Abstract:
A toilet apparatus has a waste material receiving bowl with an opening at a top of the waste material receiving bowl. A bag receives and retains waste material and an absorbent media introduced through the opening. An agitation device agitate the absorbent media and the waste material at a lower portion of the bag to cause the absorbent media to at least substantially cover the waste material while the agitation device is not contacting the absorbent media and the waste material.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/815,181, filed Jul. 31, 2015, and entitled Toilet Apparatus and Method of Use, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention generally relates to waste management devices, and more particularly, to a toilet apparatus and method of its use. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    Toilets, which may also be referred to as commodes, generally refer to devices used for the disposal of human waste. Flush toilets are a common type of toilet that uses water to facilitate removal of the waste to a processing site, such as a septic system, for its decomposition. More recently, however, other toilet designs have been implemented that can, among other things, reduce water usage levels required for their operation. Examples of such toilets include composting toilets that process the waste locally, and chemical based toilets that use chemicals to deodorize the waste until it can be moved to another location for processing. Nevertheless, each of these toilet designs require special handling techniques to ensure the safe movement of waste to a sanitary location for the toilet&#39;s continued use. It is with these problems in mind, among other problems, that embodiments of the present disclosure have been developed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    According to one embodiment, a toilet apparatus has a waste material receiving bowl with an opening at a top of the waste material receiving bowl. A bag receives and retains waste material and an absorbent media introduced through the opening. An agitation device agitate the absorbent media and the waste material at a lower portion of the bag to cause the absorbent media to at least substantially cover the waste material while the agitation device is not contacting the absorbent media and the waste material. 
         [0007]    A method for a toilet apparatus includes providing a waste material receiving bowl with an opening at a top of the waste material receiving bowl and providing a bag to receive and retain waste material and an absorbent media introduced through the opening. The method includes agitating, using an agitation device, the absorbent media and the waste material at a lower portion of the bag to cause the absorbent media to at least substantially cover the waste material while the agitation device does not contact the absorbent media and the waste material. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, a toilet control system comprises at least one memory for storing instructions and at least one processor to execute the instructions to detect, using a lid position sensor, when a lid of a toilet is in an open position, the toilet comprising a waste material receiving bowl with an opening. The processor detects, using a bag sensor, when a bag is in the waste material receiving bowl. The processor controls an absorbent media dispenser to dispense absorbent media into the bag when the lid is in the open position and the bag is in the waste material receiving bowl and control an electronic agitation device to agitate the absorbent media and the waste material at a lower portion of the bag while the agitation device is not contacting the absorbent media and the waste material. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, a toilet control method comprises detecting, by at least one processor, when a lid of a toilet is in an open position, the toilet comprising a waste material receiving bowl with an opening. The method includes detecting, by the at least one processor, when a bag is in the waste material receiving bowl and controlling, by the at least one processor, an absorbent media dispenser to dispense absorbent media into the bag when the lid is in the open position and the bag is in the waste material receiving bowl. The method includes controlling, by the at least one processor, an agitation device to agitate an absorbent media and the waste material at a lower portion of the bag while the agitation device is not contacting the absorbent media and the waste material. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, a toilet apparatus comprises a waste material receiving bowl with an opening and a bag to receive waste material and an absorbent media introduced through the opening. An agitation device agitates the absorbent media and the waste material at a bottom of the bag while not contacting the absorbent media and the waste material. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C  are perspective, side, and front views, respectively, illustrating an example toilet apparatus with its lid in the closed position according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C  are perspective, side, and front views, respectively, illustrating an example toilet apparatus with its lid in the open position according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cut-away view showing several features of the example toilet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cut-away view showing several other features of the example toilet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing an example control circuit that may be used by the toilet apparatus according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate an example process that may be performed by the application according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of an example computer device for use with the example embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    As described previously, current toilet designs have often required special handling techniques for the safe and sanitary removal of waste. Nevertheless, currently implemented solutions for this problem have required the use of one or more additional materials that could potentially be harmful to the environment. For example, flush toilets often require the use of relatively large amounts of water, which has been recognized as a valuable commodity, particularly in locations where water has become a scarce resource. Chemical toilets use less water than their flush toilet counterparts, but require the use of chemicals that typically hinders the efficient decomposition of the waste, even after the waste is removed from the toilet. Additionally, composting toilets may use one or more types of microbes to decompose the waste in place. Yet the composting process provided by these microbes can often generate unpleasant odors that may require additional mechanisms, such as ventilation systems, thus limiting the locations at which these composting toilets may be used. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution to these problems, among other problems, using a toilet apparatus and method that uses disposable bags which can be easily handled for safe and sanitary removal of waste from the toilet by keeping the waste separated from the components of the toilet apparatus, and mechanical vibration to enhance mixing of the waste with an absorbent media as it is introduced into the toilet such that odors normally associated with the waste are minimized as well as providing enhanced sterilization by dehydrating the waste material immediately upon entry of the waste into the toilet. 
         [0019]      FIGS. 1A through 2C  illustrate an example toilet  100  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,  FIGS. 1A and 2A  show perspective views of the toilet  100 ,  FIGS. 1B and 2B  show side views of the toilet  100 , while  FIGS. 1C and 2C  show front views of the toilet  100 . The toilet  100  includes a housing  102  for housing a waste material receiving bowl  104 , and a top member  106  with an opening defining an annular seating surface. In one embodiment, the annular seating surface may include a seat  108  that is configured between the top member  106  and a lid  110 . The toilet  100  also includes a lid  110 . The seat  108  and the lid  110  are hingedly affixed to the housing  102 . The lid  110  and seat  108  are movable from a closed position ( FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C ) adjacent to the top member  106  to an open position away from the top member  106  ( FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C ). Although  FIGS. 1A through 2C  show several features of the toilet  100 , it should be understood that the toilet  100  may include additional, fewer, or different features than those described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cut-away view showing several features of the example toilet  100  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In general, the space between the housing  102  and the bowl  104  forms a chamber  120  for housing several components of the toilet  100 , such as a vibrating mechanism  114  or other agitation device, a vacuum pump  116 , and a control circuit  118  that controls the operation of the vibrating mechanism  114  and the vacuum pump  116 . 
         [0021]    The toilet  100  can be configured with a disposable bag  122  that is releasably secured in the bowl  104  and configured to receive and hold a specified amount of absorbent media  124 . In general, the disposable bag  122  that can be releasably secured inside the bowl  104  and partially filled with an absorbent media  124  such that when used, agitation may be imparted to the absorbent media  124  for mixing with any waste introduced into the disposable bag  122  while keeping the components of the toilet, such as the vibrating mechanism  114  or other agitation device, separated from communication with (i.e., not touching) the waste material and absorbent media in the disposable bag  122 . Following the introduction of waste, the disposable bag  122  may be removed from the bowl  104  and disposed of and another disposable bag  122  releasably secured to the bowl  104  for ensuing uses of the toilet  100 . 
         [0022]    Certain embodiments of the toilet  100  may provide advantages not heretofore recognized by traditional toilet designs. For example, embodiments of the toilet  100  may reduce or eliminate the extraneous use of certain materials required by traditional toilet designs, such as water, chemical treatment, biological decomposing materials, and the like. Additionally, the disposable bag  122  provides a temporary chamber for receiving waste and disposing of the waste in a safe, sanitary manner, while the absorbent media provides for at least partial encapsulation of the waste such that any odors generated by the waste are minimized. Additionally, because little or no water is required for its operation, the toilet  100  may be used in locations where a source of water or means to manage the processing and removal of waste may not be readily available, such as in a portable, remote environment (e.g., during a long road trip, a camping excursion, etc.). 
         [0023]    The bowl  104  and the housing  102  form an enclosed chamber  120  that is generally sealed from the outside environment. When the vacuum pump  116  is turned on, it generates a vacuum (e.g., negative) pressure inside the chamber  120 . In one embodiment, the vacuum pump  116  includes one or more fans that, when powered on, blow air from the chamber  120  to the ambient environment. Additionally, a certain quantity of holes may be left uncovered by the bag  122  so that an airflow may be generated from the bowl  104  into the chamber  120  for minimizing odors generated during the use of the toilet  100 . Nevertheless, the vacuum pump  116  may include any device that creates a vacuum condition inside the chamber  120  when powered on, such as a piston-driven pump having check valves at its entry and exit ports. Additionally, the vacuum pump  116  may be omitted if a vacuum condition is not needed or desired for the operation of the toilet  100 . 
         [0024]    The bowl  104  may be made of any suitable material (e.g., sheet metal, plastic, fiberglass, etc.) and have any desired shape to receive and temporarily hold the disposable bag  122  against its surface. In one embodiment, the bowl  104  includes a side member  128  formed of sheet metal into a cylindrical shape and has holes  130  configured along its extent, such that, when the vacuum pump  116  is powered on, the disposable bag  122  is urged against the surface of the side member  128 . Also, the bowl  104  includes a bottom member  132  that is formed of an air permeable material (e.g., screen, fabric, etc.) that allows the vacuum pressure generated in the chamber  120  to urge the disposable bag  122  against the bottom member  132 . In one embodiment, the bottom member  132  is resilient or stretchable to allow vibrational energy generated by the vibrating mechanism  114  to be transferred to the absorbent media  124  for causing movement or agitation of the absorbent media  124  for enhanced mixing with any waste introduced into the disposable bag  122 . 
         [0025]    The vibrating mechanism  114  forms an agitation device for agitating the absorbent media  124  disposed in the disposable bag  122 . In one embodiment, the vibrating mechanism  114  includes a motor  136  with an eccentrically mounted pin  138  that is coupled to the bottom member  132  via a line  140  (e.g., rope, twine, strap, cable, etc.) such that rotation of the motor  136  causes the vibrational energy to be imparted in a generally vertical direction (e.g., up and down) on the bottom member  132 . Nevertheless, other embodiments contemplate that the vibrating mechanism  114  may include any mechanism that generates vibrational energy that is imparted into the absorbent media  124 . For example, the vibrating mechanism  114  may be a motor having an eccentrically mounted weight on its shaft, which is physically coupled to the bottom member  132 . Certain embodiments of the toilet  100  that use vertical excitation of the absorbent media  124  may be advantageous in that vibrational excitation of the absorbent media  124  may be maximized relative to the overall vibration incurred by the toilet  100  during its use. 
         [0026]    The absorbent media  124  may include any suitable type of material that mixes with the waste under the influence of vibrational energy. In one embodiment, the absorbent media is a granular material, such as sand, pumice, pet litter, zeolite, clay, sepiolite, crushed cellulose, etc.). In one embodiment, the frequency (e.g., rotational speed of the motor) and/or amplitude (e.g., cyclical distance traveled by the bottom member  132 ) of the vibrational energy may be selected according to the size and density of the absorbent media  124 . In this manner, a specified level and frequency of vibrational energy may be produced that optimally excites the absorbent media  124  according to its size, weight, and/or resiliency (e.g., bounciness). For example, when a particular type of absorbent media  124  having a specified size, weight, and/or resiliency is selected, the frequency and/or amplitude of the vibrating mechanism  114  may be altered for optimal movement of the absorbent media  124  in the bag  122 . Embodiments of the absorbent media  124  may serve as a desiccant to aid in sterilization by effectively drawing moisture away from the waste material, thus reducing sanitary hazards typically encountered with organic waste as well as minimizing odors generated by the waste material. 
         [0027]    The amplitude and frequency may be altered in any suitable manner. For example, the motor  136  may be a variable speed motor whose speed may be altered to change the frequency while the amplitude may be altered by adjusting the angular distance of the pin  138  from the axis of the shaft. For example, the control circuit  118  may display a user interface  512  ( FIG. 5 ) for receiving user input associated with a specified frequency and/or amplitude to be used according to a type of absorbent media  124  placed in the bag  122 . Alternatively, the control circuit  118  may have one or more switches that enable a user to select one or more frequencies and/or one or more amplitudes with, or without, a displayed user-interface. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the bottom member  132  of the bowl  104  has a conical shape, or other suitable shape, to urge the absorbent media and waste material toward the center of the bowl under the force of gravity. For example, the conical shape may be provided by a static tension force exerted on the bottom member  132  by the line  140 . Nevertheless, the conical shape may be provided using any suitable technique. For example, the bottom member  132  may be formed from a sheet of material (e.g., sheet metal) that is resilient in consistency (e.g., spring-like) and formed into a conical shape and perforated to allow airflow therethrough. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the lid  110  includes a hopper  134  for storing the absorbent media  124 . A latch door  144  or other selectively closable mechanism, is provided to allow entry of the absorbent media  124  into the hopper  134 , and an absorbent media dispenser  146  is provided for transferring a specified amount of absorbent media  124  from the hopper  134  into the disposable bag  122  each time the toilet  100  is used. In other embodiments, the toilet  100  may include a hopper placed at other locations, such as behind the toilet, beside the toilet, or underneath the toilet. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, the absorbent media dispenser  146  includes an auger assembly having an auger  148  configured in the dispenser  146  that is in communication with the inside of the lid  110 . The auger is rotationally coupled to a motor  150  such that when the motor is turned on, a specified amount of absorbent media  124  may be dispensed into the disposable bag  122 . In one embodiment, the dispenser  146  may be hingedly affixed to the lid  110  such that it may be rotated to allow for closure of the lid  110 . 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the auger  148  may optionally have a sawtooth shape or other suitable shape for grinding, chipping, shredding, pulverizing (e.g., breaking apart) a concentrated amount of absorbent media  124  provided in block form (e.g., a brick) into an expanded matrix for use in the toilet  100 . Certain embodiments employing absorbent media  124  provided as relatively small concentrated blocks may provide certain advantages, such as a relatively smaller volume required for their storage prior to use as well as their relative ease of use compared to absorbent media  124  provided in expanded granular form. Although non-block forms of absorbent media may be used in other embodiments. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment, the dispenser  146  may include a media retention mechanism to inhibit or reduce unwanted absorbent media  124  when not needed or desired, such as when the toilet  100  is not in use. For example, the exit or end of the dispenser may include a spring-loaded valve that is biased in a closed position when absorbent media  124  is not being actively discharged from the auger  148 . As another example, the motor  150  driving the auger  148  may be rotated in a backwards direction for a specified period of time following dispensing of the absorbent media  124  such that any absorbent media  124  still within the dispenser  146  may be driven back into the hopper  134 . 
         [0033]    The disposable bag  122  is sized to fit within the bowl  104 , and be made of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, paper, etc.) that receives and holds absorbent media  124  and waste. In one embodiment, the disposable bag  122  is made of a material that can decompose when processed using standard waste treatment techniques. The bag  122  includes an upper edge that may be releasably secured to the top member  106  of the toilet  100  using a suitable releasable securement mechanism. In one embodiment, the releasable securement mechanism includes one or more tabs  142  configured on the top member  106  of the toilet  100  on which the top edge of the bag  122  may be impaled for holding the bag  122  in place. Other embodiments contemplate that other types of releasable securement mechanisms may be used. For example, the releasable securement mechanism may include a hook-and-loop (e.g., Velcro) strips molded into the top edge of the disposable bag  122  and on the top member  106  of the toilet  100 . For another example, the releasable securement mechanism may include a bag  122  with a drawstring or elastic member extending around the periphery of its edge for releasable securement to the top member  106 . For yet another example, the releasable securement mechanism may include spring-loaded clips, or other mechanisms, that do not impale the disposable bag  122 . 
         [0034]    The toilet  100  may also include one or more sensors that may be used by the control circuit  118  to control its operation. For example, a lid position sensor  152  may be provided that senses when the lid  110  is moved from the closed to the open position. A bag presence sensor  154  may be provided that senses when a bag  122  is disposed within the bowl. Also, an absorbent media level sensor  156  may be provided to sense the level of absorbent media  124  stored in the hopper  134 . Also, an occupant sensor  174  may be provided to sense when a user is occupying the toilet  100 . Any suitable types of sensors may be implemented with the sensors  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  172 , or  174 . For example, the lid position sensor  152  may be a door switch, the bag presence sensor  154  may be an optical sensor that detects differing levels of light when covered by the bag  122 , and the absorbent media sensor  156  may be a capacitive device that changes its capacitance level when in contact with the absorbent media  124 , and the occupant sensor  174  may be a temperature sensor that senses the typical surface temperature of a human body. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, an ultraviolet lamp  170  and a humidity sensor  172  (e.g., hygrometer) may be included on the lower surface of the lid  110 . The control circuit  118  may function in response to signals obtained from the humidity sensor  172  to control operation of the ultraviolet lamp  170  for various purposes, such as disinfection of bacteria or other pathogens from the toilet  100  when not in use, or for a nightlight when used at night. For example, the control circuit  118  may, using the humidity sensor  172 , sense when a moisture level in the toilet  100  has exceeded a specified threshold to activate the ultraviolet lamp  170 . 
         [0036]    Although  FIG. 3  illustrates several example features of the toilet  100 , it is contemplated that other embodiments of the toilet  100  may have more, different, or fewer features than those described herein. For example, the toilet  100  may include a lid  110  without a hopper  134  and/or dispenser  146  if manual entry of the absorbent media  124  into the disposable bag  122  is desired. For another example, the toilet  100  may be provided without a seat  108  if not needed or desired. For yet another example, the toilet  100  may include a different type of agitation device than the vibrating mechanism  114  for agitating the absorbent media  124 , such as a solenoid physically coupled to the bottom member  132  or one that will be described in detail below with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates another absorbent media agitation device that may be implemented with the toilet  100  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the toilet  100 A includes a housing  102 A, a bowl  104 A, a lid  110 A, a seat  108 A, a vacuum pump  116 A, a control circuit  118 A, and a disposable bag  122 A that are similar in design and construction to the housing  102 , the bowl  104 , the seat  108 , the lid  110 , the vacuum pump  116 , the control circuit  118 , and the bag  122  of  FIG. 3 . The toilet  100 A of  FIG. 4  differs, however, in that it includes an absorbent media agitation device  158  formed from a disk  160  with an eccentrically mounted cam  162 , that is rotated by a motor  164 . The absorbent media agitation device also includes multiple levers  166  (e.g., four levers) that are equally or unequally spaced apart, and hingedly affixed along the periphery of the bowl  104  via hinges  168 . As the motor spins the cam  162 , it interacts with multiple spaced-apart levers  166  to alternatively lift each lever  166  such that successive regions of the bottom member  132  are lifted for agitating the absorbent media  124 . Additionally, the bag  122 A separates the absorbent media and waste from the components of the toilet  100 A so the waste material and absorbent media do not contact (i.e., come into communication) with the agitation device. 
         [0038]    The media agitation device as shown in  FIG. 4  may provide certain advantages for use with the toilet  100 A. For example, the levers  166  may provide for enhanced vertical movement of the absorbent media at relatively lower frequencies than what may be provided by a vibrating device, such as that described above with respect to  FIG. 3 . Such agitation may be particularly beneficial when used with absorbent media that is relatively soft in consistency and low in density, such as loose fill cellulose typically used for insulating homes or other climatized structures. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  illustrates one example of the control circuit  118  that may be used to control the operation of the toilet  100  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The control circuit  118  includes a processing system  502  that executes a toilet management application  504  stored in a memory  506  (e.g., computer readable media). Although the control circuit  118  is shown and described as a computer-based design incorporating instructions stored in a memory  506  and executed by a processor  502 , it should be understood that the control circuit  118  may be embodied in other specific forms, such as using discrete and/or integrated analog circuitry, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuitry (ASICs), or any combination thereof. Additionally, the control circuit  118  may be omitted if manual operation of the toilet  100  is desired. 
         [0040]    The processing system  502  includes one or more processors or other processing devices and memory. The one or more processors may process machine/computer-readable executable instructions and data, and the memory may store machine/computer-readable executable instructions and data including one or more applications, including the application  504 . A processor is hardware and memory is hardware. The memory  506  includes random access memory (RAM) and/or other non-transitory memory, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as one or more flash disks or hard drives. The non-transitory memory may include any tangible computer-readable medium including, for example, magnetic and/or optical disks, flash drives, and the like. 
         [0041]    The control circuit  118  may also include a display  508 , such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), an LED display, a touch screen, a capacitive display, or another display for displaying configuration settings associated with the application  504 . The control circuit  118  may also include an input device  510 , such as one or more buttons, switches, or other electro-mechanical device for providing user input to the application  504 . In one example, the display  508  and input device  510  may include a touch screen display for receiving user input and displaying one or more characteristics associated with operation of the application  504 . In one embodiment, the display  508  may include a user interface  512  for displaying information to the user, and receiving user input from the user. 
         [0042]    In general, the processing system  502  executes a toilet operation application  504  with one or more modules to control the operation of the toilet  100 . In certain embodiments, the application  504  may control all operating aspects of the toilet  100  described herein. In other embodiments, the application  504  may control only one or a subset of the operating aspects of the toilet  100  described herein. 
         [0043]    A user interface module  514  facilitates the receipt of user data and/or other communications from the input device  510  of the control circuit  118 . In one example, the control circuit  118  generates and executes the user interface  512  that displays an interactive display such as the display  508 , or other suitable user interface mechanism including one or more selectable fields, editing screens, and the like for displaying status information associated with one or more aspects of the application  504 , such as operational status information, power source (e.g., battery) condition, timer values to be applied to the operation of the agitator, the vacuum pump, absorbent media dispenser, and the like. 
         [0044]    A sensor interface module  516  monitors the various sensors  152 ,  154 ,  156 , and  172  configured on the toilet  100  and generates signals to be used by the one or more other modules of the application  504  for administering the operation of the toilet  100 . For example, the sensor interface module  516  may continually monitor the lid position sensor  152 , and generate a signal that may be used by the agitator controller module  518  and/or vacuum pump controller module  520  for controlling the operation of the agitation device (e.g., vibrating mechanism  114  or absorbent media agitation device  158 ), and/or vacuum pump  116 , respectively. As another example, the sensor interface module  516  may monitor the bag presence sensor  154 , such as after the lid position sensor  152  detects that the lid  110  has been opened and/or other times and generate a signal that may be used by the alarm controller module  524  to generate an alarm if the bag  122  has not been placed within the bowl  104  after a specified period of time. As yet another example, the sensor interface module  516  may monitor the absorbent media level sensor  156  to determine whether the level of the absorbent media  124  stored in the lid  110  has been reduced to a specified level, and generate a signal that may be used by the alarm controller module  524  when the level of the absorbent media is below the specified level. As yet another example, the sensor interface module  516  may monitor the humidity sensor  172  to selectively energize the ultraviolet lamp  170  according to a humidity level inside of the bowl  104  or bowl  104 /bag  122 . 
         [0045]    An agitator controller module  518  is coupled to the agitation device (e.g., vibration mechanism  114 , absorbent media agitation device  158 , or other agitation mechanism) and controls the operation of the agitation device, such as whether the agitation device is on or off. For example, the agitator controller module  518  may include a timer that turns the agitation device on or off after a specified period of time. In one embodiment, the agitator controller module  518  may be configured to turn the agitation device partially on, such as via a pulse width modulation (PWM) algorithm, that causes the agitation device to operate at a fraction of its fully on power. The vibrator controller module  518  may include multiple partially on settings for optimizing the agitation of different types of absorbent media having differing sizes, weights, and resiliency. 
         [0046]    A vacuum pump controller module  520  controls the operation of the vacuum pump  116 . For example, the vacuum pump controller module  520  may receive signals from the sensor interface module  516  indicating whether the lid  110  is in the open position and whether the bag has been inserted into the bowl, and if so, turn on the vacuum pump  116  so that the disposable bag  122  may be urged against the side of the bowl  104 . The vacuum pump controller module  520  may also be responsive to signals from the user interface module  514  to turn off the pump in response to user input so that the disposable bag  122  may be removed from the bowl  104  or to turn on the pump. 
         [0047]    An absorbent media dispensing module  522  controls the operation of the absorbent media dispenser  146  to dispense absorbent media  124  from the hopper  134  to the disposable bag  122 . For example, the absorbent media dispensing module  522  may receive signals from the sensor interface module  516  indicating whether the lid  110  is in the open position and whether the bag has been inserted into the bowl, and if so, turn on the dispenser  146  for a specified period of time so that a certain amount of absorbent media  124  may be dispensed from the hopper  134  into the disposable bag  122  or due to user-interface selection. For example, the absorbent media dispenser  146  may be responsive to a switch and/or other control circuit  118  hardware to dispense absorbent media into the disposable bag  122 . 
         [0048]    An alarm controller module  524  communicates with the other modules (e.g., the user interface module  514 , the sensor interface module  516 , the agitator controller module  518 , and the vacuum interface module  520 ) to receive signals indicative of an alarm condition, and generate an alarm signal based on those signals. For example, if the alarm controller module  524  receives a signal from the sensor interface module  516  indicating that no bag  122  is present in the bowl  104  when the absorbent media dispensing module  522  turns on the dispenser  146  to dispense absorbent media  124 , the alarm controller module  524  may generate an alarm and communicate with the absorbent media dispenser controller  522  to turn off the dispenser  146  until a bag  122  is placed in the bowl  104 . As another example, the alarm controller module  524  may receive signals from the sensor interface module  516  indicating that the level of the absorbent media  124  in the lid  110  is below a specified threshold level and generate an alarm to alert the user that additional absorbent media  124  needs to be added to the hopper  134 . 
         [0049]    It should be appreciated that the modules described herein are provided only as an example of a computing device that may execute the application  504  according to the teachings of the present invention, and that other computing devices may have the same modules, different modules, additional modules, or fewer modules than those described herein. For example, one or more modules as described in  FIG. 5  may be combined into a single module. As another example, certain modules described herein may be encoded and executed on other circuits, such as another circuit that is separate from the control circuit  118 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example process that may be performed by the application  504  according to the teachings of the present disclosure to control the operation of the toilet  100 . Although the example process described herein below is directed primarily to a computer-based application implemented in a memory and executed by a processor, the steps described herein may also be applicable to other types of control circuits, such as a digital or analog hardware circuit employing discrete electrical components. 
         [0051]    Initially in step  601 , the absorbent media hopper  134  may be loaded with absorbent media  124  by moving the lid  110  to the open position, opening the access door  144 , and pouring the absorbent media  124  into the absorbent media hopper  134 . Also, an air filter  172  may be placed over the outlet of the vacuum pump  116 . Thereafter, the toilet  100  and associated application  504  are ready for use. 
         [0052]    In step  602 , the application  504  determines, using the absorbent media level sensor  156 , whether the absorbent media level is sufficient. If so, processing continues at step  604 ; otherwise, processing continues at step  626  in which an alarm is generated using a suitable output mechanism, such as the user interface  512  of the control circuit  118 . In one embodiment, the application  504  may also display a message on the user interface  512  informing the user to add additional absorbent media to the absorbent media hopper  134 . 
         [0053]    In step  604 , the application  504  receives a signal from the lid position sensor  152  indicating that the lid  110  has been moved to the open position. Receipt of the signal from the lid position sensor  152  typically indicates that the toilet is being prepared for use. 
         [0054]    In step  606 , the application  504  determines, using the occupant sensor  174 , whether a signal has been received indicative of the user occupying the toilet  100  prior to a signal received from the bag sensor  154 . If not, processing continues at step  608 ; otherwise processing continues at step  626  in which an alarm is generated to alert the user that the toilet  100  is being improperly used. Additionally, the application  504  may generate, using the user interface  512  that a bag  122  should be installed prior to occupying the toilet  100 . 
         [0055]    In step  608 , the application  504  controls the dispenser  146  to dispense a specified amount of absorbent media into the bag  122 . The specified amount of absorbent media  124  may be set according to various factors, such as how long the dispenser  146  is energized, the speed of the dispenser  146 , and the weight and/or granularity of the absorbent media  124 . The application  504  may cause the dispenser  146  to immediately dispense the absorbent media, or it may wait for a specified period of time (e.g., approximately 1 to15 seconds) prior to having the absorbent media dispensed. For example, the application  504  may be configured to wait for approximately 5 seconds after the bag sensor  154  has detected the presence of the bag  122  to allow the user to releasably secure the bag  122  to the bowl  104 . In an alternative embodiment, the application  504  may be responsive to user input inputted from either the user interface  512  or a switch mounted on the housing  102  to manually control the dispenser  146  for dispensing the absorbent media. 
         [0056]    In steps  610  and  612 , the application  504  turns on the agitation device (e.g., vibration mechanism  114 , absorbent media agitation device  158 , or other agitation mechanism) and the vacuum pump  116 , respectively. For example, the application  504  may turn on the agitation device and/or vacuum pump  116  immediately after the dispenser  146  has been turned off, or after a specified period of time after the dispenser  146  has been turned off or in response to one or more sensor inputs, such as the occupant sensor  174  indicating the presence of an occupant or other sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the application  504  may be responsive to user input inputted from either the user interface  512  or one or more other switches mounted on the housing  102  to turn the agitation device and/or vacuum pump  116  on. Additionally, the agitation device may be turned on simultaneously with the vacuum pump  116  or at a different time from when the vacuum pump  116  is turned on. 
         [0057]    In step  614 , the application  504  receives a signal from the occupant sensor  174  indicating that the occupant no longer occupies the toilet  100 . Thereafter, the application  504  turns off the vibrating mechanism  114 /absorbent media agitation mechanism  158  and/or vacuum pump  116  in steps  616  and  618 . 
         [0058]    In step  620 , the application  504  determines whether a signal has been received from the lid position sensor  152  indicating that the lid  110  has been moved to the closed position prior to a signal received from the bag sensor  154  indicating that the disposable bag  122  has been removed from the bowl  104 . If not, processing continues at step  622 ; otherwise processing continues at step  626  in which an alarm is generated to alert the user that the bag  122  needs to be removed from the toilet  100 . Additionally, the application  504  may generate, using the user interface  512 , that the bag  122  should be removed from the bowl  104  prior to closing the lid  110 . 
         [0059]    In step  622 , the application  504  continually monitors the moisture level inside the bowl  104  or the bag  122  if still inside the bowl  104  using the humidity sensor  172  to control operation of the ultraviolet lamp  170  when the toilet  100  is not in use. For example, after use of the toilet  100 , humidity levels inside the bowl  104  may remain at an elevated level for an extended period of time, particularly if the bag  122  is inadvertently left inside of the bowl  104 . To maintain the toilet  100  in a sanitary condition, the application  504  may activate the ultraviolet lamp  170  such that any pathogens, such as germs and/or bacteria, may be reduced or eliminated. 
         [0060]    Processing continues for additional usage cycles of the toilet  100  as described above with reference to steps  602  through  622 . Nevertheless, when use of the toilet  100  and associated application  504  are no longer needed or desired, the process ends in step  624 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example computing system  700  that may implement various systems, such as the control circuit  118 , and methods discussed herein, such as process  600 . A general purpose computer system  700  is capable of executing a computer program product to execute a computer process. Data and program files may be input to the computer system  700 , which reads the files and executes the programs therein such as the application  504 . Some of the elements of a general purpose computer system  700  are shown in  FIG. 7  wherein a processing system  702  is shown having an input/output (I/O) section  704 , a hardware central processing unit (CPU)  706 , and a memory section  708 . The processing system  702  of the computer system  700  may have a single hardware central-processing unit  706  or a plurality of hardware processing units. The computer system  700  may be a conventional computer, a server, a distributed computer, or any other type of computing device, such as one or more external computers made available via a cloud computing architecture. The presently described technology is optionally implemented in software devices loaded in memory  708 , stored on a configured DVD/CD-ROM  710  or storage unit  712 , and/or communicated via a wired or wireless network link  714 , thereby transforming the computer system  700  in  FIG. 7  to a special purpose machine for implementing the described operations. 
         [0062]    The memory section  708  may be volatile media, nonvolatile media, removable media, non-removable media, and/or other hardware media or hardware mediums that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computing device. For example, the memory section  708  may include non-transitory computer storage media and communication media. Non-transitory computer storage media further may include volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and/or non-removable media implemented in a method or technology for the storage (and retrieval) of information, such as computer/machine-readable/executable instructions, data and data structures, engines, program modules, and/or other data. Communication media may, for example, embody computer/machine-readable/executable instructions, data structures, program modules, algorithms, and/or other data. The communication media may also include a non-transitory information delivery technology. The communication media may include wired and/or wireless connections and technologies and be used to transmit and/or receive wired and/or wireless communications. 
         [0063]    The I/O section  704  is connected to one or more optional user-interface devices (e.g., a user interface such as a keyboard  716  or the user interface  512 ), an optional disc storage unit  712 , an optional display  718 , and an optional disc drive unit  720 . Generally, the disc drive unit  720  is a DVD/CD-ROM drive unit capable of reading the DVD/CD-ROM medium  710 , which typically contains programs and data  722 . Computer program products containing mechanisms to effectuate the systems and methods in accordance with the presently described technology may reside in the memory section  708 , on a disc storage unit  712 , on the DVD/CD-ROM medium  710  of the computer system  700 , or on external storage devices made available via a cloud computing architecture with such computer program products, including one or more database management products, web server products, application server products, and/or other additional software components. Alternatively, a disc drive unit  720  may be replaced or supplemented by a floppy drive unit, a tape drive unit, or other storage medium drive unit. An optional network adapter  724  is capable of connecting the computer system  700  to a network via the network link  714 , through which the computer system can receive instructions and data. Examples of such systems include personal computers, Intel or PowerPC-based computing systems, AMD-based computing systems, ARM-based computing systems, and other systems running a Windows-based, a UNIX-based, a mobile operating system, or other operating system. It should be understood that computing systems may also embody devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, tablets or slates, multimedia consoles, gaming consoles, set top boxes, etc. 
         [0064]    When used in a LAN-networking environment, the computer system  700  is connected (by wired connection and/or wirelessly) to a local network through the network interface or adapter  724 , which is one type of communications device. When used in a WAN-networking environment, the computer system  700  typically includes a modem, a network adapter, or any other type of communications device for establishing communications over the wide area network. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer system  700  or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory storage device. It is appreciated that the network connections shown are examples of communications devices for and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. 
         [0065]    In an example implementation, source code executed by the control circuit  118 , a plurality of internal and external databases optionally are stored in memory of the control circuit  118  or other storage systems, such as the disk storage unit  712  or the DVD/CD-ROM medium  710 , and/or other external storage devices made available and accessible via a network architecture. The source code executed by the control circuit  118  may be embodied by instructions stored on such storage systems and executed by the processing system  702 . 
         [0066]    Some or all of the operations described herein may be performed by the processing system  702 , which is hardware. Further, local computing systems, remote data sources and/or services, and other associated logic represent firmware, hardware, and/or software configured to control operations the system  100  and/or other components. The system set forth in  FIG. 7  is but one possible example of a computer system that may employ or be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         [0067]    In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are instances of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
         [0068]    The described disclosure may be provided as a computer program product, or software, that may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon executable instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) to perform a process according to the present disclosure. A non-transitory machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The non-transitory machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette), optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or other types of medium suitable for storing electronic executable instructions. 
         [0069]    The description above includes example systems, methods, techniques, instruction sequences, and/or computer program products that embody techniques of the present disclosure. However, it is understood that the described disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. 
         [0070]    It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 
         [0071]    While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular implementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.