Abstract: A tank isolation valve assembly for use in an effluent discharge path to provide a vapor barrier to prevent back flow of gases while enabling fluid and solid substances to pass through in a desired flow direction. The assembly includes a main housing having an apertured outlet wall structure with an internal surface defining a valve receiving region, a second member coupled to the main housing and having an apertured wall structure with a valve member retaining surface facing the valve receiving region, and an isolation valve member. In one embodiment, the second member is a mating inlet housing with an inlet for connection to an effluent discharge port, and the main housing has an outlet port and a valve chamber. In another embodiment, the second member is a valve plate with a dished peripheral portion in sealed contact with a portion of the inner surface of the main housing. The isolation valve member is a flexible diaphragm mounted in the valve chamber in sealing relation therewith.

Abstract: A toilet bowl has a discharge opening for flowing waste material into a gas-tight hopper. A waste valve is disposed between the discharge opening and the hopper for controlling the flow of waste material into the hopper. A first air valve selectively allows air to flow into the hopper for pressurizing the hopper and communicating the waste material from the hopper to the inlet of a grinder. The outlet of the grinder is coupled to a one-inch waste conduit which leads to a waste tank which may be disposed in any convenient location. A second air valve selectively allows air to flow into the waste conduit for pressurizing the waste conduit and forcing the waste at high velocity to the waste tank.

Abstract: An electrically operated toilet wherein a toilet bowl is coupled to an electrically operated water valve which selectively flows water into the toilet bowl. An electrically operated waste valve is coupled to the discharge opening of the toilet bowl for selectively allowing waste material to pass out of the toilet bowl. A control unit is coupled to the water valve and to the waste valve for operating the water valve and the waste valve is a synchronous manner so that water is allowed to flow into the toilet and subsequently out of the discharge opening, while ensuring that the waste valve closes off the discharge opening after the flush cycle is completed.

Abstract: The temperature controlled valve mechanism herein comprises a valve housing, a valve inlet in the housing for connection with a fluid source, a valve outlet in the housing for draining fluid from the housing and a valve closure member supported for movement toward and away from the valve outlet between closed and opened positions. The valve closure member blocks and closes the valve outlet when it is in the closed position. A biasing spring is provided for urging the valve closure member away from the closed position. An expansion chamber is formed within the housing. Apparatus for introducing a pressure into the expansion chamber is provided for moving the closure member to a closed position against the force of the biasing spring upon entry of a pressurized medium into the expansion chamber. A temperature-activated venting mechanism for venting and depressurizing the expansion chamber upon occurrence of a predetermined temperature drop is provided.

Abstract: A large primary engine is maintained in readiness to start under low ambient temperature conditions by a small auxiliary engine having a liquid cooling system in parallel with the cooling system of the primary engine. Exhaust from the auxiliary engine heats the coolant circulating through the two engines in a heat exchanger. The lubricating oil from the primary engine is also heated by the auxiliary engine exhaust in the same heat exchanger. A generator driven by the auxiliary engine charges the batteries used to start the primary engine.

Abstract: The temperature controlled valve mechanism herein comprises a valve housing, a valve inlet in the housing for connection with a fluid source, a valve outlet in the housing for draining fluid from the housing and a valve closure member supported for movement toward and away from the valve outlet between closed and opened positions. The valve closure member blocks and closes the valve outlet when it is in the closed position. A biasing spring is provided for urging the valve closure member away from the closed position. An expansion chamber is formed within the housing. Apparatus for introducing a pressure into the expansion chamber is provided for moving the closure member to a closed position against the force of the biasing spring upon entry of a pressurized medium into the expansion chamber. A temperature-activated venting mechanism for venting and depressurizing the expansion chamber upon occurrence of a predetermined temperature drop is provided.

Abstract: A process and system for reducing the biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids levels of impure water and creating a wild life habitat. A number of containers are arranged in series with interconnecting lines through which the water flows. The containers include openings with clusters of bark fibers projecting through the same. The fibers serve to attract and hold nutrient deposition in the form of colloidal wastes and the like and as a safe habitat for microorganisms which feed on such wastes and as a capillary system for the passage of clarified water formed in the bark fibers. The containers are disposed underground. Roots from neighboring plants are attracted to the bark clusters and grow into the containers.

Abstract: An improved control system (apparatus and method) for a low-water/air-flush toilet system which effects a simultaneous reduction in the amounts of water and compressed air required for flushing the toilet. The system employs an improved spool valve control mechanism to initially water-flush the bowl portion of a toilet combination and thereafter to air-flush a base portion of the toilet combination, in a sequentially controlled operation. The improved control system is particularly adapted to compact biological or chemical waste treating systems for mobil units (e.g., in rail cars, buses, boats, aircraft, etc.), but is also effective with conventional toilets or waste treating systems.