Abstract:
The present application generally relates to aircraft water management. The disclosed system provides an initial step of verifying the amount of available water on board and dynamically regulating water usage during flight based on projections and comparisons between projections and actual usage. The system implements a series of water conservation strategies modeled on historical data, using a control system to manage water usage.
Abstract:
A rinse ring system for use on a toilet. The rinse ring is a dual channel rinse ring, which allows the toilet to be flushed with either potable water from a fresh water system or with grey water from a grey water source. Other flush fluids are possible for use. The dual channel rinse ring provides separation between entry points for potable water rinse and the grey water rinse, preventing the possibility of contamination of the potable water source with grey water.
Abstract:
Embodiments provide systems and methods for improving in-line water heaters. Certain embodiments find particular use on board aircraft, other air travel vehicles (such as helicopters or aerospace vehicles), or any other vehicles that experience varying temperatures. The in-line water heaters described are self-regulating and use a temperature dependent resistance element to detect water temperature instead of a temperature sensor.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide improved flush valves that are designed with improved venting features and improved inlet designs. The described venting features and inlet designs, either alone or in combination, can help prevent ingestion of waste into the interior of the valve.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to passenger transport vehicle-based lavatories. Specifically, this disclosure provides improved lavatory walls and configurations for venting and noise reduction. The walls may include a plenum (16) forming a chamber (18) with one or more openings (22), in order to help remove odors from the laboratory environment via venting.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to pumps and systems that use a differential pressure gradient to transfer fluids. In one example, the pumps may use available differential pressure that exists due to outside pressure and cabin pressure due to altitude on-board a vehicle such as an aircraft.
Abstract:
A fluid recycling unit for use on board an aircraft or other passenger transportation vehicle. The fluid recycling unit captures various types of used fluids, filters or otherwise appropriately treats the fluids, and recycles the fluids for various uses onboard the vehicle.
Abstract:
Examples of devices, systems, and methods to manage aircraft water and waste servicing are disclosed. In one example, an aircraft water and waste controller has a network interface to receive water and waste data from water and waste devices in an aircraft. During a flight, the aircraft water and waste controller receives and stores the water and waste data. When the aircraft lands, the aircraft water and waste controller wirelessly transmits the water and waste data to one or more remote devices. The remote devices can use the water and waste data to determine water and waste ground services that need to be performed for the aircraft's upcoming flight(s).
Abstract:
Intermediate accumulator that can receive and hold water prior to its delivery to a vacuum toilet. A pump required to move water from a reservoir to the intermediate accumulator can be much lighter and smaller than pumps previously required in systems that do not use an intermediate accumulator. Providing an intermediate accumulator can provide a more constant flush by holding the pressure inside the accumulator more constant, by equalizing the pressure, and by lowering the total volume required per flush. The accumulator can store energy in the water and deliver it to a vacuum toilet using less energy and requiring less volume.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a flow control unit (10) for controlling liquid flow in a vacuum waste system. In one embodiment, the flow control unit provides a series of valves that direct liquid flow. The unit may also have an intermediate transfer tube (14) that holds a portion of the liquid to be directed, prior to delivery of the liquid to left and right transfer tubes (26, 28). In one embodiment, the unit may be installed on board a passenger transport vehicle. A particularly beneficial use of the flow control unit is on a private aircraft for use as a shower control unit.