US3890654A

US3890654A - Incinerator toilet vented by air ejector

Info

Publication number: US3890654A
Application number: US383164A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ernest Bayne Blankenship
Original assignee: RES PRODUCTS INCINOLET CORP
Current assignee: RES PRODUCTS INCINOLET CORP; RESEARCH PRODUCTS/INCINOLET Corp; Sweda International Inc
Priority date: 1971-06-01
Filing date: 1973-07-27
Publication date: 1975-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 1992-06-24

Abstract

An incinerator toilet having a bowl whose lower portion opens to an incinerator chamber in which is disposed a heating means for raising the temperature within the incinerator chamber to cause incineration of the substances deposited therein and having a cover provided with a closure for closing the bowl between its upper and lower portions. The incinerator toilet is also provided with an air ejector for decreasing the pressure within the incinerator chamber to cause withdrawal of the incinerator products or effluents from the incinerator chamber by introducing a gas there under pressure in a downstream direction into the exhaust duct of the incinerator chamber. The incinerator also is provided with a control means for supplying air under relatively low pressure to the air ejector and at a high pressure when the cover is in open position and the temperature in the toilet is above a predetermined value to prevent odor problems in the event substances are deposited in the toilet when its temperature is above the predetermined value.

Description

United States Patent Blankenship INCINERATOR TOILET VENTED BY AIR EJECTOR 1 June 24, 1975 3,725,963 4/1973 Speer 1. 4/131 Primarv Examiner-Henrv K. Artis [75] Inventor: $22831 Bayne Blankenship, Dallas, AtmmeyAgem" or Firm woffardQ Felsman Fails 8L Zobal [73] Assignee: ResearchProducts/Incinolet 57 ABSTRACT Corporation Dallas An incinerator toilet having a bowl whose lower por- [22] Filed: July 27, 1973 tion opens to an incinerator chamber in which is disposed a heating means for raising the temperature [2H Appl' 383l64 within the incinerator chamber to cause incineration Related US. Application Data of the substances deposited therein and having a cover 63 continualiomimpan f 5 No 143,456, June 1, provided with a closure for closing the bowl between 1971 its upper and lower portions. The incinerator toilet is also provided with an air ejector for decreasing the [52] US. Cl, 4/131; 1 10/9 E pressure within the incinerator chamber to cause with- [51] Int. Cl A471 11/02 drawal of the incinerator products or effluents from [58] Field of Search 4/131, 118; 110/9 R, 9 E the incinerator chamber by introducing a gas there under pressure in a downstream direction into the ex- [56] Refe Cit d haust duct of the incinerator chamber. The incinerator UNITED STATES PATENTS also is provided with a control means for supplying air under relatively low pressure to the air ejector and at 2 a high pressure when the cover is in open position and 3'020'559 2H962 maflkenship 4/13! the temperature in the toilet is above a predetermined 3:092:04) 6/1963 Wood 4/131 X value to prevent odor problems in the event sub- 3,098.l44 7/1963 Dale 1 t 4/131 stances are deposited in the toilet when its tempera- 3,319,58B 5/1967 Duncan 110/9 R ture is above the predetermined value.

3,320,907 5/1967 Duncan i 110/9 R 7 C F 3,694,825 10/1972 Kufrin 4 131 2 8 Drawmg 1 I I! I, I I w 306 17,1 17, 1 I a l/ Ill ,1! 1/ l 01/7 /l It 17 ///l 2 7 I t 50 5/ 33 32 .32 34 I a 1 v S IO W V a 4;

I 46 20 a IJ 5d ff 2/ j r 5 l4 lj /6 k PATENTEDJUN 24 I975 SHE? 3 INCINERATOR TOILET VENTED BY AIR EJECTOR This application is a continuation-in-part of US. Patent Application Ser. No. l48,456, filed by Ernest Bayne Blankenship on June I, l97l.

This invention relates to incinerators and more particularly to incinerators in which the incinerated gaseous products or effluents are exhausted to the atmosphere from an incinerator chamber.

An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved incinerator for disposing of wastes.

Another object is to provide an incinerator of simple economical structure having a minimum of moving parts which is easily maintained in clean and sanitary condition.

Another object is to provide an incinerator having an incinerator chamber provided with means for raising the temperature therein to cause incineration of substances disposed within the chamber.

Still another object is to provide an incinerator which may be used as a toilet in installations where a source or air under pressure is available.

A further object is to provide an incinerator toilet having a bowl provided intermediate its ends with a continuous seal or seat surface and a cover provided with a downwardly dependent closure engageable with the seal surface for closing the bowl above an incinerator chamber to which the bottom ends of the bowl opens.

A still further object is to provide an incinerator toilet for installation in conveyances, such as railroad locomotives and cars wherein the incinerator is vented to the atmosphere through an exhaust line, the incinerator having means for preventing back drafts through the toilet which would create odor problems in such conveyances.

Another object is to provide an incinerator toilet having an air ejector for removing effluent from the incinerator chamber thereof and control means for varying the rate of flow of the ejector air.

Still another object is to provide an incinerator toilet having control means for automatically causing the ejector air to be supplied continuously to the air ejector at one rate of flow and at a second greater rate of flow when the closure is in its open position and the temperature in the toilet is above a predetermined value.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the reading of the follow ing description of a device constructed in accordance with the invention. and reference to the accompanying drawings thereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an incinerator toilet cmbodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the air ejector of the incinerator toilet illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electric circuit of the incinerator toilet;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the incinerator toilet;

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment employing two fixed orifices for the air ejector for venting the in cinerator chamber;

FIG. 6 is an exterior view of the incinerator toilet of the embodiment of FIG. 5 showing the primary orifice located on the exterior of the housing;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the primary orifice and other mechanism of the embodiment of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the primary orifice of FIGS. 5 and 7.

Referring now to the drawings, the illustrated incinerator toilet embodying the invention includes a housing 10 having a horizontal top wall 11, a bottom wall 12 and substantially vertical walls 13 extending between the top and bottom walls. An incinerator chamber 14 is disposed within the housing 10 and is provided with an electric heating element 15 which is in the form ofa coil having a vertical axis. The incinerator chamber is formed of spaced inner and outer

cylindrical walls

16 and 17, respectively, an annular bottom wall 18 disposed between the lower ends of the inner and outer walls and secured thereto in any suitable manner, as by welding, an inner horizontal annular plate or flange I9 at the upper end of the inner wall, and an annular cover 20 which overlaps an external top annular flange 20a of the outer wall and rests thereupon. The space between the inner and outer walls and between the inner plate 19 and the cover 20 is filled with a catalyst 21 such as oxidized aluminum pellets.

A circular double walled ash pan 22, not described in detail herein because the same is conventional and is only incidental to the invention, rests on a support 23 on the housing bottom wall 12 and is slidable removable through an opening 24 in the front wall 13 of the housing. The opening 24 is of course normally closed by a door.

The bowl B has a lower portion 25 substantially oval in cross-section which extends through the cover 20 and the inner plate or flange 19 into the upper portion of the incinerator chamber. The lower bowl portion 25 is provided with a heavy layer of heat insulation 26 which extends from the cover 20 to the lower end of the upper portion 27 of the bowl. The upper bowl portion 27 may be integral with the top wall 11 of the hous ing. The bowl may be made of a separate piece which may then be welded or otherwise suitably secured to the top wall 11.

The toilet seat 28 is pivotally mounted on the housing top wall I] by means of a hinge 29. A concave cover 30, which is adapted to extend about the seat 28, its dependent flange 30a being adapted to extend about the toilet seat 28, is pivotally secured to the housing top wall 11 by a hinge 31.

A closure 32 has a substantially oval bottom wall 32a, a wall 32b which extends from the bottom wall 32a and an external top flange 32c which abuts the bottom surface of the cover 30 and is secured thereto in a suitable manner, as by welding, screws and the like.

An insulating substance 33, such as fiber glass, is secured in the lower portion of the closure, in any suitable manner, as by bonding. The arcuate outer edge seal surface 33d of the closure member is adapted to rest upon and sealingly engage a continuous seat surface 34 of the bowl B at the juncture of its lower and

upper bowl portions

25 and 27.

The front portion of the flange 30a of the cover, opposite the location of its hinge 31, is provided with a spring latch 30s which is adapted to engage the front edge of the top housing wall 11 to hold the seal surface 33d of the closure member with a predetermined force against the seat surface 34 of the bowl B.

A suitable electric control box 35 is secured by any suitable means to the top housing wall 11 and the operator push buttons of a pair of switches 36a and 36b extend upwardly through suitable apertures in the top wall and are engageable by a bracket 36(- rigidly secured to the rear portion of the seat flange of the cover flange 30a when the cover is in closed position.

A manifold member 37 is rigidly secured to the outer wall 17 of the incinerator chamber and extends about a portion of the outer wall about the locations of the apertures 38 ofthe outer wall. Effluent from the chamber is drawn through apertures 39 of the inner wall 16 of the incinerator chamber into the passage 380 defined by the manifold member and the portion of the outer wall 17 about which it extends.

An exhaust b. 40 is connected to the manifold member 37 in any suitable manner, as by a fitting 38b, and is preferably formed of two right angle elbows 4] and 42 and a horizontal exhaust pipe 43. The elbows of course are connected by a suitable fitting or connector 43a and the lower elbow is connected to the horizontal exhaust pipe 43 by a similar fitting 43b. A nozzle 44 connected to one end of a nipple 45 extends into the first elbow 41 to direct a stream of air under pressure in a downstream direction into the exhaust line 40. The other end of the nipple 45 is connected to a coupling 45a, one of whose inlets is connected to a pressure line 45b, which is connected at one end to a suitable source of air under pressure, such as a tank of air under pressure, by means of a T connector 45c, a nipple 45d, the solenoid valve 46 and the nipple 45c.

Air under pressure from the line 45b can also be supplied to the coupling 450 by means of a nipple 48 connected to the T connector 450, elbow 49, a nipple 50, a second solenoid valve 46a. a nipple 51, an elbow 52 and a nipple 53. A pressure gauge 47 may also be connected to the coupling 450 which will indicate the pressure of the compressed air being supplied to the nozzle 44. The solenoid valve 46a is normally closed and opens only when its winding, as will be explained below, is energized.

The solenoid valve 46 has a smaller effective orifice than the valve 460 so that when the supply line 45b is connected to a source of air under high pressure, for example, 50 lbs. per sq. inch, and the valve 46 is open while the valve 46a is closed, the pressure of the gas being supplied to the nozzle 44 is reduced and maintained at, for example, approximately 2 to 3 psi. The valve 460 has a much larger effective orifice than the valve 46 and therefore the pressure of the gas being supplied to the nozzle 44 will be much greater when the valve 46a is open, for example, 30 psi, and therefore the rate of flow of the gas through the nozzle will also be greater.

Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawing, the electric control circuit 50 for controlling the operation of the incinerator toilet includes direct current input circuit 51 whose terminal 52 is connected to the positive side of a source of direct current and whose terminal 53 is connected to the negative side of the course of direct current.

The switch 360 is a normally open switch which closes momentarily when the cover closes and engages its push button. The switch 36a is available commercially from Honeywell Microswitch Division, Model 9BSl. The relay winding 54 when energized causes the

contacts

55 and 56 of the relay 57 to move to closed positions. When the switch 36a is momentarily closed, the relay winding 54 is connected across the input circuit by the

conductors

59, 60, and 61. When the relay contact 55 moves to its closed position, it establishes a holding circuit for the relay winding 54 to maintain it connected across the

input terminals

52 and 53 through the

conductors

59, 64, 65, a normally closed limit thermostat switch 66 mounted in or adjacent the incinerator chamber which opens when the temperature within the incinerator chamber reaches a predetermined value, a conductor 67, a normally closed safety thermostat switch 68 located at any desirable location within the incinerator and which will open when the temperature at its location rises to a predetermined value, and conductors 69 and 62. For example, the thermostat switch 68 could be positioned immediately outside the incinerator chamber or at a location in the incinerator chamber where the temperature normally is lower than in the incinerator chamber. Momentary closure of the switch 360 also immediately connects the relay winding 72 of a relay 73 across the input circuit by means of the

conductors

58, 74, 64, 60 and 61.

Once the relay contact 55 closes, the relay winding remains connected across the input circuit, after the switch 36a opens, through the now closed thermostat switches 66 and 68.

When the contact 76 is in closed position, the heater 15 is connected across the input circuit by the

conductors

58, 77, 78. and 79.

When the relay winding 54 is energized, the other contact 56 of the relay 57 is also in closed position and connects a warning light 82 across the input circuit through the

conductors

58, 83 and 84, a current limiting resistance 85 and the

conductors

86, 87, 88, and 62.

The contact 56 also connects the solenoid winding of the relay solenoid valve 460 across the input circuit when the switch 36b is closed, this switch being normally closed and closing when the cover 30 is raised, through the conductors 58 and 9], the switch 36b, and the

conductors

93, 87, 88 and 62. Switch 36b is open when the cover is in closed position.

The thermostat switch closes when the temperature at a desired location within the toilet exceeds a predetermined value and causes the warning light 82 to be energized thus warning against use of the toilet until it has cooled off. The thermostat 95 when it is closed connects the warning light across the input circuit by means of the

conductors

58, 83, 84, the resistance 85 and the conductors 86 and 96.

The solenoid winding 98b of the solenoid valve 46 is energized to open the valve 46 whenever a voltage is applied across the input circuit 51 being connected across the

terminals

52 and 53 through the

conductors

58, 99 and 91.

A capacitor 103 is connected across the

relay windings

54 and 72 to limit the current surges being connected across the

conductors

58 and 64 by the conductors 1-05 and 106.

In use, assuming that the incinerator toilet is installed in a diesel locomotive, direct current power circuit 51 is energized only when the diesel engine is running and driving a direct current generator. The compressed air line 45b is connected to the compressed air supply tank of the locomotive to which air under pressure is supplied by a usual compressor also driven by the diesel engine. Such pressure tank is of sufficient capacity that it has a supply of air under pressure when the diesel engine operation is arrested and may be used to restart the diesel engine. operate brakes and the like even though the engine is not in operation. It is essential that the incinerator toilet not provide a constant drain on the compressed air supply tank when the engine is not in operation.

Assuming now that the diesel motor is not running and that therefore no direct current is applied across the input circuit 51, the solenoid windings 90 and 98b of the solenoid valves 46a and 46 are now de-energized and therefore the valves are closed and no compressed air under pressure is being supplied to the nozzle 44. The seat cover 30 is now in its closed position and the spring latch 30e holds the seal surface 330 of its closure member 32 in compressive sealing engagement with the seat surface 34 of the bowl B. Since the locomotive is now stationary, it is unlikely that any back pressure will be exerted on the outlet end of the exhaust line 40 and therefore it is unlikely that any odors from the toilet would circulate into the locomotive even if the seal between the seal surfaces 33d and 34 were imperfect.

The switches and thermostats are now in the positions illustrated in FIG. 3, the switches 36a and 36b being open, thermostat switches 66 and 68 being closed and thermostat switch 95 being open. The relay windings 54 and 72 are of course now not energized and accordingly the contacts of the

relays

57 and 73 are in their open positions.

If the diesel engine is placed in operation. a direct current voltage is applied across the input circuit 51 and causes immediate energization of the solenoid winding 98!) of the valve 46. As a result air, under pressure is supplied through the restricted orifice of the solenoid valve 46 to the nozzle 44 at a low pressure, e.g. 2 to 3 psi. The rate and velocity of flow of the compressed air through the nozzle in the downstream direction lowers the pressure in the manifold chamber 38a below atmospheric pressure to a degree sufficient to prevent any back flow through the exhaust lines 40, the incinerator chamber and bowl and into the locomotive in the event that the seal between the seal surface 33 and the seat surface 34 is imperfect.

If the toilet is then to be placed in use, the cover 30 is raised. Raising of the cover now causes the bracket 361' to move out of engagement with the push buttons of the switches 36a and 36b. The normally closed switch 36b closes, but does not cause energization of the solenoid winding 90 since the relay 57 contacts are open as well as the thermostat switch 95. The continuous relatively low rate of flow through the nozzle 44 now cause air to flow through the bowl into the incinerator chamber and then to the exhaust line.

After use, after the substances to be incinerated have been deposited in the chamber, the cover is closed causing the switch 36a to close momentarily connecting the

relay windings

54 and 72 across the input circuit 51. Energization of the relay winding 54 will now cause the

contacts

55 and 56 to be moved to their closed positions and the contact 55 establishes a holding circuit for the

relay windings

54 and 72 through the now closed thermostat switches 66 and 68. The contact 76 of the relay 73 is thus moved to and held in closed position. The heater therefore is now connected across the input circuit through the relay contact 76 of the relay 73.

The relay windings 54 and 72 now remain energized until the temperature at a pre-selected location within the incinerator chamber reaches a predetermined value at which time the limit thermostat switch 66, which senses this value, will open. Opening of the thermostat 66 will de energize both of the

relay windings

54 and 72. As a result, the contacts of the

relays

57 and 73 move to their open positions.

Should a user raise the toilet cover 30 when the temperature in the incinerator is at such a temperature that the thermostat switches 66 and 68 are closed and the

relay windings

54 and 72 are still energized, the closing of the switch 36b causes the solenoid winding to be energized and the air under much higher pressure, for example, 35 psi will be supplied to the nozzle 44 through the large orifice valve 460.

As the temperature within the incinerator rises, the thermostat switch closes and remains closed until the incinerator again cools to a lower predetermined low temperature at the location of the thermostat 95. As a result, the solenoid 90 will be energized at any time the cover 30 is raised if the

relays

54 and 72 and the heater are energized, or if the temperature in the incinerator is above a predetermined value. to cause an increased flow of air through the bowl and incinerator chamber to the exhaust line 40. This prevents flow of vapors into the locomotive in the event substances are deposited in the bowl while the temperature thereof is high.

After the temperature in the incinerator chamber has been raised to a desired temperature, all substances deposited therein are incinerated and the thermostat switch 66 will open thus causing the de-energization of the

relay windings

54 and 72 and the movement of the relay contacts to their open positions.

When the cover is moved to its closed position, the closure 32 closes the bowl above the incinerator chamber thus reducing the volume of the space required to be heated by the heater l5 and at the same time prevents heating of the upper portions of the bowl and of the cover. The bowl may be of relatively thin metal substance, such as stainless steel, and the closure member 32 may also be formed of very thin stainless steel, for example, a few thousandths of an inch thick, so that it is somewhat resilient. The heat conductivity of the closure 32 and of the bowl itself during the short period of time of operation of the heater prevents conduction of appreciable amounts of heat to the toilet cover or to the upper portion of the toilet bowl. The heat insulating material 26 about the lower portion of the bowl 25 of course also prevents conduction of heat from the bowl and the incinerator chamber. Since the closure is made of a somewhat resilient substance, it will tend to conform resiliently to the seat surface 34 of the bowl and seal therewith.

During the period of time that the cover is closed and the heater 15 is energized, the temperature within the incinerator chamber of course rises, the substances deposited in the incinerator chamber are incinerated and the gases and vapors resulting from the incineration of such substances are drawn, due to the action of the stream of compressed air flowing through the nozzle, through the apertures 39 of the inner wall, the catalyst 21 and the apertures 38 of the outer wall 17 of the incinerator chamber into manifold chamber 38a and thence into the exhaust line. In passing through the catalyst, which of course is now heated, the odors are removed by the action of the catalyst so that the effluents at the discharge end of the exhaust line 40 do not have an offensive odor.

Any solid products, i.e., ashes, of the incineration are of course received in the double walled ash pan for re moval at a desired time.

The thermostat 95 may be set to close at a lower temperature than the temperature at which the thermostat 66 opens to cause energization of the solenoid winding 90 of the high pressure solenoid valve 46a if the cover is raised before the temperature in the toilet reaches a desired lower level and also maintains the warning light 82 energized until the temperature reaches such lowered desired level.

It will now be apparent that a new and improved incinerator toilet has been illustrated and described which causes the pressure within the incinerator chamber to be lowered somewhat below atmospheric pressure at all times the toilet is operable and to a greater degree if the cover is raised while the temperature within the incinerator toilet is above a predetermined value or the heater of the toilet is energized.

During the incineration process cycle of operation of the toilet, the incinerator chamber and bowl are closed by a closure which is connected to the seat and therefore provides a simple economical structure of the toilet, with no other movable parts, permitting it to be easily maintained in sanitary condition.

Any substances which may be deposited on the seat surface 34 of the bowl will, of course, also be inciner ated so that the bowl will at all times be in sanitary condition after each operation of the toilet.

It will be apparent that while the above described advantageous features of the invention have been illustrated in connection with an incinerator toilet, they may be used in incinerators having different functions, as, for example, in an incinerator for disposing of surgical dressings, refuse and the like.

While a particular air ejector means has been illustrated and described for withdrawing effluents from the incinerator chamber, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other means, such as blowers, may be employed for this purpose and in this case the control circuit would be appropriately modified.

It will also be apparent that while an automatic control means for operating the incinerator toilet has been illustrated and described, the operation of the toilet may be controlled by manually operable switches.

As described above, a nozzle 44 is located in the exhaust line 40 for directing a stream of air from a source of air pressure in a direction downstream of the chamher for drawing effluent therefrom. if high pressures are applied through the nozzle from the source, an excessive rate of exhaust may occur from the chamber, thereby reducing the efficiency of the incineration process. Furthermore. an undesirable rate of air pressure consumption may arise. Thus if the source is under high pressure, it is desirable to limit the pressure introduced to the nozzle 44. In the above embodiment, two solenoid valves, each having an orifice built within the valve, are employed to reduce the pressure to the nozzle by different amounts, depending on whether the cover is open or closed. When this system is employed in a diesel locomotive, the electrical system and solenoid valves also act to shut down the air pressure to the toilet when the diesel engine is not running to conserve air pressure from the supply tank. In this respect, when the incinerator toilet is employed in a diesel locomolive, the air pressure may be conveniently obtained from the compressed air supply tank of the locomotive to which air under pressure is supplied by a compressor driven by the diesel engine. The electrical system for controlling the solenoid valves is energized only when the diesel engine is running and driving a direct current generator. In the system as disclosed above, when the locomotive engine is off and hence the generator and the air compressor are off, the electrical control system and solenoid valves cut off the air pressure to the toilet thereby conserving the air pressure in the supply tank, which is desirable since the air pressure in the supply tank also is employed to operate brakes, to restart the diesel engine, as well as other functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there will be described a simple and reliable mechanical system for regulating the flow of air to the ejector nozzle located in the exhaust line and for shutting off the pressure to the ejector nozzle when the pressure from the source falls below a predetermined value. The orifice for reducing the pressure from supply line 45b is identified at 121 in FIG. 5 and comprises a fixed, that is nonadjustable and nonvariable, primary orifice which is placed in the pressure line 45 upstream from the secondary or ejector orifice 44'. The primary orifice 121 has a smaller opening than that of the ejector orifice 44' and is located outside of the housing 10 of the incinerator as illustrated in FIG. 6. The fixed orifice 121 has advantages over a solenoid valve for reducing the pressure in that it has no moving parts and since it is located outside of the housing, it is easier to clean. This is important in a diesel locomotive since the pressurized air source may include dirt, oil, or water vapor.

Located downstream of the orifice 121 is an in-line pressure relief valve 123 which is set to close when the pressure in line 45b falls below some preset value in order to conserve the pressure in the supply tank if its pressure falls too low. This valve is commercially available and works mechanically, i.e., a spring closes the valve when the pressure falls below the counter pressure exerted by the spring. Use of such a mechanical pressure relief valve has advantages in that it is simply constructed and requires no electric current.

The flow path between the orifice 121 and the orifice 44' is by way of valve 123, elbow 125, conduit 126, and block 127 having a passageway extending therethrough to the orifice 44'. Block 127 also has an orifice cleanout plug 129 which may be threaded out of the block 127 to facilitate cleaning of the orifice 44'. Also connected to the passageway in block 127 is a conduit 131 having a plug 133 which may be removed therefrom to allow an air pressure gauge to be threaded into the conduit 131 to check the air pressure across the orifice 44'. If desired, a T-connection may be substituted for the elbow to allow an air pressure gauge to be attached to the T to check the air pressure across the orifice 44'.

For use with a diesel locomotive wherein the primary air pressure normally is held between 125 and M0 psi, the opening of the primary orifice 121 may be from 0.031 to 0.036 of an inch in diameter while the opening of the ejector nozzle 44 may be 0.078 of an inch in diameter. With this arrangement, a greater pressure drop will occur across the primary orifice 121 whereby the pressure applied to orifice 44' will be of the order of [0-20 psi for a primary air pressure supply of between l25-l40 psi. Since the orifice 121 has a smaller opening than the orifice 44', it will have a greater tendency to plug up, however, since it is located outside of the housing, it may be readily disassembled and cleaned.

Thus in the embodiment of FIGS. and 6, as well as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, pressure is reduced from the pressurized air supply source by two stages of oriflces which have the advantages for example, over the use of a single orifice for obtaining a given pressure reduction. In this respect. in order for a single orifice to obtain the same pressure reduction as a two-stage orifice, the single orifice would require a very small opening which would plug up more readily and hence would require more frequent cleaning. By employing two orifices, their openings may be made larger with the smaller opening located outside of the housing to facilitate cleaning. In the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, since the primary orifice is fixed and located outside of the housing of the incinerator toilet, it is simple in construction, with no moving parts, and may be readily serviced when the need arises.

In using the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 in the incinerator toilet of FIG. I, the same electrical system as disclosed in FIG. 3 may be employed. however, switch 36b will be eliminated, as well as coils 90 and 98b of solenoids 46a and 46.

From experience, it has been found, that although the pressure relief valve 123 serves a useful purpose, it is not needed in all cases. Although there will be a continuous supply of air to the nozzle 44 if the valve I23 is removed, it has been found that in all cases the drain on the pressure supply source is not detrimental and hence the pressure relief valve 123 may be eliminated. Thus as can be understood, by employing the system of FIG. 5 with the valve I23 removed, a very simple twostage orifice system is provided for the air ejector.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the fittings between

conduits

45b and 126, including the primary orifice 12! will be described in detail. Conduit 4512 has a flair nut MI for connection to a flair fitting I43. End 1430 is threaded into a hex coupling 145 into which is threaded the primary orifice 121. The other end of the orifice 121 has the relief valve 123 threaded thereinto, if employed. Threaded to the relief valve is the elbow 125 which also is threaded to a flair nut 147 coupled to conduit I26. Air flow is in the direction illustrated by arrow 148. The primary orifice 121 has a tapered end 121a which tapers inward in the upstream direction forming a trap 149 between the tapered wall of the primary orifice and the inside diameter of the hex coupling 145. This trap acts to trap moisture or particles which do not pass through the opening l2lb and which drop off to the side. Cleaning of the primary orifice is readily accomplished by disassembling the fittings.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the invention and, therefore, it is intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

I. An incinerator toilet comprising:

housing means including an incinerator chamber and having an opening for receiving substances therethrough,

a cover movable to open and closed positions for opening and closing said opening of said housing means,

means for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber,

an exhaust line connected with and extending outwardly from said incinerator chamber,

an air inlet means having its discharge end within said exhaust line and directed downstream thereof,

a pressure line for supplying air under pressure to said air inlet means,

said pressure line having an inlet end connectable to a source of air under pressure,

first electrically operable valve means of a first predetermined orifice for controlling flow of air from said pressure line to said air inlet means,

a second electrically operable valve means of a second predetermined larger orifice predetermined location, controlling flow of air from said pressure line to said air inlet means, and

an electrical input circuit and control means operatively associated with said first and second valve means and said input circuit for causing said first valve means to be open when electric current is supplied to said input circuit and causing said second valve means to be open when said cover is in open position and the temperature in said incinera' tor toilet at a predetermined location is above a predetermined value.

2. An incinerator toilet comprising: a housing,

chamber means providing an incinerator chamber in the lower portion of the housing,

a bowl in said housing having its lower end extending into the upper end of said incinerator chamber, said bowl having an upwardly facing seat surface intermediate its ends,

a cover movably mounted on said housing above said bowl,

a closure secured to said cover and extending downwardly therefrom to engage said seat surface to close said bowl above said incinerator chamber when said cover is in its lower closed position,

heating means in said incinerator chamber for raising the temperature therein and incinerating substances deposited in the chamber through said bowl, and

an exhaust line connected to said chamber means and communicating with said chamber for removing effluent therefrom.

3. The incinerator toilet of claim 3 comprising:

means for introducing air under pressure into said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber for drawing effluent therefrom.

4. The incinerator toilet of claim 3 comprising:

a permeable heat activated catalyst between said incinerator chamber and said exhaust line.

5. An incinerator toilet comprising:

a housing,

receptacle means supported by said housing and having an open end and a lower incinerator chamber for receiving substance through said upper end.

heating means for heating the substance deposited in said chamber,

an exhaust line in communication with said chamber for removing effluent therefrom,

a recessed seat surface located below the top of said upper end of said receptacle and extending around the opening of said upper end,

a movable seat connected to said housing and having an opening formed therethrough,

said movable seat being adapted to be moved away from the opening of said upper end and to a generally horizontal operative position wherein the opening formed therethrough is in alignment with the opening of said upper end of said receptacle means,

movable cover connected to said housing for movement to an open position and to a generally horizontal closed position above said movable seat when it is in its operative position, and

a closure member secured to the underside of said cover and adapted to extend through the opening formed through said movable seat when said cover and said movable seat are located close to each other,

said closure member being adapted to extend through the opening of said movable seat and to engage said recessed seat surface to close the upper end of said receptacle means when said movable seat is in its operative position and said cover is in its closed position.

6. The incinerator toilet of claim 5 comprising nozzle means for introducing air under pressure from an air pressure line to said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber for drawing effluent therefrom.

7. The incinerator toilet of claim 6 comprising:

control means for controlling the flow of air through said nozzle means for introducing air into said exhaust line at a pressure greater when said cover is open than when it is closed and when said heater is on or when the temperature in said toilet exceeds a predetermined level.

8. The incinerator toilet of claim 7 wherein said control means includes means responsive to the position of said cover for controlling the flow of air through nozzle means.

9. The incinerator toilet of claim 7 wherein:

said control means comprises first and second electrically operable valves coupled to said air pressure line,

said first valve having a nozzle smaller than that of said second valve,

said control means comprises position sensing means for causing said second valve to be closed and said first valve to be open when said cover is moved to its closed position.

said control means causing said second valve to be open when said cover is in its open position and when said heater is on or when the temperature in said toilet exceeds a predetermined level.

10. The incinerator toilet of claim 6 comprising an orifice connected in said air pressure line upstream of said nozzle means for reducing the pressure in said air pressure line to said nozzle means.

11. The incinerator toilet of claim 10 wherein said orifice is a fixed orifice located outside of said housing and has an opening smaller than that of said nozzle.

12. The incinerator toilet of claim 11 wherein said orifice comprises:

a first conduit fitted into a second conduit means of a larger diameter,

said second conduit means being located upstream of said first conduit.

the upstream edge of said first conduit having a wall which tapers inward in the upstream direction to provide a trap for moisture, particles, etc. in the space formed between the outside of said tapering wall and the inside of said second conduit means. 13. An incinerator toilet comprising:

a housing. receptacle means supported by said housing and having an open upper end and a lower incinerator chamber for receiving substance through said upper end, heating means for heating the substance deposited in said chamber, a cover for closing said upper end of said receptacle means, an exhaust line in communication with said chamber for removing effluent therefrom, nozzle means having its discharge end located in said exhaust line for introducing air under pressure into said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber for drawing effluent therefrom, a pressure line for supplying air under pressure from a source to said nozzle means, and orifice means connected in said air pressure line upstream of said nozzle means for reducing the pressure in said air pressure line to said nozzle means. 14. The incinerator toilet of claim 13 wherein: said orifice means comprises a solenoid operated valve. IS. The incinerator toilet of claim 13 wherein: said orifice means is located outside of said housing and has a fixed opening smaller than that of said nozzle means. 16. The incinerator toilet of claim 15 wherein said orifice means comprises:

a first conduit fitted into a second conduit means of a larger diameter. said second conduit means being located upstream of said first conduit, the upstream edge of said first conduit having a wall which tapers inward in the upstream direction to provide a trap for moisture, particles. etc. in the space formed between the outside of said tapering wall and the inside of said second conduit means. 17. An incinerator toilet comprising: a housing, receptacle means supported by said housing and having an open upper end and a lower incinerator chamber for receiving substance through said upper end, heating means for heating the substance deposited in said chamber, an exhaust line in communication with said chamber for removing effluent therefrom, air pressure means for introducing air under pressure into said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber for drawing effluent therefrom, said air pressure means comprising:

an orifice ejector in fluid communication with said exhaust line for introducing air into said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber, a pressure line for supplying air under pressure I from a source of air pressure to said orifice ejector, and a primary orifice connected in said air pressure line upstream of said orifice ejector and having an opening smaller than that of said orifice ejector for providing two stages for reducing the pressure in said air pressure line, said primary orifice being located outside of said housing and having a fixed opening. 18. The incinerator toilet of claim 17 wherein said primary orifice comprises:

a first conduit fitted into a second conduit means of a larger diameter.

said second conduit means being located upstream of said first conduit.

the upstream edge of said first conduit having a wall which tapers inward in the upstream direction to provide a trap for moisture. particles. etc. in the space formed between the outside of said tapering wall and the inside of said second conduit means.

19. An incinerator toilet comprising:

housing means including an incinerator chamber and having an opening for receiving substances therethrough.

a cover movable to open and closed positions for opening and closing said opening of said housing means.

means for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber,

an exhaust line connected with and extending outwardly from said incinerator chamber.

an air inlet means having its discharge end within said exhaust line and directed downstream thereof.

a pressure line for supplying air under pressure to said air inlet means.

first electrically operable valve means of a first predetermined orifice for controlling flow of air from said pressure line to said air inlet means.

a second electrically operable valve means of a second predetermined larger orifice for controlling flow of air from said pressure line to said air inlet means. and

an electrical input circuit and control means operatively associated with said first and second valve means and said input circuit for causing said first valve means to be open when electric current is supplied to said input circuit and causing said second valve means to be open when said cover is in open position and said means for heating the inte' rior of said incinerator chamber is actuated.

20. The incinerator toilet of claim 19 wherein said input circuit and control means operatively associated with said first and second valve means and said input circuit causes said first valve means to be open when electric current is supplied to said input circuit and causes said second valve means to be open when said cover is in open position and when said means for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber is actuated or when the temperature in said incinerator toilet. at a predeterminedlocation. is above a predetermined value.

21. An incinerator toilet comprising:

housing means including an incinerator chamber and having an opening for receiving substances there through.

heater means for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber,

a pressure line for supplying air under pressure to said air inlet means,

said pressure line having an inlet end connectable to a source of air under pressure. and

control means sensitive to the position of said cover and to at least one other condition for controlling the flow of air through said air inlet means for introducing air into said exhaust line at a pressure greater when said cover is open than when it is closed and when said one other condition occurs.

22. The toilet of claim 2| wherein said control means is sensitive to the position of said cover and to the temperature in said toilet for controlling the flow through said air inlet means for introducing air into said exhaust line at a pressure greater when said cover is opened than when it is closed and when the temperature in said incinerator toilet. at a predetermined location. is above a predetermined value.

23. The toilet of claim 21 wherein said control means is sensitive to the position of said cover and to the actuation of said heater means for controlling the flow of air through said air inlet means for introducing air into said exhaust line at a pressure greater than when said cover is open than when it is closed and said heater saidheater means is actuated for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber.

24. The toilet of claim 2l wherein said control means is sensitive to the position of said cover and to the actuation of said heater means and to the temperature in said toilet for controlling the flow of air through said air inlet means for introducing air into said exhaust line at a pressure greater when said cover is opened than when it is closed and when said heater means is actuated for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber or when the temperature in said incinerator toilet. at a predetermined location, is above a predetermined value.

25. An incinerator toilet comprising:

a housing.

a bowl in said housing having an open upper end and an open lower end.

said bowl having its lower end extending into the upper end of said incinerator chamber,

said bowl having an upwardly facing seat surface intermediate its ends,

a movable seat connected to said housing and having an opening formed therethrough.

said movable seat being adapted to be moved away from the opening of said upper end of said bowl and to a generally horizontal operative position wherein the opening formed therethrough is in alignment with the opening of said upper end of said bowl,

a movable cover connected to said housing for movement to an open position and to a generally horizontal closed position above said movable seat when it is in its operative position,

a closure member secured to the underside of said cover and adapted to extend through the opening formed through said movable seat when said cover and said movable seat are located close to each other.

said closure member being adapted to extend through the opening of said movable seat and to engage said upwardly facing seat surface of said bowl to close the upper end of said bowl when said 16 26. The incinerator toilet of claim 25 comprisin means for introducing air under pressure into said e haust line in a direction downstream of said chambr for drawing effluent therefrom.

27. The incinerator toilet of claim 25 comprising: permeable heat activated catalyst between said incine ator chamber and said exhaust line.

Claims

1. An incinerator toilet comprising: housing means including an incinerator chamber and having an opening for receiving substances therethrough, a cover movable to open and closed positions for opening and closing said opening of said housing means, means for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber, an exhaust line connected with and extending outwardly from said incinerator chamber, an air inlet means having its discharge end within said exhaust line and directed downstream thereof, a pressure line for supplying air under pressure to said air inlet means, said pressure line having an inlet end connectable to a source of air under pressure, first electrically operable valve means of a first predetermined orifice for controlling flow of air from said pressure line to said air inlet means, a second electrically operable valve means of a second predetermined larger orifice predetermined location, controlling flow of air from said pressure line to said air inlet means, and an electrical input circuit and control means operatively associated with said first and second valve means and said input circuit for causing said first valve means to be open when electric current is supplied to said input circuit and causing said second valve means to be open when said cover is in open position and the temperature in said incinerator toilet at a predetermined location is above a predetermined value.

2. An incinerator toilet comprising: a housing, chamber means providing an incinerator chamber in the lower portion of the housing, a bowl in said housing having its lower end extending into the upper end of said incinerator chamber, said bowl having an upwardly facing seat surface intermediate its ends, a cover movably mounted on said housing above said bowl, a closure secured to said cover and extending downwardly therefrom to engage said seat surface to close said bowl above said incinerator chamber when said cover is in its lower closed position, heating means in said incinerator chamber for raising the temperature therein and incinerating substances deposited in the chamber through said bowl, and an exhaust line connected to said chamber means and communicating with said chamber for removing effluent therefrom.

3. The incinerator toilet of claim 3 comprising: means for introducing air under pressure into said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber for drawing effluent therefrom.

4. The incinerator toilet of claim 3 comprising: a permeable heat activated catalyst between said incinerator chamber and said exhaust line.

5. An incinerator toilet comprising: a housing, receptacle means supported by said housing and having an open end and a lower incinerator chamber for receiving substance through said upper end, heating means for heating the substance deposited in said chamber, an exhaust line in communication with said chamber for removing effluent therefrom, a recessed seat surface located below the top of said upper end of said receptacle and extending around the opening of said upper end, a movable seat connected to said housing and having an opening formed therethrough, said movable seat being adapted to be moved away from the opening of said upper end and to a generally horizontal operative position wherein the opening formed therethrough is in alignment with the opening of said upper end of said receptacle means, a movable cover connected to said housing for movement to an open position and to a generally horizontal closed position above said movable seat when it is in its operative position, and a closure member secured to the underside of said cover and adapted to extend through the opening formed through said movable seat when said cover and said movable seat are located close to each other, said closure member being adapted to extend through the opening of said movable seat and to engage said recessed seat surface to close the upper end of said receptacle means when said movable seat is in its operative position and said cover is in its closed position.

7. The incinerator toilet of claim 6 comprising: control means for controlling the flow of air through said nozzle means for introducing air into said exhaust line at a pressure greater when said cover is open than when it is closed and when said heater is on or when the temperature in said toilet exceeds a predetermined level.

9. The incinerator toilet of claim 7 wherein: said control means comprises first and second electrically operable valves coupled to said air pressure line, said first valve having a nozzle smaller than that of said second valve, said control means comprises position sensing means for causing said second valve to be closed and said first valve to be open when said cover is moved to its closed position, said control means causing said second valve to be open when said cover is in its open position and when said heater is on or when the temperature in said toilet exceeds a predetermined level.

12. The incinerator toilet of claim 11 wherein said orifice comprises: a first conduit fitted into a second conduit means of a larger diameter, said second conduit means being located upstream of said first conduit, the upstream edge of said first conduit having a wall which tapers inward in the upstream direction to provide a trap for moisture, particles, etc. in the space formed between the outside of said tapering wall and the inside of said second conduit means.

13. An incinerator toilet comprising: a housing, receptacle means supported by said housing and having an open upper end and a lower incinerator chamber for receiving substance through said upper end, heating means for heating the substance deposited in said chamber, a cover for closing said upper end of said receptacle means, an exhaust line in communication with said chamber for removing effluent therefrom, nozzle means having its discharge end located in said exhaust line for introducing air under pressure into said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber for drawing effluent therefrom, a pressure linE for supplying air under pressure from a source to said nozzle means, and orifice means connected in said air pressure line upstream of said nozzle means for reducing the pressure in said air pressure line to said nozzle means.

14. The incinerator toilet of claim 13 wherein: said orifice means comprises a solenoid operated valve.

15. The incinerator toilet of claim 13 wherein: said orifice means is located outside of said housing and has a fixed opening smaller than that of said nozzle means.

16. The incinerator toilet of claim 15 wherein said orifice means comprises: a first conduit fitted into a second conduit means of a larger diameter, said second conduit means being located upstream of said first conduit, the upstream edge of said first conduit having a wall which tapers inward in the upstream direction to provide a trap for moisture, particles, etc. in the space formed between the outside of said tapering wall and the inside of said second conduit means.

17. An incinerator toilet comprising: a housing, receptacle means supported by said housing and having an open upper end and a lower incinerator chamber for receiving substance through said upper end, heating means for heating the substance deposited in said chamber, an exhaust line in communication with said chamber for removing effluent therefrom, air pressure means for introducing air under pressure into said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber for drawing effluent therefrom, said air pressure means comprising: an orifice ejector in fluid communication with said exhaust line for introducing air into said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber, a pressure line for supplying air under pressure from a source of air pressure to said orifice ejector, and a primary orifice connected in said air pressure line upstream of said orifice ejector and having an opening smaller than that of said orifice ejector for providing two stages for reducing the pressure in said air pressure line, said primary orifice being located outside of said housing and having a fixed opening.

18. The incinerator toilet of claim 17 wherein said primary orifice comprises: a first conduit fitted into a second conduit means of a larger diameter, said second conduit means being located upstream of said first conduit, the upstream edge of said first conduit having a wall which tapers inward in the upstream direction to provide a trap for moisture, particles, etc. in the space formed between the outside of said tapering wall and the inside of said second conduit means.

19. An incinerator toilet comprising: housing means including an incinerator chamber and having an opening for receiving substances therethrough, a cover movable to open and closed positions for opening and closing said opening of said housing means, means for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber, an exhaust line connected with and extending outwardly from said incinerator chamber, an air inlet means having its discharge end within said exhaust line and directed downstream thereof, a pressure line for supplying air under pressure to said air inlet means, said pressure line having an inlet end connectable to a source of air under pressure, first electrically operable valve means of a first predetermined orifice for controlling flow of air from said pressure line to said air inlet means, a second electrically operable valve means of a second predetermined larger orifice for controlling flow of air from said pressure line to said air inlet means, and an electrical input circuit and control means operatively associated with said first and second valve means and said input circuit for causing said first valve means to be open when electric current is supplied to said input circuit and causing said second valve means to be open when said cover is in open position and said means for heatinG the interior of said incinerator chamber is actuated.

20. The incinerator toilet of claim 19 wherein said input circuit and control means operatively associated with said first and second valve means and said input circuit causes said first valve means to be open when electric current is supplied to said input circuit and causes said second valve means to be open when said cover is in open position and when said means for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber is actuated or when the temperature in said incinerator toilet, at a predeterminedlocation, is above a predetermined value.

21. An incinerator toilet comprising: housing means including an incinerator chamber and having an opening for receiving substances therethrough, a cover movable to open and closed positions for opening and closing said opening of said housing means, heater means for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber, an exhaust line connected with and extending outwardly from said incinerator chamber, an air inlet means having its discharge end within said exhaust line and directed downstream thereof, a pressure line for supplying air under pressure to said air inlet means, said pressure line having an inlet end connectable to a source of air under pressure, and control means sensitive to the position of said cover and to at least one other condition for controlling the flow of air through said air inlet means for introducing air into said exhaust line at a pressure greater when said cover is open than when it is closed and when said one other condition occurs.

22. The toilet of claim 21 wherein said control means is sensitive to the position of said cover and to the temperature in said toilet for controlling the flow through said air inlet means for introducing air into said exhaust line at a pressure greater when said cover is opened than when it is closed and when the temperature in said incinerator toilet, at a predetermined location, is above a predetermined value.

24. The toilet of claim 21 wherein said control means is sensitive to the position of said cover and to the actuation of said heater means and to the temperature in said toilet for controlling the flow of air through said air inlet means for introducing air into said exhaust line at a pressure greater when said cover is opened than when it is closed and when said heater means is actuated for heating the interior of said incinerator chamber or when the temperature in said incinerator toilet, at a predetermined location, is above a predetermined value.

25. An incinerator toilet comprising: a housing, chamber means providing an incinerator chamber in the lower portion of the housing, a bowl in said housing having an open upper end and an open lower end, said bowl having its lower end extending into the upper end of said incinerator chamber, said bowl having an upwardly facing seat surface intermediate its ends, a movable seat connected to said housing and having an opening formed therethrough, said movable seat being adapted to be moved away from the opening of said upper end of said bowl and to a generally horizontal operative position wherein the opening formed therethrough is in alignment with the opening of said upper end of said bowl, a movable cover connected to said housing for movement to an open position and to a generally horizontal closed position above said movable seat when it is in its operative position, a closure member secured to the underside of said cover and adapted to extend through the opening formed through said movable seat when said cover and said movable seat are located close to each other, said closure member being adapted to extend through the opening of said movable seat and to engage said upwardly facing seat surface of said bowl to close the upper end of said bowl when said movable seat is in its operative position and said cover is in its closed position, heating means in said incinerator chamber for raising the temperature therein and incinerating substances deposited in the chamber through said bowl, and an exhaust line connected to said chamber means and communicating with said chamber for removing effluent therefrom.

26. The incinerator toilet of claim 25 comprising: means for introducing air under pressure into said exhaust line in a direction downstream of said chamber for drawing effluent therefrom.

27. The incinerator toilet of claim 25 comprising: a permeable heat activated catalyst between said incinerator chamber and said exhaust line.