US3911506A

US3911506A - Incinerating commode

Info

Publication number: US3911506A
Application number: US134650A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr James I West
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-04-16
Filing date: 1971-04-16
Publication date: 1975-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 1992-10-14

Abstract

An incinerating commode for use in disposing of human waste. The incinerating commode includes a commode body having seat means operatively associated therewith whereby the commode can be used for receiving waste deposited by a human. A combustion chamber is located below and operatively associated with the commode body whereby human waste can fall by gravity from the commode body into the combustion chamber. Closure means is operatively supported between the commode body and the combustion chamber for effecting a closure of the combustion chamber during an incinerating operation. Cyclically operable heat source means is operatively associated with the combustion chamber for incinerating human waste deposited therein. The combustion chamber includes means defining a confined passageway surrounding the combustion chamber and including cyclically operable blower means for effecting a flow of air through the passageway during a combustion operation. An elongated conduit means is operatively associated with the combustion chamber for conveying by-products of combustion therethrough and includes filter means operatively associated therewith for filtering ash being removed from the combustion chamber. Blower means is operatively associated with the combustion chamber for purging the ash by-products of combustion from the combustion chamber in response to completion of an incinerating operation. The combustion chamber includes comminuting means operatively associated therewith for reducing the particle size of waste material being incinerated and includes additional comminuting means operatively associated therewith for reducing the particle size of ash by-products of combustion remaining after an incinerating operation and prior to blowing the ash through the elongated conduit means into the filter means. Fluid dispensing means including selectively operable control means is operatively associated with the commode body for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleansing fluid into the commode body. The incinerating commode includes selectively operable control means for initiating an incinerating operation and further includes time control means for controlling the combustion chamber operation, including incinerating, cooling and purging steps.

Description

United States Patent [191 West, Jr.

[4 1 Oct. 14, 1975 INCINERATING CONIMODE James I. West, Jr., 7856 Feilder Road, Jonesboro, Ga. 30236 [76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 4/131; 110/9 R [51] Int. Cl A47k 11/02 [58] Field of Search 4/131, 10, 118; 55/461,

55/434, DIG. 37, 529, 385, 387; 110/9 E, 9 R

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,678,450 5/1954 Simpson et al. 4/13] X 2,768,386 10/1956 Graef et a1 4/131 2,882,534 4/1959 Jauch et a1 4/l3l 3,032,776 5/1962 Obert et a] 4/131 X 3,139,626 7/1964 Blankenship... 110/9 E 3,319,588 5/1967 Duncan 4/131 X 3,320,907 5/1967 Duncan 110/9 R 3,338,191 8/1967 Frankel et a1... 1 10/9 R 3,486,174 12/1969 Nordstedt 4/l3l 3,522,613 8/1970 Botsford 4/131 3,638,402 6/1970 Thomas 55/385 X Primary ExaminerI-lenry K. Artis Attorney, Agent, or Firm.loe 0. Bolt, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT An incinerating commode for use in disposing of human waste. The incinerating commode includes a commode body having seat means operatively associated therewith whereby the commode can be used for receiving waste deposited by a human. A combustion chamber is located below and operatively associated with the commode body whereby human waste can fall by gravity from the commode body into the combustion chamber. Closure means is operatively supported between the commode body and the combustion chamber for effecting a closure of the combustion chamber during an incinerating operation. Cyclically operable heat. source means is operatively associated with the combustion chamber for incinerating human waste deposited therein. The combustion chamber includes means defining a confined passageway surrounding the combustion chamber and including cyclically operable blower means for effecting a flow of air through the passageway during a combustion operation. An elongated conduit means is operatively associated with the combustion chamber for conveying byproducts of combustion therethrough and includes filter means operatively associated therewith for filtering ash being removed from the combustion chamber. Blower means is operatively associated with the combustion chamber for purging the ash by-products of combustion from the combustion chamber in response to completion of an incinerating operation. The combustion chamber includes comminuting means operatively associated therewith for reducing the particle size of waste material being incinerated and includes additional comminuting means operatively associated therewith for reducing the particle size of ash byproducts of combustion remaining after an incinerating operation and prior to blowing the ash through the elongated conduit means into the filter means. Fluid dispensing means including selectively operable con trol means is operatively associated with the commode body for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleansing fluid into the commode body. The incinerating commode includes selectively operable control means for initiating an incinerating operation and further includes time control means for controlling the combustion chamber operation, including incinerating, cooling and purging steps.

10 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent 0a. 14, 1975 Sheet 1 of7 3,911,506

US. Patent Oct. 14, 1975 Sheet 2 of7 3,911,506

hm QN 1m l l l l I US. Patent Oct. 14, 1975 Sheet 3 of7 3,911,506

U.S. Patent Oct. 14, 1975 Sheet 4 of7 3,911,506

FIG 6 US. Patent Oct.14,1975 Sheet60f7 3,911,506

US. Patent Oct. 14, 1975 Sheet 7 of7 3,911,506

FIG l2 1 INCINERATING COMMODE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION plants have been severely strained and many such plants have been unable to satisfactorily process the increased waste of the community. Such inadequacy of sewage plant facilities has necessitated the expansion of the facilities at great expense to the taxpayers. In addition, the inadequacy of the sewage treatment facilities has also led to the pollution of streams and rivers normally used for water supply and recreational facilities.

In remote areas where sewage treatment facilities are not available, septic tank means are often employed to dispose of the human waste. A septic tank utilizes bacterial action in the tank to dispose of solid waste and utilizes a subterranean drainage field for disposing of the liquid waste. However, in certain areas where the soil conditions are not satisfactory, utilization of septic tanks creates unhealthy conditions in their use. A number of municipalities have adopted strict codes to regulate the use of septic tanks.

In remote areas where a sewage treatment facility is not available and wherein septic tanks are not feasible, oxidation ponds are employed to dispose of human waste. In utilizing oxidation ponds, a fungus is utilized to dispose of the solid waste with the liquid waste being disposed of through evaporation or surface drainage means. The use of oxidation ponds requires a large ground area and is unattractive in appearance.

A number of attempts have been made to devise chemical and incinerating commode facilities for use in disposing of human waste. However, the prior art chemical and incinerating human waste disposal apparatus are extremely complex in construction and operation, uneconomical to manufacture and unreliable in performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above indicated disadvantages of the prior art have been overcome by the present invention which basically includes an upwardly open commode body disposed above an incinerating combustion chamber wherein the human waste can be deposited in the commode body and allowed to fall by gravity into the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber includes waste comminuting means for reducing the particle size of human waste to be incinerated and includes heat source means operative for incinerating the comminuted human waste. Additional comminuting means is provided in the combustion chamber for reducing the particle size of the ash remaining after an incinerating operation.

Confined passage means is defined surrounding the combustion chamber whereby a cooling medium can be introduced therein for cooling the combustion chamber during an incinerating operation.

One feature of the present invention includes an air chamber located between the commode body and the combustion chamber and having movable closure means operatively associated therewith for closing the air chamber during an incinerating operation. Blower means is operatively associated with the air chamber and cyclically controlled for effecting a flow of air through the confined cooling passageway surrounding the combustion chamber during an incinerating operation and for effecting a flow of air through the combustion chamber in response to completion of an incinerating operation whereby the ash remaining therein can be conveyed along an elongated conduit means into a filter means operatively associated therewith.

Another feature of the present invention includes the provision of liquid trap means for retaining the liquid waste in an area immediately adjacent the combustion chamber whereby the intense heat developed during an incinerating operation will evaporate the liquid waste.

Fluid flushing means is connected to the commode body and controlled by selectively operable means for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleansing fluid into the commode body.

An additional feature of the present invention includes time control means operable for effecting an automatic cycle of incinerating and ash removal operation.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide an incinerating commode effective for disposing of human waste.

Another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode whereby the human waste can be transferred from the commode body to a combustion chamber by gravity.

A further object of this invention is to provide means for cooling the combustion chamber during an incinerating operation.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode having means for reducing the particle size of waste to be incinerated.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode having means for reducing the particle size of ash material remaining in the combustion chamber after an incinerating operation.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode having cyclically operable means for transferring the ash by-products of combustion from the combustion chamber to a filter collection means.

Another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode having a confined cooling passageway surrounding the combustion chamber with cyclically operable control means operable for effecting a flow of cooling air in the confined passageway during a combustion operation and operable for effecting a flow of air through the combustion chamber to transfer ash therefrom in response to completion of a combustion operation.

A further object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode having means for trapping liquid waste adjacent a combustion chamber whereby intense heat developed in the combustion chamber will evaporate the liquid waste material.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode having an air chamber located between a commode body and a combustion chamber and including selectively operable closure means operable for initiating an incinerating operation and cyclically controlled for movement to open condition in response to completion of an incinerating operation.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode having selectively operable dispensing means for dispensing a flushing fluid into the commode body.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide incinerating means operatively associated with a commode body and including selectively operable fluid dispensing means for cleansing the combustion chamber.

Another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating means operatively associated with a commode body and including means for automatically purging the combustion chamber of both gas and ash by-products of combustion in response to completion of an incinerating operation.

A further object of this invention is to provide incinerating commode having means for confining a liquid cooling medium around a combustion chamber for effecting a cooling of the combustion chamber and for utilizing the heat developed in the combustion chamber to heat the liquid cooling medium surrounding the combustion chamber.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode having a closure means selectively movable between open and closed conditions and including means for conditioning the incinerating commode for receiving human waste in response to moving the closure means to an open condition.

An additional object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commode operable for the disposal of human waste which is simple in construction and operation, economical to manufacture and reliable in performance.

These and other objects and advantages in the details of construction will become apparent upon reading the following description of the illustrative embodiments of the invention with reference to the attached drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to refer to like parts throughout the several figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an exploded perspective view of an incinerating commode embodying the principles of the present invention, with certain parts being removed for purpose of clarity, and certain other parts shown broken away for purpose of clarity;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially longitudinally through the combustion chamber of the incinerating commodes shown in FIG. 1, with certain parts broken away and shown in section forpurpose of clarity;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the operation of one of the closure means and a comminuting roller associated therewith;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially midway through FIG. 2, with certain parts omitted for purpose of clarity;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational as seen from the front of FIG. 2, with certain parts omitted and certain parts broken away and shown in section for purpose of clarity;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view showing one form of a filter means operatively associated with the combustion chamber of the incinerating commode;

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing a modified form of filter means adapted to be associated with .the

combustion chamber of the incinerating commode of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional.

view showing a modified form of comminuting means operatively associated with the incinerating commode combustion chamber;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view showing still another modification of a comminuting means operatively associated with the incinerating commode combustion chamber;

FIG. 11 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 11l1 of FIG. 10; I

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a modification of the combustion chamber heat source means;

FIG. 13 is a schematic elevational view as seen from the bottom edge of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a schematic elevational view taken substantially longitudinally through FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing a inodifica tion of a combustion chamber cooling and comminuting means; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic elevational view as seen from the bottom edge of FIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS GENERAL DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, an incinerating commode embodying the principles of the present invention will be described with reference to a commode body 10, including commode seat and closure means; air chamber means 30, including air chamber closure means and blower means; commode incinerating means 70, including combustion chamber, combustion chamber closure means, heat source means, waste comminuting means, ash comminuting means, evaporization chamber, discharge conduit and filter means;

flushing supply means 170, including supply tank and l selectively operable control means; a modification 2490 of combustion chamber ash filter means; first modification 300 of combustion chamber waste comminuting means; second modification 400 of waste comminuting means; a modification 500 of the combustion chamber cooling means; and a modification of combustion chamber heat source means 600.

The function of the commode body 10 is to provide an upwardly open receptacle having seating means whereby a person can utilize the commode to deposit waste therein.

The function of the air chamber means 30 is to pro vide a passageway whereby the. human waste can be transferred by gravity from the commode body to the combustion chamber of the incinerating means and in cluding cyclically operable blower means for directing a flow of air around the combustion chamber during an incinerating cycle of operation and for directing a flow of air through the combustion chamber to purge the combustion chamber of gas and ash by-products of combustion after a predetermined timed cycle of incinerating operation.

The function of the incinerating means 70 is to provide a combustion chamber located directly beneath the commode body and air chamber passageway for receiving waste transferred thereto and including heat source means selectively operable and time controlled for automatically developing a high intense heat source within the combustion chamber to incinerate waste contained therein, including the evaporation of liquid waste material confined in the evaporization chamber, and further including means for purging the combustion chamber of the gas and ash by-products of the combustion, with means for filtering the ash from the gas by-products.

The function of the flushing supply means 170 is to provide means selectively operable for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleansing fluid, such as water of chemical solution, into the commode body for cleansing the commode body after use by an individual and prior to an incinerating operation of the solid and liquid waste including the liquid flushing means dispensed by the flushing supply means.

The function of the modification of the filter means 200 is to provide alternate means whereby the incinerating commode can be adapted to various building construction requirements.

The function of the

modifications

300, 400 of the waste comminuting means is to provide alternate means for reducing the particle size of waste contained in the combustion chamber to be incinerated.

The function of the modification 500 of the conbustion chamber cooling means is to provide a liquid cooling medium which can be used to cool the combustion chamber and also used to provide a means for heating a water supply.

The function of the modification of the heat source means 600 is to provide an alternate means for developing a intense heat within the combustion chamber operable to effectively incinerate solid waste contained therein and operable to evaporate liquid waste confined in a liquid trap means adjacent the conbustion chamber.

COMMODE BODY Referring now particularly to the FIGS. 1 and 2, the

incinerating commode includes a conventional commode body having a receiving receptacle 11 defining a upwardly open entrance passageway 12. The commode receptacle includes converging wall surface portions 13 operable for funneling waste received therein through a discharge opening 14 formed in the bottom of receptacle 11. Commode body 10 includes a substantially horizontal disposed surface portion 15 surrounding the upper edge of receptacle 11.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a conventional commode seat element 16 is operatively associated with the commode body 10. Commode seat 16 includes a pair of rearwardly directed tab portions 17 having coaxial openings 18 extending therethrough. Commode seat 16 is pivotally supported on commode 10 by a pair of pivot support brackets 19, 20 having coaxially aligned openings 21. A pivot pin means 22 is inserted through aligned openings 18 of seat 16 and aligned openings 21 of pivot support brackets 19, 20. A closure or lid means 22 is operatively associated with the commode body 10 for effecting a complete closure of the entrance passageway 12 when the seat 16 and closure 22 are moved to a horizontally supported position above peripheral surfaces 15, as shown in FIG. 2 and 3. The closure means 22 includes a rearwardly directing pivot support bracket 23 having an opening 24 extending therethrough. The bracket 23 and opening 24 are detailed to be inserted between the pivot support tabs 17 of the seat 16 and opening 24 is adapted to receive the pivot pin 22 when inserted therethrough in an assembled relationship. A camming element 25 is provided on the closure element support bracket 23 for operating a latch release system for air chamber closure means, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

As shown in FlG. 2, a downwardly inclined splash plate means 13a is formed integral with a wall surface portion 13 and directed rearwardly in inclined relationship relative to opening 14. Splash plate 13a is operable to break the fall of waste material as it descends from the commode body through opening 14 downwardly through the air chamber and into the combustion chamber, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

AIR CHAMBER MEANS As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, an air chamber means 30 is provided in operative association immediately below the commode body exit opening 14. Air chamber 30 is substantially rectangular in construction and includes a front wall means 31, a pair of side wall means 32, 33 and a louvered rear wall means 34. Air chamber wall portions 3134 define a vertically oriented passageway communicating with exit opening 14 of the commode body for directing waste material downwardly therethrough into the combustion chamber 70. As shown in FIG. 2, air chamber 30 includes a downwardly inclined splash plate means 35 supported on front wall 31. Splash plate 35 is detailed in location below the commode body splash plate 13a for receiving material discharged therefrom and operable for breaking the fall of material as it descends through the air chamber 30 into combustion chamber 70.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, air chamber means 30 includes a closure element 36. Closure element 36 is supported directly beneath the commode body exit opening 14 and adjacent an upper edge of the air chamber wall surfaces 31-34. Closure element 36 is supported by a horizontally aligned guide track means 37. Guide track means 37 defines an outwardly directed notch 38 operable for slideably supporting closure element 36. Guide track means 37 is substantially U-shaped and includes a forward base portion 39 supported along the lateral extent of front wall 31. U-shaped guide track means 37 includes a pair of

leg portions

40, 41 extending along air

chamber side walls

32, 33, with

leg portions

40, 41 extending rearwardly from the air chamber means 30 and extend to support the closure element 36 in a open position displaced outwardly of the air chamber passageway. I

Closure element 36 is normally urged to an open position by a tension spring 42. Tension spring 42 is connected adjacent one end to a rod element 43 extending outwardly from closure element 36. An opposite end of spring 42 is connected to an upstanding post element 44 which is mounted by conventional means in a upper rearwardly displaced surface of the incinerator housing. Movement of closure element 36 to a closed position is effected by a control handle 45 extending forwardly from rod element 43. Control handle 45 includes a laterally extended handle gripping portion 46. Closure element 36 is latched in a forwardly moved closed position by means of a latch element 47. Latch element 47 is pivotally supported by a cross shaft 48 which is connected at its opposite end by conventional bracket means (not shown) to the upper surface of guide tracks 40, 41. Latch element 47 is supported substantially midway between the guide tracks 40, 41 and,

includes a camming portion 49 which is adapted to ride over the upper surface of the closure element 36 during movement between open and closed positions. Latch element 47 has a downwardly directed latching surface 50 detailed to engage a rearward edge of the closure element 36 for maintaining the closure element in a forwardly displaced closed position. Latch element 47 is spring urged in a clockwise direction (FIG. 2) about shaft 48 by a conventional torsion spring (not shown) whereby the camming surface 49 will remain in contact with the upper surface of closure element 36 and will automatically advance the latching surface 50 to a latching position against the rear edge of closure element 36 when the closure element is moved to a forwardly displaced position.

As shown in FIG. 2, a latch release rod 51 is provided for releasing latch 47 whereby tension spring 42 can move the closure element 36 to a open position. Latch release rod 51 is supported on the rear surface of commode body in a intermediate portion thereof by means ofa pair of vertically aligned sleeve elements 52, 53. An upper extended end of latch release rod 51 is provided with a forwardly directed tab portion 54. Forwardly directed tab portion 54 is detailed to be located in position to be contacted by cam element located on commode lid 22. A compression spring 55 is provided around latch release rod 51 above sleeve means 53 and is trapped between sleeve 53 and a retaining ring 56 fixed in axially set location relative to rod 51 whereby spring 55 will spring urge rod 51 to a upwardly displaced position. The extent of upward movement of rod 51 is controlled by a limit stop pin 57 which is located below sleeve means 53. A lower depending edge of latch release rod 51 is supported directly above an extended portion of latch mechanism 47 whereby a downward displacement of rod 51 by a cam element 25 will effect a counterclockwise rotation of latch 47. A counterclockwise rotation of latch 47 by rod 51 will unlatch surface 50 from a rear edge of closure element 36, allowing the spring 42 to return closure element 36 to an open position.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, air chamber includes blower air circulation means for directing a flow of air through the louvered wall 34. Blower means includes two

conventional blower elements

60, 61.

Blower elements

60, 61 are supported by conventional support means (not shown) immediately below closure element track support means 40, 41.

Blower elements

60, 61 include discharge conduit means 62, 63 for directing a flow of air through the louvered wall surface 34. Wall 34 includes a number of inclined louvered elements 34a effective for directing a flow of air across the passageway of air chamber 30 and downwardly toward the combustion chamber 70, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

Blower elements

60, 61 include conventional electrical control elements (not shown) automatically operable, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow in the description of the operation of the incinerating commode- INCINERATING MEANS As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the incinerating means is located below and operatively associated with the discharge passageway extending through air chamber means 30. Incinerating means 70 includes a substantially rectangularly shaped body portion 71 containing a solid waste combustion chamber 74. Extending rearwardly from body portion 71 is a second body portion 72 having converging wall surface portion for defining a liquid waste evaporation chamber 81. An elongated substantially rectangular conduit means 73 is connected adjacent the converging end of body portion 72 and extends rearwardly therefrom. As shown in FIGS.-

2 and 3, the incinerator body portion 71 includes an incinerating chamber 74. Incinerating chamber 74 is substantially rectangular in construction and defines an upwardly open receptacle supported in alignment with the passageway of air chamber 30 and aligned with the discharge opening 14 of commode body 10 whereby waste material introduced into the commode body 10 can fall by gravity through opening 14, through air chamber 30 and into the combustion chamber 74. Combustion chamber 74 is formed for a supporting floor structure 75 with side wall means 76, 77 extending vertically upward from the floor means. The forward or left edges (FIG. 2) of bottom wall 75 and

side wall

76, 77 are joined by an end wall 78. As shown in FIG. 2, the combustion chamber 74 includes an inclined wall member 79 which extends laterally between

side wall

76, 77. Inclined wall 79 terminates above the bottom wall 75 and is laterally spaced from

side walls

76, 77 to define a ash discharge opening 80 around the exposed edges thereof.

As shown in FIG. 2, an evaporation chamber 81 is located adjacent combustion chamber 74. Evaporation chamber 81 includes a bottom wall 82 which is connected in downwardly displaced relationship with the bottom wall 75 of combustion chamber 74. Evaporation chamber bottom wall 82 extends rearwardly in a substantially horizontal relationship and includes an upwardly inclined right end portion 83. Evaporation chamber 81 is provided with a pair of side wall members 84 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2, but is to be understood that a second side wall similar to 84 would be provided such that the side wall 84 will extend upwardly along opposite lateral side edges of bottom 82). Side walls 84 are connected to and extend rearwardly or rightward from the

side walls

76, 77 of combustion chamber 74. Evaporation chamber 81 is provided with a downwardly inclined top wall 85 for defining a substantially enclosed conduit means surrounding the evaporated chamber 81, with an entrance opening 80 located adjacent the combustion chamber and with an exit opening 86 connected in flow communication with an elongated conduit member 87.

As shown in FIG. 2, a baffle member 88 is provided along the upper surface of bottom wall 82 and extending between side walls 84. The bottom wall 82 and baffle 88 defines a reservoir means for retaining the liquid waste discharged into the incinerator means. The baffle element 88 operates to retain the liquid in the evaporation chamber 81 in closest possible relationship with the combustion chamber 74, whereby the liquid waste can be evaporated from'intense heat developed in the combustion chamber, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. Discharge conduit 87 is provided with an overflow pipe 89. Pipe 89 is adapted to be connected to conventional sewage disposal lines.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the incinerator means includes a confined passageway defined adjacent the combustion chamber front wall 78 and extending rearwardly adjacent the combustion chamber bottom wall 75 and

side wall

76, 77 with the confined passageway extending rearwardly and surrounding the wall structures of the evaporation chamber 84 and the wall surface portions of the elongated conduit means 87. The confined passageway is defined around the combustion chamber 74, evaporation chamber 81 and elongated conduit means 87 by providing

wall surface portions

75a, 76a, 77a, etc. supported in space parallel relationship relative to an associated wall structure of the combustion chamber 75, evaporation chamber 81 and conduit means 87.

As shown in FIGS. l-3, the incinerator means 70 is provided with a closure element 90 supported for movement between an open and closed condition above the combustion chamber 74. With the closure element 90 in an open condition, the combustion chamber 74 will be open for receiving waste material transferred through the air chamber from the commode body and with the closure element 90 in a closed position, the combustion chamber 74 is substantially closed and sealed for a combustion operation. With the closure element 90 in a closed position, the upper surface will provide a deflecting surface for deflecting the air flow from the blower means 60, 61 over the end wall 78 and

side wall

76, 77 and into the confined passageway for cooling the combustion chamber.

Closure element 90 is supported adjacent a lower edge of air chamber 30 and adjacent an upper edge of combustion chamber 74 by means of a guide track assembly 91. Guide track assembly 91 defines an outwardly directed substantially U-shaped notched portion 92 operable for slidably supporting closure element 90. Guide track assembly 92 includes a base portion 93 located across end wall 78 in spaced relationship with wall 78a to define an opening 93a therebetween. Guide track 92 includes a pair of

leg portions

94, 95 extending along an upper edge of

side walls

76, 77. The guide track

assembly leg portions

94, 95 extend rearwardly beneath the

blower elements

60, 61 and are detailed in rearward length to support the closure element 90 in a displaced open position. The guide track U-shaped notch portion 92 of the track base portion and

leg portions

94, 95 are horizontally aligned relative to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the closure element 90 is normally urged to a retracted open position by a tension spring 96. Tension spring 96 is connected adjacent one end into fixed support rod 44 and is connected adjacent an opposite end to a laterally extending rod element 97 fixed to a rear edge of closure element 90. C10- sure element 90 is moved to a forward closed position by a control element 98 which extends forwardly from rod element 97. Control element 98 includes an upwardly extending handle grip portion 99 which will permit an operator to grasp the handle to move the closure element 90 to the forwardly closed position. The handle gripping portion 99 extends upwardly and is located behind handle gripping portion 46, whereby a forward movement of handle 99 will also move handle 46 to a closed position. Closure element is latched in a forward closed position by means of a time control latched element 100. Time control latch 100 is supported adjacent an upper lateral edge of incinerator front wall 78a. Time control latch element 100 is detailed in location for latching engagement with a latched notched portion 101 formed on a forwardly extending end of control element 98. Latch element 100 includes a camming surface portion which will contact a forward edge of control elements 98 and be biased inward during a forward movement of control element 98. After the control element 98 has reached a forward limit position to effect closure of element 90, the recess notch portion 101 will be positioned relative to latch element 100 whereby the latch element will be spring urged outwardly to a latched position relative thereto. The time control latched element 100 includes conventional time control mechanism (not shown) located within a support housing 102. An adjustable control means 103 is operatively associated with the timing mechanism whereby the timer can be adjusted for releasing the latch 100 after a predetermined length of time. The cycle of operation of the time control mechanism 100 and closure element 90 operating cycle will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the combustion chamber 74 of the incinerating means 70 is provided with a conventional heat source means 110. Heat source means includes a conventional electrical blower means 111 operatively associated therewith for directing a flow of air through a burner nozzle means 112. Burner nozzle means 112 is mounted in the incinerator

end wall structures

78, 78a, with the burner nozzle 112 including a passageway 113 connected in flow communication with combustion chamber 74. The heat source means 110 is provided with a conventional burner element (not shown) which is furnished with a heating fuel through a supply line 114 from a storage tank 115. The burner element is cyclically controlled by a conventional timed controlled mechanism, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow, for developing a flame which can be directed through passageway 113 into the combustion chamber 74 by the blower means 1 1 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a supply conduit means 116 extends through the

incinerator end wall

78, 78a for dispensing a quantity of fluid, such as water, into the combustion chamber for purging the incinerator of any ash that may remain therein. Conduit means is controlled by a conventional valve means 117 for dispensing the fluid medium into the combustion chamber when desired.

As shown in FIGS. 2-6, the combustion chamber 74 is provided with a horizontally aligned grate means 120. Grate means 120 includes a plurality of elongated rod elements 121. Elongated rod elements 121 are supported at their opposite ends in combustion

chamber side walls

76, 77. The elongated rod elements 121 are supported in spaced horizontally aligned relationship to define space therebetween to allow waste material to be discharged therethrough during a waste comminuting operation, as will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper surfaces of each of the elongated elements 121 are provided with a beveled or sharpened upper edge 122. The sharpened upper edge 122 of the grate means will cooperate with moveable comminuting elements during a comminuting operation. Grate means 120 provides a supporting surface on which the waste can be deposited as it falls from the commode body 10.

Waste which is deposited on the grate means 120 is reduced in particle size during an incineration operation by a pair of oscillating

comminuting assemblies

125, 126. Each of the

comminuting assemblies

125, 126 includes an elongated rod element 127 which is supported at its opposite ends by conventional bearing support means (not shown) in combustion chamber front wall 78 and bracket means 128 which extend from combustion

chamber side walls

76, 77. The rod elements 127 are supported above and in substantially parallel relationship with the plane of the grate means 120. The comminuting assembly 125 is supported adjacent the combustion chamber side wall 76 and comminuting assembly 126 is supported adjacent the combustion chamber side wall 77. Each of the comminuting rod elements 127 includes a plurality of radially extending comminuting fingers 129. The comminuting fingers 129 are detailed in axially spaced relationship along rod support elements 127 whereby the comminuting fingers are substantially centered relative to the space between the grate rods 121. The radial length of comminuting fingers 129 are detailed such that the fingers of each of the

comminuting assemblies

125, 126 extend substantially midway of the grate assembly 120, substantially as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the comminuting rod supporting elements 127 includes an end portion 130 which extends outwardly of the incinerating housing front wall 78a. The comminuting rod elements 127 are supported for oscillating movement within the incinerating

housing wall structures

78, 78a and in the support brackets 128 whereby the comminuting fingers can be oscillated in a comminuting operation. The comminuting fingers 129 are normally supported in a vertically oriented position, as shown in FIG. 6, with the fingers in substantially parallel relationship with the combustion

chamber side walls

76, 77. In a comminuting operation, fingers 129 are moved downwardly through the passageways formed between grate rod elements 121 to a lower limit position, substantially as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1, and 6, the

comminuting assemblies

125, 126 are oscillated in a comminuting operation by means of a pair of motor drive means 131, 132. The motor drive means are supported on opposite side walls 76a, 77a, respectively. Each of the motor drive means 131, 132 includes a driving output shaft 133 which extends forwardly therefrom in substantially parallel relationship to the comminuting assembly support rods 127. The outer end of drive shafts 133 are provided with a radially extending arm means 134. The extended ends 130 of each of the supporting rods are provided with radially extending crank arms 135. A drive is delivered from the motor arms 134 to crank arms 135 by elongated link members 136. Since the motor arm means 134 is of a shorter radius than crank arms 135, a rotary motion of arms 134 will effect an oscillating motion of crank arms 135.

During a comminuting cycle of operation,

motors

131, 132 are energized and the motor arm means 134 are rotated to effect an oscillating movement of the comminuting assembly crank arms 135. A one cycle of oscillating movement of crank arms will move the comminuting fingers 129 from their upwardly directed home position, downwardly to their limit position displaced through the space between grate rods 121, and will then return the comminuting fingers to their upwardly directed home position. In operation, the motor drive means 131, 132 are energized for a predetermined period of time during the incinerating operation to continually oscillate the comminuting fingers 129, to

sufficiently reduce the particle size of any waste material supported on the grate 120.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the combustion chamber 74 is provided with a roller comminuting means 140. Comminuting roller is supported in rolling engagement with the combustion chamber bottom wall 75. Roller 140 is rotatably supported by an axially extending shaft 141 which is connected by a bracket means 142 to a vertically oriented rod means 143. Opposite ends of rod 143 are rotatably supported by the combustion chamber bottom wall 75 and by the base portion 93 of the guide track assembly 91, substantially as shown in FIG. 2. Bracket means 42 is fixed by conventional means to the rod 43 whereby an angular movement of rod 43 will effect a corresponding angular displacement of roller 140. Rod 143 includes a forwardly extending arm 144 connected to an upwardly extended end thereof. Arm 144 is connected by an elongated horizontally oriented rod member 145 to a compression spring means 146. Rod 145 extends through an opening provided in air chamber side wall 33. The compression spring 146 is trapped between wall'33 and a retaining ring means 147 which is fixed to the outer end of rod 145. Compression spring means 146 will operate to spring bias shaft 143 in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 4, to maintain the comminuting roller 140 in abutting engagement with the combustion chamber side wall 76.

The comminuting roller 140 is driven in a comminuting operation when the combustion chamber closure element 90 is advanced to an open position by tension spring 96. Movement of closure element 90 is transferred to the comminuting roller 140 by a latch assembly 148. Latch assembly 148 is pivotally supported by bracket means 149 to a left forward edge of closure element 90, as shown in FIG. 4. Latch assembly 148 is normally urged in a counterclockwise direction about bracket support means 149, by a conventional spring means (not shown). Latch 149 includes a forwardly directed camming portion 150 adapted to move in camming engagement with a laterally extending arm 151. Laterally extending arm 151 is fixed in substantially horizontal relationship to vertically oriented rod 143. Latch 149 includes a vertically oriented latching surface 152. The latching assembly 149 and location of the lateral ann 151 are detailed such that a movement of closure element 90 to a closed position will effect a latching engagement of latch 149 with arm 151.

When closure element 90 is released by the time control latch 100 and is spring urged to an open position by tension spring 96, latch 149 will rotate shaft 143 in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 4, until the latch mechanism 149 disengages from arm 151.. The amount of rotary movement of shaft 143 by latch assembly 149 is detailed to effect movement of roller 1411 from a position adjacent combustion chamber side wall 76 to a position adjacent the combustion chamber front wall 78. After the latch assembly 149 has disengaged from arm 151, compression spring 146 will again spring urge the comminuting roller 140 in a counterclockwise direction to return the roller to its original home position adjacent combustion chamber side wall 76. The comminuting roller 140 is detailed for rolling engagement with the bottom surface of combustion 74 whereby a cycle of movement of the roller over the bottom wall 75 will comminute ash by-products of combustion located on combustion chamber bottom 75. As shown in FIG. 2, the comminuting roller is spring urged into rolling engagement with bottom 75 by a compression spring 154. Spring 154 surrounds rod 143 and is trapped between the bottom surface of base member 93 and a retaining ring 155 fixedin an axially set position on rod 143.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 7, the incinerating means 70 includees filter means 156 operatively associated with the discharge end of incinerator wall structure means 73 and the discharge end of elongated conduit means 87. Filter means 156 includes a substantially vertically oriented housing 157. Housing 157 is connected in fluid flow communication with the discharge end of incinerator housing 73. Housing 157 includes a passageway 158 extending upwardly therethrough. The by-products of combustion will be discharged outwardly through conduit 87 into passageway 158. The cooling air directed outwardly through the confined passageway between housing 73 and conduit 87 will also be directed upwardly through passageway 158. Filter housing 157 includes a reduced neck portion 159. A filter cannister means 160 is supported on the reduced neck portion 159. The air filter cannister means 160 includes a dome-shaped top portion 161. Releaseably connected around the peripheral edges of dome 161 is an annular ash retaining member 162. The filter cannister means 160 is supported on the reduced neck portion 159 by a sleeve means 163. Sleeve 163 is detailed to fit around the reduced neck portion 159 and is provided with conventional adjustable connecting means (not shown) whereby the dome cannister can be readily removed therefrom as needed. Filter cannister 160 includes an annular air flow passage 164 provided between mounting sleeve 153 and ash retaining member 162. The interior of the filter cannister is connected in flow communication with the annular passageway 164 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 165 located in an annular flange portion extending from sleeve 163 to the ash retaining member 162.

As shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, air flow directed outwardly through conduit means 87 will pass upwardly through passageway 158 into the filter cannister 160. The dome-shaped housing 161 of the filter cannister 160 will direct the flow of air outwardly and downwardly into the ash retaining member 162. Air flowing downwardly into member 162 will circulate and flow back upwardly, outwardly through the apertures 165 and down through the passageway 164. Particles of ash by-products of combustion which are conveyed outwardly through the conduit means 87 in a combustion chamber purging operation will be retained in the ash retaining member 162. An adjustable connection between the sleeve 163 and reduced neck portion 169 will allow the filter cannister 160 to be removed whereby the ash by-products can be discharged therefrom when needed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the filter means 156 includes a second filter cannister 166. Filter cannister 166 includes a sleeve portion 167 which is secured to a outwardly extending conduit element 168. Conduit element 168 is fixed to the lower surface of filter housing 156 and defines a passageway extending therethrough whereby air and heavy particles of ash by-products of combustion can fall therethrough into the filter cannister 166. The sleeve 167 is provided with conventional connecting means, such as threads, whereby the cannister 166 can be readily removed and the ash byproducts emptied as needed.

As shown in FIG. 7, filter cannister 166 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 169 which are located in an annular flange extending between the cannister housing and cannister sleeve portion 167. Air flow in the filter cannister 166 will be directed upwardly and outwardly through the apertures 167 with the ash by-products being trapped within the cavity portion of the cannister 166.

The elongated discharge conduit 87 includes an upturned end portion 87a which is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the passageway 158 of housing 157. Air directed outwardly through conduit 87 in a combustion chamber purging operation will flow upwardly through the upturned end portion 87a into the passageway 158, as indicated by the air flow arrow pattern of FIG. 7. The upturned end portion 87a of conduit means 87 is provided with deflecting members 8712. Each of the deflecting members 87b is provided with aperture means 870 immediately rearward thereof. The heavy ash by-products of combustion which are not conveyed upwardly by the air flow passing through upturned portion 87a will fall by gravity downwardly through the apertures 870 into the filter cannister 166.

FLUSHING MEANS Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the incinerating commode includes means for dispensing a predetermined quantity of flushing liquid into the commode body 10. The flushing liquid is provided for cleansing the surface portions 13 of the commode body of any waste retained thereon. The flushing means 170 includes a storage receptacle 171 having an input supply line 172. A conventional valve control means 173 is provided for dispensing a predetermined quantity of fluid contained in storage tank 171 through a discharge conduit 174. The discharge conduit 174 is connected in flow communication with a dispensing manifold 175 located around the upper peripheral edge of commode body 10. g

A dispensing manifold 175 includes a plurality of axially spaced apertures which is detailed for directing a supply of fluid outwardly against the commode body wall surfaces 13. Flushing receptacle 170 is provided with conventional control means for maintaining the amount of flushing fluid in receptacle 171 at a predetermined level. THe flushing means 170 is operable for flushing a supply of water to cleanse the commode body or is operable for flushing a supply of water which is adapted to be mixed with a chemical solution in the commode receptacle and dispensed therefrom in a conventional manner. Control handle means 173 is operable whereby movement of the control handle 173 to a number of adjusted positions will regulate the amount of fluid dispensed into the commode body during a flushing operation.

A chemical solution can be effectively mixed by conventional means within the storage receptacle 171 whereby a desirable scent is maintained in the commode and, further, the chemical solution can be regulated whereby a combustion operation will produce a desirable scent in the area surrounding the commode.

The flushing liquid dispensed by manifold 175 will flow downwardly over the commode body surface portions 13 and will be discharged through exit opening 14. The liquid discharged through exit opening 14 will flow by gravity down through the air chamber and into the combustion chamber 74. The liquid entering combustionchamber 74 will flow by gravity along the lower wall of combustion chamber 74, which is slightly inclined to ensure that the liquid will pass outwardly through opening 80 into the evaporation chamber 81. The liquid entering evaporation chamber 81 will be retained therein by the baffle member 88 to be evaporated in an incinerating operation. Should the amount of flushing liquid be greater than the capacity of the liquid trap means defined by the baffle member 88, the excessive amount of liquid will flow outwardly through the overflow conduit means 89. The cycle of flushing and evaporation operation will be described in more detail hereinbelow in the description of the operation of the incinerating commode.

MODIFICATION OF THE FILTER MEANS As shown in FIG. 6, a modified arrangement 200 of the filter means is provided. Due to some requirements in a building construction, it is desirable to provide a means whereby the filter means can be located at a position angularly displaced below the incinerating commode or angularly displaced laterally to one side of the incinerating commode. One form of an angularly displaced filter means 200 is shown in FIG. 8, wherein the filter means is angularly offset below the incinerating commode. The angular offset arrangement of the filter means 200 will reduce the overall length of the incinerating commode, allowing the incinerating commode to be placed in a more confined area. The filter means 200 shown in FIG. 8 is substantially identical to the filter means 156 shown in FIG. 7. The filter means 200 of FIG. 8 is displaced downwardly by forming the discharge conduit 87 to include an angularly inclined portion 87a and to form the incinerator housing '73 to include an angularly inclined portion 73a. A plurality of liquid trap elements 87a is provided on the downwardly inclined wall 87a for trapping and retaining liquid passing therealong in as close as possible location relative to the evaporation chamber 81 whereby the water will not enter the filter means. Any water trapped by elements 87b will be evaporated due to intense heat developed in the combustion chamber 74 and directed outwardly through the evaporating chamber 81 and through conduit means 87. Still other arrangements of the filter means relative to the commode means can be provided by extending the conduit means 87 and housing means 73 in various angular directions relative to the incinerating commode 10.

FIRST MODIFICATION OF WASTE COMMINUTING MEANS As shown in FIG. 9, a modified waste comminuting means 300 is provided in operative association within the lower portion of combustion chamber 74. The modified waste comminuting means 300 includes a plurality of rotatable beater means 301. Each of the rotatable beater means 301 is rotatably supported by cross supporting shafts 302. Cross supporting shafts 302 are supported at opposite ends by the combustion chamber side wall means. Each of the rotatable beater means 301 includes a plurality of sets of radially extending arm means 303. A set of radially extended arm means is angularly aligned relative to each other and includes a plate element 304 extending therebetween. One radi-.

ally extending arm 303 of a set. is positioned substantially adjacent one of the side walls of the combustion chamber and a second arm of a set is positioned adjacent an opposite side wall of the combustion chamber, with the length of plate member 34 extending therebetween. The sets of radially extending arms 303 are angularly positioned around supporting shafts 302 at approximately 90 relative to each other.

As shown in FIG. 9, adjacent rotary elements 302 are detailed in angular alignment relative to each other whereby radially extending arms of one rotary element will overlap and extend into the space betweenadjacent rearwardly extending arms of an adjacent rotary element. THe angular overlapping relationship of adjacent rotary beater means will provide an effective means for receiving and reducing the particle size of' SECOND MODIFICATION OF THE COMMINUTING MEANS Referring now particularly to FIGS. 10 and 11, a second modification 400 of the waste comminuting means is shown. The waste comminuting means 400 is opera-.

tively associated with the combustion chamber 74 for receiving and comminuting waste discharged therein. The comminuting means 400 shown in FIGS. 10 and 1 1 include a plurality of rotary beating elements 401. Ro- I tary beater elements 401 are supported by cross support shafts 402. Cross support shafts 402 are rotatably supported at their opposite end by the combustion

chamber side walls

76, 77, as shown in FIG. 11. Each of the rotary beater elements 401 includes a plurality,

of radially extending comminuting fingers 403. The comminuting fingers 403 are axially and circumferentially spaced relative to their support shaft 402.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the comminuting means 400 includes a horizontally aligned grate means 405. Grate means 405 includes a plurality of laterally spaced rod elements 406. Opposite ends of rod elements 406 are supported by a pair of cross support bars 407. Bars 407 are supported in the combustion

chamber side walls

76, 77. The rod elements 406 are supported in spaced parallel relationship below a line extending through the axis of the rotary beater elements 401. The comminuting fingers 403 of the rotary beater elements are detailed in axially spaced location to extend within the space defined between the laterally spaced rods 406.

As shown in FIG. 11, each of the support shafts 402 includes an end which extends through the combustion chamber side wall 76 and outwardly through the incinerator housing side wall 76a. The extended ends of support shafts 402 are provided with intermeshing gear drive means 408410. Gear 4'10 is provitied with a motor drive means 411. A drive from motor 411 is delivered to gear 410 and is transferred through intermeshing gears 408, 409 to effect rotary movement of the beater elements 401. The above described modification of the comminuting means is effective for reducing the particle size of waste to be incinerated.

MODIFICATION OF THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER COMMINUTING AND COOLING MEANS As shown in FIGS. and 16, a modified arrangement 500 of the combustion chamber cooling means and combustion chamber comminuting means is provided. The combustion chamber 74 of FIG. 15, 16 includes a sealed confined passageway surrounding the front, sides and rear portion of the combustion chamber 74. The confined passageway 501 is detailed for containing a supply of cooling medium, such as water, therein which is used for cooling the combustion chamber and also used for supplying a source of hot water which can be used in the bathroom area. The water cooling passageway 501 is provided with an input supply means 502 and an output supply means 503. A supply of water is pumped through supply conduit 502 into the passageway 501 and is confined therein to be used in cooling the combustion chamber during an incinerating operation and is capable of being discharged through an output supply conduit 503 to conventional hot water utilization means provided in the bathroom area.

The combustion chamber provided in the modification shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is formed to include an arcuate-shaped bottom wall means 504. Supported above and in spaced relationship with arcuate bottom wall 504 is an arcuate-shaped grate means 505. Grate means 505 is constructed of a plurality of laterally spaced grate rod means 507, detailed in length to extend between the combustion

chamber side walls

76, 77 and detailed in spacing to extend the distance between front wall 780 and rear wall 79c. The modified combustion chamber 74 includes a rotatable comminuting element 510. Rotary comminuting element 510 includes a support shaft 511. Shaft 511 is supported at its opposite ends within combustion chamber wall means 780 and 79c. The rotary comminuting means 510 includes a plurality of radially extending comminuting fingers 512. Comminuting fingers 512 are angularly and axially spaced relative to support shaft 511, with the comminuting fingers being detailed in location to extend within spaces provided between rod elements 507 of the grate means 505. In a comminuting opera tion, the rotary comminuting means 510 is driven by conventional motor drive means (not shown) such that the comminuting fingers 512 will cooperate with the grate rod elements 507 to effectively reduce the size of particles of waste to be incinerated.

The combustion chamber of FIGS. 15 and 16 includes an elongated comminuting roller 515 which is coaxially supported by arm support means 516. Arm means 516 are rotatably supported by shaft 511. Conventional power operating means (not shown) is operatively associated with the comminuting roller 515 for advancing the comminuting roller 515 from a first home position shown in FIG. 16 along the arcuate bottom 504 to a position substantially displaced 180 relative thereto and then returned the comminuting roller to the original home position. The comminuting roler 515 is driven through a comminuting cycle after an incinerating operation has been completed and prior to a purging operation of the combustion chamber.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the combustion chamber includes a pair of heat source means 520, 530. The heat source means 520, 530 includes conventional blower means 521, 531, respectively. Extending forwardly from the blower means 520, 530 are

burner nozzles

522, 532. The burner nozzles 522, 532 are supported adjacent the corners provided between combustion

chamber wall members

760, 77c and 78c. The burner nozzle means 522, 532 are supported and directed downardly whereby a pressurized flame means produced by the burner nozzle will be directed onto the grate means 505 to effectively incinerate any waste material located in the combustion chamber.

Since the combustion chamber modification shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 does not include blower means for cooling the combustion chamber, the blower means 521, 531 associated with the heat source means will effectively purge the unwanted gases and ash by-products of combustion from the combustion chamber after an incinerating operation. The purging operation can be performed by automatically distinguishing the flame means of the burner nozzle and utilizing the blower means to force air through the combustion chamber and outwardly through the associated conduit means 87 described hereinabove.

MODIFICATION OF THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER HEAT SOURCE MEANS As shown in FIGS. 12-14, a modification 600 of the combustion chamber heat source means is provided. The combustion chamber shown in FIGS. 1214 is substantially identical to the combustion chambers shown in FIGS. l7 with the exception that the heat source means provided in FIGS. 17 has been omitted and replaced by a pair of heat source means 601, 602. The heat source means 601, 602 are substantially identical to the heat source means 110 provided in FIGS. 17 and includes blower means 602, 603 and burner nozzle means 604, 605. 7

As shown in FIG. 14, the burner nozzle means 604, 605 are angled downwardly whereby the pressurized flame passing therethrough will be directed onto the surface of the combustion chamber grate means described hereinabove. The use of a pair of heat source means will substantially increase the heat within the combustion chamber and will decrease the time required to effect a waste incinerating operation. Directing the heat source flame directly onto the grate means will improve the incinerating operation.

OPERATION Prior to utilizing the incinerating commode embodying the principles of the present invention, an individual must raise the closure lid means 22. Raising the closure lid means 22 will advance the cam means 25 into contact with the arm 54 of the latch release rod 51. Movement of the latch release rod 51 will rotate latch means 47 to a latch releasing position whereby the closure means 36 can be spring urged to an open position, as described hereinabove. With the closure means 36,

90 in an open position, the incinerating commode 10 is ready to be used.

After an individual has used the incinerating commode to deposit waste therein, the incinerating commode is conditioned for an incinerating operation by operating the flush control handle 173 to dispense a predetermined quantity of flushing or cleansing fluid into the commode body 10. The flushing or cleansing fluid will flow from the commode body through the air chamber 30, combustion chamber 74 and into the evaporating chamber 81 as described hereinabove. After a flushing operation has been completed, the incinerating commode is conditioned for an incinerating cycle by closing the lid 22, grasping the handle gripping element 99 and moving the closure element 90 to a forward latch position in engagement with the timer mechanism 100 described hereinabove. Since the handle element 99 of closure element 90 extends upwardly behind the handle gripping portion 46 of closure element 36, movement of the closure element 90 will also move the closure element 36 to a closed position allowing the latch 47 to engage the rear surface of closure element 36 and hold closure element 36 in a closed position.

A latching engagement of the timer mechanism 100 will operate through convention electrical control mechanism (not shown) to initiate a cycle of operation of the heat source means 110. With the

closure elements

36, 90 latched in a closed position, the heat source means 110 is initiated to operate for a predetermined time cycle of operation. During a cycle of operation of heat source means 110, a pressurized flame means will be directed outwardly through passageway 114 into the combustion chamber 74 and will develop an intense heat capable of completely incinerating any waste located within the combustion chamber. Simultaneously with the initiation of the heat source cycle of operation, the motor means 131, 132 will be energized to drive the

comminuting assemblies

125, 126 through a cycle of comminuting operation. Substantially simultaneously with the initiation of a cycle of operation of the heat source means 110, the timer control mechanism will effect operation of the

blower elements

60, 61 to direct a flow of cooling air through the confined passageway surrounding the combustion chamber, as described hereinabove.

After the heat source means 110 has been operated through a predetermined timed cycle of operation, the timer mechanism will stop operation of the heat source means, allowing the blower means associated therewith to continue operating. When the timer mechanism completes a timed cycle of operation of the. heat source means, the latch mechanism 100 will release, allowing the closure element 90 to be spring urged to an open position.

Movement of the closure element 90 to the open position will effect an oscillating cycle of operation of the comminuting roller 140 to reduce the size of ash remaining in the combustion chamber after an incinerating operation.

With the closure element 90 in an open position, a

continued operation of the blower means 111 and of the blower means 60, 61 will direct a flow of air through the combustion chamber 74, rearwardly through the evaporation chamber 84, and along conduit means 87, to purge the combustion chamber of any gas and ash by-products of combustion. During the purging cycle of operation, the by-products of combustion will be directed outwardly through the filter means 156 and filtered in a manner as described hereinabove.

After the blower means 60, 61 and 111 have operated for a predetermined time, sufficiently to purge the combustion chamber of the by-products of combus tion, the conventional time control mechanism will deenergize the electrical motors associated therewith to stop operation of the blower means. After a cycle of incinerating operation and a cycle of combustion chamber purging operation have been completed, the closure element 36 located above the air chamber will re-- main closed until the closure lid means 22 is again raised to an open position, at which time the closure lid means 36 will be spring urged rearwardly to condition the incinerating commode for use in a manner as de.-- scribed hereinabove.

The above described purging cycle of operation of the combustion chamber stated that the blower means 60, 61 and 111 would be utilized to purge the combustion chamber of the unwanted by-products of combustion. However, a fluid means such as water could be introduced through the supply line 115 by operating the valve control means 116. Introduction of a supply of fluid into the combustion chamber through supply line 15 would operate to wash any ash by-products of combustion outwardly through the evaporation chamber and into the overflow conduit 89. Movement of a cleansing fluid through the combustion chamber will also serve to purge the combustion chamber of the unwanted gas by-products of combustion.

It now becomes apparent that the above described illustrative embodiments embodying the principles of the present invention are capable of obtaining the above stated objects and advantages. It is obvious that those skilled in the art may make modifications in the details of construction without departing from the spirit of the invention which is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An incinerating commode for use in disposing of human waste comprising, in combination:

a. a commode body defining means permitting human waste to be introduced therein;

b. a combustion chamber operatively associated with said commode body for receiving said waste introduced into said commode body, said combustion chamber including means defining a confined passageway surrounding said combustion chamber;

0. cyclically operable heat source means operatively associated with said combustion chamber for incinerating waste contained therein;

d. selectively operable control means for initiating a cycle of operation of said heat source means;

e. first air circulation means operatively associated with said combustion chamber for creating a flow of cooling air through said passageway surrounding said combustion chamber; and,

f. second air circulation means operatively associated with said combustion chamber for directing the heat source means into said combustion chamber, and wherein said first air circulation means and said second air circulation means are cyclically controlled for combined operation to direct a combined flow of air through said combustion chamber after a predetermined time cycle of operation of said heat source means whereby said combined flow of air will purge said combustion chamber of gas and ash by-products of combustion.

2. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said combustion chamber includes an elongated discharge conduit means for conveying said by-products of combustion away from said combustion chamber and wherein filter means is operatively associated therewith for removing the ash byproducts of combustion from air forced through said conduit means during a purging cycle of operation of said combustion chamber.

3. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized in that means is operatively associated with said commode for reducing the particle size of said waste to be incinerated.

4. An incinerating commode as described inclaim 1 further characterized in that means is operatively associated with said combustion chamber for comminuting the ash remaining in said combustion chamber after an incinerating operation and prior to said automatic purging cycle of operation.

5. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said combustion chamber includes means for trapping liquid waste material introduced therein and for holding said liquid waste material at a location whereby the intense heat developed in said combustion chamber during an incinerating operation will evaporate said liquid waste.

6. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said combustion chamber includes a grate means supported therein for receiving waste to be incinerated and wherein a plurality of comminuting elements are operatively associated with said grate means and controlled for movement relative thereto for reducing the particle size of waste material supported on said grate means to be incinerated.

7. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said combustion chamber includes a roller means supported in said combustion chamber for rolling contact with a bottom surface portion of said combustion chamber and including cyclically operable control means for effecting movement of said roller means over said surface portion of said combustion chamber to reduce the particles size of ash remaining in the combustion chamber after an incinerating operation.

8. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said commode includes selectively operable flushing means operatively associated with said commode body, said flushing means including means for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleansing fluid into said commode body, and wherein said cleansing fluid is transferred into said combustion chamber, said combustion chamber including means defining a liquid trap means for said cleansing fluid and wherein said heat source means is effective during a cycle of incinerating operation for vaporizing said cleansing fluid. v

9. An incinerating commode as described in claim 8 further characterized in that said trap means is located immediately adjacent said combustion chamber for receiving and containing said cleansing fluid for evaporation.

10. An incinerating commode as described in claim 9 further characterized in that overflow means is operatively associated with said combustion chamber fluid retaining means whereby an excessive amount of cleansing fluid can be transferred through said overflow means.

Claims

1. An incinerating commode for use in disposing of human waste comprising, in combination: a. a commode body defining means permitting human waste to be introduced therein; b. a combustion chamber operatively associated with said commode body for receiving said waste introduced into said commode body, said combustion chamber including means defining a confined passageway surrounding said combustion chamber; c. cyclically operable heat source means operatively associated with said combustion chamber for incinerating waste contained therein; d. selectively operable control means for initiating a cycle of operation of said heat source means; e. first air circulation means operatively associated with said combustion chamber for creating a flow of cooling air through said passageway surrounding said combustion chamber; and, f. second air circulation means operatively associated with said combustion chamber for directing the heat source means into said combustion chamber, and wherein said first air circulation means and said second air circulation means are cyclically controlled for combined operation to direct a combined flow of air through said combustion chamber after a predetermined time cycle of operation of said heat source means whereby said combined flow of air will purge said combustion chamber of gas and ash by-products of combustion.

2. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said combustion chamber includes an elongated discharge conduit means for conveying said by-products of combustion away from said combustion chamber and wherein filter means is operatively associated therewith for removing the ash by-products of combustion from air forced through said conduit means during a purging cycle of operation of said combustion chamber.

4. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized in that means is operatively associated with said combustion chamber for comminuting the ash remaining in said combustion chamber after an incinerating operation and prior to said automatic purging cycle of operation.

8. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said commode includes selectively operable flushing means operatively associated with said commode body, said flushing means including means for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleansing fluid into said commode body, and wherein said cleansing fluid is transferred into said combustion chamber, said combustion chamber including means defining a liquid trap means for said cleansing fluid and wherein said heat source means is effective during a cycle of incinerating operation for vaporizing said cleansing fluid.