Vacuum toilet assembly

• US 20060288472A1
• Filed: 06/23/2005
• Published: 12/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries LLC (Safran SA)
• Original Assignee: Monogram Systems
• Inventors: Pondelick, Mark
• Granted Patent: US 7,690,053 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 4/431
• CPC Class Codes: E03D 11/08 Bowls with means producing a flushing water swirl
• CPC Class Codes: E03F 1/006 Pneumatic sewage disposal systems; accessories specially adapted therefore

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A vacuum toilet assembly comprising:

a. a bowl comprising a wall defining a rim, a bottom section below the rim, and a main waste-receiving opening;

b. a moveable lid adapted, when closed, to cover the main waste-receiving opening; and

c. means for introducing water into the bowl at or adjacent the rim; and

in which the bowl contains at least one air-inlet opening through the wall at or adjacent the rim to permit air to enter the bowl.

2. A vacuum toilet assembly according to claim 1 in which the bowl contains multiple air-inlet openings through its wall, such air-inlet openings distributed around the rim in a ring.

3. A vacuum toilet assembly according to claim 2 further comprising means for evacuating the bowl so as to flush waste therefrom.

4. A vacuum toilet assembly according to claim 3 in which the multiple air-inlet openings and the water-introduction means are positioned so that air and water entering the bowl mix at points above the bottom section.

5. A vacuum toilet assembly according to claim 4 in which air entering the bowl via the multiple air-inlet openings is subjected to an air-knife effect when the bowl is evacuated.

6. A vacuum toilet assembly according to claim 5 further comprising a shroud and in which the lid comprises means for creating an air-impervious seal against the shroud when the lid is closed.

7. A vacuum toilet assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a shroud and in which the lid comprises means for creating an air-impervious seal against the shroud when the lid is closed.

8. A vacuum toilet assembly according to claim 6 in which the multiple air-inlet openings are below the shroud.

9. A method of removing waste from a toilet bowl comprising:

a. providing a toilet assembly comprising a bowl, a lid, and means for evacuating the bowl;

b. closing the lid; and

c. evacuating the bowl while introducing water into the bowl at or adjacent its rim and air into the bowl via one or more openings in a wall of the bowl at or adjacent its rim, so as to mix entering water and air above a bottom section of the bowl.