Patent Description:
Incineration can be used to eliminate certain types of waste material, including sewage, gray water, and other waste products of a plumbing system. Systems that are used for incinerating waste materials can be bulky, immobile and involve complex operating procedures. Accordingly, such systems tend to have limited application and ongoing manual maintenance to remove ash materials, which tend to accumulate over time in such systems. Heretofore, no easy way of operating waste incineration systems such has been devised. There is an ongoing need for technology and devices that facilitates the deployment and use of incineration systems quickly and efficiently in locations where the infrastructure for removing waste is lacking.

<CIT> discloses a device in which burning and cooling cycles are utilized e.g. for purposes of sterilizing materials.

<CIT> discloses an incinerating waste disposal plant in the form of a dry sanitary toilet.

<CIT> discloses a portable waste disposal system that is designed primarily for use in marine craft, mobile homes, campers or the like.

A compact waste combustion system constructed or configured in accordance with the invention is disclosed in claim <NUM>.

In one aspect, the compact waste combustion system may be configured for use within a portable toilet. In another aspect, the compact waste combustion system may be configured for use within a moving vehicle. In certain aspects, a plurality of compact waste combustion systems, or devices that incorporate the compact waste combustion systems, may be deployed to support a temporary or urgent demand. In some implementations, one or more devices that incorporate the compact waste combustion systems may communicate to a controlling or monitoring system to provide status, maintenance and fault information. In some implementations, two or more devices that incorporate the compact waste combustion systems may communicate to coordinate operations.

In certain aspects, the compact waste combustion system includes a fuel supply coupled to the burner, and an ignitor. The processor may be further configured to cause fuel to enter the burn chamber while the burner is activated, and activate the ignitor to ignite the fuel entering the burn chamber. The compact waste combustion system may include a blower configured to provide a flow of air while the burner is activated, and a diffuser configured to mix the flow of air with the fuel entering the burn chamber.

In one aspect the burner includes an electrical ignition coil.

In certain aspects, the compact waste combustion system includes a tray deployed within the burn chamber and configured to receive the waste material that is fed to the burn chamber through the trapdoor mechanism. The quantity of waste may be burnt within the tray when the burner is activated. The compact waste combustion system may include a temperature sensor configured to provide measurements of temperature within the burn chamber. The tray may be removable from the burn chamber when the temperature within the burn chamber is below a maximum safe temperature and when the burner is deactivated.

In one aspect the compact waste combustion system includes a tray deployed within the burn chamber and configured to hold a solid residue generated when the quantity of waste is burned within the burn chamber.

In certain aspects, the compact waste combustion system includes an exhaust fan configured to draw gaseous products of combustion from the burn chamber, and expel the gaseous products of combustion from the portable toilet. The compact waste combustion system may include a filter configured to remove toxic or undesirable constituents from the gaseous products of combustion. The compact waste combustion system may include a catalytic convertor configured to remove toxic or undesirable constituents from the gaseous products of combustion.

In certain aspects, the source of waste is a toilet bowl within the portable toilet. The processor may be further configured to initiate a bowl rinse cycle using a water bag that is configured to provide flow of water to the toilet bowl.

In certain aspects, the compact waste combustion system provides a user interface that includes a display panel configured to display status of the burn cycle. The user interface may include one or more user operated inputs used to configure the burn cycle. The compact waste combustion system may include one or more sensors configured to detect presence of a user within the portable toilet, and deactivate the burner when presence of the user is detected.

Several aspects of waste disposal systems will now be presented with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawing by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements").

The software may reside on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium may include, by way of example, a magnetic storage device (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip), an optical disk (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., card, stick, key drive), Near Field Communications (NFC) token, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a register, a removable disk, a carrier wave, a transmission line, and any other suitable medium for storing or transmitting software. The computer-readable medium may be resident in the processing system, external to the processing system, or distributed across multiple entities including the processing system. Computer-readable medium may be embodied in a computer-program product. By way of example, a computer-program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

A compact waste combustion system <NUM> provided in accordance with certain aspects of the invention is illustrated in schematic form in <FIG>. <FIG> provides an example of a physical implementation <NUM> of the compact waste combustion system <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> provide a side view <NUM> and a rear view <NUM> of the physical implementation <NUM> of the compact waste combustion system <NUM>. In one example, the compact waste combustion system <NUM> may be coupled to a portable toilet system or deployed within a portable toilet. The portable toilet may be deployed on a temporary or a long-term basis where infrastructure is not available to support sanitation facilities or services. In some examples, the compact waste combustion system <NUM> may be deployed for use in time of emergency, natural disaster, hostility or other exigency. In some examples, the compact waste combustion system <NUM> may be deployed for use in festivals, camping, expeditions, concert, construction and other preplanned activities. In some examples, the compact waste combustion system <NUM> may be deployed in remote settlements, attractions or underdeveloped regions where sanitation services are otherwise lacking. In some instances, the compact waste combustion system <NUM> may be deployed in ships, trains and other vehicles or modes of transport.

The compact waste combustion system <NUM> includes, or is coupled to a source of waste or a waste reservoir <NUM>. In a portable toilet, for example, an optional waste reservoir <NUM> may receive waste from a bowl <NUM> or another receptacle. In some examples, the source of waste or a waste reservoir <NUM> may be coupled through an impeller or pump that pressurizes a waste feed conduit <NUM> provided to a burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> which may also be referred to herein as an incineration chamber or combustion chamber. In other examples, the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> may receive gravity-fed waste, where waste received from a bowl <NUM> in the toilet is conducted under force of gravity to a tank and/or the waste reservoir <NUM>, and then through a trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> to the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. In other examples, the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> may receive gravity-fed waste, where waste received from a bowl <NUM> in the toilet is conducted under force of gravity through a trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> to the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. of the waste reservoir <NUM>.

The trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>, or another airtight mechanism may be provided to prevent a backflow of gases or flames from the burner. In the example of the portable toilet, a trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> can be operated such that waste can enter the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> only when the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> is idle, sufficiently cooled and/or fully evacuated of hot gases. In some implementations, the trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> can be sealed when a user enters or operates the portable toilet. The burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> may be idled when the user enters or operates the portable toilet. In certain implementations, a multi-chamber waste reservoir <NUM> may be used in order that waste may be received into a first chamber while an inner trapdoor leading to a second chamber is closed. The inner trapdoor may be opened to draw waste into the second chamber that feeds the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. One or more outer trapdoors may be operated during transfer of waste from the first chamber to the second chamber, where one outer trapdoor may be configured to block a waste feed conduit <NUM> or passageway between the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> and the second chamber and/or another trapdoor may be configured to block the waste feed conduit <NUM> or passageway between the first chamber and the bowl <NUM> or receptacle that initially receives the waste.

The flow of waste in the compact waste combustion system <NUM> may be managed by a processing circuit <NUM>. In one example, the trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> may be opened and closed under the control of the processing circuit <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> may be electrically coupled to an actuator, motor, solenoid, electromagnetic or other electromechanical device <NUM> that can be configured to open, close and/or lock a trapdoor. The processing circuit <NUM> may monitor status of the trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> based on indications received from one or more sensors <NUM> associated with the trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>.

The processing circuit <NUM> may monitor collection, storage and flow of waste based on indications or measurements received from one or more sensors <NUM> associated with the waste reservoir <NUM>, and/or one or more sensors <NUM> associated with the trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>, waste feed conduit <NUM> and/or a waste feed pump. In some instances, the pump associated with conducting waste may include internal sensors that can be accessed by the processing circuit <NUM>. The sensors <NUM>, <NUM> associated with a waste reservoir <NUM> and waste feed conduit <NUM>, trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> or a waste pump may provide measurements related to temperature, pressure, levels of fluid, rate of flow, direction of flow, etc. The sensors <NUM> associated with the waste reservoir <NUM> may also provide information on the status and condition of one or more trapdoors, including the trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. In some implementations, the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> may be disabled until the trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> and/or one or more other trapdoors are closed.

Certain sensors, including the sensors <NUM> associated with the waste reservoir <NUM> may also provide feedback provided by users indicating type of waste in the waste reservoir <NUM>, etc. In some examples, one or more switches, touch-sensitive, movement detectors may be provided within the interior or on the exterior of a portable toilet to determine approach, presence and/or departure of a user, to receive input from the user indicating a flush-and incinerate cycle is desired, and other information.

The burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> receives waste feed from the waste feed conduit <NUM> and a flow of air <NUM>. A burner <NUM>, <NUM> provides a flame within the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> sufficient to combust, consume or otherwise reduce waste material located within the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. The burner <NUM>, <NUM> may receive a flow of pressurized liquid or gaseous fuel from a supply tank <NUM> under the control of the processing circuit <NUM>. In one example, the supply tank <NUM> may store a supply of hydrogen, propane or butane gas. In another example, the supply tank <NUM> may provide a flow of diesel. The processing circuit <NUM> may control a valve, solenoid or other actuator <NUM> that enables the flow of fuel in a fuel line <NUM> coupled to a burner <NUM>, <NUM> in the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> may also cause an ignitor in or near the burner <NUM>, <NUM> to ignite the fuel delivered by the fuel line <NUM> to the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some instances, the flow of air <NUM> is produced by a blower <NUM> that pulls external air into the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. The blower <NUM> may restrict the flow of air <NUM> when disabled, thereby providing a failsafe mechanism that can limit the temperature within the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> in the event that the burner <NUM>, <NUM> fails to turn off. The processing circuit <NUM> may control a switch <NUM> that enables or disables operation of the blower <NUM>.

In operation, the burner <NUM>, <NUM> may burn or evaporate waste materials located within the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. The waste materials may be reduced to ash and exhaust gases. The exhaust gases may be extracted as an exhaust flow <NUM> when an exhaust fan <NUM> is operated. The processing circuit <NUM> may control a switch <NUM> that enables or disables operation of the exhaust fan <NUM> and causes the exhaust fan <NUM> to drive the exhaust flow <NUM> to the exterior of the compact waste combustion system <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the exhaust flow <NUM> is pulled into a scrubber <NUM> or other filtration system that can remove or reduce potentially toxic or undesirable constituents in the exhaust gases. In one example, the scrubber <NUM> may include a catalytic converter that receives and cleans the exhaust gases. The resultant exhaust outflow <NUM> may then be vented to the exterior of the compact waste combustion system <NUM>.

Ash, cinder and other solids remaining after an incineration operation may be extracted using an ash disposal module or subsystem. In one example, the solids may remain and/or fall under gravity into an ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM> that can be removed when the burner <NUM>, <NUM> is inactive, and/or when the temperature within the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> is below a maximum temperature level defined for operational safety and other reasons. The ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM> may receive a portion of waste <NUM> that is to be burned. In one example, a direct-flame burner <NUM> may provide a flame directly onto the portion of waste <NUM>. In another example, the direct-flame burner <NUM> may provide a flame directly into the ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM> causing the portion of waste <NUM> to be heated to a temperature that causes evaporation and/or incineration.

A trapdoor or cover may be operated to seal a housing that holds the ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM> during operation. An interlock mechanism may be provided to prevent burning operations when the ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM> is removed. The ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM> may be removed using a handle <NUM>, or the like. The ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured with a safety mechanism <NUM> to ensure the ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM> can be safely used in mobile vehicles.

Incineration operations involving the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> may be managed by the processing circuit <NUM>. In one example, one or more trapdoors may be monitored, opened and closed by the processing circuit <NUM> to permit extraction of the ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM> or to enable the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> to be cleaned or maintained. The processing circuit may be electrically coupled to an actuator, motor, electromagnetic or other device that can be configured to open, close and/or lock a trapdoor.

In another example, the processing circuit <NUM> may activate and deactivate the blower <NUM>, the exhaust fan <NUM>, the valve, solenoid or other actuator <NUM> that enable fuel flow, and the ignitor in or near the burner <NUM>, <NUM> that ignites the fuel in a sequence configured to efficiently dispose of waste material in the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>.

The processing circuit <NUM> may control operations involving the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> using feedback or measurements received from one or more sensors <NUM> coupled to or associated with air flow <NUM>, one or more sensors <NUM> coupled to or associated with the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>, one or more sensors <NUM>, <NUM> associated with the exhaust flow <NUM>, one or more sensors <NUM> coupled to or associated with the scrubber <NUM>, and one or more sensors <NUM> coupled to or associated with the flow of fuel in the fuel line <NUM> or the fuel within a fuel tank or cylinder. These sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may provide measurements related to temperature, pressure, levels of fluid, rate of flow, direction of flow, and/or the state of valves, actuators, solenoids, switches.

In one example, the processing circuit <NUM> may monitor temperatures of the air flow <NUM>, within the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>, on an outside wall <NUM> or firewall of the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>, in the exhaust flow <NUM>, within the scrubber <NUM> and/or in the exhaust outflow <NUM>.

In another example, the processing circuit <NUM> may monitor pressure or volume of fuel in the fuel supply tank <NUM>, remaining battery charge in a power source <NUM> used by the compact waste combustion system <NUM>, level of ash in the ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or quantity or level of waste remaining in the waste reservoir <NUM> using, for example, one of the corresponding sensors <NUM>.

The processing circuit <NUM> may access sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> through a communication link that can be implemented using interface circuits <NUM>. In one example, the interface circuits <NUM> may include a wireless radio that enables the processing circuit <NUM> to communicate wirelessly with certain sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In another example, the processing circuit <NUM> communicates with certain sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> through a serial bus which may be operated by a proprietary or standards-defined protocol. In the latter example, the interface circuits <NUM> may enable the processing circuit <NUM> to communicate as a bus master. In another example, the processing circuit <NUM> communicates directly with certain sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the interface circuits <NUM> includes line driver circuits and receiver circuits in addition to the control logic used to support communication with certain sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The processing circuit <NUM> may monitor the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to operate safety protocols defined for the compact waste combustion system <NUM>. In one example, the processing circuit <NUM> may monitor various sensors throughout the compact waste combustion system <NUM> to ensure that all components operate within nominal maximum temperature ranges defined by the safety protocols. In another example, the processing circuit <NUM> may monitor the operation of the blower <NUM> that pulls external air <NUM> and the exhaust fan <NUM> to ensure that products of incineration are properly processed and expelled. In another example, the processing circuit <NUM> may monitor the status and operation of a filter or catalytic converter in the scrubber <NUM> to ensure adequate cleaning of the exhaust flow <NUM> and to ensure emissions in the exhaust outflow <NUM> comply with governmental and/or other standards.

The processing circuit <NUM> may operate as a controller and communication hub for the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and electromechanical devices, including pumps, actuators including the valve, solenoid or other actuator <NUM>, the blower <NUM> that pulls external air <NUM>, and the exhaust fan <NUM>. The power source <NUM> may be adapted to activate the trapdoor mechanism <NUM> and/or a waste pump, the actuators, the blower <NUM> that pulls external air <NUM>, the exhaust fan <NUM> and the ignitor in the burner <NUM>, <NUM>.

The compact waste combustion system <NUM> may be installed within a housing. The housing may include walls <NUM>, <NUM> and a base <NUM> constructed from a sheet metal material or another material. In some implementations, the walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be included in a load bearing frame, and/or the walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be attached to a load bearing frame. The load bearing frame may support the bowl <NUM> and the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>, for example. At least one air vent may be included to allow air to circulate freely within the housing, to evacuate the exhaust outflow <NUM> and/or to provide oxygen to the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>.

The housing may provide a location (not shown) for securing the power source <NUM> or components of a power supply. In one example, the power source may include a battery that provides a 12VDC operating voltage. In one example, the battery may be configured as a back-up battery for a system that operates from an external power supply. The external power supply may be provided at a <NUM> or <NUM> VAC operating voltage, for example. The components of a power supply maintained within or on the housing may include a transformer, inverter, circuit breaker, a photo-voltaic module (solar panel), and the like.

The housing may further provide a location (not shown) for securing or receiving a fuel supply. The fuel supply may be received from a gas main, or a tank that provides propane, hydrogen, natural gas, diesel, or another combustible.

The housing may be configured for use in mobile vehicles. In some implementations, the housing may be equipped with, or attached to mounting brackets used to secure the housing in a mobile vehicle.

<FIG> and <FIG> provide cross-sectional views of examples of burn chambers <NUM>, <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to monitor and/or control operation of the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to determine when a burn should be initiated and may configure the duration of cool down periods, initiate cool down periods and/or determine when each cool down period has ended. In one example, the cool down period has a preconfigured fixed duration. In another example, the cool down period continues until one or more temperatures associated with the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> or its housing has fallen below a preconfigured threshold level.

A direct flame burn chamber <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> has a burn chamber <NUM> formed within an outer shell <NUM>. The outer shell <NUM> may be multi-layered and/or insulated and may form a protective firewall that can confine waste to be burned, heat of combustion and combustion products to the confines of the burn chamber <NUM> until extracted through extraction systems.

During incineration operations, a burner fan <NUM> may be controlled to draw air into a burner tube <NUM>. Fuel received from a fuel line <NUM> is also introduced into the burner tube <NUM> where it mixes with the air to produce a fuel-air mixture. In one example, a valve, solenoid or other actuator <NUM> is used to control a flow of gas or other fuel into the burner tube <NUM>. The valve, solenoid or other actuator <NUM> may respond to a control signal <NUM> that determines when the valve, solenoid or other actuator <NUM> is opened or closed. In some examples, the control signal <NUM> may indicate a setting of the valve, solenoid or other actuator <NUM> that may select a level of flow to be permitted through the valve, solenoid or other actuator <NUM>. The control signal <NUM> may be provided by a processing circuit <NUM>, controller, sequencer or other control logic.

In some examples, the housing has a storage compartment, mount or location (not shown) configured to conceal or secure an external tank that provides a fuel supply <NUM>. In some examples, the housing has an externally accessible fixture, fitting or coupling that is configured to receive to conceal or secure an external tank that provides a fuel supply <NUM>. The fuel supply <NUM> may be received from a gas main, or a tank that provides hydrogen, propane, butane, natural gas, diesel, or another combustible.

The fuel-air mixture in the burner tube <NUM> may be passed through a diffuser <NUM> to obtain a diffused fuel-air mixture. The diffused fuel-air mixture may be conducted by the burner tube <NUM> to a burner <NUM> that is coupled to, includes or is collocated with an ignitor <NUM>. In one example, the ignitor <NUM> ignites the diffused fuel-air mixture by providing a spark. In some instances, the burner <NUM> is a direct flame burner <NUM> that incinerates wastewater, paper and other waste materials with a direct flame directed into or inside a stainless-steel collection tray.

The burn chamber <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> uses an electrical burner. A burn chamber <NUM> is formed within an outer shell <NUM>. The outer shell <NUM> may be multi-layered and/or insulated and may form a protective firewall that can confine waste to be burned, heat of combustion and combustion products to the burn chamber <NUM> until extracted through extraction systems.

During incineration operations, a burner fan <NUM> may be controlled to draw air into a conduit <NUM> and may force the air into the burn chamber <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the conduit <NUM> bifurcates such that the air enters the burn chamber <NUM> through two branches <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, an electrical heating element may be employed to incinerate waste within the burn chamber <NUM>. In one example, the electrical heating element may include an induction heater that provides an electromagnetic flux that causes eddy current in a heating element configured to provide high heat from the top or bottom of a stainless-steel collection tray. In another example, the electrical heating element may operate by passing a current though a metallic, ceramic, semiconductor or polymer resistive element configured to provide the high heat from the top or bottom of a stainless-steel collection tray. In the illustrated example, the electrical heating element may include an electrical ignition coil, that may operate in the manner of a diesel glow plug or the like. The electrical heating element may be configured to incinerate the wastewater and paper inside the stainless-steel collection tray.

Hot air and gases generated within the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM> and/or in the collection tray can be vented through an optional catalytic converter <NUM>, <NUM>. An exhaust fan <NUM>, <NUM> pulls the air from the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. In one example, the hot air and/or gases exit through the catalytic converter <NUM>, <NUM> and are vented as an exhaust <NUM> through a <NUM>" vent pipe system <NUM> (see <FIG>) that passes through the portable toilet to the exterior.

The processing circuit <NUM> controls the activation of the burner fan <NUM>, <NUM> and the exhaust fan <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> may be coupled to a display panel <NUM> that may be configured to indicate the status of the burn cycle (burning, complete, error, etc.), and may be further configured to indicate errors or maintenance alerts or issues. In some implementations, the display panel <NUM> may be part of a control panel <NUM>.

In some implementations, the burn chamber <NUM> may be installed in a portable toilet that includes additional components, which may be provided for sanitary purposes and for other reasons. For example, the portable toilet may include a built-in water bag <NUM> that supports a bowl rinse function. In one example, the water bag carries a fluid that includes water, detergent and/or and a deodorizer. In another example, the water bag carries water that is mixed with a detergent and/or and a deodorizer during use, typically as the water is flowing from the water bag. An insert may be provided for each use of the bowl <NUM>, where the insert may be incinerated with the waste. In one example, a paper liner may be placed inside the bowl <NUM>, which may be provided in a seat assembly. After usage, a user may use a seat cover to close seat to initiate a rinse cycle. Optionally, the user by pressing a RINSE button or icon on a display panel <NUM> to activate a rinse cycle. The rinse cycle may be performed using the built-in water bag <NUM>.

In some instances, the user may select a type of rinse cycle and/or incineration duration. For example, the user may indicate the nature of the waste, which may include liquid and/or solid wastes. The processing circuit <NUM> may check sensors such as a temperature safety sensor <NUM> to ensure that all safety limit switches are triggered or activated. For example, the processing circuit <NUM> may check that the state of the trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>, ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM>, and toilet seat indicates complete closure. The processing circuit <NUM> may then open a trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> for a certain amount of time calculated to allow contents of the bowl <NUM> to be evacuated or flushed into the waste reservoir <NUM>. The trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> may then be closed.

The processing circuit <NUM> may activate the exhaust fan <NUM>, which remains active for the entire burn cycle has completed and for an additional period of time. The processing circuit <NUM> may transmit a start signal or command that causes the fuel to flow through the fuel line <NUM> to the burner <NUM>, <NUM> and causes the ignitor in the burner <NUM>, <NUM> to ignite the fuel and initiate burning within the burn chamber <NUM>, <NUM>.

In one example, the burner fan <NUM>, <NUM> and valve, solenoid or other actuator <NUM> are activated or turned on. Gas travels through a fuel line <NUM> and mixes with air inside the burner tube <NUM>, then it goes through a special diffuser <NUM> before it reaches the ignitor <NUM>. The ignitor sparks and ignites the gas. In some instances, the burner has an outside ignitor and a direct flame burner <NUM> that incinerates the wastewater and paper with a direct flame inside a stainless-steel collection tray. The electrical burners may use an induction heater <NUM> that provides high heat from the top or bottom of the ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM>. One or more burner fans <NUM>, <NUM> provide air to the direct burner or heater to maximize burner efficiency (burner fan <NUM> has split paths/flows).

The processing circuit <NUM> activates the burner <NUM>, <NUM> or heater. The burner <NUM>, <NUM> or heater remains active for a configured period of time before being deactivated. A cool down process runs for a configured period of time or until temperatures in the system have fallen below threshold levels. In some examples, multiple iterations may be performed without cool down or with reduced cool down cycles. This process continues until all liquid, paper, and waste has been evaporated/incinerated into a small amount of sterile ash.

<FIG> is a schematic representation of a structure <NUM> that houses a compact waste combustion chamber <NUM> in accordance with certain aspects of the invention. In one example, the structure <NUM> may serve or be embodied in a portable toilet. In other examples, the structure <NUM> may be provided as a fixture in a moving vehicle, such as a bus, boat, train, truck, trailer, recreation vehicle or other types of vehicle. A seat assembly <NUM> encloses a compact waste combustion chamber <NUM> and a bowl <NUM>. A seat cover <NUM> may be used to seal the bowl <NUM>. One or more vent pipes <NUM> may be coupled to the compact waste combustion chamber <NUM> and may be used to vent exhaust gases from the compact waste combustion chamber <NUM>. The vent pipe system <NUM> of <FIG> is one example of a vent pipe <NUM>. Other pipes, vents or conduits may be provided to supply an airflow to the compact waste combustion chamber <NUM>.

A user may access the structure <NUM> through a door opening. A door <NUM> may be opened, closed and/or locked manually using a door handle <NUM> operated by the user. In some implementations, an electrically operated locking system may be used to secure the door <NUM> when a burn cycle is being performed. In some implementations, a display system <NUM> may be part of a user interface that enables a user to determine status of the structure <NUM> provide information to a controller, request that the door <NUM> be locked or unlocked, and/or initiate a flush or incineration cycle. In one example, an electromagnet <NUM> provided within the structure <NUM> engages an armature plate <NUM> provided in the door <NUM> when the electromagnet <NUM> is energized and the door <NUM> is closed, such that the force necessary to overcome the resultant electromagnetic field is greater than the force that can be exerted by a typical user. In another example, an electromagnetic lock includes a deadbolt, where the bolt or slug is driven axially along the core of an electromagnetic coil. In the latter example, the deadbolt may be locked when the electromagnetic coil is energized and unlocked by a spring when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized, or vice versa. In another example, a stepping motor, direct current (DC) motor or other motor may be employed to drive a deadbolt lock. In one example, a stepping motor or brushless DC motor may be used when the compact waste combustion chamber <NUM> includes a gas burner.

The door opening may be instrumented with one or more sensors <NUM> that can detect door openings door closing, door status and/or lock status. Other sensors <NUM> may be deployed within the structure <NUM>. For example, one or more sensors <NUM> provided within the structure <NUM> may detect presence of a user based on heat (infrared sensor) or motion (doppler sensor), etc..

In some implementations, an electrically operated locking system may be used to secure the seat cover <NUM> when a burn cycle is being performed. In one example, an electromagnet <NUM>, which may be coupled to or provided in a recess <NUM> of the seat assembly <NUM>, engages a fastening element <NUM>, plate or armature provided on the seat cover <NUM> when the electromagnet <NUM> is energized and the seat cover <NUM> is closed, such that the force necessary to overcome the resultant electromagnetic field is greater than the force that can be exerted by a typical user. Other types of electromagnetic lock may be used, including locks that employ a deadbolt, a stepping motor, (DC) motor or other motor. The seat cover <NUM> may be instrumented with one or more sensors <NUM> that can status of the seat cover <NUM> and/or the lock.

After using the waste combustion system provided within the structure <NUM>, a user may close the seat cover <NUM> to initiate a rinse cycle, and/or a burn cycle. In one example, the processing circuit <NUM> (see <FIG>) may receive a signal that the seat cover <NUM> has been closed and may check that the state of the trapdoor mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>, ash collection tray <NUM>, <NUM>, and toilet seat indicates complete closure of the waste disposal path into the compact waste combustion chamber <NUM>. If the seat cover <NUM> is opened during a burn cycle, the burner/heater is immediately inactivated, and remains inactivated until the seat cover <NUM> has been fully closed again. In some instances, the processing circuit <NUM> may delay the burn cycle until the structure <NUM> is vacant, as indicated by the sensors <NUM> for example.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the processing circuit <NUM> may include a processor <NUM> that operates certain circuits or modules that support the operation of the structure <NUM>. Controller driver circuits <NUM> may be configured to operate one or more electrically-operated locks. Sensor monitoring and/or management circuits <NUM> may be coupled to various sensors and may be operable to configure, manage, monitor and/or read the sensors. User interface circuits <NUM> may be configured to interact with users and system operators. The processing circuit <NUM> may include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver <NUM> that supports communication with a controlling system and/or other enclosures <NUM>.

The processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to use the sensor monitoring and/or management circuits <NUM> and the controller driver circuits <NUM> to implement operating procedures and safety procedures defined for the waste combustion system or the structure <NUM>. In one example, the sensor monitoring and/or management circuits <NUM> may report status for various trapdoors and the seat cover <NUM> and may indicate whether a user is present inside the structure <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> may then determine when operating procedures and safety procedures can be commenced, and whether operating procedures and safety procedures should be terminated when certain events are detected.

In certain implementations, the processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to monitor temperatures within the compact waste combustion chamber <NUM>, the seat assembly <NUM>, the vent pipe <NUM> and/or other enclosed components to implement or enforce a cool down cycle after an incineration cycle has completed. In one example, the processing circuit <NUM> may activate the blower <NUM> and/or the exhaust fan <NUM> to cause a flow of air at ambient temperature through the compact waste combustion chamber <NUM> until temperatures measured within the compact waste combustion chamber <NUM>, the seat assembly <NUM>, the vent pipe <NUM> and/or the other enclosed components fall below a maximum safe operating temperature configured by a system operator and/or defined by state regulation or by design specification. In some instances, the processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to lock or otherwise secure the seat cover <NUM> and/or the door <NUM> when temperatures measured within the compact waste combustion chamber <NUM>, the seat assembly <NUM>, the vent pipe <NUM> and/or the other enclosed components remain above a maximum safe operating temperature.

In certain implementations, the processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to terminate an incineration cycle, including disabling a burner, when a user enters the structure <NUM> and/or opens the seat cover <NUM>. In one example, the processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to lock the door <NUM> and/or the seat cover <NUM> when no user is present within the structure <NUM> before initiating an incineration cycle. In another example, the user interface circuits <NUM> may provide the processing circuit <NUM> with information derived from the display system <NUM> or an input system associated with the display system <NUM>, where the provided information may be used to configure one or more procedures and/or initiate a safety protocol. In some instances, the processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to monitor for pollutants or harmful gases in the exhaust gases and may determine whether operations should cease when defined thresholds have been exceeded.

The processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to communicate with a centralized or local controller or management system through the RF transceiver <NUM>. In one example, the processing circuit <NUM> may communicate status and maintenance information to the controller or management system. The processing circuit <NUM> may indicate, for example, status of fuel supplies, error conditions, usage statistics, temperatures, air-quality impacts of exhaust gases, level of ash in the collection tray <NUM>, <NUM>, etc..

The processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to communicate through the RF transceiver <NUM> with other processing circuits in nearby portable toilets, or a local controller of multiple portable toilets. In one example, the processing circuit <NUM> may exchange status information that may be used to coordinate incineration cycles, balance usage between multiple portable toilets, to provide wireless availability information or notifications to users and for other reasons. For example, the processing circuit <NUM> may delay an incineration cycle when availability of portable toilets in a grouping is limited. In some instances, the processing circuit <NUM> may indicate availability information on the display system <NUM>.

The processing circuit <NUM> may be configured to manage burn cycles and/or cool down cycles to maximize or optimize energy efficiency. Cycles in a compact waste combustion chamber <NUM> can be coordinated or managed to improve energy efficiency by delaying or combining multiple cycles of the same type or different types. Multiple compact waste combustion chambers may be operated such that burn cycles may be coordinated or scheduled at different times. Cool down cycles may be coordinated or scheduled at different times. In some instances, burn cycles and/or cool down cycles may be dynamically coordinated between compact waste combustion chambers.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a waste incineration system <NUM> that includes a waste combustion system <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a housing <NUM> or enclosure. The waste combustion system <NUM>. The housing <NUM> or enclosure may attach to and cooperate with the base <NUM> of the waste incineration system <NUM> to substantially enclose the waste incineration system <NUM>. The housing <NUM> or enclosure may be configured to isolate the waste combustion system <NUM> from the external environment. Accommodation is made in the housing <NUM> or enclosure for the passage of pipes and vents through sealed apertures. The waste incineration system <NUM> further includes a waterproofed control panel <NUM>. In some examples, the control panel <NUM> can communicate wirelessly with the waste combustion system <NUM>.

In some examples, the waterproofed control panel <NUM> may be attached to the housing <NUM>. The waterproofed control panel <NUM> may be detachable from the housing <NUM> and may be reattached to the housing <NUM> as needed. In some examples, the waterproofed control panel <NUM> may be attached to a wall of the structure <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The waterproofed control panel <NUM> may be detachable from the wall of the structure <NUM> and may be reattached to the wall of the structure <NUM> as needed.

In some examples, the housing <NUM> can prevent water from intruding into the waste combustion system <NUM>. A burn chamber <NUM> may malfunction or be damaged when cooler fluids contact hot components of the burn chamber <NUM>. In some instances, fluid seeping into the waste combustion system <NUM> may contaminate fuel used by certain types of burners. The housing <NUM> or enclosure may be configured to exclude fluids and to isolate the burner from structures and surfaces in the surrounding environment. A suitably waterproofed waste incineration system <NUM> and its waterproof control panel <NUM> may be installed inside a shower room located in a recreational vehicle (RV), van conversion, motorhome, bus, boat, or another type of vehicle. A suitably waterproofed waste incineration system <NUM> and its waterproof control panel <NUM> may be installed inside a shower room located in a tiny home, cabin, or another type of accommodation.

The housing <NUM> may be constructed from a variety of suitable materials. In some examples, the housing <NUM> may be manufactured from metal components to provide strength and impact resistance in addition to waterproofing properties. In some examples, the housing <NUM> may be manufactured from one or more polymer materials that may be molded to form a housing <NUM> that has a single part. In some examples, the housing <NUM> may be manufactured from multiple parts made from one or more polymer materials. Welds, seams and joints in a housing <NUM> may be sealed using some combination of adhesives and caulking materials.

In the illustrated example, the housing <NUM> has a flange <NUM> configured to rest upon the base <NUM>. In some examples, the flange <NUM> may be mechanically fixed to the base <NUM> using interlocking features. In some examples, the flange <NUM> may be bolted, riveted, welded or glued to the base <NUM>. In the illustrated example, a first gasket <NUM> is provided under the flange <NUM> and the gasket is configured to provide watertight seal between the housing <NUM> and the waste combustion system <NUM>. A second gasket <NUM> may be provided is provided between the edges of an opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM> and an upper rim of the bowl <NUM> of the waste combustion system <NUM>. In some instances, an additional gasket <NUM> may be provided under the base <NUM> of the waste combustion system <NUM>. Other openings, including openings that receive fasteners, may be waterproofed using gaskets, caulking and other materials.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a simplified example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus <NUM> employing a processing circuit <NUM> that may be configured to perform one or more functions of the invention. The processing circuit <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> that are controlled by some combination of hardware and software modules. Examples of processors <NUM> include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, sequencers, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. The one or more processors <NUM> may include specialized processors that perform specific functions, and that may be configured, augmented or controlled by one of the software modules <NUM>. The one or more processors <NUM> may be configured through a combination of software modules <NUM> loaded during initialization, and further configured by loading or unloading one or more software modules <NUM> during operation.

In the illustrated example, the processing circuit <NUM> may be implemented with a bus architecture, represented generally by the bus <NUM>. The bus <NUM> may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the processing circuit <NUM> and the overall design constraints. The bus <NUM> links together various circuits including the one or more processors <NUM>, and storage <NUM>. Storage <NUM> may include memory devices and mass storage devices and may be referred to herein as computer-readable media and/or processor-readable media. The bus <NUM> may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, timers, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits. A bus interface <NUM> may provide an interface between the bus <NUM> and one or more transceivers 912a, 912b. A transceiver 912a, 912b may be provided for each networking technology supported by the processing circuit. In some instances, multiple networking technologies may share some or all of the circuitry or processing modules found in the one or more transceivers 912a, 912b. Each transceiver 912a, 912b provides a means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium. Depending upon the nature of the apparatus <NUM>, a user interface <NUM> (e.g., keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick) may also be provided, and may be communicatively coupled to the bus <NUM> directly or through the bus interface <NUM>.

One or more processors <NUM> in the processing circuit <NUM> may execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, algorithms, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. The software may reside in computer-readable form in the storage <NUM> or in an external computer-readable medium. The external computer-readable medium and/or storage <NUM> may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes, by way of example, a magnetic storage device (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a "flash drive," a card, a stick, or a key drive), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a register, a removable disk, and any other suitable medium for storing software and/or instructions that may be accessed and read by a computer. The computer-readable medium and/or storage <NUM> may also include, by way of example, a carrier wave, a transmission line, and any other suitable medium for transmitting software and/or instructions that may be accessed and read by a computer. Computer-readable medium and/or the storage <NUM> may reside in the processing circuit <NUM>, in the processor <NUM>, external to the processing circuit <NUM>, or be distributed across multiple entities including the processing circuit <NUM>. The computer-readable medium and/or storage <NUM> may be embodied in a computer program product. By way of example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

The storage <NUM> may maintain software maintained and/or organized in loadable code segments, modules, applications, programs, etc., which may be referred to herein as software modules <NUM>. Each of the software modules <NUM> may include instructions and data that, when installed or loaded on the processing circuit <NUM> and executed by the one or more processors <NUM>, contribute to a run-time image <NUM> that controls the operation of the one or more processors <NUM>. When executed, certain instructions may cause the processing circuit <NUM> to perform functions in accordance with certain methods, algorithms and processes described herein.

Some of the software modules <NUM> may be loaded during initialization of the processing circuit <NUM>, and these software modules <NUM> may configure the processing circuit <NUM> to enable performance of the various functions disclosed herein. For example, some software modules <NUM> may configure internal devices and/or logic circuits <NUM> of the processor <NUM>, and may manage access to external devices such as one or more transceivers 912a, 912b, the bus interface <NUM>, the user interface <NUM>, timers, mathematical coprocessors, and so on. The software modules <NUM> may include a control program and/or an operating system that interacts with interrupt handlers and device drivers, and that controls access to various resources provided by the processing circuit <NUM>. The resources may include memory, processing time, access to the one or more transceivers 912a, 912b, the user interface <NUM>, and so on.

The one or more processors <NUM> may additionally be adapted to manage background tasks initiated in response to inputs from the user interface <NUM>, the one or more transceivers 912a, 912b, and device drivers, for example.

<FIG> includes a flowchart <NUM> that describes a method for incinerating waste using a compact waste combustion chamber installed within a portable toilet. The compact waste combustion chamber may include a burn chamber, a trapdoor mechanism configured to seal an entrance to the burn chamber when operated in a first mode, a source of waste configured to feed waste material to the burn chamber through the trapdoor mechanism, a burner disposed at least partially within the burn chamber, and a processor.

At block <NUM>, the processor may detect presence of a quantity of waste in the source of waste. At block <NUM>, the processor may cause the trapdoor mechanism to be operated in a second mode. The trapdoor mechanism may permit the quantity of waste to pass into the burn chamber when operated in the second mode. At block <NUM>, the processor may cause the trapdoor mechanism to be operated in the first mode after the quantity of waste has passed into the burn chamber. At block <NUM>, the processor may activate the burner when the trapdoor mechanism is operated in the first mode and the quantity of waste is located in the burn chamber.

In certain examples, a fuel supply may be coupled to the burner and an ignitor, and the processor may be further configured to cause fuel to enter the burn chamber while the burner is activated, and activate the ignitor to ignite the fuel entering the burn chamber. A blower may be configured to provide a flow of air while the burner is activated, and a diffuser may be configured to mix the flow of air with the fuel entering the burn chamber. In one example, the burner comprises an electrical ignition coil.

In certain examples, a tray deployed within the burn chamber may be configured to receive the waste material that is fed to the burn chamber through the trapdoor mechanism. The quantity of waste may be burnt within the tray when the burner is activated. A temperature sensor may be configured to provide measurements of temperature within the burn chamber. The tray may be removable from the burn chamber when the temperature within the burn chamber is below a maximum safe temperature and when the burner is deactivated.

In certain examples, a tray deployed within the burn chamber may be configured to hold a solid residue generated when the quantity of waste is burned within the burn chamber.

In certain examples, an exhaust fan configured to draw gaseous products of combustion from the burn chamber, and expel the gaseous products of combustion from the portable toilet. In one example, a filter may be configured to remove toxic or undesirable constituents from the gaseous products of combustion. In another example, a catalytic convertor may be configured to remove toxic or undesirable constituents from the gaseous products of combustion.

In certain examples, the source of waste is a toilet bowl within the portable toilet. A bowl rinse cycle may be initiated using a water bag that is configured to provide flow of water to the toilet bowl.

In certain examples, a user interface includes a display panel configured to display status of the burn cycle. The user interface may include one or more user operated inputs used to configure the burn cycle. One or more sensors may be configured to detect presence of a user within the portable toilet, and deactivate the burner when presence of the user is detected.

In some examples, the compact waste combustion system includes an enclosure configured to exclude fluids and to isolate the burner from structures and surfaces surrounding the environment. In some examples, the compact waste combustion system is configured for installation in a recreational vehicle, vehicle conversion, motorhome, tiny home or cabin.

Claim 1:
A compact waste combustion system (<NUM>), comprising:
a burn chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a trapdoor mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to seal an entrance to the burn chamber when operated in a first mode;
a source of waste configured to feed waste material to the burn chamber through the trapdoor mechanism;
a burner (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed at least partially within the burn chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a sensor (<NUM>) for detecting the presence of a quantity of waste in the source of waste (<NUM>); and
a processor (<NUM>) configured to:
detect presence of a quantity of waste in the source of waste by monitoring the sensor (<NUM>);
cause the trapdoor mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) to be operated in a second mode,
wherein the trapdoor mechanism permits the quantity of waste to pass into the burn chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>) when operated in the second mode; and
cause the trapdoor mechanism to be operated in the first mode after the quantity of waste has passed into the burn chamber; and
activate the burner when the trapdoor mechanism is operated in the first mode and the quantity of waste is located in the burn chamber.