With Macerator Patents (Class 4/319)
  • Patent number: 11788270
    Abstract: A self-supporting vacuum plumbing assembly for attaching a plumbing fixture to a vacuum-assist waste removal system may include an accumulator associated with the plumbing fixture for receiving and holding wastewater from the plumbing fixture. A wastewater outlet conduit, an air intake conduit, and a sensor conduit are configured with the accumulator as a unit, the unit being substantially rigid sufficiently self-supporting to be transportable in a peripherally frameless configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Gabriel J. Massa
  • Patent number: 11564666
    Abstract: A toilet is disclosed. The toilet has a bowl adapted to receive feces, a shelf for receiving feces in the bowl, a mechanism that places a consumable material on the shelf between uses of the toilet, and a removal mechanism for removing the feces and the consumable material from the bowl. The consumable material on the shelf is to separate feces from the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Medic, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Anthony E. Pullen, Jeffery Duncan
  • Patent number: 10358809
    Abstract: A macerator toilet assembly (10) is provided with a multi-material toilet (10) having a base (14) formed of a first material, a bowl (16) formed of a second material, said multi material toilet (10) being connectable to one of a waste tank directly below or to a remote waste tank indirectly; a macerator pump (34) disposed on said toilet (10), downstream of a howl outlet end; and, a trap assembly (40) disposed downstream of the macerator pump (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
    Inventors: Nathan Snyder, Jeffry McVay, Jacqulin Leedy
  • Patent number: 10174490
    Abstract: A flush toilet includes a reservoir tank assembled from above or behind to a predetermined installation position on the rear side of the conduit of a toilet main unit; a connecting pipe member, one end of which is disposed on the conduit of the toilet main unit, and the other end of which is connected to a reservoir tank; a tank-side connecting portion, disposed on the front side of the reservoir tank and connected to a connecting pipe member; and a seal member, connected in a watertight manner between a connecting pipe member and a tank-side connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsunari Harashima, Ryoko Ishimaru, Kenichi Nakamura, Shoko Imaizumi
  • Patent number: 10060112
    Abstract: We disclose a toilet system which analyzes solid waste to detect tags which were associated with pharmaceutical or nutritional products and excreted in the solid waste of a user. The toilet system may include a receptacle for receiving solid waste, a liquid dispenser for providing a liquid to assist in dispersing the solid waste, a solid waste dispersing system which may mix the solid waste with the liquid thereby homogenizing the solid waste, and an electromagnetic signature detector which may analyze the tags in the solid waste. The electromagnetic signature detector may include a selective binding surface which may bind tags present in the solid waste and which may be connected to a transducer which senses the presence of bound tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Steven J. M. Butala, Dan Allen, Andrew Nguyen, Conrad Rosenbrock, Ben Swenson, Daniel Hendricks, Travis Niederhauser, John Christensen, Joshua Larsen, Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 9481991
    Abstract: A macerating apparatus for a toilet in which the problem of jamming the macerator at startup is solved by rapidly detecting the flushing of the toilet and accelerating the macerator before motion-jamming solid objects in the effluent from the toilet can reach the macerator. The macerating apparatus may be comprised of a macerating cutter operatively connected to a motor, and a sensor in communication with the motor. The sensor may detect the flow of effluent from the toilet toward the macerator, the flow of makeup water from the supply tank into the toilet, or the mechanical action of the mechanism used to flush the toilet. The apparatus may include an intake basket having an asymmetric inlet tube and containing the macerating cutter, wherein the asymmetry of the inlet tube provides additional operating clearance between a cutting blade of the macerating cutter and the intake basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Liberty Pumps, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Pohler, David M. Williams, Matthew S. Heinsler
  • Patent number: 9176026
    Abstract: Methods and systems for isolating gastrointestinal microflora from stool collected from a donor are provided. Stool is collected from a donor in a container as the donor is defecating. A solvent is introduced into the container and the container sealed to place its contents in a sealed environment. Various agents can be added to achieve dissolving, colorizing, deodorizing, or for further therapies. The solvent and collected stool is homogenized into a mixture which is then filtered by a multi-stage filter system to create a solution containing microflora in the desired consistency. This solution can be dispensed via an enema tube or other delivery apparatus for infusion into a patient's gastrointestinal tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: PUREFLORA, INC.
    Inventors: Tivon I. Sidorsky, Brian S. Placek, Alexander J. Engler, William H. Hart, Peter W. Ankeny, Misha N. Sidorsky
  • Patent number: 9038205
    Abstract: A flush toilet including a seat; a stirring device; and a control unit. The stirring device includes a stirring chamber, a mixer, and a drain outlet. The stirring device is disposed below the seat. The stirring chamber communicates with the seat. The drain outlet is disposed at the lower part of the stirring device and communicates with the stirring chamber. A closing device is disposed on the drain outlet to control the opening and closing of the drain outlet. The mixer and a motor for driving the mixer are disposed in the stirring chamber. The control unit controls the operation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Guangmin Zheng
  • Publication number: 20140317838
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling overflows is provided. The apparatus for controlling overflows may comprise an interior bowl including a waste receptacle and one or more water outlets connected to a water tank. The one or more water outlets may be configured to flush the interior bowl through a primary drain. Additionally, the apparatus for controlling overflows may include an exterior bowl, which may surround the interior bowl. The exterior bowl and the interior bowl may be separated by a gap. The gap may be configured to capture overflow water from the interior bowl when the primary drain malfunctions. Once the overflow water is captured by the gap, it may then be emptied into one or more containers configured to collect the overflow water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Paul A. Komorita
  • Patent number: 8769730
    Abstract: A macerating apparatus for a toilet in which the problem of jamming the macerator at startup is solved by rapidly detecting the flushing of the toilet and accelerating the macerator before motion-jamming solid objects in the effluent from the toilet can reach the macerator. The macerating apparatus may be comprised of a macerating cutter operatively connected to a motor, and a sensor in communication with the motor. The sensor may detect the flow of effluent from the toilet toward the macerator, the flow of makeup water from the supply tank into the toilet, or the mechanical action of the mechanism used to flush the toilet. The apparatus may include an intake basket having an asymmetric inlet tube and containing the macerating cutter, wherein the asymmetry of the inlet tube provides additional operating clearance between a cutting blade of the macerating cutter and the intake basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Liberty Pumps, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Pohler, Matthew S. Heinsler
  • Patent number: 8745773
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet using a cyclone-type sewage purifier, which can discharge excrement using a small amount of water and can sanitarily treat the discharged excrement using waste water, thus increasing the efficiency with which the waste water is recycled. The toilet includes a toilet bowl having a depression; a refuse pipe passing through the toilet bowl and connected to the depression, thus guiding the discharge of excrement from the depression; a refuse bowl seated in the depression and temporarily holding the excrement, and discharging the excrement into the refuse pipe when it is rotated; a rotating device for rotating the refuse bowl; and a cyclone-type sewage purifier for executing purification treatment using a vortex generated by descent of the excrement and waste water discharged from the refuse pipe and a waste water pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Sang-Hoon Moon
  • Patent number: 8656524
    Abstract: A toilet assembly for use in a vehicle includes a toilet, a macerator assembly for receiving material from the toilet, and a holding tank in association with the macerator assembly along a discharge tube. The material is configured to pass from the macerator assembly, through the discharge tube, and to the holding tank. A mounting structure is further included for attaching the discharge tube to a supporting surface. The mounting structure includes a floor flange attached to the supporting surface, an adapter plate assembly, and a seal positioned between the adapter plate assembly and floor flange. The adapter plate assembly is sealingly engaged with the discharge tube, such that the discharge tube is sealed with the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventor: Edward McKiernan
  • Publication number: 20130185858
    Abstract: A macerating apparatus for a toilet in which the problem of jamming the macerator at startup is solved by rapidly detecting the flushing of the toilet and accelerating the macerator before motion-jamming solid objects in the effluent from the toilet can reach the macerator. The macerating apparatus may be comprised of a macerating cutter operatively connected to a motor, and a sensor in communication with the motor. The sensor may detect the flow of effluent from the toilet toward the macerator, the flow of makeup water from the supply tank into the toilet, or the mechanical action of the mechanism used to flush the toilet. The apparatus may include an intake basket having an asymmetric inlet tube and containing the macerating cutter, wherein the asymmetry of the inlet tube provides additional operating clearance between a cutting blade of the macerating cutter and the intake basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: LIBERTY PUMPS INC.
    Inventor: LIBERTY PUMPS INC.
  • Patent number: 8276218
    Abstract: A macerator toilet comprising a toilet body include a bowl portion and a base portion, the base portion defining a chamber and a macerator unit in fluid communication with the bowl portion, the macerator unit completely disposed in the chamber and operative for macerating a waste received from the bowl unit and pump the waste from the macerator toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventor: George Grech
  • Publication number: 20120204337
    Abstract: A macerating apparatus for a toilet in which the problem of jamming the macerator at startup is solved by rapidly detecting the flushing of the toilet and accelerating the macerator before motion-jamming solid objects in the effluent from the toilet can reach the macerator. The macerating apparatus may be comprised of a macerating cutter operatively connected to a motor, and a sensor in communication with the motor. The sensor may detect the flow of effluent from the toilet toward the macerator, the flow of makeup water from the supply tank into the toilet, or the mechanical action of the mechanism used to flush the toilet. The apparatus may include an intake basket having an asymmetric inlet tube and containing the macerating cutter, wherein the asymmetry of the inlet tube provides additional operating clearance between a cutting blade of the macerating cutter and the intake basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: LIBERTY PUMPS INC.
    Inventors: Donald M. POHLER, Matthew S. HEINSLER
  • Publication number: 20120204338
    Abstract: A macerating apparatus for a toilet in which the problem of jamming the macerator at startup is solved by rapidly detecting the flushing of the toilet and accelerating the macerator before motion-jamming solid objects in the effluent from the toilet can reach the macerator. The macerating apparatus may be comprised of a macerating cutter operatively connected to a motor, and a sensor in communication with the motor. The sensor may detect the flow of effluent from the toilet toward the macerator, the flow of makeup water from the supply tank into the toilet, or the mechanical action of the mechanism used to flush the toilet. The apparatus may include an intake basket having an asymmetric inlet tube and containing the macerating cutter, wherein the asymmetry of the inlet tube provides additional operating clearance between a cutting blade of the macerating cutter and the intake basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: LIBERTY PUMPS INC.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Heinsler, Donald M. Pohler, David M. Williams
  • Patent number: 8230531
    Abstract: A control system for a flush toilet includes a water delivery device for delivering a source of flush water to a bowl. The control system includes a controller and a user interface. The controller is operative to control the toilet through a flush sequence in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a predetermined amount of water to the bowl. In the second mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a user adjustable amount of water to the bowl. The user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting between the first mode and the second mode. Where the toilet is a macerator toilet, the controller monitors current draw unit when the current draw satisfies a predetermined current condition. The controller may operate in a normal mode and a lockout mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Miller, Ricky L. Danks, Julian N. Smith, Daniel Delaney, George Grech, Forrest D. Butterwick
  • Publication number: 20120137420
    Abstract: A self contained toilet facility (10) for use with wheel chairs or beds and comprising a toilet bowl (12) having at least one inlet (25 or 26) connectable via a respective pump (48 or 47) to each of a patient cleansing liquid supply tank (18) and a bowl cleansing liquid supply tank (17) , and to a source of air flow (36). The bowl (12) also has a waste outlet (13) connected to a waste tank (19) via a mascerator (14) and respective pump (49) , the inflow of cleansing liquids to the bowl and outflow of waste from the bowl being controlled by a programmable control unit (37).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Cusack Arthur Gordon, Nicholas Shephard, Andrew Whitaker
  • Patent number: 8191181
    Abstract: A detection system for a toilet unit for use in a supine position is provided, in which a treating body formed in a substantially T-shape by a urination and defecation container serving as a lateral casing and a washing nozzle retainer serving as a vertical casing is formed in a boat shape, the washing nozzle retainer is held in the crotch of patient's legs to enable the patient to urinate and defecate within the urination and defecation container, an injection nozzle provided at a head section of the urination and defecation container is provided to be capable of crushing and conveying the stools, and a nozzle provided on the washing nozzle retainer is adapted to wash the private parts of the patient, wherein a water level sensor installed at a side edge section of the urination and defecation container on the upstream side detects water rising due to wash water and water from the injection nozzle and controls to forcibly discharge the urination and defecation out of the urination and defecation container wh
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: Sanyo Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Nakamura, Yong Ha Kim, Hyun Ok Do
  • Publication number: 20120124725
    Abstract: A macerator device intended to be connected to a WC bowl, includes a tank (1) into which are brought the water and the matter from the WC bowl and in which is placed a motor (3) equipped on its top part with a dilaceration element (5) included in a basket (4) and at its bottom part with a pump (7), the motor connected to a capacitor (12) and to a microswitch (11) being started up by a pressure sensitive switch controlling the microswitch, macerator device in which a control module (10) is situated under an access hatch provided in the lid (2) of the tank and sealed by a removable cover and the microswitch and the capacitor are accessible at the top part of the control module and/or the motor/pump/dilaceration element assembly is situated under an access hatch provided in the lid and sealed by a removable cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SOCIETE FRANCAISE D'ASSAINISSEMENT - SFA
    Inventor: Jean Victor Ballestra
  • Patent number: 8104108
    Abstract: A toilet that does not require water for use, which may be used in the home or which may be portable for use at locations outside the home, having a disposable, biodegradable bag for catching and storing human waste for disposal, and a method for disposing of said biodegradable bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Franklin Irizarry-Lugo
  • Publication number: 20120000014
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a system for the transportation of liquid and solid waste incorporated into a floor of a building has a generally horizontal pipe with a first and second end. A motor is disposed at the first end and an auger is disposed in and along at least a portion of a length of the pipe and is in communication with the motor. The auger is adapted to the transport of liquid and solid waste along the at least a portion of the length of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Francis Leany, Tyson J. Wilde, Boyd Black
  • Patent number: 8082606
    Abstract: A waste receiving device for disposing of fecal waste from an incontinent person being bathed. The waste receiving device includes a receiver and a waste processing mechanism that discharges processed waste to a waste water drain. The waste processing mechanism includes a strainer and/or a masticator for processing the fecal waste such that the processed waste has a maximum solids size that is suitable for passing through the waste water drain. The strainer is a filter with one or more openings that are sized to pass only waste that is not larger than the maximum solids size. The strainer, in one embodiment, is incorporated in a removable basket. The masticator, in various embodiments, is a manually operated mechanical reducer or a powered reducer, such as one operated by pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: David B. Storm
  • Patent number: 8011031
    Abstract: A toilet assembly is provided having a bowl assembly having an inlet, a wastewater outlet, and a water supply inlet having an inlet valve. The assembly includes an adjustable metering valve in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the inlet of the bowl assembly, and an accumulator in fluid communication with the inlet valve and disposed upstream of the adjustable metering valve. A fragmentation passage is provided in fluid communication with the wastewater outlet and disposed downstream of the wastewater outlet. The assembly includes jet assembly having an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet valve, and an outlet disposed upstream of the fragmentation passage. The water supply inlet is structured to deliver a quantity of water through the inlet of the bowl assembly, and a quantity of water to the jet assembly to remove wastewater from the fragmentation passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Charles O. Campbell, William E. Wood
  • Publication number: 20110061156
    Abstract: A toilet assembly for use in a vehicle includes a toilet, a macerator assembly for receiving material from the toilet, and a holding tank in association with the macerator assembly along a discharge tube. The material is configured to pass from the macerator assembly, through the discharge tube, and to the holding tank. A mounting structure is further included for attaching the discharge tube to a supporting surface. The mounting structure includes a floor flange attached to the supporting surface, an adapter plate assembly, and a seal positioned between the adapter plate assembly and floor flange. The adapter plate assembly is sealingly engaged with the discharge tube, such that the discharge tube is sealed with the supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: DOMETIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edward McKiernan
  • Patent number: 7877822
    Abstract: A non-water lavatory flushing device consists of a electrical four-way valve, which one of its exit is connected with the exit of the side wall of the valley at the back of the toilet pan for collecting the feces. The three exits are connected with the central part of the toilet pan, feces collecting box and the flushing liquid collecting box through a feces dispersing pipe, a feces collecting pipe and a urine collecting pipe. The non-water lavatory flushing device of the invention uses a four-way valve to replace the feces dispersing pipe magnetic valve, feces collecting pipe magnetic valve and urine collecting pipe of the prior art. The dispersed feces liquid and urine in the feces dispersing pipe, feces collecting pipe and urine collecting pipe is controlled by the four-way valve respectively. Then the structure is simplified and the cost is decreased. Furthermore, as the four-way joint is cancelled, the problem of wrong flowing of the leaving liquid is solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Hao Wu
  • Patent number: 7712158
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-clog shredder that is used to shred solid matter entrained in a non-homogenous liquid-solid feed. In one embodiment of the invention, the shredder is located at the bottom of a toilet bowl and is used to shred solid disposable products such as napkins and diapers that are discarded in the toilet bowl. The shredder comprises a generally cylindrical cup that is open at one end, with a circular end-cap at the other end. The end-cap has an axial opening that allows the feed to pass through the cup. In one embodiment of the invention, the opening has recesses and/or teeth on the periphery of the opening. An impeller disposed against the circular end plate creates suction for transfer of the waste through the shredder. A cutting blade on the impeller assembly projects axially through the opening in the end-cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Vinod Kumar Mehta
  • Publication number: 20090260143
    Abstract: A waste receiving device for disposing of fecal waste from an incontinent person being bathed. The waste receiving device includes a receiver and a waste processing mechanism that discharges processed waste to a waste water drain. The waste processing mechanism includes a strainer and/or a masticator for processing the fecal waste such that the processed waste has a maximum solids size that is suitable for passing through the waste water drain. The strainer is a filter with one or more openings that are sized to pass only waste that is not larger than the maximum solids size. The strainer, in one embodiment, is incorporated in a removable basket. The masticator, in various embodiments, is a manually operated mechanical reducer or a powered reducer, such as one operated by pressurized water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: David B. Storm
  • Publication number: 20090193572
    Abstract: A toilet unit for use in a supine position comprises: a substantially oblong support casing formed in a substantially boat shape; and a treating body housed in the support casing and formed in a substantially T-shape by a urination and defecation container, serving as a lateral casing, of which the inside is formed a boat shape and a washing nozzle retainer, serving as a vertical casing, which stands upright on the downstream side of the urination and defecation container, wherein a head section of the urination and defecation container is provided with an injection nozzle for crushing stools of a patient, the washing nozzle retainer is provided with a washing nozzle and a bidet nozzle, and a domed cover body for covering the private parts of the patient is pivotally provided to be openable and closable at an upper edge of the washing nozzle retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicants: MINORU NAKAMURA, SANYO TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minoru Nakamura, Yong Ha Kim, Hyun Ok Do
  • Publication number: 20090126093
    Abstract: A breaking means is installed in a stagnant portion of the body of the toilet device. The breaking means has a breaking mechanism unit. The breaking mechanism unit is a cutter mechanism and has cutter members. Each of the cutter members has multiple cutter blades along its rotation axis direction. Cutter blades of adjacent cutter members mesh with each other with a small clearance kept. Because by the action of this cutter member, excrement and others including tissue paper, etc. can be cut out finely and broken, the excrement and others (solids) are made into liquid mixture in this breaking process. Because of liquid mixture, drain takes place easily so that clogging of a drain pipe can be prevented even if hardly soluble matters such as tissue paper are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: MAX CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Toshio Hiranuma, Masahiko Hashimoto, Shigenori Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20090077731
    Abstract: This is a portable toilet device. Broken excrement may be certainly drained. Means (40) for breaking the excrement having crushing blades is installed in the stagnant portion (18) of the body (20) of the toilet device, means (200) for sending the broken excrement by compression, which sends compressed air into the stagnant portion (18), and a lid for open and closure that closes the stagnant portion (18) tightly are provided. When treating the excrement after bowel movement, the lid for open and closure is closed and then, by driving the means for breaking the excrement, the excrement is stirred and broken into fragments with the stagnant portion being tightly closed. After breaking the excrement into fragments, compressed air is jetted into the stagnant portion so that a liquid mixture formed by breaking the excrement into fragments can be sent by compression toward a side of drain hose (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshio Hiranuma, Kazuhiro Sakakibara, Masahiko Hashimoto, Shigenori Yamaguchi, Toshiya Ishida, Keijiro Murayama, Toshio Shioya
  • Patent number: 7507577
    Abstract: The invention discloses a treatment apparatus for the excrement and a bio-toilet using the treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus includes a tank, a reactor basin in the tank for containing the raw material and the excrement and having at least two parallel, concave parts having curved profile in the bottom part of the tank, a temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the basin at a predetermined range; and at least two mixing devices which match with the at least two concave parts, each of them can rotate around a rotation shaft, the helical blade stirrer secured to the rotation shaft by a plurality of spokes. The bio-toilet is waterless, and thus a large quantity of water can be saved and the pollution of the environment due to the drainage of sewage can be avoided. Furthermore, treated by the treatment apparatus of the present invention, the microorganisms and the organic materials are combined and converted into stable loosen soil and the organic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Andy Ming Fen Tung
  • Patent number: 7383593
    Abstract: A toilet assembly is provided having a bowl assembly, a fragmentation passage, a jet assembly, and a water system. The bowl assembly has a wastewater inlet and a waste water outlet. The fragmentation passage has a passage, an inlet, and an outlet. The fragmentation inlet and outlet are each in fluid communication with the passage. The passage has an upper portion, that is above a water line, and a lower portion, that is below a water line. The fragmentation inlet coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the bowl assembly waste outlet. The jet assembly has an inlet and an outlet. The jet assembly is coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the passage lower portion. The water system is coupled to and in fluid communication with the bowl assembly and the jet assembly. The water system is structured to deliver a quantity of water to the bowl assembly and the jet assembly and to remove wastewater from the fragmentation passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Charles O. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20070240255
    Abstract: A macerator toilet comprising a toilet body include a bowl portion and a base portion, the base portion defining a chamber and a macerator unit in fluid communication with the bowl portion, the macerator unit completely disposed in the chamber and operative for macerating a waste received from the bowl unit and pump the waste from the macerator toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: THETFORD CORPORATION
    Inventor: George GRECH
  • Patent number: 7073547
    Abstract: A device is employed with sewer inlet structure including a conduit leading to a sewer line to dispose of clean-up liquid including water and latex paint. The device includes a container engageable with and supported by the sewer inlet structure and a drain pipe leading from the container to the interior of the conduit. Engagement between the drain pipe and inner surface of the conduit will limit both sideways displacement and tipping of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Steve Carlson
  • Patent number: 7014778
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for treating a waste water waste-product mixture from a toilet by coupling the toilet to a waste product mixture to a waste product holding tank, connecting the tank with a vacuum container having a stirring member for breaking up the waste product and a heating system for drying the waste product to an ash, introducing water from a water holding tank that communicates with the toilet to the ash to form a gel, separating the water from the gel, returning the water to the water holding tank, and discharging the gel residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Fuchigami
  • Patent number: 6910231
    Abstract: A toilet system which can be rinsed by a rinsing device. A pipe is connected to the toilet pan and leads to a sanitation pipe. Means are provided for transporting a suction material from the toilet pan into the pipe and into the sanitation pipe. Said means comprise two valves which are arranged in the pipe and a pressure chamber is disposed in-between. In order to suction the suction material from the toilet pan, low pressure is produced in the pressure chamber and used to transport said suctioned material. The pressure chamber is embodied as a piston cylinder and the piston is connected to a controllable drive in order to produce the high and low pressure. The inventive toilet system enables rinsing to occur using a very small amount of water and which can be adapted to different toilet pans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Alois Breiing, Uwe Werner
  • Publication number: 20040194199
    Abstract: The invention discloses a treatment apparatus for the excrement and a bio-toilet using the treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus includes a tank, a reactor basin in the tank for containing the raw material and the excrement and having at least two parallel, concave parts having curved profile in the bottom part of the tank, a temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the basin at a predetermined range; and at least two mixing devices which match with the at least two concave parts, each of them can rotate around a rotation shaft, the helical blade stirrer secured to the rotation shaft by a plurality of spokes. The bio-toilet is waterless, and thus a large quantity of water can be saved and the pollution of the environment due to the drainage of sewage can be avoided. Furthermore, treated by the treatment apparatus of the present invention, the microorganisms and the organic materials are combined and converted into stable loosen soil and the organic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Andy Ming Fen Tung
  • Publication number: 20040143893
    Abstract: A flushing lavatory consists of toilet pan, crushing pump and circuit control device. The stool crushing pipe is set at the bottom of the toilet pan and connected with the outlet of the crushing pump of the toilet pan. A magnetic valve is set on the stool crushing pipe. The stool collecting pipe is set at the bottom of the toilet pan and has a magnetic valve. The other end of the stool collecting pipe is open and can discharge the sewage. When flush the lavatory, under the control of the circuit control device, the flush liquid forms a circulation in the path generated by the toilet pan, crushing pump, stool crushing magnetic valve, stool crushing pipe and toilet pan and flushes the stool in the toilet pan into the crushing pump to crush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Hao Wu, Ming Tang, Hong Jun Zhang, Jing Xin Cheng
  • Patent number: 6745407
    Abstract: A system for waste disposal for use in a vehicle includes a holding tank for receiving waste and a separator for receiving the waste from the holding tank with the separator being configured to separate the waste into a liquid portion and a solid portion. A macerator receives the solid portion from the separator and macerates the solid portion. Further included is an engine for providing power to the vehicle and being configured to receive and incinerate the solid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Henry Van Acker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6534940
    Abstract: A marine macerator switch including a comparator programmable with over and under current limits corresponding with the characteristics of a macerator drive motor. A sensing circuit senses the real time motor current and compares it with the current limits to, at respective predetermined differentials, shut the motor down. The control also includes a timer programmed to allow the motor to run for a period of time corresponding with that required for emptying of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Smart Marine Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John J. Bell, Ronald Alan Stoffel
  • Patent number: 6519787
    Abstract: A water treatment and recycling system is provided having an aeration chamber, a reaction chamber, a water tank, and a plurality of pumps. The water tank houses the treated water and is the supply source for supplying water to different water needs. The first pump receives waste water from a waste source, such as a toilet, and pumps it into the aeration chamber. The aeration chamber initially treats the water and passes the contents therein via a second pump to the reaction chamber. The water is secondarily treated by the reaction chamber and thereafter pumped into the water tank. The first pump also receives a continual supply of treated water from the water tank. The aeration chamber and reaction chamber contains therein a plurality of specially treated wood chips, and a bio-colony consisting of different microbes and bacteria introduced into the wood chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Juen S. Kim
  • Patent number: 6442771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flushing device comprising a bowl (4) having a flushing module (5) which is arranged in the area of the bowl (4) designed to receive excreta. The flushing module (5) at an upper end has a first receiving area (12) for receiving flushing water (38) and excreta (74) as well as means with which said receiving area (12) can be emptied into a chamber (80) situated underneath it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Markus Meier
  • Patent number: 6421843
    Abstract: A toilet and method for flushing using less than 1 gallon of water, comprising: a toilet body comprising a bowl, support walls, rim, and a waste outlet; a water jet macerator having a waste inlet connected to the waste outlet, a macerator water inlet connected to a second water stream and a discharge opening connected to a first discharge passageway; the toilet body further comprising a water inlet port for receiving water from a water source connected to an inlet valve; a splitter for dividing water from the inlet valve into a first water stream and a second water stream; a rim valve for receiving water from the first water stream; a bowl spud for receiving water from the rim valve; a rim adapted to receive water from the bowl spud; an actuator connected to the inlet valve which permits a user to initiate flushing by actuating the inlet valve causing water to flow to the splitter, a second water stream and a first water stream; a nozzle for receiving the second water stream and expelling water from the secon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Headhunter, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvyn Wayne Mellinger, Mark Wayne Mellinger, Paul C. Mellinger
  • Patent number: 6412121
    Abstract: In fuller detail, the present invention relates to a thermo-evaporative type toilet system designed so that the excrement collected from the toilet is treated with effective microorganisms and heated for evaporation to generate vapors, with the stench being removed from said vapors and the water recovered from the vapors being purified for reuse as purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: MTEKS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teizo Motoyama
  • Patent number: 6408448
    Abstract: A toilet system controller including a toilet bowl having at the bottom a discharge opening. A treating chamber has an intake opening connected to the discharge opening of the bowl. A macerator and discharge pump are located in the treating chamber, with the discharge pump discharging treated effluent to a waste pipe. A motor is operably connected to the macerator and discharge pump for effecting simultaneous operation of the macerator and discharge pump. A valve connects the toilet bowl to a source of water in order to admit water to the bowl to flush the bowl. A timer regulates operation of the motor and the valve during a flushing cycle. The flushing cycle is initiated by operation of the motor starting at time zero and continues for five seconds, followed by opening of the valve starting at time zero plus one and one half seconds and continuing for six and one half seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Control Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Jermier
  • Patent number: 6357056
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Control Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Jermier
  • Publication number: 20020000005
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Donald A. Jermier
  • Patent number: 6258594
    Abstract: A waste disposal system separates human wastes into solid and liquid parts for subsequent treatment such as microbial decomposition treatment and/or activated sludge treatment. The system includes an outer box. A cylindrical member made of a water-permeable material is received in the outer box. A top plate closes the top openings of the outer box and the cylindrical member. The latter has an open bottom. A helical rotary brush is mounted on a vertical rotary shaft extending through the top plate into the cylindrical member so as to be coaxially received in the cylindrical member. The top plate is formed with a port through which waste is adapted to be introduced into the cylindrical member. A closure member closes the bottom opening of the space defined between the outer box and the cylindrical member and is formed with a discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Suiko Kinzoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Nakaya
  • Patent number: 6178566
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nihon Shinko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Yagi