GB2275698A - Macerating device for the disposal of faeces - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises a chamber (1) having a lower portion which tapers downwardly to an outlet (2) provided with a valve (3). An upper portion has an inlet closed by a flap (10) for introduction of the faeces into the chamber. A rotatable blade (12) in the lower portion of the chamber is driven by driving means (8, 11) at a speed sufficient to reduce the faeces and water in the chamber to a slurry. <IMAGE>

Description

DEVICE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL FAECES Field of the Invention This invention relates to a device for use in the disposal of animal faeces, for example dog faeces, Backaround to the Invention There is an increasing problem, particularly in towns and cities, of disposal of dog faeces. Local authorities have a responsibility for the removal of such matter from public places, but after its collection it still presents a problem with disposal. Dumping, for example in landfill sites, may create a health hazard, and is therefore not permitted. Incineration is costly, and itself creates a different type of pollution problem in the emissions of smoke.

Commercial kennels face a similar problem, since hygiene necessitates the removal of faeces from all the areas where dogs are kept.

It is not generally desirable to use the public sewers for the disposal of dog faeces, since the faeces often contain hair and other solid material which acts as a binder and can therefore lead to blockage in the sewer. The cost of clearing the resulting blockage can be high.

Although reference is made throughout to dog faeces, similar problems can arise with the faeces of other animals, for example in zoological gardens and the like.

The present invention provides a device permitting the faeces to be safely disposed of into the sewers.

Summarv of the Invention According to the invention, there is provided a device for the disposal of animal faeces, comprising a chamber having a lower portion which tapers downwardly to an outlet provided with a valve, and an upper portion having an inlet whereby faeces may be introduced into the chamber, the lower portion of the chamber also containing a rotatable blade, and driving means being provided for rotating the blade at a speed sufficient to reduce faeces and water placed in the chamber to a slurry.

Preferably, the driving means comprises an electric motor, which may be mounted above the chamber and connected to the blade through a rigid shaft. The chamber may be provided with a water inlet controllable by a valve, the inlet being connectable to a mains water supply via a fixed pipe or a hose. The outlet valve is suitably a rotatable ball valve provided with an external operating lever to permit discharge of the slurry. The inlet to the upper part of the chamber may comprise an opening covered by a movable flap or door, whereby the faeces may be introduced from, for example, a storage bucket.

The device is simple to operate and can be made in a range of sizes according to the potential use. For example, a small machine suitable for domestic use for one or a few dogs may be produced, or a larger scale machine may be desirable for use for example by local authorities or larger kennels.

The device may be made out of any of a wide range of materials, steel, aluminium or plastics being generally suitable for the construction of the chamber.

Brief Description of the Drawling The drawing is a vertically sectioned diagrammatic view of one exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiment The device comprises a steel tank 1 which tapers inwardly towards its lowermost part, where an outlet 2 leads to a rotatable ball valve 3, in turn leading to a waste pipe 4 connected to a mains sewer or to a septic tank or the like. The tank 1 is carried by a supporting frame 5 so as to be free-standing, and has an upper surface 6 which carries a housing 7 for an electric motor 8 and a water inlet 9, and which has a hinged lid 10 to provide access to the tank interior for introducing the collected faeces, for example from buckets. The motor drives a vertical shaft 11 which extends into the body of the tank, and which has fixed to its lower end a blade 12.

The water inlet 9 is in the form of an open tube, into the upper end of which a water supply pipe 13 extends, this arrangement ensuring that any mains water supply is isolated from the contents of the tank. As a further precaution, the supply pipe leads to a non-return valve arrangement (not shown) mounted on the rear of the tank body, and the mains water connection 14 is made to this.

The electric motor 8 is connected to an electricity supply through a mains lead 15. An on-off switch may be mounted on the housing 7, and the supply preferably includes an earth leakage circuit breaker for electrical safety.

The rotatable ball valve 3 is operated by a lever 16 having a pivoted extension 17 to avoid the need to reach under the device to operate the valve.

In use, the faeces are introduced into the tank through the upper opening, and a quantity of water is introduced through the inlet. The motor is then run to spin the blade 12 at high speed to break down the faeces in the water to a mobile slurry, which can then be released into the sewer by opening the valve 3, at the same time introducing further water through the inlet 9 to flush the tank clean. It has been found that a liquid slurry can be produced in a minute or less, which is acceptable for introduction into the mains sewer without risk of blockage. Any potentially binding matter such as hair is separated out by the action of the blade 12, and it has been found that some at least adheres to the blade, from which it can readily be removed after the device has been flushed clean.

While a permanent water connection has been described, it will be apparent that this can be omitted, especially in smaller machines, the introduction of water via a hose-pipe or by buckets being sufficient to ensure satisfactory operation of the machine.

Claims (7)

1. A device for the disposal of animal faeces, comprising a chamber having a lower portion which tapers downwardly to an outlet provided with a valve, and an upper portion having an inlet whereby faeces may be introduced into the chamber, the lower portion of the chamber also containing a rotatable blade, and driving means being provided for rotating the blade at a speed sufficient to reduce faeces and water placed in the chamber to a slurry.

2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the driving means comprises an electric motor.

3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the motor is mounted above the chamber and connected to the blade through a rigid shaft.

4. A device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the chamber is provided with a water inlet controllable by a valve, the inlet being connectable to a mains water supply via a fixed pipe or a hose.

5. A device according to Claim 4, wherein the outlet valve is a rotatable ball valve provided with an external operating lever to permit discharge of the slurry.

6. A device according to any preceeding claim, wherein the inlet to the upper part of the chamber comprises an opening covered by a movable flap or door, whereby the faeces may be introduced from, for example, a storage bucket.

7. A device for the disposal of animal faeces, substantially as described with reference to, or as shown in, the drawing.