Abstract: A toilet system, especially for passenger transport vehicles, includes a toilet bowl connected via a suction valve and a waste collection pipe to a waste collection tank. Waste-contacting surfaces of the toilet system that come into contact with urine and fecal waste are coated with an adhesion-inhibiting or adhesion-reducing nanocoating. Thereby, the adhesion of waste to the toilet bowl and other components is significantly reduced, and the total flushing water demand can be substantially reduced or, preferably completely eliminated. An airflow flowing into the toilet bowl, induced by the vacuum suction through the suction valve, is sufficient to “flush” the waste material from the nanocoated waste-contacting surfaces. The toilet system provides a substantial reduction in the total system weight and in the required quantity of flushing water that must be carried in the vehicle, and thus makes the toilet system particularly applicable for passenger transport vehicles such as aircraft.

Abstract: A self-contained bathroom waste collection and disposal unit, having an access cover free of electrical and plumbing fixtures is disclosed. The unit includes a reservoir having an inlet and a sump opening. The sump opening is sized to receive a pump and a float mechanism therethrough. The sump opening is closed by a primary cover having venting, plumbing and electrical ports and an access cover. The access cover can be removed to access the enclosed sump, without interrupting the venting, plumbing or electrical connections.

Abstract: A multi-position (e.g. three way) valve is operatively connected to a combined vacuum/holding tank for a vacuum toilet system, and to a pump capable of pumping both air and sewage. When the valve is in one position air is pulled from the tank through the pump to increase the vacuum level in the tank, e.g. to above 10 in/Hg. When the valve is moved to a second position by either a float or manual switch operation, the sewage is pumped out of the tank through the pump while surrounding air moves through the valve into the tank.

Abstract: A waste disposal system quietly and effectively evacuates solid, liquid, and slurry food waste from a galley sink via a vacuum action created when a normally closed flush valve momentarily opens and eliminates the differential pressure between the sink and the drain line. The system is automatically disabled when a clogged condition is sensed. The sink bowl is equipped with a sealable cover that cuts down the noise associated with vacuum pressure evacuation systems to an acceptable level. The system also has a rinse subsystem including a rinse valve for introducing rinse water into the sink just before a flush operation commences. The sink bowl includes an air inlet port in communication with an air inlet duct that extends outside of and above the cart for providing cabin pressure air to the sink. A controller controls the timing and operation of the flush and rinse operations.

Abstract: A multi-position (e.g. three way) valve is operatively connected to a combined vacuum/holding tank for a vacuum toilet system, and to a pump capable of pumping both air and sewage. When the valve is in one position air is pulled from the tank through the pump to increase the vacuum level in the tank, e.g. to above 10 in/Hg. When the valve is moved to a second position by either a float or manual switch operation, the sewage is pumped out of the tank through the pump while surrounding air moves through the valve into the tank.

Abstract: A portable sanitation unit includes a base, a sanitation unit housing having a door and provided with a floor and a sanitation unit pan. A waste tank is situated on the base. Apart from the waste tank, a flushing water tank is also fitted below the waste tank. The walls of the sanitation unit housing consist of panels situated at a distance from each other, the outside panels being connected to each other and resting against each other when the inside panels are fitted at an angle. The ends of the walls are provided with a construction for connecting them together, the construction including mirror-symmetrical lips provided with receiving parts through which a pin is guided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waste disposal system through the use of a bag 14 with removable glove members 20, 22, a removable and replaceable splash shield 17, a drain line tube 32, and a refill tube 48 in order to service aircraft lavatories. Through the use of the bag 14, the ramp attendant, the aircraft ramp, baggage and other property on the ramp is protected from contamination with human waste and chemical solutions used to deodorize and sanitize aircraft lavatories.

Abstract: A toilet system having a toilet bowl including at a bottom thereof a discharge opening. The discharge opening of the bowl is connected to the intake opening of a treating chamber. A discharge pump in the treating chamber discharges treated effluent therefrom to a waste pipe. A conduit free of bends along its length connects the discharge pump to the waste pipe.

Abstract: A vacuum toilet system for a vehicle, notably a passenger aircraft, comprising a plurality of toilets (1), a collecting tank (4), a duct system (3) which connects the toilets (1) with the collecting tank (4) via one flush valve (2) per toilet, a vacuum generator (5) which is connected to the collecting tank (4) in a fluidic manner, a flush water tank (8) and a flush water system (9), which connects the toilets (1) via one flush water valve (10) each and/or via a flush water pump with the flush water tank (8). A flush control (11) which acts on the flush valve (2) and the flush water valve (10) or flush water pump of the individual toilets (1) and can be actuated via an actuating means (12) assigned to the toilet. A standard flush program is stored in said control.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for selecting either potable water or seawater as flush water for marine sanitary toilets. The apparatus may be designed to be electrically or manually operated. Check valves and vaccum breaker prevent contamination or waste of the potable water supply.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated waste disposal toilet system suitable for use on commercial passenger vehicles, in particular railcars, including at least one bowl for receiving waste material and a full-retention waste-holding tank connected to the bowl by a drain line. A vacuum blower connected to the waste tank for creating a vacuum in the drain line. A flush valve assembly is provided in the drain line, and is selectively openable to connect the vacuum in the drain line to the bowl for sucking the waste out of the bowl. A disposable spray ring containing a plurality of holes, selectively coupled to a water source, is wedged between the bowl and a separate lip member for dispensing water onto the interior surface of the bowl. The flush valve assembly includes a vacuum-chamber with top and bottom vacuum inlet ports, a piston connected to a valve blade movable vertically within the chamber and a flush solenoid openable to selectively connect a second vacuum to the top and bottom inlet ports.

Abstract: A waste disposal system quietly and effectively evacuates solid, liquid, and slurry food waste from a galley sink via a vacuum action created when a normally closed flush valve momentarily opens and eliminates the differential pressure between the sink and the drain line. The system is automatically disabled when a clogged condition is sensed. The sink bowl is equipped with a sealable cover that cuts down the noise associated with vacuum pressure evacuation systems to an acceptable level. The system also has a rinse subsystem including a rinse valve for introducing rinse water into the sink just before a flush operation commences. The sink bowl includes an air inlet port in communication with an air inlet duct that extends outside of and above the cart for providing cabin pressure air to the sink. A controller controls the timing and operation of the flush and rinse operations.

Abstract: A plastic sewage holding tank in a boat, associated with a toilet, includes a vent check valve for providing vacuum relief. By mounting the vent check valve in the top of the tank, when the tank is being emptied by rapid pumpout implosion or other damage to the tank is prevented. The vent check valve may include a valve body with an interior surface mounting a quad sealing ring, with a valve element guided for reciprocal movement between a sealing position where an axially elongated substantially cylindrical peripheral surface of the valve element engages the quad ring, to an open position where the valve element is moved against spring bias away from the valve body. A spider, with a collar for guiding a shaft portion of the valve element, may mount a coil spring to provide a biasing action.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing water consumption in a vacuum toilet on an aircraft. The system and method includes a weight sensing device that is mounted to an aircraft toilet and is responsive to weight applied to the bowl of the toilet. The weight sensing device detects that a toilet user is seated upon the toilet seat when it measures a weight applied to the toilet bowl. On the other hand, the weight sensing device detects that a toilet user is standing when the weight sensing device does not measure a weight applied to the toilet bowl. A flush control unit is connected to the weight sensing device and controls the amount of water utilized in the flushing of the toilet. When the toilet is flushed and the weight sensing device has detected that a toilet user has sat upon the toilet seat, the flush control unit commands that a standard amount of water be used to remove the solid waste of the toilet user.

Abstract: Blue icing can be prevented by an apparatus inside an aircraft. A sump is provided which has a removable screen cover disposed over an open-top container. The sump is placed underneath the aircraft's service valve, between the service valve and service door, to collect leaked aircraft lavatory fluid. A level sensor switch placed on an interior wall of the container senses the level of the fluid in the sump and activates a pump inside the sump when the fluid reaches a predetermined level. A recirculation loop has a recirculation hose in circuit with a one-way valve. The activated pump pumps the fluid through the recirculation loop. The recirculation loop leads to a three-port fluid return fitting, allowing the pumped fluid to return to the lavatory fluid reservoir. The fluid return fitting connects to the recirculation hose, lavatory fluid reservoir and to a vent hose equilibrating the pressure within the reservoir with the ambient pressure of the aircraft's interior.

Abstract: A waste disposal system quietly and effectively evacuates solid, liquid, and slurry food waste from a galley sink via a vacuum action created when a normally closed flush valve momentarily opens and eliminates the differential pressure between the sink and the drain line. The system is automatically disabled when a clogged condition is sensed. The sink bowl is equipped with a sealable cover that cuts down the noise associated with vacuum pressure evacuation systems to an acceptable level. The system also has a rinse subsystem including a rinse valve for introducing rinse water into the sink just before a flush operation commences. The sink bowl includes an air inlet port in communication with an air inlet duct that extends outside of and above the cart for providing cabin pressure air to the sink. A controller controls the timing and operation of the flush and rinse operations.

Abstract: A vacuum waste system having reduced noise levels associated therewith. The vacuum waste system includes a sanitary unit for initially receiving waste. An intermediate container is connected to the sanitary unit by a first sewer pipe and a first sewer valve. A receptacle is connected to the intermediate container by a second sewer pipe and a second sewer valve. The system also includes a vacuum pump for generating vacuum in the second sewer pipe, intermediate container, and first sewer pipe. Transfer of waste from the sanitary unit to the receptacle is performed in two stages. In a first stage, the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed so that vacuum transports the waste from the sanitary unit to the intermediate container. In the second stage, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to transfer the waste from the intermediate container through the second sewer pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waste disposal system through the use of a flexible bag 14 with glove members 20, 22, a drain line tube 32, and a refill tube 48 in order to service aircraft lavatories. Through the use of the bag 14 the ramp attendant, the aircraft ramp, baggage and other property on the ramp is protected from contamination with human waste and chemical solutions used to deodorize and sanitize aircraft lavatories.

Abstract: A valve and vent assembly for a self-contained sanitary system of the type including a toilet structure with a downwardly directed outlet opening and a storage compartment defined and located below the outlet opening, and a waste holding tank removably disposed within the storage compartment. The tank has a fill opening positioned in registry with the outlet opening when the tank is inserted within the storage compartment. The valve and vent assembly is operable to close the fill opening and to seal the tank to prevent leakage of waste from the tank through the fill opening, a vent passage in the storage compartment and communicating with the waste holding tank extends outside of said compartment thereby enabling noxious and odorous air in the holding tank to pass out of the tank.

Abstract: A toilet housing and waste collection and treatment system purify wastewater to a satisfactory level. When solid wastes are conveyed from individual toilets (31)-(33) into an active circulation chamber (16) in a toilet housing (10), the solid wastes are subjected to air exposure treatments in the active circulation chamber (16). The wastewater exposed to air in the active circulation chamber (16) is then purified through a three-phase flowing structure in first and second active water chambers (51) and (52), with the three-phase flowing structure including water, air, and carrier particles containing aerobic microorganisms. The wastewater so treated flows into first and second sediment separation chambers (53) and (54) where solid wastes are settled down and separated from the wastewater. The treated water is then supplied to a water reservoir (56) which in turns supplies the water to the respective toilets (31)-(33).

Abstract: A sanitary toilet system with an integral water supply and manual flush assembly for a recreational vehicle in which a flush water supply tank is provided adjacent a recreational vehicle wall with an inlet extending through the wall, thus eliminating plumbing within the vehicle between a water inlet and the supply tank. A manually operated piston pump is provided in which a clearance exists between the piston and the pump cylinder allowing water to flow past the piston during operation of the pump. This reduces the forces necessary to operate the pump in comparison to a piston in sealing relation to the cylinder.

Abstract: A portable tank for handling recreational vehicle liquid waste comprising a molded receptacle of synthetic plastic material having wheels, including a caster wheel. The receptacle is provided with an inlet port for receiving liquid waste, and an outlet port defined in a side of the receptacle is opened and closed by a gate valve permitting the receptacle to be easily emptied.

Abstract: A waste treatment system for use on a vehicle having an exhaust manifold, the waste treatment system comprising a holding tank for receiving waste from a head, a galley, a shower or a bilge tank. At least one macerator is connected to the holding tank such that the macerator grinds the waste from the holding tank and recirculates it, as appropriate. A reducer is connected to the at least one macerator for reducing the size of the output of the at least one macerator. A centrifugal separator separates the relatively large waste particles coming from the reducer from the relatively small waste particles and liquid waste and recirculates the relatively large particles back to the holding tank. The remaining particles are sent to an injector pump that injects the waste, through an injector nozzle, into the exhaust manifold of the vessel. A control module controls the operation of the system based on various parameters, the parameters derived from various sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressurizing rinse fluid to a toilet is provided comprising a reservoir for receiving gravity fed rinse fluid. The reservoir is connected to a source of pressurized air through an air inlet valve mechanically coupled to a controller. A rinse fluid discharge valve is connected to an outlet of the reservoir and is operatively connected to the controller. When triggered, the controller allows pressurized air to enter the reservoir, thereby pressurizing the rinse fluid contained therein. The controller then opens the rinse fluid discharge valve to deliver the pressurized rinse fluid to the toilet. The controller and rinse fluid discharge valves are preferably pneumatically operable so that a separate power source is not required for the pressurized rinse fluid apparatus.

Abstract: A technologically advanced portable toilet has a purifying agent producing/supplying device built into a periphery of a toilet bowl. Due to an ozone producing mechanism, a tank assembly, and a bubble generating tank, which are provided by this purifying agent producing/supplying device, when an upper cover of the toilet is opened, a purifying agent that is an aggregate of ozone-containing bubbles is supplied to an inside of the toilet bowl. As a result, a superior odor-extinguishing effect can be obtained.

Abstract: A plastic sewage holding tank in a boat, associated with a toilet, includes a vent check valve assembly for providing vacuum relief. By mounting the vent check valve in the top of the tank, when the tank is being emptied by rapid pumpout implosion or other damage to the tank is prevented. The vent check valve assembly may include a valve body surface operatively connected to the tank and having a plurality of openings formed in it, and a flexible material diaphragm covering the openings adjacent the inside of the tank, and uncovering openings to allow air flow through the openings substantially only when a vacuum condition exists inside the tank. A plastic disk biases the diaphragm into its opening-covering position, but a partial vacuum of at least about 2-5 inches of water allows air to flow through the openings past the diaphragm.

Abstract: A waste water disposal system, comprising a frame including a relatively rigid outer portions and a flexible portion generally extending between the outer portions; a pair of wheels rotatably mounted on the frame and operable for moving the frame by rolling the frame on the wheels; and a flexible and collapsible container positioned on the flexible portion and having an opening for receiving waste water; and a hose connected to the opening of the container for receiving the waste water. The flexible and collapsible container expands as waste water fills the container. The system includes an attaching mechanism operable for connecting the wheels detachably to the frame in an arrangement in which the center of gravity of the frame and flexible portion combined is positioned lower than a coaxial line defined by the centers of the wheels. The frame comprising rotatable sections enabling the frame to be folded to minimize the space it would occupy allowing the system to be folded and stored conveniently.

Abstract: A sewage removal system for low water use toilets within an insulated building, the system comprising a transfer tank to collect sewage by gravity from the toilet, a holding tank remote from the transfer tank, a sewage discharge pipe extending between the transfer tank and the holding tank for fluid communication between the transfer tank and the holding tank, the sewage discharge pipe rising to a point, along its length, which is significantly above the fluid level in each of the transfer tank and the holding tank, a vent pipe for the interior of the holding tank and blower associated with the vent pipe, when activated to create a sufficient vacuum within the holding tank to draw sewage from the transfer tank, through the discharge pipe, into the holding tank, and a switch associated with the transfer tank and arranged so as to activate the blower, when the level of the sewage in the transfer tank rises to a predetermined height and to deactivate the blower when that level falls to a predetermined height.

Abstract: A galley waste collection system for a passenger transport vehicle having a vacuum sewage collection system includes a basin for receiving galley waste and a normally-closed discharge valve connected between the outlet opening of the basin and the sewer pipe of the vacuum sewage collection system. A flush element is responsive to operation by a user of the galley waste collection system to issue a discharge command, and a control unit operates selectively in response to the discharge command to open the discharge valve.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated waste disposal toilet system suitable for use on commercial passenger vehicles, in particular railcars, including at least one bowl for receiving waste material and a full-retention waste-holding tank connected to the bowl by a drain line. A vacuum blower connected to the waste tank for creating a vacuum in the drain line. A flush valve assembly is provided in the drain line, and is selectively openable to connect the vacuum in the drain line to the bowl for sucking the waste out of the bowl. A disposable spray ring containing a plurality of holes, selectively coupled to a water source, is wedged between the bowl and a separate lip member for dispensing water onto the interior surface of the bowl. The flush valve assembly includes a vacuum chamber with top and bottom vacuum inlet ports, a piston connected to a valve blade movable vertically within the chamber and a flush solenoid openable to selectively connect a second vacuum to the top and bottom inlet ports.

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 portable flush toilet and enclosure comprises an operating mode and a storage mode. In the operating mode, a flush toilet inside a personnel enclosure or cabana is connected to a first waste tank external to the enclosure. A second waste tank external to the enclosure receives liquid waste from the first waste tank. The second waste tank provides flush fluid to the flush tank. In the storage mode, the first waste tank and the second waste tanks are disconnected from the flush toilet and flush tank and stored within the enclosure.

Abstract: An automobile urinal having a portable elevated flushing solution container, a portable bowl, (which when in use is positioned in the seat) and a portable disposable collecting bladder. The flushing solution container and the disposable collecting bladder are separately connected to the bowl by valved tubing.

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 vacuum unit, intended particularly for a vacuum toilet system, includes two valves (4, 6) which can be connected to a compressed-air source, an ejector (10) which includes an inlet nozzle (10a), an outlet nozzle (10b) and a vacuum opening (10c). The ejector is connected to the first valve (4) via the inlet nozzle, and to a first vacuum-unit connection (U1), via the vacuum opening. A piston valve (16) includes a first inlet (16a), a second inlet (16b) and an outlet (16c). The first inlet connects the piston valve with the ejector outlet nozzle (10), the second inlet connects the piston valve with the second valve (6), and the outlet connects the piston valve with a second vacuum-unit connection (U2). A check valve (17) is mounted between the piston valve outlet (16c) and the second vacuum-unit connection (U2). A passageway connects the second valve (6) and the second inlet (16b) of the piston valve with a further ejector inlet (10d).

Abstract: An automatically activated pump for advancing mixed fluid waste from a toilet for disposal at an elevation above the toilet utilizes a flow sensing blade disposed within an intake conduit. The blade is joined to an activation finger located outside the conduit. The blade is adapted to undergo pivoted motion under the influence of a flow of fluid waste caused by the flushing of the toilet. The pivoted motion causes the finger to contact an electrical switch which activates the pump.

Abstract: A toilet system comprising a toilet including a flushing device and a toilet bowl, further comprising a faecal tank for receiving sewage from the toilet, the faecal tank including a separating device for separating liquid and solid components of the sewage, and the liquid components being withdrawable as grey water from the separating device through a first outlet, and further comprising a hygienization tank receiving the grey water separated off in the faecal tank through a grey water inlet and including a device for hygienizing the grey water which is then withdrawable as hygienized grey water from a second outlet is proposed.

Abstract: A vacuum plumbing system especially in an aircraft equipped with jet engines, is provided with a tap air supply source (4) that receives the tap air from the engine exhaust and is connected with a nozzle (1A) of at least one ejector or jet air pump (1) while the suction port (1C) of the pump (1) is connected through ducts or pipes (7, 11, 12) to a refuse collecting duct (15) either directly or indirectly through refuse collecting tank (9). Filters in the tank and conveying pumps are thus avoided.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for disposing of urine is described comprising a funnel-like basin connected to a pump housing. The housing contains a fluid pump connected to the drain of the basin and activated by a fluid pressure sensor when the fluid pressure in the basin exceeds a predetermined value. The housing also contains means for connecting an external fresh water supply to the basin when the fluid pressure in the basin drops below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A particular vacuum tank construction is provided for a vacuum toilet assembly which mounts a vacuum pump, has great versatility and accessibility, and ensures optimized washing effect of water and waste into the vacuum tank. A tank inlet is located at the opposite end of the tank from a sump formed in the tank bottom, and an inlet fitting at the inlet is rotatable at least about 180.degree. about a vertical axis. Connected to a tank outlet is a dip tube assembly including a substantially rigid dip tube which has an oval shaped end termination opening which is above, but spaced from, the sump and positioned so that objects of a size that would harm the vacuum pump connected to the tank outlet cannot enter the dip tube. The tank is of plastic having a nominal wall thickness of about 5/16th inch, and no flat surface area is greater than about 80 square inches. The inlet is connected to a vacuum toilet, and the vacuum pump outlet is connected to a waste (holding) tank.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated waste disposal toilet system suitable for use on commercial passenger vehicles, in particular railcars, including at least one bowl for receiving waste material and a full-retention waste-holding tank connected to the bowl by a drain line. A vacuum blower connected to the waste tank for creating a vacuum in the drain line. A flush valve assembly is provided in the drain line, and is selectively openable to connect the vacuum in the drain line to the bowl for sucking the waste out of the bowl. A disposable spray ring containing a plurality of holes, selectively coupled to a water source, is wedged between the bowl and a separate lip member for dispensing water onto the interior surface of the bowl. The flush valve assembly includes a vacuum chamber with top and bottom vacuum inlet ports, a piston connected to a valve blade movable vertically within the chamber and a flush solenoid openable to selectively connect a second vacuum to the top and bottom inlet ports.

Abstract: A transistor and integrated circuit-free remotely indicating status device for holding tanks for recreational vehicles and pleasure boats contains no moving parts, is resistant to corrosion, and is inexpensively and simply manufactured and installed. In one embodiment, common LED indicating devices may be alternatively toggled between water tank and waste tank sensor circuits.

Abstract: A battery operated flush assembly for a portable toilet. The flush assembly includes a pump and motor mounted to the toilet's seat section. A battery pack is removably mounted to the seat section and includes terminals which, as a result of mounting, become coupled to the motor. The battery pack supplies electrical power to the motor and includes an actuator, protected from inadvertent actuation within a recess, for electrically closing the electrical circuit and causing operation of the pump to discharge flush water into the bowl. A check valve, located in-line with the discharged flush water, opens in response to the pumping of flush water and is maintained open with minimal line pressure to increase the life of the battery pack. An O-ring is also used to ensure that the battery pack can be easily removed and reinstalled with a fluid tight seal therearound.

Abstract: A sanitary, compact urinal system is provided that can be used in confined spaces such as in trucks, boats, planes, and the like. Other applications may be found in nursing homes, hospitals, and other medical facilities. The system includes a flushing tank for storing a flushing fluid and a remote receptacle head for receiving urine from a user. A pump, which is actuated by a switch mounted on the receptacle head, pumps flushing fluid through a flushing line from the flushing tank into the receptacle head. A waste line drains urine and flushing fluid from the receptacle head into a waste tank, which may be housed with the flushing tank in a single, portable tank unit. The receptacle head is preferably composed of a clear material to enhance visibility and includes an illuminating device as well as indicators to indicate fluid level in the tanks. Additionally, a second receptacle head may also be provided for the system.

Abstract: A flushing system is provided for an outdoor portable toilet of the type having a cabana containing a waste material storage tank upon which a toilet structure is positioned for the deposit of toilet waste material into the tank by gravity. A separate fresh water tank is removably positioned outside the cabana against its rear wall and is connected, through a pipe, to a control valve, which, in turn, is connected to a flushing mechanism and a pump which conveys liquid to the flushing mechanism when actuated. In addition, a waste tank pipe extends into the waste tank and a filter through which waste liquid may be drawn from the waste tank to the valve and then pumped to the flushing mechanism. The valve may be set to draw liquid either from the fresh water tank or the liquid from the waste water holding tank or, alternatively, from neither tank, so that the unit may be operated without flushing.

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 discharge system for discharging wastes from a unit producing such wastes, such as a toilet, is disclosed. The system includes a device for creating a partial vacuum, an intermediate container and a collecting basin connected together by pipelines and valves in an arrangement which permits the use of an immediate container having a relatively small volume thereby permitting the use of a smaller vacuum pump. The discharge system is particularly useful for rail-bound vehicles and overland buses.

Abstract: A system for producing reduced pressure on board of an aircraft cooperates with at least one vacuum toilet for flushing the toilet. A reduced pressure is generated by a pump for transporting of refuse including water waste into a collection tank without using any pressure difference between the pressure in the aircraft cabin and the pressure outside the cabin. The suction inlet of the pump is connected through a filter to the collection tank and the pressure side of the pump is connected to a nozzle in an ejector, the suction inlet of which is connected to the toilet. A funnel-shaped ejector discharge port is connected through a return conduit to the collection tank, preferably through a water separator. A closed water circulating circuit is formed by the pump, the tank, the filter, and the ejector so that refuse and waste water pass directly through the ejector into the tank.

Abstract: A vent for a removable toilet holding tank includes a valve member that is in communication with both the holding tank interior and the ambient atmosphere and is moved off its valve seat when the pressure within the holding tank exceeds the ambient pressure by an amount sufficient to overcome the force of gravity acting to hold the valve member against its valve seat. The vent further includes a second valve member which is operable to close the vent when the holding tank is removed from the toilet bowl thereby precluding spillage of the tank contents during handling of the tank when separated from the toilet bowl.