive in order to produce the high and low pressure. The inventive toilet system enables rinsing to occur using a very small amount of water and which can be adapted to different toilet pans.

Abstract: An effluent disposal apparatus for railways includes a storage tank adapted to be fitted to a railway vehicle. The tank has an inlet for receiving effluent, an outlet for release of the effluent stored in the tank, and an effluent release valve movable between a closed position in which the effluent is prevented from passing through the outlet, and an open position in which the effluent is allowed to pass through the outlet. A controller controls operation of the valve in response to an effluent release signal generated by a release signal generator to automatically open the release valve to release the effluent from the tank when the vehicle is at a predetermined position with respect to an effluent receptacle located under or alongside the track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a hose access port for a mobile unit configured to provide access for a hose through an exterior wall to extend to a toilet for flushing a holding tank. The hose access port includes a hose-holding duct portion, an outside-mountable flange and a sleeve member. The hose-holding duct portion includes a bore extending between opposite first and second end portions of the duct portion and operable to extend through a hole formed in the exterior wall between an outside surface and an inside surface of the exterior wall proximate the toilet in the mobile unit. The outside-mountable flange extends orthogonally from the first end portion of the duct portion and is operable to be secured against the outside surface of the exterior wall. The sleeve member includes securing structure and is coupled around the second end portion of the duct portion.

Abstract: A waste transfer system includes a toilet bowl, a discharge pipe, and a hopper. The hopper is positioned between the toilet bowl and the discharge pipe. A first valve is disposed between the toilet bowl and the hopper. A second valve is disposed between the hopper and the discharge pipe. A source of fluid is in communication with the hopper for pressurizing the hopper to a predetermined pressure. A method of transferring waste through the waste transfer system includes the step of opening the first valve to permit the passage of waste from the toilet bowl to the hopper and subsequently closing the first valve. The method additionally includes the step of pressurizing the hopper while the first and second valves are closed. The method further includes the step of opening the second valve to thereby force the waste from the hopper into and through the discharge pipe.

Abstract: A system for waste disposal for use in a vehicle includes a holding tank for receiving waste and a separator for receiving the waste from the holding tank with the separator being configured to separate the waste into a liquid portion and a solid portion. A macerator receives the solid portion from the separator and macerates the solid portion. Further included is an engine for providing power to the vehicle and being configured to receive and incinerate the solid portion.

Abstract: A shut off valve is provided for use in an aircraft lavatory system during maintenance sanitizing operations. The shut off valve includes an inlet passage in intermittent fluid communication with an outlet passage and a magnetic flapper body movable between a rest position and a seal position between said inlet passage and said outlet passage. The flapper body is moved by a magnetic actuator whereby upon placing said magnetic actuator within the proximity of the flapper body, the flapper body is moved from the rest position and, with the assistance of fluid flow within the valve, into the seal position, thus, preventing fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

Abstract: A sewage system for vehicles that includes a waste hose that is extendable and retractable.

Abstract: A toilet flushing method causes high-pressure flush water, provided by a flow pipe, to spray along the baffle in the bottom of the trap of a toilet bowl and causes the flush water used for washing the toilet bowl to spray into the toilet bowl. The high-pressure flush water discharges the egesta with water in order to supply sealing water to the trap. A toilet, which uses components for improving the prior art toilet, carries out the flushing method.

Abstract: A shut off valve is provided for use in an aircraft lavatory system during maintenance sanitizing operations. The shut off valve includes an inlet passage in intermittent fluid communication with an outlet passage and a magnetic flapper body movable between a rest position and a seal position between said inlet passage and said outlet passage. The flapper body is moved by a magnetic actuator whereby upon placing said magnetic actuator within the proximity of the flapper body, the flapper body is moved from the rest position and, with the assistance of fluid flow within the valve, into the seal position, thus, preventing fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

Abstract: A sewage system for vehicles that includes a waste hose that is extendable and retractable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flushing device comprising a bowl (4) having a flushing module (5) which is arranged in the area of the bowl (4) designed to receive excreta. The flushing module (5) at an upper end has a first receiving area (12) for receiving flushing water (38) and excreta (74) as well as means with which said receiving area (12) can be emptied into a chamber (80) situated underneath it.

Abstract: A control apparatus for pneumatic evacuation and/or water valves, operated by vacuum pressure and used for a vacuum sewerage system, particularly for pneumatically operated sanitary appliances, such as vacuum closets, urinals or wash basins. The control apparatus comprises an activating element, such as a push button, which is integrated in a housing and moved relative to this housing against a force to operate a control valve which comprises a valve disc and a valve piston and transmits vacuum pressure from a vacuum source to the evacuation and water valves. A compact control apparatus is provided which prevents continuous transmittal of vacuum to the evacuation and water valves if the activating element is maloperated. The piston of the control valve is moved by a diaphragm separating a first and a second chamber within the housing. The first chamber is connectable through the first control valve to the evacuation and/or water valves and is connected to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A wastewater drainage system for a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle (RV), is provided. The system includes a pump, such as a macerator pump, in selective fluid communication with the black water tank and the gray water tank, and a drainage hose connected to the exit end of the pump for directing wastewater to a wastewater storage area. The system allows the RV user to clean the black water tank using water from the gray water tank, and allows gray water to be stored in the black water tank so that less time is spent draining the tanks and more time is spent enjoying the RV experience.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a sewer pipe system of a recreational vehicle having a holding tank for waste and/or waste water and a discharge pipe having an outlet end through which waste and/or waste water is discharged from the holding tank utilizes an adapter body having a passageway therethrough and a closure member which is connected to the adapter body for movement across the passageway between closed and open positions. The adapter body is connectable to the discharge pipe of the sewer pipe system and also includes a cavity disposed to one side of the passageway so that the interior of the cavity is in communication with the interior of the passageway. Movement of the closure member between its open and closed positions moves the closure member at least partially into and out of the cavity.

Abstract: A plastic sewage holding tank in a boat, associated with a toilet, includes a vent check valve for providing vacuum relief. By mounting the vent check valve in the top of the tank, when the tank is being emptied by rapid pumpout implosion or other damage to the tank is prevented. The vent check valve may include a valve body with an interior surface mounting a quad sealing ring, with a valve element guided for reciprocal movement between a sealing position where an axially elongated substantially cylindrical peripheral surface of the valve element engages the quad ring, to an open position where the valve element is moved against spring bias away from the valve body. A spider, with a collar for guiding a shaft portion of the valve element, may mount a coil spring to provide a biasing action.

Abstract: A vacuum waste system having reduced noise levels associated therewith. The vacuum waste system includes a sanitary unit for initially receiving waste. An intermediate container is connected to the sanitary unit by a first sewer pipe and a first sewer valve. A receptacle is connected to the intermediate container by a second sewer pipe and a second sewer valve. The system also includes a vacuum pump for generating vacuum in the second sewer pipe, intermediate container, and first sewer pipe. Transfer of waste from the sanitary unit to the receptacle is performed in two stages. In a first stage, the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed so that vacuum transports the waste from the sanitary unit to the intermediate container. In the second stage, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to transfer the waste from the intermediate container through the second sewer pipe.

Abstract: A valve and vent assembly for a self-contained sanitary system of the type including a toilet structure with a downwardly directed outlet opening and a storage compartment defined and located below the outlet opening, and a waste holding tank removably disposed within the storage compartment. The tank has a fill opening positioned in registry with the outlet opening when the tank is inserted within the storage compartment. The valve and vent assembly is operable to close the fill opening and to seal the tank to prevent leakage of waste from the tank through the fill opening, a vent passage in the storage compartment and communicating with the waste holding tank extends outside of said compartment thereby enabling noxious and odorous air in the holding tank to pass out of the tank.

Abstract: The toilet tank water conservation device has a bracket adapted for attachment to the overflow tube of a toilet tank. The bracket includes a guide ledge having a bore defined therein. The device includes a float ball attached to a cylindrical guide rod, the rod being slidable through the bore defined in the guide ledge. The device is installed so that when the toilet tank is flushed, the water level drops and the ball drops by gravity, striking the flapper flush and closing the flush valve early in order to (1) conserve water by limiting the amount of water released from the tank into the bowl, and consequently (2) decreasing the likelihood of overflow from the toilet bowl in the event of a clogged drain. The device may include a flange about the circumference of the rod in order to prevent the rod from sliding through the bore when water drains from the tank.

Abstract: A system is described for the treatment of aircraft toilet waste water to permit discharge of the treated water to the atmosphere during flight, utilizing the pressure differential that is created between the aircraft's cabin pressure and the external atmosphere. The system includes a filter to remove suspended solids and other contaminants from the waste water, and may also include means to purify the water to potable water standards and means to recirculate the treated water for reuse on the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention provides; a flush toilet having an odor-sealing valve which can certainly be opened and closed with a simple structure and enables easy maintenance, capable of preventing waste matter adhering on it from facing toward the toilet bowl, and effectively working when a patient unintentionally defecates; a care bed apparatus which reduces physical work load on a nurser when bathing the patient; and others. A water tank 52 is provided below a toilet bowl 51, and an odor-sealing valve 57 is made of a sphere 57a floating in the water tank 52 and a ring-shaped packing 57b located near a lower opening 51a of the toilet bowl 51 and capable of coming in close contact with said sphere 57a. Drainpipes and drain valves 66a, 67a, 66b, 67b lower the water level in the water tank 52 to open the odor-sealing valve 57 and a water-supply pipe 64a and a water-supply valve 64b raise the water level in the water tank 52 to close the odor-sealing valve 57.

Abstract: A plastic sewage holding tank in a boat, associated with a toilet, includes a vent check valve assembly for providing vacuum relief. By mounting the vent check valve in the top of the tank, when the tank is being emptied by rapid pumpout implosion or other damage to the tank is prevented. The vent check valve assembly may include a valve body surface operatively connected to the tank and having a plurality of openings formed in it, and a flexible material diaphragm covering the openings adjacent the inside of the tank, and uncovering openings to allow air flow through the openings substantially only when a vacuum condition exists inside the tank. A plastic disk biases the diaphragm into its opening-covering position, but a partial vacuum of at least about 2-5 inches of water allows air to flow through the openings past the diaphragm.

Abstract: A water handling system including a black water drain line for draining a black water tank including an operator controlled slide valve in such line; a grey water drain line for draining a grey water tank including an operator controlled slide valve in such line; a termination drain line coupling the outlets of both the black water drain line and the grey water drain line, the termination drain line having screw threads on its outlet end; a grey water tank positionable in the bed of a truck; a hose with a threaded inlet end and a threaded outlet end couplable to the grey water tank; a pump having a threaded inlet end and an outlet end with an adapter having threads couplable to the inlet end of the hose; a coupling cap with a central aperture adapted to receive the inlet end of the pump therethrough and a nut releasably couplable to the input end of the pump; and an electric line couplable between the pump and the power source in the truck.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved sewer system for recreational vehicles. Specifically, a four way pipe connector is provided which resides below a flushing tank and connects the flushing tank, the gray water waste tank, the black water waste tank and the dump hose. Valves selectively open and close access to the four way pipe connector. The flushing tank includes five gallons of water which are selectively flushed through the dump hose to remove any waste residue that remains after draining the black or gray water waste tanks.

Abstract: A method and system are described for the treatment of aircraft toilet waste water to permit discharge of the treated water to the atmosphere during flight, utilizing the pressure differential that is created between the aircraft's cabin pressure and the external atmosphere. The system includes a filter to remove suspended solids and other contaminants from the waste water, and may also include means to purify the water to potable water standards and means to recirculate the treated water for re-use on the aircraft.

Abstract: A vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system having a suction pipe which is communicated with a vacuum system by opening a vacuum valve, and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing the vacuum valve, so that soil water in a soil water basin is sucked through the suction pipe and sent to a predetermined place by opening said vacuum valve is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible, self-contained toilet apparatus including a basic storage container assembly operable to receive and support a foldable seat and anchor assembly connected thereto and provided with a usage accessories assembly for conventional use including a cleansing/flushing operation. The basic storage container assembly includes a main storage body assembly having a removable seat support and flush assembly and a seat support and drain assembly. The seat support and flush assembly is removable to receive the foldable seat and anchor assembly connected thereto for use in a normal toilet function operation. In a cleansing/flushing operation, the seat support and flush assembly is connected to a garden hose assembly to provide cleansing fluid to the main storage body assembly and an enclosure support and plug member of the seat support and drain assembly is removed to receive a dumpster hose assembly connected thereto.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for a toilet system having an emptying tube connected to a closed sewage collection tank. The emptying tube has an end portion that extends through a wall and has a free end that projects from the wall for receiving in a socket of a coupling hose. A cover is attached to the wall and is moveable relative to the wall between an open position, in which the cover allows free access to the free end of the emptying tube for emptying the sewage collection tank, and a closed position, in which the cover protects the free end of the emptying tube against contamination and damage. A plug is attached to the cover and engages the free end of the emptying tube when the cover is in the closed position and is disengaged from the free end of the emptying tube when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position.

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 vacuum control valve controls the removal of sewage or other liquid removed from a tank by a vacuum discharge pipe. The control valve uses the amount of liquid in the tank, the atmospheric pressure, and the vacuum pressure of the vacuum discharge pipe to open or close a pipe communicating section which attaches the vacuum discharge pipe to a suction pipe disposed within the tank. When the pipe communicating section is opened, the liquid is removed from the tank via the suction pipe and the vacuum discharge pipe. When the tank is emptied, a damping diaphragm allows for decompression of pressure around its peripheral portion to prevent excessive suction. An opening time adjusting valve automatically self-adjusts to control the time period for a single suction activity based on the vacuum pressure inside the vacuum discharge pipe.

Abstract: A wastewater drainage system for a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle (RV), is provided. The system includes a pump, such as a macerator pump, in selective fluid communication with the black water tank and the gray water tank, and a drainage hose connected to the exit end of the pump for directing wastewater to a wastewater storage area. The system allows the RV user to clean the black water tank using water from the gray water tank, and allows gray water to be stored in the black water tank so that less time is spent draining the tanks and more time is spent enjoying the RV experience.