Abstract: A mounting feature for a cable tie is provided in which the mounting feature has at least one divided retention component. The center-most edges of the at least one divided retention component contact a mating article on the edge of the mating article, such as the threaded portion, decreasing the amount of fastening force required to affix the mounting feature of the cable tie to a mating article while not compromising the optimal amount of required extraction force. A method for affixing the mounting feature to a mating article is also provided.

Abstract: A mounting feature for a cable tie is provided in which the mounting feature has at least one divided retention component. The center-most edges of the at least one divided retention component contact a mating article on the edge of the mating article, such as the threaded portion, decreasing the amount of fastening force required to affix the mounting feature of the cable tie to a mating article while not compromising the optimal amount of required extraction force. A method for affixing the mounting feature to a mating article is also provided.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a housing and first and second valves. The housing has a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. The first and second valves are substantially identical valves both including a mounting portion, a valve seat and a valve body. The mounting portion has a first end and a second opposite end. The first and second ends are both selectively mountable to a conduit defining a fluid path. The valve seat is interconnected to the mounting portion. The valve body is interconnected to at least one of the mounting portion and the valve seat for movement relative to the valve seat between a seated position and a closed position. The valve body includes a first side and a second side and is operative to seal against back flow from the first side and open to positive pressures on the second side. The first valve is mounted to the fluid inlet port with the first end such that the first valve normally functions to only permit fluid to flow into the housing.

Abstract: A toilet system includes a toilet and a pump assembly. The toilet has a bowl and a base. The base has a hopper for receiving waste from the bowl. The pump assembly is operative for pumping a source of flush water to the bowl and for pumping the waste from the hopper. A first flexible conduit interconnects the pump assembly and the bowl. A second flexible conduit interconnects the pump assembly and the hopper. The pump assembly is flexibly interconnected to the toilet for independent positioning relative to the toilet.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a housing and first and second valves. The housing has a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. The first and second valves are substantially identical valves both including a mounting portion, a valve seat and a valve body. The mounting portion has a first end and a second opposite end. The first and second ends are both selectively mountable to a conduit defining a fluid path. The valve seat is interconnected to the mounting portion. The valve body is interconnected to at least one of the mounting portion and the valve seat for movement relative to the valve seat between a seated position and a closed position. The valve body includes a first side and a second side and is operative to seal against back flow from the first side and open to positive pressures on the second side. The first valve is mounted to the fluid inlet port with the first end such that the first valve normally functions to only permit fluid to flow into the housing.

Abstract: A toilet system includes a toilet and a pump assembly. The toilet has a bowl and a base. The base has a hopper for receiving waste from the bowl. The pump assembly is operative for pumping a source of flush water to the bowl and for pumping the waste from the hopper. A first flexible conduit interconnects the pump assembly and the bowl. A second flexible conduit interconnects the pump assembly and the hopper. The pump assembly is flexibly interconnected to the toilet for independent positioning relative to the toilet.

Abstract: A mode selector for the pump assembly includes a first conduit defining a fluid inlet and a second conduit defining a fluid outlet. The first conduit associated with a first one-way valve and the second conduit is associated with a second one-way valve. The mode selector includes a first portion moveable between a first position and a second position, such that in the first position a fluid path extending through the first and second conduits is open and in the second position the first portion closes the fluid path. A second portion of the mode selector maintains one of the one-way valves in an open condition when the first portion is moved to the second position so as to avoid the creation of a vacuum.