Abstract: A boat has a seacock operatively attached to the hull and movable between open and closed positions. The seacock is operatively connected to a discharge pump, which in turn is connected to a sewage holding tank. An electrical switch is actuated in response to the position of the seacock, and control circuitry is connected to the seacock electrical switch and the discharge pump to prevent operation of the pump if the seacock is closed (or in any position aside from fully open). An indicator, such as one or more light emitting diodes, is also actuated in response to the seacock electrical switch position, and another indicator, such as one or more light emitting diodes, is connected to the discharge pump and indicates when that pump is operating. The electrical switch is waterproof and meets marine vessel ignition prevention and electromagnetic compatibility requirements, and typically is actuated in response to the position of a manually actuable (e.g. rotatable) handle of the seacock.

Abstract: Flexible PVC hose can be used with toilet systems in vehicles, such as boats, recreational vehicles, etc, or at pumpout stations. The hose includes about 40-55% by weight PVC resin, and at least 10% by weight of an EVA high molecular weight plasticizer. The hose also typically includes a low molecular weight plasticizer, stabilizer, lubricant, filler (such as 5-20% by weight dense filler like calcium carbonate), and pigment. The hose typically will not fail (that is will not transmit odor) for the life of the toilet system, or mechanical life of the hose.

Abstract: The unpleasant task of manually removing a sewage holding tank from a recreation vehicle at a campground, and emptying it, is avoided by operatively connecting the RV sewage system to a stationary (preferably underground) vacuum installation at the campground. While the RV is renting space at the campground it is connected to an above ground vacuum hookup (typically including a conduit and a shut-off valve, and usually also a flexible hose with a dripless free end connection), at a campsite. The hookup is, in turn, connected to at least one underground vacuum source. The vacuum source may be a vacuum pump connected to a number of vacuum tanks (one for each hookup), with a check valve (e. g. duckbill valve) isolating each vacuum tank from the others. Alternatively, the vacuum source may be a vacuum generator connected to each hookup, and a common gravity sewer pipe connected to all of the vacuum generators.

Abstract: A vacuum sewage handling assembly particularly for boats and recreational vehicles or caravans has a minimum of components because the conventional vacuum and holding tanks have been combined into a single substantially unreinforced, non-cylindrical, all plastic tank. The tank has a contoured, convoluted, discontinuous surface (e.g. formed by grooves, channels, and other discontinuities) so that it has no continuous flat surface area of more than about 80 square inches. The combined vacuum and holding tank may mount a vacuum pump, and optionally mounts a sewage discharge pump. The tank preferably has a generally parallelepiped configuration, and an interior volume of between about 45-65 liters, has a maximum vacuum level of about 26 cm of mercury, and is connected to other conventional portions of a vehicle toilet system, including outlets penetrating the exterior of the vehicle. The tank may have wheels and a handle.

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: Hose samples are tested to determine their permeability to noxious odors when used to conduct sewage. A hose sample is preferably pre-treated with methyl alcohol for several days to accelerate the rate of failure. Then the open ends of the hose sample tubular body are sealed and the tubular body is covered with a flexible generally (although not necessarily completely) sulfur-containing gas-impervious material (such as nylon film) to define a gas volume between the exterior surface of the hose and the film. Carbon disulfide, dimethyl sulfide, and/or dimethyl disulfide are introduced into the interior of the hose and allowed to stand for at least a day, and then the content of any gas in the gas volume between the exterior surface and the hose is evaluated to see if it is gas from carbon disulfide or like fluids introduced into the hose.

Abstract: An adaptor for use with dockside pumps to facilitate pump out of sewage holding tanks is constructed so that it readily accommodates both of the two most common fittings for dockside pumps, an elastomeric material right circular cone frustrum, and a cam actuated fitting having a number of curved locking surface locking cams. The adaptor is a tubular body of rigid material having first and second ends with a concentric bore. An interior surface of the first end defines a cone frustrum cooperable with the dockside pump cone frustrum fitting, and the exterior surface of the first end is a cylindrical surface with a semi-toroidal recess at a central axial portion, which recess cooperates with the curved surfaces of the locking cams. The second end of the adaptor has external threads that fit one of three common sizes of boat deck fitting internal threads (e.g.

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: The emptying of the contents of a holding tank for a recreational vehicle or the like into a land based water closet is greatly simplified, and made much less unpleasant. A portable tank has wheels at one end and a handle at the other, with a discharge valve located adjacent the handle. A deployable stationary support is provided with the tank. The deployable support includes collars engaging stub shafts extending outwardly from the sides of the tank, and two sets of legs which provide a supporting base. As the tank is moved into a vertical position it moves to a point where it is no longer supported by the wheels, but instead is supported by the legs, and the connection between the tank and the legs is automatically unlatched. The tank is then tilted (pivoted) about a horizontal axis so that the discharge valve is right above a water closet. A tube extends from the valve into the toilet to about the point of the liquid level.

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.