WO2001002656A1

WO2001002656A1 - Sewer system and parts therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2001002656A1
Application number: PCT/SE2000/001370
Authority: WO
Inventors: Birgit SÖDERBERG
Original assignee: Soederberg Birgit
Priority date: 1999-06-23
Filing date: 2000-06-26
Publication date: 2001-01-11
Also published as: EP1206604A1; SE9902446D0; AU6038700A

Abstract

This present invention relates to an intermediate storage for intermediate storage of solid and liquid waste from e.g. toilet(-s), sink(-s), shower(-s), wash basin(-s) and/or water consuming machines before the waste is transported away, wherein the intermediate storage comprises at least one reservoir for reception and batchwise emptying of waste and carrier fluid by gravity. The invention also relates to a sewage system for solid and liquid waste comprising e.g. water toilet(-s) with or without urine separation, sink(-s), shower(-s), wash basin(-s) and/or water consuming machines, and an intermediate storage for intermediate storage of the waste, before it is transported away. The invention also relates to a water toilet with or without urine separation, provided with an intermediate storage, a sink or sink unit comprising an openable or removable strainer, lid and/or a removable water trap, provided with an intermediate storage and a compost container. In addition, the invention relates to a method to extract energy from waste water.

Description

SEWER SYSTEM AND PARTS THEREFOR

This invention relates to a sewage disposal system for liquid and solid waste, comprising, for example, water toilet/s, sink/s, shower/s, wash-basin/s and/or water consuming machines as well as an intermediate storage, a water toilet with or without urine separation, a washing-up sink or wash-basin with an openable or removable strainer, lid and/or a removable watertrap and a compost container. In addition, the invention relates to a method to produce energy from waste water.

Water saving toilets, which use only a small quantity of fresh water, i.e. clean water, are previously known. One problem with these are that they easily get clogged up.

The object of this invention is to give the highest possible standard and hygiene for the user of water saving toilets and to those people who are going to maintain them as well as to reduce the consumption of clean water to a minimum. Clean water is, and will be, in short supply in most countries. It is also necessary to reduce our consumption of energy and recycle the energy which we have already produced. We have to correct the faults arising in our industrial infrastructure system.

The present invention can give a prerequisite to people, communities and countries which have not yet built up a system, to choose a long term ecological solution according to the Agenda 21 principle. It is also possible to regain fertilizers to fields and give people a possibility to build a home and live where they want to live with the possibility of creating an ecologically balanced cycle at the place of living.

An object of the present invention is to provide water saving toilets that at the same time avoid clogging up of the sewage system.

Another object is to provide a well functioning sewage system comprising e.g. sinks, showers, wash-basins, water saving toilets and/or water consuming machines.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a well functioning sewage system that makes use of the energy and fertilizer values of the waste.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, an intermediate storage for storing solid and liquid waste from e.g. toilet/s, sink/s, shower/s, wash-basin/s and/or water consuming machines before releasing thereof is provided, the intermediate storage comprises at least one reservoir for receiving and batchwise emptying of waste and carrier fluid by its own gravity. The reservoir of the intermediate storage can either be provided with a float operated valve or it can be a gravity rocking reservoir, supported by a hinge, which is formed and balanced in such a way that a displacement of the centre of gravity occurs during filling up of the rocking reservoir until a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir causing it to tilt over by itself at the hinge and empty its content, whereby transportation of the content occurs.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a sewage system according to the preamble comprising at least one intermediate storage according to the present invention is provided. This intermediate storage may be provided anywhere in the system, but preferably in association with toilet/s and/or sink/s comprised in the system. Further, the system can comprise a compost drum for environmentally friendly waste processing of the solid waste, which may be used as e.g. a fertilizer on fields. Preferably, the system also comprises a liquid separator that separates the sewage liquid from the solid waste. The compost drum may be provided anywhere in the system, e.g. in association with a house or a sewage treatment plant. Preferably, the system comprises means for transporting solid waste by means of a carrier fluid, mainly comprising previously used water, polluted liquid or rain water. The used fluid may originate from e.g. wash-basin/s, shower/s and/or water consuming machines, such as dish washers and washing machines, and is conveyed to the intermediate storage/s. The carrier fluid may also contain a small amount of clean water which has been used for e.g. flushing the toilet bowl/s.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a toilet with an intermediate storage for storing of waste before it is transported away is provided, whereby the intermediate storage comprises of at least one reservoir for receiving and batchwise emptying of waste and carrier fluid by its own gravity. The toilet could comprise one bowl or two bowls, i.e. it can separate urine. If the toilet has a urine separating function, the urine can either be conveyed directly to a receiving reservoir by means of a pipe and used as e.g. fertilizer, and the excrement together with the carrier fluid intermediately stored in a reservoir before being brought forward, or both the urine with possible carrier fluid, in this case flushing water, and the excrements and its carrying fluid respectively be intermediately stored in separate reservoirs before being brought forward. The water used to flush the urine bowl of the toilet can be directed to the reservoir for excrement and carrier fluid by a valve known from WO 92/19824 by the same applicant as for this invention.

In urine separating toilets with intermediate storage according to the invention the urine bowl can be flushed with approximately 2 decilitres of clean water and the bowl for excrement with approximately 5 decilitres of water. This is to be compared with current water saving toilets where one can choose between "full flush" or "half flush" which means 4 or 2 litres respectively of clean water. Earlier water saving toilets use 6 litres and old, ordinary toilets usually use 12 litres of clean water. The intermediate storage reservoirs can either be provided with a float operated valve or it can be a gravity rocking reservoir, supported by a hinge, which is formed and balanced in such a way that a displacement of the centre of gravity occurs during filling up of the rocking reservoir until a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir causing it to tilt over by itself at the hinge and empty its content, whereby transportation of the content occurs. Of course these variants of reservoirs can be mixed so, e.g. the reservoir for urine is provided with a float operated valve and the reservoir for the excrement is provided with a rocking reservoir.

Preferably, the toilet system comprises means for bringing the solid waste forward by means of a carrier fluid comprising mainly used, polluted liquid or rain water. The used liquid can come from e.g., wash-basin/s, shower/s and or water consuming machines such as dishwashers and washing machines and can be brought to the intermediate storage through a separate inlet opening in the intermediate storage. The carrier fluid also consists of a small quantity of flushing water, preferably clean water, which is used to clean the bowl/s of the toilet.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a sink or a washing stand basin according to the preamble comprising an intermediate storage according to the invention is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a compost drum for receiving solid waste, supported around a shaft and comprising feeding means for airing and feeding of the compost to be, is preferably provided with a liquid separator at the inlet end of the drum to feed solid waste to the drum.

The compost drum ought to rotate, which for example can be achieved by means of a motor driven by wind power, solar power or water power for example from the gravity of falling waste water, or by means of a mechanical device driven by wind power. Preferably though the drum is driven by the separated sewage water. A gravity rocking reservoir, similar in function to the one used in one of the embodiments of the intermediate storage according to the invention can be used, whereby the tilting movement is utilized either during emptying or when the rocking reservoir returns to its position of origin, which movement is transmitted to the drum by means of rotational means. Additionally, a ratchet mechanism ought to be provided which makes sure that the drum only can rotate in one direction.

The invention is based on an idea to intermediately store the waste until a sufficient quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been collected in the intermediate storage to, thereafter batchwise, empty the intermediate storage, whereby the problem of clogging up of the system is eliminated. Utilizing used, polluted water or rain water as carrier fluid and to use the power of the falling waste water to drive the compost drum is a further development of the basic idea. The propulsion of the compost drum additionally leads further to the more general idea of extracting energy from the falling waste water by means of turbines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in detail by exemplifying embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an intermediate storage of principle; Fig. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of an intermediate storage of principle;

Fig. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a sewage system according to the present invention comprising an intermediate storage according to the invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a sewage system according to the present invention comprising an intermediate storage according to the invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of a sewage system according to the present invention comprising an intermediate storage according to the invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates a first embodiment of a water toilet according to the present invention comprising an intermediate storage according to the invention;

Fig. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of a water toilet with urine separation according to the present invention comprising an intermediate storage according to the invention;

Fig. 8 illustrates a first embodiment of a sink according to the present invention comprising an intermediate storage according to the invention;

Fig. 9 illustrates a second embodiment of a sink according to the present invention comprising an intermediate storage according to the invention.

Fig. 10 illustrates a compost drum according to the present invention;

Fig. 11 illustrates an explanatory sketch of an embodiment of a mechanism for rotation of the compost drum, seen from above; and

Fig 12 illustrates an embodiment of a ratchet mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, an intermediate storage according to the invention, will be described and thereafter, in turns, a sewage system, a water toilet, a sink and a compost drum according to the invention. Finally, a description of how to extract energy from the waste water is given.

Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an intermediate storage 1 of principle, according to the present invention, for receiving and batchwise emptying of waste and carrier fluid. The intermediate storage is limiting a space 2 and comprises at least one inlet opening 3, provided with a water trap, water lock or the like (not shown) and at least one outlet opening 4, provided at the bottom of the intermediate storage. The intermediate storage 1 is preferably ventilated in a proper way. Inside the intermediate storage 1 of this embodiment, is a receptacle in the form of a gravity rocking reservoir 5 provided, which is pivotable supported around a hinge 6, preferably by means of ball bearings. The rocking reservoir 5 is balanced and formed in such a way that it remains horizontally supported when it is empty but by filling it up its centre of gravity is displaced towards the emptying side 7 of the rocking reservoir 5 due to the larger volume of this side. At a predetermined quantity or weight of waste and carrier fluid, the centre of gravity passes a position where the reservoir cannot maintain its substantially horizontal position but tilts and rotates around the hinge 6, whereby the waste and the carrier fluid are being emptied at high velocity and falls down to the outlet opening 4 of the intermediate storage 1 and out through a sewage pipe (not shown) connected thereto. This gravity rocking function is an exceptionally reliable function and requires a minimum of maintenance.

Fig. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a fundamental intermediate storage 10, according to the invention for the reception and batchwise emptying of waste and carrier fluid. Also this intermediate storage is limiting a space 2 and comprises at least one inlet opening 3, provided with a water trap or similar (not shown) and at least one outlet opening 4, provided at the bottom of the intermediate storage. The intermediate storage 10 is preferably ventilated in a proper way.

The intermediate storage 10 is shaped as a reservoir and comprises a float actuated valve comprising a piston 11 , blocking the outlet opening 4 during filling up and storing in the reservoir. The piston 11 is preferably provided with a float ring 12 in its upper portion and is preferably open as a pipe to provide an overflow. The float 12 lifts the piston 1 1, when the level of waste and carrier fluid in the reservoir reaches a predetermined level, so that the outlet opening 4 becomes open for emptying the reservoir. The piston 11 remains in its lifted position a certain time, in the same way as in an ordinary flushing reservoir for a toilet, to evacuate the entire content of the reservoir through the outlet opening 4 through a thereto connected sewage pipe (not shown). Thereafter, the piston 11 falls down again and again blocks the outlet opening 4. In this case the reservoir ought to be relatively narrow and high so that a small quantity of fluid and/or waste results in a distinct change of the fluid waste level. Fig. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a sewage system according to the invention. The system comprises a toilet 13, a wash-basin 14 and an intermediate storage 1, according to the invention, provided with a gravity rocking reservoir 5. The waste from the toilet 13 is flushed down to the intermediate storage 1 by means of the clean water which has been used to flush the bowl the of toilet 13 after the use of the toilet. The toilet 13 is provided with water trap 8 or similar, before the outlet pipe 15, which leads to intermediate storage 1. In intermediate storage 1 waste is collected in the gravity rocking reservoir 5. Waste from the wash-basin, which is fluid, is directed via a water trap, water lock or similar (not shown) to the same intermediate storage 1. Waste water from the wash-basin 14 is also received in the rocking reservoir 5, together with the flushing water from the toilet, and forms a carrier fluid. When the gravity rocking reservoir 5 is filled with waste and carrier fluid it tilts over and the waste and the carrier fluid flows out through outlet opening 4 of intermediate storage 1 at a high speed and further through a sewage pipe. In this way, used water from wash-basin 14 is used to transport the waste. The transport itself out to the sewage pipe does not take place before the gravity rocking reservoir has been filled up with a sufficient quantitiy of carrier liquid and waste to eliminate the risk of clogging the sewage pipes.

A system according to the first embodiment can of course be extended and a varied by means of e.g. toilet(s), sink(s), shower(s), wash-basin(s) and/or water consuming machines, but comprises always at least one intermediate storage 1, 10 of the first or of the second described type. In a way similar to what has been described above, water from e.g. shower(s) and washing machine(s) can be led into the reservoir of intermediate storage 1, 10. Even rain water can be collected and led into the intermediate storage(s) 1, 10.

A second embodiment of the sewage system according to the invention is shown in Fig. 4. This example shows a toilet 16 comprising an intermediate storage 1 provided in the toilet 16, under the bowl. Such a toilet 16 and different embodiments thereof will be described in more detail below. Also a sink 17 with an intermediate storage 1 according to the invention is shown. Such a sink 17 or washing up stand will be described in more detail below. In addition, the system comprises a wash-basin 14 and a dish-washer 18.

Waste from the toilet 16 is flushed from the toilet bowl with a minimum amount of preferably clean water, and is directed via a water trap, water lock or similar (not shown) through the inlet opening 3 of the intermediate storage 1, and is received in the gravity rocking reservoir 5. The used water from the wash-basin 14 is directed through the water trap, water lock or similar (not shown) of the wash-basin to the intermediate storage 1 through a separate inlet opening 19, and is received in the gravity rocking reservoir 5. The rocking reservoir 5 tilts over when it is full and the waste and carrier fluid flows out through a sewage pipe.

In the sink 17 waste is collected, e.g. potatoe peel, which may be washed away by means of fresh water from a tap or by dishwater, down into an intermediate storage 1, via a water trap or a water lock 9, and is collected in the rocking reservoir 5. The used water from the dishwasher machine 18 may either be pumped out into the sink 17 or directly into the intermediate storage 1 and be collected in the rocking reservoir 5. When the rocking reservoir 5 is full, it tilts over and the waste and its carrier fluid are emptied through outlet opening 4 of the intermediate storage 1 and transported away.

As a person skilled in the art can understand, the comprised parts of the system, such as the toilet with 16 or without 13 an intermediate storage 1, 10, wash basin/s 14, separate intermediate storage/s 1, 10, showers, water consuming machines etc, can be mixed and combined in many different ways, but the main factor is that at least one intermediate storage according to the invention exists in the system. Of course, used water from e.g. a dishwasher machine can also be used as carrier liquid in the intermediate store 1 of toilet 16 and all possible variations in this topic.

In addition, rain water can be directed to be used as flushing liquid in a toilet or as a carrier fluid in an intermediate storage of optional type (separate or integrated).

The system can also include a cistern (not shown) for collecting of used water or rain- water that at an optional point of time may be used for e.g. flushing toilets, washing sinks or an intermediate storage or as by means of a float operated valve, is emptied when it gets full. Current flushing cisterns, filled with fresh water, are generally cold and cool bathrooms down while a cistern for used water generally receive already warmed up water that instead gives off heat to the bathroom. This is an additional energy saving feature. Fig. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of the sewage system according to the invention.

Here the system comprises a compost drum 20 for reception of the solid waste, in addition to a toilet 16 with intermediate storage 1 according to the invention and a wash basin 14. When the waste from toilet 16 and wash basin 14 has left the intermediate storage 1 in the toilet 16, it will fall through a sewage pipe 15 to a liquid separator 22, which separates the waste water from the solid waste. The solid waste will be led into the compost drum 20 and the waste water will be in this case led further to means for rotation of the drum. This means, together with the compost drum 20 and the liquid separator 22, will be described in more detail below. The liquid separator 22 is not essential, but all waste can be led into the compost drum 20 if wished where the liquid oozes or flows out through perforations in the compost drum 20. Naturally, the system can comprise an optional number of, and in optional combination, the units comprised in the system according to above and or products available and/or coming on the market together with compost drum 20 and, optionally, the liquid separator 22.

The compost drum 20 ought to be rotated, which can be achieved by using the potential energy of the falling waste water, which preferably has been separated from the solid waste, of by using wind or solar power. See a more detailed description below.

Fig. 6 illustrates a first embodiment of a water toilet 16 provided with an intermediate storage 1 according to the invention. The upper part of the toilet and the intermediate storage are shown separately to clarify the function. This water toilet 16 comprises a bowl 23 with an outlet 24 which through a water trap, water lock or similar (not shown) , leads to the intermediate storage 1, which is arranged under bowl 23. Toilet 16 comprises either a small flushing water cistern or a tap (not shown) with preferably clean water to be used to flush bowl 23. The intermediate storage 1 provided in the toilet 16 has a separate inlet opening 19 for used water or rainwater, preferably provided with a nozzle 21 or similar to direct the water towards reservoir 5. In this shown case, the intermediate storage 1 is provided with a gravity rocking reservoir 5, which functions as described above. The intermediate storage 1 has an outlet opening 4.

The toilet 16 can, of course, be provided with an intermediate storage 10 comprising a piston 11 with float ring 12, instead of a gravity rocking reservoir 5 according to Fig. 2. Fig. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of a water toilet 26 with an intermediate storage

25 according to the invention. The upper part of the toilet and the intermediate storage are also shown separately to clarify the function. This water toilet 26 is of the urine separating type where the bowl is divided in two - a bowl for urine 27 at the front and a bowl for excrement 28 at the rear. The bowl for urine 27 is positioned above the front part 29 of the intermediate storage 25, with the result that urine and flush liquid of clean water from a flushing water cistern or from a tap via a water lock or similar, flows down to the front part 29, where it will be collected in the reservoir comprising a piston 11 with a float ring 12, as shown in Fig. 7, or collected in a gravity rocking reservoir 5, as shown in Fig. 1.

The bowl for excrement 28 is positioned above the rear part 30 of the intermediate storage 25, with the result that excrement and flushing liquid of preferably clean water from a flushing water cistern or from a tap via a water trap (not shown) or similar, flows down to the rear part 30, where it is collected in a gravity rocking reservoir 5, as shown in Fig 7, or in a reservoir comprising a piston 11 with a float ring 12, as in the front part 29. Naturally, both parts 29, 30 can comprise gravity rocking reservoirs 5, both comprise a piston 11 with a float ring 12 or the front part 29 a gravity rocking reservoir 5 and the rear part 30 a piston 11 with a float ring 12. The rear part 30 is preferably provided with a separate inlet 19 for used water or rainwater.

According to a third, not shown, embodiment of a water toilet 26, there is an intermediate storage 1, 10 with either a gravity rocking reservoir 5 or a piston 11 with a float ring 12 for the bowl for excrements 28, but instead of an intermediate storage for the urine bowl 27, a water trap and a hose or pipe 32 is provided, which directly leads urine and flushing water or only urine, after which the flushing water is directed to rear part 30, by means of a valve which is known from WO 92/19824.

Fig. 8 illustrates a sink 17 or a dishwashing stand with a strainer 33 which can be opened or removed, a lid and or a removable water trap (not shown) and which comprises an intermediate storage 1, in accordance with the invention, provided under the sink 17. If a strainer 33 or a lid will be used, there is a water trap, water lock or similar ( not shown) provided in between the sink 17 and the intermediate storage 1. Of course, an intermediate storage 10 with a piston 11 with a float ring 12, can be provided at the sink 17 instead, see Fig 9. Used water or rainwater can be supplied to the sink 17 or to the intermediate storage 1, 10. Used water or rainwater can first be collected in a flush water cistern and thereafter directed to the intermediate storage 1,10 instead, either when the cistern is full or when required.

Fig. 10 illustrates a compost drum 20 according to the invention, for the reception of solid waste, which is supported around an axis 34, i.e. either supported around a fixed shaft of preferably fixed to a shaft, which is supported at its mountings, and comprises feed units 35, provided inside of the drum 20. The feed units 35 are in this case provided along the drum 20 with a slight angle in relation to the shaft 34 of the container 20 so that the feed units 35, at the same time as they stir and air the compost also move it forward inside the drum 20, towards a preferably closeable outlet 36. In the opposite end there is an inlet opening 37 provided, through which the solid waste is fed into the drum 20.

Preferably, a liquid separator 22 is provided before the drum 20 which separates the waste fluid from the solid waste. The separator 22 comprise a funnel 38 turned upside down, which makes the fluid follow the inner walls of the funnel 38, according to the laws of physics, while the solid waste falls straight down and gets caught by an enlarged pipe 39, which leads the solid waste into the drum 20. The separated waste liquid is collected in a ring- shaped receptacle 41, which comprises a nozzle 42.

To function well, the drum 20 ought to be rotated. One way of achieving this is to collect the waste fluid flowing out of the nozzle 42 and lead it to a gravity rocking reservoir 5, supported by a frame 43, which is rotatably supported around a hinge 6. The reservoir 5 is balanced in such a way that it remains substantially horizontal when it is empty but by filling it up its centre of gravity is displaced towards the emptying side 7 of the reservoir 5 due to toe larger volume of this side. At a predetermined quantity of waste fluid, the centre of gravity passes a point where the reservoir cannot remain in its substantially horizontal position but tilts and rotates around the hinge 6, and the waste liquid rapidly flows out of the reservoir, out through a sewage pipe connected thereto (not shown) or via an extra filtration comprising e.g. a cloth in a reservoir. The sediment from this extra filtration can be put in compost drum. Thereafter, the waste fluid can be led to a cesspool or similar or to a water purification plant. When the gravity rocking reservoir 5 tilts it will also turn a gear wheel 44, which is fixedly mounted to the hinge 6 of the rocking reservoir 5, see Fig. 11. This gear wheel 44 engages either directly or via a chain 40, more gear wheels, a transmission belt, a rope or similar, a gear wheel 45, which is engaged in a free-wheel function to the shaft 34 of the drum 20 with the result that the drum 20 turns a certain angle when the gravity rocking reservoir 5 tilts. When the reservoir 5 thereafter is empty it returns to its original position by means of the position of the centre of gravity of the reservoir in the empty position. To prevent the drum 20 from returning to its previous position, the free-wheel will disconnect gear wheel 45 on the drum shaft 34 with the result that the gear wheel 45 rotates around the drum shaft 34, without bringing the drum 20.

The free-wheel function can, of course, be provided on the gear wheel 44 on the hinge 6 of the reservoir 5 and the gear wheel 45 can be fixedly mounted at the shaft 34 instead. In addition, the rotation of the drum 20 can instead take place when the gravity rocking reservoir 5 returns to its original position even if the previously described embodiment is preferable because the weight of the content of the reservoir 5 aids in rotating the drum 20. It is preferable that a gear ratio change between the rotation of the reservoir 5 and rotation of the drum 20 take place to increase the transferred power. The gear wheel 44 of the reservoir 5 can, for example, be smaller in diameter than the gear wheel 45 at the drum 20.

Another possible solution (not shown) is that the waste from the toilet is separately transported to and into the compost drum and that the drum is driven by all of the used water or rainwater.

Another (not shown) way to transfer the turning movement of the gravity rocking reservoir is to provide a fixedly mounted cogwheel at the reservoir which cooperates with a ratchet, which is fixedly mounted at the inlet end of the drum so that either the ratchet hooks onto the cogwheel when it rotates together with the tilting reservoir, whereby the drum rotates, and snaps over the cogs of the cogwheel when the cogwheel returns together with the emptied reservoir when its returning to its original position or vice versa.

A ratchet mechanism 46, see Fig 12, preventing the compost drum 20 from rotating back when the reservoir 5 is filled up, can be arranged between the reservoir 5 and the drum 20. A ratchet function 46 can be obtained in many different ways. Here one possibility is shown. On the reservoir 5 a wedge 47 is mounted, supported around a hinge 50, at the upper side 48 of the wedge 47, which is essentially flat and is located at the opening plane of the reservoir 5. The wedge 47 shows a lower part 49, which is slanted in such a way that the wedge 47 is thickest at the reservoir 5 and forms a point 51. The point 51 is provided to engage in one of many recesses 52 arranged radially along the end perifery 53 of the drum 20 at the inlet opening 37, see Fig 10.

When the gravity rocking reservoir 5 tilts over, the wedge 47 will follow the rotation of the drum in a recess 52 and may also accomplish to the rotation of the drum 20. When the reservoir 5 returns to its original position, the drum 20 will be disengaged with the result that the wedge 47 turns around the hinge 50 and the slanted lower side 49 of the wedge 47 slips out of the recess 52, and slides along the periphery 53 until the reservoir 5 has returned to its original position, whereby the wedge 47 will engage in the next recess 52 in order. This prevents a rotation in the opposite direction of drum 20.

The compost drum can also be rotated by a motor. This motor can be propelled by e.g. electricity generated by at least one turbine which is driven by falling waste water. This solution is particulary interesting if one or more compost drums are located close to a water purification plant, since it receives a large supply of waste water from a total reception area, instead of only one or a number of households. The motor can, of course, also be propelled by solar or wind^'energy.

The drum may also be mechanically driven by means of wind energy, the rotation of the wind turbine can be transmitted to the drum by using e.g. a chain transmission, preferably reduced with a suitable ratio, or by means of sewage water propulsing a water wheel, which is coupled to the drum.

To let falling waste water rotate one or more turbines is an excellent way to regain energy which may be used for anything, e.g. running a water purification plant.

Claims

1. An intermediate storage for intermediate storaging of solid and fluid waste from e.g. toilet(-s) with or without urine separation, sink(-s), wash basin(-s) and/or water consuming machines before said waste is transported away, wherein at least one reservoir for reception and batchwise emptying of the waste and carrier fluid by gravity is provided.

2. An intermediate storage according to claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is provided with a piston with a float ring for batchwise emptying, when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the reservoir.

3. An intermediate storage according to claim 2, wherein the reservoir is provided with gravity rocking reservoir means, which is rotatably supported at a hinge and balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir's centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tillable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content.

4. A sewage system for liquid and solid waste, comprising e.g. water toilet(-s) with or without urine separation, sink/s, shower/s, wash basin/s and/or water consuming machines and at least one intermediate storage for waste storage before it is transported away, wherein the intermediate storage comprises of at least one reservoir for the reception and batchwise emptying of waste and carrier fluid by gravity.

5. A sewage system according to claim 4, wherein the reservoir is provided with a piston with a float ring for batchwise emptying, when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the reservoir.

6. A sewage system according to claim 4, wherein the reservoir is provided with gravity rocking reservoir means, which is rotatably supported at a hinge and balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir's centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content.

7. A sewage system according to claim 4, 5, or 6, wherein the intermediate storage is provided in direct connection to or in a toilet and/or sink.

8. A sewage system according to anyone of the claims 4-7, wherein a compost drum for reception of at least the solid waste is provided.

9. A sewage system according to claim 8, wherein a liquid separator is provided upstream of the compost drum, for separation of the waste fluid.

10. A sewage system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a device which utilize the waste fluid to rotate the compost drum is provided.

11. A sewage system according to claim 10, in which the device comprises a gravity rocking reservoir means for reception of the waste water, said reservoir means is rotatably supported at a hinge and balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir's centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content and the rocking reservoir comprises a mechanism for rotation of the drum either when it tilts over or when it returns to its original position and a ratchet mechanism which makes sure that the drum only may rotate in one direction.

12. A sewage system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a mechanical device, propelled by wind or water power is provided to rotate the compost drum.

13. A sewage system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a motor, driven by wind, solar or waterpower, e.g. from waste water is provided to rotate the compost drum.

14. A sewage system according to anyone of the claims 4-13, wherein means of transporting waste water to a water purification plant, cesspool or similar is provided.

15. A sewage system according to anyone of the claims 4-14, wherein means of transporting solid waste by use of a carrier fluid, mainly comprising used, polluted liquid or rainwater is provided.

16. A sewage system according to claim 15, wherein the means of transporting solid waste from is provided to supply polluted liquid, e.g. wash-basin/s, shower/s and/or water consuming machines, to the intermediate storage/s.

17. A sewage system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein a cistern, which can be emptied on option is provided for reception of rainwater or polluted liquid from e.g. wash-basin/s, shower/s and/or water consuming machines.

18. A water toilet comprising an intermediate storage for intermediate storage of waste before being transported away, wherein the intermediate storage comprises of at least one reservoir for batchwise emptying of waste by gravity.

19. A water toilet according to claim 18, wherein means for separating urine is provided.

20. A water toilet according to claim 19, wherein the intermediate storage comprises a first reservoir for urine and possible carrier fluid and a second reservoir for excrement and carrier fluid.

21. A water toilet according to claim 19, wherein the intermediate storage comprises a reservoir for excrement and carrier fluid and means for a direct transport of urine by means of carrier fluid.

22. A water toilet according to claim 18, 19, 20 or 21, wherein at least one reservoir is provided with a piston with a float ring for batchwise emptying, when a predetermined quantity of waste has been received in the reservoir.

23. A water toilet according to claim 18, 19, 20 or 21, wherein at least one reservoir is provided with a gravity rocking reservoir which is supported at a hinge and balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir's centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content.

24. A water toilet according to anyone of the claims 18-23, wherein means for supplying carrier fluid comprising used, polluted liquid or rainwater is provided.

25. A sink or sink unit comprising an openable or removable strainer, lid and/or a removable water trap, wherein the sink comprises of an intermediate storage for intermediate storage of solid and fluid waste before being transported by means of a carrier fluid by gravity.

26. A sink or sink unit according to claim 25, wherein the intermediate storage comprises of at least one reservoir for reception of and batchwise emptying of waste and carrier fluid.

27. A sink or sink unit according to claim 26, wherein the reservoir is provided with a piston with a float ring for batchwise emptying when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the reservoir.

28. A sink or sink unit according to claim 26, wherein the reservoir is provided with rocking reservoir means, rotatably supported at a hinge, which is balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir^'s centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content.

29. A compost drum for reception of solid waste, supported on an axis, comprising means for aeration and feeding of the compost to be, wherein a fluid separator is preferably provided at the inlet end of the drum in such a way that solid waste enters the drum.

30. A compost drum according to claim 29, comprising means for using waste water to rotate the drum.

31. A compost drum according to claim 30, comprising gravity rocking reservoir means, rotatably supported at a hinge and balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir's centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste water has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content and the rocking reservoir comprises a mechanism for rotation of the drum, either when it tilts over or when it returns to its original position.

32. A compost drum according to claim 31 , wherein the means for rotating the container comprises a first gear-wheel, provided at the gravity rocking reservoir, which is engaged with a second gear-wheel, provided at the drum, wherein one of the wheels is fixedly mounted and the other one is provided with a free-wheel function, and a ratchet means is provided between the reservoir and the drum, comprising a wedge-shaped protrusion, provided at the rocking reservoir which is engaged in one of several recesses at the inlet side of the drum, preventing movement of the drum when the rocking reservoir is in its original position and which slides out of the recess by movement of the rocking reservoir in the direction which does not rotate the drum.

33. A compost container according to claim 31 , wherein the means for rotation of the drum comprises a cog wheel, fixedly mounted on the rocking reservoir, which cooperates with a ratchet, fixedly mounted at the inlet end of the drum, arranged in such a way that either the ratchet engages in the cog-wheel when it is rotated at the same time as the rocking reservoir tilts, whereby the drum rotates, and snaps over the cogs of the cogwheel when the cogwheel is returned when the emptied rocking reservoir returns to its original position or vice versa.

34. A compost drum according to claim 29, comprising mechanical means for rotating the drum by means of wind or water power.

35. A compost container according to claim 29, comprising a motor for rotating the drum, propulsed by wind or solar power or water power from e.g. waste water.

36. Method for extracting energy, characterised by falling waste water rotates a turbine.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 5 December 2000 (05.12.00); original claims 1-36 replaced by amended claims 1-28 (4 pages)]

1. A sewage system for liquid and solid waste, comprising e.g. water toilet(-s) with or without urine separation, sink/s, shower/s, wash basin/s and or water consuming machines and at least one intermediate storage for waste storage before it is transported away, the intermediate storage comprises of at least one reservoir for the reception and batchwise emptying of waste and carrier fluid by gravity, wherein the intermediate storage is provided in a toilet and/or in direct connection to or in a sink.

2. A sewage system according to claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is provided with a piston with a float ring for batchwise emptying, when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the reservoir.

3. A sewage system according to claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is provided with gravity rocking reservoir means, which is rotatably supported at a hinge and balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir's centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content.

4. A sewage system according to anyone of the claims 1-3, wherein a compost drum for reception of at least the solid waste is provided.

5. A sewage system according to claim 4, wherein a liquid separator is provided upstream of the compost drum, for separation of the waste fluid.

6. A sewage system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a device which utilize the waste fluid to rotate the compost drum is provided.

7. A sewage system according to claim 6, in which the device comprises a gravity rocking reservoir means for reception of the waste water, said reservoir means is rotatably supported at a hinge and balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir's centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content and the rocking reservoir comprises a mechanism for rotation of the drum either when it tilts over or when it returns to its original position and a ratchet mechanism

AMENDED SHEET (RULE 19) which makes sure that the drum only may rotate in one direction.

8. A sewage system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a mechanical device, propelled by wind or water power is provided to rotate the compost drum.

9. A sewage system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a motor, driven by wind, solar or waterpower, e.g. from waste water is provided to rotate the compost drum.

10. A sewage system according to anyone of the claims 1-9, wherein means of transporting waste water to a water purification plant, cesspool or similar is provided.

1 1. A sewage system according to anyone of the claims 1-10, wherein means of transporting solid waste by use of a carrier fluid, mainly comprising used, polluted liquid or rainwater is provided.

12. A sewage system according to claim 1 1, wherein the means of transporting solid waste from is provided to supply polluted liquid, e.g. wash-basin/s, shower/s and/or water consuming machines, to the intermediate storage/s.

13. A sewage system according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein a cistern, which can be emptied on option is provided for reception of rainwater or polluted liquid from e.g. wash- basin/s, shower/s and/or water consuming machines.

14. A water toilet comprising an intermediate storage for intermediate storage of waste before being transported away, wherein the intermediate storage comprises at least one reservoir for batchwise emptying of waste by gravity, wherein the intermediate storage is provided inside the water toilet.

15. A water toilet according to claim 14, wherein means for separating urine is provided.

16. A water toilet according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate storage comprises a first reservoir for urine and possible carrier fluid and a second reservoir for excrement and carrier fluid.

17. A water toilet according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate storage comprises a reservoir for excrement and carrier fluid and means for a direct transport of urine by means of carrier fluid.

AMENDED SHEET (RULE 19)

18. A water toilet according to anyone of the claims 14-17, wherein at least one reservoir is provided with a piston with a float ring for batchwise emptying, when a predetermined quantity of waste has been received in the reservoir.

19. A water toilet according to anyone of the claims 14-17, wherein at least one reservoir is provided with a gravity rocking reservoir which is supported at a hinge and balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir^'s centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content.

20. A water toilet according to anyone of the claims 14-19, wherein means for supplying carrier fluid comprising used, polluted liquid or rainwater is provided.

21. A sink or sink unit comprising an openable or removable strainer, lid and or a removable water trap, wherein the sink comprises of an intermediate storage for intermediate storage of solid and fluid waste before being transported by means of a carrier fluid by gravity.

22. A sink or sink unit according to claim 21 , wherein the intermediate storage comprises of at least one reservoir for reception of and batchwise emptying of waste and carrier fluid.

23. A sink or sink unit according to claim 22, wherein the reservoir is provided with a piston with a float ring for batchwise emptying when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the reservoir.

24. A sink or sink unit according to claim 22, wherein the reservoir is provided with rocking reservoir means, rotatably supported at a hinge, which is balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir^'s centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste and carrier fluid has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content.

25. A compost drum for reception of solid waste, supported on an axis, comprising means for aeration and feeding of the compost to be and a fluid separator preferably provided at the inlet end of the drum in such a way that solid waste enters the drum, wherein the drum comprises means for using waste water to rotate the drum.

AMENDED SHEET (RULE 19)

26. A compost drum according to claim 25, comprising gravity rocking reservoir means, rotatably supported at a hinge and balanced and formed in such a way that a displacement of the reservoir^'s centre of gravity occurs during filling of the rocking reservoir and when a predetermined quantity of waste water has been received in the rocking reservoir it is tiltable by itself at the hinge for emptying and further transport of the content and the rocking reservoir comprises a mechanism for rotation of the drum, either when it tilts over or when it returns to its original position.

27. A compost drum according to claim 26, wherein the means for rotating the container comprises a first gear-wheel, provided at the gravity rocking reservoir, which is engaged with a second gear-wheel, provided at the drum, wherein one of the wheels is fixedly mounted and the other one is provided with a free-wheel function, and a ratchet means is provided between the reservoir and the drum, comprising a wedge-shaped protrusion, provided at the rocking reservoir which is engaged in one of several recesses at the inlet side of the drum, preventing movement of the drum when the rocking reservoir is in its original position and which slides out of the recess by movement of the rocking reservoir in the direction which does not rotate the drum.

28. A compost container according to claim 26, wherein the means for rotation of the drum comprises a cog wheel, fixedly mounted on the rocking reservoir, which cooperates with a ratchet, fixedly mounted at the inlet end of the drum, arranged in such a way that either the ratchet engages in the cog-wheel when it is rotated at the same time as the rocking reservoir tilts, whereby the drum rotates, and snaps over the cogs of the cogwheel when the cogwheel is returned when the emptied rocking reservoir returns to its original position or vice versa.

AMENDED SHEET (RULE 19)