Description:CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/632,287 (Docket No. 010222-23059A-US) filed on April 10, 2024, and Provisional Application No. 63/747,664 (Docket No. 010222-23059B-US) filed on January 21, 2025 which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to toilets. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to toilets having features to reduce the consumption of water.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In consideration of environmental and economic concerns, it is advantageous to reduce the amount of fresh water used during a flush cycle of a toilet. Water is used to perform several functions during each flush cycle, for example, water is used to perform seal recovery, odor prevention, waste removal, bowl rinse, and drain line carry. Reducing an amount of water used with each flush may negatively impact one or more functions of the water during the flush cycle. Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods for reducing an amount of fresh water used during a flush cycle, while maintaining performance of the several functions performed by water during the flush cycle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure should become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an example vacuum toilet.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram for a vacuum toilet and corresponding control system.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates another example vacuum toilet.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates another example vacuum toilet.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a toilet with a gated chamber.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a toilet with a gated chamber and vacuum assist.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates another view of the toilet of FIG. 6.
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates another example vacuum toilet.
[0013] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate an example toilet outlet ring.
[0014] FIG. 9C illustrates another example vacuum toilet including the outlet ring.
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart for operation of a vacuum toilet.
[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates another example vacuum toilet.
[0017] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart for operation of a vacuum toilet.
[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates another example vacuum toilet.
[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart for operation of a vacuum toilet.
[0020] FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate an in-wall vacuum toilet.
[0021] FIG. 16 illustrates a vacuum toilet with active passive valves.
[0022] FIG. 17 illustrates an example passive valve for the vacuum toilet of FIG. 16.
[0023] FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate example internal features for the vacuum toilet of FIG. 16.
[0024] FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate a toilet with a pivoting bowl assembly.
[0025] FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate another toilet with a pivoting bowl assembly.
[0026] FIGS. 21A-21B illustrate another toilet with a pivoting bowl assembly.
[0027] FIG. 22 illustrates another toilet with a pivoting bowl assembly.
[0028] FIGS. 23A-23B illustrates a combination lavatory and toilet.
[0029] FIGS. 24A-24B illustrate another combination lavatory and toilet.
[0030] FIGS. 25A-25B illustrate an example flexible joint for pivoting toilets.
[0031] FIG. 26 illustrates another combination lavatory and toilet.
[0032] FIG. 27A-27F illustrate assembly of the combination lavatory and toilet.
[0033] FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart for assembly of the combination lavatory and toilet.
[0034] FIGS. 29A-29B illustrate a bucket flushing action toilet.
[0035] FIG. 30 illustrates another view of the bucket flushing action toilet.
[0036] FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate another bucket flushing action toilet.
[0037] FIGS. 32A-32B illustrate another bucket flushing action toilet.
[0038] FIGS. 33A-33B illustrate another bucket flushing action toilet.
[0039] FIG. 34 illustrates a flowchart for operation of a bucket flushing action toilet.
[0040] FIGS. 35A-35B illustrates an example toilet with a pneumatic trapway.
[0041] FIGS. 36 illustrates a cross-section view of a pneumatic trapway.
[0042] FIGS. 37A-37B illustrate a pneumatic trapway.
[0043] FIGS. 38A-38B illustrate a semi-centrifugal trapway.
[0044] FIGS. 39A-39B illustrate another example of a semi-centrifugal trapway.
[0045] FIG. 40 illustrates another view of the semi-centrifugal trapway.
[0046] FIG. 41 illustrates another view of a semi-centrifugal trapway.
[0047] FIGS. 42A-42B illustrate another example grinding trapway.
[0048] FIGS. 43A-43F illustrate another grinding trapway.
[0049] FIGS. 44A-44D illustrate other views of a semi-centrifugal trapway.
[0050] FIG. 45 illustrates an example toilet with plunger flushing.
[0051] FIG. 46 illustrates another example toilet with plunger flushing.
[0052] FIGS. 47A-47C illustrate example toilets with jetted trapways.
[0053] FIGS. 48A-48C illustrate example toilets with jetted trapways.
[0054] FIGS. 49A-49C illustrate example toilets with jetted trapways.
[0055] FIG. 50 illustrates an example toilet with urine diversion and an overflow passage.
[0056] FIG. 51 illustrates an example vacuum toilet.
[0057] FIG. 52 illustrates another example vacuum toilet.
[0058] FIG. 53 illustrates an example flow chart for the operation of the vacuum toilet.
[0059] FIGS. 54A and 54B illustrate an example toilet with an in-wall vacuum system.
[0060] FIGS. 55A and 55B illustrate another example toilet with an in-wall vacuum system.
[0061] FIGS. 56A and 56B illustrate an example toilet with an in-wall vacuum system and external vent.
[0062] FIGS. 57A and 57B illustrate another example toilet with an in-wall vacuum system and ball valve.
[0063] FIGS. 58A and 58B illustrate an example toilet with a partial in-wall vacuum system.
[0064] FIG. 58C illustrates an example in-wall vacuum system with dual exhaust.
[0065] FIGS. 59A and 59B illustrate an example toilet with a partial in-wall vacuum system.
[0066] FIG. 60 illustrates an example wall hung toilet with a vacuum system.
[0067] FIG. 61 illustrates toilet with a vacuum system and a double water seal.
[0068] FIG. 62 illustrates a vacuum system for a sanitary plumbing system.
[0069] FIG. 63 illustrates an example controller for any of the embodiments.
[0070] FIG. 64 illustrates an example flowchart for the controller of FIG. 63.
[0071] FIG. 65 illustrates an example flowchart for a flush cycle.
[0072] The figures illustrate certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in detail. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details and methodology set forth in the detailed description or illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0073] The following embodiments related to toilets and related systems. One or more related systems may also be applied to any plumbing fixtures. The term “plumbing fixture” refers to an apparatus that is connected to a plumbing system of a house, building, or another structure. The term “plumbing fixture” may include toilets, bidets, faucets, showerheads, bathtubs, urinals, and dishwashers. The term “bathroom fixture” and “kitchen fixture” may more specifically refer to individual types of plumbing fixtures found in the bathroom or kitchen, respectively, and these terms may be overlapping in certain examples (e.g., faucets). While each of the fluidic devices described herein may be described as being included in a single type of plumbing fixture, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto and that each of the fluidic devices described herein may be included in or used in conjunction with any type of plumbing fixture. For example, a fluidic device described with respect to a bidet may be included or used in conjunction with any of a shower head, a faucet, a toilet, a dishwasher, and the like.
[0074] For each of the example toilets describes herein, it should be noted that the shapes and configurations of the tank, pedestal, seat assembly, and the internal components (including the trapway and other features) may vary from the embodiments shown and described herein, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended as limitations. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be made of vitreous china. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be polymeric and/or over molded or otherwise fixed to the toilet. It should be noted, for example, that although the exemplary embodiment of the toilet is shown configured with the tank formed separately from the pedestal later coupled to the pedestal, the tank may be integrally formed with the pedestal as a one-piece design. In other words, the toilet may be a one-piece design, a two-piece design, or have any suitable configuration. The toilet disclosed herein may have a wide variety of skirted toilet configurations, and all such configurations are intended to be encompassed herein. The following description of various toilet features is therefore intended as illustration only of one possible embodiment, and it should be understood by those reviewing the present description that similar concepts or features may be included in various other embodiments. While actuators to initiate flush cycles may not be describes in each embodiment, all of the examples herein may include an actuator or another type of flush mechanism such as a button configured to activate when depressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or when touched, a lever configured to activate when rotated a predetermined angular travel, or any suitable device configured to activate based upon an input manipulation by a user. Any of the embodiments described with regard to toilets and/or the trapway of a toilet may be applied to the structure of a urinal.
[0075] Seats and lids may also be sometimes omitted in the discussion of each embodiment. However, each of the following examples may include a toilet seat assembly including a cover member (e.g., lid), a seat member (e.g., ring member), and a hinge. The seat member may be configured to include an annular member that encircles an opening, wherein the annular member provides a seating surface for the user of the toilet. The seat member may also be pivotally coupled (e.g., attached) to the hinge, wherein the seat member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or seated position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member may be configured to be round, oval, or any other suitable shape. Typically, the profile or shape of the outer surface of the cover member will be configured to match (i.e., to be substantially similar) to the profile of the outer surface of the seat member to improve the aesthetics of the seat assembly and toilet. The cover member may also be coupled to the hinge, wherein the cover member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first down lowered or down position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member may be provided above the seat member in the down position to thereby cover the opening of the seat member, as well as to conceal the inside of the bowl of the pedestal. The cover member may be configured to rest against the outside surface of the tank, when the cover member is in the upright position, such that the cover member remains in the upright position in order for a user to sit upon the seat member.
[0076] Some toilets have just one option for flushing. Dual-flush toilets provide the user an option for a lesser water volume flush at their discretion – but often the large flush is used. Dual-flush toilets can save water at a ratio of 2:1. The following embodiments introduce other apparatus and techniques to consume less water in the flushing operation of a toilet.
[0077] FIG. 1 illustrates an example vacuum toilet 10. For illustrative purposes, the vacuum toilet 10 is shown exposed so that the operation may be observed. In an installation, the vacuum toilet 10 may be partially enclosed in a wall and/or partially enclosed within a housing 30. The vacuum toilet 10 may include a base including a toilet bowl 11 and include a vacuum tank 20. The housing 30 may extend to enclose both toilet bowl 11 and the vacuum tank 20. The housing 30 may include at least one vertical wall 12a and at least one horizontal wall 12b. The vacuum tank 20 may be connected to the toilet bowl 11 via a passage 14. The vacuum tank 20 may be connected to a drain path 22. The vacuum tank 20 may be connected to a vacuum device 40, which may be any vacuum generator configured to apply varying pressures to the vacuum tank 20. The vacuum generator may apply a first pressure (negative pressure) during a flush cycle to extract contents from the toilet bowl 11 and apply a second pressure (positive pressure) during a drain cycle to empty the tank 20 to the drain path 22. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0078] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram for the vacuum toilet 10 and corresponding control system. The tank 20 includes connections to multiple valves. A sump valve 15 selectively and fluidly connects the tank 20 to a sump of the toilet bowl 11. A vacuum valve 16 selectively and fluidly connects the tank to the vacuum device 40. A drain valve 21 selectively and fluidly connects the tank 20 to the drain path 22, which leads to a sewer, a septic device, or another sanitary system. The path to the sanitary system may be referred to as a septic path. A reverse valve 41 may be a separate connection to the vacuum device 40 for a reverse flow of air (e.g., reverse of the vacuum).
[0079] A controller 100 may operate the sump valve 15, the vacuum valve 16, the drain valve 21, the supply valve 42 and/or the reverse valve 41 to provide a flush cycle at the vacuum toilet 10. The controller 100 may operate the sump valve 15, the vacuum valve 16, the drain valve 21, the supply valve 42 and/or the reverse valve 41 using one or more valve drivers 31. Each valve driver 31 may include a mechanism to open or close the respective valve. Each valve driver 31 may include a solenoid or a motor to open or close the respective valve. In addition, or in the alternative, the sump valve 15, the vacuum valve 16, the drain valve 21, the supply valve 42 and/or the reverse valve 41 may include a manual handle to open and close the respective valve.
[0080] The controller 100 may operate the valve drivers 31 in a predetermined sequence for the flush cycle. Initially, the sump valve 15, the vacuum valve 16, the supply valve 42, and the drain valve 21 are closed. The controller 100 may operate the valve driver 31 for the supply valve 42 to release water into the toilet bowl 11. The controller 100 may operate the sump valve 15 to open the passage 14 to the tank 20. In some examples, the water is provided to the toilet bowl 11 at the same time the sump valve 15 is opened. The water rinses the contents of the toilet bowl 11 through the passage 14 and into the tank 20.
[0081] In other examples, the controller 100 opens the supply valve 15 to provide water to the toilet bowl 11 when the sump valve 15 is closed. After contents are deposited into the toilet bowl 11 by the user, and the flush cycle is initiated, the sump valve 15 is opened by the controller 100 and the vacuum pressure in the tank 20 provides suction to the passage 14 to extract the contents from the toilet bowl 11.
[0082] The controller 100 may also operate the vacuum device 40 and the vacuum valve 16 to create the vacuum pressure in the tank 20. The controller 100 may turn on the vacuum device 40 including a pump to pull air from the tank 20 and create a partial vacuum in the tank 20. The controller 100 may also reverse the vacuum device for the pump to blow air from the tank 20 and empty the tank 20 to the drain path 22. The air pressure to pull air from the tank 20 and the air pressure to blow air to empty the tank 20 may be provided to the tank through vacuum hose 13. In some examples, the air is pull from the tank 20 to create a vacuum using vacuum hose 13, and the air to empty the tank is provided through reverse hose 19 (e.g. opened by reverse valve 41).
[0083] When the vacuum pressure is present in the tank 20 and the controller 100 opens the sump valve 15, suction is provided to the passage 14 to extract the contents from the toilet bowl 11. Thus, the toilet bowl 11 is flushed to the tank 20.
[0084] The controller 100 may also causes the tank 20 to be flushed to the drain path 22. The tank 20 may be flushed by opening the drain valve 21 while apply positive pressure to the tank 20. The pressure may be provided by vacuum device 10 through the hose 13 and vacuum valve 16. In one alternative embodiment, the reverse valve 41 is separately provided to provide the positive pressure. In other words, when the tank 20 is flushed, or blown out, the vacuum valve 16 is closed and the pressure is provided through reverse valve 41 and the reverse path. The tank 20 may be flushed every time the bowl 11 is flushed. The tank 20 may be flushed every predetermined number of bowl flushes. The tank 20 may be flushed in response to a user command (e.g., from user input device 99).
[0085] The pressure in the tank 20 may be monitored by a gauge 18 or other pressure sensor. A manual lever 17 may turn on the pressure sensing. The pressure sensor may be connected a light indicator that indicates the status of the toilet 10. Example statuses include ready and not ready.
[0086] The pressure in the tank may be controlled by a pressure regulator. One example pressure regulator is vacuum valve 16. The pressure regulator is configured to pressurize the chamber. The controller 100 may operate the pressure regulator according to the flush cycle.
[0087] The controller 100 may also provide instructions or commands to one or more indicators 102. An indicator 102 may include a light, display, audio emitter or speaker (e.g., speaker 351 of FIG. 63), LED, or other device configured to convey a status of the vacuum toilet. The indicator 102 may indicator which valves are being driven. The indicator 102 may indicate whether the vacuum device 40 is being driven.
[0088] FIG. 3 illustrates another example vacuum toilet 50 including a base structure having at least a toilet bowl 11 coupled to a sump 23 at the bottom of the toilet bowl 11. The sump 23 is configured to contain water and other contents deposited into the toilet bowl 11. The toilet bowl 11 or sump 23 may be coupled to a sump pipe 52. The sump pipe 52 may be connected to the sump 23 using a sump connector 51. The sump connector 51 may be threaded to receive the sump pipe 52.
[0089] The sump pipe 52 may include a sump valve assembly 53 mounted to an exterior of the sump pipe 52 and include a sump valve member 54 extending through the sump pipe 52. The sump valve member 54 is configured to selectively open and close an opening through the sump pipe 52.
[0090] The vacuum tank 20 may include one or more openings such as a top opening for the vacuum valve 16 that selectively and fluidly connects the tank to a vacuum device. A bottom opening may include a drain valve for selectively and fluidly connecting the tank 20 to a drain path.
[0091] The sump pipe 52 includes a downstream end or output 55 that extends into the vacuum tank 20. The leg of the sump pipe 52 may be at a predetermined angle with the horizontal so that it is generally pointed upward. The predetermined angle may be equal or greater than 45 degrees or equal or greater than 60 degrees.
[0092] In the example of FIG. 3, the upward leg of the sump pipe 52 defines a volumetric space 56 that extends from the sump 23 of the bowl 11 and through the sump pipe 52. The size of volumetric space 56 depends on the angle of the sump pipe 52 so that the liquid level at the end of the output 55 is even with the level in the sump 23 (when the sump valve member 54 is open). As shown in FIG. 3, the volumetric space 56 may include a sump side 56a including liquid in the sump 23 up to the sump valve member 54 and a trap side 56b including liquid in the sump 52 up to the sump valve member 54. The sump side volume 56a may be substantially equal to the trapway side volume 56b. In the example shown, the sump side volume 56a may be less than the trapway side volume 56b (e.g., in one example the sump side volume 56a was measured at 452 milliliters and the trapway side volume 56b was measured at 523 milliliters).
[0093] FIG. 4 illustrates an example vacuum toilet 60 in which a trapway does not extend into the vacuum tank 20. The trapway may include a bottom portion 61 and a top portion 62 forming a S-shape and providing a water seal. The top portion 62 of the trapway may be substantially horizontal. Accordingly, the volumetric space 66 for the water seal also does not extend into the vacuum tank 20. The top portion 62 of the trapway may be coupled to the vacuum tank 20 via a vacuum valve assembly 63. The vacuum valve assembly 63 may include a valve member to open and close the connection between the trapway and the vacuum tank 20.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 4, the volumetric space 66 may include a sump side 66a including liquid in the sump 23 and a trapway side 66b including liquid in the trapway. The sump side 66a and the trapway side 66b may be divided by a vertical line. The sump side 66a and the trapway side 66b may be divided by a connection 64 between the sump 23 and the lower part 61 of the trapway. The sump side volume 66a may be substantially equal to the trapway side volume 66b. In the example shown, the sump side volume 66a may be less than the trapway side volume 66b (e.g., in one example the sump side volume 66a was measured at 320 milliliters and the trapway side volume 66b was measured at 404 milliliters).
[0095] FIG. 5 illustrates a toilet 70 with a gated chamber 73. The embodiment of FIG. 5 may omit a vacuum device or a vacuum chamber. Instead, gravity may be relied upon to evacuate contents from the toilet bowl 11 to gated chamber 73. As illustrated the gated chamber 73 may be disposed below the toilet bowl 11, but other arrangements may be used. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0096] A flush gate valve 71 is configured to selectively open a fluid connection between the toilet bowl 11 and the gated chamber 73. A sewer gate valve 72 is configured to selectively open a fluid connection between the gated chamber 73 and the sewer or septic pipe (e.g., sanitary line). The controller 100 may operate solenoids, motors, or other driven devices for opening and closing the flush gate valve 71 and the sewer gate valve 72.
[0097] FIG. 6 illustrates a toilet with a gated chamber 73 and vacuum assist. The vacuum assist maybe provided by a vacuum device (vacuum generator such as a pump) connected to the gated chamber 73 via a pressure inlet 75. The pressure inlet 75 may be an extension configured to fit a hose or other connection to the vacuum device. The gated chamber 76 may include an inclined wall to assist in pushing contents of the chamber through the sewer gate valve 72.
[0098] A sewer gate valve 72 is configured to selectively open a fluid connection between the gated chamber 73 and the sewer or septic pipe (e.g., sanitary line). The controller 100 may operate solenoids, motors, or other driven devices for opening and closing the flush gate valve 71 and the sewer gate valve 72. The sewer gate valve 72 may include a check calve configured to close in response to pressure in the gated chamber 73. A vacuum valve may open or close the connection between the pressure inlet 75 of the gate chamber 73 and the vacuum device. The controller 100 may operate solenoids, motors, or other driven devices for opening and closing the vacuum valve, the flush gate valve 71 and the sewer gate valve 72.
[0099] The controller 100 may operate the vacuum valve to apply no pressure or low pressure during a flush cycle and positive pressure during a drain cycle. Contents (e.g., urine and/or feces) may be provided to the toilet bowl 11 from the user. The controller 100, through user input 99 or initiated from sensor data, may open the flush gate valve 71 so that water and the other contents of the toilet bowl 11 empty into the gate chamber 73. This process may repeat a predetermined number of times. The process may repeat as selected by the user. The process may repeat until ended in response to sensor data.
[0100] For example, the gate chamber 73 may include a fill sensor that indicates when the gate chamber 73 is full and requires drain. For draining, the controller 100 may close the flush gate valve 71, if not already closed. The controller 100 may open the vacuum valve to apply positive pressure to the gate chamber 73. At the same time, or after a predetermined time, the controller 100 opens the sewer gate valve 73. Through gravity and the air pressure the gated chamber 73 is drained to the septic or sewer line.
[0101] FIG. 7 illustrates another view of the toilet of FIG. 6 including an example pressurized tank 81 as the vacuum device or air compressor as the vacuum device connected to a gated chamber 73 via a vacuum passage 85. The air compressor may be selectively connected to the pressurized tank 81 through a manual lever 82 configured to open and close a valve between the vacuum generator and the pressurized tank 81. FIG. 7 further illustrates a controller electrically connected to the flush gate valve 71 and the sewer gate valve 72.
[0102] FIG. 8 illustrates another example vacuum toilet 90 including a toilet bowl 91, a flushing tank 92 and an air channel 95. The air channel 95 connected to the flushing tank 92 and two different points. For example, the air channel 95 may be connected to the flushing tank 92 at a top portion and at a bottom portion. The air channel 95 may include a vacuum pump 94 or otherwise be connected to a source of air pressure (e.g., negative air pressure) so that the air channel 95 provides low pressure at a first portion of the flushing tank 92 and high pressure at a second portion of the flushing tank 92. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the vacuum pump 94 is in line with the air channel 95. The vacuum pump 94 pulls air (e.g., provides negative pressure) from the flushing tank 92 at the top portion. This causes the contents (e.g., water and human waste) in the toilet bowl 91 to be pulled into the flushing tank 92. The vacuum pump 94 pushes air (e.g., provides positive pressure) to the bottom portion of the flushing tank 92, which aids gravity in expelling the contents of the flushing tank 92 to a sanitary path such as a sewer pipe or other passage. In the example, of FIG. 8, the vacuum toilet 90 includes a vacuum pump valve 93 configured to selectively connect and disconnect the air channel 95 and the flushing tank 92 and includes an outlet valve 96 configured to selectively connect and disconnect the flushing tank 92 to the sewer passage. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0103] The vacuum toilet 90 includes an outlet ring 97. The outlet ring includes at least one input passage to receive waste from the flushing tank 92. The outlet ring 97 includes at least one input passage to receive air from the air channel 95. The outlet ring 97 combines the waste and the air to provide a pressurized waste path away from the vacuum toilet 90.
[0104] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an example toilet outlet ring 97. The toilet outlet ring 97 includes a toilet flange 811 and an air annulus 112. The toilet outlet ring 97 may include a passage coupler on each side and a flange to create a pressed seal fit. The top of the toilet outlet ring 97 includes a toilet flange 114 and toilet passage coupler 113, as shown in the top view of FIG. 9A. The bottom of the toilet outlet ring 97 includes a drain flange 117 and a drain passage coupler, as shown in the bottom view of FIG. 9B. The annular path 112 through the toilet outlet ring 97 for the air can be seen in FIG. 9B.
[0105] FIG. 9C also includes another view of toilet 90 showing the connected passages for the toilet outlet ring 97. The toilet outlet ring 97 is coupled to the air channel 95. Also, a trapway 973 is illustrated between the toilet bowl 91 and the chamber 92. Additionally, a first valve 971 and a second valve 972 may be connected to the air channel 95.
[0106] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart for operation of a vacuum toilet in a flush cycle. Additional, different or fewer acts may be included.
[0107] At act S101, the vacuum pump 94 is energized. For example, the impeller or motor is accelerated to a predetermined rotational speed (e.g., a rated RPM) to initialize or prime the system for a flush.
[0108] At act S103, the vacuum pump valve 93 is opened. A control circuit may provide power to a solenoid or another mechanical drive to cause the vacuum pump valve 93 to open. The vacuum is formed in the flushing tank 92 as air is pulled by the vacuum pump 94. The vacuum draws the contents of the bowl 91 into the flushing tank 92.
[0109] At act S105, the outlet valve 96 is opened. Act S105 may occur at the same time as act S103 or soon after (e.g., with 1 second or less delay between when the vacuum pump valve 93 is opened and the outlet valve 96 is opened). With the outlet valve 96 opened, the water and waste in the flushing tank 92 can fall to the drain. This may be under the force of gravity. In addition, or in the alternative, the exhaust air from the pump 94 aids the flow of the water in waste in the flushing tank 92 to the drain using the toilet outlet ring.
[0110] At act S107, the vacuum pump 94 is deactivated or shut down. The control circuit may cause the vacuum pump 94 to deactivate by removing the power supply to the vacuum pump 94.
[0111] At act S109, the outlet valve 96 is closed and the vacuum pump valve 93 is closed. The control circuit may case the outlet valve 96 to close by removing power to the solenoid or other mechanical device that holds the outlet valve 96 open.
[0112] At act S111, the toilet bowl 91 is rinsed and/or refilled to prepare for the next flush cycle. The control circuit may open the water supply to the bowl 91 to fill the water to the predetermined level.
[0113] FIG. 11 illustrates another example vacuum toilet 90 including a vacuum pump switch 104 in place of the vacuum pump valve 93.
[0114] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart for operation of the vacuum toilet 90 of FIG. 11. The operation shown in FIG. 12 is similar to that in FIG. 10 except the vacuum pump valve 93 is omitted. Additional, different or fewer acts may be included.
[0115] At act S201, the outlet valve 96 is closed.
[0116] At act S203, the vacuum pump 94 is energized.
[0117] At act S205, the outlet valve 96 is opened.
[0118] At act S207, the vacuum pump 94 is deactivated or shut down.
[0119] At act S209, the outlet valve 96 is closed.
[0120] At act S211, the toilet bowl 91 is rinsed and/or refilled to prepare for the next flush cycle.
[0121] FIG. 13 illustrates another example vacuum toilet 90. In one embodiment, the vacuum toilet 90 includes a trap valve 98 (and the vacuum pump valve 93 is omitted). Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0122] FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart for operation of the vacuum toilet 90 of FIG. 13. Additional, different or fewer acts may be included.
[0123] At act S301, the vacuum pump 94 is energized.
[0124] At act S303, the trap valve 98 is opened. . A control circuit may provide power to a solenoid or another mechanical drive to cause the trap valve 98 to open. The trap valve 98 separates the flushing tank 92 and the bowl 91 when the vacuum toilet is not in the flushing cycle.
[0125] At act S305, the outlet valve 96 is opened.
[0126] At act S307, the vacuum pump 94 is deactivated or shut down.
[0127] At act S309, the outlet valve 96 is closed and the trap valve 98 is closed.
[0128] At act S311, the toilet bowl 91 is rinsed and/or refilled to prepare for the next flush cycle.
[0129] FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate an in-wall vacuum toilet. Any of the embodiments in FIGS 1-14 may be applied to an in-wall vacuum toilet. The in-wall vacuum toilet includes a bowl 11 that extends away from the wall. At least one component of the vacuum toilet is included within the wall. As illustrated, at least the vacuum tank 227 is mounted within the wall. Viewing from the depth cross section in FIG. 15A, the vacuum tank 227 is mounted behind at least one section of drywall 221. The vacuum tank 227 may be mounted between drywall sections 221 of adjacent rooms. Viewing from the width cross section in FIG. 15A, the vacuum tank 227 is mounted between studs (e.g., boards 2211) in the wall in the stud pocket. The vacuum tank 227 may be coupled to at least one stud. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0130] In one embodiment, the in-wall vacuum toilet may include a toilet wall flange 228 that extends through a section of drywall 221 to connect to the toilet bowl 11. Also within the wall, the vacuum tank 227 may connect to a vacuum pump valve 223 that selectively opens to pressurize the vacuum tank 227 with vacuum pressure provided by the vacuum device 224. Also within the wall, the vacuum tank 227 may connect to an outlet valve 226 that selectively opens the vacuum tank 227 to be emptied to a sewer passage (e.g., under the pressure provided by the vacuum device 224). Also included within the wall, the vacuum tank 227 may connect to air channel 225 through two points, including a vacuum pressure point at the vacuum pump valve 223 and an outlet pressure point at the outlet valve 226.
[0131] The vacuum pump 224 may provide suction to the vacuum pressure point of the vacuum tank 227 in order to draw contents from the bowl 11 into the vacuum tank 227. The vacuum pump 224 may expel air through the air channel of the flush valve 225 to the outlet pressure point in order to push the contents of the vacuum tank 227 out of the vacuum tank 227 and into a sewer passage.
[0132] FIG. 16 illustrates a vacuum toilet with valves. A toilet bowl 11 connects to a vacuum tank 227 through a trapway 2241, which may be opened and closed via a flush gate valve 2250. A hose 13 may connect to a vacuum source to the vacuum tank 227, which may be mounted externally to the vacuum toilet or internal to the vacuum toilet (e.g., beneath the bowl 11). The vacuum tank 227 may connect to the hose 13 via a vacuum pump valve 223. The vacuum tank 227 may empty to a sewer passage 22 via a sewer gate valve 226.
[0133] One or more of the flush gate valves 2250, the vacuum pump valve 223, and the sewer gate valve 226 may be a swinging check valve (as opposed to a sliding check valve). The swinging check valve includes a valve member that pivots or rotates about an axis. Pressure in the vacuum tank 227 may cause the valve member to close. Pressure outside the vacuum tank 227 may cause the valve member to open.
[0134] One or more of the flush gate valve 2250, the vacuum pump valve 223, and the sewer gate valve 226 may be a passive valve. FIG. 17 illustrates an example passive valve 230. The passive valve 230 includes a biasing member that places resistance against the air pressure force behind the valve. The biasing member is configured so that the valve 230 opens at a predetermined pressure. The biasing member provides a predetermined mechanical resistance that opposes the pressure tending to push the valve 230 open. The biasing member may include one or more magnets and/or one or more ferromagnetic members. As illustrated by FIG. 17, the biasing member includes a magnet 231 and metal tab 232. The magnet 231 attracts the metal tab 232 to hold the valve member 233 closed. When a predetermined amount of pressure is behind the valve 230, the pressure will overcome the force of attraction between the magnet 231 and the metal tab 232, and the valve member 233 will open. In one embodiment, two magnets may be used. In one embodiment, the biasing member may include a spring.
[0135] In another example, one or more of the flush gate valve 2250, the vacuum pump valve 223, and the sewer gate valve 226 may be an active valve. The active valve 230 includes an electronic biasing member that places resistance against the air pressure force behind the valve. The electronic biasing member is configured so that the valve 230 opens at a predetermined pressure. The biasing member provides a predetermined mechanical resistance that opposes the pressure tending to push the valve 230 open. The biasing member may include one or more electromagnets (e.g., one or more electromagnets may replace magnet 231 in FIG. 17) that is provided a predetermined amount of power according to a set pressure level that controls the timing of the opening of the valve 230.
[0136] The valve 230 may be preferred to sliding/gate valve because the operation may be less susceptible to fouling. If there is some debris on the valve seat of the sliding/gate valve, problems may arise regarding sufficient closing, leading to problems with toilet performance.
[0137] FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate example internal features for the vacuum toilet of FIG. 16. FIG. 18A illustrates the vacuum toilet including an extended trapway. The trapway includes an upstream portion 236 that is upstream of the flush valve 225 and a downstream portion 235 that is downstream of the flush valve 225. The downstream portion 235 of the trapway extends into the tank 227. The end of the downstream portion 235 is within a predetermined distance to the sewer valve 226. When waste and water is suctioned from the bowl 11 into th tank 227, it follows the downstream portion 235 of the trapway to a position near the sewer valve 226. Thus, the downstream portion 235 reduces the possibility of material being stuck or otherwise slowed somewhere within the tank 227, which improves performance of the vacuum toilet. Any of the valves may be gate valves, passive valves, or active valves as described herein.
[0138] FIG. 18B illustrates a baffle 236 internal to the tank 227. The baffle 236 may be vertical or positioned within a predetermined angle from a vertical line. The baffle 236 may be positioned between an outlet of the trapway 2241 near the flush valve 225 and the inlet of the vacuum valve 223. Materials are directed downward and away from the vacuum valve 223. The baffle 2356 enables gravity to take over versus the momentum of the high velocity air flow coming from the vacuum source and hose 13. Thus, the baffle 236 reduces the possibility of material being stuck or otherwise slowed somewhere within the tank 227, which improves performance of the vacuum toilet. Any of the valves may be gate valves, passive valves, or active valves as described herein.
[0139] Referring back to the control system of FIG. 2, which may be applied to any of the vacuum toilets in FIGS. 1-18B. The controller 100 operates any of the valves as described herein.
[0140] The user input device 99 may be a button, touchscreen, lever, or other device that the user provides a command to the toilet 10. The user input device 99 may initiate a command to flush the toilet bowl 11. The user input device 99 may initiate a command to flush the tank 20. The user input device 99 may initiate a command to clean the toilet bowl 11. The user input device 99 may initiate a command to clean the tank 20. In response to commands from the user input device 99, the controller 100 may causes the valve drivers 31 to actuate one or more of the sump valve 15, the vacuum valve 16, the drain valve 21, the supply valve 42 and/or the reverse valve 41.
[0141] A sensor array 101 may include one or more sensors to detect sensor data related to the toilet 10. The sensor array 101 may include a flush trigger. An example flush trigger may be a pressure sensor, a button, a proximity sensor, or other type of sensor that detects when the lid is in an opened position. The flush trigger may be a gesture sensor, a position sensor, or another sensor that detects the presence of a user or a gesture made by a user.
[0142] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the water conservation apparatus and techniques may be combined with a load-based flushing control system or feedback system. A toilet including at least the load-based flushing control system or feedback system may be referred to as a load based flushing toilet. The load-based flushing toilet is configured to flush the appropriate amount of water for the quantity of waste, or wall stains, that are present in the bowl. The quantity of waste or wall stains may be determined by internal measurements and computations. There may be various levels of flush water volumes from a basic two-level ‘low and high’ (like a dual flush system) to many levels. The toilet is able to flush at all prescribed water volumes. As described in the following embodiments, vacuum and trap door toilets are likely candidates for this type of system.
[0143] The sensor array 101 may include one or more sensors configured to detect waste in the toilet bowl 11.
[0144] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a turbidity sensor. The turbidity sensor measures cloudiness or clarity of the water or liquid of the bowl. The turbidity sensor may include a light or laser that passes through a portion of the liquid. The turbidity sensor may be immersed or submerged in the toilet bowl 11 in order to take the measurement. The turbidity sensor may be included in a cavity of the toilet bowl such that liquid from the toilet bowl 11 flows into the cavity under gravity. The controller 100 may receive data from the turbidity sensor and compare the data to one or more turbidity thresholds or a turbidity range, which may be values in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0145] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a pH sensor or electrode to measure the pH value of the water in the toilet bowl 11. The pH sensor may be placed inside the toilet bowl 11 and come into contact with the contents of the toilet bowl 11. The controller 100 may receive data from the pH sensor and compare the data to one or more pH thresholds or a pH range. One pH threshold or range may indicate a substantial concentration of urine in the toilet bowl 11. One pH threshold or range may indicate a substantial concentration of feces in the toilet bowl 11. One pH threshold or range may indicate a substantial concentration of vomit in the toilet bowl 11. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type, or combination of types, of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0146] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a flow sensor. The toilet bowl may include an overflow passage. The overflow passage may be located near the fill level of the toilet bowl 11 and have a small diameter (e.g., 0.5 cm or 0.25 inch). As contents are added to the toilet bowl 11, the liquid level in the toilet bowl 11 rises, and a small amount of liquid spills over into the overflow passage. The flow sensor is located in the overflow passage and measures an amount of displaced liquid that spills over into the overflow passage. The amount of displaced liquid may be proportional to the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 11 or the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 11. The controller 100 may receive data from the flow sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0147] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes an impact sensor. The toilet bowl 11 may be formed of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic. The toilet bowl 11 may include a cavity or a window that is covered by the flexible material. The impact sensor is placed on or behind the flexible material so that when contents are dropped into the bowl, the impact is detectable. The controller 100 may receive data from the impact sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0148] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a vibration sensor. The vibration sensor may include a thin membrane mounted to the sump and configured to sense vibration from the user using the toilet. In some examples, a cavity formed in the toilet bowl 11 is covered by a thin membrane as the vibration sensor. The thin membrane may be connected to a position sensor or other device that detects movement in the membrane. The controller 100 may receive data from the vibration sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0149] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor is configured to measure the liquid level in the toilet bowl 11. In one example, the ultrasonic sensor is placed or mounted in the sump and measures the distance to the surface of the water. In one example, the ultrasonic sensor is placed or mounted near the rim and measures the distance to the surface of the water. The depth of the water may be indicative of the contents and/or type of waste deposited in the toilet bowl 11. The controller 100 may receive data from the ultrasonic sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0150] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a microphone. The microphone detects the sounds that waste emits when splashing or otherwise being deposited into the toilet bowl 11. In one example, the microphone is placed or mounted near in proximity to the toilet bowl 11 to detect the sounds. Feces splashing in the toilet bowl 11 may produce a distinct sound signature or frequency spectrum, and urine splashing in the toilet bowl 11 may produce a difference sound signature or frequency spectrum. The controller 100 may receive data from the microphone and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0151] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes an electric conductivity sensor. The conductivity of the water in the bowl may change significantly when urine is added. The controller 100 may receive data from the electric conductivity sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds for the presence of urine. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0152] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a light sensor. The light sensor may be configured to detect a particular wavelength of light. The light sensor may include a light dependent resistor (LDR) or a photoconductive element. The toilet bowl 11 may include a window made of transparent or otherwise light permeable material. The light sensor may be placed or otherwise mounted at the window. The window may be in the sump. The controller 100 may receive data from the light sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0153] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a camera or other image sensor. The camera or sensor may be angled to collect images of only the interior portion of the toilet bowl 11 or a particular portion of the interior of the toilet bowl 11 (e.g., sump). The camera may be a low resolution image sensor. The camera may be infrared. The controller 100 may analyze the images to determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11. The analysis may include template comparison or object recognition. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0154] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a weight sensor. The weight sensor may be a piezo-electric sensor or a pressure sensor. The weight based sensor may be integrated with the toilet seat or otherwise associated with the toilet seat. The controller 100 may receive data from the weight sensor that indicates whether a user is seated at the toilet seat. The controller 100 may correlate the reading of the weight sensor with a flush cycle or specifically a request for flush from a lever or electronic actuator. The controller 100 may compare the duration of time the user is seated to a threshold. When the user is seated for a long duration, the controller 100 determines a high level of waste. When the user is seated for a short duration, the controller 100 determines a low level of waste.
[0155] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be embedded in the toilet bowl 11 or mounted in the sump. The temperature sensor collects data for the change in temperature causes by urine and/or feces being deposited into the toilet bowl 11. The controller 100 may receive data from the temperature sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0156] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a vacuum sensor. The vacuum sensor may be a PT sensor, air switch, or a temperature sensor. The vacuum sensor may be placed at the passage 14 or the drain path 22. The controller 100 may receive data from the vacuum sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine that more water should be added to the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0157] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a chemical sensor. The chemical sensor may detect protein, glucose, bilirubin, urobilinogen, ketone bodies, nitrites, leukocytes or another component of urine. The controller 100 may receive data from the chemical sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0158] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a toilet paper monitor sensor. The toilet paper monitor sensor may collect images of the toilet paper roll and be mounted on the toilet. The toilet paper monitor sensor may be an accelerometer or other inertial sensor mounted on the toilet paper roll or holder. The controller 100 may receive data from the toilet paper monitor sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0159] In one example, the sensor array 101 includes a load sensor for a device connected to the toilet. The load sensor may detect the mechanical load placed on an impellor near the sump or downstream. The load sensor may detect the mechanical load placed on a pump associated with the toilet. The controller 100 may receive data from the load sensor and compare the data to one or more thresholds. The controller 100 may determine a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison. Similarly, the controller 100 may determine a load value based on the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on the comparison.
[0160] In one example, the user input device 99 provides input data that determines a load value or a level of waste or a type of waste in the toilet bowl 11. For example, a bidet setting may indicate the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 11. The user input device 99 may include an input to indicate feces, urine, menstruation, or other contents of the toilet bowl 11. An activated rear bidet may indicate one type of waste. An activate front bidet may indicate another type of waste. The controller 100 identifies the load values based on the input data. The input data may also be used to determine a threshold for another of the techniques. For example, the controller 100 may select a threshold for the pH value based on the user input that indicates the type of waste in the bowl 11.
[0161] The controller 100 may select the amount of water provided using a duration that the supply valve 42 is opened and supplying water to the toilet bowl 11. The controller 100 may select the duration for the supply valve 42 in response to the load vale or the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on any of the techniques above and comparisons of the sensor data. The duration may be set by quantity of water or time period. The controller 100 may also select the amount of water used to fill the toilet bowl with the sump valve 15 closed in any of these examples. In addition or in the alternative, the controller 100 may also select the amount of water used to rinse the toilet bowl with the sump valve 15 opened in any of these examples.
[0162] The controller 100 may also activate a waste processing device in response to the load vale or the level of waste or the type of waste in the toilet bowl 11 based on any of the techniques above and comparisons of the sensor data.
[0163] The waste processing device may include an ultrasonic cavitation device configured to break the solid particles into slurry which can be flushed easily. In one example, an air stream under pressure is dissolved into liquid with a nozzle to generate bubbles under the cavitation principle. The nozzle may be a venturi tube. In cavitation the static pressure of a liquid is below the liquid’s vapor pressure, causing vapor filled cavities to form. The vapor pressure is the pressured in thermodynamic equilibrium with the other phases (liquid and solid) at a specific temperature.
[0164] The waste processing device may include a dispenser to release a chemical digestant to break down the solid particles, so that it will facilitate easy transportation of waste using a low flow of water. The waste processing device may include a mechanical grinder, chopper or incinerator.
[0165] FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate a toilet 125 with a pivoting bowl assembly. A toilet 610 includes a tank 659 and a base 690. The tank 659 includes a lid 1201, a lever 268, and flush valve 669. The base 690 is coupled to a seat assembly including a hinge 668, a lid 661, and a seat 2651. The tank 659 may rest on and be coupled to the base 690 including a bowl and a sump disposed at a bottom of the bowl. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The base 690 may also support a pivot bowl assembly including a bowl 664 that pivots on a pivot member 128. The pivot member 128 may be an axle or shaft that supports the bowl 664 and is rotatably coupled to the base 690. Optionally, the tank 659 may include a lid sensor 2661 and a presence sensor 2662. The toilet 610 may include multiple positions to attach one or more flush triggers. The flush trigger may include a lever, a button, a touch screen or another user input. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0166] Each side of the base may include an opening or depression to rotatably mount the pivot member 128. That is, the left side wall may include an opening and the right side wall may include an opening such that the pivot member 128 extends between the openings. Thus, the pivot member 128 and coupled bowl 664 is supported rotatably by the base 690. Other mechanisms may be used to support the bowl 664. The bowl 664 may include a rail that rests on a track coupled to the base 690 such that the rail slides along the track to allow the bowl 664 to pivot.
[0167] The bowl 664 may include a drain side compartment 662, which may be referred to a draining portion of the bowl 664, and a fill side compartment 663, which may be referred to as a storage portion of the bowl 664. The fill side compartment 663 includes a bowl opening (at the toilet seat 2651) where the user can deposit contents such as urine and feces to the bowl 664. The bowl opening of the movable toilet bowl assembly is substantially horizontal when the movable toilet bowl is in the operational position at state 1 and the bowl opening of the movable toilet bowl assembly is substantially vertical when the movable toilet bowl assembly is in the emptying position at state 2.
[0168] Between the drain side compartment 662 and the fill side compartment 663 is a narrow passage at the lowest point of the bowl where a water seal 665 is formed when water is added to the bowl 664. The narrow passage may be directly below the pivot member 128. Corresponding to the narrow passage is a water seal dam 127 between the drain side compartment 662 and the fill side compartment 663. The water seal dam 127 may be formed of the same material at the bowl 664. The water seal dam 127 divides the storage portion of the toilet bowl or drain side compartment 662 and the discharge cavity of the fill side compartment 663.
[0169] The drain side compartment 662 may include a discharge outlet 666 in fluid communication with the movable toilet bowl 664. As shown in FIG. 19A, in state 1 or the operational position, the discharge outlet 666 in a first position is above the water level in water seal 665, creating the water seal 665 and prevent air from escaping through the drain side compartment 662. The discharge outlet 666 of the movable toilet bowl assembly is substantially vertical when the movable toilet bowl assembly is in the operational position at state 1 and the discharge outlet 666 of the movable toilet bowl assembly is substantially horizontal when the movable toilet bowl assembly is in the emptying position at state 2. The discharge outlet 666 of the movable toilet bowl assembly is in an upper position when the movable toilet bowl assembly is in the operational position at state 1 and the discharge outlet 666 of the movable toilet bowl assembly is in a lower position when the movable toilet bowl assembly is in the emptying position at state 2.
[0170] Optionally, the drain side compartment 662 may include a door 129 to additionally seal off the drain side compartment 662. The door 129 may be rotatable. The door 129 may be spring load so that the door 129 is biased into the closed position, as shown in FIG. 19A.
[0171] As shown in FIG. 19B, in state 2, the bowl 664 pivots so that the discharge outlet 666 is aligned with a drain of the toilet 610. The drain may include a drain pipe 121. When the bowl 664 rotates to state 2 or the emptying position, the contents of the bowl 664, under the force of gravity, exit the discharge outlet 666 and travel to the drain pipe 121.
[0172] The rotation of the bowl 664 may be caused by a variety of mechanisms. In one example, the pivot member 128 is connected to a handle or foot pedal. That is, the pivot member 128 may extend through either side wall of the toilet 610 to mount to a handle or foot pedal. When a usual pushes, rotates, or pulls the handle or foot pedal, the bowl 664 is caused to rotate between the state 1 shown in FIG. 19A and state 2 shown in FIG. 19B. Through operation of the handle or foot pedal, the user flushes the pivoting toilet.
[0173] The pivot member 128 may be connected to the lever 268. In one example, the bowl 664 is weight. That is, the drain side compartment 662 includes a weight so that the drain side compartment 662 is heavier that the fill side compartment 663 and the bowl 664 tends to rotate from state 1 to state 2 under the weight. A locking member 671 may hold or lock the toilet 610 in state 1.
[0174] The locking member 671 may include a bar that extends into a cavity 672 of the bowl 664. The locking member may be mechanically coupled through one or more shafts, gears, pulleys, or other mechanisms, so that rotation of the lever 268 pulls the bar out of the cavity 672, which allows the bowl 664 to rotate under the weight of the drain side compartment 662. The locking member 671 may be manually released through a handle or pull tab that extends from the toilet 610 (e.g., from base 690).
[0175] The locking member 671 may include a solenoid that moves the bar in and out of engagement with the cavity 672 of the bowl 664. The solenoid may be electrically coupled to the lever 268 such that actuation of the lever 268 causes the solenoid to retract from the cavity 672 and allows the bowl 664 to rotate under the weight of the drain side compartment 662. A motor may be used in place of the solenoid. Another button or user input may be used in place of the lever 268. The solenoid may be triggered in response to a sensor that detect the user at the toilet 610 or sitting on the seat 2651 based on when the user leaves the toilet 610 or stands from the seat 2651.
[0176] The pivoting toilet may also include a bowl latch 674 configured to hold the movable toilet bowl 664 in the emptying position or state 2. The bowl latch 674 may include a solenoid electrically coupled to the lever 268 such that reverse actuation of the lever 268 causes the solenoid to retract from the cavity 672 and allows the bowl 664 return to the operational position or state 1. A motor may be used in place of the solenoid and the motor may apply rotational force to the bowl 664 to return to the operational position or state 1. Another button or user input may be used in place of the lever 268. The user may manually push the bowl 664 to return it to the operational position. The solenoid may be triggered in response to a sensor that detect the user approached the toilet 610 or is otherwise detected.
[0177] The bowl latch 674 may be magnetic. That is the bowl 664 may include a magnet or metal material that is held in place by a magnet of the bowl latch 674. The magnetic hold force may be release electronically. The user may manually push the bowl 664 to overcome the magnetic force to return it to the operational position.
[0178] The handle 268 may be coupled to a flush valve 669 in a variety of techniques. In one example, a cable connects the handle 268 and flush valve 669. The cable may include a cord or metal wire that travels within a sheath. A smaller span of rotation of the handle 268 may be used with the cable. In other examples, a motor corresponding to the handle 268 may be mounted inside thank such that no hole or aperture in the tank is needed for the handle 268. The motor and the handle 268 may be connected with a magnetic trip, wireless communication, an induction loop, or another device where a signal passes through the wall of the tank. In the case of an induction loop, a coil of wire inside the tank may generate a magnetic field that is also detectable by a sensor on the inside of the tank. When the handle 268 is moved, it disrupts the magnetic field (e.g., causes a change in the magnetic field) that is detected by the sensor. The sensor data is analyzed, for example by controller 100, and when the disruption is detected, a command for the motor is generated to cause the motor to wind up the cord of the cable to open the flush valve 669. Other mechanisms may be used between the motor and the flush valve 669.
[0179] The handle 268 may also include one or more springs to help bias the handle 268 to a home position. In the examples of magnetic triggered or inductance triggering between the handle 268 and the flush valve 669, there may be little to no magnetic resistance. This may feel odd or broken to the user. The spring applies a force against the action of the user on the handle 268 and also returns the handle 268 to the home position.
[0180] The door 129 of the drain outlet 666 may be automatically retracted when the bowl 664 moves from state 1 to state 2. The door 129 may abut against a protrusion 673 at the drain of the bowl 664. As the bowl 664 rotates, the door 129 contacts the protrusion 6723 and is pushed open by the protrusion 673.
[0181] The drain 121 may be coupled to a floor flange and/or a septic passage. The drain 121 may be fastened to an intermediate gasket, which connects to the floor flange with a wax ring or other seal. The drain 121 may connect to the floor flange with a wax ring or other seal.
[0182] FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate additional views of toilet 610 with a pivoting bowl assembly. The pivoting bowl assembly may be connected to the flush valve 669 via a water passage 675. The water passage may connect to the pivoting bowl assembly at the door 129 of the drain compartment 662. The water passage may include a spout that comes in contact with the door 129 with the pivoting bowl assembly is in the operational position or state 1. The spout pushing the door 129 inward, for example, against the spring biasing force that keeps the door 129 closed. With the spout protruding into the drain compartment 662, water can be provided from the flush valve 669 into the drain compartment 662 and ultimately into the fill side compartment 663, creating the water seal at the narrow passage beneath the dam 127.
[0183] In one example, the water is provided to the pivoting bowl assembly automatically in response to the pivoting bowl assembly returning to the operational position. For example, the flush valve 669 may remain open. A predetermined amount of water may be present in the tank 659 and/or in the water passage 675. When the pivoting bowl assembly returns to the operational position, the door 129 is opened and a path is provided to the water to pour into the bowl 664. The water passage 675 may be slanted to aid the flow of water.
[0184] In one example, the water is provided to the pivoting bowl assembly according to electronic control of the flush valve 669. When the pivoting bowl assembly returns to the operational position, as detected by a position sensor, the controller 100 instructs the flush valve 669 to open and release water to the water passage 675 and the to the bowl 664. Alternatively, the controller 100 may release water into the bowl 664 in response to actuation of the lever 268 (e.g., reverse direction to flushing the pivoting bowl assembly).
[0185] FIGS. 21A-21B illustrate another toilet 125 with a pivoting bowl assembly. The pivoting bowl assembly may include a toilet base 120 and a toilet bowl 111. The toilet bowl 111 is configured to rotate relative to the toilet base 120. One of the toilet bowl 111 and the toilet base 120 may have a track and the other of the toilet bowl 111 and the toilet base 120 may have a sliding member that mates with the track. In one example, the toilet bowl 111 include ball bearings that roll in the track of the toilet base 120.
[0186] FIG. 21A illustrates an operational position or state 1 of the pivoting bowl assembly. In the operational position, the toilet bowl 111 is configured to receive excrement from the user seated at the toilet bowl 111. The toilet bowl includes a weir or dam that allows a water seal to form when water is filled into the bowl 111 up to the weir or dam. At the operational state, the toilet bowl 111 is aligned to block the drain 121.
[0187] The toilet bowl 111 may be rotated with respect to the toilet base 120. The user may grip the toilet bowl 111 (e.g., by a handle) and rotate the toilet bowl 111 from state 1 to state 2. As described in previous embodiments, the toilet bowl 111 may be rotated with respect to the toilet base 120 using a motor, solenoid, or other drive mechanism.
[0188] When moved from state 1 to state 2, the toilet bowl 111 may be latched to the top of the toilet base 120 using a latch mechanism 131. The latch mechanism 131 may include an electromagnet, that when energized, creates a magnetic field that attracts a magnet or other ferromagnetic material on the toilet bowl 111 to hold the toilet bowl 111 in state 2. The latch mechanism 131 may include a snap fit tab or slot that mechanically holds the toilet bowl 111 in state 2. Other fastening mechanisms may be used.
[0189] The pivoting toilet 125 may be connected to the floor using a flange 126. As described above, the flange 126 may be coupled to floor and sealed with a was ring. Other mounting techniques may be used. In other examples, the pivoting toilet 125 may be portable. The pivoting toilet 125 may be coupled to a tank below the drain 121 using flange 126. The bowl 111 empties into to the tank when actuated (rotated) and the tank is emptied as needed.
[0190] FIG. 22 illustrates another toilet 130 with a pivoting bowl assembly. The toilet 130 includes a toilet bowl 111 and a toilet base 124. The toilet bowl in the flushing position is illustrated by dotted lines 1200. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.
[0191] The toilet 130 may include a curved trapway 121 as a first telescoping portion coupled to the movable toilet bowl assembly. The curved trapway 121 extends to a height above at least a portion of the bowl 111. Thus between the curved trapway 121 and the bowl 111 is a water seal and a water height defined by the height of the curved trapway 121. The curved trapway 121 may be referred to as a male portion because it fits in the toilet base 124.
[0192] The toilet base 124 includes a curved chamber 119 To receive the curved trapway 121. The curved chamber 119 is a second telescoping portion coupled to the toilet base 125. The curved trapway 121 moves relative to the curved chamber 119 as the movable toilet bowl assembly moves from the operational position to the emptying position. The curved trapway 121 slides into the curved chamber 119 as the movable toilet bowl assembly moves from the operational position to the emptying position.
[0193] The toilet bowl 111 may be rotated with respect to the toilet base 124. The user may grip the toilet bowl 111 (e.g., by a handle) and rotate the toilet bowl 111 from the operational position to the emptying position. Similarly, to reset the pivoting toilet 130 may be moved from the emptying position to the operational position. The toilet bowl 111 may be rotated with respect to the toilet base 120 using a motor, solenoid, or other drive mechanism.
[0194] FIGS. 23A-23B illustrates a combination lavatory and toilet including a sink basin 141, which may be referred to as a lavatory, a cabinet or frame 144, and a movable toilet assembly 142. The combination lavatory and toilet may be secured to the wall 158, the floor 147 or both the wall 158 and the floor 147. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0195] FIG. 23A illustrates the combination lavatory and toilet in an operational position, that is, with the movable toilet assembly 142 rotated down so the user can sit on the toilet opening. FIG. 23B illustrates the combination lavatory and toilet in an emptying position so that the toilet bowl 142 is drained under the force of gravity. The movable toilet bowl assembly 142 is movable from the operational position with the movable toilet bowl assembly rotated away from the sink basin 141 to an emptying position with the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 rotated under the sink basin 141.
[0196] FIGS. 24A-24B illustrate an internal view of the combination lavatory and toilet. FIS. 24A illustrates the movable toilet assembly 142 in the operational state and rotated down and away from the sink basin 141. FIG. 24B illustrates the movable toilet assembly 142 stowed under the sink basin 141, or rotated up and under the sink basin 141, in the emptying position. The toilet bowl and the movable toilet assembly 142 is shaped to hold water in the operational position and release water in the emptying position. In other words, the toilet bowl of the movable toilet assembly 142 is shaped to create a water seal in the operational position and form a gravity path to drain the toilet bowl in the emptying position. The sink basin 141 includes a first discharge outlet, and the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 includes a bowl opening and a second discharge outlet, such that the first and second discharge outlets are at least indirectly connected to the drain pipe 156. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0197] The combination lavatory and toilet include an internal plumbing system in which the sink basin 141 and the movable toilet assembly 142 are connected. The sink basin 141 includes a first discharge outlet, and the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 includes a bowl opening and a second discharge outlet. The first discharge outlet and the second discharge outlet are coupled to a common drain path such as drain pipe 156 that connects to a sewer system, septic system, or other water treatment system. The drain pipe 156 passes through the floor 147. In other examples, the drain pipe 156 may pass through the wall 158.
[0198] The front of the toilet bowl of the movable toilet assembly 142 is shaped to have a downward slope (e.g., along curved wall 1420) so that the water seal is formed in the valley between the toilet bowl and the trapway 159. The rear of the toilet bowl of the movable toilet assembly 142 is shaped to have a downward slope or forward angle with respect to the toilet bowl (e.g., along back wall 152). When the movable toilet assembly 142 is moved to the emptying position, as shown in FIG. 24B, the rear wall 152 provides a downward slope for any water and other contents to slide from the toilet bowl under the force of gravity through the trapway 159 and ultimately to the drain pipe 156.
[0199] The internal plumbing system of the combination lavatory and toilet includes a basin pipe 151 include a trap 153 (basin path) fluidly coupled to the sink basin 141. The trap 153 includes one or more curves in the basin pipe 151 to create a water seal. The trap 153 may include an S-trap that flows down from the drain of the sink basin 141, curves up, then curves back down. In one embodiment, when the drain path 156 is to the rear of the combination lavatory and toilet into the wall 158, the trap 153 may include a P-trap that flows down from the drain of the sink basin 141 and curves only once to a horizontal pipe that takes the waste out. In the emptying position, the movable toilet bowl 144 is adjacent to the trap 153 of the sink basin 141. In the emptying position, the movable toilet bowl 144 is below the sink basin 141. The toilet bowl 144 may be in contact with a housing that supports the basin pipe 151. The toilet bowl 144 may latch onto the housing that supports the basin pipe 151. The toilet bowl 144 may latch directly to the basin pipe 151. Downstream of the trap 153 the basin pipe 151 or basin path connects to the first discharge opening.
[0200] The internal plumbing system of the combination lavatory and toilet includes a drain junction base 148 coupled to the first discharge outlet coupled to the sink basin 141 and the second discharge outlet connected to the and the movable toilet bowl assembly 142. The drain junction base 148 may be bowl-shaped chamber that allows the flow of water from the sink basin 141 to combine with the flow of water from the movable toilet bowl assembly 142. The drain junction base 148 includes inputs from the sink basin 141 and the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 and a common drain output to drain pipe 156. The trapway 159 is curved to create the water seal between the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 and the drain junction base 148. The drain junction base 148 may include a sliding path so that the trapway 159 can rotate into the drain junction base 148 as the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 rotates from the operational position to the emptying position. In this way, the second discharge outlet for the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 moves relative to the drain junction base 148. In one example, the drain junction base 148 may include an orifice for the end of the trapway to be seated when the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 is in the emptying position. The orifice may include one or more opening at the bottom of the seating of the trapway 159 so that water or excrement has an additional path to the drain path 156.
[0201] The internal plumbing system of the combination lavatory and toilet includes a water supply path to the movable toilet bowl assembly 142. In some examples, the water supply path provides water to fill the toilet bowl and create water seal. In some examples, the water supply path provides water to rinse the bowl. Rinsing and filing may be performed concurrently. The water supply path may be line water from the plumbing internal to the building. The water supply path may connect to a tank including flush valve. In either case, the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 may include a rim passage configured to connect the flush valve to the movable toilet bowl assembly 142.
[0202] In one embodiment, both the sink basin 141 and the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 share a water input pipe. When the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 is in the emptying position, the bowl and trapway 159 is rinsed. In addition, the trapway 159 may be blocked from draining so that subsequent water fills the trapway 159. When the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 is rotated back to the operational position, the water in trapway 159 moves to portions of the sump, and the water seal is created.
[0203] A valve may be used to open and close draining of the trapway 159. In one embodiment, the trapway 159 may be blocked as it rests against the case structure or frame as shown by arrow 1149 in FIG. 24B. Alternatively, a discharge door is configured to cover the discharge outlet of the movable toilet bowl assembly 142. The discharge door is closed when the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 is in the operational position and open when the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 is in the emptying position.
[0204] The combination lavatory and toilet include at least one frame that supports the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 and the sink basin 141. A pivoting joint 157 configured to support the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 and permit rotation of the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 with respect to the frame.
[0205] The combination lavatory and toilet include a brace 155 coupled to the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 and the frame. The brace 155 rotates as the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 moves from the operational position to the emptying position. In the emptying position, the brace 155 may be stowed against the frame. In the operational position, the brace 155 may be at an angle above the horizontal to provide additional support to the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 from the frame. In one embodiment, the brace 155 may contact the floor 147 and provide support to the movable toilet bowl assembly 122 from the floor 147.
[0206] The combination lavatory and toilet include a handle 146 coupled to the movable toilet bowl assembly 142. The handle 146 may include a grip or hand hold for the user to lift and rotate the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 from the operational position to the emptying position. The movable toilet bowl assembly 142 may include a counterweight to ease the rotation of the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 from the operational position to the emptying position. In one embodiment, a motor or other drive mechanism is provided to rotate the movable toilet bowl assembly 142 from the operational position to the emptying position.
[0207] FIGS. 25A-25B illustrate an example flexible joint 162 for pivoting toilets. The flexible joints may be adapter for use in any of the pivoting toilets described herein. The example of FIG. 25A illustrates a flexed state of the flexible joint 162 in the operational position of the toilet bowl 154, FIG. 25B illustrates an extended state of the flexed joint 162 in the emptying state of the toilet bowl 154. In the flexed state of the flexible joint 162, one side of the flexible joint 162 is above the outlet of the toilet bowl 154 and one side of the flexible joint 162 is below the outlet of the toilet bow 154. The flexible joint 162 may fold over on itself and substantially block any flow out of the outlet of the toilet bowl 154. In the flexed state of the flexible joint 162, when the toilet bowl 154 is in the operational position, there is no need for flow through the flexible joint. The folded over portion of the flexible joint 162 is above the water seal of the toilet bowl 154. In the extended state of the flexible joint 162, the sides of the flexible joint are substantially straightened, providing a path from the outlet of the toilet bowl 154 so that the contents of the bowl may be drained from the pivoting toilet.
[0208] In one embodiment, a pivot member 161 that connected the toilet bowl 154 to a frame or other support structure, is in line with the connection of the flexible joint 162 to the outlet of the toilet bowl 154. In other words, a straight line at the outlet of the toilet bowl 154 may overlap the flexible joint 162, the pivot member 161, and the outlet of the toilet bowl 154. In this way, referring to the example in FIGS. 23A-B, the flexible joint 162 is coupled to the first discharge outlet of the movable toilet assembly 142 such that in the operational position at least the flexible joint 162 extends from the first discharge outlet at an angle above a horizontal line and at the emptying position at least the flexible joint 162 extends from the first discharge outlet at an angle below the horizontal line.
[0209] FIG. 26 illustrates another combination lavatory and toilet 200 including previously disclosed components and including a frame 143 and a case 144. FIGS. 27A-F illustrates assembly of the combination lavatory and toilet 200. FIG. 28 is an example method for assembling the combination lavatory and toilet 200. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.
[0210] At act S401, a base (drain junction base 148) is attached to a floor 147. In some instances, first a gasket 149 is installed on the floor, as shown in FIG. 27A. The gasket 149 may be fastened to a sewer pipe or floor joist. In one embodiment, the base 148 may attached to a wall rather than the floor. A supporting cleat 139 may be attached to the wall. As shown in FIG. 27B, the base 148 is attached to the gasket 149. The base 148 may be attached to the gasket 149 using a wax ring that is pressed between the base 148 and the gasket 149 using one or more fasteners.
[0211] At act S403, at least one frame is placed over the base 148, as shown in FIG. 27C. One example frame includes a reinforced frame 143 that is adapted to support the weight of a sink basin 141 and a movable toilet assembly 142. In some examples, the frame is secured to a cleat 139. In some examples, the frame 143 is sized to fit around the base 148 without contacting the base 148. The frame 143 may include a pivot member 157 to rotatable support the movable toilet assembly 142. The at least one frame may also include a housing or case enclosure 144, as shown in FIG. 27D. The case enclosure 144 may be secured to the frame 142 and extend upward to support the sink basin 141.
[0212] At act S405, the sink basin 141 is installed onto the at least one frame, for example, onto the case enclosure 144. The sink basin 141 may be secured to the case enclosure 144 with one or more fasteners. The sink basin 141 may be set on the case enclosure 144 and held in place by weight. The basin pipe 151 may be secured to the base 148 and the sink basin 141 to provide a fluid connection between the sink basin 141 and the base 148, as shown in FIG. 27E.
[0213] At act S407, a rotatable toilet assembly 142 is installed to the frame 143. The rotatable toilet assembly 142 may be fastened to the pivot member 157. The rotatable toilet assembly 142 may snap to the pivot member 157. The rotatable toilet assembly 142 may be include a collar for ball bearings or another rotational device such that the pivot member 157 passes through the rotational device. An additional pivot member 1157, may couple a brace from the rotatable toilet assembly 142 to the frame 143.
[0214] At act S409, a flexible joint (e.g., flexible joint 162 in FIG. 25A-25B) is attached between the base 148 and the rotatable toilet assembly 142.
[0215] FIGS. 29A-29B illustrate a rolling barrel or bucket flushing action toilet 170 including a toilet bowl 160 and a rotatable bucket 161 coupled to a sump of the toilet bowl 160. The rotatable bucket 161 with the open end of the bucket facing up, as shown in FIG. 29A, may be referred to as the operational position. In the operational position, the rotatable bucket 161 receives excrement from the user sitting on the toilet bowl 160 and is configured to hold or contain water along with any excrement. The rotatable bucket 161 with the open in facing down in the direction of gravity, or within a predetermined angle range of facing down, may be referred to as the emptying position or flushing position. One example predetermined angle range is +/- 45 degrees to cause a downward slope along the sides of the rotatable bucket. Thus, the rotatable bucket 161 may be slanted at an angle to either side, to the front or to the rear of the toilet bowl. Contents of the rotatable bucket 161 pour or fall to the drain line passage 168 when the rotatable bucket 161 is in the emptying position. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0216] The rolling barrel or rotatable bucket 161 and the drain line passage 168 are substantially aligned vertically. Dotted line C, or a centerline, illustrates the alignment of rotatable bucket 161 and the drain line passage 168. In addition, the user drop zone, which is the area at the toilet bowl 160 and/or rotatable bucket 161 where a substantial portion of the excrement dropped from a user falls is also aligned with the centerline. This alignment provides the shortest path and most efficient transfer for the excrement to reach the drain line passage 168.
[0217] Below the toilet bowl 160 of the bucket flushing action toilet 170 is a sump chamber 163. The sump chamber 163 may be spherical or cylindrical. The sump chamber 163 may be formed from two semi-spherical halves joined at seam 1631, for example, using one or more fasteners 1632.
[0218] The bucket flushing action toilet 170 also may include a sleeve 164 configured to support the rotatable bucket 161. The sleeve 164 defines a cavity for holding the rotatable bucket 161. As shown in FIG. 29A, a majority of the sleeve 164 may be spherical, or otherwise have a circular cross section, and then the remaining circumference of the sleeve 164 is shaped to follow the contours of the rotatable bucket 161. Other shapes for the rotatable bucket 161 and the sleeve 164 may be used. FIG. 30 illustrates another view of the bucket flushing action toilet 170 including the toilet bowl 160, the rotatable bucket 161 and the sleeve 164.
[0219] The sleeve 164 may have a watertight seal with the sump chamber 163 so that no water or other material can travel between the sleeve 164 and the sump chamber 163. When the rotatable bucket 161 is in the operational position the only path from the bowl 160 is into the rotatable bucket 161. Likewise, when the rotatable bucket 161 in the emptying position, the only path from the rotatable bucket is into the drain line 168. In the emptying position, the sleeve 164 blocks the opening below the sump 1632 of the bowl 160.
[0220] The sleeve 164 is configured to contact the toilet bowl and rotate with respect to the toilet bowl 160 and within the sump chamber 163 with the sump chamber 163 supporting the rotatable bucket 161. A lubricant may be used between the sleeve 164 and the sump chamber 163. In other examples, rollers or ball bearings may be included between the sleeve 164 and the sump chamber 163.
[0221] The bucket flushing action toilet 170 may include a sump 1634 at the lower portion of the bowl 160. The sump 1634 may be separate from the sump chamber 163 such that the sleeve 164 extends to the sides of the sump chamber 163 but does not extend into the sump 1634 of the bowl 160. The rotatable bucket 161 is downstream in the flow of water and other material of the sump 1634. The rotatable bucket 161 is below the toilet bowl 160 and below the sump 1634 of the bowl 160.
[0222] As shown in previous embodiments, the bucket flushing action toilet 170 may also include a tank, and the rotatable bucket is below the tank and behind the toilet bowl 160. The tank may be connected to one or more water passages that provided water to the bowl 160 to rinse the bowl 160 and/or fill the rotatable bucket 161 with water.
[0223] As shown in FIG. 29B, the bucket flushing action toilet 170 may also include at least one sprayer 1620 configured to spray the rotatable bucket 161 in the emptying position. A variety of techniques may be used to operate the at least one sprayer 1620.
[0224] In one example, the controller 100 is configured to send instructions the at least one sprayer 1620 to turn on a valve or each sprayer 1620 and spray water toward the rotatable bucket 161. In addition or in the alternative, a position sensor may detect a position of the rotatable bucket 161. The controller 100 may receive sensor data from the position sensor and activate the sprayer 1620 in response to the sensor data. The position sensor may detect the position of the sleeve 164 or another component. In one embodiment, a separate sensor, as described herein may be used to detect the user has stood up or otherwise moved away from the bucket flushing action toilet 170.
[0225] A switch may be tripped based on the position of the rotatable bucket 161. For example, rather than instructions from controller 100, a switch may be present that detects the presence of the rotatable bucket 161 in the emptying position. The switch may be a mechanical switch 1635. When the sleeve 164 is in the operational position, the sleeve 164 depresses the mechanical switch 1635, which causes the at least one sprayer 1620 to remain off. When the sleeve 164 moves to the emptying position, the sleeve 164 releases the mechanical switch 1635, which cases the at least one sprayer 1620 to rinse the rotatable bucket 161. In one embodiment, different switches are used for different sprayers. Electronic switches may be used instead of mechanical switches. Electronic switches may include motion sensors or other sensors.
[0226] A motor 167 or another driving device is configured to actuate the rotatable bucket between an operational position and an emptying position. Other examples for the driving device may include one or more solenoids, one or more gears, or one or more spring loaded mechanisms.
[0227] In some examples, electrical power is provided to the motor 167 or other driving device to rotate the rotatable bucket 161. The controller 100 may send instructions to the motor 176 to rotate the sleeve 164 and rotatable bucket 161 to specific positions.
[0228] In one embodiment, the driving device includes a manual lever driven by hand or by foot. The manual lever may extend from the bucket flushing action toilet 170.
[0229] In both the motorized and manual embodiments, the driving device is configured to actuate the rotatable bucket between the operational position, the emptying position, and back to the operational position in a single direction of rotation. The driving device may include a drive train and may include a ratcheting gear that causes the sleeve 164 and rotatable bucket 161 to rotate only in the single direction of rotation.
[0230] FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate another bucket flushing action toilet 180 in a tank or gravity fed construction. The bucket flushing action toilet 180 includes a tank 181, a toilet bowl 182, a base 184 that supports the bowl 182 and/or the tank 181, and at least one channel (e.g., rim channel) that connects the tank 181 and the toilet bowl 182. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0231] In this example, the rolling barrel or rotatable bucket 166 is placed under the tank 181 and behind the bowl 182 in the rear of the toilet 180. In other words, the rolling barrel or rotatable bucket 166 is not under the bowl 182 or only to a small extent. Water and excrement that is placed in the bowl 182 travels through the rotatable bucket 166 to the drain passage 188.
[0232] The rotatable bucket 166 may be coupled to a housing 185 that supports the rotatable bucket 166. The rotatable bucket 166 may be coupled to the housing 185 so that the rotatable bucket 166 and the housing 185 rotate together. The rotatable bucket 166 includes an internal portion to carry water and excrement. The rotatable bucket 166 and the housing 185 form an external portion between the rotatable bucket 166 and the housing 185. The external portion may be weighted to aid in the motion of the rotatable bucket 166. The external portion may include one or more trans or sliding members to facilitate the motion of the rotatable bucket 166.
[0233] The rotatable bucket 166 may include an input opening 187 and an output opening 186. In the operational position, as shown by FIG. 31A, the input opening 187 is aligned with a sump of the toilet bowl 182. In addition, the output opening 186 is positioned vertically, for example, against the base 184 of the toilet 180. As shown by arrow A and axis of rotation R, as the rotatable bucket 166 and the housing 185 rotate from the operational position to the emptying position, as shown by FIG. 31B, the input opening 187 rotates to be separated from the trapway of the toilet bowl 182 and the output opening 186 rotates to align with a drain passage 188 of the toilet. Accordingly, water or excrement in the rotatable bucket 166 fall through the drain passage 188 toward a sewer or septic system.
[0234] As described above, the rotatable bucket 166 may be driven my solenoid, motor, or manual lever. In some examples, the rotatable bucket 166 and the housing 185 may be rotated 180 degrees to cause a flush. The rotatable bucket 166 and the housing 185 may be rotated 360 degrees to cause a flush. The rotatable bucket 166 and the housing 185 may be rotated 180 degrees one direction and then 180 degrees in a reverse direction to cause a flush. The rotatable bucket 166 and the housing 185 may be rotated 2 or more revolutions to cause a flush.
[0235] FIGS. 32A-32B illustrate another bucket flushing action toilet 190 in a tankless or line driven construction including a toilet bowl 182, supported by a base 184, and at least one water passage 183 connected to a water supply. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0236] A rotatable bucket 166 is coupled to a sump of the toilet bowl 182. The bucket flushing action toilet 190 includes a driving device configured to actuate the rotatable bucket 166 between an operational position and an emptying position according to any of the examples described herein.
[0237] The embodiment of FIG. 32A and 32B includes at least one sprayer 169 configured to spray the rotatable bucket 166 in the emptying position and rinse the toilet bowl 182 in the operational position. In one example, a single sprayer is used. In other examples, multiple sprayers are used. The at least one sprayer 169 may include a two-way sprayer mounted on the rotatable bucket 166.
[0238] For example, FIG. 32A illustrate an operational position of the rotatable bucket 166 in which the sprayer emits spray S1 toward the toilet bowl 182 (bowl sprayer). The water from spray S1 may act to rinse the toilet bowl 182. The water from spray S1 may act to fill the toilet bowl 182 to a predetermined level.
[0239] FIG. 32B illustrates an emptying position of the rotatable bucket 166 in which the at least one sprayer 169 may also include a bucket sprayer configured to spray the rotatable bucket 166 as shown by spray S2.
[0240] FIGS. 33A-33B illustrate another bucket flushing action toilet 191 including a toilet 192 and a base 195. Also, illustrated is a seat 2651 and a lid 661. In these examples, the rotatable bucket 161 may be slanted at an angle to the front or to the rear of the toilet bowl. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0241] The bucket flushing action toilet 191 includes a rolling barrel 196. As shown in FIG. 33A, the rolling barrel 196 rotates on an axis A2 and the rolling barrel 196 is slanted toward a rear of the bucket flushing action toilet 191. In other words, the end of the rolling barrel 196 coupled to the bowl 192 is closer to a front of the toilet bowl 192 than the end of the barrel 196 aligned with a drain 197. The end of the rolling barrel 196 at the bowl 192 is higher than the end of the rolling barrel 196 aligned with the drain 197. Though illustrated with a space between, the end of the barrel 196 may be coupled to the drain 197 or otherwise coupled through a sleeve or diaphragm.
[0242] As shown in FIG. 33B, the rolling barrel 196 rotates on an axis A3 and the rolling barrel 196 is slanted toward a front of the bucket flushing action toilet 191. In other words, the end of the rolling barrel 196 coupled to the bowl 192 is closer to a rear of the toilet bowl 192 than the end of the barrel 196 aligned with a drain 197. The end of the rolling barrel 196 at the bowl 192 is higher than the end of the rolling barrel 196 aligned with the drain 197. Though illustrated with a space between, the end of the barrel 196 may be coupled to the drain 197 or otherwise coupled through a sleeve or diaphragm.
[0243] In other examples, the rolling barrel 196 may be coupled to a foot lever 193. The user may press the foot lever 193 while sitting on the toilet 191 or standing next to the toilet 191. The lever 193 may be geared (e.g., a ratchet gear) so that multiple presses or pumps of the lever 193 rotates the rolling barrel 196.
[0244] FIG. 34 illustrates a flowchart for operation of a bucket flushing action toilet according to any of these embodiments. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.
[0245] At act S501, water is provided to a rotatable bucket in an operational position.
[0246] At act S503, the rotatable bucket is rotated from the operational position to an emptying position in response to actuation of a driving device.
[0247] At act S505, water is provided to the rotatable bucket in the emptying position.
[0248] FIGS. 35A-35B illustrates an example toilet 210 with a toilet bowl 201 and a pneumatic trapway 202. The trapway 202 is coupled to the toilet bowl 201 so that contents evacuated from the toilet bowl 201 travel through the trapway to a drain path. The trapway includes a ribbon seal assembly 217 having an upstream seal 243, a downstream seal 204, and an inflatable body extending between the upstream seal 243 and the downstream seal 204. When constricted, the ribbon seal assembly 217 closes the trapway 202. When expanded, the ribbon seal assembly 217 opens the trapway 202. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0249] The upstream seal 243 is coupled to the toilet bowl 201. The downstream seal 204 is coupled to the trapway 202. A seal cavity, between the upstream seal 243 and the downstream seal 204, that expands under air pressure and substantially blocks the trapway 202 between the toilet bowl 201 and the drain path. The seal cavity is between the trapway 202 and the inflatable body of the ribbon seal assembly 217. An air source 203 is coupled to the seal cavity between the trapway 202 and ribbon pinch valve’s inflatable body.
[0250] FIG. 35A illustrates a closed state for the ribbon seal assembly 217. In the closed state the air source 203 has applied (or is applying) air pressure to the ribbon seal assembly 217 to close the ribbon seal assembly 217. FIG. 35B illustrates an opened state for the ribbon seal assembly 217. In the open state the air source is not applying (or has removed) air pressure to the ribbon seal assembly 217 to open the ribbon seal assembly 217 so that water and contents can travel through the trapway 202. In response to opening the ribbon seal assembly 217, the water and contents fall downstream through the trapway 202 to break the water seal or siphon and cause the toilet 210 to flush.
[0251] A valve associated with the air source 203 may be configured to open and close to activate and deactivate the supply of air from the air source 203 to the ribbon seal assembly 217. The valve may be operated by controller 100, for example via electronic solenoids, so the valve connects or disconnects the air source 203 to the seal cavity in response to instructions from the controller 100. The controller 100 may provide instructions to the valve in response to sensor data. The sensor data may indicate whether a user has approached or is in proximity to the toilet 210. When the user is detected, the ribbon seal assembly 217 closes the trapway 202. When the user leaves, the ribbon seal assembly 217 opens the trapway. The sensor data may indicate whether a user has sat or stood from the toilet 210. When the user sits, the ribbon seal assembly 217 closes the trapway 202. When the users stands, the ribbon seal assembly 217 opens the trapway 202.
[0252] In one embodiment, the ribbon seal assembly 217 operates in response to actuation of a flush actuator (e.g., flush lever or button). The valve is connected to the flush actuator so that the valve opens and releases air from the air source 203 to the ribbon seal assembly 217 when the flush actuator is in a first position and closes to stop the release of air from the air source 203 to the ribbon seal assembly 217 when the flush actuator is in a second position. In some examples, the flush actuator is electronic and provides input data to the controller 100 and in response the controller 100 generates commands for the valve for the air source 203.
[0253] Various embodiments are disclosed to implementing the air source 203. In one example, the air source 203 includes a compressed air tank. The air tank may be compressed by an air tank (the air source 203 may also include the air pump).
[0254] In one example, the air for the air source 203, or the air compressed in the tank, may be provided from the tank of the toilet 210. The tank of the toilet 210 may be sealed so that when water fills the tank (e.g., through a fill valve), the water rushing in creates a high air pressure. The air pressure in the tank is another example of the air source 203 provided to the ribbon seal assembly 217. In one example, the tank may include a sealed compartment. The sealed compartment may receive the water supply from the fill valve and similar create a high air pressure within the compartment. The air pressure in the compartment is another example of the air source 203 provided to the ribbon seal assembly 217.
[0255] FIGS. 36 illustrates a cross-section view of a pneumatic trapway 220 coupled to a toilet bowl 201 and a discharge device 205. The pneumatic trapway 220 may include an upstream seal 243 and a downstream seal 204. Between the upstream seal 243 and the downstream seal 204 is an expandable member 207 that forms a trapway passage 206. The size of the trapway passage 206 depends on the size of the expandable member 207. The expandable member 207 changes size depending on an amount of air inside of the expandable member.
[0256] A first vacuum coupling 208 on the trapway 220 connects to an air source to provide air to the expandable member 207 through an air hose 209. The air hose 209 is connected to any of the air sources described herein. The vacuum coupling 208 may provide positive or negative pressure at different times to the trapway 220. When air is provided through the air hose 209 and the vacuum coupling 208, the trapway passage 206 is close or otherwise made smaller to restrict the flow of water and excrement through the pneumatic trapway 220.
[0257] A second vacuum coupling 211 is connected to the discharge device 205 downstream of the trapway 220. The discharge device 205 may include a pressure chamber 213. The vacuum coupling 211 is connected to another air hose 212. The vacuum coupling 211 is connected to any of the air sources described herein. The vacuum coupling 211 may provide positive or negative pressure at different times to the pressure chamber 213. The pressure chamber 213 may assist flushing the toilet 210 by providing low pressure or vacuum pressure to the trapway 220. As water and excrement is pulled from the toilet bowl 201 through the trapway 220 and into the discharge device 205, it reaches the drain passage 214 and eventually a sewer, septic, or other treatment system.
[0258] FIGS. 37A illustrates a pneumatic trapway 220 including another view of the trapway passage 206 and expandable member 207.
[0259] FIG. 37B illustrates a pneumatic trapway 220 illustrating an example where the first air hose 209 and the second air hose 212 are connected to a Y-connector 215 and are supplied to the same air source by air passage 216. In this way, when air pressure is removed (e.g., low air pressure through the hoses 209 and 212), the air pressure opens the trapway 220 and provides suction in the vacuum chamber 213 at the same time.
[0260] A method for sealing a trapway of a toilet may include providing air pressure to a seal cavity that expands under air pressure and substantially blocks a trapway of a toilet bowl, receiving a flush actuation, and releasing the air pressure from the seal cavity in response to a flush actuation. The flush actuation includes an electronic signal from a sensor, a push button, a remote control, or another electronic device.
[0261] FIGS. 38A-38B illustrate a toilet 280 including a semi-centrifugal trapway. The toilet 280 includes a rim wash 281, at least one fluidic oscillator 282, a bowl 261, a water line 284, an impeller 289, an impeller dish 286, a motor 287, a spindle 288, a hopper 290, and one or more support feet 291. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0262] The impeller 289 and the impeller dish 286 may be integral. The impeller 289 and the impeller dish 286 may be formed of a single construction (i.e., the same part). The impeller dish 286 is configured to hold water. A throat 299 of the bowl 261 fits into the cavity of the impeller dish 286. The throat 299 of the bowl 261 is partially submerged in the water held in the impeller dish 286. In this way a water seal is formed in the impeller dish 286. The impeller dish 286 is an example chamber between the toilet bowl 261 and the hopper 290.
[0263] The toilet bowl 261 may receive water from one or more sources. The toilet bowl 261 may also receive water through rim opening connected to rim channels that receive water from a tank or a water supply. The water from the rim openings may be provided around the circumference of the toilet bowl 261 or at a large single opening that provides a spiral around the wall of the toilet bowl 261. This source of water may be referred to as the rim wash 281.
[0264] The toilet bowl 261 may receive rinsing water from one or more modular fluidic oscillators 282 or structures that are configured to control the flow of water through one or more jets (e.g., fluid outlets, outlet openings, etc.). The modular fluid oscillators include interconnected flow channels (e.g., passages, etc.) that include geometries which may be altered to selectively control the flow of water ejected from the modular fluid oscillator. For example, the channels may be configured to provide pulsating or oscillating flows of water to achieve improved water delivery performance through the plumbing fixture, which, advantageously, improves the cleaning capabilities of the plumbing fixture. Alternatively, or in combination, the modular fluid oscillators may be configured to control the timing of flow through the one or more jets. Multiple modular fluid oscillators may be interconnected through flow channels as well. This source of water may be referred to as the oscillating bowl wash 283.
[0265] The impeller 289 is configured to provide centripetal motion to the contents in the impeller dish 286 to push the contents from the impeller dish 286 to the hopper 290. The impeller 289 may pulverize or otherwise change the consistency of the contents deposited in the bowl 261. Water also may be provided at the impeller 289 from the water line in 284, including a passage, pipe or hose to transport from the tank or water supply to the impeller dish 286. The water line 284 may also provide the impeller throat wash 285.
[0266] The water line in 284 may include a water input passage configured to provide water to the contents in the chamber or impeller dish 286. The water input passage may be formed in the vitreous of the toilet 280 (e.g., in the base that supports the toilet bowl 261. The water line in 284 may be adjustable to different angles.
[0267] In one embodiment, the water line in 284 is aligned with the chamber or impeller dish 286. In other examples, the water line in 284 may be aligned with the ridges or surface of the impeller 289. The water line 284 may be aligned with the throat between the impeller dish 286 and the bowl 261.
[0268] A valve may selectively operate the water line 284. The valve may be electronic or driven by a solenoid and receive commands from the controller 100. The valve may be operated according to a flush cycle. In some examples, water is provided, and the valve is turned on, throughout the flush cycle from the time the flush is activated (e.g., user input at a flush lever) until the water seal is reestablished. In other examples, water is provided by the valve and the water line 284 at select times during the flush cycle. Some example select times may be at the beginning of the flush cycle for a predetermined time period.
[0269] In one embodiment, the water is provided from the water line 284 when the impeller is rotating. The controller 100 may provide a single instruction that activates or turns on both the rotation of the impeller 298 and the valve for the water line 284.
[0270] The hopper 290 is configured to deliver contents evacuated from the toilet bowl to a drain path. The impeller dish 286 is coupled to the toilet bowl 261 and the hopper 290. The hopper 290 may be tangentially connected to the chamber. The water seal is maintained between the chamber 286 and the hopper 290. The impeller dish 286 and the chamber may be separate. The impeller dish 286 is configured to support the impeller and provide a path for the contents from the chamber to the hopper.
[0271] The toilet 280 may include a motor 287 coupled to the impeller 289 and configured to rotate the impeller 289. One or more intermediate drive train device may be included such as gears, pulleys, belts or other devices. Other drive mechanisms may be used. In one example, a spring or spring loaded device stores energy to drive the impeller 289.
[0272] FIGS. 39A-39B illustrate another example of a semi-centrifugal trapway 262. FIG. 29A illustrates that the bowl 261 opens into a chamber 263 (the impeller dish 286 may be omitted in this embodiment). FIG. 39B illustrates a cut away view of the chamber 263 and illustrates opening 260 between the chamber 263 and the trapway 264. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0273] In this concept, centripetal motion generated by the rotating impeller at the bottom of the chamber 263 provides the energy to push water and waste in the chamber 263 up and over a trapway 264 that is connected to the chamber 263. The trapway 264 is configured to connect to the chamber 263 in a tangential manner. The trapway entrance hole 260 where the trapway 264 meets the body of the chamber 263 is configured to have a smooth transition to minimize energy loss of the water entering the trapway 264. The trapway 264 may include an upleg 267 and a downleg 266 downstream of the upleg 267. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0274] A water inlet 265 may provide rinse water directly to the chamber 263 of the impeller. The water inlet 265 may be connected to a valve (e.g., as described for the water line 284) for the purpose of rinses the chamber 263 and/or the impeller.
[0275] In one embodiment, the water inlet 265 may be aligned with one or more features of the impeller for the purposes of driving the impeller. In other words, the impeller may be water powered. The impeller may include fins or turbine projections that spin the impeller when water comes in contact with it. A valve connected to the water inlet 265 may be driven by the controller 100 according to an impeller drive signal. The controller 100 may rotate the impeller using water propulsion at a predetermined time or a predetermined sequence. The controller 100 may rotate the impeller using water propulsion throughout the flush cycle (e.g., from the time the flush is activated until the water seal is restored within the chamber 263). The water from the water inlet 265 may both drive the impeller and rinse the impeller and/or chamber 263. In other examples, the impeller may be air powered (rotated under the force of air).
[0276] FIG. 40 illustrates another view of the semi-centrifugal trapway assembly 262. In this embodiment, an impeller 298 in the chamber 263 can be seen looking down through the toilet bowl 261 through inlet 270 (e.g., opening in the toilet bowl 261 that connects to the chamber 263). The water and waste are propelled from the trapway assembly 262 through the output 269.
[0277] FIG. 41 illustrates another view of a semi-centrifugal trapway assembly 262 illustrating the assembly of the impeller 298 within the chamber 263. The impeller 298 includes multiple curved ridges 272 and a curved depression 271 between each consecutive pair of the curved ridges 272. Other geometric patterns may be used for the impeller 298. The geometric patterns generate centripetal motion from the rotating impeller 298 to push water and waste in the chamber 263 up and into the trapway 264.
[0278] The impeller 298 (any of the impellers described) is configured with a geometry that minimize splashing out of the top of the chamber 263 and the ability to rotate at range of speeds (various revolutions per minute – RPMs). In addition to the orientation shown here, the rotation may be performed vertically (90 degrees rotated from the path out of the bowl 261).
[0279] FIGS. 42A-42B illustrate an example grinding trapway assembly 240. A grinder 241 is an example impeller. The grinder 241 may include burrs having various shapes and sizes. The grinder 241 is driven by a shaft 276 and motor to rotate with a chamber 275. The chamber 275 may be formed from two metal or otherwise solid halves that are joined together to form the chamber 275. The grinder 241 may be placed in the chamber 275 or between the halves before they are joined together.
[0280] As the contents C of the toilet bowl is lowered into the chamber 275 including the grinder 241, the grinder rotates to pulverize or liquify the contents. The grinder 241 may have burrs of different lengths, shapes, or sizes that provide different stages of liquification as the contents C move through the space between the chamber walls and the grinder 241. FIG. 42B illustrates different burr shapes and sizes G1, G2, and G3.
[0281] FIGS. 43A-43F illustrate other shapes and sizes grinding trapway with grinder 241. The grinder 241 may also be an impeller. The impellor is configured to move upward towards the bowl 242 to seal the bowl 242 when the motor turning the impellor is not running. In FIGS. 43A-43F there are various impellers used to grind and move the waste. The arrow indicates that the impeller moves upwards to seal the bowl outlet when the motor is not running. Water is held in the bowl more effectively. When the motor starts, the impeller drops and opens the waste path. The shapes of the impellers vary from flat with some surface features to tall.
[0282] FIGS. 43A and 43B illustrate a cone-shape for the impellor. In FIG. 43A, the impellor is running and the bowl opening 244 is open. In FIG. 43B, the bowl opening 244 is closed and the impellor is stopped.
[0283] FIGS. 43C and 43D illustrate a flattened-shape for the impellor. In FIG. 43C, the impellor is running and the bowl opening 244 is open. In FIG. 43D, the bowl opening 244 is closed and the impellor is stopped.
[0284] FIGS. 43E and 43F illustrate a parabolic-shape for the impellor. In FIG. 43E, the impellor is running and the bowl opening 244 is open. In FIG. 43F, the bowl opening 244 is closed and the impellor is stopped.
[0285] FIGS. 44A-44D illustrate various views of a semi-centrifugal trapway 390. The trapway 390 includes an impeller 392 submerged in water seal 393 and upstream of down passage 394. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0286] In this example, the bowl 391 is oriented horizontally. That is the top opening of the bowl 391 (user facing opening) and bottom opening of the bowl 391 (drain facing) are in corresponding substantially horizontal planes. The impeller 392 is in a substantially vertical plane. Any of the additional features and modifications described herein may be applied to the semi-centrifugal trapway 390.
[0287] FIG. 45 illustrates an example toilet 400 with plunger flushing. The toilet 400 includes a bowl 4011 and a base 410. A discharge chamber 404 is coupled to the base 410. An entrance (inlet) of the chamber 404 includes a first valve (e.g., one way valve) 402 and an exit (outlet) of the chamber 404 includes a second valve 403. The chamber 404 may include one or more sloped surfaces 411. The chamber 404 also include a plunger 401 configured to adjust or control the air pressure or water pressure in the chamber 404. The plunger 401 may include a handle or grip coupled to the plunger 401. The plunger 401 may move up and down, or alternatively, include a flexible film that is pushed down and automatically retracts when released. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0288] The plunger 401 is configured to apply pressure to remove contents from the toilet bowl 419 to the discharge chamber 404 through the first one-way valve 402 and push contents from the discharge chamber 404 through the discharge outlet. The plunger 401 acts as a pump as it is moved up and down. The plunger is sealed to the toilet 400 with a seal or sealing material so that the space in the discharge chamber 404 is air tight and/or water tight other than the paths through the valves 402 and 403. The plunger 401 is configured to displace water or air into the discharge chamber 404 and change a volume of the chamber 404.
[0289] In one embodiment, the pressure in chamber 404 is air pressure. The air pressure pulls material through the first valve 402 using a vacuum. The air pressure pushes material through the second valve 403.
[0290] In one embodiment, the pressure in chamber 404 is water pressure. A predetermined amount of water is in the chamber 404 at all times. The plunger 401 advances the water by pressing on the water or increasing the air pressure in a space above the water.
[0291] The chamber 404 may have one or more walls or sloped surfaces 411. The sloped surface may be a predetermined angle from the horizontal. The predetermined angle may be 45 degrees. The sloped surface 4011 may be a forward wall (the wall facing or closest to the bowl 4011).
[0292] In one embodiment, the plunger 401 is driven manually. A user’s hand may press the plunger down and into the chamber 404. In one embodiment, the plunger 401 is driven by a pump.
[0293] As described herein in other embodiments, the toilet 400 may also include a water source to provided water to the toilet bowl 419. The water source may include a tank and/or supply of water from a plumbing system. The water source is connected to a rim channel 412 of the toilet bowl 419. For gravity fed examples such as a tank, the water source is connected to the toilet bowl 419, and gravity provides water from the tank to the bowl 4011.
[0294] In one embodiment, the water is passively provided to the bowl 4011 through siphoning. For example, the toilet bowl 419 may be connected via a hose or passage to a supply of water. When water leaves the toilet bowl 419 through the valve 402, more water is siphoned from the supply of water. In another example, when the plunger 401 is actuated, the plunger 401 also provides air pressure to move water from the supply of water to the toilet bowl 419.
[0295] The plunger 401 may provide air pressure to different passages dependent on direction. For example, on the downstroke, when the plunger 401 is moving down, air pressure is provided to the chamber 404. On the upstroke, when the plunger 401 is moving upward, the plunger 401 opens the water source and/or suctions the water to a rim passage when actuated.
[0296] FIG. 46 illustrates another example toilet 400 with plunger flushing. In this example, the plunger 401 may be driven by the user sitting at the toilet. For example, sitting on the toilet 400 may flex a flexible seat or other lever that pushes the plunger 401 down.
[0297] In one example, a counterweight 251 may be moved up when the user sits at the toilet 400. Thus, the counterweight 251 stores energy. Then when the user stands, the counterweight 251 is released and pushes down the plunger 401 to flush the toilet 400.
[0298] A method for flushing a toilet with a plunger may include providing water to a toilet bowl, receiving vacuum pressure from a plunger, and advance the water and other bowl contents through at least one one-way valve in response to the vacuum pressure.
[0299] FIGS. 47-49 include jetted toilets 400 having a toilet bowl 451, and an annular jet 420. FIGS. 47A-47C illustrate example toilets with jetted trapways including an annular jet 420 that is proximate to a water seal 453 (and drives waste from the bowl 451 by suction). FIGS. 48A-48C illustrate example toilets with jetted trapways including an annular jet 420 that overlaps the water seal 454 (and drives the waste from the bowl 451) by impingement. FIGS. 49A-49C illustrate example toilets 400 with jetted trapways 452 including an annular jet 420 that creates a siphon in an upleg of the trapway 452. The annular jet 420 may cause a venturi within the trapway 452/ Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0300] The annular jet assembly 420 is coupled to the trapway 452. The annular jet assembly 420 includes multiple jet nozzles arranged in a pattern around the trapway 452. The nozzles may be arranged predetermined distances apart around the circumference of the trapway 452 and in parallel to the flow through the trapway 452.
[0301] An input nozzle 421 may be connected to the annular jet assembly 420. A diffuser receives water from the input nozzle 421 and divides the water to the jet nozzles. The diffuser may be one or more branches of tubing to divide the flow of water. The input to the diffuser may have a flow area that is larger than the cumulative flow areas of the jet nozzles.
[0302] The trapway 452 and the toilet bowl 451 are shaped to create the water seal 453. The water seal 452 is created when a weir or dam causes a low passage between the bowl 451 and the trapway 452 so that water stands on both sides of the low passage. In this way, no air (e.g., sewer gas) can travel in the reverse direction through the trapway 452 and be released into the bowl 451.
[0303] FIGS. 47A-C illustrate that the annular jet assembly 420 may be just downstream (e.g., within a predetermined distance) from the water seal 453. From this position, the annular jets in parallel to the direction of flow through the annular jet assembly 420 cause a suction from the venturi effect that pulls the water seal 453 and contents of the bowl 451 down the drain to the sewer system (or other sanitary repository). In this example, the annular jet assembly 420 is angled upward from the trapway 452.
[0304] FIGS. 48A-C illustrate that the annular jet assembly 420 may overlap the water seal 453. From this position, the annular jets in parallel to the direction of flow through the annular jet assembly 420 cause impingement. The water from the jets contacts the water in the water seal 453 and push it and contents of the bowl 451 down the drain to the sewer system (or other sanitary repository). In this example, the annular jet assembly 420 is angled upward from the trapway 452.
[0305] FIGS. 48A-C illustrate that the annular jet assembly 420 may located on a downleg of the trapway 452. From this position, the annular jets in parallel to the direction of flow through the annular jet assembly 420 cause a siphon in the upleg of the trapway 452. The siphon from the jets contacts pull the water seal 453 and contents of the bowl 451 down the drain to the sewer system (or other sanitary repository).
[0306] The annular jet assembly 420 may include a valve that selectively opens the passage through the trapway 452 and the annular jet. The valve may be controlled electronically, manually, or using any of the techniques for other valves described herein. In one embodiment, the valve is opened by the force of water through the input nozzle 421. The source of the water to the input 421 may be recycled or grey water.
[0307] A method for operating the pressure assisted toilet in FIGS. 47-49 may include providing a high velocity water flow to an annular jet assembly positioned around a circumference of a trapway and evacuating a toilet bowl through the trapway in response to the high velocity water flow.
[0308] FIG. 50 illustrates an example toilet 500 with urine diversion passage 502 and an overflow passage 501 or path. The particular toilet 500 illustrated includes a sump jet 510 for driving the flush of the toilet 500. These passages may help conserve water in any type of toilet and are not limited to the toilets described herein. The trapway 514 is configured to deliver contents evacuated from the toilet bowl 512 to a drain path Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0309] The toilet bowl 512 may include an opening 513 for catching urine. The shape of the bowl 512 around the opening 513 may be concave or otherwise shaped as a funnel to help direct the flow of urine. The opening 513 may be a slit that extends along a substantial extent (circumference) of the bowl 512. The user may deposit urine in a direction that aids in the collection of urine at the opening 513. The urine diversion passage 502 provides a path for the urine from the opening to a downstream portion of the trapway 514. Because the urine is not added to the water 511, the urine proceeds down the drain path without consuming any water. Likewise, because the urine does not add to the volume of the water seal, no water is spilled over the weir 515 and unused for flushing purposes.
[0310] The overflow passage 501 includes an overflow opening 516 that leads to the trapway 514. The overflow passage 501 fluidly connected to the overflow opening 516 to the trapway 514.
[0311] Any of the embodiments in FIGS. 1-50 may include a treatment device that treats the bowl of the toilet, the tank of the toilet, the seat of the toilet, the vacuum chamber, the impeller chamber, rotatable bucket, or any surface associated with the toilet. The controller 100 is configured to operate the fill valve and the at least one treatment device according to a fill cycle. For example, when the tank empties through actuation of the flush valve, the controller 100 may turn on the treatment device to treat the surface. In addition, the controller 100 may delay the operation of the fill valve so that the treatment device has time to apply the treatment and for the treatment to be effective before the tank is refilled. The time delay may be selected according to the type of treatment device. Example delays may include 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or a minute. In some examples, multiple treatments are applied. The time delay may be calculated according to the multiple treatments. The controller 100 may include a timer for determining when the elapsed time is equal to the predetermined time delay. The timer may be started with the flush valve actuation in the flush cycle. The end of the time may cause the controller to actuate the fill valve. In other examples, the treatment device may be applied according to a schedule (e.g., time of day, day of the week, time of night). The user may also provide an independent input for starting the timer for the treatment device.
[0312] The treatment device may include a delivery system for introducing a chemistry (e.g., a cleaning compound) to the water to thereby reduce, scale, slippery (e.g., slipperiness), and/or sanitation in the toilet or other device that uses the water. The systems and methods of this application may influence other aspects related to cleanliness. For example, scent(s) related to the systems (and the use thereof) may be influenced (e.g., masked, ameliorated, reduced, etc.) by the systems and methods of this application, such as, but not limited to the use of active filters (e.g., hydroxyl, etc.), passive filters (e.g., carbon, gas, etc.), and/or scent(s) applied to or contained within components of the system.
[0313] The treatment device may be configured to utilize chemistry to advantageously help clean (e.g., up to a level just below disinfection) or help maintain the cleanliness longer than devices not having the improved chemistry. As non-limiting examples, the chemistries disclosed herein may advantageously help prevent the formation of scale, remove scale that has formed, prevent or remove biofilm, prevent or mask odors, and/or sanitize components of toilets or other devices disclosed in this application. The toilets utilizing the improved chemistry may be able to go for one to six months (e.g., eight weeks) or longer without having to be cleaned (e.g., before the build-up of deposits). More specific examples of chemistry/cleaning compounds are described below in greater detail.
[0314] The treatment device be configured to utilize one or more than one compound/chemistry to improve the cleanliness of the system. In this application, the terms “chemistry,” “compound,” and “cleaning compound” are used interchangeably to connote the use of a chemical, chemical compound, chemical element, or any combination thereof that is beyond that of mere water. Thus, while the systems described in this application may use water (e.g., to dilute a cleaning compound, for flushing, etc.) and the cleaning compounds may include water, the chemistry/compounds/cleaning compounds include at least one additional chemical (e.g., elements, compounds, etc.) other than water.
[0315] Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) may be introduced onto the surface from the treatment device. In addition to H2O2, chlorines and peracedic acid (PAA) are additional non-limiting examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used. Some additional non-limiting examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used with the systems and methods of this application include (but are not limited to) polyphosphates (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP), etc.), low pH acids (e.g., hydrogen chloride (HCL), dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4), trisodium phosphate (TSP), ethylenediaminetetraacidic acid (EDTA), and compounds thereof, as well as other acids and/or sequestering agents. These chemicals/compounds may be most beneficial in, for example, preventing and/or removing scale. Yet other examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used with the systems of this application include (but are not limited to) didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), H2O2, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) such as bleach, PAA, triclosan, formic acid, TSP, and compounds thereof, as well as other disinfectants (e.g., quaternary disinfectants) and biocides. These chemicals/compounds may be most beneficial in, for example, preventing and/or removing biofilm. It is noted that other chemicals/compounds may be used in the systems and methods disclosed in this application, and any such chemical/compound disclosed may be used with any system and/or method disclosed.
[0316] The treatment device may include a system that generates a chemical/compound, such as one of those disclosed above. For example, a system may include a generator that produces H2O2, such as from oxygen (e.g., in air) and water or the utility supply. Thus, a chemical/compound generator may be provided within the system, to produce the cleaning compound. According to one example, a generator may be configured to produce a chemical (e.g., H2O2) that is diluted to a particular range in ppm (parts per million), such as with water or other suitable diluent. According to one example, a generator is configured to produce a chemical that is diluted to a range of 2-4 ppm. In another example, the range is 1-100 ppm.
[0317] A non-chemical approach to mitigating (e.g., reducing, removing, etc.) scale and other contaminants may be employed. One such example is the use of beads, which may involve template assisted crystallization (TAC). Certain minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium, etc.) when in an ionic form (e.g., state) may attach to surfaces (e.g., inner surface of the tank), but do not attach to surfaces when crystalized (i.e., in a crystalline form). The beads involving TAC change the mineral(s) from their ionic form to their crystalline form to prevent the minerals from attaching to surfaces of the systems and/or induce the in minerals to become detached from the surfaces.
[0318] The treatment device may include an ultraviolet light or far UVC light. The ultraviolet light irradiates the internal walls. The ultraviolet light may have a predetermined frequency or wavelength, which may be a range of wavelengths or frequencies for the light emitted from the light. The germicidal irradiation may be optimized by a wavelength band of 200 to 280 nanometers (nm) other examples may include 200 to 222 nm, 230 to 250 nm, 240 to 315 nm or other ranges. An example wavelength may be 254 nm. The controller 100 may send commands to the light to turn on the light or stop the light. The controller 100 may send commands to the light to set the wavelength of the light. The ultraviolet light disinfects the particles.
[0319] The treatment device may operate a disinfectant dispenser. The treatment device may operate an ultrasonic emitter to provide ultrasonic waves to the surface. The ultrasonic emitter may include an ultrasonic atomizer or transducer that converts high frequency sound waves into mechanical energy that is transferred into standing waves of the sanitizing liquid, causing a mist or fog to be emitted.
[0320] The treatment device may generate ozone using a variety of techniques, including corona discharge, ultraviolet light, cold plasma, and other techniques. In corona discharge, a corona discharge tube or an ozone plate is used. For example, a high voltage may be applied to an electrode in discharge tube or on the ozone plate. A corona discharge is an electrical discharge caused by the ionization of air surrounding the conductor carrying the high voltage. The air around the conductor undergoes an electrical breakdown to become conductive (e.g., temporarily) so that charge can leak off of the conductor and into the air. A corona occurs at locations where the strength of the electric field (potential gradient) around a conductor exceeds the dielectric strength of the air.
[0321] In another technique, ozone may be produced by ultraviolet light. Such an ozone generator includes a light source that generates a narrow-band ultraviolet light. The narrow-band ultraviolet light may be less than the spectrum of light produced by the sun. Ultraviolet light may produce ozone at a lower concentration (e.g., 1%) than corona techniques. Ultraviolet light ozone generates may exclude both air dryers and oxygen concentrators.
[0322] In another technique, ozone may be produced by cold plasma. Such an ozone generator includes a dielectric barrier discharge configured to generate plasma. Pure oxygen gas is supplied to the plasma and the oxygen molecules are split into single atoms, which recombine into groups of three, forming ozone, or O3. Cold plasma techniques may produce high concentrations of ozone (e.g., 5% or greater) using a small amount of space.
[0323] In another technique, an electrolytic ozone generate produces ozone by splitting water molecules. Such an ozone generator includes a water electrolysis device that splits water molecules into H2, O2, and O3. The hydrogen gas, H2, may be removed to leave oxygen and ozone as the only products of the reaction. Electrolytic ozone generation may produce at higher concentrations (20-30%) than the corona discharge technique. The electrolytic techniques may also avoid nitrogen gases.
[0324] FIG. 51 illustrates an example vacuum toilet 600. The vacuum toilet 600 may include a bowl 601 including water 642 into which contents (e.g., urine and/or feces) are deposited, a drain pipe valve compartment 602 (drain compartment), and a tank 603 (e.g., air tank). The vacuum toilet 600 operates using air pressure to perform a flush cycle. The vacuum toilet 600 does not include a traditional trapway or gravity tank as in gravity toilets to create a siphon to remote the contents from the toilet. The vacuum toilet 600 also does not use pressurized water to push contents from the toilet. Instead, negative air pressure, or a vacuum, is established in the tank 603 to draw contents from the bowl 601 into the tank 603 and then pass the bowl contents to the drain pipe valve compartment 602 and ultimately to a sanitary line (e.g., to a septic system or sewer system). Additional, different or fewer components may be included.
[0325] The tank 603 is connected to a pump 604 or another type of vacuum generator. The pump 604 includes a high pressure outlet 605 connected to the drain pipe valve compartment 602 and a low pressure outlet 606 connected to the tank 603. The high pressure outlet 605 blows air from the pump 604 to positive flow passage 608. The positive flow passage 608 may be a tube or pipe that connects the pump 604 to the drain pipe valve compartment 602. The low pressure outlet 606 pulls air from the tank 603 to create a vacuum. In one example, the low pressure outlet 606 is connected to the tank 603 using a passage such as a tube or a pipe. The positive flow passage 608 connects the drain pipe valve compartment 602 at air inlet 609.
[0326] A valve 698 may be included between the pump 604 and impeller and the tank 603. For example, the valve 698 may be positioned at the low pressure outlet 606. The valve 698 may be a check valve that opens with the pump 604 provides a threshold amount of pressure to the valve 698. Once the threshold pressure is provided, the check valve opens and a vacuum is pulled from the tank 603. Other types of valves may be used.
[0327] The positive flow passage 608 make have various sizes and shapes configured to prevent water getting to the impeller of the pump 604. The positive flow passage 608 may include an S-curve so that any water traveling in the reverse direction is trapped in the S-curve. The positive flow passage 608 may include a sufficient height between the drain pipe valve compartment 602 and the pump 604 so that water cannot reach the pump 604 in the reverse direction. The positive flow passage 608 may also include a baffling that prevents the backflow of water toward the pump 604. Example baffling may include a corkscrew with the positive flow passage 608.
[0328] The vacuum toilet 600 also includes a vacuum pipe 613 connecting the tank 603 and the toilet bowl 601. The vacuum pipe 613 meets the tank 603 at a waste inlet 607. The vacuum pipe 613 is angled upward between the toilet bowl 601 and the tank 603.
[0329] The vacuum toilet 600 may also include a flapper 611 supported by the drain pipe valve compartment 602 and configured to open and close an opening between the drain pipe valve compartment 602 and the tank 603. The flapper 611 may be in an opened position 610a in which the flapper 611 may be at any angle withing the drain pipe valve compartment 602 or against or near the air outlet 609. The flapper 611 may be in a closed position 610b in which the flapper 611 is pressed against the tank 603 to seal, or at least partially seal, the tank 603 so that vacuum pressure can build up within the tank 603. Alternative valves to the flapper 611 are described in greater detail for subsequent embodiments.
[0330] During a flush cycle of the vacuum toilet 600, several actions take place in a relative short period of time. Example durations for this period of time may be about 0.5 second, 1 second, 1.5 seconds, or any amount of time up to 4 seconds.
[0331] The entire action of the flush cycle may be caused by and based on the operation of the pump 604. In other words, no substantial energy for the flush cycle is provided into the system of the vacuum toilet 600 except operation of the pump 604.
[0332] The pump 604 operates to provide a positive air flow to the high pressure outlet 605 and the positive flow passage 608 to apply a force to the flapper 611 in the direction of sealing the drain pipe valve compartment 602. In some examples, the flapper 611 does not hermetically seal the opening between the drain pipe valve compartment 602 and the tank 603. Rather, the flapper 611 partially seals the opening between the drain pipe valve compartment 602 and the tank 603. Even with a small leak, enough vacuum pressure may be applied to the tank 603 to sufficiently seal the tank 603 and suction the contents from the bowl 601.
[0333] At the same time, or nearly the same time, the pump 604 provides a negative pressure to the low pressure outlet 606 to cause the vacuum to be pulled from the tank 603. The vacuum provides suction to the vacuum pipe 613, which extracts contents from the toilet bowl 601. The contents of the toilet bowl 601 may be extracted very quickly such as in about 0.5 to 1.0 seconds. After the contents are extracts, the pump 604 is turned off. That is, the pump 604 stops providing both the positive pressure to the positive flow passage 608 and the negative pressure to the tank 603. Without the negative pressure pulling the flapper 611 to the tank 603 and the positive pressure pushing the flapper 611 towards the tank 603, the flapper 611 opens the seal between the tank 603 the drain pipe valve compartment 602. Opening the flapper 611 provides a path straight down (e.g., substantially down or in the direction of gravity) through the drain pipe valve compartment 602 for the contents of the bowl that are now in the tank 603. Thus, the contents from the bowl 601 that were pulled into the tank 603 by the vacuum, now fall through the drain pipe valve compartment 602 to a drain. The drain may include a floor gasket that leads to sanitary path to a septic system or a sewer system.
[0334] The vacuum toilet 600 may include a controller 100 to control the operation of the pump 604. The controller 100 receives data from a user input or user sensor to trigger the flush cycle of the vacuum toilet 600. The controller 100 provides a control signal to turn on the pump 604 to cause the flush cycle. The controller 100 identifies the user input or sensor data for the user and turns on the pump 604 in response. As described herein, the pump 604 causes a vacuum to be established in the tank 603 to evacuate the toilet bowl 601 and drop the contents through the drain pipe valve compartment 602 to the sanitary passage.
[0335] The vacuum toilet 600 may also include a water inlet to provide water to the toilet bowl 601. The water inlet may include multiple components. The vacuum toilet 600 may be connected to a water supply (e.g., plumbing system) that provides line level water pressure. The water inlet may include a water dispenser in the rim of the toilet bowl 601. In examples where the toilet bowl 601 plastic, resin, or another synthetic material, the water dispenser may include a hose or tube that passes through the housing of the toilet bowl 601 or is otherwise mounted to the toilet bowl 601. In examples where the toilet bowl 601 is ceramic or vitreous material, a water passage may be directly formed in the vitreous material for delivering water from the water inlet to the toilet bowl 601. In addition, or in the alternative the water inlet may include a supply valve 619 configured to turn the water supply on and off. The water inlet may include a rim jet. Various types of water channels may be used. FIG. 51 illustrates a single water channel ending in water dispenser 612. The water may be distributed around the bowl in a water channel having many ports. The water ports may be arranged in such a water that the water flows down the surface of the bowl in a curtain (e.g., as opposed to a swirl or clockwise/counterclockwise motion). The controller 100 may also provide a control signal to the water supply valve 619 according to a predetermined duration. The water supply valve 619 may operate at the same time as the pump 604. Thus, a signal control signal may be used for the pump 604 and the water supply valve 619. The water supply valve 619 may be activate after the pump 604 or at a time overlapping the pump 604 but starting after the pump 604.
[0336] FIG. 52 illustrates another example vacuum toilet 620. Many components described with respect to vacuum toilet 600 are included and are configured as described above. The example of vacuum toilet 620 includes and angled pipe 626, which may be referred to as a horn, that directs water and waste from the toilet bowl 601 through the tank 603 toward the drain pipe valve compartment 602. When the vacuum in the tank 603 pulls the waste and water through the pipe 626, toward the drain pipe valve compartment 602 to minimize the contact of waste with the upper regions of the tank 603. This operation helps to maintain the cleanliness of the tank 603. The angled pipe 626 may include an upleg pipe and a downleg pipe. The downleg pipe may have a diameter greater than that of the upleg. The downleg may be tapered such that the top of the downleg has a greater diameter than the bottom of the downleg.
[0337] In addition, the vacuum toilet 620 may include a floor gasket attachment device 621 configured to be coupled to the floor gasket of the floor where the vacuum toilet 620 is installed. The floor gasket attachment device 621 may also be attached to a sanitary pipe 622 as a passage to a sewer system or a septic system.
[0338] The controller 100 may also include a sensor array interface 623 that receives data from one or more sensors 101 mounted on or otherwise associated with the vacuum toilet 620. At least one sensor 101 may include any type of sensor configured to detect certain actions and/or to provide functionality (e.g., dispensing, flushing, etc.). The sensor may include any type of sensor configured to detect certain conditions and/or to provide functionality. Odor sensors, proximity sensors, and motion sensors are non-limiting examples of sensors that may be employed with the systems of this application. Odor sensors, such as volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors, may be employed to detect organic chemicals and compounds, both human made and naturally occurring chemicals/compounds. Proximity sensors may be employed to detect the presence of an object within a zone of detection without physical contact between the object and the sensor. Electric potential sensors, capacitance sensors, projected capacitance sensors, and infrared sensors (e.g., projected infrared sensors, passive infrared sensors) are non-limiting examples of proximity sensors that may be employed with the systems of this application. Motion sensors may be employed to detect motion (e.g., a change in position of an object relative to the objects surroundings). Electric potential sensors, optic sensors, radio-frequency (RF) sensors, sound sensors, magnetic sensors (e.g., magnetometers), vibration sensors, and infrared sensors (e.g., projected infrared sensors, passive infrared sensors) are non-limiting examples of motion sensors that may be employed with the systems of this application. The sensors may include pressure sensors or weight sensors in the seat to determine that a user is sitting on the vacuum toilet 620. Sensors for wellness including uroflowmetry may also be included.
[0339] In another example, the sensor may include a sensor configured to detect a level of water. The sensor may include a float sensor, a pressure level sensor, an ultrasonic water level transmitter, a capacitance level sensor (e.g., an RF sensor), and a radar level sensor. Further, an optical sensor may be used to determine a water level.
[0340] The controller 100 may also include an indicator interface 625 that sensor data to one or more indicators 102. Example indicators 102 include light emitting diodes (LEDs), displays, projections, LCD panel, or other electronic indicators. A housing may provide a waterproof casing to protect the electronic display and associated internal electronic components from moisture. A touch-sensitive panel (e.g., a capacitive touch panel) may also be provided on the housing for receiving user inputs. A portion of the touch-sensitive panel may overlay electronic display to provide a touchscreen interface. The electronic display can be caused to display graphical user interfaces and to receive user inputs via the touch screen interface.
[0341] The vacuum toilet 620 may also include a controller 100 that operates the pump 604 using a vacuum driver module 624. The vacuum driver module 624 may determine a duration for the operation of the pump 604. The controller 100 may operate the pump 604 for the predetermined duration any time a user, waste, or usage of the vacuum toilet 620 is detected.
[0342] The duration may be determined or otherwise calculation based on a variety of factors. In one example. the vacuum driver module 624 may calculate the duration based on an identity of the user. The identity of the user may be determined, for example, based on a weight of the user determined by a weight sensor 101 in the seat. User signatures also may be determined based on capacitance sensors, infrared sensors and other sensors. The vacuum driver module 624 may include a table that matches user signatures, weights, or sizes with corresponding durations for the pump 604.
[0343] In another example, a combination of sensor data is analyzed by the vacuum driver module 624. For example, when sensor data is received from a predefined set of sensors, the controller 100 operates the pump for the predetermined duration of time. The duration may be calculated based on the subset of sensor data received.
[0344] The indicator interface 625 may receive status or error information from the controller 100. The indicator may be lit “red” duration the operation of the pump 604 and “green” when the pump 604 is not active. The controller 100 may determine an error when the pump 604 is not operating property and send the error to the indicator interface 625 for display at the indicator 102.
[0345] The controller 100 may also include a user input 99 that receives an input for the operation of the pump 604. In some examples, the user may select a mode of operation such as automatic or manual. During automatic operation, the controller 100 activates the pump 604 in response to sensor data. In manual operation, the controller 100 only activates the pump 604 when the user sends such a command through the user input 99. The user may also select a duration (e.g., key in or turn a dial to set the ‘desired strength of the flush from 1 to 10’).
[0346] In one example, the sensor 101 is a load sensor configured to detect the amount (or quantity) of waste (e.g., urine or feces) in the bowl 601. The sensor 101 may include an optical sensor that determines the height of the water in the bowl through a distance calculation (e.g., time of flight). The optical sensor may also analyze images of the contents of the bowl and determine the presence of waste through image analysis. The sensor 101 may include a temperature sensors such as IR or simple thermocouples to measure the quantity of urine added to the bowl 601. The controller 100 that operates the pump 604 using the vacuum driver module 624 may determine a duration for the operation of the pump 604 to set the appropriate amount of water for amount waste within the bowl 601. An algorithm may prescribe the timings and water quantities for each use. This reduces the amount of water required for flushing. Artificial intelligence or machine learning methods may be employed to maximize the performance of the toilet. These algorithms may use data from the Bristol scale and solid mass estimates to create the flush settings.
[0347] The sensor 101 may include a millimeter wave sensor, referred to as a mmwave sensor. Various locations are possible for the mmwave sensor. The mmwave may be attached or otherwise supported by the bowl 601. The mmwave sensor may be attached or otherwise supported by the tank 603. The mmwave sensor may be attached or otherwise supported to the housing, such as on the front of the vacuum toilet. In some examples, multiple mmwave sensors may be used such that one of the mmwave sensors is behind the bowl 601 and one of the mmwave sensors is in front of the bowl 601 and close to the expected position of the user standing near or sitting at the toilet.
[0348] The sensor 101 may emit waves (e.g., pulses) include millimeter electromagnetic wave energy that reflects of an object such as the user or contents of the bowl 601. The return waves (e.g., pulses) includes a smaller amount of electromagnetic wave energy than the emitted waves. The return waves are received at the at least one receiver after a propagation delay and at a reflection angle. The controller 100 may be configured to calculate one or more kinematic properties of the object based on the energy, time, and/or angle of the return pulse. The controller 100 or an integrated control unit of the millimeter wave sensor performs fast Fourier transform (FFT) operation on the intermediate frequency signal to obtain the distance, intensity, and velocity information of the objects. Based on the characteristics of radar signals, when a person approaches or leaves may be identified. The emitted wave and reflected wave are mixed in the mixer to generate an intermediate frequency signal in the millimeter wave sensor.
[0349] Specifically, the intermediate frequency signal is an electrical signal having a frequency and an intensity (e.g., an amplitude). The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal ranges from several-hundred Hz to about a few KHz. The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal has a mathematical relationship with a distance between the sensor and the object (e.g., users or urine steams). The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal also has a mathematical relationship with a velocity of the motion of the object based on the Principle of Doppler (e.g., the Doppler shift). The object in motion with respect to the sensor 101 results in a change in the frequency of the waves generated by the sensor 101.
[0350] The sensor data may be descriptive of a user in proximity to the toilet. The sensor 101 may detect when a user is in a distance range. As described above, the distance range may depend on the state of the sensor 101 and the motion of the user. The sensor 101 may detect gestures of the user. The sensor 101 may detect the position of the user such as standing versus sitting. The controller 100 is configured to receive sensor data from the microwave sensors and generate a control signal response for the toilet in response to the sensor data from the microwave sensors.
[0351] The sensor 101 may include an ultrasound sensor. The ultrasound sensor may detect contents of the bowl 601. From the sensor data of the ultrasounds sensor, the controller 100 may determine whether urine or feces were deposited into the bowl 601. The ultrasonic sensor may send waves to the bowl 601 and receive reflected waves that are dependent on the contents of the bowl 601. The ultrasound sensor may use similar techniques to determine whether a user is present at the toilet. In some examples, two ultrasound sensors are used with one targeting the inside of the bowl 601 and another targeting the area in front of the toilet or on top of the toilet. In some examples, a mmwave sensor is used together with an ultrasound sensor.
[0352] Various load-based flushing algorithms may be used based on sensor data from the sensor 101. Load-based flushing is a flushing methodology where a prescribed amount of water is used for the amount of solid material in the bowl. This is a continuous form of dual flushing – which uses only two water levels. In these examples, the controller 100 selects a parameter for the flush cycle of the vacuum toilet in response to sensor data from the sensor 101. In one example, the controller 100 sets the parameter for the flush cycle to a first value when the at least one sensor detects solid waste in the toilet bowl and a second value when the at least one sensor detects liquid waste in the toilet bowl. In another example, the parameter for the flush cycle is assigned a first value when the at least one sensor detects solid waste below a threshold size in the toilet bowl and a second value when the at least one sensor detects solid waste above the threshold in the toilet bowl. In other examples, the parameter for the flush cycle is selected based on a type of waste (e.g., on the Bristol scale). The parameter for the flush cycle is assigned a first value when first sensor data is received from the at least one sensor and a second value when second sensor data is received from the at least one sensor.
[0353] In response to the sensor data, the controller 100 may send command signals to the water supply valve for water inlet 619 to set how an amount of water that is provided by the water dispenser 612. The parameter for the flush cycle may be water volume provided for the water dispenser. For example, when the controller 100 determines only urine is present in the bowl 601, a small flush water volume is caused to be released from the water dispenser 612, when the controller 100 determines a small amount of stool is present in the bowl 601, a medium flush water volume is caused to be released from the water dispenser 612, and when the controller 100 determines a large amount of stool is present in the bowl 601, a large flush water volume is caused to be released from the water dispenser 612.
[0354] In response to the sensor data, the controller 100 may send command signals to the water supply valve for water inlet 619 to set a time duration for opening the valve upstream of the water dispenser 612. The parameter for the flush cycle may be the ON duration for the valve. For example, when the controller 100 determines only urine is present in the bowl 601, the valve is opened for a first amount of time, when the controller 100 determines a small amount of stool is present in the bowl 601, the valve is opened for a second amount of time, and when the controller 100 determines a large amount of stool is present in the bowl 601, the valve is opened for a third amount of time. The first amount of time may be less than the second amount of time, and the second amount of time may be less than the third amount of time.
[0355] In response to the sensor data, the controller 100 may send command signals to the pump 604 to set the vacuum in the tank 603 of the vacuum toilet. For example, the controller 100 may operate the pump 604 for an amount of time or at a certain intensity based on the detection of contents in the bowl 601.
[0356] The parameter for the flush cycle may be the ON duration for the pump 604. For example, when the controller 100 determines only urine is present in the bowl 601, the pump 604 is powered for a first amount of time, when the controller 100 determines a small amount of stool is present in the bowl 601, the pump 604 is powered for a second amount of time, and when the controller 100 determines a large amount of stool is present in the bowl 601, the pump 604 is powered for a third amount of time. The first amount of time may be less than the second amount of time, and the second amount of time may be less than the third amount of time.
[0357] The parameter for the flush cycle may be a speed (e.g., motor speed, impeller speed, or pump speed as measured in revolutions per minute or RPM) for the pump 604. For example, when the controller 100 determines only urine is present in the bowl 601, the pump 604 is operated at a first speed or RPM, when the controller 100 determines a small amount of stool is present in the bowl 601, the pump 604 is operated at a second speed or RPM, and when the controller 100 determines a large amount of stool is present in the bowl 601, the pump 604 is operated at a third speed or RPM. The first sped may be less than the second speed , and the second speed may be less than the third speed.
[0358] The parameter for the flush cycle may be a direction or polarity for the pump 604. In other words, the controller 100 may cause the pump 604 to operate in the reverse direction. The reverse direction of the pump 604 or motor or impeller therein may be caused by switching the polarity of the electrical leads to the pump 604 (i.e., connection of the positive lead of the pump 604 to the negative wire of the power supply and connection of the negative lead of the pump 604 to the positive wire of the power supply). For example, when the controller 100 determines that the contents in the bowl have not moved significantly or otherwise determine that a clog is present, the controller 100 causes the pump 604 to operate in a reverse direction. This causes a positive air flow into the tank 603, which pushes down on the water by way of the waste inlet 607. This disruption to the water may dislodge a clog. The subsequent flush cycle may operate normally. Reversing the direction of the impeller may also assist in clearing material from the blades of the impeller. Reversing the polarity may also slow the impeller down quickly to improve the perception of quality performance by changing the sound quality of the flush.
[0359] The parameter for the flush cycle may be a delay time period during the flush cycle. The delay time period may occur before the pump 604 is turned on. The delay time period may be before the water dispenser valve is turned on. For example, when the controller 100 determines a first type of waste is present, the delay time period is used. In another example, when the controller 100 determines a second type of waste is present, the delay time period is used. In another example, when the controller 100 determines a certain size of waste is present, the delay time period is used. For example, the controller 100 may apply the delay time period when the size of stool exceeds a thresholds.
[0360] The controller 100 may also monitor the operation of the vacuum toilet with a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature of the pump 604. The controller 100 may generate a signal to turn OFF or otherwise deactivate the pump 604 if the temperature exceeds a threshold valve. In this way, the vacuum toilet may be placed in standby mode or failure mode in the case of a clog or other disruption that overloads the pump 604.
[0361] The sensor 101 may include an air pressure sensor. Various control systems are possible that control one or more operations of the vacuum toilet based on the air pressure sensor. In some examples, the pressure in the vacuum chamber (e.g., tank 603) is monitored to assess the operation of the vacuum chamber. In other examples, the pressure in the environment is detected in order to optimize the operation of the vacuum toilet at different altitudes. The toilet performance in various environments and at different altitudes may be optimized by changing the timings of the vacuum, water flows, and rotation rates of the impeller.
[0362] The controller 100 is configured to determine a status for the vacuum toilet based on the pressure in the pressure chamber. The status may indicate that a fault or error has occurred in the vacuum toilet. The controller 100 may compare the measured pressure for the pressure chamber to a threshold value or a threshold range. When the pressure falls outside of the threshold range or below the threshold, the controller 100 may identify the fault. The state of a fault in the vacuum toilet may be referred to as a failure mode. In the failure mode, the controller 100 may prevent operation of the pump 604 (e.g., vacuum generator) and/or one or more of the valves may be closed to prevent more water from entering the vacuum toilet.
[0363] The controller 100 may generate a message indicative of the failure mode. The message may be sent to a server or other central location to track the vacuum toilets at a services or administrator level. The message may be sent to a user’s device (e.g., mobile device) such as a phone or tablet. The message may indicate the fault (e.g., error number) or that the vacuum toilet has been disabled. The controller 100 may also cause an indicator to display the status for the vacuum toilet. The indicator may be a light (e.g., LED) which may be located on the vacuum toilet or a remote for the vacuum toilet. The indicator may be a screen.
[0364] In another example, the status of the vacuum toilet is a cleaning mode. For example, when the pressure falls outside of the predetermined range, it may indicate that dirt or a foreign object has caused a partial air leak related to the vacuum chamber. The range of pressure values indicative of this status may be different that other failures. The controller 100 is configured to open a valve for provided water for the cleaning mode. An additional cleaning jet may be used for the cleaning mode. In some examples, the vacuum chamber may include a water dispenser configured to dispense water to the pressure chamber.
[0365] The status of the vacuum toilet may be a clog removal mode. A clog in the drain of the vacuum toilet or between the vacuum chamber and the bowl 601 may cause the pressure measured in the pressure chamber to be measured above a clog threshold. When the controller 100 determines that the pressure in the pressure chamber has exceeded the clog threshold, the controller 100 may report a clog removal mode to the indicator. In the clog remove mode, the pump 604 may be operated at a higher speed in an attempt to dislodge the clog. Alternatively, the pump 604 may operated in a reverse direction to push down the water and separate potential clogs. In this way, the vacuum generator is configured to provide the vacuum to the vacuum chamber, and during the clog removal mode the vacuum generator provides positive pressure to the pressure chamber to push water in a reverse direction at waste inlet 607.
[0366] The controller 100 may adjust the operation of the vacuum toilet based on a pressure measurement in the ambient environment of the vacuum toilet. The pressure sensor may be mounted on an external surface of the vacuum toilet or any location in the vacuum chamber outside of the vacuum chamber. The controller 100 may adjust any of the parameters described above. Specific parameters adjusted based on ambient pressure may he operating time (e.g., duty cycle) of pump 604 and/or an amount of water for dispensing water into the bowl 601.
[0367] These adjustments to the flush cycle based on ambient pressure may be referred to as altitude mode. During altitude mode, which may be active at all times, the controller 100 accounts for different behaviors or performance that may be present at high altitudes. The controller 100 may compare the ambient pressure to a pressure threshold or calculate an altitude based on the measured pressure and compare the altitude to an altitude threshold.
[0368] The controller 100 may increase the amount of water that is used for the flush cycle at high altitude above the altitude threshold (or pressure below the pressure threshold). The controller 100 may increase the speed of the pump 604 that is used for the flush cycle at high altitude above the altitude threshold (or pressure below the pressure threshold). The altitude mode may also be implemented by detection of the pressure in the pressure chamber and using a feedback loop or control system to keep the pressure in the vacuum chamber at a predetermined pressure range during the flush cycle.
[0369] Also shown in FIG. 52, any of the vacuum toilets may include a baffle 699 within the tank 603 as a water shield. The baffle 699 may be formed in a cylinder shape from plastic and mounted within the tank 603. In some instances the angled pipe 626 may intersect the baffle. The baffle 699 may be mounted to the angled pipe 626.
[0370] FIG. 53 illustrates an example flow chart for the operation of any of the vacuum toilets described herein to operate a flush cycle for a toilet bowl. Additional, different or fewer acts may be included.
[0371] At act S601, the controller 100 generates an instruction or signal to cause a high pressure flow of air from a vacuum generator to a high pressure outlet connected to a drain pipe valve compartment 602. The instruction may be a control signal for a pump 604 or other vacuum generator. The control signal initiates the flush cycle for the vacuum toilet. The control signal includes a start time and an end time or duration for the pump 604.
[0372] At act S603, the controller 100 generates an instruction or signal to cause a low pressure vacuum from the vacuum generator to a tank 603 coupled to the toilet bowl.
[0373] At act S605, a valve to the tank 603 closes in response to the high pressure flow of air and the low pressure flow of air.
[0374] At act S607, the controller 100 generates an instruction or signal to deactivate the high pressure flow and the low pressure vacuum. In other words, the pump 604 is deactivating the pump 604, which opens the valve. Alternatively, when the valve is an electronic valve, the controller 100 may directly control the electronic valve with a control signal includes a start time for a valve at the connection between the tank 603 and the drain cavity 602.
[0375] At act S609, the controller 100 generates an instruction or control signal to cause a rinse water valve to release water to the toilet bowl. The control signal includes a start time for a water supplied to the bowl.
[0376] Act S609 may be performed at substantially the same time as act S605, at substantially the same time as act S607, or after act S607. In some examples, the controller 100 generates a first control signal for the pump 604 and a second control signal for the rinse water valve. In other examples, the controller 100 generates a single control that operates both the pump 604 and the rinse water valve. In other examples, the second control signal is generated a predetermined time period after the first control signal is generated.
[0377] The following several examples provide additional embodiments of a vacuum toilet that operates under similar principles as the vacuum toilets described above and include at least a portion of the structure within a wall. With a portion of the vacuum toilet within a wall, the overall footprint and space requirements are reduced. In addition, any potential noise emitted from the vacuum generator may be mitigated by the wall. Finally, with the vacuum portions placed within the wall, the exposed portion of the toilet may have an appearance similar to typical wall-hung toilets, which may have an aesthetic that the user is accustomed.
[0378] FIGS. 54A and 54B illustrate an example toilet 630 with an in-wall vacuum system. The toilet 630 includes a bowl assembly 627 and a tank assembly 647. The bowl assembly 627 includes at least toilet bowl 601 and attached sump, which may be incorporated into vacuum pipe 613. The tank assembly 647 may include the tank 603, the drain pipe valve compartment 602, and the flapper 611. The vacuum pipe 613 may be divided into an upstream leg in the bowl assembly 627 and a downstream leg in the tank assembly 647. The upstream leg and downstream leg may be connected by a vacuum pipe joint 616 including one or more screws, fasteners, or adhesives. The tank assembly 647 includes a waste inlet aligned with the vacuum pipe joint 616 and connectable to the toilet bowl 601. The positive flow passage 608 connects the vacuum generator to the drain pipe valve compartment 602 within the tank assembly 647. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.
[0379] The tank assembly 647 may be mounted within a stud cavity of the wall. The stud cavity may be defined by one or more studs or boards such as vertical studs 632 or horizonal boards (e.g., noggin, header, etc.) 631. In some examples the depth of the tank assembly 647 may be 4, 5, or 6 inches depending on the construction of the stud cavity. The size of the flapper 611 may be selected according to the depth of the stud cavity. In addition, the rotation direction of the flapper 611 may be selection based on the depth of the stud cavity. As shown in FIG. 54A the flapper 611 may rotate in the vertical plane that is parallel with the wall and the longitudinal axis of the tank 603. In other embodiments, the flapper 611 may rotate in a “front to back” direction such that the flapper 611 rotates in the vertical plane that is perpendicular with the wall and the longitudinal axis of the tank 603.
[0380] In some examples, the bowl assembly 627 is supported by a base or legs that contact the floor 633. In addition or in the alternative, as shown, the bowl assembly 627 is coupled to the wall and/or the tank assembly 647 in the stud cavity using one or more supports 615. The supports 615 may include bolts, screws, or other fasteners.
[0381] The tank assembly 647 may include a button 614. In response, the depressing the button 614, the pump 604 operates for a predetermined amount of time. In some alternatives, the button 614 may be replaced or augmented with a presence sensor or a weight sensor to detect the user. Other user inputs such as a touchscreen, a phone or tablet, or another electronic device may include a user input configured to initiate or operate a flush cycle for the in-wall vacuum toilet.
[0382] The pump 604 provides a vacuum to the tank 603 during the predetermined amount of time to pull contents from the toilet bowl 601 to the drain cavity 602. Initially, the vacuum also aids in pulling the flapper 611 toward the drain cavity 602 as the vacuum is established.
[0383] In addition, the pump 604 blows air through the positive flow passage 608 to push the flapper 611 toward the tank 603, to close a connection between the tank and the drain cavity 602. Specifically, the flapper 611 closes the connection between the tank 603 and the drain cavity 602.
[0384] The tank assembly 647 may include a water supply connection 617. The water supply connection 617 may be a water outlet to connect a water tube in the tank assembly 647 to a water tube in the bowl assembly 627 (e.g., water inlet 619) so that water is supplied to the toilet bowl 601 for rinsing the toilet bowl 601.
[0385] In one example, the power supply for the pump 604 includes a circuit that is completed by pressing the button 614. The pump 604 may be turned on for an amount of time that the button 614 is depressed. In another example, the circuit includes a latch so that the pump 604 is turned on (i.e., connected to power) for a predetermined amount of time defined by a timer.
[0386] FIGS. 55A and 55B illustrate another example toilet 630 with an in-wall vacuum system. FIGS. 56A and 56B illustrate another example toilet 640 with an in-wall vacuum system and ball valve. In these examples, an electronic valve divides the tank 603 and the drain pipe valve compartment 602.
[0387] In FIGS. 55A and 55B, the electronic valve may include a gate valve 635 that is operated by a solenoid 636. The controller 100 may operate the electronic valve in order to selectively open and close the connection between the tank 603 and the drain cavity 602.
[0388] In FIGS. 56A and 56B, the electronic valve may include a ball valve 637 driven by a motor 638. As an alternative to the motor 638, a solenoid or other drive mechanism may operate the ball valve 637. At one angle or rotation of the ball by the motor 638, air passes from the passage 608 to the drain cavity 602.
[0389] FIGS. 57A and 57B illustrate an example vacuum toilet 650 with an in-wall vacuum system and external vent 618. The positive air passage 608 may be omitted. Rather than blow air from the pump 604 to the drain pipe valve compartment 602 to move the flapper 611, the exhaust air is vented away from the vacuum toilet 650. The external vent 618 may lead to an open outlet in the wall. The external vent 618 may provide an exhaust vent outside of the house or building. The external vent 618 may connect to the main stack that combines with other exhausts (e.g., sewer vents) in the building and leads to an exterior opening.
[0390] The drain pipe valve compartment 602 may also be omitted in this example. Instead an active electronic valve may open and seal the vacuum tank 603 and well as open the vacuum tank 603 to flush the contents to the drain pipe. The electronic valve may include a gate valve 645 and a solenoid 646 to operate the gate valve. Other types of valves may be used.
[0391] In this example, first the gate valve 645 is closed to establish a seal in the tank 603. As the pump 604 is operated, the vacuum in the tank 603 pull the contents from the toilet bowl 601 into the tank 603. After a predetermined time period, the gate valve 645 is opened. Through gravity, the contents from the toilet bowl 601 fall from the tank 603 into the drain pipe.
[0392] FIGS. 58A and 58B illustrate an example vacuum toilet 650 with a partial in-wall vacuum system. The toilet 650 includes a bowl assembly 628, a tank assembly 687, and a flush assembly 641. The bowl assembly 628 includes at least toilet bowl 601 and attached sump, which may be incorporated into vacuum pipe 613. The tank assembly 648 may include the tank 603. The flush assembly 641 may include the drain pipe valve compartment 602 and the flapper 611. The flush assembly 641 and the tank assembly 687 may be combined into a single unit.
[0393] The flush assembly 641 may be attached to the tank assembly 648. The flush assembly 641 may rest on the floor and be partially enclosed in the wall and partially exposed. Next, the tank assembly 687 may be attached to the flush assembly 641.
[0394] FIG. 58C illustrates an alternative example tank assembly 648 with a dual exhaust. In this example, the vacuum pump 604 is connected to do positive air flow pipes, including a left positive air flow pipe 608B and a right positive air flow pipe 608A.
[0395] The left positive air flow pipe 608B may be connected or otherwise associated with a left flapper 611B that is configured to come in contact with the drain pipe valve compartment 602. The right positive air flow pipe 608A may be connected or otherwise associated with a right flapper 611A also configured to come in contact with the drain pipe valve compartment 602. When the pump 604 provides a lower pressure to the tank 603, the exhaust of the pump 604 is divided between the left positive air flow pipe 608B, which blows against the left flapper 611B to close or partially seal a first connection with the drain pipe valve compartment 602, and the right positive air flow pipe 608A, which blows against the right flapper 611A to close or partially seal a second connection with the drain pipe valve compartment 602.
[0396] FIGS. 59A and 59B illustrate an example vacuum toilet 660 with a partial in-wall vacuum system. In this example, a toilet bowl assembly 629 includes a toilet bowl 601, drain pipe valve compartment 602, and a flapper 611. The tank assembly includes tank 603 and positive passage 608.
[0397] FIG. 60 illustrates an example wall hung toilet 670 with a vacuum system. A single housing 639, which may be formed of vitreous material or plastic may include the bowl 601, the vacuum pipe 613, the drain pipe valve compartment 602, the tank 603, and the positive flow passage 608. The housing 639 may also support the pump 604 and the flapper within the drain pipe valve compartment 602.
[0398] FIG. 61 illustrates a toilet 1100 with a vacuum system and a double water seal. The toilet 1100 includes a pedestal 1104 and a vacuum tank assembly 1101. The vacuum tank assembly 1101 may include a tank 603, a pump 604, and a water supply 619. The pedestal 1104 may include a toilet bowl 1110 and a trapway 1102. As shown, the vacuum tank assembly 1101 may be supported by the pedestal 1104. Additional, different or fewer components may be included. The water supply 619 may include a valve to selectively allow water to flow through the rim channels 1119 and rinse the toilet bowl 1110. The trapway 1102 may be a compound trapway including an upstream trapway 1105 and a downstream trapway 1107. Water from the bowl 1110 flows through a main sump 1103 into the upstream trapway 1105 to the secondary sump 1129 into the downstream trapway 1107. The upstream trapway 1105 includes an upstream weir 1106 that defines an upstream water seal. The downstream trapway 1107 includes a downstream weir 1108 that defines a downstream water seal. Between the downstream water seal and the upstream water seal is a trapway cavity 1130.
[0399] A vacuum passage 1122 connects the trapway 110, specifically the upstream trapway 1105, to the vacuum tank 603. In some examples, the vacuum passage 1122 may be external to the toilet 1100. The pump 604 may create a vacuum in the vacuum tank 603. The vacuum may be released, through the vacuum passage 1122 through the opening of an air valve.
[0400] The exhaust of the pump 604 may be connected to the positive air passage 608, which blows air into the downstream trapway 1107, which helps to push the flushed contents down to the drain pipe. The exhaust effectively goes to the drainline. After the flush, the trapway cavity 1130 should be closed off and not leak through flow passage 608. A check valve or positive displacement vacuum pump may be used to prevent any reverse flow. If region 1130 is sealed during the refill of the bowl, there may be positive pressure in the trapway cavity 1130 to prevent the double-seal from transitioning into a siphon.
[0401] FIG. 62 illustrates a vacuum assist 682 for a sanitary plumbing system 680. A toilet 1104 may be a gravity flush toilet included a tank housing water that is released into the bowl and trapway to break a siphon and extract contents including water, urine and/or feces from the bowl. Other toilets such as the vacuum toilets described herein may be used with the sanitary plumbing system 680.
[0402] A drain line 681 is coupled to the trapway of the toilet 1104 and a predetermined incline (e.g., 0.25 inches vertical per foot horizontal or 2 centimeters vertical per meter horizontal) and provides a path to the vacuum assist 682. In some examples the drain line 681 may include a flexible tube 686 (e.g., plastic) that provide a direction connection between the vacuum assist 682 and the toilet 1100.
[0403] The vacuum assist 682 may include a pump 604, a drain pipe valve compartment 602, a positive flow passage 608, and a vacuum tank 603. When the vacuum assist 682 is activated, the pump 604 pulls a vacuum from the tank 603 and provides an exhaust flow to the drain pipe valve compartment 602. As described in examples above, a flapper 611 may be pushed closed by the exhaust flow through the positive flow passage 608 to seal the drain pipe valve compartment 602 and create suction through the drain line 681 and evacuate the sump and/or bowl of the toilet 1104.
[0404] This flexible tube 686 connect the outlet of the toilet 1100 to the vacuum assist system 682 to allow the toilet 1100 to be retrofittable onto a drainage network that doesn't have complete access, or perhaps one that has a shower or sink drain inserted between the toilet and the vacuum assist system 682. The waste from the toilet runs through the flexible tubing.
[0405] Downstream of the vacuum assist is a horizontal linking pipe 684 that connects the vacuum assist 682 to the stack vent or main stack 683 of the building or house including the sanitary plumbing system 680.
[0406] FIG. 63 illustrates an example controller 301 for any of the embodiments, and which may be used in any examples herein such as controller 100, for any of the embodiments in FIGS. 1-62. The controller 301 may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a communication interface 353 for interfacing with devices or to the internet and/or other networks 346. In addition to the communication interface 353, a sensor interface may be configured to receive data from the sensors described herein or data from any source. The components of the control system may communicate using bus 348. The control system may be connected to a workstation or another external device (e.g., control panel) and/or a database for receiving user inputs, system characteristics, and any of the values described herein.
[0407] The sensor interface (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 52) is configured to communicate with any of the sensors described herein, including a pressure sensor, an ultrasounds sensor, and a mmwave sensor. The sensor interface may receive measurements or sensor data from the various sensors. The sensor interface is configured to receive sensor data for a pressure in a pressure chamber of the vacuum toilet. The sensor interface is configured to receive sensor data for contents of a toilet bowl of the vacuum toilet. The sensor interface is configured to receive sensor data for the presence of a user at or near the vacuum toilet.
[0408] The sensor interface may condition the sensor data. For example, the sensor interface may sample the sensor data at a predetermined interval. The sensor interface may also send control signals from the controller 301 to the various sensors. The control signal may turn on or activate the sensors. The control signal may calibrate the sensors.
[0409] The memory 352 is configured to store thresholds or ranges for the sensor data. The memory 352 may store a pressure threshold that indicates normal operating conditions of the vacuum toilet. The memory 352 may store a variety of pressure thresholds for triggering various modes of the vacuum toilet. The thresholds may include a cleaning mode threshold, a clog mode threshold, and a failure mode threshold. The memory 352 may store a pressure threshold that indicates the altitude for the vacuum toilet that requires operational adjustments to function at rated levels. The memory 352 may store a pressure range including a high pressure threshold and a low pressure threshold for any of the preceding scenarios.
[0410] The memory 352 may store bowl waste threshold values for the analysis from the mmwave sensor or ultrasound sensor. The threshold may be indicative to the amount of waste detected. In some examples, the memory 352 stores templates for solid wastes of various sizes and liquid waste. The templates can be compares to the detected sensor data.
[0411] The processor 300 is configured to determine a status for the vacuum toilet based on a comparison of the sensor data and at least one threshold. The pressure 300 may determine a specific mode for the vacuum toilet should be started (e.g., cleaning mode threshold, a clog mode threshold, and a failure mode threshold) by comparing the sensor data to the pressure threshold.
[0412] The processor 300 is configured to determine a type of flush or a parameter for the flush based on a comparison the sensor data to at least one threshold. The processor 300 may identify the vacuum chamber is operating at low pressure and adjust the flush cycle accordingly. The processor 300 may identify the type or quantity of waste in the bowl and adjust the flush cycle accordingly. In one example, a half-flush is selected when urine is detected and a full-flush is selected when feces is detected. The adjusted parameter of the flush may include vacuum pump speed, vacuum pump duration, water volume, water duration, or a time delay before one or more of the intervals.
[0413] The processor 300 is configured to identify a leak in the vacuum toilet based on the comparison of the sensor data to at least one threshold. The processor 300 may receive receiving first sensor data for a pressure of a vacuum chamber of the vacuum toilet and second sensor data for a user presence at the vacuum toilet. The processor 300 may identify when no user has been present at the vacuum toilet for a set amount of time (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day, or other values). The processor 300 may monitor the pressure in the vacuum toilet when no user is present. If the pressure fluctuates, this is an indication that a leak may be occurring. Thus, the processor 300 is configured to identify a leak when the sensor data indicates no user is present at the vacuum toilet and the pressure has fluctuates more than a predetermined amount.
[0414] The display 350 or other indicator may be configured to indicate the status of the vacuum toilet. The display 350 may be replace with one or more lights (e.g., LEDs). The display 350 may indicate normal operation of the toilet, a fault detected, or a cleaning is in process. The display 350 may indicate one or more parameters of the flush. The display 350 may monitor water usage such as an average water volume per flush over time.
[0415] The communication interface 353 is configured to send a message for the status of the vacuum toilet. The message may include the flush parameters, the mode of the vacuum toilet, or water usage such as an average water volume per flush over time. The message may be sent to a server via network 346 that monitors multiple vacuum toilets. The message may be sent a user device such as a tablet or phone.
[0416] FIG. 64 illustrates an example flowchart for the controller of FIG. 63. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be used.
[0417] At act S701, an air source is activated. The controller 301 may sends instructions to an electronic valve to open an air passage for the air source. The controller 301 may sends instructions to the air source to start a pump.
[0418] At act S702, a valve associated with the toilet is opened. The valve may open a vacuum chamber. The valve may connect the toilet to the sewage system (or other drainage system).
[0419] At act S703, water is provided to the bowl. The water may be a small amount (e.g., 0.6 or 0.8 liters) sufficient to create a water seal. The water is provided by a water supply jet configured to supply water to the toilet bowl. The controller 301 may sends instructions to an electronic valve to activates and deactivates the water supply get according to the flush cycle.
[0420] FIG. 65 illustrates an example flowchart for a flush cycle 800. The flush cycle 800 may be applied to any of the vacuum toilets described herein. The flush cycle may be modified. Some of the cycle steps C1-9 may be performed simultaneously. Some additional cycle steps may be added. A flush cycle may also be considered a subset of steps C1-9.
[0421] At C1, the flush cycle starts with the bowl having water for the water seal. Then, at C2, the flush is initiated. The flush may be initiated when the user moves a lever, presses a button, or the controller 301 sends an instruction.
[0422] At C3, the bowl is rinsed by rinsing water. C3 may be omitted in some embodiments. At C4, the vacuum is started by turning on the air source. For example, the controller 301 may turn on the air source (e.g., vacuum generator). At some point in time, or pressure level, the vacuum valve opens, at C4. For example, the controller 301 may open the vacuum valve at C5. Shortly after (e.g., 1 second later), the outlet valve is opened at C6. For example, the controller 301 may open the outlet valve.
[0423] After a predetermined delay at C7, which may be measured by a time of the controller 301, the vacuum stops. For example, the controller 301 may turn off the air source and/or close the vacuum valve at C8. Finally, more water is provided to the bowl at C9. For example, the controller 301 may open an electronic valve that supplies water to the bowl. The water may be provided under the force of gravity or from a supply pressure.
[0424] Optionally, the control system may include an input device 355 and/or a sensing circuit 356 in communication with any of the sensors. The sensing circuit receives sensor measurements from sensors as described above. The input device may include any of the user inputs such as buttons, touchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone for voice inputs, a camera for gesture inputs, and/or another mechanism.
[0425] Optionally, the control system may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading non-transitory computer media 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to perform instructions 342 stored in memory 352 for executing the algorithms described herein. A display 350 may be an indicator or other screen output device. The display 350 may be combined with the user input device 355.
[0426] Processor 300 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor 300 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 352 or received from other computer readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk storage, local ROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.). The processor 300 may be a single device or combinations of devices, such as associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.
[0427] Memory 352 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory 352 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may be communicably connected to processor 300 via a processing circuit and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 300) one or more processes described herein. For example, the memory 352 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, shower configuration files, or other resources for use in generating graphical user interfaces for display and/or for use in interpreting user interface inputs to make command, control, or communication decisions.
[0428] In addition to ingress ports and egress ports, the communication interface 353 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface 353 may be connected to a network. The network may include wired networks (e.g., Ethernet), wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network, a Bluetooth pairing of devices, or a Bluetooth mesh network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.
[0429] While the computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is shown to be a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.
[0430] In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. The computer-readable medium may be non-transitory, which includes all tangible computer-readable media.
[0431] In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.
[0432] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
[0433] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[0434] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.
[0435] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention. 
[0436] When a component, device, element, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being “configured to” meet that purpose or to perform that operation or function.
[0437] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
[0438] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
[0439] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
[0440] The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
[0441] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0442] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
[0443] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A vacuum toilet comprising:
a toilet bowl;
a drain pipe valve compartment;
a tank coupled to the toilet bowl; and
a vacuum generator including a high pressure outlet connected to the drain pipe valve compartment and a low pressure outlet connected to the tank.
2. The vacuum toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a vacuum pipe connecting the tank and the toilet bowl.
3. The vacuum toilet of claim 2, wherein the vacuum pipe is angled upward between the toilet bowl and the tank.
4. The vacuum toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a flapper supported by the drain pipe valve compartment and configured to open and close an opening between the drain pipe valve compartment and the tank.
5. The vacuum toilet of claim 4, wherein the vacuum generator provides a positive air flow to the high pressure outlet to apply a force to the flapper in a direction of sealing the drain pipe valve compartment.
6. The vacuum toilet of claim 5, wherein when the flapper seals the drain pipe valve compartment, a negative air pressure is provided from the vacuum generator to the low pressure outlet causes a vacuum in the tank to extract contents from the toilet bowl.
7. The vacuum toilet of claim 6, wherein the vacuum generator stops providing the positive air flow and negative air pressure, the flapper opens the seal of the drain pipe valve compartment and the contents from the bowl fall from the drain pipe valve compartment.
8. The vacuum toilet of claim 7, wherein the contents from the bowl pass through the drain pipe valve compartment to a sanitary path.
9. The vacuum toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a controller configured to provide a control signal to activate the vacuum generator for a predetermine duration.
10. The vacuum toilet of claim 9, further comprising:
a water inlet configured to provide water to the toilet bowl, wherein the control signal from the controller activates a valve for the water inlet.
11. A method of operating a vacuum toilet, the method comprising:
providing a high pressure flow of air from a pump to a high pressure outlet connected to a drain pipe valve compartment;
providing a low pressure vacuum from the pump to a tank coupled to a toilet bowl; and
closing a valve to the tank in response to the high pressure flow of air and the low pressure flow of air.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
activating the pump to provide the high pressure flow of air and the low pressure vacuum.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
deactivating the pump, wherein the valve is opened, at least in part, in response to deactivating the pump.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
opening a rinse water valve to release water to the toilet bowl.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
generating a first control signal for the pump; and
generating a second control signal for the rinse water valve.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second control signal is generated a predetermined time period after the first control signal is generated.
17. A vacuum toilet comprising:
a drain pipe valve compartment; and
a pump including a high pressure outlet connected to the drain pipe valve compartment and a low pressure outlet connected to a tank,
wherein the pump generates a vacuum through the low pressure outlet and pushes air through the high pressure outlet to close an opening between the tank and the drain pipe valve compartment.
18. The vacuum toilet of claim 17, further comprising:
a flapper supported by the drain pipe valve compartment and configured to close the opening between the drain pipe valve compartment and the tank under air pressure.
19. The vacuum toilet of claim 18, wherein when the flapper seals the drain pipe valve compartment, a negative pressure is provided from the vacuum generator to the low pressure outlet causes a vacuum in the tank to flush the vacuum toilet.
20. The vacuum toilet of claim 19, wherein the vacuum generator stops providing the negative pressure, the flapper opens the seal of the drain pipe valve compartment and contents from the bowl fall from the drain pipe valve compartment.