TOILET HAVING COMPRESSED AIR FLUSHING TECHNOLOGY AND WATER EXTRACTING FROM HUMIDIFIED AIR

Abstract

A stand-alone toilet system is powered by photovoltaic cells to operate a dehumidifier from which water is extracted from the atmosphere by dehumidification and used for flushing; an electronic compressor is situated in the toilet tank to compress air which is used with water in the flush cycle; a motorized or hydraulic hinge is utilized to open and close a toilet cover automatically which can be locked in place by electromagnet means to create an airtight seal in the closed position; a heating element and a UV lamp are situated inside the “treatment facility” of the toilet system to evaporate liquid and sanitize waste content therein respectively.

Claims

1. A solar powered toilet comprising: a treatment facility; a toilet facility designed to flush human waste with or without water into the treatment facility; a cover for the toilet facility to form an airtight seal on the toilet facility; a locking mechanism to keep the cover closed to maintain the airtight seal; a pressurization unit for using at least one of compressed air and water to flush the waste when the cover is closed to automatically form the airtight seal, so that increased air pressure within the toilet exceeds atmospheric pressure, causing the displacement of toilet content into the treatment facility, the treatment facility being onsite with the toilet facility; photovoltaic cells for generating electricity to power at least the treatment facility and the pressurization unit.

2. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, further comprising a condensation unit wherein water is acquired from the atmosphere by condensation of humidified air and introduced under pressure by compressed air, the condensation unit being disposed at a positioned corresponding to a toilet water tank or otherwise positioned to provide water for flushing.

3. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, having at least one bidet.

4. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, having a hydrophobic surface within a toilet bowl and a conduit linking the toilet bowl to the treatment facility.

5. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic cells are disposed on foldable solar panels.

6. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication means to diagnose malfunction of the system.

7. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, further comprising a subterranean water reservoir and a hand operated pump to retrieve water from the reservoir.

8. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, having a plurality of toilet bowls, the waste from the plurality of toilet bowls all being treated in the treatment facility.

9. The solar powered toilet of claim 8, wherein the plurality comprises four toilet bowls.

10. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, configured to be portable.

11. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, further comprising a hand pump or a foot pump to compress air, in the absence of electrical power.

12. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, wherein the treatment facility sanitizes human waste using at least one of combustion, evaporation, a volatile liquid, botanical oils, UV light, bleach containing chlorine and or sodium bicarbonate.

13. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a heating element and a coil of a condensing unit to evaporate water in the treatment facility.

14. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, in combination with a shower facility.

15. The solar powered toilet of claim 1, wherein the waste is flushed in a direction that is opposed to the direction of gravity.

16. A solar powered toilet comprising: a treatment facility; a toilet facility designed to flush human waste with or without water into the treatment facility; a vacuum pump associated with the treatment facility to extract waste from the toilet facility; photovoltaic cells for generating electricity to power at least the treatment facility and the vacuum pump.

17. The solar powered toilet of claim 16, having at least one bidet.

18. The solar powered toilet of claim 16, having a hydrophobic surface within a toilet bowl and a conduit linking the toilet bowl to the treatment facility.

19. The solar powered toilet of claim 16, wherein the photovoltaic cells are disposed on foldable solar panels.

20. The solar powered toilet of claim 16, further comprising a wireless communication means to diagnose malfunction of the system.

21. The solar powered toilet of claim 16, further comprising a subterranean water reservoir and a hand operated pump to retrieve water from the reservoir.

22. The solar powered toilet of claim 16, having a plurality of toilet bowls, the waste from the plurality of toilet bowls all being treated in the treatment facility.

23. The solar powered toilet of claim 22, wherein the plurality comprises four toilet bowls.

24. The solar powered toilet of claim 16, configured to be portable.

25. The solar powered toilet of claim 16, further comprising at least one of a heating element and a coil of a condensing unit to evaporate water in the treatment facility.

26. The solar powered toilet of claim 16, configured to be portable.

27. The solar powered toilet of 16, wherein the waste is flushed in a direction that is opposed to the direction of gravity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0037] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the toilet system as a portable embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 2 is an external view of the toilet system, showing foldable solar panels, camera and antenna.

[0039] FIG. 3 is the toilet system with a vacuum pump, 38 to generate negative pressure in the treatment facility.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a top view of four portable toilets utilizing one treatment facility.

[0041] FIG. 5 depicts the “treatment facility” disposing of the fecal content by incineration.

[0042] FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the technology being applied as a portable shower stall.

[0043] FIG. 7 is cross sectional view of the toilet facility depicting a tank and toilet bowl interconnected.

[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the portable toilet system, having a subterranean water storage means.

[0045] FIG. 9 demonstrates the toilet facility being operated by a foot pump to generate pressure (compressed air).

[0046] FIG. 10 depicts an inside view of the treatment facility.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a top view of the toilet facility having a transparent cover of the toilet bowl in a closed position.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a top view of FIG. 13 toilet facility embodiment, having air intake grills integrated into the tank.

[0049] FIG. 13 is a front profile cross sectional view of FIG. 12, wherein the toilet tank jet air intake fan is shown.

[0050] FIG. 14 is a partial cut away view of the toilet facility within a structure and a treatment facility located external to the structure.

[0051] FIG. 15 is a logic block diagram of the “toilet facility” flush mechanics and “treatment facility” sterilization methods, using light UV light waves and thermal radiation.

[0052] A component or a feature that is common to more than one drawing is indicated with the same reference number in each of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0053] A new and improved toilet system is disclosed, preferably as a portable embodiment having a foldable set of solar panels situated on its roof to generate electricity, which is then used to extract water from the atmosphere using a dehumidifier for water condensation and to operate an air compressor for flushing. The toilet is flushed with a mixture of compressed air and water, both acquired from the atmosphere and not plumbing infrastructure. Sewage treatment is achieved using UV light from a light source and thermal radiation which evaporates water/liquid on site.

[0054] The toilet bowl discharge line may be constructed as a new “J” trap configuration in order to facilitate the expulsion of human waste from the “toilet facility” and into the “treatment facility” against gravity. Water can be added to the bottom of the “J” trap to create a seal.

[0055] A conventional “S” trap configuration can also be used if the “treatment facility” if takes the form of septic tank or connected to a main sewer line (in limited cases) that is dependent on gravity, without departing from the main objectives and features of the invention.

[0056] The treatment facility is preferably a recycled oil steel drum (barrel) having a volume of approximately 218 liters, which is then coupled to a dome shaped component 53, of a cylindrical container 8 of FIG. 10, which houses the ultraviolet light and heating element. A customized steel drum of any size or one made of any metal or combination of metals or non-metals such as ABS plastic capable of withstanding 150 deg C. or more for everyday use. The two components 8 and 53 may be separated from each other as defined in 53 and 8 respectively, in FIG. 10.

[0057] With specific reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 15, it is apparent that the toilet facility is a unique toilet system, having a toilet bowl with an articulating transparent cover, which serves the primary purpose of creating a seal over the opening of the toilet bowl, so that pressurized air can be received therein, which then cause the expulsion of human waste from the toilet bowl by displacement, then transferred into the “treatment facility” by overcoming gravity.

[0058] The inner surface of the toilet bowl and conduit can all be coated with a hydrophobic material such as tetrafluorethylene (Teflon®) to reduce friction significantly and to use less energy. As air is compressed into a small space, its pressure increases in an inverse manner with respect to the volume. When air under pressure is released rapidly, the force exerted can be calibrated as desired, for example, by adjusting the aperture of a solenoid valve to achieve the desired results to flush liquid or solid waste into the “treatment facility”.

[0059] The toilet cover is preferably locked into its closed position by a solenoid (electromagnet) securing mechanism. The articulation of the toilet cover can be achieved by an electric motor or hydraulic means, a feat that can be realized by mechanical engineers or those skilled in the art.

[0060] A CPU is incorporated to control the timely operation and fluidity of the toilet system so as to avoid the inadvertent discharge of compressed air when the cover is not secured. An electronic relay can fulfill said task by only permitting flushing when the toilet cover is in the closed and locked position. The toilet cover may also may also be manually operated by being suspended on a hinge or removable; locked in a closed position using screws which can either secure the cover from the topside or sides (not shown).

[0061] Referencing FIG. 1, a cut away side view of the portable lavatory is shown whereby a new and improved compressed air actuated toilet (1-3) is shown inside of the lavatory cubicle 4. An array of solar unfolded panels 5, 6 and 7 are situated at the top of the lavatory for maximum sunray exposure. A “treatment facility” 8 is shown behind the toilet with receiving connecting plumbing from the toilet shown as 9 and 11.

[0062] FIG. 2, is an external view of the portable toilet system having a door 16, unfolded solar panels 6 and 7 and, security camera 14A, a light bulb 14B and antennae 14C for sending and receiving wireless data/instructions to and from the toilet system using a cellular or satellite communication network.

[0063] Referencing FIG. 3, a high flow vacuum pump is provided to create a negative pressure effect in the “treatment facility.” As an alternate mode of operation, negative and positive pressure can be employed synergistically or individually, to move waste from the toilet bowl and into the “treatment facility” with or without the use of a toilet bowl cover to create a seal.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a top view of an array of four lavatories (“toilet facility”), utilizing one “treatment facility.” This configuration is practical for a large outdoor public event, in the developed world, as well as for use in a community whereby a large population of people are dwelling, for example a refugee camp or squatter's community. Such an arrangement can reduce cost by more than 30%. As such the “treatment facility will need to be emptied at more frequent intervals, but less likely before a 12 month period.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a depiction of the “Treatment facility” with the cover removed to facilitate open burning—incineration of fecal waste within the receptacle. An accelerate such as gasoline or Kerosene can be used to ensure efficient combustion. The fecal waste may be saturated for several hours with at least one liter of an accelerant before combusting. The end product will be ash which might be useful for fertilizer for its carbon content.

[0066] FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the apparatus being utilized as a portable shower stall. An elevated platform is situated within 59 to allow for water to collect via a receptacle 61, via sieves 58. An articulating cover 57 may be in an opened or closed position, before and after use, to discharge water from the receptacle 61, into a collecting container 54, which may be used for agricultural or washing. In this arrangement, the hot air may be used to heat water before use by using an electrical heating element. An overhead showerhead is shown, 51, as well as solar panels 5, 6 and 7.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet facility, comprised of the toilet bowl and tank. Within the toilet tank, a dehumidifier is integrated so as to acquire water from the atmosphere by condensation 29. A dehumidifier compressor and fan is shown as 25 and a “hot” and “cold” coil 26 and 27, respectively for phase change of refrigerant are represented. Heat 30 from the hot coil 26 is channeled the treatment facility via a conduit 9. An air compressor 23 and compressed air storage reservoir 21 is preferably situated at the top of the toilet tank. As described below with respect to FIG. 15, a CPU and other electronic controlled units are ideally situated above the compressed air reservoir 21 and powered by the battery 24. The toilet bowl 36 has an articulating cover 2 and 2A which forms an airtight seal when closed and locked by a solenoid lock mechanism (not shown). During a flush cycle, compressed air and water enter the toilet bowl at 37 (any design or location can be implemented for maximum efficiency). Air expansion 32 occurs above the water seal 34, causing displacement of all content 33 and 34 into the treatment facility via 10 and 31.

[0068] As depicted in FIG. 8, a subterranean reservoir is shown, connected to an inexpensive 17th Century hand operated water pump device. As water is generated from condensation/dehumidification, excess water is made to overflow by gravity into the underground containment. The underground chamber can be single or multiple, preferably interconnected with each other, to store large volume of water to be used for washing, bathing, agriculture etc. Said water may also be used for hand washing and hygiene, operated by a mechanical foot pump or small electrical water pump.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a frontal external view of a mechanically operated embodiment of the invention, which shows the toilet cover in a locked position by solenoid 44. A mechanical foot actuated air compressor 43 is depicted with compressed air channeled to the air reservoir located within the tank, via conduit 40. Flushing modes 45, 46 and 47 are located at the top of the toilet tank, and a transparent window is located at the front to show the level of water within the tank.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a cross section of the “treatment facility” having a conduit 9 to direct solid waste 52 and liquid waste 58 from the toilet facility which falls to the bottom of the receptacle 8 by gravity. Liquid in the form or urine and water is displaced to the top of the solid waste 52 and evaporates 56 when heated by hot air 57 from the inlet conduit 11 and heating elements 54A and 54B located in the removable dome 53. A UV lamp 55 is also ideally located in said dome to provide radiation using wavelength of light that is below 400 nm, to sterilize the content of the “treatment facility” when powered by electricity. Evaporation of the liquid 56 is channeled out of the receptacle via, exhaust pipe 12.

[0071] FIG. 11 is a top view of the toilet facility showing a transparent toilet bowl cover 60, articulating hinges 59, bidet 61, solenoid lock mechanism 44 and control flush options, 45, 46 and 47 located at the top of the toilet tank.

[0072] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 represent an alternate embodiment of the toilet facility whereby an air compressing jet-fan is incorporated into the tank so as to draw air into a chamber at a high velocity, then compressing it chamber 77, to be released into the closed toilet bowl cavity 1, to cause the content of the toilet bowl to be expelled therefrom under high air pressure. The jet-fan can be operated in a continuous manner, without the need for a holding chamber 77, thereby applying desirable thrust into the toilet bowl when closed, upon demand.

[0073] FIG. 14 is a representation of the portable toilet system incorporated into a fixed structure such as home. Solar panels 90 are posited upon the roof of a home for optimal exposure to generate electricity. The toilet system may also use DC or AC current directly from the grid when built into a home. In a fixed structure integration, the discharged waste can be channeled to a central sewage treatment facility or a septic tank (not shown) instead of into the treatment facility 92. A water storage subterranean reservoir 93 is shown along with a manually operated water pump to extract water from the reservoir 93. The benefit of a low volume water flushing toilet will be realized, even if used with a conventional treatment facility installation such as a septic system.

[0074] FIG. 15 is a logic system flow diagram, “A” to “T” which govern the ideal operation for both the “toilet facility” and “treatment facility.” Beginning with Letter “A”, a flush option #1, #2 or #3 (for solid, liquid or both), controlled by a CPU is selected, which will close and lock the toilet bowl cover in an airtight manner. Compressed air and water is then released into the toilet bowl under pressure, causing the toilet bowl content to be expelled into the “treatment facility” by overcoming gravity. A CPU regulates the temperature and UV light use within the treatment facility to perform desired function. The treatment facility 8 may also be manufactured with a color or material that allows for natural absorption of thermal radiation from the sun, especially when installed in locations near the equator (below Tropic of Cancer and above Tropic of Capricorn).

[0075] During a flush cycle, water may be introduced under high pressure, when the compressed air 21 is released from the storage tank and enters the toilet bowl via 37, along conduit 22. The compressed air may be acquired directly from the atmosphere by an electronic air compressor 23 and stored, or by a jet propulsion pump as in FIG. 13, to generate positive air pressure upon demand. The toilet may also be flushed by compressed air alone, achieved manually by a foot (or hand compressor) in the event of no electrical power being available to operate the toilet system electronically, as shown in FIG. 9. The toilet may also be flushed by negative pressure, as in FIG. 3, which does not require the toilet cover to be in a closed and sealed position. Negative pressure is generated in the treatment facility when a vacuum is created within the waste collective system, to result in atmospheric air/pressure aiding in the flush cycle, with or without water.

[0076] A battery 24 is provided to store electrical energy from photovoltaic (PV) cells, for the operation of the air compressor and the dehumidifier, fan and condenser 25, hot coil 26 and cold coil 27. The hot air from the dehumidifier 30 is channeled to the treatment facility via conduit 9, which may be fabricated from flexible PVC pipe to provide insulation. Water is acquired from the condensation process and collected and stored into a reservoir 29. A subterranean reservoir is provided for excess water storage which may be used for agricultural purpose, FIG. 14 (93). Fecal and urine waste is discharged from the “J” trap 34 via conduit 10, along inner pipe of a suitable caliber 31.

[0077] The byproduct from the dehumidifier process is thermal radiation reaching at least 100 degrees C. The hot air is used to evaporate liquid from the treatment facility, since water boils and evaporates at this ideal temperature of 100 deg. C. To sterilize the content in the treatment facility and accelerate the evaporation of liquid, thermal radiation of at least 150 degrees C. is achieved using a heating coil, along with UV light (mainly for sanitization) which can be activated for a predetermined amount of time following each flush cycle, such as, for example, ten minutes.

[0078] Once a year or longer (depending on frequency of use and size of the “treatment facility”), the solid waste can be reused as fertilizer, discarded safely on land or into a river, or incinerated to ashes, using an accelerant such as kerosene, coconut oil, corn oil, palm oil or gasoline (all are readily accessible in the developing world and inexpensive in small quantity of one liter or less for the purpose desired. The “treatment facility” content can also be used as fuel additive for small to medium size industrial scale application such as fuel to generate electricity for a town or village.

[0079] At least one bidet sprout is provided, which may be shielded at the top to prevent contamination. The inner aspect of the toilet tank and the toilet bowl can be illuminated with any single or combination of colorful lights, derived from the three primary colors, to include a UV light to aid in sanitation of the toilet bowl when not in active use. Such spectacle can be readily viewed via the transparent cover when in the closed position, to illuminate the toilet bowl, to confirm that the flush cycle is effective and complete.

[0080] The techniques described herein are exemplary, and should not be construed as implying any particular limitation on the present disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives, combinations and modifications could be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, steps associated with the processes described herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or dictated by the steps themselves. The present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0081] The terms “comprises” or “comprising” are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.