Abstract: A vacuum toilet for use with a waste pipe maintained under partial vacuum pressure. The vacuum toilet comprises a bowl having an upper surface defining an opening and a lid supported for pivotable movement between a lowered position, in which the lid covers the opening, and a raised position, in which the lid is rotated away from the opening. An actuator has a rod connected to the lid, the rod being movable between a first position, in which the lid is placed in the raised position, and a second position, in which the lid is placed in the lowered position. A controller is operatively connected to the actuator, wherein the controller normally operates the actuator with the rod in the first position. The controller automatically operates the actuator rod to the second position during a toilet flush cycle, and subsequently returns the actuator rod back to the first position after the toilet flush cycle.

Abstract: A modular vacuum toilet, and a method of servicing such a toilet, are disclosed. The toilet is used with a vacuum toilet system having a sewer line placeable under partial vacuum pressure and a source of rinse fluid. The modular vacuum toilet comprises a frame and a removable bowl engaging and supported be the frame, the bowl defining an outlet and having a rinse fluid dispenser associated therewith. The modular vacuum toilet also has a valve set module. The valve set module includes a discharge valve having an inlet in fluid communication with the bowl outlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the sewer line, and a movable discharge valve member disposed between the discharge valve inlet and outlet. A rinse fluid valve is also incorporated into the valve set module and has an inlet in fluid communication with the source of rinse fluid, an outlet in fluid communication with the rinse fluid dispenser, and a movable rinse fluid valve member disposed between the rinse fluid valve inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A vacuum bowl assembly for use in a vacuum toilet positioned on a support surface and having a discharge valve. The vacuum bowl assembly comprises a frame having a bottom member adapted to engage the support surface, and a top member defining a shoulder. A removable bowl is provided having a flange extending about an upper edge sized to engage the shoulder, and an outlet adapted for fluid communication with the discharge valve.

Abstract: A galley waste disposal system is provided for use with an existing vacuum collection system. The galley waste disposal system includes a basin for receiving galley waste and a discharge valve connected between the basin and a collection tank. The discharge valve is vacuum-operated and has an actuating port. An electrically-operated vacuum control valve is connected between the actuating port and a vacuum source. A flush element is also provided that is actuatable to produce a discharge command. A controller is operably connected to the control valve and is selectively operable in response to the discharge command to place the actuating port in fluid communication with the vacuum source, thereby to open the discharge valve. In addition, the discharge valve, vacuum control valve, and controller may be housed in an enclosure suitable for mounting remotely from the basin.

Abstract: A discharge valve is disclosed for use in a vacuum toilet system having a waste receptacle defining an outlet and a sewer line placeable under partial vacuum. The discharge valve comprises a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a rotatable discharge valve member disposed in the housing for selectively establishing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. A periphery of the disk valve member being formed with a series of ear teeth. An actuator is provided having a rotatable spur gear adapted to engage the periphery of the discharge valve member.

Abstract: A modular vacuum toilet, and a method of servicing such a toilet, are disclosed. The toilet is used with a vacuum toilet system having a sewer line placeable under partial vacuum pressure and a source of rinse fluid. The modular vacuum toilet comprises a frame and a removable bowl engaging and supported be the frame, the bowl defining an outlet and having a rinse fluid dispenser associated therewith. The modular vacuum toilet also has a valve set module. The valve set module includes a discharge valve having an inlet in fluid communication with the bowl outlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the sewer line, and a movable discharge valve member disposed between the discharge valve inlet and outlet. A rinse fluid valve is also incorporated into the valve set module and has an inlet in fluid communication with the source of rinse fluid, an outlet in fluid communication with the rinse fluid dispenser, and a movable rinse fluid valve member disposed between the rinse fluid valve inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An integrated valve set for use in a vacuum toilet system is disclosed. The vacuum toilet system includes a waste receptacle defining an outlet and having a rinse fluid nozzle, a source of rinse fluid, and a sewer line placeable under partial vacuum pressure. The integrated valve set comprises a discharge valve having an inlet in fluid communication with the waste receptacle outlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the sewer line, and a rotatable discharge valve member adapted to selectively establish fluid communication between the discharge valve inlet and discharge valve outlet. An integrally mounted rinse fluid valve has an inlet in fluid communication with the pressurized rinse fluid source, an outlet in fluid communication with the rinse fluid nozzle, and a rinse fluid valve member adapted to selectively establish fluid communication between the rinse fluid valve inlet and the rinse fluid valve outlet.

Abstract: A rinse fluid valve for use in a vacuum toilet system is disclosed. The vacuum toilet system includes a waste receptacle with a rinse fluid dispenser associated therewith and a source of rinse fluid. The rinse fluid valve has a housing with an inlet in fluid communication with the rinse fluid source and an outlet in fluid communication with the rinse fluid dispenser. A flow path extends from the inlet to the outlet. A moveable rinse fluid valve member is disposed in the flow path and movable between open and closed positions. A fuse valve is disposed in the flow path upstream of the rinse fluid valve and has a normally open position to allow fluid flow therethrough. The fuse valve is actuatable to a closed position after a desired volume of fluid has passed therethrough, thereby to cease rinse fluid flow through the flow path.

Abstract: A vacuum bowl assembly for use in a vacuum toilet positioned on a support surface and having a discharge valve. The vacuum bowl assembly comprises a frame having a bottom member adapted to engage the support surface, and a top member defining a shoulder. A removable bowl is provided having a flange extending about an upper edge sized to engage the shoulder, and an outlet adapted for fluid communication with the discharge valve.

Abstract: A buffer box for use in a vacuum drainage system. The buffer box defines a reservoir of known effective size which provides substantially consistently sized slugs of liquid which may be efficiently pulled up a vertical lift. The buffer box includes an outlet and an air intake orifice which may be sized relative to one another so that only liquid from the reservoir is evacuated. The outlet has an upper edge which may be spaced from a base portion of the buffer box at a height which optimizes liquid velocity out of the box and defines a level above which only water is evacuated from the reservoir.

Abstract: A vacuum drainage system having a vertical riser with an aeration point. The aeration point prevents stalls in the vacuum drainage system by breaking up the formation of a solid fluid column in the riser. In certain applications, the aeration point allows the vacuum drainage system to operate in a deliberately flooded condition by regulating air flow into the riser. The aeration point may be provided simply as a hole positions at an optimum height above a bottom of the riser, or it may include apparatus for retaining fluid inside the riser, such as a check valve. In addition, the aeration point may be provided with an automatically adjustable cross-section, so that aeration point is quickly and easily adapted to changing operating parameters in the vacuum drainage system.

Abstract: A waste fluid discharge column for use in a vacuum drainage system. The discharge column comprises a vertical pipe maintained under negative pressure to create a liquid column inside the vertical pipe. A chamber is attached to an upper end of the pipe and defines a vacuum port and a fluid inlet port. The chamber allows for better separation of waste fluid and air, and provides a vacuum buffer for the drainage system. The present invention further comprises a vacuum drainage system capable of separately handling multiple waste fluid flows. Two or more waste fluid discharge columns may be connected to a single vacuum source. Because the different types of waste fluid are handled separately, treatment and other auxiliary apparatus needed for certain types of waste fluid may be sized properly since the vacuum drainage system may direct only the waste fluid requiring treatment to the auxiliary apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting a reagent into a stream of pressurized rinse fluid delivered to a vacuum toilet. The apparatus is pressure-operated in response to the flow of pressurized rinse fluid, thereby eliminating the need for electric outlets or controls. The apparatus includes an orifice located in a main conduit upstream of a reagent discharge outlet. The orifice reduces the pressure of the rinse fluid thereby to unload a check valve which controls injection of the reagent into the rinse fluid stream. In addition, the volume of a pump chamber for holding reagent is reduced to ensure that the pump maintains its prime. Furthermore, the piping leading into the pump chamber has a relatively uniform inside surface and a tapered insert is used to reduced the cross-sectional area of the reagent extreme, thereby directing air bubbles through the pump chamber.

Abstract: A sewer system includes a disposal system under atmospheric pressure, a sanitary unit provided with a water trap, and a branch sewer pipe connecting the sanitary unit to the disposal system. A vacuum generator is connected to the branch sewer pipe for generating underpressure in the branch sewer pipe. The vacuum generator is connected to the branch sewer pipe in a manner that allows waste to pass through the branch sewer pipe to the disposal system without obstruction by a temporary closure element.

Abstract: A vacuum waste tank for use in a vacuum drainage system. The tank has a vacuum intake for attachment to a vacuum source and a waste water intake for attachment to a vacuum pipe. The vacuum source creates a negative pressure in the tank and vacuum pipe so that liquid entering the pipe is pulled into the tank. The tank is made of a thermoplastic material having a flexural modulus sufficient to withstand an external pressure loading caused by the vacuum in the tank without buckling.

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 modular vacuum drainage system is provided which facilitates quick and easy installation in a building. The system includes a vacuum central housed in an enclosure and having interface connections located adjacent to a periphery of the enclosure to allow immediate access thereto. The vacuum central is sized to fit through standard doorway sizes, and is preferably housed in a soundproof enclosure so that the vacuum central may be installed in a room without requiring a separate mechanical room. The enclosure may be decorated to match the decor of the office, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A modular plumbing fixture is also provided which may be pre-fabricated off-site. The modular plumbing fixture is provided in a housing and has water and vacuum pipe inlets accessible from outside of the housing to facilitate connection to the vacuum central.

Abstract: An automatic vacuum isolation valve network for use in a vacuum collection system having at least two branches connected to a main vacuum pipe maintained under negative pressure. The network includes a first valve located in each branch adapted to close in response to vacuum loss in the main vacuum pipe, thereby preserving a vacuum level in the associated branch. The network further includes a shut-off valve located in each branch upstream of the first valve, the shut-off valve adapted to close in response to vacuum loss in an upstream portion of a branch. The shut-off valve thereby isolates a broken branch, and allows a remainder of the vacuum collection system to return to normal operation. The isolation valve network further facilitates location of a breach in the vacuum collection system by rendering a faulty branch inoperable, thereby identifying the immediate vicinity of the breach.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressurizing rinse fluid to a toilet is provided comprising a reservoir for receiving gravity fed rinse fluid. The reservoir is connected to a source of pressurized air through an air inlet valve mechanically coupled to a controller. A rinse fluid discharge valve is connected to an outlet of the reservoir and is operatively connected to the controller. When triggered, the controller allows pressurized air to enter the reservoir, thereby pressurizing the rinse fluid contained therein. The controller then opens the rinse fluid discharge valve to deliver the pressurized rinse fluid to the toilet. The controller and rinse fluid discharge valves are preferably pneumatically operable so that a separate power source is not required for the pressurized rinse fluid apparatus.