Method for automatically controlling incineration in an excrement disposal system

Abstract

A method is provided for automatically controlling the incineration of solid wastes in a self contained toilet. A microcontroller is employed for generating an electronic holding tank level signal indicative of volume of material is a system holding tank and comparing that signal with a predetermined upper holding tank volume limit signal. A waste withdrawal pump is actuated to pump down the contents of the holding tank to a predetermined lower holding tank level once the upper holding tank volume limit has been reached. The contents of the holding tank are transferred to an incineration chamber, which is actuated to incinerate waste received from the holding tank. Actuation of the waste withdrawal pump and incineration is terminated once the holding tank level signal reaches the lower holding tank volume limit. The system also provides for recirculation of the waste in the holding tank to prevent solids from settling out therein. The slurry from the holding tank is automatically metered into the incineration chamber according to the temperature in the incineration chamber at a rate appropriate for complete incineration. The system employs a diagnostics routine to detect and identify malfunctions, and a maintenance routine to allow specific inputs to be displayed and to provide an interface for operator control.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.