Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provides for a rinse valve for controlling the flow of rinse fluid to a vacuum waste receptacle. The rinse valve comprises a primary rinse fluid flow path and a poppet assembly intersecting the primary rinse fluid flow path. The rinse valve also comprises a solenoid-driven fluid control device having a solenoid armature movable between an inactive state in which the armature engages the poppet assembly to block flow of the rinse fluid through a poppet channel and an active state in which the solenoid armature is disengaged from the poppet assembly to allow flow of the rinse fluid through the poppet channel to raise the poppet assembly, permitting the flow of the rinse fluid through the primary rinse fluid flow path and out of the valve, the armature being located at all times out of the primary flow path of the rinse fluid.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provides for a flush valve for controlling the vacuum evacuation of waste from a receptacle. The flush valve comprises an inlet port for receiving the waste from the receptacle, an outlet port opposite the inlet port and in fluid communication therewith, a source of vacuum connected to the outlet port and a uniquely designed discharge disk disposed between the inlet and outlet ports for interrupting the flow of fluid therebetween. In the preferred embodiment the flush valve is integral with a latticed panel of the waste receptacle stand.

Abstract: A vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and preferably a filter unit with an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator. In preferred embodiments, the separator includes a removable filter unit cartridge positioned within the outer cone and a helix isolator to respectively make use of the separator more convenient to use and more efficient.

Abstract: Vacuum toilet assemblies are detailed. These assemblies are designed to reduce both operational noise and water usage of the toilets while continuing to promote effective disposal of waste. They also require less air for operation than do conventional vacuum toilets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for a gray water interface valve for use with a vacuum source and a collection tank. The systems and methods comprise a basin for collecting gray water, the basin having an outlet; a reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet, the reservoir adapted to house gray water; a vent line associated with the reservoir; a pressure switch associated with the reservoir, the pressure switch adapted to signal when the reservoir is full; a controller associated with the pressure switch, the controller adapted to begin a discharge cycle by checking and switching on the vacuum source if necessary; a solenoid valve activated by the controller in order to control the flow of vacuum through the system; and a drain valve adapted to open via vacuum pressure and evacuate gray water from the reservoir, wherein the drain valve is adapted to close before all of the gray water from the reservoir is emptied to reduce noise.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for a gray water interface valve for use with a vacuum source and a collection tank. The systems and methods comprise a basin for collecting gray water, the basin having an outlet; a reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet, the reservoir adapted to house gray water; a vent line associated with the reservoir; a pressure switch associated with the reservoir, the pressure switch adapted to signal when the reservoir is full; a controller associated with the pressure switch, the controller adapted to begin a discharge cycle by checking and switching on the vacuum source if necessary; a solenoid valve activated by the controller in order to control the flow of vacuum through the system; and a drain valve adapted to open via vacuum pressure and evacuate gray water from the reservoir, wherein the drain valve is adapted to close before all of the gray water from the reservoir is emptied to reduce noise.

Abstract: Vacuum toilet assemblies are detailed. These assemblies are designed to reduce both operational noise and water usage of the toilets while continuing to promote effective disposal of waste. They also require less air for operation than do conventional vacuum toilets.

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 also disposed in the flow path 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 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 gear teeth. An actuator is provided having a rotatable spur gear adapted to engage the periphery of the discharge valve member.

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 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 also disposed in the flow path 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 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 vacuum waste system is disclosed having a receptacle for receiving waste, the receptacle having an outlet, and a collection tank in fluid communication with the receptacle outlet. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the collection tank to produce a partial vacuum in the collection tank. A flush actuator is provided that is operable to generate a flush command, and a flush valve is disposed between the toilet outlet and the collection tank having a normally closed position, the flush valve actuating to an open position for a flush interval in response to the flush command, thereby to control fluid communication between the collection tank and toilet outlet. A vacuum control valve is disposed between the vacuum source and the collection tank, the vacuum control valve being operable between open and closed positions thereby to control fluid communication between the collection tank and vacuum source.

Abstract: A vacuum waste system is disclosed having a receptacle for receiving waste, the receptacle having an outlet, and a collection tank in fluid communication with the receptacle outlet. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the collection tank to produce a partial vacuum in the collection tank. A flush actuator is provided that is operable to generate a flush command, and a flush valve is disposed between the toilet outlet and the collection tank having a normally closed position, the flush valve actuating to an open position for a flush interval in response to the flush command, thereby to control fluid communication between the collection tank and toilet outlet. A vacuum control valve is disposed between the vacuum source and the collection tank, the vacuum control valve being operable between open and closed positions thereby to control fluid communication between the collection tank and vacuum source.

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 gear teeth. An actuator is provided having a rotatable spur gear adapted to engage the periphery of the discharge valve member.

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.