MXPA99000502A - Desec box - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a waste box comprising: a housing, loose absorbent material disposed in the housing for use by a pet, and a grinder for grinding the excrement found in the housing, wherein the absorbent material is substantially impermeable to the milling of the moli

Description

WASTE BOX FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to pet waste boxes and particularly to a pet waste box, which uses a washable absorbent material and which frees the owner of a pet from having to dump waste and excrement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many of the waste boxes are known, especially for domestic cats who evacuate only inside their owner's house. However, having a box of waste for cats at home has several problems. The smell of cat urine and excrement is particularly spicy and repulsive. Many cat owners find the task of cleaning the waste box inconvenient, time consuming and repulsive. Managing the cat's excrement exposes the cat owner to potential health hazards. In addition, in addition to attempts by waste box manufacturers to make a material for the cats waste box that absorbs or masks odors and is bacteriostatic, however, the absorbent material must be replaced generally to avoid ejaculation. potential growth of bacteria and other organisms. Cat litter boxes that attempt to reduce the aforementioned handling problems are known. The patents of E.U.A. Nos. 2,204,416, 3,227,138, 3,734,057, 3,793,988, 3,965,863, 4,196,693, 4,574,735, 4,593,645, 4,729,342, 5,113,801 and 5,289,799 are believed to be representative of the art. Of the aforementioned patents, only two, the patent of E.U.A. 4,593,645 to Dingler and the patent of E.U.A. 5,289,799 from Wilson attempt to address the problem of bacterial growth in the absorbent material and the disposal of matter! absorbent. Dingler employs a reusable absorbent material, which is a type of gravel, non-porous, non-absorbent. Cat droppings and gravel are cleaned through a pressurized stream of water from a spray head, which supposedly lodges the dry fecal material in the gravel, and shakes the water containing the droppings so that the excrement remains scattered in the water. After the water has risen to a predetermined level, the owner of the jack operates a lever to open a valve that quickly discharges water containing the droppings into a sewer network. It is an essential part of the '645 patent that the gravel is significantly heavier than the excrement dispersed in the water, so that the gravel remains at the bottom of the water and is not discharged along with the waste products.

The '645 patent has several disadvantages: 1. Water spray does not conveniently reach all the gravel, unless the user manually sprays the entire waste box, including the gravel at the bottom. This is time consuming and problematic. 2. Merely sprinkling the gravel with water does not ensure proper gravel cleaning, nor does it ensure that any fecal material attached or adhered to the gravel will actually be separated from it. 3. The separation of the waste water from the gravel is insufficient since the gravel agitated with the water can come out of the box along with the waste water and worst of all the non-suspended faecal material can remain with the gravel, thereby canceling all the Purpose of gravel cleaning. Wilson uses an endless conveyor that transports dirty absorbent material to a recirculator, which cleans the absorbent material. Next, the absorbent material is dried and transported to a spout to deposit the absorbent material on a surface for reuse. A disadvantage of the '799 patent, among others, is that the conveyor belt and the recirculator are relatively expensive and take up a lot of space. In addition, since the absorbent material is not agitated during cleaning in the recirculator, it is difficult to thoroughly clean the absorbent material from the fecal material attached thereto.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The invention seeks to provide an improved cat litter box, which will help overcome previous problems of the prior art. The waste box of the present invention employs novel techniques and apparatuses to thoroughly clean the absorbent material, preferably reusable, which is efficiently filtered from the waste material, thus leaving a bed of clean, substantially germ-free absorbent material for additional use on the part of the cat. The waste box can be an "independent" unit that has a water tank, or an "install and forget" unit connected to a water supply and domestic wastewater system, substantially releasing the cat owner from having to do something with the discarded cat droppings. It is noted that through the specification and claims, the term "filtration" refers to any method for separating the waste material from the absorbent material, such as, but not limited to, filter materials, filter devices, flotation, precipitation. , etc. Through the specification and claims, the term "grind" refers to any method for reducing particle size, such as, but not limited to, grinding, pulverizing, shredding, disintegrating, rubbing, granulating, scraping, grinding, raking. , screening (particles of absorbent material rubbing each other), breaking, breaking, etc. Through the specification and claims, the terms "pet" and "cat" are interchangeable and refer to any type of pet. The waste box employs an environmentally compatible and safe synthetic absorbent material, such as a plastic. The absorbent material is placed on a tray that serves as a bed or support surface for the absorbent material. The tray has a plurality of holes dimensioned so that the absorbent material does not pass therethrough. The cat owner can manually start cleaning the absorbent material or it can be achieved automatically at predetermined intervals or automatically after the cat leaves the waste box. The water enters a compartment where the absorbent material bed is located, and detergent is preferably added. The water floods the compartment of the absorbent material and a rotating propeller then agitates the water, thus creating a slurry that contains water, excrement and absorbent material. The propellant continuously grinds and pulverizes the grout material, with the important exception of the absorbent material which substantially remains unground due to its durable properties of the material and / or configuration, where it is "hit" by the propellant but not ground. During the milling process, the absorbent material remains above the tray, while the excrement is finally ground to particles having a diameter or width substantially smaller than the elongated holes of the tray. The ground excrement and water in this way are filtered from the absorbent material by virtue of falling through the holes in the tray. The holes are preferably elongated so that hairs that fall off the jack or pass along with the droppings can easily pass through the holes and be successfully filtered. In addition, the holes can be provided on the sides of the waste box through which the hairs can pass. These holes can also serve as overflow drain holes. After grinding and thoroughly filtering all slurry waste, the waste water that has seeped down from the tray is then pumped into a wastewater system. The remaining clean absorbent material is now easy to be used again by the cat. Optionally, a dryer and / or heater can be provided to dry the absorbent material for immediate use if desired, since some cats may be prone to sit on the absorbent material while it is still wet. The present invention includes other aspects useful for the safety of the cat and the hygiene and / or convenience of the owner of the cat. For example, a gateway can be provided in the waste box with a secure closing mechanism to prevent inadvertent entry of the jack into the waste box during grinding of the grout. An exhaust fan can be placed in the waste box to remove odors from the waste box to the sewage system or any other part. The exhaust fan can be located at the bottom of the waste box, so that additionally it expels air through the absorbent material in order to help dry the absorbent material after cleaning. The propeller and pump can be assembled together on an individual arrow of a drive motor and packaged as an individual unit, which can be easily installed or removed from the waste box. Several valves, such as manual or electric, can be used to control the flow of water in and out of the waste box. A dispenser can be provided to measure the optimum amounts of detergent. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a waste box including a housing for depositing in the same absorbent material for use by a pet, and a mill for grinding the excrement found in the box is provided. waste. The waste box preferably includes an absorbent material substantially impervious to grinding by the mill. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a filter assembly for filtering the excrement, ground by the mill, from the waste box. The filtration assembly can be self-cleaning. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a cleaning liquid, which is in fluid communication with the absorbent material, wherein the mill agitates the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid in order to cause the cleaning of the absorbent material. Preferably, the mill is located adjacent to the absorbent material. Alternatively, the mill is located away from the absorbent material, and the waste box further includes a transportation apparatus for transporting the absorbent material and the excreta to and from the mill. Still more in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mill includes a propeller and a motor connected to the propeller to cause the rotation thereof, wherein the propeller, when rotated, causes the grinding of the excrement. Additionally according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a cleaning liquid, which is in fluid communication with the absorbent material, wherein the propeller when rotated imparts a movement towards the excrement, the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid, so that the excrement, the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid flow along the internal surfaces of the waste box. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the propeller is arranged to rotate in a propeller housing, the propeller housing being a housing-type centrifugal pump.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a cleaning liquid, which is in fluid communication with the absorbent material, wherein the mill includes a drum and a motor connected to the drum to cause the rotation of the same, where the drum when it rotates shakes the excrements, the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid, thus making the absorbent material is cleaned and the excrements are ground. Even more according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mill includes a vibrator, the vibrator causes the grinding of the excrement through its abrasive agitation. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mill includes an ultrasonic device, the ultrasonic device causing the grinding of the excrement through its abrasive agitation. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filtration assembly has a plurality of holes formed therein, so that the excrement, when ground, passes through the holes. Preferably, the plurality of holes is elongated. Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filtration assembly includes a plurality of flanges spaced apart from each other at a distance less than a smaller dimension of the absorbent material, in order to prevent the absorbent material from passing to the absorbent material. through the flanges and allow the excrement, when ground, to pass through the flanges. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filtration assembly is inclined towards the mill so that the excrement that is ground generally flows into the mill. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a pump for pumping the waste material out of the waste box. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pump recirculates the waste material so that the waste material undergoes at least one milling recirculation cycle by the mill before being pumped out of the waste box. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pump recirculates the waste material so that the waste material undergoes at least one recirculation cycle to filter, by the filtration assembly, before being pumped out. from the waste box. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grind and the pump are packaged as an individual unit that can be installed and removed from the waste box. Also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a pet door pivotally attached to a hinge so that the pet door generally swings around the hinge to become a mat for a pet to step on. The pet door can be particularly suitable for a door in a house. Also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a door for a waste box, the door being pivotally attached to the waste box, so that the door is generally tilted outward to become a mat for A pet can step on when it comes out of the waste box. Preferably, the door includes a material on a surface thereof which substantially absorbs moisture from a pet's paw. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the door includes a ring, which substantially prevents material from spilling out of the door when the door is open. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning liquid is supplied from a domestic water supply apparatus. In addition according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a liquid reservoir to supply the cleaning liquid. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a dryer for drying the absorbent material. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a secure closing mechanism to prevent inadvertent entry of the pet into the waste box during the grinding of the excrement. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a detergent, which cleans the absorbent material. Preferably, the detergent is selected from a group consisting of a bacteriostatic detergent, a detergent that attacks protozoa, a detergent that attacks Toxoplasma spp., A detergent that chemically attacks excreta, a detergent that neutralizes odors, a deodorant, a soluble solid detergent in the cleaning liquid, a liquid detergent, a detergent powder, buckets of detergent, scales of detergent, and a deodorizer / detergent type toilet. Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a spout for measuring the detergent. The spout may include an odor-type spout. Preferably, the absorbent material includes an environmentally safe synthetic material. Also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is an adapter device that can be connected to a waste discharge pipe of a toilet bowl, the adapter device including a top surface, on which a bottom surface of the toilet bowl supports, the upper surface having a hole formed in it generally perpendicular to it, which passes through the adapter device, where a discharge horn of the toilet bowl is in fluid communication with the hole and the hole is in fluid communication with a floor flange of the discharge pipe, and a transverse pipe in fluid communication with the hole, where the waste material can pass through the transverse pipe and be discharged into the pipeline. discharge pipe through the hole. Preferably, the transverse tubing is in fluid communication with an internal volume of the toilet bowl, so that an odorous fluid emanating from the volume can be passed through the transverse tubing and discharged to the discharge tubing through the tubing. hole. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adapter device includes an exhaust fan for directing the odorous fluid through the transverse pipe. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes an outlet pipe, which includes an inclination formed at one end thereof, the inclination being able to engage in a toilet bowl. Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes a safety cap attached to the end of the outlet pipe, the safety cap substantially sealing the end when the tilt is not engaged in the toilet bowl . Still further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes an outlet pipe, which ends in a flexible, bendable pipe, which can be rolled into a toilet bowl to be in communication with direct fluid with the discharge end of the toilet bowl. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes an outlet pipe, which can be attached to a threaded coupling of a discharge pipe of a toilet bowl. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes an outlet pipe that can be attached to a discharge pipe of a washing machine. further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waste box includes an exhaust fan to expel odors. Also provided, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for use with a waste box, an exhaust fan attached to a sewage pipe to expel odors into the sewage pipe. Also provided, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a waste box including an exhaust fan and an exhaust pipe attached to a sewage pipe to expel the odors towards the sewage pipe. Also provided, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a method for removing excreta from! absorbent material located in a waste box, which includes the steps of grinding the excrement and removing the excrement by separating the excrement from the absorbent material. Preferably, the droppings are separated by floating the absorbent material on top of the droppings with a fluid. Alternatively, the droppings are separated by floating the excrement on top of the absorbent material with a fluid. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes adding a detergent during at least one of the grinding and removal steps. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, e! The method includes the step of flooding the absorbent material and the excreta with a cleaning liquid, wherein the step of grinding also causes the agitation of the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid in order to cause the cleaning of the absorbent material. Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes imparting a flow movement to the cleaning liquid and the absorbent material, and causing the movement of the flow to grind the excrement. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes imparting a flow movement to the cleaning liquid and the absorbent material, and causing the flow movement to thoroughly clean the internal surfaces of the waste box. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spout substantially prevents the leakage of the spout detergent before and after the detergent is delivered to the waste box. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser operates to supply a predetermined portion of the detergent. Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser provides an indication of identification that the dispenser has been installed in the waste box. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser provides an indication that the dispenser is authorized for use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spout provides an indication of the level of detergent in the spout. It is also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment for use with a waste box wherein the absorbent material is deposited for use by a pet, a dispenser including a container for containing the same detergent, and an apparatus for dispensing the same. detergent from the tank to the waste box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1A and 1B are pictorial illustrations partially cut, simplified of a waste box, constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a water reservoir and connected to a domestic water supply apparatus, respectively; Figure 1C is a simplified illustration of the waste box of Figure 1B comprising a filter tray without a compartment of internal absorbent material; Figure 2A is a simplified, partially cut pictorial illustration of the waste box of Figures 1A and 1B; Figure 2B is a simplified illustration of a housing near a propeller of the waste box of Figure 2A; Figure 3 is a simplified cut-away side illustration of the waste box of Figure 2A, wherein a cleaning liquid is introduced into a compartment of the absorbent material in which the excrement is located; Figure 4 is a simplified cut-away side illustration of the waste box of Figure 2A, wherein a propellant grinds the excrement found in the cleaning liquid; Figure 5 is a simplified cut-away side illustration of the waste box of Figure 2A, wherein the milled excrement is filtered through a filter pan and the absorbent material remains above the filter pan; Figure 6 is a simplified cut-away side illustration of the waste box of Figure 2A, wherein the liquid is recirculated through the milling and filtering process; Figure 7 is a simplified cut-away side illustration of the waste box of Figure 2A, wherein the milled droppings are pumped out of the waste box; Figure 8 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the waste box of Figure 2A with a door, constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at a door being in a closed position; Figure 9 is a simplified sectional illustration of the door of Figure 8, taken along lines IX-IX in Figure 8; Figures 10 and 11 are simplified illustrations of a pet entering and leaving the waste box of Figure 2A, respectively; Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 are simplified illustrations for four debris boxes, constructed and operating in accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention; Figure 16 is a simplified illustration of the waste box of Figure 15, being used to clean the absorbent material and grind excrement; Figures 17 and 18 are simplified illustrations of two debris crates, constructed and operating in accordance with other alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention; Figure 19 is a simplified exploded illustration of an adapter device, constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for connecting any of the waste boxes of the present invention to a wastewater system; Figure 20 is a simplified illustration of a connection of any of the waste boxes of the present invention to a toilet, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figures 21A and 21B are two additional simplified illustrations of the connecting apparatus of Figure 20, respectively hooked and not hooked to a toilet bowl; Figure 22 is a simplified illustration of a connection of any of the waste boxes to a toilet, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 is a simplified illustration of a connection of any of the waste boxes to a toilet bowl, according to still another embodiment of the present invention; Fis 24A and 24B are simplified illustrations of the connection of the waste box to a washing machine discharge line, according to preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention; Fi 25 is a simplified illustration of a spout useful in the debris box of the present invention, constructed and operating with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fis 26-29 are simplified illustrations of four different embodiments to provide an upward force on an arrow of the spout of Fi 25; Fis 30-32 are simplified electrical schematic diagrams of circuits useful for providing an indication of the presence of a correct dispenser installed in the waste box of the present invention and providing an indication of the level or presence of detergent in the dispenser; Fi 33 is a simplified illustration of a spout useful in the waste box of the present invention, constructed and operating in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fi 34 is a simplified illustration of the spout of the Figure 33 installed in the waste box of the present invention; Figure 35 is a simplified illustration of the dispenser of Figure 33 supplying detergent to the waste box of the present invention; Figure 36 is a simplified illustration of a flanged filter tray, constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 37 and 38 are simplified illustrations of a valve, constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, useful for self-cleaning a filter assembly of the present invention, wherein Figure 37 illustrates the valve in a recirculation mode and Figure 38 illustrates the valve in a wastewater discharge mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring now to Figures 1A and 1B, these illustrate a waste box 10, constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The waste box 10 preferably includes a waste compartment 12, into which the absorbent material 14 can be placed. The absorbent material 14 is preferably constructed of a safe and environmentally compatible synthetic material, such as plastic, and can be in any way arbitrary ta! as spherical. The absorbent material 14 is preferably hydrophobic and can either float or immerse in water.

Since cats naturally tend to scratch and pull the absorbent material in an effort to bury the excrement therein, the waste box 10 preferably includes a lid 16 (shown partially cut in Figures 1A and 1B), which may be used to prevent the absorbent material from being spread by the cat. The lid 16 may include an entry door 17 for a pet to enter the waste box 10. The door 17 may be latchable to a safety lock mechanism 18, which substantially prevents the pet from entering the box inadvertently. of waste 10 during the grinding of the excrement, said grinding is described in detail below. The door 17 can serve as a mat for a cat that leaves the waste box 10, as described in detail below with reference to Figures 8-11. Alternatively, a safety lock mechanism 18 may comprise a sensor, which prevents the operation of the waste box if a pet is present therein. The waste box 10 preferably includes an outlet pipe 20 connected to a sewage system 22, such as a waste pipe of a house, for example. The waste box 10 may also include an exhaust fan 26 mounted on a side wall of the waste box 10 to expel odors. The exhaust fan 26 preferably expels the bad odors towards the sewage system 22, through a duct 28. Optionally, the duct 28 and the outlet pipe 20 can be joined together. The exhaust fan 26 can optionally be located at the bottom of the waste box 10 so that it also expels air through the absorbent material 14 in order to help the absorbent material dry 14 after cleaning. The outlet pipe 20 and the exhaust fan 26 can communicate with the sewage system 22 in a variety of ways as described below with reference to Figures 19-24. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the waste box 10 includes a reservoir of liquid 29, to provide liquid, preferably water, for cleaning the absorbent material 14 and for filtering the excreta, as described in detail below. The waste box of Figure 1A can be a "stand-alone" unit, which can be particularly attractive to pet owners who do not wish to connect the waste box to the domestic sanitary system. In that case, the outlet pipe 20, instead of being connected to the sewage system 22, can be connected to a waste collection receptacle (not shown) supplied with the waste box. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, water is provided through the connection to the domestic supply apparatus 30. A valve 31, manual or electric, can be connected along an inlet from the supply apparatus 30 to control the flow of fluid through it. The waste box of Figure 1B in this way is an "install and forget" unit, which substantially releases the cat owner from having to do something to dispose of cat droppings. As described in detail further, the waste box 10 is used to clean and wash the absorbent material 14 for reuse by a jack. Optionally, a dryer 32 may be provided to dry the absorbent material 14 to be used again immediately, if desired, since some cats may be prone to sit on the absorbent material 14, while still wet. The dryer 32 may comprise a fan and / or heater for blowing hot or cold air to the dry absorbent material 14. The air may be introduced to the absorbent material 14 through positive or negative pressure. (As will be shown in Figure 13, the drying air can be introduced below the absorbent material 14). The air can be expelled through the layers of the absorbent material 14 creating a positive or negative pressure gradient through the absorbent material 14. Other devices and methods for drying the absorbent material 14 can also be employed, such as vibrating or throwing the absorbent material 14 in order to remove the moisture. During the cleaning procedure described below, a detergent (not shown in Figures 1A and 1B) is preferably added to the cleaning liquid. The detergent can especially be prepared to help avoid health hazards, such as being bacteriostatic capable of attacking or killing organisms, such as Toxoplasma spp. The detergent can comprise substances that chemically attack the excrement, or that neutralize or mask the bad odors. The detergent can be provided in a variety of ways, such as, but not limited to, a solid detergent soluble in the cleaning liquid, a liquid detergent, a washing powder, detergent buckets, detergent flakes, or a solid detergent of type of toilet bowl. Preferably, a spout 34 is provided to measure the detergent. The dispenser 34 can be any device suitable for dispensing a quantity of detergent, either predetermined or in accordance with factors such as the level of cleaning liquid, speed of the liquid flow, for example. Various modalities of! spout 34 are described below in detail with reference to Figures 25-33. Referring now to Figure 2A, which is a pictorial illustration partially cut away from the waste box of Figures 1A and 1B, with the lid 16 removed for clarity. It can be seen that the compartment 12 of the absorbent material is preferably fixedly fixed in an external compartment 36 through one or more positioning pins 37. The waste box 20 preferably includes a filter apparatus, such as a filter tray. 40, which has a plurality of elongated holes 42 formed thereon, so that droppings and hair can pass through the holes 42. The filter tray 40 serves as a bed or support surface for the absorbent material 14. For the purpose of clarity, only some particles of absorbent material 14 are shown in Figure 2A. Preferably, the absorbent material 14 and the elongated holes 42 are dimensioned relative to each other, so that the absorbent material 14 can not fall through the elongated holes 42. The absorbent material 14 may have a width or diameter on the scale 1-10 mm, preferably 3-7 mm. The compartment 12 of the absorbent material preferably has an inlet port 44 located above or below the filter tray 40 for introducing the cleaning liquid therethrough (not shown). The inlet port 44 may be in fluid communication with either the reservoir 29 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A or with the domestic water apparatus 30 of the embodiment of Figure 1B. A floor 43 is preferably provided below the filter tray 40 with one or more ports 48 formed therein. The floor 46 can generally be flat as shown in Figure 2A, or it can be inclined towards the port 48. The port 48 can be circular or have any other arbitrary shape. Figure 1C illustrates an embodiment of the waste box 10 without the compartment 12 of the absorbent material, wherein the filter tray 40 can consequently extend over the full width of the waste box 10. The tray 40 (Figure 1C) may include sides 41 and is preferably removable, with the absorbent material 14 therein, from the waste box 10 without upsetting any of the elements of the waste box 10. Otherwise, the operation construction of the The shape of the waste box 10 illustrated in Figure 1C are preferably substantially identical to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B. The waste box 10 includes a mill, which preferably includes a propellant 50, located within the waste box 10 for grinding the excreta (not shown in Figure 2A). The propellant 50 is preferably located within the compartment 12 of the absorbent material, although alternatively, as described below with reference to Figure 12, it may be located adjacent to and away from the compartment 12 of the absorbent material, in which case, it is fluidly connected to the absorbent material. compartment 12 of the absorbent material through suitable ducts. A motor, which preferably is located above the compartment 12 of the absorbent material, is connected to the propeller 50 preferably through an arrow 54. A pump 56 is preferably provided for pumping water, as will be described later. Preferably, the pump 56 is also assembled on the arrow 54 of the motor 52, so that the motor 52, the propeller 50 and the pump 56 are packaged with an individual unit 58, optionally provided with a housing 60, which can be installed and removing from the waste box 10. The housing 60 preferably does not cover an area near the material to the propellant 50, so that the excreta and waste fluid can freely flow to the propellant 50. Referring to Figure 2B, it can be seen that the housing 60 can optionally have a portion configured as a centrifugal pump type of the housing adjacent the propeller 50, so that the propeller 50 can centrifugally throw the milled material into the housing 60 and cause said milled material and absorbent material 14 circulate within and flow along the sides of the compartment 12 of the absorbent material during grinding. The pump 56 is preferably a centrifugal type pump. An external housing of the pump 56 can be fixedly attached to the compartment 12 of the absorbent material. Optionally, the propeller 50 can serve a dual purpose and also serve as the pump 56. In such a case, the propeller 50 can be mounted at a different location along the arrow 54, if necessary. The filter tray 40 may be inclined towards the propeller 50, such as through one or more mounting posts 63 so that the material being ground generally flows towards the propeller 50. One or more overflow openings 64 may be formed in the side walls of the compartment 13 of the absorbent material. The openings 64 may be useful for passing through the same hairs and other type of waste during the filtration of excrement. The operation of the waste box 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 3-7. Now reference will be made to Figure 3, which is a simplified cut-away side illustration of the waste box of Figure 2A. The owner of a cat (not shown) can initiate the cleaning of the absorbent material 14 and filter the removal of excreta 65 by manually causing a cleaning liquid 66, typically water, to flow into the compartment 12 of the absorbent material from the reservoir 29 or apparatus. domestic water supply 30, such as by operating suitable valves (not shown). A liquid lever sensor 57 (shown in Figure 1C) can be provided to sense the level of the cleaning liquid 66 and / or to perceive when the compartment 12 of the absorbent material has been adequately filled. Alternatively, the liquid 66 can be automatically introduced into the compartment 12 of the absorbent material at predetermined intervals, such as two or three times a day, for example. In a further alternative arrangement, the liquid 66 can be automatically introduced into the compartment 12 of the absorbent material immediately after a pet has left the waste box 10. As the compartment 12 of the absorbent material is filled with liquid 66 , detergent 68 is preferably added, either manually or automatically, from a spout 34. It can be seen that a portion of liquid 66 is drained through port 48, but port 48 is preferably sufficiently small relative to the inlet of liquid 66, so that most of the liquid 66 covers the absorbent material 14 and the excrements 65. Referring now to Figure 4, it can be seen that after the compartment 12 of the absorbent material has been filled with liquid 66, the engine 52 preferably begins to spin a! propellant 50, thus agitating the liquid 66 and creating a slurry containing liquid 66, excrement 65 and absorbent material 14. As the propeller 50 rotates, it centrifugally throws the liquid 66, the excrement 65 and the absorbent material 14, so that they circulate within and flow along the sides of the compartment 12 of the absorbent material during grinding. The movement of the flow together with the granules of absorbent material help to grind the excrements 65 and to thoroughly clean the internal surfaces of the waste box 10. It can be seen that the operation of the motor 52 can be started manually. Alternatively, the motor 52 can be activated automatically such as through the sensor 57, which senses the filling of! compartment 12 of the absorbent material. The entire operation of the waste box 10 is preferably achieved automatically, such as through a control system (not shown), which can employ such sensors, and which can, among other things, control and limit the level of the liquid 66 entering the waste box 10, and detecting and / or signaling the presence of a pet in the waste box 10. Said control system is preferably entirely conventional and well known to those skilled in the art, and , therefore, it is not described in detail. Referring now to Figure 5, it can be seen that the propellant 50 continuously grinds and pulverizes the droppings 65, while the absorbent material 14 deviates from the propellant 50 and substantially remains unground due to its durable material properties and / or e! size and shape During the grinding process, the absorbent material 14 remains above the filter tray 40, while the excrement 65 is finally ground to particles that are small enough to fall through the elongated holes 42 in the filter tray 40. Since the holes 42 are elongated, any hair that falls from! cat or passing along with the droppings 65 can easily pass through holes 42 or aperture 64 and successfully be filtered. During the grinding process shown in Figure 5, the waste material 70 can be recirculated, which will be described with reference to Figure 6. After the excrements 65 have been filtered through the holes 42, the waste material 70 containing the ground excrements 65 suspended in the liquid 66, flows to floor 46 and exits through port 48. Waste material 70 can now be pumped through pump 56 to wastewater system 22 through outlet pipe 20 (Figures 1A and 1 B). Before the waste material 70 is discharged to the sewage system 22, the box of. waste 10 can be operated in a mode where the waste material 70 is recirculated for further washing. Referring now to Figure 6, it can be seen that during grinding, the pump 56 can be used to recirculate the waste material 70 above the filter tray 40, such as through a duct 72, so that the waste material 70 undergoes a predetermined number of grinding cycles by the propellant 50 and filtration through the filter tray 40 before being pumped out of the waste box 10 through the outlet pipe 20 (Figures 1A and 1B). The option of recirculating the waste material 70 for additional grinding and filtering may be particularly useful for the independent unit of Figure 1A, such as to retain the amount of cleaning liquid 66 stored in the reservoir 29. Preferably, a valve 69 , such as an electrically operated valve, controls the operation of the pump 56 and among other things, directs the pumping through the recirculation path, ie, via the conduit 72, or through the escape route, i.e., through the outlet pipe 20 (Figures 1A and 1B). Reference will now be made to Figure 37, which illustrates valve 69 in a recirculation mode. The valve 69 preferably includes a filter screen 494 and a blocking element 496. In Figure 37, the blocking element 496 blocks access to the outlet pipe 20 and the liquid matter can flow through the filter screen 494 of the filter. return to compartment 12 of the absorbent material. The waste 498 is filtered through the filter screen 494. In Figure 38, the valve 69 is rotated so that the blocking member 496 blocks the flow to the compartment 12 of the absorbent material and the waste materials can flow to the container. through the filter screen 494. Since the waste materials flow through the filter screen 494, they carry waste 498, which is now placed on the side of the filter screen 494 facing the outlet pipe 20. Of this In Figure 38, the valve 69 operates in an ejection mode to wastewater. Referring now to Figure 7, it can be seen that after thoroughly grinding and filtering all of the excreta 65, the waste material 70 is discharged from the waste box 10 and pumped into the wastewater system 22 (Figures 1A and 1B ). The remaining clean absorbent material 14 has been thoroughly washed by the stirring action of the propellant 50 and the cleaning and disinfecting properties of the detergent 68 (Figure 3), and is now ready for further use by the jack. In this way, the absorbent material 14 has been safely prepared to be reused without the need for heavy and repulsive work by the pet owner. As mentioned above, the dryer 32 can be used to dry the absorbent material 14 for reuse, if desired, since some cats may attempt to sit on the absorbent material 14 while it remains wet. It is appreciated that the dryer 32 can be of any type of conventional fan and / or heater and can be located with respect to the absorbent material 14 in a variety of alternate forms to efficiently dry the absorbent material 14., such as by blowing or sucking hot or cold air over or through the absorbent material 14. It is noted that the grinding, filtering and cleaning procedures of the waste box 10 described above preferably include three modes of operation: a. Internal milling by propellant 50. b. Superior circulation of the excrement slurry 65 and liquid 66, which wet the sides of the compartment 12 of the absorbent material. c. The separation of excrement 65 from the absorbent material 14 by the filter tray 40. Optionally, the methods include disposing of the hair and other waste material that floats through the overflow openings 64. The embodiment of Figure 1C does not require recirculation. It should be noted that other methods for filtering excreta 65 can be used, instead of filter tray 40. Reference will now be made to Figure 36, which illustrates a filter tray 490 that can be placed at the bottom of the box of waste 10 (not shown in Figure 36). Filter pan 490 comprises a plurality of flanges 492 spaced apart from each other at a distance less than a smaller dimension of absorbent material 14 in order to prevent the absorbent material from 14 pass through the flanges 492 and allow the excrements 65, already milled, to pass through the flanges 492. Furthermore it can be seen that the compartment 12 of the absorbent material can be filled or partially filled with liquid 66 without any liquid entry 66 during the grinding procedure. Alternatively, the liquid 66 can constantly flow into the compartment 12 of the absorbent material during the milling process. Referring now to Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11, these further illustrate an entry door 17. As seen in Figure 9, the door 17 is preferably pivotally attached to the waste box 10 on a pivot 80 As seen in Figure 10, a jack 82 that wishes to enter the waste box 10 can push the door 17, thereby causing the door 17 to be generally tilted in the direction of the arrow 84. As seen in the Figure 9, the door 17 preferably includes a counterweight 86, which resets the door 17 to a closed position. It can be appreciated that any other convenient method for automatically closing the door 17 can be used, such as a spring. As seen in Figure 11, when the cat 82 leaves the waste box 10, the door 17 is generally tilted out and down in the direction of the arrow 88. In this position, the door 17 serves as a mat for that the cat 82 feels when it comes out of the waste box 10. As seen in Figure 11, the cat 82 leaves a plurality of fingerprints, marks, particles of absorbent material and / or debris, generally designated with the number of reference 90, on the surface 83 of the door 17, substantially preventing the jack 82 from leaving as trace absorbent material or debris in an area 92 where the waste box 10 is located. Preferably, the surface 83 comprises or is coated with a hygroscopic material, which substantially absorbs moisture from a pet's leg. The door 17 preferably includes an inwardly facing ring 93, which substantially prevents material, such as the material. absorbent 14, spill out of door 17, when door 17 opens. Any material left in the door 17 is substantially left in the waste box 10 when the door 17 is automatically closed. Reference will now be made to Figure 12, which illustrates a waste box 100, constructed and operating in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The waste box 100 is preferably substantially identical to the waste box 10, except that the unit 58, which includes the motor 52, the propeller 50 and the pump 56, is located outside the waste box 100 and is connected to the waste box 100. to it through pipeline 102.

Reference will now be made to Figure 13, which illustrates a waste box 120, constructed and operating in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The waste box 120 preferably substantially identical to the waste box 10, except that the pump 56 is not driven by the motor 52, but rather by a separate motor 122. In the waste box 120, the droppings 65 are milled through the propellant 50 and then filtered through the filter pan 40. The filtered excreta 65 then fall to the pump 56, which pumps the droppings 65 from the waste box 120 through the duct 124. Figure 13 illustrates a dryer 32A which forces hot air 32B through a duct 32C and through the absorbent material 14. Reference will now be made to Figure 14, which illustrates a waste box 150, constructed and operating with another, more preferred embodiment of the present invention. The waste box 150 preferably includes an absorbent material 152, substantially identical to the absorbent material 14, and a mill including a motor, which is connected to and rotates a drum 156. The drum 156 preferably includes a plurality of elongated holes 158 for filtering excreta and to allow the hairs of the cat to pass through them, in a manner similar to that described above for the waste box 10. The waste box 150 preferably includes a housing 160 with a door 162. A cleaning liquid 164 may be introduced into the drum 156 through an inlet duct 166 either from a domestic water tank or apparatus (not shown). An outlet pipe 166 is preferably provided for the removal of excrement and waste material. The drum 156 may include an abrasive surface 170, such as an internal surface, so that when the drum 156 rotates it agitates the excrement, the absorbent material 152 and the cleaning liquid, thereby causing the absorbent material 152 to be cleaned and the excreta to be milled through the abrasive surface 170. The stirring action of the drum 156 also causes friction between the adjacent particles of the excrement and between the excrement and the absorbent material 152, which can cause grinding of the excrement. The elongated holes 158 may include protrusions facing inward or other abrasive structure to improve grinding of the excrement. Reference will now be made to Figure 15, which illustrates a debris box 200, constructed and operating in accordance with another, more preferred embodiment of the present invention. The waste box 200 preferably includes a compartment 201 of absorbent material, wherein the absorbent material 202 is disposed, and a propeller 204 driven by a motor 206. An absorbent material 202 preferably rests on a tray 208, which has a central hole. 210 formed in it. At the bottom of the compartment 201 of the absorbent material are preferably formed filter holes 212 for filtering through the same the excrement and the waste matter. An arrow 214 of the motor 206, which extends through the bottom of the waste box 200 to the propeller 204, is preferably sealed with a U-shaped ring 216. A cleaning liquid 218 can be introduced into the waste box 200. through an inlet port 220. Preferably, an outlet pipe 221 is provided for the removal therefrom of excreta and waste material. The outlet pipe 221 may be in fluid communication with a siphon (not shown), which may serve as a water break to substantially prevent odors from floating through the outlet pipe 221 to the waste box 200. Reference will now be made to Figure 16, which illustrates the operation of the waste box 200. As the engine 206 rotates the propeller 204, a centrifugal movement is imparted to a plurality of droppings 222, absorbent material 202 and cleaning liquid 218, so that they are thrown against the internal surfaces of waste box 200. This helps to thoroughly clean the internal sides of the waste box. 200. It is appreciated that the grinding apparatus of the debris boxes described above are only illustrative of grinders that can be used with the present invention, and other devices for grinding and / or grinding can also be used. Figure 17, which illustrates a waste box 250, constructed and operating in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The waste box 250 preferably includes an absorbent material 252 and a mill comprising a vibrator 254. The absorbent material 252 is preferably disposed in a compartment 255 of absorbent material, which is supported by an assembly 256 which may include springs. The vibrator 254 vibrates the compartment 255 of the absorbent material, and the vibratory movement of the vibrator 254 cleans the absorbent material 252. Reference will now be made to Figure 18, which illustrates a waste box 260, constructed and operating in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The waste box 260 preferably includes an absorbent material 262 and a mill, comprising an ultrasonic device 264. A cleaning liquid (not shown) can be introduced to the waste box 60 to clean the absorbent material 262. The ultrasonic device 264 is milled any excrement found in the waste box 260 through its abrasive agitation. The agitation movement of the ultrasonic device 264 also improves the cleaning of the filter 262. Reference will now be made to Figures 19-24B, which illustrate the apparatus constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, to connect any of the waste boxes of the present invention with a wastewater system. Referring to Figure 19, it can be seen that an adapter device 300 can be installed, either by a plumber or "do-it-yourself", below a toilet bowl 302. The adapter device 300 preferably includes a top surface 304, on which rests a bottom surface 306 of the toilet 302. The adapter 300 preferably has a hole 308 formed generally perpendicular to the top surface 304 where a discharge horn 310 of the toilet bowl 302 is fixed. see in Figure 19, the adapter device 300 is thus located between the bottom surface 306 of the toilet bowl 302 and a floor flange 312 of a discharge pipe 313, the flange 312 being aligned with the hole 308. A seal of wax 314 preferably substantially seals the horn 310 with the hole 308, and another seal 316 may be provided to seal the hole 308 with the flange 312. Preferably, two agitators are provided. mounting holes 318 for mounting the adapter device 300 to the outlet holes in the floor of a typical domestic toilet installation. An adapter device 300 preferably includes a transverse pipe 320 in fluid communication with the hole 308. The transverse pipe 320 can be connected through a connector 322 to the outlet pipe 20 of any of the waste boxes of the present invention. In this way, by connecting the outlet pipe 20 to the adapter device 300, the waste material and / or odors from the waste box can directly be disposed in the discharge pipe 313. The adapter device 300 can also be used together with an exhaust fan mounted in the toilet bowl 301 (or in the waste box) to discharge the odors from the toilet bowl 302 directly through the discharge pipe 313. Reference will now be made to Figure 20, which illustrates another connection of the waste box to the toilet 32 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that water can be supplied to the waste box through a triple connector 330 on a supply line 332 of a water tank 334 of the toilet bowl 302. The outlet pipe 20 can end in a flexure 340 of a shepherd's hook type. The flex 340 is simply hooked on one side of the toilet bowl 302 to dispose of the waste therein. Reference will now be made to Figures 21A and 21B illustrating flexure 340 in more detail. The flex 340 preferably includes a spring loaded safety cover 342 at a far end 344 thereof. When the flexure 340 is engaged in the toilet bowl 302, as seen in Figure 21A, a lip that emerges 346 from the cover 342 is compressed against one side of the toilet bowl 302 and the waste material can flow without being obstructed through the end 344 towards the toilet bowl 302. If the flexure 340 is not hooked in the toilet bowl 302, as seen in Figure 21B, a biasing member, such as a small helical spring 348, pushes the cover 342 against end 344, thereby substantially sealing end 344 of the discharge or spills of unwanted liquid therethrough. Reference will now be made to Figure 22, which illustrates an additional connection of the waste box to the toilet 302 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The outlet pipe 20 preferably terminates in a resilient, bendable pipe 350, which can be rolled in the toilet bowl 302 to be in direct fluid communication with a discharge end 352 of the toilet bowl 302. It will be appreciated by those It is known to those skilled in the art that the installed waste box is preferably provided with some type of water break to substantially prevent odors from passing through the outlet pipe 20 to the waste box. The flexure in the elastic pipe 350 can also serve as a water break. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that positive air pressure, such as that of a blower used to dry the absorbent material or any other fan in the waste box, can also be used to direct odors towards the end of the waste. Discharge 352 from the toilet bowl 302. Reference will now be made to Figure 23, which illustrates another connection of the waste box to the toilet bowl 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the toilet bowl 302 is supplied with a discharge pipe 354, which has a threaded coupling 356. The outlet pipe 20 can terminate at a threaded end 358, which can be connected to coupling 356. Reference will now be made to Figures 24A and 24B, which illustrate the connection of the waste box to a washing machine discharge line 360, according to alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 24A, the outlet pipe 20 is directly fitted to the discharge pipe 360. In Figure 24B, the outlet pipe 20 is connected to a triple connector 362, which is in fluid communication with the discharge pipe. 360. Reference will now be made to Figure 25, which illustrates the spout 34 constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The spout 34 preferably includes a reservoir 402 for containing detergent 68 therein. Extending from a neck 404 of the reservoir 402 is a supply portion 406, typically, but not necessarily, with a cylindrical shape. Arranged longitudinally on the supply portion 406 is an arrow 408. A pair of stops 410 and 412 are fixed on the arrow 408 and respectively are adapted to abut in a sealed manner against an opening 414 formed in a portion 415 of the neck 404 joining the supply portion 406 and an opening 416 formed at an end 418 of supply portion 406 opposite portion 415. A deflection device 420 such as a coil spring, is biased against the portion 415 and normally pushes the stop 412"against the opening 416 and moves the stop 410 away from the opening 414, this orientation being illustrated in Figure 25. Figure 25 illustrates the spout 34 with the supply portion 406 indicated downwards, the orientation of the spout 34 is when it is installed in the waste box 10 (not shown in Figure 25.) It will be appreciated that the spout 24 can be stored in an inverted position of that of Figure 25. In the orientation of Figure 25, the detergent 68 can flow from the reservoir 402 through the opening 414 to the delivery portion 406, and is snugly trapped in the supply portion 406 through the action of the biasing device 420 by pushing the stop 412 against the opening 416. An end 419 of the arrow 408 bears against an end 421 of a pin 422 preferably longitudinally aligned with the arrow 408. The application of one was It is pushed through the pin 422 in the direction of the arrow 424 to the arrow 408 of sufficient magnitude to overcome the counterforce of the deflection device 420 pushes the plug 412 away from the opening 416, and almost immediately thereafter, pushes the plug 410 to bump tightly against opening 414. This force can be applied in a number of ways that will be described later. On plug 412 being moved from opening 416, the amount of detergent 68 that has filled supply portion 406, designated with reference number 68 ', is emptied from supply portion 406 to waste box 10 (not shown in Figure 25). The cap 410 abuts against the opening 414 in a very short time after the opening 416 is opened for the egress of the detergent 68 ', this time typically being a fraction of a second. During this short time delay, a negligible amount of the detergent 68 can flow further into the supply portion 406 from the reservoir 402, this negligible amount emptying through the open port 416, as well. The emptying of the supply portion 406 typically takes a few seconds. The ambient air replaces the detergent 68 'within the supply portion 406. After releasing the upward force of the pin 422 on the arrow 408, the biasing device 420 again pushes the stop 412 towards its sealed position against the opening 416, and the stop 410 moves away from the opening 414, thereby allowing a fresh amount of detergent 68 to flow to the supply portion 406. Any air trapped in the supply portion 406 bubbles through the opening 414 to the reservoir 402. The dispenser 34 is now ready to supply an additional portion of detergent 68 '. Reference will now be made to Figures 26-29, which illustrate different embodiments for providing the ascending force of pin 422 on arrow 408. In Figure 26, a piston 430 can be arranged to be supported upwardly against pin 422. through the force of the liquid 66 entering. The piston 430 can be slidably disposed in a tube 432. as well as the pin 422. Alternatively, a membrane can be used in place of a piston. The liquid 66 applies a hydrostatic thrust on the piston 430 during the cleaning procedure of the waste box 10 (not shown in Figure 26) as described above. After releasing the upward force, the piston 430 falls and, as described with reference in FIG. 25, the biasing device 430 again pushes the stop 412 to its sealed position against the opening 416 and the stop 410 moves away from it. the opening 414, thus allowing a cooler amount of detergent 68 to flow to the supply portion 406. In Figure 27, an expandable tube 434 is disposed to abut the pin 422. The tube 434 can be made of an elastomer, just like rubber. The liquid 66 entering the tube 434 causes the tube 434 to expand, thus applying an upward force against the pin 422. In Figure 28, the pin 422 terminates in a float 436, which can be held up by the liquid 66 similarly as previously described in Figures 25 and 26. In Figure 29, an actuator 438 abuts the pin 422 and operates to apply an upward force on the pin 422. The actuator 438 can be mechanical, hydraulic, electrical , electronic or electromagnetic, for example, and can be operated through the inlet valve (not shown), which controls the entry of the liquid 66 into the waste box 10 (not shown in Figure 29). In the case of an electromagnetic valve and an actuator, the same electromagnet of the valve can be used as the actuator to provide the upward force against the pin 422. As described above, the dispenser 34 secures the assortment of the appropriate amount of detergent 68 and prevents spillage of the detergent 68 from the dispenser 34 prior to delivery to the waste box 10. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 34 provides an identification indication that the dispenser is installed and is authorized. to be used, and an indication of the level of detergent in the dispenser 34, so that, for example, a user is advised of the need to replace an empty dispenser with a full dispenser. These features will now be described with reference again to Figure 25, and with additional reference to Figures 30-32. Preferably, the arrow 408 and the pin 422 are made of an electrically conductive ring 440 around the neck 404. The ring 440 can be attached to, coated on, or painted on the neck 404, for example. Alternatively, the ring 440, instead of being part of the neck 404, can be part of the waste box 10. As seen in Figure 30, a capacitance CD is fixed between the ring 440 and the detergent 68, which is a electrolyte. An electrical resistance RD is created by the presence of the liquid 68 'between the arrow 408 and the internal periphery of the supply portion 406. An external resistor 442 with the resistance R is preferably provided.

When the spout 34 is installed in the waste box 10, the arrow 408 electrically contacts the pin 422, stop 412 abuts against the opening 416. An electrical circuit is established between the alternate voltage V and O. The presence of the detergent Electrolytic 68 creates a current /, and a voltage VR, and RD drops due to the presence of the detergent 68. If no detergent 68 is present, then RD approaches 0o, and the current 7 and the voltage current VR approach zero, this being the indication that the spout 34 is installed, that it is the correct type of spout and that there is detergent in the spout. Alternatively, the ring 440 may comprise a pair of capacitors CA and CB, which act as a sensor to sense the variable capacitance. As seen in Figure 31, capacitor circuit CA and CB and resistor RD can be used to indicate the presence of detergent 68 as described above with reference to Figures 25 and 30. As an additional alternative, an electrically conductive pin 444 may be attached to the neck 404 instead of or in addition to the ring 440. The pin 444 is in electrical contact with both the detergent 68 and the external electrical contact 446. After the proper installation of the spout 34 in the waste box 10 , an electrical circuit is created by the electrical contact between the pin 444 and the contact 446, detergent 68 ', arrow 408 and pin 422, this circuit being illustrated schematically in Figure 32. The positioning of the ring 440 and / or the pin 444 on the neck 404 determines when a low detergent level indication is provided. Reference will now be made to Figure 33, which illustrates a spout 450 constructed and operating with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The spout 450 preferably includes a reservoir 452 for containing the same detergent 68. A flexible portion 454 is connected at one end thereof to a neck 456 of the reservoir 452, and at its end opposite a supply portion 458. The flexible portion 454 is typically, although not necessarily, formed of an elastomeric tube. The supply portion 458 is a volume limited by a flange member 460 of the spout 450 and by a valve member 462 that faces outwards. The valve member 462 has a throat 464 attached to the flexible portion 454. A second flexible portion 466 is attached to one end of the supply portion 458 opposite that of the flexible portion 454. As shown in Figure 33, a projection 468 of the valve member 462 initially presses the flexible portion 466, thus sealing the supply portion 458, while the flexible portion 454 is initially opened allowing a quantity of detergent 68 to fill the supply portion 458 designated with the reference number 68 ', as in Figures 25-32. It can be seen that the valve member 462 preferably includes a tongue 460 at its end. Reference will now be made to Figure 34, which illustrates the spout 450 installed in the waste box 10. The waste box 10 preferably includes a cam 472 pivoted about a pivot 474. The cam 472 preferably includes an upper tab 476 and a lower tab 478, which comprises a pair of teeth 480 and 482. The installation of the spout 450 in the waste box 10 requires the thrust of the spout 450 in the direction of the arrow 484 until the tongue 470 is aligned in the tooth opposite 480 and flexible portion 454 is aligned with opposite upper tab 476. Applying a force F of a predetermined amount on tooth 482 in the direction of arrow 486 pushes upper tab 476 against flexible portion 454. As shown in FIG. see in Figure 35, the force F causes the upper tab 476 to press the flexible portion 454, thereby sealing the supply portion 458 of the reservoir 452. The force F also pushes tooth 480 against tongue 470 of valve member 462, thereby opening the flexible portion 466 and allowing the detergent 68 'to be emptied from the supply portion 458 towards the waste box 10. The force F can be applied in a number of ways, such as those described above with reference to the Figures 26-29. It will be appreciated that the geometry of the upper tab 476 and the tooth 480 can be varied as desired to control the time relationship of the closed flexible portion 454 to the opening of the flexible portion 466. After releasing the force F, the dispenser 450 returns to the configuration shown in Figures 33 and 34, thus allowing a fresh amount of detergent 68 to flow to the supply portion 458. The spout 450 is now ready to deliver an additional portion of detergent 68 '. It will be appreciated that various aspects of the invention that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination with an individual embodiment. Conversely, various aspects of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of an individual embodiment are also provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims (54)

1. - A waste box comprising: a housing; a loose absorbent material disposed in said housing for use by a pet; and a mill to grind the excrement found in said housing.

2. A waste box according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent material is substantially impervious to grinding the mill.

3. A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a filter assembly for filtering the excrement, ground by the mill, of the absorbent material.

4. A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning liquid which is in fluid communication with the absorbent material, wherein the mill agitates the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid in order to cause the cleaning of the absorbent material.

5. A waste box according to claim 1, wherein the mill is located adjacent to the absorbent material.

6. A waste box comprising: a housing for disposing therein the absorbent material to be used by a pet; a mill to grind the excrement found in the waste box, said mill being located away from the absorbent material; and a transportation apparatus for transporting the absorbent material and the excreta to and from the mill.

A waste box according to claim 1, wherein the mill comprises a propeller and a motor connected to the propeller to cause the rotation thereof, wherein the propeller when it rotates causes the grinding of the excrement.

8. A waste box according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning liquid, which is in fluid communication with the absorbent material, wherein the propeller when rotated imparts a movement towards the excrement, the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid, so that the excrement, the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid flow along the internal waste surfaces.

9. A waste box according to claim 7, wherein the propeller is arranged to rotate in a propeller housing, the propeller housing being a housing-type centrifugal pump.

10. A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning liquid which is in fluid communication with the absorbent material, wherein the mill comprises a drum and a motor connected to the drum to cause the rotation of the drum. same, where the drum when it rotates shakes the excrement, the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid, causing the absorbent material to be cleaned and the excrements to be ground.

11. A waste box according to claim 1, wherein the mill comprises a vibrator, said vibrator causing the grinding of the excrement through its abrasive agitation.

12. A waste box comprising: a housing for disposing therein an absorbent material to be used by a pet; and a mill for grinding the excrement found in the waste box, said mill comprises an ultrasonic device, the ultrasonic device causing the grinding of the excrement through its abrasive agitation.

13. A waste box according to claim 3, wherein the filtering assembly has a plurality of holes formed therein, so that the excrements when grinded pass through said holes.

14.- A waste box according to the claim 13, wherein the plurality of holes are elongated.

15. A waste box according to claim 13, wherein the filtration assembly comprises a plurality of flanges spaced apart from each other at a distance less than a smaller dimension of the absorbent material, in order to prevent the material Absorbent will pass through the flanges and allow the excrement, when ground, to pass through said flanges.

16. A waste box comprising: a housing for disposing in the same absorbent material to be used by a pet; a mill to grind the excrement found in the waste box; and a filter assembly for filtering the excrement, milled by the mill, of the absorbent material, when the filtration assembly is inclined towards the mill so that the excrement being milled generally flows into the mill.

17. A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a pump for pumping the waste material out of the waste box.

18.- A waste box according to the claim 17, wherein the pump recirculates the waste material so that the waste material undergoes at least one milling recirculation cycle through the mill before being pumped out of the waste box.

19.- A waste box according to the claim 17, wherein the pump recirculates the waste material, so that the waste material undergoes at least one recirculation cycle to filter through the filtration assembly before being pumped into the waste box.

20. A waste box according to claim 4 wherein the cleaning liquid is supplied from the domestic water supply apparatus.

21. A waste box according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a liquid tank to supply the cleaning liquid.

22. A waste box that includes: a shelter for a pet to evacuate in it; and a processing unit that processes the droppings before discarding the droppings from the housing, wherein the processing unit can be attached to and removed from the housing.

23. A waste box according to claim 1, wherein a processing unit comprising the mill is packed as an individual unit that is attached and removed from the waste box.

24. A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a dryer for drying the absorbent material.

25. A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a safety closing mechanism to prevent the inadvertent entry of a pet into the waste box during the grinding of the excrement.

26. - A waste box comprising: a housing for disposing therein an absorbent material to be used by a pet; and a safety lock mechanism to selectively prevent inadvertent entry of a pet into the waste box.

27. A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a detergent that cleans the absorbent material.

28.- A waste box according to the claim 27, wherein the detergent is selected from the group consisting of a bacteriostatic detergent, a detergent that attacks protozoa, a detergent that attacks Toxoplasma spp., A detergent that chemically attacks the excrement, a detergent that neutralizes odors, a deodorant, a detergent soluble solid in the cleaning liquid, a liquid detergent, a detergent powder, detergent buckets, detergent flakes and an odorless deodorizer / detergent.

29. A waste box according to claim 27, characterized in that it comprises a spout to measure the detergent.

30. A waste box according to claim 29, wherein said dispenser comprises an odorless type spout.

31. A waste box according to claim 29, wherein the spout substantially prevents spillage of the spout detergent before and after the detergent is delivered to the waste box.

32. A waste box according to claim 29, wherein the dispenser operates to supply a predetermined portion of detergent.

33.- A waste box according to claim 29, wherein the dispenser provides an identification indication that the dispenser is installed in the waste box.

34. A waste box according to claim 29, wherein the dispenser provides an indication that said dispenser is authorized for use.

35.- A waste box according to claim 29, wherein the spout provides an indication of the level of the detergent in the spout.

36.- A waste box according to claim 3, wherein the filtration assembly is self-cleaning.

37.- A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an outlet pipe comprising a bend formed at one end thereof, said flexing can be hooked into a toilet bowl.

38.- A waste box according to the claim 37, characterized in that it comprises a safety cover attached to the end of the outlet pipe, the safety cover substantially sealing the end when the bend is not engaged to the toilet bowl.

39. - A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an outlet pipe that ends in a flexible, flexible pipe, which can be rolled in a toilet bowl to be in direct fluid communication with a discharge end of the toilet bowl.

40.- A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an outlet pipe which can be attached to a threaded coupling of a discharge pipe of a toilet bowl.

41.- A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an outlet pipe that can be connected to a discharge pipe of a washing machine.

42.- A waste box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an exhaust fan to expel odors.

43.- A method for moving the excrement from a waste box comprising the steps of: providing the excrement and releasing the absorbent material in a waste box; grind the excrement; and remove the excrement from the waste box.

44. A method according to claim 43, characterized in that it comprises milling the excrement together with the absorbent material, wherein the absorbent material remains substantially unground.

45. - A method according to claim 43, wherein the excrement is separated by floating said absorbent material on top of the excrement with a fluid.

46. A method according to claim 43, wherein the excrement is separated by floating the excrement on top of the absorbent material with a fluid.

47. A method according to claim 43, characterized in that it comprises adding a detergent during at least one of the steps of grinding and removal.

48. A method according to claim 47, wherein the detergent is selected from the group consisting of: a bacteriostatic detergent, a detergent that attacks protozoa, a detergent that attacks Toxoplasma spp., A detergent that chemically attacks the excrement, a detergent that neutralizes odors, a deodorant, a solid detergent soluble in the cleaning liquid, a liquid detergent, a detergent in powder, buckets of detergent, scales of detergent, and a deodorant / detergent of type of toilet.

49.- A method according to claim 43, characterized in that it comprises the step of flooding the absorbent material and the excrement with a cleaning liquid, wherein the step of grinding also causes the agitation of the absorbent material and the cleaning liquid in order to to clean the absorbent material.

50. A method according to claim 49, characterized in that it comprises imparting a flow movement to the cleaning liquid and absorbent material, and causing the flow movement to grind the excrement.

51. A method according to claim 49, characterized in that it comprises imparting a flow movement to the cleaning liquid and the absorbent material, and causing the flow movement to thoroughly clean the internal surfaces of the waste box.

52.- A use with a waste box in which absorbent material is deposited for use by a pet, a dispenser comprising a tank for containing a detergent, and an apparatus for supplying the detergent from the reservoir to the box waste.

53. A dispenser according to claim 52, characterized in that it comprises an apparatus for substantially preventing spillage of the liquid from the dispenser before and after said detergent is supplied to the waste box.

54. - A dispenser according to claim 52, wherein the spout operates to supply a predetermined portion of the detergent. 55.- A dispenser according to claim 52, wherein the dispenser provides an identification indication that the dispenser is installed in the waste box. 56.- A dispenser according to claim 52, wherein the dispenser provides an indication that the dispenser is authorized for use. 57.- A dispenser according to claim 52, wherein the dispenser provides an indication of a detergent level in the dispenser. 58.- A dispenser according to claim 52, wherein the dispenser is removable from the waste box and replaceable by another dispenser.