IES20060803A2

IES20060803A2 - Flushing system and directional valve

Info

Publication number: IES20060803A2
Application number: IE20060803A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Felix Mary Reilly; Gerard Gibney; Peter Oliver Gibney
Original assignee: Felix Mary Reilly; Gerard Gibney; Peter Oliver Gibney
Priority date: 2006-11-01
Filing date: 2006-11-01
Publication date: 2008-05-14
Also published as: GB0719708D0; GB2443511B; GB2443511A; IE20070730A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a flushing system comprising a cistern (30) connected to an outlet pipe (6) via an outlet closure means; and a pump (7) for pumping fluid connected to the cistern (30); wherein the outlet closure means is in a closed position when the pump (7) is pumping fluid into the cistern (30) thereby permitting the cistern (30) to fill with fluid from the pump (7), such that when the pump (7) is deactivated, the outlet closure means reverts to an open position, permitting the cistern (30) to empty via the outlet pipe (6). <Figure 1>

Description

The present invention relates to a low water-usage toilet system using grey-water typically recycled from hand basins or sinks. The invention also relates to a directional valve and a recycling tank suitable for use with the system. 060803 Background to the Invention v Due to increased health and safety regulations, better quality accommodation is required for outdoor workers to provide improved shelter, a heated environment and proper toilet, washing and eating facilities. A mobile site-cabin to be used for such purposes needs to overcome the practical problems often presented by a lack of on-site services such as septic tanks, water supply and power supply. It is known to have mobile accommodation such as motor homes, caravans or campers.

One solution is the use of chemical toilets. However, chemical toilets are not wholly satisfactory for use with mobile site-cabins or caravans and the like, as these locations may also house working, living, eating or sleeping facilities. There are a number of problems associated with the use of conventional flush toilets in mobile accommodation. The volume and weight of water needed to operate conventional flushing can be prohibitive. There is also a problem associated with the storage and venting of the sewage into a suitable sewer system.

The present invention relates to a low water-usage toilet. Low water-use toilets are particularly useful where water is either scarce or it is desirable to limit the amount of water required for flushing toilets, for example, in mobile site-cabins, caravans, camper vans, trains and the like. In such situations, it is often necessary for the toilet systems to be completely self contained, as there may be no access to services such as such as septic tanks, water supply and power supply.

Several solutions are known to over come this problem, and rely on using low water-usage toilet systems. Moreover, increased awareness of the need to conserve water usage and limit the environmental impact of large volumes of sewage water has created further requirements for low water-use toilets and toilet systems. One example of a low water-usage toilet system is that utilizing a vacuum pump, as used on passenger aircraft. However, these systems are costly and require a large amount of energy to operate effectively.

US 6823538 discloses one example of a low water-usage toilet system. The concept of using grey-water, or water that has been recycled from wastewater, for the flushing of toilets is 060803 known and is shown, for example, in US 3,594,835. It is also known to recycle liquid waste toilet water: see for example US 5,711,038.

One of the drawbacks of these systems is that the water may rest in the cistern for long periods of time. This can have several drawbacks, depending on the source of the greywater, such as stagnation, odours, and corrosion of the cistern, amongst others. Some of these drawbacks can be particularly serious where the cistern is in a location that is not easily accessible for routine cleaning. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a system whereby the cistern did not carry water unless the toilet was about to flush.

Moreover, most domestic toilet systems use between 6 and 10 litres of water and on average about 7 litres of water dumped via gravity to flush the toilet: the large volume of water creates sufficient momentum for the water to generate a strong flushing force. A conventional toilet using a 7-litre flush typically is provided with an S bend leading from the toilet to the sewage pipe. The S bend provides a water seal in the toilet to prevent gaseous odours coming back through the pipes. The volume of the water used washes the sides of the toilet bowl and also creates momentum to push material through the S bend. However, if water is scarce, or, where grey-water is being used, if insufficient grey-water has been generated, it may be difficult to generate the necessary volume of water to fill the cistern. In some cases, there may be insufficient water to reach the minimum volume required for a flush. In these cases, it is not even possible to use a weak flush when there is less than a certain minimum volume of water. To overcome this problem, some grey-water toilet systems use a smaller cistern, but these systems often have quite weak flushes, due to the diminished volume of water. One solution to over come a weak flush is to provide an electrical pump to pump the water directly from the cistern into the toilet, but the generation of sufficient power to effect a strong flush requires an extremely powerful pump, requiring large amounts of energy.

An alternative solution currently available is a particular version of what is termed a dumpthru toilet. One such example is the SeaLand,M 500 Plus Series and 2000 series of gravity discharge toilets. These types of toilet have a valve at the bottom of the toilet bowl that may be opened and closed by a foot pedal. This dump-thru toilet is equipped as standard with a flush that is operated in a two-step process after use; the first step requires lifting the foot pedal, which activates the pump and partially fills the toilet bowl with water, the second step involves depressing the foot pedal to open the dump-thru hatch at the base of the bowl and so permit the contents to exit. In use, a small amount of water remains in the bowl.

However, the small pump provided by the manufacturer that pumps the water directly into the toilet bowl is insufficient to build up enough volume to give a strong flush and clean the toilet bowl properly. Another disadvantage is that if the pedal is continually compressed, water can run straight through the toilet bowl, wasting water. When the pedal is released, a small amount of water remains in the bowl. This means that the bowl can dirty during use. One proposed solution to this drawback is to press the pedal upwards, and in doing so, pump 060803 more water into the bowl to keep it clean. The disadvantage of this, however, is that more water is used than is actually required.

Summary of the Invention In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a low-water usage toilet system comprising a toilet with a flushing mechanism, the toilet being connected to a cistern, the cistern being in turn connected to a water source by means of a pump, characterised in that the cistern comprises a vertical pipe that may be filled to a predetermined level by means of the pump and activation of the flushing mechanism empties the entire contents of the cistern into the toilet.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a flushing system, (suitable for a toilet) comprising a cistern connected to an outlet pipe via an outlet closure means; and a pump for pumping fluid connected to the cistern; wherein the outlet closure means is in a closed position when the pump is pumping fluid into the cistern thereby permitting the cistern to fill with fluid from the pump, (the outlet closure means thereby preventing the cistern from emptying) such that when the pump is deactivated, the outlet closure means reverts to an open position, permitting the cistern to empty via the outlet pipe. The cistern may fully empty by this means. The outlet closure means may automatically close when the pump is deactivated. The automatic closure may occur by means of liquid pressure, for example, on a valve. The pump may be connected to the cistern by means of an inlet closure means. When the outlet closure means reverts to an open position, the inlet closure means may (thereby) revert to a closed position. This could be automatic, for example, by means of change in liquid pressure.

The invention also provides for a cistern, suitable for use with a low water-use toilet system, comprising a substantially elongate member, its greatest dimension being longitudinal, and the longitudinal axis being disposed substantially vertical with respect to gravity. One aspect of the invention demonstrates that a vertical cistern such as this provides greater momentum of flush for the same volume of liquid than a standard horizontal tank. The cistern may comprise a pipe or tube or cylindrical elongate member.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the longitudinal dimension of the cistern to the greatest lateral dimension of the cistern (e.g., ratio of the length to the diameter if a cylindrical pipe is being used) is at least about 10:1. In some embodiments, the ratio is no more than about 100:1. In some embodiments, the ratio is between about 10:1 and about 100:1. In some embodiments, the ratio may be between about 25:2 to about 50:1. In some embodiments, the ratio may be about 25:1. The cistern may be 40mm in diameter and lm in length. In such an embodiment, the cistern holds approximately IL of liquid, (for example, water). Naturally, where ratios and/or suggested dimensions of the cistern are discussed, it is understood that the longitudinal dimension is measured up to the (desired) maximum fill point of the column height in liquid. In some embodiments, the maximum fill point is 060803 adjustable. This may be by means of adjusting the position of a fill switch located within the cistern.

In some embodiments, the toilet bowl used is one of the group consisting of the SeaLand™ 500 Plus Series, SeaLand™ 2000 Series and Sea Land™ Model 111. It has been found that these bowls, and bowls of a similar dimension (about 290mm to about 330mm high, and about 480mm to about 510mm long, or about 308mm high and about 495mm long) can be kept clean during use by retention of approximately IL in the bowl.

In some embodiments of the invention, the increased momentum of the liquid provides an improved washing effect to the bowl. By building up the volume (e.g., 1 litre) of liquid (e.g., water) in the vertical cistern and releasing it all at once, an increased momentum and strength of flush is provided over the known systems that pump water slowly into the toilet.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the water level in the bottom of the toilet bowl is generally kept at substantially the same volume before each use. This prevents the toilet bowl from becoming dirty during use. When the foot pedal is pressed it opens the valve and dumps the material down into the sewerage tank. The pressing of the foot pedal operates the switch on the rotating shaft of the foot pedal. This triggers the pump to start working, the valve then closes and it takes a period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) for clean water to be released from the cistern into the toilet bowl to clean the sides of the bowl. This water then sits in the bottom of the toilet ready for the next time the toilet is in use. In some embodiments, the amount of liquid that sits in the bottom of the bowl may be substantially equal to the amount of liquid discharged by the cistern. Alternative embodiments may adjust the timing between the dump-thru action (the closing of the trapdoor) and the filling of the cistern so as to allow some or all of the liquid from the cistern to empty through the trapdoor thereby flushing the contents directly.

The system of the invention may also comprise a fill switch (or fill sensor) to identify when the cistern is filled to a predetermined amount. Activation of the fill switch may deactivate the pump. The fill switch may be located inside the cistern or outside the cistern. The fill switch may be activated when a predetermined volume of fluid passes over it or though it. In some embodiments, when the pedal of the toilet is pressed a limit switch is activated which activates the pump (for example, via a relay switch). The pump may then run continuously until deactivated by a second limit switch. In some embodiments, the pump may continue to operate independent of whether or not the toilet pedal is further activated. This allows the toilet flushing to be 'pre-set' and therefore would not require the user to exercise judgement in the timing of the filling of the cistern. In some embodiments, a second limit switch may be located inside the cistern. Ideally, this second limit switch may be located towards the top of the cistern. The fill switch may comprise the second limit switch may comprise a float movable within a housing as the liquid level of the cistern changes. When the float is pushed up to or beyond a certain point, the limit switch may be activated, deactivating the pump and thereby re-setting the system ready for the first limit switch to activate the pump again. 060803 The pump may be connected to the cistern via an inlet closure means. One or both of the outlet closure means and the inlet closure means may be a valve, which may be a directional valve. The outlet closure means and inlet closure means may be different aspects of the same valve. The invention also relates to a valve, The valve comprises a body, the body comprising: (i) an inlet port, the inlet port being closable by an inlet port seal; and (ii) an outlet port, the outlet port being closable by an outlet port seal; and (iii) an intermediate port communicable with both the inlet port and the outlet port; such that when the inlet port is open, the inlet port and intermediate port are in fluid communication; and when the outlet port is open, the outlet port and intermediate port are in fluid communication; and wherein only one of the inlet port and outlet port may be open at one time.

The inlet port seal and outlet port seal may move between their respective open and closed positions in concert. The may occur by their being fixedly connected to each other, for example, by means of a support member. The inlet port seal may be biased (be a biasing means) so as to favour a closed position over the inlet port. The biasing means may be a spring. In some embodiments, pressure from fluid entering the body through the inlet port may cause the inlet port seal to open.

The inlet port seal and outlet port seal may comprise (annular) sealing members capable of covering the inlet port and outlet port respectively (completely so as to block the passage of fluid to the respective port). The sealing members may be fixedly located with respect to each other by a support member and movable relative to the valve. The support member may comprise an elongate member. The inlet port seal may further comprise an inlet seal housing. The inlet port housing may comprise at least one inlet flow aperture to permit liquid to flow from the inlet port into the main body of the directional valve and so through the intermediate port. The inlet port housing may be adapted to permit the inlet seal be slidably movable within the inlet port housing from a position so as to permit the inlet port to be in fluid communication with the at least one flow aperture to a position between the inlet port and the at least one flow aperture, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inlet port and the at least one flow aperture. The inlet seal housing may be in the form of a substantially cylindrical member fixed to the inlet port. The inlet port housing may comprise one or more retaining members to retain the seal inside the inlet seal housing, and may further comprise a biasing member adapted to reversibly urge the inlet port seal between the at least one flow aperture and the inlet port.

In some embodiments, the pump is connected to a grey water source. Also, the pump may be supplied water via a recycling tank. The invention also relates to a recycling tank, suitable for recycling wastewater into grey-water suitable for flushing a toilet, comprising a tank suitable for storing water therein; and at least one (a first) weir located in the tank and °60803 positioned so as to create at least a receiving compartment and a release compartment, wherein a wastewater supply pipe is provided to convey wastewater into the receiving compartment and a grey-water supply pipe is provided to convey grey-water from the release compartment out of the tank, such that the weir allows the first compartment to fill to a predetermined level above which excess grey-water is decanted over the weir into the adjacent compartment, thereby retaining particulate matter in the receiving compartment. Filters and/or screens may be provided on the weirs or partitions or connection points of the pipes in and out of the tank.

The receiving compartment may comprises an internal (rotatable) chamber, the internal chamber being suitable for retaining water therein, characterised in that the internal chamber may be movably mounted within the recycling tank so as to permit any liquid contained within the internal chamber to be emptied into the release compartment. The internal chamber may be rotatably mounted so as to permit it to be tilted within the recycling tank and so emptied. The internal tank may also be removable from the internal tank. In some embodiments, one or both of the recycling tank and internal chamber may be provided with a sloped base so as to encourage particulate matter to fall into the base of the slope. The base of the slope may be provided with a drain-pipe.

At least one of the walls of the internal chamber can act as a (second) weir so as to allow the internal chamber to fill to a predetermined level above which excess grey-water is decanted over the weir into the recycling tank, thereby retaining particulate matter in the internal chamber.

The internal chamber tank may be provided with at least one partition that can act as a (third) weir, so dividing the internal chamber into at least two adjacent sections, the first section being the receiving compartment, the weir being so positioned so as to allow the first section to fill to a predetermined level above which excess grey-water is decanted over the weir into the recycling tank, the internal chamber thereby retaining particulate matter in the receiving compartment.

In some embodiments, the first partition or weir is higher than the second partition or weir.

In some embodiments of the invention, the water used is grey-water. Such embodiments permit the toilet system of the invention to be used in areas or situations where water is either scarce it is desirable to limit the amount of water required for flushing toilets, for example, in mobile site units, caravans, camper vans, trains and the like.

The grey-water may originate from wastewater drains, such as those of sinks, baths, shower, dishwashers, washing machines, or even rainwater collectors. In some embodiments of the invention, a recycling tank may be connected to one or more wastewater conduits to receive the wastewater. The recycling tank may comprise a first compartment and a second compartment divided by a partition, wherein the wastewater may flow into the first 060803 compartment such that the overflow over the partition flows into the second compartment.

In this way, heavy particles and grit settle to the bottom of the first compartment, and are trapped in the first compartment. In some embodiments, the recycling tank may comprise one or more additional compartments and partitions, and/or may comprise filters or grills. For example, the recycling tank may comprise a second partition to complement the first partition, thus creating a first, second and third compartment, with the various outlets emanating from the third compartment. A second drain-pipe to complement the first drainpipe may also be provided in the second compartment.

In some embodiments, at least the one compartment may be provided in internal chamber, located in the recycling tank, and capable of rotating within the tank so as to discharge all of the contents of the compartment into the recycling tank.

In some embodiments, the toilet is mounted on a holding tank. The holding tank may be suitable for receiving solid waste from the toilet. The solid and/or liquid waste may be initially removed from the toilet (for example, into a holding tank if present) via a dumpthrough hatch.

The toilet system of the invention may comprise a flushing means. The flush comprises a first and a second flushing phase. In some embodiments, waste entering the bowl falls into the defined volume of liquid determined by the operation in concert of the volume of the cistern and the timing of the dump-thru trapdoor. Pressing the flush 'dumps-thru' the liquid with waste into the sewage tank. Following this, the cistern empties a new volume of liquid into the bowl (the dump thru hatch now being closed). This new liquid washes the bowl. In some embodiments, this liquid will then sit in the bottom of the bowl until the toilet flushes again. Advantageously, the invention provides a vertical cistern. This allows a small volume of water, (for example, 1 litre) to gain sufficient momentum when the cistern is fully emptied so as to provide a strong flushing and/or washing action. The advantage of the two-phase flush is that during the first phase, the cistern has time to fill: for example, in one embodiment comprising a cistern of about 40mm x about lm, the cistern can fill 1 litre within 10 seconds. Thus, in some embodiments, while the trapdoor is open, the waste will exit without requiring extra flushing liquid. The second flushing phase of the flushing then opens the cistern to permit the entire contents of the cistern to empty into the toilet bowl, thereby providing a strong washing action and providing liquid in the bowl ready for the next user (unless the system is arranged so as to provide for combined flushing and filling of the bowl or complete flushing without bowl filling).

In some embodiments of the invention, the first flushing phase and the second flushing phase are operable independently of each other. For example, the first flushing phase may be operable by a first flushing means, (such as a pedal, lever, chain or button), and the wet flush may be operable by a separate second flushing means. Alternatively, the first flushing phase and second flushing phase may be operable by the same flushing means, either by sequential operation of the flushing means, or by a single activation of the flushing means. 060803 For example, if the flush means is a lever, moving the lever in one direction may activate the first flushing phase, and returning the lever to the starting position may activate the second flushing phase.

The second flushing phase may be engaged by opening the cistern valve to the toilet, or by activating a limit switch so as to start the pump pumping water into the cistern. In some embodiments, the water pumped into the cistern is form the recycling tank. This water may be grey-water (recycled wastewater).

The cistern comprises a vertical pipe. The cistern may comprise a T-connection linking the cistern to the toilet/water-supply pipe running from the water supply (e.g., the recycling tank) to the toilet. In such embodiments, the T-connection comprises a directional valve such that when the pump is operated the water pressure entering the cistern closes the entrance of the toilet/water-supply pipe leading to the toilet. This allows the water to rise in the vertical cistern. The directional valve may be spring loaded, for example.

In some embodiments, the level of water permitted to enter the cistern can be preset, such that when a predetermined volume of water has entered the cistern, a fill-detecting means de-activates the pump. The fill-detecting means may comprise a limit-switch located at a certain height in the cistern that when activated, deactivates the pump. The fill-detection means may further cause the directional valve to switch so as to permit the cistern to empty into the toilet. One mechanism by which this may occur is where the limit switch deactivates the pump and the resultant drop in water pressure from the pump causes the directional valve to close the flow of water from the pump, thereby opening the outlet to the toilet. A spring loaded directional valve is suitable for this mechanism.

A further advantage provided by the toilet system of the present invention is that the vertical cistern also provides a time delay on the flush while it is filling (typically about 10 seconds for a fill-volume of about 1 litre in a cistern of about 40 mm diameter x about 1 m length). This permits the first flushing phase to be completed before the second flushing phase operates should the system so require.

The toilet system of the invention may further comprise provided a lever valve to empty the first compartment. This permits heavy particles to be cleaned out of the first compartment when required. The system may also be provided with a ball valve (ideally at a low level in the recycling tank). This ball valve may be connected to the mains, or clear water supply. This permits a constant supply of water for flushing if there is not enough grey-water at the time from wastewater.

An alternative arrangement also covered by the invention sees the recycling tank located higher up than the cistern and feeding directly into the cistern by gravity, without the need for a pump. The fill mechanism of the cistern is controlled by the flush mechanism as before, in that a dry flush occurs while the recycling tank fill the cistern, after which the port from 060803 the recycling tank is closed and the port from the cistern to the toilet opens. This arrangement is particularly suitable for use with recycled rainwater.

The present invention can therefore provide a flushing system that overcomes at least one of the above drawbacks of the existing systems. In some aspects, the invention provides a flushing system that permits a low flush volume to be flushed with a high degree of force.

The invention also provides a flushing system that can use grey-water and/or piped water. The invention also provides a directional valve. The valve may be suitable for use with other aspects of the invention. The invention also provides a recycling tank suitable for recycling waste-water into grey-water.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a view of one embodiment of the toilet system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cut away view of the directional valve when the pump is switched on.

Figure 3 is a cut away view of the directional valve when the pump is switched off.

Figure 4a is a plan view of a recycling tank of the invention.

Figure 4b is a cut-away view of the recycling tank of figure 4a.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described Figure 1 shows a toilet system whose main features are a toilet 1, a vertical cistern 30 for holding water prior to flushing, a pump 7 for filling the cistern 30 and a recycling tank 10 for receiving wastewater. These features are connected together via a series of pipes, and comprise additional advantageous valves, connections and failsafe mechanisms.

In greater detail, the toilet 1 comprises a toilet bowl 2 mounted on a mounting block 3. The mounting block essentially comprises an inner pipe leading directly to a sewage tank 4. A foot pedal 5 is attached to the toilet 1 for flushing.

Water from the cistern 30 reaches the toilet 1 via a directional valve 40 and an outlet pipe 6. The cistern 30 is in turn filled via an inlet fill-pipe 31, which conveys water from the pump 7. The pump 7 pumps water out of the recycling tank 10 via a grey-water output pipe 17.

With reference to figures 4a and 4b, in addition to figure 1, the recycling tank 10 essentially takes the form of a water-proof container further comprising an interior, rotatable chamber comprising a first compartment 11 and a second compartment 12, as well as a third compartment 13 defined as the remainder of the interior of the recycling tank 10. The interior rotatable chamber 23 (drum) is provided with a first partition 14 to divide the 060803 chamber into the first compartment 11 and second compartment 12. The wall 15 of the interior rotatable chamber 23 acts as the second partition. The partitions 14, 15 are high enough so as to provide the second 12 and third compartments 13 with a sufficient volume for holding grey-water but low enough to ensure that sufficient grey-water is able to spill over the top of the partitions 14, 15 from the first compartment 11, through the second compartment 12 and into the third compartment 13. In some embodiments, the top part of the partitions may be provided with a grill or filter up to close to the lid of the recycling tank 10 so as to filter the grey-water flowing over the partitions 14, 15. Other embodiments may comprise only 1 partition, or even none, while further embodiments may comprise more than two partitions. Other embodiments may not feature a rotatable inner chamber, and may simply take the form of a waterproof box with one or more partitions. In other embodiments, the inner chamber may not be rotatable. For example, the inner chamber could be removable and/or could be provided with slots or hatches or pipes to open into the main tank 10. The inner rotatable chamber 23 is also provided with a sifting partition 25, set diagonally across the second compartment. The sifting partition 25 is provided to prevent (limit) floating particles from being decanted across the weir. The sifting partition 25 may be positioned below the water level (for example, about 30mm below the water level), (measured against the height of the weir). The sifting partition 25 may be positioned above the water level (for example, about 30mm above the water level), (measured against the height of the weir). In some embodiments, the sifting partition may be located both above and below the water level (for example, about 30mm above and about 30mm below the water level). In such a configuration, the water from the very top of the tank is prevented from passing over the weir without passing under the sifting partition 25 first. The sifting partition 25 need not be angled to function, although it has been found that some embodiments are easier to manufacture with an angled sifting partition 25.

The first compartment is provided with a wastewater supply pipe 16 located close to the top of the recycling tank 10 to receive wastewater from one or more sources, such as rainwater, recycled toilet water or drains from sinks, baths or showers.

The third compartment comprises a drain-pipe 19 which is operable via a lever valve 22. When the lever valve 22 is opened the dirt particles from the third compartment flow through the drain-pipe 19 into the sewerage tank below. A rotating lever (or strap) 24 is provided to rotate the interior rotatable chamber 23 up to 180°, which empties the dirt particles contained in the first and second compartments 11, 12 through the top of the first and second compartments 11, 12 into the third compartment 13, (which is also the base of the tank 10). The dirty liquid can then flow through the drain-pipe 19 at the bottom of tank 10 into the sewerage tank. The interior rotatable chamber 23 is then rotated back into position and the lever valve 22 is closed. The tank 10 is now ready for use again. The interior rotatable chamber 23 rotates about rotatable bolts 27 fixedly attached (in a waterproof manner) to either side of the interior rotatable chamber 23. One rotatable bolt 27 is attached in a water-proof manner o the wall of the tank 10, while another rotatable bolt 27 is attached 060803 to a support wall 26 within the tank 10. The support wall 26 does not extend all the way to the base of the tank 10. However, in other embodiments, the support wall 26 acts as a partition/weir and extends down to the base of the tank 10, thereby splitting he tank 10 into two discreet and separate compartments.

In some embodiments, such as those that do not comprise a rotatable wastewater compartment, the first compartment 11 may also be provided with a drain-pipe 19 located at a low level. The drain-pipe 19 permits the user to empty the first compartment 11 for maintenance or cleaning. Such a drain-pipe 19 may be opened or closed via an externally placed lever valve. A similar drainpipe may be provided in each of the compartments. Also, each partitions may have a reversible sluice located at the bottom of the partition, operable from the top of the partition or even externally, so that the compartments can be in fluid communication, which may be useful during cleaning, maintenance or, for example, when water supplies are extremely low. In use, the contents of the rotatable inner chamber 23 can be emptied into the base of the tank 10 which in turn can then drained by opening the lever valve 22. Dirty particles that have settled in the rotatable inner chamber 23 or the tank 10 will then flow out of the tank 10 through the drain pipe 19.

The third compartment 13 is provided with the grey-water output pipe 17, situated at a suitably at a low level, as previously described. The third compartment 13 is also provided with an overflow-pipe 18 located at a high level. The overflow-pipe 18 joins with the drainpipe 19 (downstream of the lever valve 22) to lead directly to the mounting block 3. In use, this permits the overflow pipe 18 to run directly into the mounting block 3 and thereby into the sewer mains in the event that an excess of water if fed into the recycling tank 10.

Drain-pipe 19 also comprises a vent pipe 29. Vent pipe 29 is open-ended and may be in communication with the outdoors (the open end preferably being situated away from frequently used locations, such as away from doors and windows). Vent pipe 29 permits gas and vapours building up in the sewage tank to escape.

The recycling tank 10 is also fitted with a clean-water supply pipe 20 located at a median height level of the third compartment 13. The clean water supply pipe 20 is fitted with a standard ball-cock valve 21 so that if the water level of the third compartment 13 falls below the required volume of water suitable for flushing, clean water (for example, from the mains or from the domestic water supply) can be used for flushing. The recycling tank may also comprises an attachment fixing, for attaching the tank 10 to a wall or other suitable attachment point. The tank may also comprise an external housing in the form of a slot 28 through which the rotating strap 24 can pass through. Rotating strap 24 may comprise a plastic strap fixed to the bottom of the inner rotatable chamber 23. The inner rotatable chamber 23 may be rotated by pulling the strap 24 through the slot 28. This strap can be accessed through a small service hatch (not shown) at the side of the tank 10. The strap may comprise a knob or other useful gripping means to enable the user to easily drive the rotation.

I 060803 In some embodiments, a grill or filter (not shown) is provided around the portion ofthe first compartment 11 that is provided with the wastewater supply pipe 16, clean water supply pipe 20 and drain pipe 19. This grill or filter has the effect therefore of isolating the portion of water that receives the water entering the recycling tank 10 from the rest of the recycling tank 10. This decreases the amount of contamination into the second compartment 12 and third compartment 13 by heavy particles and sediment disturbed by the flow ofthe incoming water. Further embodiments ofthe invention can be provided with a grill or filter over the entrance of the grey-water-output pipe 17. This can be advantageous in embodiments such as the present one where the directional valve 40 (see below) is of such a design so as to be at risk from blockage from large particles that may be present if wastewater is used from kitchen sinks or if unfiltered rainwater is used, which may contain debris or leaves.

In use, wastewater flows into the first compartment 11 of the recycling tank 10 and fills up the first compartment up to the level ofthe first partition 14. Heavy particles or sediment fall to the bottom of the first compartment 11. The grey-water thus spills over the first partition 14 (or weir) into the second compartment 12. The process repeats itself with the third compartment 13, filling by water spilling over the second partition 15. Wastewater will fill the recycling tank 10 up to the level ofthe overflow pipe 18, after which point, the excess wastewater flows into the mounting block 3. The use ofthe clean water supply pipe 20 ensures that there is always enough water in the third compartment 13 for flushing.

When the foot pedal 5 is depressed, a sluice (not shown) opens in the base of the toilet bowl 2 to permit solid and liquid waste in the toilet bowl 2 to drop through the mounting block 3 into the sewage tank 4. When the foot pedal 5 is raised, this action activates the pump 7. In some embodiments, the foot pedal or flushing means is spring loaded or otherwise biased so that the raising (or second movement) of the flushing means happens automatically after the user has released the initial pressure on the flushing means. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in the figures, the second phase flush must be activated by physically raising the flushing means after the initial activation. In other embodiments, the separate flushing actions may be activated separately; this can be advantageous where water is particularly scarce and liquid waste may be disposed of without using flushing water.

Raising the foot pedal 5 activates a limit switch located on the rotary shaft ofthe foot pedal (not shown) that starts the pump 7. The pump 7 then pumps grey-water from the third compartment 13 through the grey-water output pipe 17 via the inlet fill pipe 31 into the directional valve 40. The directional valve will now be described with reference to figures 5-8.

The directional valve comprises an outer body 41, with three openings or ports: an inlet port 42 for receiving the inlet fill pipe 31, an intermediate port 44 for connecting to the cistern 30 and an outlet port 43 for connecting to the outlet pipe 6 leading to the toilet 1. The inlet port 42 is closable by means of an inlet port seal 45, and the outlet port 43 is closable by an outlet port seal 46. The inlet port seal 45 and outlet port seal 46 comprise (annular) sealing members capable of covering the inlet port 42 and outlet port 43 respectively completely so 060803 as to block the passage of fluid. The sealing members are fixedly located with respect to each other by a support member and movable relative to the valve. The inlet port seal 45 and outlet port seal 46 are fixedly connected to each other. This fixed connection is by means of a support member. The support member comprises a support rod 47. The support rod 47 is attached at the centre of the circular shaped inlet seal 45 and passes through the centre of the circular shaped outlet seal 46, being held in place therein by conventional means such as a nut or the like. The support member may further comprise a terminal support member. The terminal support member in this embodiment takes the form of a circular piece 48 designed to fit snugly into the outlet aperture 50 connected to the outlet pipe 6. The circular piece is designed with at least one outlet flow aperture 49 to permit passage of the liquid (water) through the outlet aperture 50.

An inlet aperture 51 is located at the inlet port 42 to permit tight fitting of an inlet seal housing provided to provide a housing for the inlet port seal 45. The inlet seal housing in the present embodiment is in the form of a substantially cylindrical member 52. The cylindrical member 52 is fixed into the inlet aperture 51 at one end and, and at the other end comprises retaining members to retain the seal inside the inlet seal housing (in the form of lip 53 at the end of the cylinder) and an exit aperture 54 of sufficient size to permit the support rod 47 to slidably move in and out of the cylindrical member 52. A biasing member, in the form of a spring 55, is provided to urge the inlet port seal 45 closed over the inlet port 42. The spring 55 is located around the support rod 47 and between the inlet port seal 45 and the inside of the lip 53. The inlet port seal 45 prevents liquid (water) from exiting the inlet seal housing (cylindrical member 52) via the exit aperture 54.

The inlet seal housing (cylindrical member 52) comprises at least one inlet flow aperture 56 to permit liquid to flow from the inlet port 42 into the main body 41 of the directional valve 40 and so through the intermediate port 43.

The inlet port seal 45 and outlet port seal 46 are spaced apart at such a distance with respect to the positioning of the inlet flow aperture 56 that when the inlet port seal 45 is located between the inlet port 42 and the inlet flow aperture 56, (the inlet port 42 being thus closed), the outlet port seal 46 is not sealably engaged with the outlet port 44, and thus outlet port 44 thus remains open. Equally, when the inlet port seal 45 is located so as to permit the inlet port 42 and the inlet flow aperture 56 to be in liquid communication, (the inlet port 42 being thus open), the outlet port seal 46 is sealably engaged with the outlet port 44, and thus outlet port 44 thus is closed.

As the intermediate port 43 is in constant fluid communication with the body 41 of the valve 40, the cistern 30 can be filled by the pump 7. The pressure of liquid (water) from the pump 7 presses against the biasing member (spring 55) so as to open the inlet port 42, permitting the cistern to fill while the outlet port 44 is closed. When the pump 7 is deactivated (for example, by means of a fill switch 32 located in the cistern 30, the liquid pressure drops in the inlet seal housing, allowing the biasing member to close the inlet port 42 and thereby 060803 open the outlet port 44. The fill switch 32 can be, for example, controlled by a ballcock or other flotation device.

The vertical cistern permits the flush volume to be preset (for example, at 1 litre). In one embodiment, the pipe is 40 mm in diameter, and at least lm long, which provides approximately 1 litre of water. In some embodiments, this has been found to be the preferred volume of water to operate the toilet with. An excessively narrow cistern can fail to provide a strong enough flush, as well as providing too small a volume of water. If the cistern is too long, excess water may be used without providing a significant advantage.

In the present embodiment, the majority of the fittings and pipes are circular or annular in cross section; however, it will be apparent that this is not essential.

The words comprises/comprising and the words having/including when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Claims

1. A flushing system, comprising a cistern (30) connected to an outlet pipe (6) via an outlet closure means; and a pump (7) for pumping fluid connected to the cistern (30); wherein the outlet closure means is in a closed position when the pump (7) is pumping fluid into the cistern (30) thereby permitting the cistern (30) to fill with fluid from the pump (7), such that when the pump (7) is deactivated, the outlet closure means reverts to an open position, permitting the cistern (30) to empty via the outlet pipe (6).

2. A flushing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cistern (30) comprises a substantially elongate member, its greatest dimension being longitudinal, and the longitudinal axis is disposed substantially vertical with respect to gravity.

3. A flushing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the pump (7) is connected to the cistern (30) via an inlet closure means.

4. A flushing system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the inlet closure means is a valve.

5. A flushing system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the valve is a directional valve (40).

6. A flushing system as claims in claim 5, wherein the directional valve (40) comprises a body (41), the body (41) comprising: (i) an inlet port (42), the inlet port (42) being closable by an inlet port seal (45) ; and (ii) an outlet port (44), the outlet port (44) being closable by an outlet port seal (46) ; and (iii) an intermediate port (43) communicable with both the inlet port (42) and the outlet port (44); such that when the inlet port (42) is open, the inlet port (42) and intermediate port (43) are in fluid communication; and when the outlet port (44) is open, the outlet port (44) and intermediate port (43) are in fluid communication; and wherein only one of the inlet port (42) and outlet port (44) may be open at one time.

7. A flushing system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the inlet port seal (45) and outlet port seal (46) move between their respective open and closed positions in concert.

8. A flushing system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the inlet port seal (45) is fixedly connected to the outlet port seal (46).

9. A flushing system as claimed in any one of claims 6-8 wherein the inlet port seal (45) is spring biased so as to favour a closed position over the inlet port (42). 060803

10. A flushing system as claimed in any one of the claims 6-9 wherein pressure from fluid entering the body (41) through the inlet port (42) causes the inlet port seal (46) to open.

11. A flushing system as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a fill switch (32) to identify when the cistern (30) is filled to a predetermined amount.

12. A flushing system as claimed in claim 11 wherein activation of the fill switch (32) deactivates the pump (7).

13. A flushing system as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the fill switch (32) is located inside the cistern (30).

14. A flushing system as claimed in any one of claims 11-13 wherein the fill switch (32) is located outside the cistern (30).

15. A flushing system as claimed in any one of claims 11-14 wherein the fill switch (32) is activated when a predetermined volume of fluid passes over it or though it.

16. A flushing system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pump (7) is connected to a grey water source.

17. A flushing system as claimed in any one of claims 1-16 wherein the pump (7) is supplied water via a recycling tank (10).

18. A flushing system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the recycling tank (10) comprises a tank (10) suitable for storing water therein; and at least one weir located in the tank (10) and positioned so as to create at least a receiving compartment (11) and a release compartment (13), wherein a wastewater supply pipe (16) is provided to convey wastewater into the receiving compartment (11) and a grey-water supply pipe (17) is provided to convey grey-water from the release compartment (13) out of the recycling tank (10), such that the weir allows the receiving compartment (11) to fill to a predetermined level above which excess grey-water is decanted over the weir into the adjacent compartment, thereby retaining particulate matter in the receiving compartment (11).

19. A recycling tank (10), suitable for recycling wastewater into grey-water suitable for flushing a toilet (1), comprising a tank (10) suitable for storing water therein; and at least one weir located in the tank (10) and positioned so as to create at least a receiving compartment (11) and a release compartment (13), wherein a wastewater supply pipe (16) is provided to convey wastewater into the receiving compartment (11) and a grey-water supply pipe (17) is provided to convey grey-water from the release compartment (13) out of the tank (10), such that the weir allows the receiving compartment (11) to fill to a predetermined level above which excess grey-water is decanted over the weir into the adjacent compartment, thereby retaining particulate matter in the receiving compartment (11). 060803

20. A recycling tank (10) as claimed in claim 20 or flushing system of claim 19 wherein the receiving compartment (11) comprises a internal chamber (23), the internal chamber (23) being suitable for retaining water therein, characterised in that the internal chamber (23) is movably mounted within the recycling tank (10) so as to permit any liquid contained within the internal chamber (23) to be emptied into the release compartment (12).

21. A recycling tank (10) or flushing system as claimed in claim 20 wherein at least one of the walls (15) of the internal chamber (23) can act as a weir so as to allow the internal chamber (23) to fill to a predetermined level above which excess grey-water is decanted over the weir into the recycling tank (10), the internal chamber (23) thereby retaining particulate matter within it.

22. A recycling tank (10) or flushing system as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the internal chamber (23) is provided with at least one partition (14) that can act as a weir, so dividing the internal chamber (23) into at least two adjacent sections, the first section being the receiving compartment (11), the weir being so positioned so as to allow the first section to fill to a predetermined level above which excess grey-water is decanted over the weir into the second section (12), thereby retaining particulate matter in the receiving compartment (11).

23. A valve, comprising a body (41), the body comprising: (i) an inlet port (42), the inlet port (42) being closable by an inlet port seal (45) ; and (ii) an outlet port (44), the outlet port (44) being dosable by an outlet port seal (46) ; and (iii) an intermediate port (43) communicable with both the inlet port (42) and the outlet port (44) ; such that when the inlet port (42) is open, the inlet port (42) and intermediate port (43) are in fluid communication; and when the outlet port (44) is open, the outlet port (44) and intermediate port (43) are in fluid communication; and wherein only one of the inlet port (42) and outlet port (44) may be open at one time,

24. A valve as claimed in claim 23 wherein the inlet port seal (45) and outlet port seal (46) move between their respective open and closed positions in concert.

25. A valve as claimed in claim 24 wherein the inlet port seal (45) is fixedly connected to the outlet port seal (46).

26. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 23-25 wherein the inlet port seal (45) is spring biased so as to favour a dosed position over the inlet port (42).

27. A valve as claimed in any one of the claims 23-26 wherein pressure from fluid entering the body (41) through the inlet port causes the inlet port seal (4) to open. 060803

28. A flushing system, valve or recycling tank substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.