Abstract: A sensor which is installed in a waste tank to determine when the tank is full includes a shroud having a body with a curved surface and a leading edge which is mounted flushly to the inner surface of the tank wall and a trailing edge which is spaced apart from the sensor face. As waste material is swirled about the inside surface of the tank wall, the shroud causes the waste material to be transported above the sensor face without disrupting the flow of the waste material along the tank wall. The cover is sized and configured appropriately to allow convenient rinsing when the waste tank is emptied.

Abstract: A lavatory system suitable for use on a commercial passenger aircraft includes at least one toilet bowl for receiving waste and a waste-holding tank in fluid communication with said toilet bowl for receiving waste from said toilet bowl. The waste-holding tank is kept at a pressure less than the ambient pressure surrounding the toilet bowl so that waste from the toilet bowl is drawn to the tank by the difference in pressure. A flush valve is provided in the drain line between the toilet bowl and the waste-holding tank and is selectively operable to pass the toilet bowl contents into the waste-holding tank. Water from the potable water supply system is provided to the toilet bowl to wash the sides of the toilet bowl and to assist in moving the waste material to the drain line. A water inlet valve is provided to selectively control the introduction of water into the toilet bowl and preferably the water inlet valve and flush valve are operated in a timed sequence by actuation of a single flushing switch.

Abstract: A liquid/gas separator for removing entrained liquid from a gas stream is mounted in the wall of a liquid holding tank and extends at least partially within the tank. The separator includes a gas circulation pathway and has a plurality of inlets through which the gas stream enters the circulation pathway. The inlets are arranged to impart a curved direction of flow to the gas stream. A fluid collection plate extends from the gas circulation pathway and is in fluid communication with it. The liquid collection plate is conical and provides a path of decreasing radius for the gas stream. The swirling motion of the stream over the collection plate causes a major portion of the liquid to separate from the gas and collect on the plate surface. The liquid collection plate has an opening formed therein through which the liquid can drain into the tank.