초록 ▼

A multi-position (e.g. three way) valve is operatively connected to a combined vacuum/holding tank for a vacuum toilet system, and to a pump capable of pumping both air and sewage. When the valve is in one position air is pulled from the tank through the pump to increase the vacuum level in the tank

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

대표청구항 ▼

1. A vacuum toilet system comprising:at least one vacuum toilet; a combination sewage holding and vacuum tank operatively connected to said vacuum toilet, said tank having a top and a bottom; a pump capable of pumping air and sewage; an air conduit connected to said tank adjacent said top thereof at

1. A vacuum toilet system comprising:at least one vacuum toilet; a combination sewage holding and vacuum tank operatively connected to said vacuum toilet, said tank having a top and a bottom; a pump capable of pumping air and sewage; an air conduit connected to said tank adjacent said top thereof at a first end, and having a second end; a sewage conduit having a bottom end positioned adjacent said tank bottom, and a top end connected to said pump; said air conduit second end operatively connected to said sewage conduit between said top and bottom ends thereof; a valve connected to said air conduit between said air conduit first end and said sewage conduit, said valve having: a first position in which atmospheric air can pass through said valve into said tank through said air conduit first end, but not directly to said pump; and a second position in which air from said tank passes through said air conduit first end directly to said pump and atmospheric air is substantially precluded from entering said air conduit; a vacuum switch for sensing vacuum level in said tank and controlling said pump in response thereto when said valve is in said second position; and a second switch for operating said pump when said valve is in said first position for pumping sewage out of said tank.